If I took the time to list the specific events of the last several weeks, I'd have to force myself to reread them.
bike trip ends, bus ticket purchased, promises made about another option, time spent waiting for other option to come about, other option never pans out, stress sets in, bus tickets again purchased, 2 days in Virginia Beach, bus tickets purchased 2 days in Harper's Ferry, bus tickets purchaes, hours in Cleveland, hours in Buffalo, passport reviewed, and finally, I arrived in Canada - Ottawa to be exact.
My bicycle touring dream came to screeching halt some time after my arrival into Virginia. I spent a fair amount of time along the Outer Banks, considering calling it quits anyway and living as long as possible there. The coast line is very much advantagous to feelings of "this might very well be it..." Still, though, I pushed on and into Virginia.
Immediately after crossing the Virginia state line, my bike began to have SEVERE issues - bottom bracket issues to be exact. The problems started as a super loose bearing system, to grinding metal on metal, to no pedaling at all. By this time, I made it to the largest, closest town, Suffolk, where there is a super nice bike shop. The bike shop was almost perfect, but the repair itself presented what I always knew loomed in the distance should I suffer a mechanical issue; namely, that my bike is well past its prime (well, the components on it), and anything that broke couldn't be repaired, but rather, would have to be replaced. Such was the case with my entire crank system. Yes, Shimano still makes a compatible updated bottom bracket system, but no, not every shop in the country sells it, or has access to order it. In this case I was left with the realization that I'd have to replace cranks and all - to the tune of some $250 to $300.00. I was doing this on the cheap, which was good, so long as the most pressing concern was food/lodging. If in September I factored in bicycle repairs, it's fair to say the whole thing might not have happened at all. Still, I left anyway...
I realized a few hours into my first bus trip out of Virginia that the original ride from Atlanta to San Diego back in September (and points north) was really something truly amazing if for no other reason that at any turn the whole thing could have come to a complete stop (it was very close in Florida) at anytime. And, too, that it may have been a little much to take the strength I received from that trip and try to have another go at it. I was afraid, too, in Virginia, that I had spoiled the amazing feeling of the first trip by pushing too hard and wanting too much. Not sure yet where I stand with that - better to have tried, and come of short, than to never have tried at all I guess. Or, it's better to travel than arrive.*
I've decided to begin using a word to describe myself - not a real word exactly, but one that fits
Transportationist.
And, since part of this suggest one who is also an opportunist, I'm here, in Canada, with the expectation of take advantage of an opportunity that might be here, might not. While I've never been to Canada before, I consider myself over-seasoned (ha) when it comes to cross-country bus travel.
Anyway, Canada makes as much sense as Georgia, which in turn made less sense that spending time in Virginia.
j
* Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
