COVID CROSS

Covid Cross Day #1 June 1, 2020 Brooklyn, NY to  Chester, NY - 76.8 Miles Start 7:19 AM Finish 5:01 PM Ride Time 8:20 Ascent 3649 Feet Descent 3234 Feet Tour Total 81.7 Miles Details at:  http://cyclemeter.com/3f1ef27914a4c684/Cycle-20200601-0719-13319 I dedicate this journal to my mom who passed away in December. She relished travel and was an active hiker. I have never been so nervous about beginning a bike tour. The country is ripping apart at the seams because of racial injustice and COVID. I’m worried that this trip might not be a good idea. I’m concerned about my personal safety and fear that I could get stuck somewhere. I’m worried about my home, friends, neighbors, and my dog Blanka. Will I be able to return to my life as planned when the tour is over? Last night I slept OK in my big comfy bed and woke up early. Everything was packed and ready. I had double-checked all of my equipment. Blanka had been brought to Mehiko and Fernando’s the night before. My home felt...

Covid Cross Day #2 June 2, 2020 Chester, NY - Delaware Water Gap, PA 87 Miles Start 8:18 AM Finish 7:40 PM Ride Time 9:43 Ascent 4899 Feet Descent 4949 Feet Tour Total 169.5 Miles Details at: https://cyclemeter.com/3f1ef27914a4c684/Cycle-20200602-0818-68754 I slept well last night in my stealth camping spot alongside the Orange Heritage Trail. Myk's tent had been set up right behind mine. The loud roar of I-84 thundered in the distance. Birds started chirping at 5:30am. After I awoke, I sat in my tent for an hour editing yesterday’s report. My laptop is a joy to write on, compared to typing on my phone. I can’t believe I’ve been creating these journals on my phone all this time. It was a slow pack up. My tent was wet from condensation. Myk found a tick crawling up his leg. Joggers and cyclists were already out on the trail. We had an 8:15 start. Myk was heading back to the city and I was continuing west. We elbow bumped before departing. It was sad to be going forward ...