Just me. Just a bike, some stuff, a watercolor set, and a country to behold.
My bicycle and I made it to Times Square 2 days before hurricane Sandy hit. It was magic really a warm bright day in New York City on October 26th. In 3 months and 1 week, I completed over 4,100 miles through 17 states and 2 countries.
I started the journey pedaling into the Cascades from Burlington, WA on July 21st. The bike was overloaded so I threw out or sent home needless possessions that were weighing me down. Getting rid of my pepper spray and bike lock was some of the best decisions I ever made—to be open and vulnerable to the world. In travel, step forward with courageousness, and then the world rises to see you through.
I was on my own but never alone. The American landscape is more than just scenic views in the Rockies or Cape Code, its richness is in the people. Something best experienced outside of a car. I grew accustomed to great home cooked meals, hot showers, and warm hearts from strangers all the way across the country.
While not every moment of the ride was glamorous, I’ve felt this country in ways few have.