Whenever I could, I'd opt for a Warmshowers host. Warmshowers is an incredible network of volunteers who let Cycle Tourers stay in their house for a night (or a few) and sometimes offer dinner/breakfast, advice, company, stories, etc. Warmshowers hosts are some of the kindest and most generous people in the world and made for some of the most memorable stops on my journey. They host out of a deep passion and care for this community, and on the agreement that it's a karmic arrangement--tourers are encouraged to be hosts sometime in the future, whenever they find themselves in a position to give back to the community. I am inspired by the generosity of my hosts--inspired to help other cyclists in the future.
If a Warmshowers was unavailable (and they can be available in the most remote and surprising of places), my next best option was a hostel, which was a reliable option in medium and large cities, and sometimes in unexpected towns, like Mitchell, OR, and Muskegon, MI.
If I had to, or if the right opportunity presented itself, I'd camp. I carried a tent etc. but this was really a last resort. I am not a big camper. Motels were a reliable standby for a hot shower and safe place for my stuff. Often cheaper than even a campground. On a small handful of times, I was able to stay with a friend or a friend of a friend.
Yes. Many.
Only around cars. Many people think there are predatory individuals lurking around waiting to stab me and take my... bike bags? Petty cash? People were usually kind, but always respectful.
NOPE. $200 Craigslist Clunker from the 80's. A Nishiki. Solid steel frame. Served my needs perfectly. I named her Nishi. More than one old dude stopped me to talk about my bike, in particular, the lugged frame. Something rather impressive, I guess, although I didn't even know what that was until one of those old dudes explained it to me.
Tortillas and peanut butter. Carrots and peanut butter. Apples and peanut butter. Peanut butter and peanut butter. Peanut butter is packed with protein and tasty fat and is the great bike super food (in my opinion. Some people swear by donuts or caffeine gels etc.) If I had a Warmshowers host, I'd usually be able to look forward to a great homemade meal. I frequented many small town diners and the near-ubiqitous McDonald's. Nothing beats a couple of McChickens on the side of a road.
0 miles on a good day. 90 miles on a tough day. Averaged around 60, I'd guess. 60 was a comfortable day. 40 was a breeze. 20 was hardly worth packing the bike for.
Looking to innundate this trip with symbolism, I brought a copy of Homer's Odyssey--befitting my own odyssey. By the time I arrived in NY, I was carrying a half dozen books from various indie bookstores I stumbled across and wanted to support. I also had a pocket radio which was invaluable. In Astoria, OR, I bought a Discman and carried 5 CDs with me. I'd also buy a local paper when available.
Many people have many reasons for knowing me and the only thing you all have in common is that you have somehow found yourself on this website. Some of you are family who have known me since birth and are interested in the antics of a weird relative. Many are friends who have known me or an aspect of myself for years. And many of you I have encountered in one of a thousand situations, perhaps for only a few moments, hours, months.
My name is Jordan Dashel. I am a puckish Oregon-born Seattle-native in my early 20s now residing in New York, NY. I've been many things, slipping from one thing to an entirely unrelated other. I am a proudly queer asexual. I have an eccentrically diverse collection of interests, hobbies, occupations, friends and goals. I try to spread joy to the lives of the people I meet, challenging their doubts about the world and what we can do in it. I am always cognizant of the privilege that lets me do so.