I like to call myself "The Accidental Bicyclist." Just a year ago, the idea of a cross-country bike tour seemed impossible. The extent of my bicycling experience was riding around the backyard on my bike as a child. When I tried to venture out on the road with my bike, my mother would follow me in the car. She’d better not get any ideas this time!
When Lenny started getting serious about cycling and going on various overnight trips, I decided to give it a try. At first, it was difficult. My butt and my legs cried out in pain, and I only looked forward to our nice cushy sofa once we got home.
Time, the right equipment, and experience enhanced my ability. I was most proud of completing a trip from our house to Lancaster, PA – nearly 100 miles one-way in two days, and our longest bike route to date. Now, I can bike 20 to 40 miles at a stretch – no small feat considering my difficulty just a year ago.
When Lenny decided to embark on this journey, a major bonus for me was being able to eat and not gain any weight (bike touring burns 50-80 calories per mile). We both love to eat, so check our journal for diner reviews along the way!
Another aspect of this trip that I’m looking forward to is a three-month sabbatical from work. I love working as a graphic designer and webmaster, but between work and school, I’ve never had a break. For most people, a three-month trip would be almost impossible to accomplish until one is retired. Lenny and I are able to accomplish this through our lifestyle of voluntary simplicity. In other words, investing our hard-earned money to give us more free time, rather than spending it on a bigger house or a brand-new car. And after all, what is life but a series of experiences? See more about living simply or downshifting in these pages and links.
I expect to return in September, 2001, recharged and refreshed, with many, many stories to tell!
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