Day 1: Flat, Random Host, and Good Times.
Posted on 20. May, 2009 by carlos in Touring
Today was filled with experimenting the best flow. Who handles the directions? Who is in front? Who is doing our tweeting? How do we figure out which way is best to ride when we need to alter the route on the fly?
The day started off with a 2 hour drive from Mahopac, NY to Neptune City, NJ. I was a little too worried that we would not have enough sunlight because we left a few hours later than hoped. My mind eased as the day progressed.
The turns started to get annoying after our directions told us our 60 mile route in increments of 0.5 – 1.5 miles. Touring Tip: Try to stay on the same road when going from point A to B. Even if you have to go a few extra miles when planning your route, it will be worth it to not look down at your map and wonder if you are on the right road every few miles.
We would have offended the touring cyclists before us if we did not take a picture on the starting-point-ocean.
After 6.7 miles, Carlos decided to ride over nail.
Passing through Trenton, NJ we asked this family sitting outside for a refill of our water. A simple request turned into an amazing few minutes of laughing and them wishing us the best.
Becky was our host for the day. We met her today, and she let us strangers spend the night with her and her husband. The random act of hospitality starts this trip off well.
Stats
Miles today: 63
Total miles: 63
Flats today: Carlos – 1, Joe – 0
Total flats: Carlos – 1, Joe – 0
Crashes: Carlos – 0, Joe – 0
dave
20. May, 2009
Good work, glad i summoned a flat on your first day riding. So now every time i wanna run over a biker who’s actin a damn fool on roads meant for cars, ill think of you and try harder not to hit them. lmao
Heather Hollaway
20. May, 2009
Don’t start the crash scoreboards yet! You trying to jinx yourself?! I dont want either of you to be banged up! Speaking of – did you pack a good first aid kit?
David Barker
20. May, 2009
Nice Work guys. Look forward to hearing more about it!
Ryan
21. May, 2009
What a great write up of a great first day, flat notwithstanding. May your chance encounters continue to be filled with wonderful people and fun stories.
Cahlen Humphreys
21. May, 2009
Awesome guys! I’ll be following!
Marlene Speelman
21. May, 2009
You guys are not alone…..Jake and I are following you on your journey and are excited to host you when you are in our neck of the woods! Be safe in your travels!
Susie
21. May, 2009
Keep the updates coming! Good work and looking forward to the next few months!
Daniel
21. May, 2009
I’ve been following your tweets forever (it seems like) Glad to see you guys are hitting the road.
My Dad and Stepmom will be leaving from Oregon on their cross-country ride June 6th, maybe you’ll run into them
http://cus10mph.blogspot.com/
dave2
21. May, 2009
I look forward to learning more about cycling as I follow you all summer and start cycling to work myself.
Hey, if you two can cross the country, I can go a measly 8.3 km (5.16 mi) every morning and evening.
Lloyd
21. May, 2009
Safe journeys dudes…
Cassi
21. May, 2009
If this post is an indicator, this is going to be a fun story to watch unfold! Off to an excellent start, gentlemen – ride on!
iAN
21. May, 2009
SO awesome you guys have finally started this epic trek. I will be following you closely, and if you need a place to stay in Tennessee, Michigan, Utah or New Mexico, I know some people :] (I should probably look at your route again ….)
Seth Ladd
21. May, 2009
thanks for keeping us up to date! Good luck, we’re rooting for ya!
edú
21. May, 2009
Carlitos, I’ll follow your progress with excitement from here in Denver and look forward to see you guys when you get to Colorado, avoid those road nails amigo!!
Kristine
22. May, 2009
When you think of us poor suckers still at home, working our normal, dare I say often dull?, jobs, try not to laugh too hard! Congratulations on the beginning of your journey. Wishing you smooth (and nail-free!) surfaces, wide shoulders, and sunny skies!
Mary
23. May, 2009
Hi all. Glad to see that you met my friend Becky. I admire your journey and am thrilled to see you end in my hometown of Portland OR. I will be sure to spread the word there. For some inspiration, here is an excerpt from “Dharma Bums” by Jack Kerouac:
“I see a vision of a great rucksack revolution thousands or even millions of young Americans wandering around with rucksacks, going up to mountains to pray, making children laugh and old men glad, making young girls happy and old girls happier, all of ‘em Zen Lunatica who go about writing poems that happen to appear in their heads for no reason and also by being kind and also by strange unexpected acts keep giving visions of eternal freedom to everybody and to all living creatures…” Enjoy!
Mary
Lindsea
25. May, 2009
You guys are so cool.