Writing & photos by Jesse Rinyu (@jrinyu)

When Steve put forth the considerable effort to assemble this trip, I was excited but nervous. I’ve traveled by bike but never this far, and never with Steve. How would it go? Would we shiv each other by day three?  Would our bikes crumble under the pressure? Would we?

I spent a lot of time thinking about gear and how to carry it. For this trip, I used a Swift Industries Zeitgiest saddle bag, a J&H bags Calzone frame bag, a few stuff sacks and a prototype of the J&H bags Roma Daypack. I used a hybrid packing setup; utilizing both a front rack and other standard bikepacking methods. I loaded two stuff sacks on the front, my sleeping pad and the remaining stuff-sack on the back, strapped to the saddlebag. This all worked surprisingly well, even on bad terrain. For more info on my gear, check out The Shore Footed Tour- Just the Facts.

Our trip was about 186 miles in total and we had seven days to complete it. Day one started off on the right foot, with great weather and good spirits. Also, leaving Collingswood was easy and fun, given the bike path that lead us out.

Our second day included a short canoe trip down the Mullica River that would put us 11 miles closer to our destination. Pinelands Adventures was kind enough to meet us at the end with our bikes; a truly awesome and helpful thing. Steve and I figured this was going to be the most relaxing part of our trip, and were totally wrong. I, having never canoed before, jumped in nervously but hopefully. This was going to be a great, casual glide down the river and then 11 more miles by bike to camp. What actually happened was a series of crashing into river banks, dodging fallen trees and almost capsizing more than a few times. At one point, we met with a tree that was just high enough for the canoe to fit under, but too low for us. We had to guide the canoe under the tree and jump over it without tipping the boat. Somehow, magically, we did this; because we are clearly super heroes.  We both felt pretty invincible after that. Two miles later, we got caught on another tree and invited a bunch of the river to join us in our canoe.

Day three was rainy, overcast and probably one of the most beautiful days of the trip. We crossed the bridge into Ocean City, NJ; a sight unto itself. Something about the overcast sky brought out a different type of beauty to the locale. Toward the end of the day’s ride, we stopped at an Acme- damp, chilly and relieved to get some more food. We rolled into camp (the awesome Avalon Campground), set up in our cabin, spread out our gear to dry, shoveled food in our faces and went to sleep. The next morning was sunny and beautiful. We got up early to do some laundry. The manager of the camp was wonderful, and took our picture before we left.

Whenever I take a long trip without my wife, I always have the feeling that I’m leaving something behind. It’s a low, buzzing reminder that she isn’t next to me, and this trip was no exception. That isn’t to say that it isn’t fun and rewarding, but there it is. This sentiment would be amplified later, in Delaware Sea Shore National Park: We checked in to camp on day six, a wonderful volunteer named Barbara helped us out and we naturally got to talking. She was staying in her RV for the season, with her two dogs. Her husband, who had taught her how to drive the giant RV, had died a year after they retired. They got a year. Something in her face echoed sadness and pride that she kept going. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me miss my wife. That’s part of this. It’s not all adventure, fun and beautiful scenery; sometimes, it’s realizing that you shouldn’t be taking anyone for granted, and that we are owed nothing by the universe.

Our last day of riding was an eventful one. We rolled through Ocean City Maryland and discovered why we had seen so many beautiful classic cars and hotrods coming from New Jersey, Delaware and further, including on our Ferry ride into Lewes, DE. As we got into the main part of the city, we saw a lot of great cars and even more people camped out on the sidewalk lined up to watch them. It was A LOT of dude-bros and tough guys, but most of them were at least cordial to the two guys on loaded touring bikes, quickly obstructing the view of Oldsmobile 442’s. Only 50 or so people told us to pop a wheely, and I promise it was funny every time. Sweet barbed-wire tats, bro!

Assateague Beach is beautiful, and more so when it’s at the end of a journey. We met up with our friend Kevin, who brought some food and refreshments. We set up camp for the night, double checking the impending weather for Saturday; 100% chance of rain and winds from 20-40 miles per hour. Not great.  Still, we had an awesome relaxing evening and I went to sleep early, which I did pretty much every night. The next morning I got up early and took some pics of the beach, then set to making coffee. We watched the clouds roll in and decided to head back home a day early, just as the wind kicked up and rain started to fall.

I can’t wait to make this trip again, though there are a few things I’d do differently. Firstly, I’d like to take a bike that can accommodate larger tires (2.35” or greater) because we could have ridden directly on the beach but did not, due to the limitations of my smaller tire size. Secondly, I think a smaller tent is in order. Third, 100% more practice in a canoe. Finally, I’d like to bring more people along!