We are having a great time resting in Pittsburgh. It’s actually been more activity than rest; we went shopping for groceries, got massages, hit the hot tub, played ringo (both of us hooked the ring after a hundred attempts or so), and are now enjoying dinner at the Pittsburgh Bagins’. Here are some takeaways from our first 10 days on the road:
Charlie
I thought people were exaggerating with how kind strangers could be on a long term bike tour, but it’s really true. In just this first leg we’ve had 3 or 4 people go out of their way to initiate conversation with us and then give us tips for our ride.
Squeaky bike brakes are the poor man’s obnoxious motorcycle revving
The grass is always greener on another riding surface; when it’s flat it’s too boring, when it’s hilly you’re exhausted, when it’s a trail it’s too slow, the roads are too crowded. It’s best to just enjoy the ride.
Steep hills are superior to gradual hills. It’s best to blast up the hill, get ’em over with fast
Camping is harder than it seems. Did you know it gets dark at night? And really cold. Even inside of the tent...
Maddie
Downhills are not as fun when you know there’s an uphill coming afterward.
Music and sunlight are incredibly positive forces: Singing “Mystery Lady” by Masego and Don Toliver has been nothing but a joy with our amazing pitches.
That “Stoplight Rush”: After riding for miles with nothing but farmland and speeding cars by your side, a stoplight may be the best feeling I could imagine. They reassure me that civilization exists and can provide a much needed break.
Gradual hills are superior to steep hills: Keep those legs fresher.
Camping is easier than it seems: Set up your tent, hop in your sleeping bag, and go to sleep.
As you can see there are some differences in opinions here. ”And that’s why we make such a great team together,” says Maddie.
Heading off to Wheeling tomorrow. Columbus, Dayton, and Indianapolis on the horizon. Midwest, here we come.