As you may remember from an earlier post. I am carrying a huge paper map of the entire conterminous United States in a indestructible (well close to it: polyurethane), waterproof tube (some 38 inches tall). Each day, one of the trio members pleasurably assumes the powerful role of de facto cartographer and draws in with a permanent marker the part of the trip traversed. Early on, I didn't know whether to use blue or red marker; after a day of riding and contemplating, it suddenly came to me; I decided to alternate days between red and blue, allowing for an instant nominal differentiation between daily commencements. Also, the red, blue, plus the overwhelming whitespace exemplifies the trio's somewhat ironic patriotism. The day number is on the South side of the map, while the mileage in on the North. (above: you will notice far right side of the map is Athens, and the far left side is Terre Haute. Click on the map (this goes for all pictures on the blog) for a larger image. Today, we are sitting in Paris Illinois in a beautiful Carnegie Library. Later tonight we will draw today's route. (Below: our buddy Bill, bolstering his geographic imagination)
A few more general notes as we are finishing our first week of travel.
Indiana has some hills similar to Athens, but more agriculture strewn in the middle.
Entering a new timezone is more fun than crossing a new political boundary (i.e. stateline), however, the roads are noticeably nicer in Illinois, than Indiana.
Indiana has more dead box turtles along the road than any states we have seen yet (18 counted).
People are so nice in the midwest. We have encountered, by my estimates, a 40:1 cool: mean ratio. Last night some passerby's called us Faggots, but then shortly after people were screaming "you are my heroes", and "I truly envy you!"
This trip rocks. Stay tuned in, as we plan to serve up the hottest journalism from an unheard of temporal scale.
Cheers
and by the way, we love all the comments.
SAM
11 comments:
CHEERS TO THE MOST AWESOME TRIO FROM THIS NECK OF THE WOODS. WHAT A GREAT ADVENTURE. THANKS FOR MAKING ME ONE OF THE PROUDEST MOM'S IN OHIO. THANKS FOR THE TIP ON CLICKING ON THE PICTURES!! LOVE THE MAP,LOVE THE BLOG!!! KEEP ON ROLLING. HUGS AND KISSES TO ALL LOVE YA BUNCHES MOM MCCLAIN.
Hi Guys!
I was thrilled to see "THE MAP", as well as "THE MAP ROCKET! What fun to chart your progress daily!
Everyone is enjoying the blog...we go thru a withdrawal of sorts if nothing has been posted for a couple days, today was a feast!! I believe it is now going around the world, no telling who you might hear from!
I am most surprised at how easily you fellas weasel your way into the yards and homes of your "new friends", is it your magnetic personalities or good looks (or bike short)? Way to go!!
Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure!
ox mom s.
Hope you liked Paris, IL, it was nice to meet you. For your next leg of the trip, the owner of Spin City Cycles in Decatur is Kyle May http://429-spin.com/ and I'm sure he'd be glad to lend some help with your adventure.
I am really impressed by your free spirit, bravery, convictions and decision to make the cross country bike trek. It makes me wish I'd done something like that right out of college, a rare opportunity that may not present itself later in life. You'll always remember the great times you've experienced along the way and I hope you are able to do it again together each year. You have inspired me to try something similar yet smaller, maybe a 3 day mountain hike with some friends. Best of Luck and safe travels! Tim Roark, Paris, IL
the map looks so great! have you had to use the horn yet? i love you guys.
manders
also, how are you guys feeling? you haven't talked about being sore or anything like that. have you gotten bored riding for such long amounts of time?
love,
ruski
ps you took my trail mix : \
Wow, I almost started crying when I read Paula's message; don't worry, they were tears of joy! It is amazing what you guys are doing and I am so happy that you are having such a great time and meeting such wonderful people, like Bill! Did the newspaper ever interview you? I'm so glad you guys are keeping everyone updated and the pictures are a lovely touch! You guys rock!
Lily
So glad you guys stopped in Arcola and picked us, or was it the barn, lol. Anyway, it was great meeting the three of you and being able to be part of your adventure. We won't soon forget it, feel free to stop by anytime you are in the area.
The Thomas'
Nickolai, Sam and Luke,
I was wondering what you guys had been up to, when voila! 4 days worth of blogging arrived. Your stories are great and your photos are too. I think you will find that 40:1 cool:mean ratio for most of your trip. Your adventures bring back fond memories of my own cross country adventure (by car, and backpacking along the route, from Ohio, to the south, out to california and back to Ohio)just after graduating from nursing school. It seems like just last summer. Where did the time go? Just remember, "These are the good old days". So enjoy the moment! Love you,
Be well, angels on your shoulder and keep the rubber side down.
i feel a "this american life" story coming on...
even though i am not a fan of biking, you have me jealous.
good luck! elodie
Hey from the enthusiastic guy in W. Terre Haute. The last name is Mueller and the bike ride here went well today, 25 miles only! Really enjoyed your visit and hope you are doing well and have fair weather.
Sam & Co.
After my latest tour on my old mountain bike with slicks, I finally decided to buy a proper touring bike (a Jamis Aurora). I'd like to know what kind of panniers y'all are usin' and how you like 'em. I'm still a devoted Burley trailer fan, but I'm also interested in waterproof panniers.
Glad to see you guys are havin' fun. Power to pedals!
Attila
Post a Comment