Tomorrow’s the big day.
by BernieI haven’t been able to concentrate on much this whole week, because I’ve been to excited about this trip… and now it’s finally here.
When my wife and I meet new people, she loves to point out that I’m “crazy” for riding my bike long distances. And to the uninitiated, she may seem to have a point; why do I do stuff like this? Why ride 220 miles, camping along the way, to a state park for one day, and ride back, when you could drive there and enjoy the park for 5 days?
Well, a trip like this makes the travel to your destination a part of the vacation. Think about it… what’s the worst part of the typical vacation?
The Travel!
The airport sucks, as does having to load everything into the car and drive 5 hours. Sure, the destination is worth it, but what if you could eliminate the drive?
I love riding my bike. From my Brooks saddle at 15 mph, with no steel cage or glass to dull my senses, I can truly experience the places I’m traveling through. I can smell the flowers, see things you can’t when driving 70 mph, and hear the children on the playground calling out to one another and to me.
And if you like to meet people, I don’t think there’s any better conversation starter than rolling into town on a bike with 70 lbs of gear. Of course, they’re all going to think we’re crazy, just like my wife does. But that’s okay by me, because crazy people have more fun.
I’ll be posting some updates and photos from our trip when I have the chance to do so on the road.
4 Comments, Comments or Pings
Kevin
I am really looking forward to reading about your trip, man. It’s going to be awesome. Hopefully one of these days I’ll be up enough on my cycling skills again to join y’all.
Keep us posted, and good luck.
Feb 13th, 2008
SteveB
I’ve read a lot of books by Paul Theroux. This man will not travel by air unless there’s a civil war going on. Bernie, I think he shares your attitude that getting there is the fun. Paul prefers to travel by train,not bike, but he covers major distances…like all of China. I’d recommend reading “Riding the Iron Rooster” for those who want to get their ground travel on.
Feb 13th, 2008
Charlie
Will my sled be all tuned up before you leave the shop? Just kidding, good luck on your trip.
-The dude with the orange bike and the blowout from Sunday…
Feb 14th, 2008
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