A day in a cyclists life,

I just want to give an idea about how it is to be on the road for a while. So I just pick out a random day on my trip through the USA to introduce my daily routine. Of course every day is different, the day I choose should be a representative one. But as so often things come different …

Early morning: 06:00; 0 km

I sleep well but not in a nice hotel. No, yesterday I found a sports field along the road in a small town named Harvel Illinois. For the last two days I had to fight against the wind constantly blowing from the west and also yesterday I could not cycle longer to reach Lichfield where I could have stayed inside. Temperatures drop down close to the freezing point at night, but it hast to be the tent I said to myself. After inspecting the buildings on the sports field I found an open door which gave entrance to a 2m x 2m small chamber and I decided this as my home. I took all my electronic equipment with me in the sleeping bag to prevent malfunction due to the cold.

I stand up early, six o clock. Pack my gear and prepare breakfast consisting of cereals, fruits and coffee. Suddenly the guy which gave me water for the night shows up and makes sure I survived the night and asks if I need anything. His name is Gilbert and he is the major of Harvel a 250 people community.

Late morning: 08:12; 0km

I get ready and start cycling. The wind is not too strong and I hope to make progress. It’s cloudy and cold but once I am on the move I am fine. After 17km I run into some rain.

Before noon: 09:55; 17km

I am in an unsheltered place and speed up to the next house nearby. Cautious of the dogs I ring the doorbell and a friendly fellow opens inviting me in right away. His name is Roger and he is just fixing cars. We have coffee and a chat together and after the rain and wormed up again, I continue cycling.

Before noon: 10:32; 25km

I hit the famous Route 66 the first time. The road that should bring me to California one day! First I planned to cross the US further north in Colorado. But it’s getting too late in the year so I need a rout further south, let’s check out what Route 66 has to offer.

Noon: 11:25; 37km

Saint Louis is not far and the wind is not too strong, so I might make it down there. I stop at one of the most famous fast food restaurants, of course not to eat, but to use their WiFi internet. Alright there it is “Huckleberry Hostel St. Louis”, call them, make reservation, save the location in the GPS, cycle on …

Noon: 12:35; 44km

Wind is strong now. Headwind! So I make myself small on the bike, putting the elbows on the handle bar and pedal on. I need to eat soon and stop at a gas station to have some food. The options are limited so it’s burger and coke. Cycling goes on and I listen to some music, ZZ top helps me through …

Afternoon: 15:18; 71km

The town Edvardsville is coming closer. From now on I will have to cycle through city traffic I think. But nice surprise there is a paralleling cycling path along route 66 with information desks and map directions. Cycling routs in general are hard to find in the US but here they built them on the old abandoned railway trails. Well done Edvardsville that’s how it needs to be done.

Late afternoon: 17:45; 105km

I cycle down till Horseshoe Lake and spot the Saint Lois skyline the first time looking at the 192m high Gateway Arch monument. The Gateway Arch symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. It’s an internationally famous symbol for Saint Louis. It’s getting dark soon, I need to speed up …

Evening: 18:30; 116km

I cycle through the towns east of Saint Lois. To be honest I don’t feel comfortable. Navigation is not easy. The sun is going down and my GPS guides me through gravel roads, over railways and underneath highways. This is one of the times (happened as well in my years tour guiding) I am very thankful for the wonders of new technology. I find the right bicycle open bridge over the Mississippi river and stop for one or the other picture. Cycling at night is a thing I usually avoid at all costs and it happened the first time on this trip. Also when approaching cities I usually sleep before, or after the town. Or I avoid them. But this time I want to be at that hostel and know that I will rest tomorrow. So I push on …

Evening: 19:10; 125km (time in the saddle: 7h 30min)

Happy and exhausted I reach the hostel, it got dark. A friendly voice speaks to me: “Ah, so you have made it …” Quinn the guy who runs the place expected me already.

Evening: 20:13; 125km (time in the saddle: 7h 30min)

I store the bike, shower, wash my cloths (need 2 nights to dry) and get ready for dinner.

Night: 21:10 – 24:00; 125km (time in the saddle: 7h 30min)

No burgers in Quinn’s recommended bar. But further down the road I have some good American food. Then back to the original bar for a beer, where I meet some friendly fellows. …  Let’s call it a day I say so back to the hostel, write my travel diary, make sure will not cycle tomorrow and fall asleep.

This turned out not to be a representative day, but there is no “normal” day anyway.