Escape from Coronavirus Lockdown

I’m preparing for the bike ride. Got some equipment from Amazon. Now all I need is a bike. This will be a solo mission. I did a long bike trip years ago from Miami to Chicago, so I know what to expect. It’s a completely different lifestyle from the normal “living in a home” life. When you’re on the road, you’re outside 24 hours a day and have to deal with whatever mother nature throws your way. In Florida now it’s hot and humid and sunny. Also you go days without showering so you wake up all hot, sweaty, and sticky. But the silver lining is the unique experiences, great camping spots, and the constant exercise. You will lose weight for sure.

Typical Days

Normal days on quarantine is chill at home, bbq, and drink and smoke…sleep…..to do it all again the next day. But enough of that. I decided to leave and do something adventurous. Going to bike to Daytona Beach. I searched on Craigslist and Offer Up for bikes. I got lucky and found a gem: a German bike and it came with a back bike rack, saddle bags, tools, speedometer, lights in front and back that are powered by the pedals, extra inner tubes, 2 locks, the whole 9. It cost 400 dollars and it was a deal!

The Trip Begins

On my way to Daytona Beach to visit Jess and Billy, old friends from Miami Beach. I’ve been biking for 4 days now.  During the trip, I almost lost my wallet and my drone, but dodged both those bullets. I’m camping where nobody is allowed because of the corona virus, so I got it all to myself. Such virgin beauty. Been filming when I can. Stopping then flying the drone. Charging my electronics and getting enough wi-fi to upload videos is an issue that I have to learn to deal with. Today I went to a public park because I heard they have outlets outside. I saw three guys, maybe homeless, charging their stuff there. I edit the videos bar sitting on the ground, then pack up and go to a public library, sit in front of the building to connect to the wi-fi. Man, not easy.

The Bikeride

Everyday I’ve been waking up at 6 am. Back at home I was sleeping in everyday. But now my sleep cycle is determined by the sun, which is immutable. It’s a difficult lifestyle that forces you to be very productive, so hell yeah.
Last night I got a full 8 hours of sleep. It’s been ages since that has happened. I took a picture of me sitting on the ledge of a tall bridge, like those Instagram photos that lead to death. My feet were danglin’ high above the ground as I kept balance. That’ll be the last time I do that.

Uploading Videos

Today I rolled into Coco Beach, hometown of World Champion surfer, Kelly Slater. It’s beachy and touristy, but dead now because of the corona virus. I search and find a power outlet. It’s on the outside wall of a bar and grill. I sit town next to it which places me at a table in their outdoor eating area. I charge my computer, telephone, drone battery, and extra battery. And edit the 4th episode. Just after I exported the movie a police officer rolls up and tells me I have to leave. I politely say sorry and tell him I’m leaving. Then I bike under the blazing sun over town to the public library. I set up near the front door with my laptop and start the upload. A lady comes out the front door and tells me I have to leave because people still come up to the door to drop off or pick up books. I say I didn’t know and that I’m sorry. She says,”You can still get wifi on the benches up front.” At first she was a little mean but when I immediately said sorry and began leaving, she lightened up.

Reached Destination

I came to Daytona Beach to visit my friends Jess and Billy. It’s awesome here. They let me stay in a room which is next to the pool and the pool is next to the beach. My days are lazy but doing nothing also means I’m recuperating. My left hand is numb from gripping the handle bars for so many hours and my knees feel painful when I squat. But I’m eager to start riding again. The lifestyle on the road is exhilerating. Ride all day and camp at night keeps your mind and body occupied. You can’t be stressed out. And you’re getting exercise. My skinny legs are getting bigger. And when you’re on the road you’re always seeing something new and fresh so your mind is constantly stimulated.

Conclusion:

Lone solitary activities can be beneficial to the mind, soul and body.