Backpacker Mike on a Bike

Woke up 5am - not hungover. Those Nuun electrolyte tablets are god’s gift to earth. Dissolved 3 of those bad boys last night.

I looked out the back of my tent around 5:30am and saw a deer grazing! It’s moments like these that you can’t get when you’re in a city. But speaking of city, I need to find one with outlets, lol.

Now i’ll always be on the look out for charging outlets. Never was a priority. Until I needed a charge. My battery setup is good for 4 days it seems. Going to charge this morning at the campsite restroom, brush teeth, shower at 7.

Update: The bathroom chargers do not give a steady charge. I plugged in and then it stops charging after 15 seconds.

I refilled my waters. I dumped out my wine, which looked like blood after dumping it 😅😶‍🌫️

Gonna use the rest of my last portable battery, meditate, wait for Taps and think of a new plan.

I remember my one wheel app had a map for charging one wheels. It was a community base generated map where people would put markings on a map to show where available outlets were. For example, there is one I’m going to use in Carmel that says at the back of City Hall on the right side. So I have a map for Wi-Fi and restrooms and I have a map for electrical outlets. Carmel City Hall, Monte Verde Street, Carmel, CA

First Whole Foods Del Monte (69mb/s upload speed) 800 Del Monte Center, Monterey, CA 93940

I uploaded my first day video here within 15 minutes.

I used Campendium (app recommended by ChatGPT for camping) to locate a cheap campsite in Big Sur. This is a big moment (pun intended). This place has been on my list for a few years ever since my buddy camped there and told me it was beautiful. Might make a song and short video with the views.

36°15'10.0"N 121°47'13.6"W

This trip is proving life is figureoutable. Even when I don’t know how far i’m biking, where/when I get my next water refill, where i’m sleeping and where I can find a convenient electricity plug for charging are all unknown.

4:00pm and i’m about quarter of the way done charging. It’s almost pointless to look at a map to scope out where to sleep for the night. Sunset for Big Sur is 8:28pm. Takes 2 hours riding, 2.5hrs or 3 hours at my pedal pace. Go with the flow. It’s not fun charging in public. I feel like everyone walking by is looking. But this will help me for the next few days having batteries full. Worth it. Especially since i’m standing next to my bike and it’s not 20 feet away and i gotta keep an eye on it.

Sitting here waiting for all my batteries to charge, I catch myself with thoughts of doubt. “No seriously, where am I sleeping tonight?” But when I’m pedaling?!? Man when i’m pedaling or cruising down a hill with a view of the coast, that’s the reminder of why I’m doing this. But when I’m still, I drift. But when I’m drifting on my bike, I’m still. I’m still = i’m in the moment, there’s no thoughts of yesterday or tomorrow interfering with my experience. But charging my batteries and feeling the weather get colder, then thinking, “heh…might be a cold one tonight.” That’s when I get doubt. Sometimes I wish I had a teammate or partner. Someone I could tell my jokes to besides myself - the jokes that pass too fast and the camera can’t catch. But sometimes I prefer to be doing this alone. I think I’m the only one fine with backtracking 8.1 miles and 1 of those miles up hill STEEP, in order to get to a relief campsite. Where I can go out of protective mode (of my belongings). And I can go to the town and blend in like a normal tourist. Those moments are nice.

I have to wait to fully charge. It’s pointless and silly to leave half charged when I don’t even know the next time I’ll have an opportunity like this. Being able to charge overnight in a hotel would be nice. Or inside of a restaurant. But funds are dictating my guerrilla charge method using the OneWheel app.

Slept by Rocky Creek Bridge

Total 17 miles today plus whatever to Whole Foods in Monterey and the 17mile ride to Carmel City Hall to charge. Then to Rocky Creek Bridge

Happy Fourth of July! 🥳

I meditated (no messages from spirits, odd). The only one i received was “Enjoy.” With a period. That’s rare because usually I get communications to reach out to certain people. And when I do, they’re usually going through a stressful time (ex. My friend in Florida was going through issues with her boyfriend and job and I was a stress/vent person for her).

Then went to Peet’s coffee (“1986*” is Peet’s Coffee’s bathroom code in Monterey, CA if anyone needs it). I was hopeful for fast internet to upload my first video. Not. Fast. I used ChatGPT to help solve this issue. Suggested “Wifi Map” app. This app shows the speeds of the wifi and sometimes the passwords too! Restrooms and Water fountains. A backpacker’s essential. (Don’t be fooled, it’s free to use. Not required for annual fee). Also college libraries and business hotels, ChatGPT suggested.

I’m learning to “just go” and you’ll figure things out on the way. I wouldn’t foresee slow wifi upload speeds to be an issue until I experienced them.

Planning to get box wine from Trader Joe’s (they close at 5pm today) and hike back up to camp for a nice evening 4th of July celebration with other hikers/bikers.

Also I realized, working at a Peet’s Coffee (or any Coffee shop for that matter) you probably observe A LOT of Tinder/Hinge/Dating App meetups.

William Hagen - impressive magician near Monterey pier (rubber balls and coins and cups)

Two things I never understood number one old people went on a pier or by the ocean love to point out nearby, geography and cities across the ocean or a lake or Bay

2) why do homeless people ask for the time like they have somewhere to be? I feel like they know something about energy and exchange of words to be doing that.

I was listening to a country radio station 92.7 and there was a quote it said from a Spanish guy: happiness is inside of you. It’s not something outside. Rather than thinking, “if you could only get this one thing, you would be happy.” You should think, “if you could only remove this you could be happy.” He gave the example of rain. If you want rain for your crops and you get it, you’re happy. But if you’re walking home in the middle of the night and it rains, you’re not happy. Things naturally outside are not inherently happy - you make them happy.

The girl i met from California (from video when i was walking with groceries) suggested Ventura and San Fernando Valley for dispersed camping sites - Veteran’s Memorial is in San Fernando Valley. Her boyfriend was coming later. I asked if they want to join for wine, they didn’t come.

Then got wine drunk from 2:33-7

Refrigerate after opening is my enemy.

Rest day. I literally stayed in my tent until 8pm. Then I went to town to get food (Nick the Greek) and walked the pier at night. Then came back at 10:30 PM and slept. I did editing while I was resting. I was able to finish my first video of my first day biking. walking back to the camp site was a struggle because it’s 1 mile uphill incline. It was really nice to get back to my tent and sleep.

I woke up this morning feeling like success. No one woke me up in the night. Didn’t sleep too well, but felt refreshed.

10:30pm-12:00am: slept

12:00am-12:30am: woke up

12:30am-3:33am: slept

3:34am-4:00am: woke up (RV’s and vans leaving)

4:00am-5:34am: slept

5:35am: woke up

Then I rode my bicycle from Moss Landing pedaling south. I’m never sure exactly where I stop. All I know is “go south.” Got In-n-out for lunch around 11:30am- got food out of the way. Refilled my water bottles there. Then continued on riding. Stopped at China Rock. Then out of desperate Google map searching of “tent camping near me”, I found a campsite that is $10/night, max 3 nights. The only issue was, it was 8.1 miles backtracking from China Rock. AND the camping is first come, first serve- no reservation. I took the risk and started riding. Google Maps said i’d arrive at 5:54pm. I got there 6:20pm. Google Maps doesn’t know i’m a slow rider and i have a bike trailer with me, lol. I met a guy while looking for the hiker/biker campsite on Veteran’s Memorial park. He gave me a beatbox and like 5 cigarettes. He did music. Cool guy. I felt relieved to not have to worry about someone waking me up and camping where i’m not suppose to.

For day 2, 65 miles total on this trip so far (minimum lol). This includes the 8 miles backtracking from China Rock to Veteran’s Memorial Park. I’m not trying to keep accurate track of mileage. Just want some idea. I started using the “Polar Steps” app at China Rock to give me more idea of my exact route without trying to track everything. It’s a lot to: live the trip, vlog the trip, edit the trip. But i’m figuring it out!

I have completed day 1 of the trip, ending at 7:42 pm. About 48 minutes before sunset.

16 miles on the bike today only

As i was typing, a guy and a girl walked by. The girl asked the guy, “where are you going?” Then he starts walking away. He must have read my sign. Then he says (loud enough for me to hear), “Bike trip…People are treating this place like a camp site.”

Tbh sounded nerdy, lol.

I’m not really sure what to feel. I don’t think he could do anything. Worst case, I just leave if asked. Bummer that not everyone is excited about the trip. I met a local guy while setting up my tent and he said, “How cool! Just be careful because sometimes cars drive in this spot late at night. Be sure to put something bright so they can see.”

I want to plant that seed for you. Because maybe in 1, 5, 10, 15 or 20 years…you might have an aha moment 😉

I got some used panniers for my bike off Facebook Marketplace for $40. Awesome deal.

I still don't have a date locked in to leave yet. But I know it will be next week. Maybe July 1 just to have an easy date to remember...just checked the calendar - that's a Tuesday. 

I'm a bit torn because at the moment, I'm not working. There's no substitute teaching work because school is finished for summer. The company for brand ambassador work is limited. And the people at the brand ambassador events say the company really only works 3-5 big events per year. There is background acting work, but only in Los Angeles and it's 1 day gigs. I am waiting to hear a response for a potential 6-month acting gig beginning at the end of July/early August. But if you ever worked in entertainment - things can change at a moment's notice. I'm hopeful to get a consistent acting job, but not banking on it. 

