Yes, you should ask where i've been

When someone meets me now, they don't ask me about my cross country bike tour. In fact, my top conversation starter with strangers these days is a Bavarian hat I picked up in Leavenworth, WA. But in general I pass off as fairly normal. The other day I was in the cereal aisle with a stranger and we helped each other find our favorites. Turns out we are both tall and our picks were on the bottom shelf. I still like talking to strangers. I should probably start asking people what interesting things they've done. 

Originally Posted ​April 30, 2007

St. Augustine - 100.65

5:00 a.m. came with the same nervous intensity that an early flight out of Sitka does. It is just too much of an inconvenience to be late for an important important. I had to meet with the darkness so we could experience the ebb and flow of the shadows as the street lamps pass us by. This single sensation with the cool night air and tidal movement of my shadow chasing me and leaving me behind is my favorite part of cycling.

I watched the orb rise with the traffic: the same color as my reflective shirt. I stopped once to eat breakfast at Hardee's and again before crossing the St. John's to eat grilled cheese, veggie-beef soup, and more sweet tea. On my way to complete the century to St. Augustine, I understood why the ACA route goes where it does. Near the coast I passed traffic caused by a down cyclist out for a Monday spin.

Waiting in the touristed out town, I took pictures of myself on timer hoping to have one halfway decent one. I rode down some of the narrow streets as the traffic dissipated to interact with some of my last strangers. Riding a loaded bike is like wearing a sign on your forehead that says "Yes, you should ask where I've been." I'll miss that.

11.4 ave - 25.0 max - 2988.1 odo - 8:46:03 time