And although I hope the dead don’t keep it, I’m going by another road. Guymon, OK is the farthest west I will have gone on this trip. It’s melancholy, but after checking elevations on my route through NM and realizing how quickly the weather changes out here, I’m retreating. I’m now moving east and south into Texas.
I’m now sitting in a Starbucks (the first one in weeks) in Enid, OK, plotting my route into Texas. I’m aiming for Austin and then Houston, where I have a friend.
I have a lot of mixed emotions about abandoning my goal to reach California. On the one hand, my route has been in a constant state of change, as advice and weather have pushed me farther and farther south. So, it shouldn’t be a big deal to change it even farther and make a big U-turn into Texas. On the other hand, it’s hard to let go of a goal that’s motivated me this whole trip.
Can the success of a journey be measured by something other than the destination? I certainly hope so. I’ve seen and learned so much about the country on the road. A funny thing is the number of people who have asked (incredously): “what route could have brought you to this town?” I don’t have much of an answer for them, since my route has always been something of a mystery to me.
I’ve also learned a lot about bike touring and living on the road. I’m really looking forward to future bike trips, where at least the nuts and bolts of bike travel are known elements. Gotta finish this trip first.
Off I go, I’m hitching a ride farther south towards Dallas.
Tags: bike tour, Ciao America
October 21st, 2009 at 7:38 pm
You know the answer to your own question, my friend: this is a complete success, and I say that in full confidence even before you safely arrive in the great nation of Texas.
As you said, knowledge of the country, the nuts and bolts you’ve met—let alone all those bike related parts and details about traveling on two silent wheels. Knowledge.
Powerful stuff.
I read your Twitter updates and often say (yes, out loud…I know: goofy), “You go, girl.” And I wish I was riding along side, although for a longer stretch than just into our sleepy little town…
So, with that: You go, girl. Hope to hear more soon.
Dylan
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:19 am
I’m SO impressed by your trip. Seems like you’ve met so many people and been to some really unique places. You’re not heading back, you’re just heading in a new direction. Heading back would mean feigning stomach cancer:)
Also i’m sure you have the best quads in america by now, which has to count for something too!