I sat outside a tiny little grocery store eating bananas and having a soda. I’d been out on empty farm roads and it was the first store I’d seen all day. A bit dazed by all the pedaling I watched the folks coming and going  in the same way that I catch myself staring at people while I’m jet lagged in an airport and waiting on a connection. There was a lot of women dressed in Amish garb arriving in their cars and then leaving with lots of ultra processed white bread. Each of them left with at least 3 loafs. Maybe a sale? 

That’s the tiniest of moments but it stood out to me as a curiosity. I think that is what makes doing these kind of adventures fun. Seeing things (small or big) that send your mind wondering. It’d be nice if my mind was contemplating slightly more profound and meaningful thoughts, but Amish people driving cars to buy Wonder bread is where I’m at. 

Sun was out today and it was the first day riding that my shoes weren’t wet. Garmin wanted me on the main highway again but I fought through its disapproving beeps and turned on to some tiny farm roads. Much more peaceful out there and today my legs had a lot more power in them. I made a point to stop more often and take in the tranquilness of the moments. Only covered 59 miles (95km) and it felt easy the whole way through. Bike nerds might be interested to know that I could hover at about 200 watts today whereas yesterday I could barely turn out 150. 

I came across another “Bridge Out” and “Road Closed” sign blocking the road today. Of course it was on a hill that I was enjoying bombing down. I passed the signs and hoped I wouldn’t have to climb back up. Luckily the bridge wasn’t out and they were only working on the railings (though they weren’t working on them at the moment). I zoomed right across it and enjoyed an extra quiet road that was closed to cars for a few miles. Later in the day there was another “Road Closed” sign and after a few miles it really was closed. I worried I might have to go back because the road was ripped up and filled with active heavy machinery but I hopped off my bike and walked along the edge of the construction zone. The workers didn’t seem bothered and smiled and nodded. Just as I was getting past the last of the construction an official looking truck pulled up and I expected to be in trouble. “You know, there was another guy with saddle bags that came through our job site…” and I expected to hear that he got ran over by a tractor or something. But no, this other tourer had done a huge Los Angles to NYC tour. The driver said he followed the other tourer on instagram and after hearing my story gave me a follow too. Thanks for being so cool Donny! 

Sitting in the night’s hotel and I just realized I haven’t listened to music or turned on a TV in days. I’ve been fairly preoccupied with recovery and getting myself together for the next day’s ride. We’ll see but I think I’m turning the corner physically. Felt stronger today and hopefully that will continue. My mind is slightly more alert this evening too (or at least not completely melted like days prior). The idea of this trip isn’t to destroy myself every day to the point where I can’t move like I’ve been doing, it’s to take in the world with enough energy to enjoy it. 

I’m planning a bit bigger ride next that should take me back to the states. Folks in Canada have been very nice just like during my Whistler trip. Hopefully New York keeps the trend going.