This is an experiment for me. I’m not really sure I want to blog this trip, but here I am. And there you are reading it. On one of my training rides, I thought about the reasons to do it and the reasons not to do it. Here’s what I came up with:
Reasons NOT to blog:
1. Although biking across the country SOUNDS exciting, in reality it isn’t. Riding across the country isn’t much different from riding around the block. Not much happens. Frequently, my journals read like this: “I rode to Anytown and had lunch at the Main Street Cafe. I had a cheeseburger and a Coke. It was good. I left at
2. Who REALLY wants to read about my life? Just the other day, some friends and I were laughing at how many people blog. Jen has a friend who wrote about her daily life. The
3. So you say, “Yeah, but you’re on a BIKE riding across the country!” (see #1 above). Sure, but there are HUNDREDS of blogs about people on bike trips even as you read this.
4. It takes a
And yet, as I said, here I am, and there you are. So I guess the reasons to do it are stronger than the reasons not to:
1. My friends asked me to. (this is the point where I hear my mom's voice: ''If your friends jump off a cliff, does that mean YOU'RE going to jump?" Of course, my smug response is: '' They DIDN'T jump off a cliff. They just asked me to." It makes perfect sense.) I know that sounds kind of simple, but they asked…. and they’re my friends.
2. I want people to know that biking across the country really is something that anyone can do. The only thing you need is the desire to do it. If I can do it, so can you.
3. It'll be a challenge. Like I said, biking is easy. Blogging will be more difficult.
8 comments:
To blog or not to blog? I think you chose the write answer.
Hi Mark,
I'm sooooo excited for you! I will definitely be looking forward to all your pictures along the way and hearing about life on the road! Will be thinking about you alot and praying for you! Love you big brother! Wanda
Be safe I still think you are crazy.
Be safe this weekend. I'm raiding your jellybean jar today!! Robin
Mark,
So far so good?
Your explanation of flying with your bike reminded me of a couple trips with bike that I haven't mentioned altho both were professional conferences where the riding was incidental. (Yes I do bike planning for a living.)
Last March I flew to Washington for the LAB Bike Summit taking my folding Dahon 3-speed with me. I have a padded airline bag and it did cost me $75 to take it to DC, but for some reason I wasn't charged for the bike on the flight back to Cincinnati. I carried the bike and suitcase into town by way of the Metro. Highlight of that trip was biking up the C&O canal trail some 15 miles and back.Also did some of the Capital Crescent Trail.
In Sept 05, I took the same folder to Chicago for a workshop using the Amtrak Cardinal. Amtrak lets you bring a folder but not a conventional bike when there is no baggage car. I carried it in a nylon bag as baggage on the train. We had some biking trips in downtown Chicago as part of that workshop.
Have fun! I'll check on you once ina while.
Don B
Hey Mark,
Hope all things go your way on your fabulous journey! I will be praying for fantastic weather and the wind at your back. I'm sure you'll see some great things and i can't wait to see some pictures! There's a full moon on the 29th, so climb out of that sleeping bag on the 29th, i'm sure it will look fabulous from where ever you are!
Hi son, when we get to MN, I hope to see some fantastic photos you've taken. I'll be praying for your safety and for good weather, and for 'nice' people along the way as you had on your first trip. I remember your comment on the first trip "this is the way to meet the real people - not on a freeway." I love you very much and will see you soon. Mom
Hi Mark! How are you holding up old man! :-) I hope you are doing well. (Actually, I know you are doing very well...you always do!! Praying for a tailwind (now & then) for you! (Don't want to make it to easy....no challenge in that!) We are looking forward to seeing all of the pictures. Tracy says hi and he's envious! I really enjoyed the story of your visit with Rob and family! Excellent! I'm glad you blogged! Looking forward to hearing more. I've been thinking about you everyday this week as I sit at my little desk in that tiny windowless office with my recently upgraded 256 computer. Yep! Being outdoors is a very good thing! Well, wish me luck. I have my first acute care clinical tomorrow morning! Let's see what kinda' damage I can do!! :-) Love you lots from the other sister!!
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