So in the meantime, I'm just sort of frozen. I can't leave yet because I haven't done the 1-2 day test camping. My test ride taught me that I should put some of my belongings on my bicycle itself - rather than everything in my bicycle trailer. I'm waiting to hear back from this guy- who actually messaged me back right at this moment I'm writing this. He is selling $40 panniers and a front bicycle. He's a 25 minute drive away. 

1:08 pm | I have returned! With a full belly of Trader Joe's pasta and pasta sauce for lunch and an official date to leave. July 1. Although the fb seller made me wait 9 minutes due to him not getting FB Marketplace notifications, the panniers are worth it. They are clean and are more nifty than I thought. There's a lot of zippers and pockets. Even water bottle holders. I believe I have everything essential. I can always pick up water bottles along the way. I might even get lucky and receive free ones from a promo. Who knows! I do have an audio that sort of summarized a realization I had:

Take advantage of your youthfulness. It's currency.

And I haven't even aged like milk (yet) and I'm telling you this.

Go fill your emotional wallet. You can always fill your money wallet later.

I realized at 32 how important traveling at a young age is. Not only is there a HUGE opportunity for emotional intelligence and maturity, exposure to different passions/jobs, but the idea that in my early 20's I was attractive without even trying. And I didn't even know.

This may sound egotistical, but looking back on photos I can see this. My skin in my face was tight and taunt. I could eat anything, drink anything, and remain slim. The 3-5 days of exercise gave LOADS of ROI in terms of energy, strength, and appearance. Yet we get pounded with the idea of "get a job, earn money" from friends, strangers, teachers, and other students. The wallet in our pocket is empty, but our emotional wallet is also empty.

And the no energy after working during the week is true. When I try the working 5 days a week, I am so exhausted I have no energy to make music, be creative, or explore the city I am in. And if I force myself, I create poor quality - and I know this.

But I realized that most people don't talk about how they are most attractive and most energetic from 20-30. If you exercise, you increase that last number. So someone might be wasting their beautiful youth stuck inside a building. When that youth could be used to meet people, get discounts, and bend the rules. A little charm and a little look can go a long way (from a genuine intention). Obviously, this can be manipulation if used poorly. But you know what I mean. Be nice to everyone and see what happens.

I find it almost silly and laughable that most people prioritize making their wallet in their pocket fatter rather than the invisible emotional wallet. Think of it this way: you can buy a lottery ticket, purchase stock options, or receive an inheritance that could represent 40 years of "working hard" in terms of money. But how can you do that with experiences and emotions? Books and movies maybe. But it's not the same. You know this. A $40 meal received because of "hard earned cash" can still done because of the "winnings of a lottery ticket." Really think about that.

Yesterday | June 10, 2025

This happened yesterday for the first time. Around midday I received a response from someone that was sort of the catalyst to my brief moment of cold feet about the trip. To be more honest, I allowed someone else's words to be the catalyst. But also, that's super difficult to hear something from someone and not let the words resonate, especially if you believed there was trust in that friendship and you trust that person.

This person basically said, "You're crazy. Anyways, back to my adult responsibilities of returning to the job I earned by working so hard for and the evening activities that if I mentioned these activities at a social gathering, I would receive head nods in agreement and praise." Almost like, "Good, good! You're fitting the mold like the rest of us."

So then that started my doubting of the whole trip. What if I run out of money because I don't have that "job" this person mentioned? What if I need something that costs extra? What if I need money for a flight? What if I need to rely on credit cards and build a bunch of debt? What if I need to purchase a U-Haul and drive back? What if? What if? What if?

So how did I get out of that cold feet moment that seemed to last days but was only 4-5 hours?

I mowed the lawn. I did something I could tangibly look at that was finished and done. A product. Then the body movement from the mowing of the lawns. Probably blood flow as well. Then after mowing the lawns, doing something related to music. Posting a video that I felt 80% was finished, but to the rest of the world might seem completely done. I just started doing.

When I started doing, I started to give more "energy" (I guess I could say) towards myself and made myself greater. But even this morning, the morning after, I sit and think that there are way more pros than cons. There are way more positive "What if?" questions than there are negative ones. At least the weight of the positive "What if?" outweighs the negative. Which makes the trip, for me, worth the effort:

What if I meet someone who discovered their passion is travel, at 65 years old? And I get even more inspired.

What if I meet someone who never made more than $50,000 per year, but at the age of 40 they started a business and retired 2 years later? And I learn even the seemingly impossible is possible?

