Finding Home on Two Wheels and Four
When I first agreed to tandem bike the Palmetto Trail across the Carolinas with Graham, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It wasn’t just the physical challenge of cycling for miles each day—though that certainly kept me up at night. No, it was the idea of living in an RV for weeks that really filled me with dread.
We go on a long tandem ride every year, but the Palmetto Trail was a different kind of challenge. I worried endlessly: Would I feel trapped? Would the small space drive me mad? A kitchen and a loo practically on top of each other sounded far too close for comfort, and frankly, a bit too much like camping (which, let’s be honest, is not my thing).
But sometimes, the things we fear most are the ones that teach us the most.
Learning to Let Go
The first few days were an adjustment, to say the least. There were moments of doubt, irritation, and wondering what on earth I’d signed up for. But as the miles ticked by on the tandem and we parked up the RV in new spots each evening, something started to shift.
I began to appreciate the simplicity of it all. Life on the road strips away so many distractions. You’re left with the basics: a place to sleep, a meal to share, and the open road ahead. It wasn’t about having every comfort at my fingertips; it was about learning to find comfort in togetherness and adaptability.
Home Is Wherever You Park It
What surprised me most was how quickly the RV started to feel like home. Graham and I found a rhythm—both on the bike and in our little rolling house. There was something liberating about knowing that home could be anywhere we chose to stop for the night, whether it was a quiet forest trailhead or a bustling campsite.
Even the small things, like cooking a meal together or mapping out the next day’s route, felt grounding. The worries I’d carried about feeling confined faded into the background, replaced by a sense of freedom I hadn’t expected.
The Joy of Togetherness
Riding a tandem bike is an exercise in trust and teamwork. You’re quite literally in sync with someone else—pedaling together, steering together, stopping together. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.
Sharing this adventure with Graham reminded me how powerful togetherness can be. Whether it was tackling a steep hill on the bike or figuring out how to make the most of our small living space, we leaned on each other and laughed more than I thought possible.
A Lesson in Humility and Growth
This journey humbled me in the best way. It reminded me that the things we dread or fear are often the ones that push us to grow. It taught me that sometimes, we just need to get out of our own heads and give ourselves a chance to adapt, to trust, and to embrace the unexpected.
So, what’s next? Who knows. But after this, I’m feeling a little braver about taking on challenges that once felt too big or too uncomfortable. And maybe that’s the greatest takeaway of all.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced recently that turned out to be unexpectedly rewarding? I’d love to hear your stories—drop me a comment or send me a message!