The official mileage tally hit 1361 as we rolled into the hilly country of San Antonio, Texas. Pete’s sister, husband and young son have graciously welcomed us into their home and we will spend the next 3 days resting and recuperating before the Final Push. The 9 days from New Orleans have been markedly different in terrain and effort from our first leg. Our endurance and strength have increased dramatically and the rolling hills of Texas have been a good testing ground for the mountains we will encounter ahead. We have learned a great deal about all aspects of bike touring and the 1300 plus miles ahead will surely create fresh challenges and learning experiences.
Daily we are tested by dogs of all sizes. It appears there are no leash laws in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana or Texas. For ease of understanding the dog challenge I have classified the dogs we encounter into 3 groups. The first is my favorite. The lazy dog simply lies or sits without regard for the group of bikers rolling through. The second group is most amusing. These dogs are committed to the chase but suffer from a Napoleon complex. Several days ago a pint sized Chihuahua started to chase and after covering 3 feet halted due to a fit of the cutest coughing. Once the small dog regained his breath, he continued his futile chase. The third group of dogs is most frightening. These large dogs give us a run for our money at speeds in excess of 20mph. They range from German Shepherds to Rhodesian Ridgebacks and they allow us to engage in interval training. It is amazing how quickly we can accelerate with a big dog hot on our heels. The conundrum with this dog classification is the fight or flight choice. If we decide to unclip a foot to use as a weapon we can no longer pedal. If we don’t the dog may catch up. The lesson here is for the dog owner. Please tie up your dogs! I won’t even comment on the goats, donkeys and horses roaming in front yards…
Our high mileage days are unique to a cross country trip. As a bike mechanic it is fascinating to observe the effects of high mileage on new bikes in a several week period. I have never seen tires worn down so quickly simply through extensive use. In 1300 plus miles both our back tires have been worn bald and need replacement. Our brake pads are on the way out and our drive trains require constant cleaning and attention. In weeks, we have placed mileage on our bikes that wouldn’t occur in years of normal use. Despite the high mileage, the touring design and Cannondale brand have held up flawlessly.
Before the trip began we made many plans concerning food and lodging. Now, we quickly learn the necessity of flexibility and creativity. We eat or sleep anywhere within reason. The acquisition of food is crucial and similar to the combustion engine in your car. We need it constantly to keep going. Everything in the south is much farther apart and many small towns only have a single gas station or grocery store. For this reason, we have been eating a lot of cold canned beans, fruit, vegetables, cheese and peanut butter and jelly. Our lodging varies from RV park, to state park, to an occasional cheap motel or hidden forest grove. I will not comment on our encounter with the bedbug.
As we weave our way across the country it is hard not to consider and reflect on a similar trip made by the pioneers of the west. Our wagons are two wheeled and the dusty trails of the past have become paved roads. However, we continue to learn daily from a changing environment and new landscapes. This trip continues to push us physically and mentally and it is an experience I would recommend to anyone looking for a challenge. The most popular questions thus far has been, “Why ride your bike across the country” and I haven’t quite found an answer. Hopefully the next 1300 miles will help reveal a partial answer.
Finally, we considered the possibility of using this trip as a fundraiser for those less fortunate. Although the brief planning period did not allow for formal fundraising, I wanted to raise awareness of an excellent non-profit organization that helps bring bicycles to those less fortunate. In areas of poverty, a bike can easily change the life of a person who can increase their productivity and traveling range exponentially. Listed below is the website for Bikes for the World. They take monetary donations and will even take that old bike you have hanging out in your garage. Please take a look!
http://www.bikesfortheworld.org/
