Food, Food, Everywhere

The great thing about meeting people while biking across the country is that they all know you're hungry. From free fruit to free meals, there's nothing better than getting food thrown at you. Food aside though, kindness and generosity is everywhere. In six days I've seen more good in people than I expected to see in three months.

Day 3:

After a short chat in the morning, my new friends parted ways. Wanting to head to New York City (who would ever want to ride a bike there?), I continued on my route through northern CT. Had I know that this route is actually one gigantic hill, I may have reconsidered.

Pop quiz: what's worse than getting hit by a car? Crashing! Yes, I fell over, looked like an idiot, and actually succeeded in damaging my bike this time. Contrary to what you may think, huge hills and a bent derailleur hanger don't go very well together. Luckily Marc of Cycle & Fitness in Millerton, NY was able to get me up and running again in no time.

Deciding to call it a day in the fine town of Millerton, I begin looking for a place stay. Determined to find something a bit more accommodating than a crazy mosquito-infested boat launch, I stumbled upon Kevin and Courtney. This incredibly nice couple was eating dinner with their two kids and Kevin's parents when I rudely interrupted asking for a backyard to camp in. What did I get in return? I delicious meal, and a beautiful (and safe) backyard to spend the night in. Maybe this is a strategy worth keeping up...

Miles covered: 65...only 5,805 to go!

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Day 4:

I think that I'm getting the hang of this whole biking thing...or maybe today was just all downhill. Only time will tell, I suppose. The first highlight of today? Free lunch! I met five very nice people eating lunch outside the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park, NY. Dubbing themselves "gourmet tailgaters," they generously fed me everything from oranges to brie cheese.

Continuing on my way, I finally arrived in my destination of Newburgh, NY. I met up with my friend Cathy, whose family gave me a fantastic meal and a nice place to spend the night (thanks again for the accommodations!)

Miles covered: 70...only 5,735 to go!

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Day 5:

My knee hurts. Every pedal stroke, all day, for 70 miles. Why 70 miles? Well, it probably wasn't the smartest idea, but it certainly worked out in my favor...but first things first.

Rolling out of Newburgh, I stopped at a Dunkin Donuts that gave me a free bagel and muffin. I traveled the rest of the day though back-woods New York, on beautiful roads along rolling hills. Supposedly it was 95 degrees out, but I was holding up fine.

Crossing the NY boarder into New Jersey, I entered the Delaware Water Gap on Old Mine Road. What should usually be a beautiful scenic drive along the Delaware River quickly turned into Brian-will-probably-be-caught-in-a-massive-thunderstorm-drive. No joke.

As the sky began to turn darker, and the wind began to blow faster, I began to get slightly more...terrified. With nothing around but trees for miles, this seemed like the single worst place to be caught in a storm. But then, something miraculous happened. After 15 miles of desperate pedaling, I found the Walpack Inn, tucked away in the middle of nowhere. After a short conversation with the owner and his wife, they sheltered me from the storm in my own private cabin for the night.

Now in this particular case, "cabin" might be a bit misleading. This was the farthest thing from rustic that I've ever seen. Electricity, full kitchen, and the most comfortable couch I've ever slept on...It was amazing. Not to mention they gave me a loaf of their home-baked break, a quart of milk, and some butter. That night was perhaps the best night sleep I've ever gotten.

Miles covered: 70...only 5,665 to go!

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Day 6 (part 1):

I'm writing this from the very quiet, quaint, and beautiful town of Belvidere, PA. It's been a very scenic ride up to this point, and I'm working my way towards Bethlehem, PA to stay with my friend James for the next. Stay tuned…

Not Kevin or Courtney, but his parents at least:

And the "tailgaters":

And my lovely cabin for the night:

And the view from my backyard:

And a few from the Deleware Water Gap: