A Big time in a Small World

Survival Guide to riding Cross country

Rule #2 When riding sneezing with your helmet still on, not a good idea. *You will think it’s very funny at first but then when you‘ve realized what you’ve done the fun quickly fades.

Four days have gone by and I’ve already been to five different states, each one with something great to offer. Maine and the Nubble lighthouse set the bar high but New Hampshire and Mt. Washington are definitely coming in strong.

Mt. Washington is 6,288 feet above sea level. The highest peak east of the Mississippi and one of the most incredible views I have ever seen. The whole thing is an experience. Isabella and I rode up the side of the mountain on a road that wraps around like a snake subduing its prey. Then we reached the top and had to climb this small rock mountain. Issy wasn’t allowed up at this point, but I climbed to the peak and realized that there wasn’t a heavy fog rolling though, but at that height it was clouds surrounding us.

For a second there you realize how overwhelming small you truly are. How as a human in relation to what we have going on around us, we are almost insignificant. I’m 5’9 (on a good day with my boots on) Small for a guy for sure. Mt Washington is 1200 of me plus some. But then think of the size of the world in relation to the Mountain; the size of the Sun to the world and lastly the Universe to the Sun. What I’m getting at is for those people who talk down to people and treat others less than human STOP. In the long run we may be able to overpower someone, may be taller or even wealthier than someone, whatever the case we still are not even a speck of recognition in the grand scheme of things. So for those people who believe that the world revolves around them you still aren’t anything compared to the universe.

It was getting pretty dark and I had decided to go to Uni. Of New Hampshire for the night. It ended up being further then I was told, but it was on my way to the next spot. I had no idea how to get there so the park ranger (who is an Alum) gave me directions. He and I got to talking and he told me something that’s shocking, but doesn’t shock me. This mountain that I had had such an awesome experience on, most of the people in New Hampshire have not even been to. He said well over half have not made the trip. For us to understand and appreciate what other places and people have to offer, we first need to appreciate what’s in our own backyard. I know so many people who haven’t been to the Empire State building or the Statue of Liberty and have lived in NY for 20 years or more. Jawaharial Nehru says

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

Start in your own backyard, there’s something out there for everyone we just have to look for it.

After the park ranger gave me some awesome directions I finally made it into Durham, NH and the Uni. of New Hampshire campus. I was staying here for the night, but I had no place to sleep. I was thinking I’d just park the bike and find a place to camp out, but the forecast called for rain. I knew there would be some preseason athletes on campus and it was later in the day so I automatically thought to check out the Dining hall. No go they didn’t seem responsive to my subtle hints for a place to crash so I moved on.

I was starving at this point, so I went into a local pizzeria for a couple of slices and had a great idea. I asked the guy working behind the counter who the Craziest party frat was around. In my mind thinking if they are anything like Animal House or Old school I could at least find a floor to crash on. He mentioned Alpha Tau Omega and PBR (yes after blue ribbon) I had seen the Alpha house, it was huge and dudes were playing golf on the lawn so I checked it out first.

I roll up and everyone has gone inside. Stroll up to the door and…knock knock knock….No answer. “Hello” No answer this went on for a few seconds until the heard me and called me up. I’m a little nervous I know nothing about these dudes they know nothing about me and I’m asking to crash. “Hey my names Joe I’m traveling across country on my bike and I’ve been on for about 7 hours today, I’m looking for a couch floor whatever, to crash on, on my way to Albany you mind if I stay?” After a few minutes of deliberation they said it was cool I could sleep on a couch downstairs. Phew mission accomplished.

These dudes were a good time, I got there around 9:00pm and we all hung out until around 2:00am. They reminded me of the typical frat the bigger guy who is funny and probably should be a bouncer at some time in his life; the crazy short guy who is wiry and pulls all the pranks and is always going a mile a min; the foreign guy who gets all the girls and has crazy stories. All of the elements were there. If frats were like this where I went to school I definitely would have pledged. They were cool guys hanging out having a good time, without having to be fools. ATO Thanks guys and “you know what I just realized, that if I drink this beer…..” Jordan do me a favor keep the hot sauce out of your eye. After the trip I might have to come back up just to see them during the year.

Today (Thursday) is a travel Day I’m stopping in Albany for lunch then out to Syracuse for the night. On my way to see Niagara Falls and my “sister” Katie tomorrow.

(Soar above the clouds and never let your wings get clipped.)

One Mile at a time.