The bicycle saga ended months ago, yet somehow the adventure continues...
... I still find myself urinating in people's yards. Frequently it's my own garden, but every now and then nature calls when I'm out walking and I can't help but use a convenient rhododendron bush for the excellent coverage it provides.
... last month I got a "thumbs-up" from a school bus driver who was thrilled that I screeched to a halt at the sight of her red stop sign swinging outwards. Kids scrambled off the bus and crossed the street in front of me, backpacks weighing them down like over-sized turtle shells. "You don't understand how many of 'em just keep going!" she shouted out the window at me. I assumed that "many of 'em" referred to all cyclists, and I grinned, swiveling my hand merrily like a princess on parade, and as an entire busload of schoolkids chugged past, I had the satisfaction of knowing that I had just been a good example on two wheels.
... this journey has been excellent ammunition for almost every writing and research assignment that's come my way this term at Pacific University. It's almost as if by NOT being in school, I've gotten more material to use IN school. Hence, I am as rabid an advocate as ever for young scholars to take breaks from academia and go do something brave/spontaneous/unsettling for a semester. It'll rock yo' world!
... if anyone's in the area, I'm using this bicycle odyssey as grounds for my Senior Capstone Project. I'll be giving a 20 minute talk on how bicycle touring connects to Permaculture on April 25th at the Pacific University Forest Grove campus. All are welcome! I'll keep you posted as to the time and exact classroom.
Thanks for reading, y'all, and keep your own adventures rolling!
