Philly to Lancaster Left at 9:45 AM after goodbyes to all. Peg: Spoke to Doug at 10:30 PM. He's camping a few miles past Lancaster. He is very excited about an incredible coincidence that happened 2 miles from our house. It seems that a fellow biker met up with him and asked where he was going. When he told him, "across the country", the other biker replied that he did that 4 years ago. Doug remembered reading about this guy who made the trip from AC to SF in 1999 and now he met him AS HE WAS ACTUALLY EMBARKING ON HIS JOURNEY. FREAKY... it's definitely a sign... good karma... and all that jazz!!! This leg was hillier than expected and he ate a HUGE dinner at Cactus Willy's. Doug's actual notes to follow when they arrive...
Day 2 - August 19, 2003
Late start. Said goodbyes to Peg and kids, not before getting a briefing on how to use the cell phone. I can’t believe I have a cell phone. Fought it until now. And here I sit in Cell Phone 101... my instructor: Troy! Have a guide book to learn the ins and outs and the more advanced features. I’m already thinking about ordering a pizza to my tent in the woods one rainy night. Saying good-bye wasn’t too bad. I joyfully yelled out, “Bye - Bye Upper Darby!” Day 2 is underway and I smile as I see Upper Darby in the rear view mirror.
Two miles later - Great Biking Karma strikes. This is a sign! The coincidence is mind-blowing. Here’s what happened. I’m pedaling along, minding my own business when I hear a voice alongside me say, “How far are you going?” So I tell this older dude “across the country.” He says, “Oh, I did that in 1999.” I looked at him and said, “You’re not the guy from Havertown I read about in the paper?” He said, “Yes.”
Whoa - this had to be a good sign. I kept thinking if I had left 2 minutes earlier or later our paths would not have crossed. His name is Gary Rigg. I believe he is in his 60’s and he did it in 1999. 39 days - Atlantic City to San Francisco. He started August 13th, so I asked him about the weather and a million other questions. He did it without a touring load and stayed in motels the whole way. He said Pennsylvania is the HARDEST STATE! And it makes West Virginia look EASY!
Art Carey writes a column on fitness for the Philadelphia Inquirer and I remember reading it. It’s in the month of November 1999. I offered to buy him a soda or coffee and even though he was about to turn off to go to Bike Line he said, “No, let’s keep riding. I’ll ride with you for a while.” I felt this amazing sense of kindred spirit with all others who’ve done it. I still can’t believe it happened. He said that there is another guy from our area that is on a trip that just passed the 1000 day mark! When I get back, I will have to get together with these guys and compare notes. See - this is not such a big deal after all.
2:30 PM Atglen, PA - 39.66 miles so far. Stop for lunch. Passed an Amish woman mowing her lawn in a dress. Oh, maybe she was Mennonite. I didn’t ask, I just waved hello as I passed. Thought about taking the picture of the day of a beautiful farm with a large pond with tall trees on an island in the middle, but didn’t. Kinda wish I did now.
Riding through Amish country, passed many farm vehicles, horses and buggies. The manure smell was everywhere. Took the picture of the day at a sign for 999East/ 999West. Just liked the sign with all those 9’s. Looked unusual. Could have taken standard buggy/farm scenery type shot, but didn’t.
Chatted up owner of lunch place in Atglen. She said she had a friend who rode a horse across the country - Maine to S.F. Maybe I’ll git me a horse when I git to San Diego.
7:00 PM Rohrerstown, PA - 67.42 miles in 5 hours 50 minutes Total miles = 139.4
Tomorrow will cross the Mighty Susquehanna. Scouted out a spot to pitch a tent behind a Business School. Hope they don’t have early classes. Dinner at Cactus Willies - free refills I hope!
Route notes: 3 West, 162 West, Strasburg Rd. West, 372 West, 741 West