(Dick) After the flurry of blow-by-blow travel news last night, I thought I would pass along some more reflective thoughts today. First, an emphasis on the glorious high from endorphins, cruising down highways with the wind at our backs, way too much sun on our surfaces (we have been heading south, after all), and glorious aromas (all but the occasional diesel exhaust and ubiquitous cow manure on the Canadian side of that mountain we climbed to the border) from pines, flora, rivers, and spots of rain. There is so much to see, with hemispherical vision, though it’s important to keep an eye on the road ahead. People we meet seem amazed at what we’re doing, but it all just seems so normal and natural as we ride along. Things you barely notice in a car (and can’t ever see from a plane) fairly assault you on a bike. Both sides of the hills make such an impression- the long steady struggles up, and the exhilarating descents, ever aware of the danger of speed, and dependence on the front wheel’s maintenance of direction, structure, and air.
On the road in rural Canada
Hunger and thirst mechanisms grow in importance too; ice cream and beer become significant phobia! Luckily the manifestation of the latter, for us, is strictly after the wheels have stopped turning (and we hope the bike wheels stop before the brain wheels). But by afternoon, on the bikes, the need for ice cream becomes almost an obsession. If the ice cream can be floated in root beer, the result is incredibly heavenly. We sunk to the depths of despair Friday afternoon, despite wonderful riding, when we found the only ice cream parlor in Bingham closed on arrival, and the damage was only repaired when we each had our own RBF early the next afternoon.
I’ll stop here; just wanted to let everyone know that we’re not intending just to log a “We did this, we did that” diary! Thanks for all the support and comments so far…
Love, Dick and Carol
Bar Harbor street scene
Carol on Cadillac Mountain
Together on Cadillac Mountain
September 2, 2008 at 10:07 pm |
Hi, this sure is a great way to keep up with you and your trip. I am looking forward to seing you soon. Anything you need? Want? I have dinner planned for Plum Island so hope that is okay and that it doesn’t rain. What kind of beer would you like? I can give you some names of ice cream stands on Rt. 1 or 1A in NH and lobster roll stops if you want them. Keep pedaling, Linda G.
September 3, 2008 at 11:42 am |
I hope this becomes a book. You have talents I never knew about. You know, “ubiquitous cow manure” and “hemispherical visions”. All kidding aside I can’t wait to see what happens next. Nice job!