many Americans adventuring on their own compared to the other developed countries. I was lucky, by default I found myself (20 years old) traveling to Europe solo because a good buddy of mine didn't save or plan for the European trip we had agreed to take together. Nevertheless, here I am 46 years later going through the anxiety of breaking out of my comfort zone. Today, with the bike assembled but still feeling the jet lag, I loaded up and hit the road for a 46 mile trip. Kept to the back road, riding from Limerick north to Killaloe, west to Broadway and south back to Limerick. With my bright yellow pannier rain covers, orange helmet, flashing rear light and the horizontal flag, the cars gave me plenty of space. A trick I have learned in protecting myself from passing cars is to stay at least three feet away from the shoulder. The cars can't squeeze by, rather they have to slow down and yield. With the narrow roads through the winding countryside, I brought many cars down to a crawl, large trucks in particular. Some scholars throttle up and swing wide into the on coming lane to zip past me as cars are approaching. Last summer I saw several near head on collisions. Brakes are much more effective than flooring the gas pedal.
I stopped in Broadway for lunch. While in Killaloe I pick up cheese, sardines, Irish bread, chocolate and fruit. I always have this combination on board so I can pull over anywhere and chill out at a scenic spot, maybe even catching a nap after lunch. I highly recommend this picnic approach, saves a bundle and is far more satisfying. You married guys have a problem in this department.
Tomorrow, I head west to the coast, a little under sixty miles to a campsite in Kilkee. It will take another day or two for me to settle into the groove. So far so good, the country is lush and scenic and the people are friendly.
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