Some feedback indicates my daily descriptions don't sound like I'm having fun.
Let's see: I get to ride a bike everyday, I sleep at least nine hours every night, eat and drink whatever I want (or can find that doesn't bite back first), talk with lots of people who are fascinated with our tandem, and learning so much about this country I'd never known if I weren't on the back of the bike.
Pret-ty good return on the time investment.
Looking back over my posts, I've tried to be realistic. This cross country ride is NOT a walk in the park.
For example, leaving Blanco this morning, we had reasonably decent road, manymanymany rollers and low traffic.
Twenty-five miles later, we're leaving Wimberley and fighting for road space to get to Austin in one piece. No shoulder, higher hills and ridiculous traffic. Before 10 AM on a Sunday morning.
There was a nice part, however.
Meeting "Ray" on his Cervelo at a gas station snack stop and accepting his offer for tonight's stay over.
We followed him to his home in Manchaca outside Austin and was welcomed by his wife Angela. We've already enjoyed conversation and looking forward to dinner tonight and yet another comfy place to sleep.
So yes, I am having fun. But is getting there half of it? Sometimes, yes.
Will I be happy I've done it?
Ask me again when we get to Florida.
About Us
- Karen, David & Bill
- Based in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, we three are longtime single cycle riders. After early retirement, Karen and David bought a jumbo-sized Cannondale tandem. It's white (very), trimmed in red. We call it the Pillsbury Doughboy. We were joined by Bill, an old friend, on his 14-year old single Cannondale and made the call that started this adventure. He's supposedly retired but continues to find real work when he chooses.We planned to pedal self-supported across the U.S. in Spring 2011 from San Diego CA to St. Augustine FL. In beginning this adventure we agreed philosophically with Jean-Jacques Rousseau: "The person who has lived the most is not the one with the most years but the one with the richest experiences."
Just think of all the stories you'll have to tell when it's all over - you'll never lack for conversation! (Not that you do anyway!)
ReplyDeleteYou know me too well, sister.
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