Paused

I have decided to pause my trip until June 1st. It was not an easy decision and I certainly put lots of thought into it. One thing about bike touring is there is plenty of time to think! A lot of things contributed to this decision. The two biggest things were Rose and finances. Rose also has dreamt of riding across the country and realizing our dreams together will be awesome. By both of us working until June we will be able to continue on this journey together. Having her with me is worth waiting for few months. My bank account was getting pretty thin anyway. So with both of us working the next few months, we should be able to save up enough to continue on together by June. As long as we stay frugal and stick to the budget we wrote out.

Rose picked me up just east of Baton Rouge and that is where we will start from in June. I’m back in Tallahassee at Rose’s house now. The weather is perfect 65 and sunny. I am happy with the decision that we made but with this perfect cycling weather it’s hard not to miss the road. My next step is to get my car from Pennsylvania and return to Florida and get a job.

This bike tour has been amazing. I have seen so many awesome sights and places. When I reflect back on this journey I am filled with gratitude. What stands out the most is the kindness of strangers. Thousands of little things stand out that meant so much to me. All the coffee people bought me, all the times I was given food, all the Warmshower host who opened their homes ( and fridge) to me. Or the time I was pedaling up a big hill in West Virginia. The steepest part, the last half mile was a construction zone. The workers stopped traffic in both directions and lined up clapping and cheering me on. I don’t remember what state, but in another construction zone, the road was down to one lane with zero shoulder over a 2 mile bridge. Traffic was squeezing by me only inches away from my panniers. A red minivan got behind me and put on his hazard lights and blocked traffic until I was safely across the bridge. So much kindness!

And speaking of kindness, while stopped at a red light, I met Brian. Brian had biked the Natchez Trace Trail last year. A trail that is on my bucket list. After chatting a few minutes he hooked me up with a weeks worth of snacks. 8 apple pies two boxes of Tasty Cakes and a loaf of bread! Thank you Brian. This is exactly what I mean when I say I am amazed at the kindness of strangers.

With an apple pie calling my name I made a beeline for the first place that sold coffee. Sitting in the sunshine on the curb with an apple pie and a cup of coffee I realized I was completely at peace with the descion to pause my trip for a few months. Mark Twain said. To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.

Before leaving Louisiana, Rosie really wanted to try cracklins. I only had one or two though and she ate the rest. I try to eat fairly healthy after all losing 100 pounds is one of my main goals. Eating deep fried pork fat did not seem like a very healthy snack but they were delicious.

While topping up on water I saw a sticker stuck on the side of the soda machine that Rosie and I agreed with.

I have ridden 6107 miles and have been through 19 states. I am excited and looking forward to continuing with Rose in June.