Vacation Ambivalence and Fatigue

What is a vacation? For me it's a time to recharge, travel, and do something meaningful.

In that vein, I'm planning two weeks off in September for a bicycle adventure, preferably out of state. But the logistics in the light of rising Covid cases, and personal comfort level, has made me have second thoughts.

And I'm tired. Tired of the unknown, Tired of thwarted plans. Tired (and jealous) of all the visitors entering Vermont this summer because of our relatively safe environment, when in fact, despite our wonderful leadership, we're not immune to rising virus cases. Tired of doing my best in a difficult situation as if living on unstable soil. I imagine we're all exhausted. I'm due for a good cry.

We put one foot in front of the other - some days literally - and march onward, stoic, because it's the best we can do. I'll pedal somewhere in September - whether it will be meaningful and restorative remains to be seen. I'm hopeful that remaining flexible means I'll point my wheels somewhere and return home in a better headspace. 

Flying By the Seat of My Bike Shorts

Riding scary trails at Perry Hill until I discovered less crowded part of the system.
Slowly meandering in the woods was more my style.

This summer has been a whirlwind, escaping the home office for rides of any flavor: mountain biking on weekends, evening tootles anywhere, and sometimes setting out without a particular destination, hoping for inspiration en route.

Foam Brewery has a nice terrace.

I check out outdoor restaurants and breweries, wishing for available tables, often finding crowds and waiting lines - not a comfortable dining situation for me at the moment. I got lucky one Tuesday evening at a popular microbrewery and spent a delightful time by myself - a one woman party until sundown - eventually cruising homeward on a balmy night. 

What a refreshing plunge into lighted pathways again! Normally dodging pedestrians and ringing my bell, I'm reminded how much I miss the quiet night and the sounds of crashing waves on nearby Lake Champlain. 

I've had a grand time trying out different Terry bike shorts. Who knew I'd love compression and padding, least of all this aging cyclist? I have favorites that I prefer, and shockingly love capri/knicker length style when conditions warrant extra coverage. I'm not sure where this current opportunity is going but I'm enjoying daily comfortable bike rides.

We escaped Vermont for a Father's Day overnight ride to visit a friend in New York. Surprisingly, our youngest son tagged along, seizing the opportunity to try his new gravel bike. It was rather hot, but taking a ferry across Lake Champlain, and shady New York roads were delightful.

Charlotte covered bridge, a favorite route to the ferry dock.

And returning the next day, our friend and her companion lead us on an alternate route back to the ferry.

On the home front bike shop, I'm slowly getting to know the Dahon Eco 3 by fits and starts, firstly by adjusting the derailleur, surprising myself that I could actually do it! Up next will be a new seat and remove the obnoxiously large and loud bell, assess the tire condition, then head out for a 10 mile shakedown. As in life, you take one day at a time with some projects, figuring it out as you go.

What else is new about 2020-2021?

Meet the Dahon Eco 3

Dahon Eco 3, a hunk of shiny red love.

What is it about a shiny red bike that draws my eye? Is it because it's in pristine condition, newer, lighter aluminum frame with rear rack and fenders, solid equipment unlike my current folder's accessories? 

It's all of the above!

I gave myself an out too, because the last thing I need is another folding bike. To that end I made an afternoon appointment, expecting the bike to be sold by then. It is 2021 after all, and everyone wants a bicycle! And then I pedaled my Dahon Boardwalk to the sellers house to compare both bikes side by side. A test ride confirmed that the aluminum frame with steel fork rode well, the derailleur needing minimal adjustment. 

But dang, I don't need another bike, I thought.

It was practically new, hmmm, and that shiny red color, did I say how beautiful that red is? I offered considerably less than the asking price, and when the seller counteroffered, I explained my reasoning, going so far as to suggest she wait a few days, because I presumed someone would pay full asking price.

Pretty please, I thought, don't accept my offer.

