One Week Check-In: Finding My Groove
Hot tea after a long chilly day of cycling!
Has it really been a week already? Six days of riding out of seven, and I’m finally starting to feel the rhythm of this journey. It just takes time—time to remember which color stuff sack has my bike tools, where I stashed my toothbrush, or how to balance my fully loaded bike without a kickstand when I stop. These small adjustments slowly become second nature.
What’s Working (And What I’m Loving):
Smart gear choices. I’ve come to deeply appreciate every loop on my towels and clothing—perfect for hanging to dry at campsites or in showers. Game-changer.
Fork bags (shout-out to Jered!). Easy access to all the ride-day essentials: knit hat, gloves, arm and leg warmers, shoe covers, rain layers. Convenience makes a difference when the weather shifts quickly.
Loucy, my Salsa bike. She’s handling the road like a champ. Her beefier tires are a huge step up from my 2001 Vanilla. That said, the weight distribution takes getting used to, and fewer gears mean I’ve got to work harder on climbs. I miss the granny gear on long ascents—but I get the payoff: less weight, less maintenance, fewer mechanical headaches. My legs just need to catch up. And, they’re getting there.
My Ortlieb handlebar bag. A total MVP. Here’s what’s inside:
Adventure Cycling Association map (tucked under the waterproof cover)
Pedal to the Pitch stickers & postcards (easy handouts!)
Battery pack & cord
Hover Air drone (solo ride footage = sorted)
Bandana
Quad Lock tripod/selfie stick & rain cover
Hand sanitizer, chapstick, beef jerky
Sunglasses (plus two extra lenses)
Oiselle foldable baseball hat (highly recommend)
Eye drops, extra contacts
Whistle, compass, pocket knife
Surprise kindness. A man in a pickup stopped on the opposite side of the road, hopped out, and gently moved a turtle off the yellow line. Big beard, tough-looking guy—yet here he was saving a turtle. I laughed and thanked him. It reminded me not to make snap judgments, and be aware of my own implicit bias.
Campfire generosity. A family from Harrisburg visited my site, gifted me a Firestarter log, and helped get a fire going while we chatted about my journey. One of them coaches his daughter’s soccer team—love that connection.
Tent-side match nights. Got enough cell signal to stream both LouCity FC and Racing Lou FC games from my tent. Even set my phone on the tripod. It felt luxurious.
Pizza with broccoli. Yes, please.
A hot cup of tea at the end of a long ride. Pure bliss.
What’s Been Challenging:
The weather. Cold, wet days come with the territory. I’ve got the right gear, and when the sun breaks through, it feels like a reward.
Steep climbs. I underestimated the grades—thought they were 7–8%, but they hit closer to 13%. I’ve had to walk my bike a few times. It’s humbling, sometimes emotionally hard. That sense of shame or embarrassment creeps in, even though I know it’s part of the process. I’m already getting stronger and walking less. That matters.
Body adjustments. (Warning: TMI ahead!) My digestive system is still adjusting to new eating habits, timing, and intense physical exertion. I’ve started drinking coffee—despite not liking it—and am trying to get more fruit and fiber in. Progress.
It’s been a week of transition, learning, and small triumphs. I can feel myself settling in—and more importantly, I’m reminded daily why this journey matters. Here’s to Week Two.
Busy campground for the holiday weekend, but great neighbors!