A brief recap:
Trip on the whole was pleasant... I got a little wet and my backside is sore, but I arrived safely and the bike is in good order.*
The asterisk* is because I ran into a bunch of minor mechanical issues, which I'll write up on the UCE board. Nothing that prevented me from finishing the trip.
I tested my rain gear - over pants and the waterproof lining of my mesh jacket. Neither was waterproof, but I got much less wet than I normally would. If I'd fastened everything correctly I would have been much closer to dry.
I learned that pipes are hot (and melted part of a glove finger - hooray for protective gear).
I learned more about what spare parts and tools are good to have on hand. I had some of what I needed, but not all.
And I got to experience a rosy dusk between rain showers as I rode over the bridge spanning Kent Narrows on the Eastern Shore. Those are the moments that make up for all the rain and the hassle!
Now to the UCE board...