This is going to be a quick post, because I'm hanging out with people and don't want to be lame and anti-social too long... also, I'm having a great time hanging out with Dana and her friends, Pooka, Louise, and Liz. They're awesome. I also got to see Andy and Phillaine during my time here. Dana's parents have been amazing, and I've had more than 24 hours off of my bicycle. I also saw fireworks last night.
Like I said, quick post, just to let y'all know that I'm well and still alive. Back on the road tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Defiance, OH
Again last night, I biked into the night... This time I was with Von, though, who scored us a free room at the Defiance Inn in Defiance, Ohio, by offering a donation receipt in exchange. However, the woman at the gas station, Mary, who Von stopped to ask directions of, was like, "Why on earth would you want to go there? They couldn't pay me to stay there." Apparently this place was really sketchy, in a bad part of town. Mary racked her brain, made a phone call, and scored us a place to stay with this awesome couple, Kasey and Bilal.
We pitched our tents in their yard, took hot showers, ate, and stayed up way too late, sharing pictures and stories. Bilal recently returned from two weeks in Israel, so we got to both hear about that and see photos.
They also clued me in to the fact that I could take a direct route to Maumee, which would be about as long as the trek to Bowling Green. Seeing as how that's where Andy and Dana will actually be, that's the plan.
Thanks Mary! Thanks Kasey and Bilal! You rock!
We pitched our tents in their yard, took hot showers, ate, and stayed up way too late, sharing pictures and stories. Bilal recently returned from two weeks in Israel, so we got to both hear about that and see photos.
They also clued me in to the fact that I could take a direct route to Maumee, which would be about as long as the trek to Bowling Green. Seeing as how that's where Andy and Dana will actually be, that's the plan.
Thanks Mary! Thanks Kasey and Bilal! You rock!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Monroeville, IN
This city is amazing. But let me first recap the last several days.
The family that I stayed with in Momence rocked. Friday morning, they drove me to Iroquois to pick up the Norther Tier Route, where I met Von. I saw his bike and trailer outside a local pub, so I walked in to introduce myself and see where he was going. We greeted one another like old friends, both of us belonging to the secret society of brightly colored jerseys and tight black shorts... He's biking from Iowa City to Washington, D.C., in honor of his mother, who died of cancer earlier this year. Get your colon checked!
We biked together Friday, and camped in Buffalo, IN. It was nice to have company, and he brought a travel guitar, so we joined a campfire and sang some songs. Saturday we biked together for about 50 miles, and then I broke off the trail to join Betsy, Debbie, their families, and Shana, for a hog roast. Oh yeah, you read that right. I ate way too much food, and passed out early. Sunday morning though, I woke up fairly early, and chatted with Betsy's mom, who is also a cyclist, as is Betsy's stepdad. Then I went for a swim in the lake, which was fabulous.
Eventually, I said my goodbyes, and Shana drove me and my bike back to the route, stopping for brunch along the way. She dropped me off around 2pm, and I got to bike through this amazing state forest... I could have spent a lot longer there, but my legs were well-rested and itching to pedal. I had decided that there was no way I was going to make it to Monroeville last night, since it was 68 miles away, and I got such a late start... but then at some point I decided I could do it... and I did, though I did spend the last eight or nine miles biking in the dark. There was still a sliver of orange on the western horizon...
So, on my map, it said there was a free, indoor shelter for cyclists, with a shower and washer/dryer in the city park. I located said shelter, but it was locked, and my cell phone didn't have reception, so I couldn't call the numbers listed on the building. But, as luck would have it, a van pulled up next to the park, and was kind of lingering. I walked over, and asked if they happened to be people who could let me into the lodge.
"We're on the park board!"
Sweeter words, my ears have never heard.
So, I spent last night in this shelter, where I took a nice hot shower, did a load of laundry, and slept in.
This morning, I unloaded 7lbs, 3.5oz. at the post office (doesn't sound like I got rid of a baby?). I spent some time at Monroeville News, chatting with Lois and waiting for the library to open at noon. Oh, and I ran into Von again, who's also currently updating his blog/internetting!
