Life On A B-I7

Route

• Naples to Brunswick

Metrics

• Miles: 54

Note

• Today is going to be a wet one. My navigator (Commander Duck) is excited about getting on the road.

Thought For The Day

• Make sure your purpose in life is one that benefits mankind. Periodically evaluate your values to ensure they are aligned with that purpose.

As I was wheeling my bicycle out of the motel room, an elderly lady with her little dog greeted me with a “good morning.” She said she had never seen a bicycle like mine, apparently referring to all the gear. I explained what I was doing and she was a little mystified. The idea of a journey like mine was all new to her. I’m touching peoples lives, even if it’s in a tiny way. Someday I’ll have a little dog like hers, but it’s a bit too early to go down that path right now.

I wheeled my bike across the street to the gas station. They had a picnic table set up under a covered area. I went inside and got coffee and breakfast and came back out and sat down undercover watching the rain come down. I knew what I had to do, but still I wasn’t all that eager to begin. It occurred to me the best thing I could do to get motivated would be to listen to a song. I pulled up Spotify and listened to Willie Nelson’s “On The Road Again.” I can’t take my band with me because I’m riding solo (and I don’t have a band). After the song was over I got on the bike and began today’s push to my next destination. Sometimes all you need is a small inspiration to get you going.

I mentioned riding solo, but actually I’m not. I have a navigator, I’ve named him Commander Duck. He’s a rubber duck that was given to me back in North Dakota. He has a seat on my handlebar bag. He calls it his “Flying Bridge.” Whatever… He’s been doing an excellent job of navigating for me. He’s guided me for over 3,000 miles. I’m going to keep him. When I get home, I plan to put him on the dash of my Tacoma. That ought to confuse the Jeep Boys.

I was riding through a mostly rural area when a boy waiting for his school bus yelled at me, “where are you going?” I yelled back, “Bar Harbor!” he was curious enough to ask so maybe someday he’ll do something like this, you never know.

The rain did finally let up, but I had to deal with it most of the morning. There are a few things that should be noted about cross-country travel on a bicycle in the rain. The first thing is, rainy days are not good days to be clipped in. You’re going more slower anyway and it’s a good idea to be able to get your feet off the pedals quickly if you need to. When the shoulder narrowed, I got off the bike and walked. It gives passing cars a little bit more room and it gives me more room and more control over the bike. Another thing you don’t do is take the downhills at speed. The visibility and the conditions simply aren’t conducive to high speed on two wheels. As the saying goes, “discretion is the better part of valor.” Which is another way of saying I’d rather be a living coward than a dead hero.

I finished the day at a micro brewery called the “Black Pug.” The brewmaster was tending bar and he was fun to talk to. The handmade chips they served with their charcuterie board were excellent! I chatted with a nice couple sitting at the bar with me. The fellow recommended a small Maine company that makes Marino Wool Cycling Jerseys. I have a feeling there’s one in my future. He was also interested in getting into brewing. He goes to Portland, Oregon quite often. I told him he needed to come to Bend to experience the brewing scene there as well! One last thing to mention, I didn’t know Pugs came in black, but apparently they do…

This would be the solution to most of our current afflictions.

It looks easy, but it’s not.

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