Several people have raised singular eyebrows in my direction at the mention of cycling in America. Still more have produced the good old double-take when I tell them I'm going alone. Dan even suggested I might get raped (charming!) in Alabama, but this reaction I feel is influenced by the cast of TopGear visiting the State during one series. Many more folk ask whether I am doing this for charity. It seems that charity becomes a driving force when attempting a unique and challenging feat these days. Charity provides the motivation to do. I have to admit I'm not a fan of this approach. Don't get me wrong- charity is a noble cause and you could suggest, with a solid argument, that in not becoming involved with a charity I am allowing a vital opportunity to promote welfare for others slip by.
I am plumbing my own depths here. The distance is set by me and it can freely be altered, as can the route. This is my challenge- and why I am travelling and camping alone. It leaves me free to explore, to go when invited or to leave on a whim. If I cycle my intended 1300 miles, when I finish I know that it has been my determination that has brought the experiences.
Chuck asked if I would make it back to Jacksonville in time for a little party, and I intend to. Gemma mentioned that I might need to hire a car as the party is some miles outside Jacksonville. I'm sure a couple of hours extra cycling won't hurt ;)
(If I get hit by a car in those last two hours, boy am I going to feel foolish!)
Recently the US government granted me my ESTA. I kept the text as it's nice to know that the authority of one of the world's superpowers approves of you. The application made me chuckle though, when it asked me whether I would like to admit to engaging in espionage. Surely the point of espionage is that when people ask you if you are a spy, you deflect this unwanted attention with a casual laugh and denial, or distract them with a sharp suit. The application even orders you to waive your human right to a heated argument should a customs official decide you are undesirable. The word of the customs official in this day and age apparently carries as much authority as would God whilst working in a pharmacy, sorry- drugstore. Musn't get lost in the translation. In a nutshell, there are the first curio's I wish to explore. I'm visiting as much for the people as for the land. I've read Bill Bryson and Josie Dew, and they excite me as because of the people they meet and impressions they received whilst travelling. I'm already looking forward to meeting that customs official, seeing the communities, reading the billboards and deciphering the culture.
I would go slower, and try to take in more, but America is not a country to be walked in. It is just too vast. Besides, anyone who knows me knows I prefer to stay active. I tried to do my beach lifeguard timed swim at half pace the other day, aiming to finish in 16mins instead of 8. I managed 8.14. Apparently I have only one speed, so this is Rambling for the impatient.
America...see you in 33 days!
