Day One
April 19, 2007
And so ends the first day on the road. I’m in West Orange, New Jersey, staying with Nan Wise and her husband John – two fascinating and engaging people. (well, I know Nan is fascinating. I only talked to John and he seemed fascinating, but he could end up talking a lot about socks, or something.
Would you think it was entertaining if I told you how far I ride each day? I would, I think. Today’s info after the jump!
Route: Princeton to West Orange NJ
Miles:40
Miles in car: 10ish. I know, the first day? really? but the bridge I was planning to take across the D and R Canal was flooded, and the police officer I talked to was pretty serious about not letting me cross. I asked nicely and everything.
Plus I got to met Kenny, who runs a nursery with his family and was an immensely entertaining driving companion. He lifted Rhonda into his truck, even though I warned him she was REALLY heavy. I haven’t actually weighed her (if you’re just joining us, Rhonda is my bike, not some unconscious woman I found by the side of the road), but I suspect she’s pushing 100 pounds. I don’t know what all I have in there, but I can’t POSSIBLY need it all. The problem is that everything that seems extraneous doesn’t weigh that much…the pan flute comes to mind…but everything that weighs a lot I could someday need. The other thing is that at least for the next month, I’m going to be in the heart of civilization, so I’m seriously considering shipping some stuff to Chicago for when I hit roads that are miles from nowhere.
Hanging out with Nan this evening was a lot of fun – I went with her to hear her present on the new science of happiness, which basically boils down to: you are responsible for your own happiness, and if we stop being so hung up on working to make money to have things that will make us happy, and instead focus on being engaged with the world and being mindful of our presence, happiness will come. Some people have heard me describe myself as pathologically happy, which I mean only half jokingly. I have been really wonderfully content with my life these past few years, and I am incredibly excited for this summer and going to school in the fall. Nan told me about lots of great books which I’m hoping to work into some of my reading lists… the nice thing about making up your own Master’s is that you get to study exactly what you want to, so I can do independent reading if I don’t find classes that work for me.
Which speaking of, I don’t think I’ve mentioned here that I did decide to go to NYU. I’ll be studying at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and earning an MA in the Politics of Reproductive Health Care and Sexuality Education.
Also, out of curiousity, is anyone actually reading this? I think you are, but no one ever writes…its a little unnerving to send all this out into the ether and not ever know if anyone is looking at it. So, if you got this far, leave a comment! I would appreciate it greatly. Stuck for comment ideas? Tell me which you’re most interested in hearing about:
A) Chafing and other bicycle related happenings
B)Nora’s observations on New England, including that it is a little worrisome that they feel a need to put up SO many no hunting signs
C) Stories from my meetings and interactions with wanderlusty people
First five people to comment get a top secret special prize!
Entry Filed under: On the Road. .
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1.
Toni | April 19, 2007 at 5:55 am
I’m reading your blogs Nora! I lie eharing about the local people and happenings…and random signs posted.
No prize needed if I’m in the top five.
love, Toni
2.
Charley Hasenbeck | April 19, 2007 at 7:34 am
Options B and C are cool, but chafing stories are always interesting! Good luck Nora! Do I get to choose what week I sponsor your food? Lurve you much.
3.
Jeannie Lee | April 19, 2007 at 11:05 am
I’m reading!!! I love it! I’m traveling with you cyber-style.
GO NORA! GO RHONDA!
4.
Don | April 19, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Hi Nora. No one is looking. I didn’t read your blog. Just kidding. I wanted to hear you had safely arrived in West orange. I didn’t think about crossing the Millstone River. Bummer. Remind me sometime and I’ll tell you about the ride in an ATV that Chris and I got through Big Sur when the road was out. The kindness of strangers …
Rainy today but you should have three great weather days to follow!
Where to next?
5.
Mom | April 19, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Hi Nora,
Yes, I’m faithfully reading it, and reading it to your grandmother who seems somewhat better and is following your trip with interest. You know how strongly pro-Choice she’s always been.
