Never again?
The first time I cycled 400 miles across New York along the Erie Canal, I swore I’d never do it again. Too hot, too long, too exhausting. It was 2010 and we brought our sons, then 13 and 15, on the highly organized and supported 8-day Cycle the Erie Canal tour. It seemed like a good idea when we signed up, but by the time we started, my older son was in the throes of being a miserable teenager and much of the ride was a slog. In 2012, I agreed to ride again at the prompting of my younger son who made a compelling case for experiencing a sense of accomplishment and adventure. This time, I was more prepared. More Gatorade, more food, more training, and no older son, who spent a happy week with his cousins. In 2014, my husband and I ditched our kids and set off again. The ride seemed far easier and more fun, though I felt ready to replace my pelvis by day 6.
So, here I am, 11 years later, 11 years older, and ready to go. It’s the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial and I’m eager to celebrate and revisit the lovely towns along the waterway. Here’s the start of my cycling journal…I’ll post the rest upon my return. And then, (maybe) I’ll never do it again.
Tips and Techniques– When keeping a travel journal, I say: everything goes. Even though some of the things you record may seem mundane (like what you packed or ate or some stupid thing you encountered), those elements are often the most fun to look back on. I have kept a small journal on each of my cycling trips and they recall the triumphs and trials of each ride in ways that photos can’t. On this trip, I plan to focus on small details, quirky moments, a bit of humor, and food—which will be just what I need to make it to Albany. My other tip is to start a travel journal before you set off. It gives you a chance to test any new materials and decide on what is essential to bring. (Materials: Pentallic 5.5″ square watercolor sketchbook, Micron pen, watercolor, and Econoline deep yellow marker)
Drawn In 
Go…Go…Go….Go! You go girl! I’ll be cheering for you, Jean!
…and I love your “Anything Goes” approach to journaling!
Wishing you perfect weather with an abundance of tailwinds, smooth roads, strong legs, lots of humor, and success – no matter where you “draw” the finish line!
Wishing you wonderful ride and intact pelvis at the end of:) looking forward to your journal entries
Thank you! It’s all about the pelvis!
Happy pedaling
this is lovely Jean these Travel Journals are so much fun both before, during and after. I’m just back from a 4 day backpacking trip with my youngest, her husband and toddler. We had an amazing time, lots of beaches, long trails, bears, wolves, sunshine. I’m now working on bringing my journal up to date. What fun to relive our time. Oh to the joy of creating journals and holding on to all the memories. Enjoy your ride!
Jean, Wishing you an enjoyable trip–you are intrepid! Glad that you chose “maillot jaune”–you and the courageous cyclists of Tour de France (now in progress) deserve to wear yellow. It’s the color of champions! Although personally I prefer the “maglia rosa” of the Giro d’Italia race.
Thank you! The yellow was a random choice, as I only owned two markers when I started this. I’ve since expanded with 5 more, as I thought it might be easier to add color with marker when cycling. I’m glad to use the color of champions!
As an avid cyclist myself what a DELIGHT to see your journal pages devoted to the paraphernalia of cycling…gloves, cliff bars, oh and the RWGPS routes outlined! I need to do this myself, it had never occurred to me to journal my bike rides. Inspiration with a capital “I”. 50 miles a day can seem daunting, but over the course of a day and with lots of snacks and breaks (for photo/sketching) and gobs of chamois cream, ha…it is so doable! It certainly looks like you put in the training to make it a great event. Allez Jean Mackay!
I love the “squiggles” of each day’s ride – what a great way to capture a memory with just a line! Wishing you a wonderful (and comfortable) trip, and looking forward to seeing your journal evolve!
Have fun! This is a goal of mine one of these days. You may meet our good friends Mike and Kristin along the way, they are also on the excursion.
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