Waiting at the Morganaza spillway to hitch a ride, I spotted another bicyclist in the distance. This was the first time in 2000 miles I just didn't feel safe. As Assaf approached, I could clearly see that he was a similar breed. Dirty, sweaty, panniers packed to the brim, on a journey...
We had a brief exchange and when I mentioned I was trying to hitch a ride, he insisted that he would ride ahead. I did not. A jeep with no doors towing a fishing boat arrived a minute later to offer a ride. A father and daughter with hunting bows had me throw my bike in the boat and shuttled me to the next exit after the bridge. This bridge was 4 miles long with no shoulder for riding. The option was to own the lane and take my chances or get a ride.
As we passed Assaf on his bike, it was the first time I saw how dangerous bike touring can be. I Immediately called my fiance and told her what had happened, and how concerned I was for my fellow journeymen. He was willing to take a chance I was not, and having done this sort of thing before, and been more arrogant in a previous life, I see how dangerous a young man's arrogance can be. I do want the road. And I do want the freedom. But like all things, it's a juggling act, and in the end one must choose which pins he will choose to hold and which he will drop.
Today I biked 130km. A good start for catching up on those rest days!
Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow!