I’m writing this post a bit early today. It’s only 3pm, and right now I’m occupying a little corner of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Newark. Free wi-fi and awesome donuts! I wish we had these in Los Angeles – these donuts are delightful.
The reason I’m writing this early is because tonight I’m going to try and camp again. I’m only 40 miles away from my final destination in Rochester. I could push through today and get there later this evening, but I’m not quite ready to end my bike trip yet. I found a campground about 13 miles away from here, and I’m going to head over there after this.
The ride this morning was gorgeous. The first three hours after I set out from the motel was off the trail through some beautiful agricultural areas. The terrain was extremely hilly, with long, winding roads that curve over the landscape. It was like riding on a slow motion roller coaster. Go down fast, then stand in the pedals and struggle back up the other side. But each curve of the road yielded incredible new landscapes. Lots of corn, storybook farms with red barns and silos, and the long emtpy roads. Here are some random pics:
This is the kind of landscape that bike touring was made for. Very few cars, excellent weather, and those amazing views. It was a perfect morning ride. I also saw some Amish folks, which I was not expecting.
Before long I started heading into some small towns, most of which were almost just as scenic as the country I had just passed through. By around 1pm I came back to the Erie, and stopped for a quick lunch of oatmeal and trail mix near the water.
From there I kept going down the trail, which was once again the familiar, sandy hardpack stuff that I’m getting used to. Eventually came to Newark, where I am now. Hard to believe this is my last night – this week went by so fast. Each day had it’s own mix of struggles and small victories and I’m fortunate to have accumulated so many new memories.
I am excited to see my family tomorrow though. I’ve talked with Ragon each day, and it’s been tough to hear about all the fun things they are doing and not be a part of them. I don’t know why I have this desire sometimes to just do my own thing for a while, and miss out on these types of things. But life is short, I guess, and I can’t do everything. Perhaps it’s just part of my Sagittarius need for freedom. Whatever the cause, I’m lucky in that Ragon is so understanding about my need to complete these strange challenges I set for myself. Sometimes I wish I understood myself better.
Anyway, looking forward to camping tonight, and then setting out in the morning for my final stop of the tour!
A few more shots from today:
I’m writing this post a bit early today. It’s only 3pm, and right now I’m occupying a little corner of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Newark. Free wi-fi and awesome donuts! I wish we had these in Los Angeles – these donuts are delightful.
The reason I’m writing this early is because tonight I’m going to try and camp again. I’m only 40 miles away from my final destination in Rochester. I could push through today and get there later this evening, but I’m not quite ready to end my bike trip yet. I found a campground about 13 miles away from here, and I’m going to head over there after this.
The ride this morning was gorgeous. The first three hours after I set out from the motel was off the trail through some beautiful agricultural areas. The terrain was extremely hilly, with long, winding roads that curve over the landscape. It was like riding on a slow motion roller coaster. Go down fast, then stand in the pedals and struggle back up the other side. But each curve of the road yielded incredible new landscapes. Lots of corn, storybook farms with red barns and silos, and the long emtpy roads. Here are some random pics:
This is the kind of landscape that bike touring was made for. Very few cars, excellent weather, and those amazing views. It was a perfect morning ride. I also saw some Amish folks, which I was not expecting.
Before long I started heading into some small towns, most of which were almost just as scenic as the country I had just passed through. By around 1pm I came back to the Erie, and stopped for a quick lunch of oatmeal and trail mix near the water.
From there I kept going down the trail, which was once again the familiar, sandy hardpack stuff that I’m getting used to. Eventually came to Newark, where I am now. Hard to believe this is my last night – this week went by so fast. Each day had it’s own mix of struggles and small victories and I’m fortunate to have accumulated so many new memories.
I am excited to see my family tomorrow though. I’ve talked with Ragon each day, and it’s been tough to hear about all the fun things they are doing and not be a part of them. I don’t know why I have this desire sometimes to just do my own thing for a while, and miss out on these types of things. But life is short, I guess, and I can’t do everything. Perhaps it’s just part of my Sagittarius need for freedom. Whatever the cause, I’m lucky in that Ragon is so understanding about my need to complete these strange challenges I set for myself. Sometimes I wish I understood myself better.
Anyway, looking forward to camping tonight, and then setting out in the morning for my final stop of the tour!
A few more shots from today: