Across Country

It is amazing what sort of feats people can do. In the modern age of cars and hotels, there are an adventurous few that would partake in the strenuous danger of bicycle touring.

As I was riding today, I bumped into this guy. I recognized the type of bicycle he was riding by the bags that were slung on the side of the rear wheel. It is a touring bike, which is used for long distances, where one would ride with loaded paniers  (bags that attach to the bicycle for carrying larger loads) full of essentials: clothing, food, shelter, all of which is used on the journey. Different sets of clothes are for battle the different types of weather that one may encounter. Food is obvious, proper sustenance is required to keep the body going especially when cycling for double digit hours at a time. And shelter is used for the many stops taken on the journey for rest and recovery.

I had followed him for about 200m where we talked a bit. During our conversation which was interrupted by passing traffic, I never caught his name but what I was told was where he came from and where he was riding to. He lives in Ohio and had ridden all the way over here in Las Vegas. He mentioned something about California and the horrid weather coming here; I'm not sure of what route he had taken exactly.

Talking to cyclists is enlightening and sustains my respect for others not only with similar interests but with the spirit and courage to do something amazing like this man.