I love this town.
I'm probably going to leave today, but make it a short day of biking. I should be able to reach Bowling Green by Tuesday afternoon/evening, but I have not managed to make contact with Andy or Dana yet...
So, Von is taking a route from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to D.C. I'm leaving that as a possiblity, depending on how I feel when I reach Cleveland. Otherwise, it's all the way to Bar Harbor, ME, before heading south to Philly.
I'm having an amazing time! I feel so lucky to be able to do this, and encourage anyone thinking about doing something similar. It's incredible, and I want to thank everyone who has offered positive feedback along the way.
Keep the comments coming, and call me! I'll try to return calls as my reception permits.
The family that I stayed with in Momence rocked. Friday morning, they drove me to Iroquois to pick up the Norther Tier Route, where I met Von. I saw his bike and trailer outside a local pub, so I walked in to introduce myself and see where he was going. We greeted one another like old friends, both of us belonging to the secret society of brightly colored jerseys and tight black shorts... He's biking from Iowa City to Washington, D.C., in honor of his mother, who died of cancer earlier this year. Get your colon checked!
We biked together Friday, and camped in Buffalo, IN. It was nice to have company, and he brought a travel guitar, so we joined a campfire and sang some songs. Saturday we biked together for about 50 miles, and then I broke off the trail to join Betsy, Debbie, their families, and Shana, for a hog roast. Oh yeah, you read that right. I ate way too much food, and passed out early. Sunday morning though, I woke up fairly early, and chatted with Betsy's mom, who is also a cyclist, as is Betsy's stepdad. Then I went for a swim in the lake, which was fabulous.
Eventually, I said my goodbyes, and Shana drove me and my bike back to the route, stopping for brunch along the way. She dropped me off around 2pm, and I got to bike through this amazing state forest... I could have spent a lot longer there, but my legs were well-rested and itching to pedal. I had decided that there was no way I was going to make it to Monroeville last night, since it was 68 miles away, and I got such a late start... but then at some point I decided I could do it... and I did, though I did spend the last eight or nine miles biking in the dark. There was still a sliver of orange on the western horizon...
So, on my map, it said there was a free, indoor shelter for cyclists, with a shower and washer/dryer in the city park. I located said shelter, but it was locked, and my cell phone didn't have reception, so I couldn't call the numbers listed on the building. But, as luck would have it, a van pulled up next to the park, and was kind of lingering. I walked over, and asked if they happened to be people who could let me into the lodge.
"We're on the park board!"
Sweeter words, my ears have never heard.
So, I spent last night in this shelter, where I took a nice hot shower, did a load of laundry, and slept in.
This morning, I unloaded 7lbs, 3.5oz. at the post office (doesn't sound like I got rid of a baby?). I spent some time at Monroeville News, chatting with Lois and waiting for the library to open at noon. Oh, and I ran into Von again, who's also currently updating his blog/internetting!
I love this town.
I'm probably going to leave today, but make it a short day of biking. I should be able to reach Bowling Green by Tuesday afternoon/evening, but I have not managed to make contact with Andy or Dana yet...
So, Von is taking a route from Cleveland to Pittsburgh to D.C. I'm leaving that as a possiblity, depending on how I feel when I reach Cleveland. Otherwise, it's all the way to Bar Harbor, ME, before heading south to Philly.
I'm having an amazing time! I feel so lucky to be able to do this, and encourage anyone thinking about doing something similar. It's incredible, and I want to thank everyone who has offered positive feedback along the way.
Keep the comments coming, and call me! I'll try to return calls as my reception permits.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Goddess keeps me well
What a day.
Last night, a million years ago, Debbie and Betsy gave me a little wooden goddess to keep me safe on my journey, and in the light of day, I discovered that she's purple!! I don't know what her name is yet. If you have any ideas, toss 'em my way.
