I was getting into the swing of things a bit by now, I’d even started waking up with the sunrise which was unexpectedly lovely. My pack was getting faster to assemble and things were finding their place.
I was using my ACA maps which had all the information I needed to plan my days, my saddle sore was gone and I was enjoying the meditativeness of pushing cogs round hour in hour out. Then this happened…
I think you can see the issue.
Highway 1 follows a beautiful rugged coastal path, lots of twists and turns and hills, but this (gesticulates wildly at the section between Westport and Piercy) was a first for me. Everyone I asked and my map informed me that there were no services for water or food for this entire stretch. So it had to be tackled in one go or carry extra supplies and wild camp somewhere along the way. I didn’t yet feel brave enough for the latter option so went for it.
I was 9 days in and cycling (freewheeling) down the other side of this beast was the first time I felt unadulterated joy whilst riding.
bitter/sweet 