Definitely the people. I thought that it would be all about the sightseeing and the cycling, but since the company sets the route and they care more about keeping you en route and safe from cars, sightseeing opportunities are limited, and of course, vast swathes of the country are just boring corn and soybean fields. The cycling turned out to be more difficult than I thought it would be since I didn't really know how to maintain the right posture to keep my butt and shoulders from aching for the first couple weeks, but once I figured that out, it became pretty fun.

But I think I discovered a lot of role models on the trip (I'm only 21). Surprisingly, this is only the second group of people where I've felt like I've fit in really well. A few people adopted me as a sort of surrogate daughter, and I've become really good friends with them.

Most of the people were quite well to do--we had a lot of retired engineers, doctors, and a real estate lawyer. We had a couple crazy wealthy people, but they behaved like anyone else. On the whole, they were very gracious people, very kind, and generally good-natured. Some of them acted like they were 60 or 70 or whatever, and some of them could have fit in at a frat party if they looked younger.

I didn't really have time to go off on my own much. I really sucked for the first four or five weeks, and I barely came to the next motel in time for a shower and the overview of the next day's route. Also, they usually put us up in motels located in strip malls, so we were often a couple miles away from downtown. Even if I'd been inclined to get back onto my bike, urban riding is still something I don't want to do if I don't have to. Even if you're a strong rider who's able to fit in side trips and still get back in time, the sightseeing opportunities are limited.