I want to thank everyone who has tried to fatten me up. Larry gave an amazing send-off dinner with four courses that culminated in me staring at the biggest piece of tres leche cake I’ve ever seen, until I ate it all. My penchant for sweets is well known; two days ago our refrigerator was blessed with a red velvet cake plus two carrot cakes, thanks to Joe, Jeffrey and Paul. Still, the scale this morning registered my usual weight.

My panniers, however, are already getting heavier. Rida gave me a selfie stick, and though I vowed not to carry one, I’m going to give it a try. Cousin Andrew gave me a ‘gas = time’ sticker for my vehicle, which is as light in ounces as it is in meaning.

My friend and fellow architect Dave Deininger gave me a truly meaningful departure note. Dave rode his bike across our country 34 years ago. He reminded me why we undertake such journeys:

I found that my trip reconfirmed my faith in human nature. You will find that the bike will be an easy conversation piece to begin informal interactions with folks along the way. I found that people were kind, open, and generous to me, a perfect stranger “not from around these parts”. 

The other piece that was wonderful was the meditative quality of biking itself; slowly pushing through all the various landscapes and weather conditions. I found that it allowed my mind to clear and I could ruminate about all sorts of unrelated topics; sort of a stream of consciousness existence. 

My biggest debt of thanks goes to my beloved housemate, Paul, who enables my adventures in spirit and in so many practical ways every day.

More from the road…