Since we took a rest day today, I figured I’d give some of my top moments of the journey so far. There have been so many memorable and breathtaking moments that I would be willing to fight through any adversity to experience it again. Although I initially wanted to bike across the country to be outdoors, the true beauty is in the people we have met.
Highlight #1: When we stumbled onto the C&O Canal during our first week of the trip, the saddle sores were fresh, and we were still in the honeymoon phase of this journey. Greg, our experienced yet random encounter, provided cycling related guidance that we hadn’t received yet. He seemed so eager to help us, which made me incredibly hopeful for the cyclists and new friends we would meet along our journey.
Highlight #2: The GAP Trail has been some of my favorite riding of the trip. I loved grinding up the 25 mile hill knowing that the windmills in the far distance were representative of both the Mason Dixon Line and downhill riding. Also, a quiet, tree-lined trail is something I took for granted growing up and along the GAP; most trails are not as well maintained.
Highlight #3: Dave and Kathy were absolute superstars. I didn’t know what to expect when Charlie told me we were heading to this retired couple’s homestead in Ohio, but everything blew away my expectations. The beauty of the property, a competitive ping pong match, a massive home cooked meal, and the grandma-grandpa vibes made the experience in Corning something I’ll never forget.
Highlight #4: Jeni’s ice cream in Columbus with Sam and Eli. No caption needed honestly, the scoops were some of the most delicious sweets I’ve ever consumed, and it was my birthday!!!!
Highlight #5: When the tides turned in Remington, IN, I was so incredibly proud of us. We had pushed through rains and winds all morning; we thought the Homestead would only be a brief break. The stop resulted in a few hours of feasting and talking to locals, resulting in a hotel for that night and some new friends. The ride that afternoon was near perfection; the sun was out and our clothes quickly dried. We made it to our hotel and watched an incredible sunset beside an outdoor fire pit. Everything about that afternoon radiated high hopes and positive vibes.
Highlight #6: The weekend in Chicago with my extended family was so relaxing and fun. Charlie and I both thoroughly enjoyed spending the night in the Loop with Amy and John. Chicago was alive and well, the end of the Covid era in sight.
Top food moment: This is a hot take, but I must include it in this blog. After our 89 mile ride to Lancaster, PA (Day 4 of the trip!!!!), we got takeout from Hot Z Pizza. The non-New York slice and average chicken Parmesan were LIFE-CHANGING as the exhaustion set in. If that day had been 60 miles instead of 90, I’m not sure I would be saying this, but I can’t forget how delicious that food tasted after the hills of PA.
There have been so many other notable moments, but here have been some that stuck out to me! The trip may be hard, but these memories that Charlie and I are creating will influence us forever.
Back on the bike tomorrow following an awesome rest day in Norwalk, Iowa. So much food… we might explode!
- Maddie
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