Ugh, she accepted my offer! Maybe it was meant to be...so I pedaled to the nearest ATM (see, I didn't bring cash, another out) and came back to buy THE SHINIEST RED BIKE, and it's nearly brand spanking new.

Of course, riding a bike to buy a bike has inherent problems (even with regular yoga practice I'm not Godzilla) so I returned with my husband in tow who planned on using the car at the same time. Let's just say that he didn't speak to me for a while. 

Look at the barely used freewheel!

I did my research beforehand. New, the Eco 3 was listed at 380.00 and only available in 2010-2011 - and that's without rack and fenders. 7 gears, adjustable stem, Dahon-style bungee, separate eyelets for derailleur and axle - all improvements on the Boardwalk.

The beefy rack and fenders are worth about half of what I paid (150.00) and would be an upgrade to my Boardwalk. I'm not sure what I'll do to or with this new bike. Part of me loves the Boardwalk's steel frame, part of me itches for a lighter weight folder, and I wonder if waiting for a newer, modern model, with front truss block, double chainring - more geared for touring - should be my next step.

It can still be, I suppose.

Until then. I have a new toy, er, bicycle.

Bicycle acquisition really is a rabbit hole, isn't it?

The Simplest, Easiest Bike Overnight

The Peugeot Saint Laurent, my commuter bike, is perfect for a quick bike overnight.

We are lucky to live a two-mile ride from - along a stellar lakefront rail trail, no less - our cozy camp on Lake Champlain. It's a spot that holds family memories, the best place to relax on breezy summer days, accompanied with refreshing lake dips. There's nothing better than sipping a cold drink while relaxing in cushioned deck chairs, then later on, marveling at beautiful sunsets - in short, the camp and its view are a treasure!

I have mentioned staying at camp in the autumn, and a fun family ride for a coffeeneuring outing, plus errands - all when we lived 6 miles away, through a maze of tight neighborhoods, near a busy university and hospital. Fast forward to 2020, relocating closer to the lake, getting settled, then enduring a record-breaking hot summer. I lost interest in visiting this family residence. Looking back, it was a period of major transition, and our perceptive youngest son said something that hit home: camp for him meant hanging out with friends and family, not encouraged in 2020. Certainly, a rollercoaster year we'd all like to put behind us.

In 2021, vaccines are making family events look promising. I have renewed interest in this amazing spot, even though we reside near water. It's been by far, best to eat dinner at home, pack a few necessities in panniers, then pedal 20 minutes to camp. We eat breakfast with a view of the lake, then return to work from home. I have packing down to a science, filling two small panniers. I schlep all belongings back and forth, lending freedom based on weather or mood.

I can't think of an easier bike overnight, and yet so worth it!

Ideas for 2021

As some routines start to resort back to normal, I'm starting to think about travel. I know it will be different, of course, but welcome in whatever capacity!

I need a proper vacation in 2021 - specifically, out of state. To that end, my goal will be to practice bike camping locally on the Dahon - flatter terrain is essential with limited gears - with the long-term goal of a multiday excursion later in 2021, heading to the Atlantic Coast. Is it possible to carry enough gear on a folder without affecting steering, etc. or should I forego the camping and/or cooking part? Either way, local experience is key before setting out on longer adventures.

I have reservations with, well, reservations! Understandably, there's pent up demand with increased pressure on campgrounds, motels, etc. all of which makes me unwilling to commit to travel plans months in advance of when Amtrak is supposed to resume service in our region. I'm worried that travel anxiety will nix my out of state quest in favor of in-state adventures. Even local parks are seeing spots fill up months in advance. 2021 travel is complicated! I may reserve a few days at a NY campground, in hopes the other plans will follow, and if that doesn't work out then hopefully I'll be able to cancel reservations.

I'm starting to access camping equipment, rack setups - something that was the furthest from my mind a year ago - so perhaps all is not lost.

Baby steps, 2021. Baby steps...