Three bicycles crossed rte. 43 in front of me today. No news there, but these bikes were loaded with gear, obviously out for the long haul. Always curious about where wanderers are wandering to, I made a quick U-turn and intercepted them in Riverbend Estates. They said they just started in Peninsula today and were heading to Youngstown, but I wanted to know their final destination. They looked at each other and said "We don't know." I've interviewed lots of self-propelled travelers, but that's an answer I've never heard. Turns out they are headed to visit New England, but after that, who knows? Maybe Washington D. C.
"What route are you taking to Youngstown?" I asked. "We're just going to feel our way and pick roads as we go." That certainly adds to an already adventurous adventure.
They are not out on an unplanned lark, however. Their bikes were perfect for the trip, and the bags and racks were high quality. They know what they are doing.
The two travelers on the left in the photo have a time limit. They just finished interning at the Environmental Education Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on a visa from Slovenia, and wanted to ride around the country before their visa ran out. The woman on the right befriended the Slovenians and lives in Peninsula. Although, as of today, she no longer resides there. She sold/stored her belongings and will send them to her next residence. Which, as you recall, she does not know - until she gets there. Think about that. She's off on a bike trip not knowing where she's going, or where she will end up, or even the route she will take a few hours from now. And when she does end up somewhere, that will be home.
I envied their freedom as I watched them head east on the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. I wish I had the freedom to do that. No - I wish I had the guts to create the freedom to do that.