What if I receive a free large hot coffee with 8 creamers inside, just how I like? And this tastes better than any other coffee because the morning was cold and the coffee was hot.

What if I get the opportunity of 10 lifetimes (I can't even imagine of what this might be) and I say yes? All because I got on a bike and rode.

Woke up a little after 8am. Made coffee and made a point to complete my last big purchase - the bike.

“ChatGPT, tell me the top 3 bikes that will pull a bicycle trailer across America?”

Trek FX 2 Disc

Giant Escape 2 Disc

Specialized Sirrus

I needed a no nonsense answer so I could get cooking. Of course, the prompt was refined but that was basically my input.

I scoured Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist from 8:30am-10:30am looking for any of these 3 bikes. I was beginning to get exhausted. Some were listed as these names- but didn’t have the disc brakes. Some had accessories, but not included in the list price. Some were listed as the “Giant Escape 2” but had the #3 on the inner frame - meaning this was not the #2. Some were size “Large” and too big for my 5’ 8” 170lb build. Some looked worn. Some stored outside on a back deck. Some didn’t respond and changed their listing to sold within 30 minutes. Some were like $80, but 80 miles away. This was getting annoying for me. The search slowly grew exhausting. But thank the lord for Google Lens 🙏

Finally, a 7 minute drive or 45 minute walk from my house. A Great Escape 2 Disc bicycle. Used. Listed for $399. Got him down to $350- cash. I walked to buy, and rode once sold.

I walked to pick up the bike and while I was walking, I saw the exact model of the bike being ridden by a guy. The bike I was going to buy within 10 minutes had the same back mount- almost like a Future version of me, riding it right in front of my eyes.

Got the bike.

Now I can have fun.

My Friday night consisted of swapping bicycle seats, giving it a quick wipe down, installing my bike light mount, and putting my bike locks on the seat.

My problem with waiting to begin my trip is my brain starts thinking of things I “may” need. When yesterday, i’m watching Mike Okay on YouTube and he’s traveling India with 3 shirts and a pair of pants.

-Completed 4 Real Estate Tests today (to renew real estate license)

-Deleted footage off iPhone (spent 40 minutes deleting screenshots of TikTok Lives, Google Map screenshots for reminders from last year's backpacking trip, deleted all but the "one" best photo if I had duplicates). This is to prep my iPhone to be clean because I like starting a journey fresh. It's like starting a new book. Nothing from a previous book is directly related to this new book I'm about to read. Then I plan to transfer everything I want save to an external hard drive. Then I will store this HDD at my parent's house. Then wipe my iPhone Photo app CLEAN! Ready for new memories :)

-Watched some podcasts in between phone wiping, to see what I like, don't like, and how to create my content (Ex. Don't just yap just to yap. Get to the point, then get out).

-Finally edited the remaining "San Francisco Brand Ambassador Temp Gig" vlog (and uploaded!) where I rode my bike and took the train to San Francisco. I'm deciding how polished I want my content to be. I noticed some "empty silences" in the video where music or sound effects could work. But I also don't want to polish something so much that's intended to be raw. But I also don't want to be boring. Decisions, decisions.

Personal Note: Today isn't over yet, and usually I do TikTok LIVE in the evening. But I used ChatGPT to really motivate myself to be 100% prepared for my bicycle across America trip. There's not much left for me except wait for my 2nd No-ATM Fee debit card (always good to have a backup travel card), get my bike for the trip as my current bike has no option to shift gears, and clean out iPhone photos and videos to make room for the new ones. Which I am really excited about because I am learning that if I don't edit my vlog of the day that night, I'm never going to edit. So it's sort of a nice thing to basically cut the fat from the videos of the day and live a "post-to-delete" sort of philosophy. Because I posted my videos and photos, I can delete them off my iPhone. I also am realizing, that I do enjoy this diary "text" outlet. Because sometimes I don't feel like making a video. I just want to get my thoughts out. Like wanting to get from USA to Vietnam - I don't care how (train, boat, car, airplane, shark - just get me there).

Yesterday | Wednesday

-Edited my children's book "The Super-Duper Big Secret Rule of Everything!" This took up the majority of my time while at the library. Some of the issues were:

How to ensure the cover art covers the entire page (I still can't figure out)

How to add page numbers at the bottom (I'm intending to use images of numbers and use the Microsoft Word View > Grid to align the page numbers on the bottom

The "Draw Here" box was IMPOSSIBLE to align consistently on each page. Still unsure while. The work around was to use Canva to create a dotted rectangle > export as PNG file > import into Microsoft Word > align with grid. After printing, there still was misalignment.

-Organized and Printed QR Codes for busking and to put on bike while riding

Laminated my signs. Um, $2.75/lamination?!? SINCE WHEN AMERICA?!?!?