Sunday, May 22

Day -1: Staging

[R] Hello, internet!
(For those of you new to the site, please read "A Bicycle Log, or 'Blog'," linked to above)

Today I moved out of my apartment for the summer and rode down to Shelburne, where Bonesy's parents live. Her brother just graduated today (congratulations, Tim), and there was a family gathering to which I was characteristically late. It was a cloudy day and I was riding into a pretty good headwind with my more-or-less fully loaded bike when an SUV pulled up alongside me near the edge of town. Our conversation, which took place as my steel frame flexed over the horribly maintained right lane of Route 7 southbound and I tried to hold my line, went pretty much exactly as follows:

"Where're you riding to?"
"California."
"Where are you coming from?"
"Burlington."
"Like, today?"
"Yeah."
"[garbled encouragement as he sped away]"

So that reminded me that today was the first successful day of riding out of what will probably be about 65 such successes, albeit slightly under the target average. Today can't be Day One, though: that's Tuesday, and it's been scripted for months and I just can't wrap my mind around it being Day three when we ride through the valley and across the lake and out of the Shire at last. So like the US Senate or the Catholic Church, I'll just rename the days. Today was Day -1, and tomorrow is Day 0.

Speaking of tomorrow, it's likely to be pretty busy with packing and last-minute procurements and a 40-mile tune-up ride to Jessa's aunt in Bristol (Hi Nina). Point being, I don't see another post going up until at least Tuesday. So before we leave I'd like to thank everyone for their encouragement over the past several months (but reserve the right to rescind that gratitude in the event of grisly injury or other disaster) and urge anyone interested to contact us through the comment form at the bottom of these postings.

That's all for now -- Bonesy's gotten a head start on the power sleeping, and I don't want to get dusted.
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12 comments:

  1. LauraMay 22, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Yeahhh!

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  2. ChristopherMay 23, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    Congratulations on your hard work getting to this point. I will be sending good thoughts your way from my new lake view desk at Seventh Generation. Sorry the beer didn't happen but feel free to cash it in when the ride is complete.

    All the best,

    Chris

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  3. erinMay 23, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    i cannot believe you are on the internet! i think it's a great idea. please be safe! i'm excited to see pictures when you post some. and let me know if you need anything while you're around the rochester area!
    summer won't be the same with out you!
    erin

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  4. annieMay 23, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    So I shall further release you into this wild wide world of which you have always been a part of. Bravo! Well done! Follow the road and your heart. Pls pls safety first, Man cub. and all else will be a great adventure!

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  5. Barbara and JackMay 25, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    Heard from Jessica and Nick twice today. Yesterday they had made it from Shelburne to Lake George. Tonight, they are at Lake Luzerne, about 10 miles west of Glens Falls, NY.

    Barbara and Jack

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  6. AlMay 26, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Just got word they are in a Holiday Inn in Johnstown for the evening to avoid tornadoes.

    Al

    ReplyDelete
  7. annieMay 26, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    correction: kids at holiday inn in Johnstown because they are sore, tired, bug bit and ready for cozy night along w wary of tornado warnings.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Barbara and JackMay 28, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    Texted with Jessica this morning:

    "Nick is a little wet. this is where we camped, pretty nice spot. we're about to head off for the day. ill try to call later if i can."

    There was a picture of Nick alongside the canal. Too bad we can't post that also (or perhaps Nick would rather that I not).

    Barbara and Jack

    ReplyDelete
  9. pkadimaMay 28, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    test

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  10. pkadimaMay 28, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Hey, Jessa and Nick-What an exciting time of it already! The Erie Canal played such an impt. role (for such a short time)- have you seen any of the places where one can goes over another? I think I saw photos of that- wither that, or I made it up! Loved your idea of an occasional hot shower and bed- sounds good to me. Five days now, and your bikes are holding up, not to mention your seats. Loved hearing about the land you're passing through, and the people you meet. Peggy

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  11. Barbara and JackMay 28, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    Just spoke with Jessica. They are in for the night - at a camp ground near Utica.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Barbara and JackMay 31, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Received text from Jessica this evening:

    "we made it to niagara falls- we're staying on the canadian side and we decided to take tomorrow off to look around."

    ReplyDelete

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