So I’ve done it, I have cycled diagonally across the USA!
The journey has been fantastic and, the roads of Florida aside, I have enjoyed almost every minute of it. The bits I didn’t enjoy have been character building, so I have also developed my persona into the bargain.
It’s hard to describe how I feel about finishing the
journey, I guess it is a mixture of elation and sadness........
I am obviously elated to have completed my journey, (on time
and within budget); I am excited to be reunited
with loved ones and do all the things I have missed whilst in the USA (e.g.
drink tea and eat proper cheese!) plus there are certainly things I will not
miss at all (e.g. packing up my campsite each morning, cooking on a camping
stove and, of course, my saddle!!).
However, it is with genuine sadness that the journey must
end and I will leave the USA to return home.
I have seen some great scenery and met some amazing people, memories of
both will stay with me forever. I will
miss the star filled skies at night, the daily campsite lottery and believe it
or not I will miss having the same conversation with every single person I
meet. It may sound tedious, but I have
loved telling people where I am travelling and why, despite doing it around 4-5
times a day.
I should admit, when I left the UK I was terrified at
spending three months on my own, but my fears never materialized. My fears were augmented by friends and family
predicting all the awful things that were going to happen to me (despite good
intentions). So if you ever hear of
anyone planning any ‘crazy’ journeys, tell them to go for it!
I have spent a handful of nights on my own with a book, but I
have met so many people that these were welcome moments of solitude, and
despite one incident I have met nothing but good, nice, generous people.
I accept bad things do happen, but it is not a reason to
shelve your plans. I have met a number
of long distance cyclists on my journey and all have said that cycling the USA
is a fantastic experience.
I recently read a tweet which sums it up my journey:
Take risks. If you win you will be pleased, if you lose you will be wiser.
I won. Which sadly
means I finish this trip no wiser, despite the beard!
Congratulations matey on a great achievement and fantastic blog. I'll have to find something else to read at lunchtimes. Have a great time in the Keys with Kelly.
ReplyDeleteRichard, Congratulations from your camping friends, Mike and Becky from New York. Proud of your accomplishment. Weather, roads and hills could not stop you. Good going. MIKE
ReplyDeleteThanks guys.... and thanks for the great night all that time ago in Colorado. Lost Brian soon after that as his frame cracked (although he continued on a new frame two days later).
DeleteNice job, RIchard, and thank you for your words and photos. I'm happy you liked the big climb up the McKenzie Pass in Oregon, even with all the weight you were carrying. We met that day, so many miles ago in your journey. Congrats on a ride well-done.
ReplyDeleteMark from Eugene, OR
Cheers Mark, would love to be able to have another go at McKenzie pass without all the bags! Was a great ride though.
DeleteRich