Ok, we are crazy. With folks like the logging truck driver that today missed us by inches, you have to have a different kind of resolve to do this. But hey, people out here are conservative, so they drive on the right shoulder by nature. Hell, it's good thing Idaho is land locked since if there were cruise ships that docked here, they'd tip over from all the people standing on the right side of the boat. But I digress....Bike touring is a wonderful way to see the world. The world goes by in slow motion, so like Isaac Newton rolling a ball down a ramp vs. dropping it to measure the influence of gravity, you can see what's happening around you. If a skunk has been hit on the road, you smell it. If a bird lands on its nest, you see it.
If a bear crashes into the brush, you hear it. If it's raining, you get wet. If it's hot, you sweat. You see things that you wouldn't see in a car, like these eyes painted on the side of a building, or these strange monoliths along the Pend Orielle River.
You meet people you wouldn't otherwise, like Alex, the Fire Chief at Leclerc...
People are impressed that you're doing what you're doing. They come up to you and start conversations. They wish they had the time/energy/conviction/toughness that you have. Most people experience life as spectators, sitting in the stands, watching the world go by. I feel like being in the ring of life, fighting the bulls, smelling the farts, slipping on the dung, taking on the challenges and figuring out how to solve them. That's what touring by bicycle is all about.
Keep cycling through the wheels fate into a destinationless destiny.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun synching up withyou both.
http://northwestnaturalmoments.blogspot.com
Good to hear there are no border guards in Washington-free Idaho. Thanks for representing the progressive left, you rock star bikers!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a book deal?
Your Odyssey reminds me of the book "Miles From Nowhere: A Round-the-World Bicycle Adventure" by Barbara Savage.
Summary :
A story of Barbara and Larry Savage's sometimes dangerous, often zany, but ultimately rewarding 23,000 miles global bicycle odyssey, which took them through 25 countries in two years. Along the way, these near-neophyte cyclists encountered warm-hearted strangers eager to share food and shelter, bicycle-hating drivers who shoved them off the road, various wild animals (including a roof ape and an attack camel), sacred cows, rock-throwing Egyptians, overprotective Thai policeman, motherly New Zealanders, meteorological disasters, bodily indignities, and great personal joys. The stress of traveling together constantly for two years tested and ultimately strengthened the young couple's relationship. As their trip ends you'll find yourself yearning for Barbara and Larry to mount back up and keep pedaling."
Keep on truckin'.
Oh yea...
ReplyDeleteSeeing any:
Rivers
Bridges
Train lines - commercial and public
Power plants - wind turbines, solar, dams, nuclear, coal, etc.
Water towers
Military bases
Airports
Cemeteries
Places of worship