Day 148 Boston, MA-Providence, RI (The Hard Way)

What do you do when adversity strikes? when your path becomes blocked, do you find a way around it our do you stop and give up?

I knew going into this journey I would be tested. All along the way there were obstacles thrown in my path where I have to make the decision to give up or continue on. The latest obstacle has by far been the most emotionally devastating.

I woke up this morning early and quickly got ready for the days ride to Providence, RI with the anticipation of getting back on the bike for a nice riding day. My host Deborah was soon up as well and asked me if I moved my bike. No why? was my reply. It’s not on the post she says and immediately I enter the disbelief stage, there is no way my bike is missing? But, sure enough it was and after a quick perusal of the area I realized my old friend wasn’t playing an early morning game of hide and seek but in fact has been stolen.

I spent about a minute in the anger stage (it’s not really my nature to be angry) and then spent a fair amount of time back in disbelief and sadness while asking myself what the hell am I going to do.

Luckily for me I am able to deal with extreme situations very well, I rarely spend too much time idle and quickly came around to acceptance and started figuring out what the course of action will be.

My host Deborah was wonderful and came with and directed me to the police station so I could file a report (even though it’s a lost cause). It was good to get that over with early mainly get back out into the rain and wash off the attitude of indifference from the Boston police sergeant that took my report. But, it’s good to have a paper trail in the odd chance that I see my old friend on craigslist being treated like an old IKEA bookcase.

Deborah took me over to her regular bike shop to see what they can do for me, Broadway Cycle School. They were awesome and very nice, unfortunately they didn’t have or could get a new bike that fits my needs.

After some calling around I got in touch with Legend Bicycle in Providence, RI who were very understanding and located a shiny new Long Haul Trucker in my size and would get it shipped in and built up to my specs as quick as possible. Being my only options I opted to order the bike over the phone and take the train to Providence where I’ll wait out the details at my Hostel downtown.

Lugging all my panniers down to the train was not an easy as they’re designed to be on a bike. And after thanking and saying goodbye to Deborah it was a waiting game for the train.

My hostel and talking with the wonderful volunteers and guests were a welcome sight after the days events, and validated my decision to persevere and continue on.

Hurdles are meant to be jumped, sometimes you fall but you have to pick yourself back up and keep going.

In a few days I’ll have a shiny new member of my family and I’ll be back on the road going south. Hopefully we’ll be fast friends.

Somethings missing in this picture, and the LHT is not hiding around the corner 🙁

If your ever looking for a sympathetic or caring ear you won’t find it here. Thanks Boston PD

Frank Gehry on the way to the bike shop

Broadway Bicycle School, if in Boston and need a shop these guys were great!

Welcome to the historic Smith Hill neighborhood of Providence, RI my home for the next few day.

Stopped into my new bike shop to finalize some paper works and payout the small fortune for some new wheels.

Once a month Providence puts on this Waterfire thing where they float lighted cubes down the river as well as light a series of fires in the middle of the river. No one seems to know why they do this but it does make for an interesting walk back home.

Coming back the Capitol Building was lit up as well, I think for the run for a cure run slated for Sunday.