hi marie,

don't worry, everyone has to start some how !
and for the beginning you don't need the best gear--middle of the road is good enough. i lived in winnipeg for about 2.5 years well--now i'm enjoying the bicycle paradies
i still have good friends in winnipeg--friends who build there own bikes---and like to travel by bike too!! if you wan't i could hook you up with them, i'm sure they would love to help you with your set up!

just send me a pm with your email adress and i will hand it over .


btw: bike touring on vancouver island is fantastic!!!!!

take care
andreas