Walking on Sunshine (Day Seventeen)

Today was a day of extreme emotional highs and lows. If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I started this day fighting back the urge to burst out crying. (It probably didn’t help that I was listening to “Bluer Than Blue” on my Nano.) I knew rain was in the forecast, so I got an early start. I was on the road by 6:00. My first mistake was taking off with an empty stomach. Cumberland Farms was just down the road (in the opposite direction) and I should have stopped for a breakfast sandwich and a coffee. I planned on having breakfast in Mabbettsville. Well, I missed the turn onto 343 North, because there was no highway sign if you were headed north on 22. This meant riding 7 miles out of my way, which pissed me off. Especially since I was already hungry. I reached in my bag for my Kind Bar, but it was buried in my trailer, and I couldn’t get to it. 

I finally got to 343, and there was a huge, winding climb. I walked up most of it because I had no fuel in me. After that, it was only 6 miles to Mabbettsville. A general store with a very kind owner provided eggs over easy, toast, coffee and orange juice. Everything tasted so good. The tears were a result of frustration from going the wrong way, feeling alone, and feeling like I’ve reached this point of my life without much to show for it. It’s easy to fall into depression sometimes, but the riding that followed lifted me out of it.

I never realized just how beautiful New York is! The scenery I biked through between Mabbettsville and Clinton Corners absolutely took my breath away. And it was full of super fun downhill runs. I stopped at the gas station at Clinton Corners and a small crowd gathered around me. Everyone there was so sweet and extremely interested in my ride. 

It began to rain, and I was not dressed appropriately. I took off my yellow biking jacket, which was soaked, and switched to my nice warm EMS jacket. I’m proud of myself for packing the items I really need! I got a little lost in Poughkeepsie, since many of the streets were not marked. The gentleman at the front desk of the hotel was super helpful and when I got there, he gave me a discount on my room. I had a yummy dinner down the road, and felt much better about everything. I’m taking a day off the bike seat today, and although I did start my day crying (darn it!), I’m better now. I’m just an emotional person, and this is an emotional thing, right? Tears are bound to happen, and the further away from home I get, the harder it will be. I’m so grateful for all of the kind people I’ve met along the way so far. And I’m grateful for the kind people at home who cheer me up over the phone. It means a lot to me. I love you all. XOXO (45 miles today)