After not enough sleep, I got up very early, in an effort to get on my way. Despite my best efforts, I didn't leave my house until nearly one. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make the 1:30 train out of the city, but the 2:30--no problem. That is, until I got a flat tire. Luckily, said flat tire was discovered/happened while I was at a bike shop. So, I had them fix it, as time was of the essence. Despite the efforts of everyone involved--they fixed it quickly, and I rode downtown quickly--I missed the 2:30 train by about 3 minutes. As that was supposed to be the last train that would allow me to take my bicycle on it for the day, and also for the duration of Taste of Chicago (until July 9th), I was a bit frazzled.
Luckily, the conductor said not a word, and I was bound for University Park. I slept.
Once in University Park, it took me a while to get my bearings and get headed in the right direction on a through-road... But once I did, the wind was at my back; the air was brisk; it was lovely riding. However, due to my very very late start, I realized I was not going to make my intended destination. When I happened upon a woman trimming shrubbery along the road, I took the opportunity to ask where I might camp in the next town. She recommended a park, and gave me directions.
When I got to the park, there was live music, and a decent crowd.
Pause for rumination. One awesome thing about traveling alone is that it forces one to overcome shyness. If you want company, it's going to be strangers, and you're going to have to put yourself out there.
I started talking to some people, and watching the band with them... One woman went and got me a blanket, because someone had convinced me that I wouldn't need a sleeping bag (not to worry, I should be reunited with my sleeping bag on Saturday, if all goes according to plan... more on that later). But then some other people offered me a couch, and I gladly accepted. It's cold out. Yay spontaneous couchsurfing! Yay kindnesses of strangers! Yay good friends and goddesses!
The trip got off to a rocky start, but tonight I saw a gorgeous sunset, and will sleep on a stranger's couch. Much love to you all...
Last night, a million years ago, Debbie and Betsy gave me a little wooden goddess to keep me safe on my journey, and in the light of day, I discovered that she's purple!! I don't know what her name is yet. If you have any ideas, toss 'em my way.
After not enough sleep, I got up very early, in an effort to get on my way. Despite my best efforts, I didn't leave my house until nearly one. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make the 1:30 train out of the city, but the 2:30--no problem. That is, until I got a flat tire. Luckily, said flat tire was discovered/happened while I was at a bike shop. So, I had them fix it, as time was of the essence. Despite the efforts of everyone involved--they fixed it quickly, and I rode downtown quickly--I missed the 2:30 train by about 3 minutes. As that was supposed to be the last train that would allow me to take my bicycle on it for the day, and also for the duration of Taste of Chicago (until July 9th), I was a bit frazzled.
Luckily, the conductor said not a word, and I was bound for University Park. I slept.
Once in University Park, it took me a while to get my bearings and get headed in the right direction on a through-road... But once I did, the wind was at my back; the air was brisk; it was lovely riding. However, due to my very very late start, I realized I was not going to make my intended destination. When I happened upon a woman trimming shrubbery along the road, I took the opportunity to ask where I might camp in the next town. She recommended a park, and gave me directions.
When I got to the park, there was live music, and a decent crowd.
Pause for rumination. One awesome thing about traveling alone is that it forces one to overcome shyness. If you want company, it's going to be strangers, and you're going to have to put yourself out there.
I started talking to some people, and watching the band with them... One woman went and got me a blanket, because someone had convinced me that I wouldn't need a sleeping bag (not to worry, I should be reunited with my sleeping bag on Saturday, if all goes according to plan... more on that later). But then some other people offered me a couch, and I gladly accepted. It's cold out. Yay spontaneous couchsurfing! Yay kindnesses of strangers! Yay good friends and goddesses!
The trip got off to a rocky start, but tonight I saw a gorgeous sunset, and will sleep on a stranger's couch. Much love to you all...
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Companion found?
So, probably nothing will come of this, but you never know...
