Camps

So I am about a third of the way across already :) passing my 1000 mile mark yesterday along the Hennepin Canal east of Moline, IL. I slowed down a bit in Illinois enjoying time with friends and family along the way but still managed to get some nice rides in. Its interesting because I love stopping and enjoying the company of so many great people along the way, but at the same time being out on the road feeling the wind on my face with the sun on my shoulders not knowing what I will get to see around the next hill is such a euphoric feeling that it is very addictive and hard to let go. Its definitely going to be difficult returning to the real world once my wanderings are done!

Took an extra day here in Moline to let some storms blow past. Rain and lightning I can handle but hail might make things a little too interesting out there on the bike. The Whiteside's were kind enough to bait me with what was easily the best (and largest) Reuben I have ever had and tour some of the John Deere museums and facilities here as well. Since I had some time I took the bike to Bike and Hike here in Moline, where Steve the owner got a good chuckle out of my rack but did a great job fixing the rear derailleur and truing the tires. While he was working on my bike that I had just wandered in with a guy walked in and asked when he could bring his bike in to get the wheels trued. With a glance to the calendar Steve told him he wouldn't have time for 3 days, but never questioned or faltered in helping me out. He also hooked me up with some more inter tubes, chain lube and a better mirror then just laughed when I tried to pay. A great guy and also gave me a contact in Australia to drink with as well. Once again I was amazed at how wonderful people are.

By now I have a pretty good idea of what I can do, I have climbed some mountains, hiked some mountains, rode farther than I thought possible, overcome equipment failures and mental blocks. It has been a lot tougher than I had thought it would be, but at the same point it has been so much more fun and all around amazing too. This is already one of the greatest experiences of my life hands down and I am so glad I am doing it. But its more than just pushing the pedal all day, its keeping enough fluids and calories in my body, cleaning and fixing the equipment to keep it working right, and finding a place to sleep at night. So far in the trip I have stayed with friends, strangers, legit campgrounds and shadow camps. Friends and strangers have been great, wonderful conversations along with a warm shower and delicious food. Legit campgrounds have been ok, some nice most kinda dumpy but they have been places that are a fixed destination where I knew it was ok to sleep.

Shadow camps have been by far the most rewarding camps though, and the best one being along the Juanita River by Alexandria, PA with Eddie. It was miles from any road, completely quiet except for the river and raccoons. Pretty much a small piece of heaven. The next one was along a bike path on the Ohio/PA border which was nice and relaxing even with the busy train tracks right behind me. 

The overall greatest though was west of Huntington, IN.  As I was leaving Huntington I had the choice to bike 13 miles to a legit campground, or continue down the road where somewhere within the next 2 hours and sunset I would have to find a safe place to pitch the tent.  With a moments hesitation I went straight west out of town with hope that within the next 20 miles I would either find a friendly farmer or a quiet, out of sight spot to pitch my tent.  It was the first time this trip I had no idea where I would be sleeping and was truly pedaling blind.  Long story short after knocking on a few doors and asking some people to no avail I found a nice locked pasture that was for sale by a bank that gave me a place away from the road to pitch a tent where people would be hard pressed to find me or bother me.  It was one of the mentally toughest parts of the trip but very glad I did it.  I haven't paid for a campsite since :)