Hamster, I hear ya. The great thing about the Marin was it was not only inexpensive it was a joy to ride, it was light, and it was grey and looked very understated.
I like my good bikes having been through the entire bicycle gamut. I saw a titanium Sun recumbent which is the highest quality bike in that line and it makes me hate mine. The guy got his top-of-the-line, light recumbent for half of what I paid for my heavy, less quality bike.
. My other bike is a lock-out-shock gary fisher y bike, with continental tires. Its light, fun and it takes me back to the days when I was healthy enough to do off-road biking and jump trees and the like. I've had two back operations since then so I won't be jumping too many trees anymore. I have used up my allotment for bikes, unless I can sell one of mine first.
Yes Chile I plan on doing what I can, to take care of myself before, during and after and hopefully enjoy. I know every time I do this ride I have a dopamine high for close to two weeks. Too bad I can't be more disciplined and do it daily to get that same uplift. I will have to take a few meals, salads, fruits etc so i can eat before and after the ride.