Day 5: Rest Day — Giving Myself Grace
After four days on the road, 184 miles behind me, and 11,611 feet of elevation gained, today is a much-needed rest day—and I’m leaning into it fully.
It’s hard not to compare this ride to my 2013 cross-country trip that started in Oregon. The weather then was ideal—dry, mild, and rain-free until Montana. The roads out west, often newer and designed with switchbacks, tend to have gentler grades. The East Coast? Not so much. The roads here are steep, often hitting 7–8% grades that really push the limits.
This time around, I’m cycling with about 65 pounds of gear (though I’ll be mailing some weight home today), and these climbs have tested me. Yesterday, I had to walk my bike uphill—twice. I’ve never done that before, and honestly? I hate admitting it. But the truth is: I’m 12 years older now. My body feels different, fatigues faster, and I have to give myself some grace.
Lunch break… a bit cold and rainy. However, had the opportunity to observe a blue heron for about ten minutes!
Yesterday was my first full day of rain. I don’t mind riding in the rain, but it definitely adds to the challenge—everything is slower, messier, and chillier. While I stayed mostly dry thanks to shoe covers, rain pants, helmet cover, and a solid rain jacket, everything still felt heavier and harder.
Even my charm bracelets—tiny tokens of inspiration—were hidden under waterproof gloves. Stopping to eat or rest meant getting cold fast, and by the end of the day, I could feel my quads were toast. That’s when I knew it was time to pause.
Fatigue doesn’t just affect the ride—it impacts everything: mounting the bike, stopping, getting on and off safely. With 65 pounds of gear, a bad dismount could mean a crash, a wrist injury, or worse. Rest days aren’t indulgent—they’re preventative.
So today, May 22, I’m giving my body and mind the space to reset. I’m walking around the quaint town I’m in, catching up on emails, checking in with people, writing this blog, and yes—enjoying some delicious coconut milk chocolate from a local candy shop (highly recommended!).
Looking Ahead…
I don’t want this post to feel negative. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and I’m genuinely excited to hit the road again tomorrow. But I also want to keep this journey honest. There will be tough days—steep climbs, bad weather, headwinds, road closures (already had two), and even too-close deer encounters.
Heading into Memorial Day Weekend, I’ll be camping for the first time on this trip. It’ll be chilly—mid-to-high 40s at night—but I’ve got the gear to stay warm and cozy. It’s the only practical option through the stretch I’m heading into, and thankfully, it’s supposed to stay dry.
So here’s to rest, recovery, and the road ahead.
Onward—and a lot of upward.