The Last Time

It was 2002 when I first attempted to ride a bike long-distance; that was my mountain bike. From what I understand, I have a better bike for long-distance now. It's a touring bike. But the first time, which was the last time, I rode long distance, was on that mountain bike. It was a cool bike, and I did some mountain bike trails on it, and also some tame trails and a lot of road riding. I like road riding better, I don't know why.

When I set out on that ride, it was weird. I've talked about not liking commitment before on this blog, and this was sort of why it was weird. You can do all the planning you want to do, but when the day comes to set out on your bicycle and ride, knowing you will be riding for a couple of days before you see people you know, it's hard to start pedaling.

The other weird thing was that I had never ridden my bike when it was weighed down with "stuff" like the stuff I was taking on this trip. I'm gonna train better this time, then it won't seem so weird. I got used to it quickly enough, and even long, slow uphill climbs weren't that bad. I've always said that on a bicycle, I'll take uphill before against the wind. A hill is nothing with gears, but wind resistance kills.

On the last ride, I had stopped for rest & reading in Utica when my rear tube popped... I fixed it quickly enough, but then I got back on and the tube popped again! I examined the tire and saw that it was shredded, and that I could go no further on it. My resolve was weak; I might have found a bike shop, being so near Starved Rock, but I was ready to give up. I hadn't planned well, I thought I had too much stuff, and wanted to call it quits. It's not that I regret that decision, but I want to try it again with a better bike, less gear, and extra tires and tubes. I've got a new, better tent. I've got a better bike, and more experience fixing it. I've got a plan and contingencies, and a debit card for hotels.

The last time I went, I was downtown in Peoria stopping to take a picture of the river and bridge before I left. Some guy happened to be in the picture, but I didn't know it; I wasn't watching for people walking by. He called to me as I lowered my disposable camera, "Hey, you better watch who you're taking pictures of!" It was a crazy time in my life, and I had been meeting lots of crazy people those days. This guy was laughable. He didn't appear to be someone who would come back to haunt me, so I giggled a bit and asked, "Why?" I got back on the seat and pedaled away, and now I wonder if that guy put a hex on my trip!

I won't take pictures of old men this time if I can help it. I will be good. And I will not listen to bike salespeople who say that I won't need spare tires in addition to spare tubes. There's a guy with a website about biking across america. I'd like to do that.

baby steps. talk about commitment!