I want to hear about all of your options – I know, more long posts to write but hey, you volunteered for it!
I’m very interested in hearing about the people working on these critical issues, and your perceptions about how communities view these issues in different parts of the country. As your Mom, I want to hear how safe you are!
Love,
Mom
6.
Katie | April 19, 2007 at 7:06 pm
I want a secret prize!
AND I want to hear about all the precautions you’re taking to be sure you’re safe on the road!
7.
camilla | April 19, 2007 at 8:14 pm
i’m reading! i think i found this page from feministing.com. i’m planning on riding from boston to phoenix in a year or two when i move out there so i’m paying close attention to the details of your trip. keep em’ coming!
8.
Darcita | April 19, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Ooh! I want a top secret special prize! By which I mean, I am reading so do keep writing! I especially love stories about wanderlusty and otherwise interesting people. And I’m curious about the books Nan recommmended…will you pass some titles along?
Can’t wait to keep reading about your adventures!
9.
Dad | April 19, 2007 at 9:17 pm
Nora,
The first day is always the hardest. Congratulations for getting started. Does Rhonda really weighs in at 100 lbs? If so, you need to put her on a crash diet.
I would like to hear about A and B and C.
Love Dad.
10.
carolyn | April 19, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Hi Nora,
We will meet in Chicago, where awoman named Dimitra is hosting you. I just randomly came to your site today for the first time and it happens to be the first day of your tour. How serendipitist! Good luck and I hope you meet many more interesting people.
11.
Jill | April 20, 2007 at 12:35 am
Hey!
Jeannie told me that she hooked you up with my Aunt Nan and to check out your site! Well…how cool! I hope you enjoyed her (sounds like you did) – she is a very cool women with much to offer to the world. Best of luck with your travels!
Jill
12.
Mikel | April 20, 2007 at 5:45 am
Hi Nora!
You’re on the road! Yay! That means you’re that much closer to being back in SF, where you’re sorely missed. Can’t wait to make up for lost opportunities. Stories of the care and feeding of Rhonda, observations of New England, and other juicy tidbits about wanderlusty people would be most excellent. Chafing? … not so much.
Congrats on your choice of school and making your own direction in life. Keep smiling.
A big fan,
-M
13.
jane | April 20, 2007 at 7:40 am
you didn’t really bring a pan flute, did you???
a favor to ask- on your way through DC can you tell the court what we think of them??? I’m so pissed and depressed about it. we did have a good turnout at the protest rally in sf today though, and it makes your work connecting people and finding out what’s working that much more important.
14.
jake | April 20, 2007 at 9:34 am
i am reading this stuff. I bet i know what “heavy stuff” you’re going to ship off to chicago! stay out of the rain, remember everything gets heavier when its wet love jake
15.
Catherine M Knight | April 20, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I am glad to hear you made it. I hope your flag is still with you.
16.
jsarv | April 21, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Nora, glad to hear you still have the panflute, and for anyone thinking that baby’s coming off the load…think again! i was in dc the day of the supreme court ruling…walked by the white house and flipped them off…i’m glad you decided on gallatin, that seems right. have fun. i want to hear about chafing. and i guess i’m too late for the prize. dammit. love jsarv
17.
Nancy Dye | April 25, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Nora, you are a shining light, I am reading your posts to catch some of your optimism and energy. Your observations are insightful and funny — keep ‘em coming. Should we be concerned you spend lots of time talking to cops??!! Glad you enjoyed Steve and Jackie in Providence. Love, Nancy
18.
Lee Leer | April 26, 2007 at 2:51 am
Nora: A stupid question: What’s “after the jump” mean?
Lee: After the jump means you have to click on the “Continue Reading” link to “jump” to the rest of the entry!
it’s blog-o-speak. I’m learning.
19.
kate | May 2, 2007 at 10:19 pm
okay, i admit i am a bit behind in the reading of the blog due to some insane work weeks, but from here on out…. i am on board.
hope its all amazing.