Setting off

Saturday, May 17 (Day 1)

Miles ridden today: 44

Miles ridden total: 44

I spent my spare day intermittently crying over silly things, falling asleep, and spreading the contents of my panniers all over the floor to reorganize yet again.

I only now am beginning to realize how crazy this is. I can't believe I'm actually going to ride my bike all the way across the country--alone! I was trembling all morning due to fear and excitement, it's a wonder I managed to stay on the shoulder of the road. 

Leaving Ithaca, I stopped many times to readjust as things fell off my bike and I tried to get the hang of my most difficult piece of equipment-- my rear view mirror. What's interesting about it is that I have to turn my head while looking to get a full picture of what is behind me, and it took me a while to figure that out. Nothing like a car's mirror!

I made it to my campsite with many scrapes and bruises all over my body (my neck too-- not a clue how that got there!), after having ridden 10 too many miles because I missed a turn.

I am a little bothered by the excessive nature of this campground. There are many, many RV's and maybe three other tents, and everyone has a large truck or van. It also seems kind of silly to pay $30 for a bit of grass and use of a bathroom, although I feel quite safe surrounded by so many people. I can't say I didn't enjoy the warm hand dryer in the bathroom, however... (My feet enjoyed it as well). 

Now all there is to do is wait for an acceptable time to go to sleep!

Apologies for the horrendous formatting-- I'll fix it next time I'm at a computer.