To Go Home or Not...That is the Question?

[JasmineReeseII]

I am cycling across America. I estimate I'll be in my hometown just around Independence Day. Should I visit my family? I feel like it'll be really hard to leave home if I stop in. My family lives in Missouri. My end destination is San Diego, CA.

[jamawani]

JRII - Different strokes for different folks -
But I feel that it is tough breaking the pattern of touring by making visits to family/friends.
You end up going places in cars, sleeping in beds, dealing with folks without a clue about touring.
(I also cannot tell if you are a little burned out or not.)

One way to compromise is to have family meet you at a state park nearby.
If need be, rent a cabin overnight - or just do a day visit - with you camping.

That way they can bring all kinds of goodies but you stay in the groove.

Happy trails!

[John Nelson]

Aren't you having the time of your life? You should be, and I hope you are. If so, you won't be tempted to end your trip in Missouri. Besides, I've read your blog and you don't seem like a quitter to me. Have fun! If you're not having fun, change something. If you need a bit of extra money to lighten the stress, maybe you can borrow some from your family. Figure out what you need and go after it.

[indyfabz]

During my group tour we passed somewhat near the home of one participant. Her mom picked her up and took her home for a short visit. She never rejoined the tour. While there were other forces at work, I am sure the physical and psychological comforts of home played a role in the final decision as we were less than a month from the end.

If you want to finish the trip and feel that it would be hard to continue on if you visit home, you have your own answer.

Whatever you do, you don't want to look back and regret your decision.

[Westinghouse]

Keep on keeping on.

[Cat]

Hi Jasmine!

I think it depends on your family and their thoughts about you doing this trip.
If you think the visit will give you a boost, I don´t see why you shouldn´t visit your family, eat something really nice, have a good looong shower and sleep comfortable for a night and then keep on going the next day.
If your family think you are doing a crazy thing and will try to talk you out of it or try to get you staying longer than a day - I would keep on going!!

Best wishes!
Cat
(We might meet somewhere on the way! I am going west-east starting in the end of July)

[freightbike]

Some friends I met a few years ago while out biking on the gateway trail one afternoon, were on their way from Syracuse NY to the west coast on the northern tier. The retired couple had a sister of one of them who lived a few blocks from my house in St. Paul MN. The sister decided to buy a convertible sedan and join and them as a support vehicle. They had already made it half way across the country with out the interference of the sister but how do you say no to family. I kind of feel the sister spoiled the adventure of it, took away the possibilities of adversity when things would get tough the sister could swoop in and off they'd go to a motel. Or carry the baggage up the hills or whatever. They made it all the way to Anacortes. So I guess all's well that ends well.

[Westinghouse]

Cat's answer is right too. If you are determined to complete your journey, visit your family, and keep on going no matter what they say or think.