Do You Ride All Day?
One of the questions I get a lot is: “Do you ride your bike all day?”
Not quite!
Lately, I’ve been averaging 4.5 to 5 hours a day in the saddle. As I get stronger, I’m hoping to bump that up to 6–8 hours and tack on an extra 20-30 miles each day. But even now, my days are full. Between riding, eating, setting up, and breaking down camp, and taking care of myself and my gear, there’s rarely a moment to just sit and do nothing.
That said, one day this week was a shorter day—just 38 miles—so I had time to slow down a bit. I lingered over breakfast, wrote this blog, and even treated myself to a mid-afternoon lavender matcha tea in the charming college town of Lewisburg, home to Bucknell University.
A Day in the Life (on the Road)
When I’m camping, I usually wake up around 6 or 7 a.m. I spend a little time chilling in the tent—stretching, thinking, organizing the Jess-plosion of gear that tends to erupt every night. Everything I bring is packed in color-coded dry sacks, which keeps things both dry and organized. I prefer lots of smaller sacks rather than a few big ones—it’s like a puzzle fitting them all into my panniers.
Then come the basics: brushing my teeth, braiding my hair, getting dressed according to the day’s weather, and eating breakfast. Braids have been my go-to hairstyle for a few reasons: a ponytail is too low and ends up sticking to my neck, pigtails or buns block my helmet mirror, and hair down is just plain hot. Braids are functional, keep my hair from tangling, and they make me smile when I see them flopping in the wind as I zoom downhill.
The Ride Routine
By the time I break down camp, make some tea, and eat something (usually a pita with almond butter and jam or honey and fresh fruit if I’m lucky), it’s around 8:30 or 9 a.m. before I’m on the road.
Sunning my tent (yes, upside down) to dry before packing it up.
About 10–15 miles in, I usually stop to stretch and snack—or have a proper second breakfast if I find a spot. I’ll ride another hour or two, aiming to hit 20 miles before taking a longer break for lunch. That might be something I packed earlier or something I pick up in a town along the way.
After lunch, it’s the final push—another 20–25 miles with a couple of stops mixed in. If it’s cold or rainy (and it has been), I stop more often to layer up or down. I’ve learned to be diligent about keeping my limited gear dry. I only have one pair of leg warmers, so stopping to put on rain pants is essential.
I usually roll into wherever I’m staying—be it a Warm Showers host, a campsite, or a hotel—between 4 and 6 p.m. Then comes the next round of activity: unpacking, setting up camp or showering, washing some clothes by hand (if needed), doing maintenance (bike or tent!), and making or finding dinner.
The other night, for example, I did laundry at the campground. After my shower, I found myself sitting outside on a bench, waiting 90 minutes for my clothes to finish drying (without internet or cell coverage)—another quiet moment in a full day.
By the time I crawl into bed, it’s around 8:30 or 9 p.m., and I’m ready to crash.
I’ve also had time (and interest) to share my journey online—through social posts and little videos. It’s something I enjoy and a creative way to process and reflect on the ride. If it ever becomes a burden or takes away from being present, I’ll adjust. This journey is about being here, now—connecting with people, soaking in new places, and really being where I am.
Still, I love the idea that sharing this experience might inspire someone else to take a bike trip—maybe not across the entire country, but even just for a weekend. It is possible. And it’s absolutely an adventure.