Today, I went to Beans & Bagels in search of the Bike Whisperer, to mention my thoughts on what I want to do to my bike, and get his opinion. And, you know, drink coffee. While sitting and drinking said coffee and reading (The Complete Idiot's guide to bike maintenance and repair), in walked Anne. I had seen her around at my last job, because she worked on Punk Planet magazine, which was located in the same building, but didn't actually know her, beyond the occasional 'hello' in the hallway. Anyhow, I said hello, and asked her how it was going, and mentioned that I was going on this x-country bike trip. She asked if I was going solo, and I said, in a sort of off-hand way, "Yeah, unless you want to join me."
"Well, actually..."
It turns out that Punk Planet is in the process of shutting down, so she does indeed have some free time, or will, soon, and appears to be seriously considering my offer. So, I may have found a companion for at least part of the ride. I'm not getting my hopes up, and plan to continue to make ready for a departure date of ASAP, but it would definitely be nice to have companionship, especially if said companion is as awesome as she seems (I've been checking out her website). I'll keep you posted.
Today, I went to Beans & Bagels in search of the Bike Whisperer, to mention my thoughts on what I want to do to my bike, and get his opinion. And, you know, drink coffee. While sitting and drinking said coffee and reading (The Complete Idiot's guide to bike maintenance and repair), in walked Anne. I had seen her around at my last job, because she worked on Punk Planet magazine, which was located in the same building, but didn't actually know her, beyond the occasional 'hello' in the hallway. Anyhow, I said hello, and asked her how it was going, and mentioned that I was going on this x-country bike trip. She asked if I was going solo, and I said, in a sort of off-hand way, "Yeah, unless you want to join me."
"Well, actually..."
It turns out that Punk Planet is in the process of shutting down, so she does indeed have some free time, or will, soon, and appears to be seriously considering my offer. So, I may have found a companion for at least part of the ride. I'm not getting my hopes up, and plan to continue to make ready for a departure date of ASAP, but it would definitely be nice to have companionship, especially if said companion is as awesome as she seems (I've been checking out her website). I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Mercury in Retrograde
Last night when I told my friend Debbie Ann that I wasn't leaving as soon as I had hoped/planned, because I'm simply not ready yet, and I don't want to feel hurried and unprepared when I leave, she told me that it's probably a good thing, because Mercury is in retrograde.
Astrologically, it's just not a good time to leave.
Apparently, Mercury will be in retrograde for a couple of weeks yet. I feel like I'll definitely be ready by then, if not sooner. At any rate, I'll feel better leaving once I'm more prepared. Then Mercury won't be able to throw me off so easily.
Things are progressing with my readiness, albeit slowly. Thanks to Susan of Beans and Bagels, I hooked up with Will, Bike Whisperer of Chicago, who hooked me up with a straight (non-suspension) fork. I have a front rack now, which I just have to put together... And figure out exactly what I'm bringing and what I'm doing something else with. I have to say, part of the reason I'm taking so long is that I'm also simultaneously trying to move out. I've taken a few things to my parents' house, sold a few, given a bunch to the Brown Elephant... but there's still more to deal with, stuff-wise. And bike-preparedness-wise...
Anyhow, the point of this post is that I'm not leaving yet. Stay tuned...
Astrologically, it's just not a good time to leave.
Apparently, Mercury will be in retrograde for a couple of weeks yet. I feel like I'll definitely be ready by then, if not sooner. At any rate, I'll feel better leaving once I'm more prepared. Then Mercury won't be able to throw me off so easily.
Things are progressing with my readiness, albeit slowly. Thanks to Susan of Beans and Bagels, I hooked up with Will, Bike Whisperer of Chicago, who hooked me up with a straight (non-suspension) fork. I have a front rack now, which I just have to put together... And figure out exactly what I'm bringing and what I'm doing something else with. I have to say, part of the reason I'm taking so long is that I'm also simultaneously trying to move out. I've taken a few things to my parents' house, sold a few, given a bunch to the Brown Elephant... but there's still more to deal with, stuff-wise. And bike-preparedness-wise...
Anyhow, the point of this post is that I'm not leaving yet. Stay tuned...
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