Thank you
- Thank you [??] to Howard Headley and Sue Petersen who, two or three years ago, discussed the insane idea of riding their bicycles across America.
- Thank you to all those who were involved with the planning and preparation involved with turning Howard and Sue’s insanity into reality.
- Thank you to Marshall and Ann Schilling, and to Suzi Wood for providing the support services for this tour. Without all of you, this undertaking would have been a whole lot tougher.
- Thank you to all who followed us on our travels and supported us with your thoughts and comments of encouragement.
Stuff
Since we all knew that we were taking three support vehicles plus a travel trailer, we all went carte blanche on the stuff that we brought. As it turned out, most of us mailed a lot of our stuff home after about two or three weeks on the road (The person who mailed their rain gear home should have thought otherwise).
The rule of thumb for packing should have been: a) Gather and organize all of the stuff that you think that you will need for the trip. b) Reduce the gear that you collected in “a” by half. c) Reduce the gear that remained after step “b” by half. d) Once “c” has been completed, you probably have the correct amount of stuff.
Bicycles
A long tour such as this one forces the rider to gain a new respect and appreciation for these delicate, yet tough, transportation machines. As we crossed the country, we changed out a few tires and tubes, cleaned and lubed chains regularly, repaired a few wheel bearings and did little else. Yet our bicycles held together and continued to perform day-by-day under a variety of conditions.
Campsites
Camping in a different location for nearly all of the 72 days of our venture allowed us to sample a number of different campgrounds throughout the US and Canada. The following is a sampling.
The Best: Our last campground, Moorings Campground near Belfast, Maine. The only downside to this campground is the fierce mosquitoes that swarm after 8 pm.
The Worst: Republic, Idaho. One bathroom with one key for a number of campers. Cold water only in the shower and a toilet that leaked constantly.
The Noisiest: Whitefish, Montana. The trains that rolled through that place every 30 minutes sounded like they were coming right through your tent.
The Most Crowded: Traverse City, Michigan – nicknamed “Somalia.” Every campsite in this densely populated facility seemed to have a roaring campfire that kept the area thick with smoke.
The Scariest: Duggin’s Campground in Ontario, Canada. Every individual inhabiting this campground seemed to be drunk and have a big, mean dog.
The Routine
If there was one factor involved with this tour that might possibly make a person go insane, it was the routine. Each day, other than rest days, seemed to be a carbon copy of the previous day: Get up, eat breakfast, break camp, get on your bike and ride, reach camp, set-up camp, eat dinner, go to bed. At times we all felt stuck in a remake of “Ground Hog Day.”
America
Be assured that this country – at least the portion that we traveled through – remains great. The grandeur of the American landscape from the West, to the Midwest, to the East is awe-inspiring. The beauty that we observed from the saddle will forever remain etched in our memories.
America’s greatest asset is her people. The people that we met as we crossed this great land proved, in all cases, to be genuinely gracious and resilient individuals. People were always willing to give us directions and, in some cases, even shepherd us along our routes, all the while demonstrating a genuine interest in what we were doing. As we bicycled though areas of North Dakota and New England, for example, we encountered and chatted with people who safeguard their traditions and culture fiercely, while still supporting and defending the basic rights of all citizens. We observed and met individuals and communities who are suffering in today’s economy; yet, they still cling to the hope of a better future.
The Human Element
Initially 11 individuals started out on this venture, seven riders and four support people. The attrition began when the Schillings’ grandson, Cole, missed his buddies in Pendleton and opted to go home. Two more individuals were lost when tragedy struck and Howard Headley was injured in a hit-and-run auto accident. We all hated to lose the leadership and spirit of Howard and Chicken from the group. Eight of the eleven soldiered on.
When eight individuals are put together for 72 days, there are bound to be some bad days that go along with the good. We certainly had some days when there was friction and disagreement within the group. For the most part though, group members were respectful of each other and tried to focus on the primary issue of this tour, which was the ride. Every individual harbored a passion for bicycle riding and looked forward to the ride as the best part of the day.
A Final Thought
Crossing the Northern Tier of the United States on a bicycle was not easy; it took a special commitment of time, energy and will. Those who were involved in completing the crossing, whether a rider or a support person, is entitled to savor a special sense of accomplishment for completing the crossing. Those involved also cannot help but have been changed, in some sense, by the venture – be it through developing a greater appreciation for camping or becoming more tolerant of others. Hopefully, these changes will be productive and positive.
C’est tout.
Congratlations! You did it! What a great moment it must have been to dip the wheels into the Atlantic after all those miles and experences from the Pacific. Nice job! I will be looking forward to seeing you and hearing more about our adventure when you get home.
Congratlations! You did it! What a great moment it must have been to dip the wheels into the Atlantic after all those miles and experences from the Pacific. Nice job! I will be looking forward to seeing you and hearing more about your adventure when you get home.
All you guys can be very proud of what you attempted, let alone accomplished. If I am ever lucky enough to try such a feat, I will be doing so in part because of what you have done. Huzzah!
Congratulations! You all must be so overwhelmed with pride from such an amazing accomplishment. I’m overwhelmed for you! Your strength and will are truly inspiring. And you and your blog master have done an outstanding job in telling the story of your journey…exceptional, entertaining writing and awesome photos. Way to go! Have a safe trip back to Pendleton.
Deb Gutierrez
Congratulations. What an amazing feat. Wish that I could have been there with you. I’m looking forward to hearing all of your stories.
Congratulations to all! You certainly are to be admired for the dedication to your goal…and “stick-to-it-ness”. Thanks for the “after-the-trip” summary. It was nice you allowed us to join you via the high-tech internet.
Please let us know how you intend to return home, your expected return time to Pendleton….and who is going to be program director for your many program requests??
Thanks to alll…Wes and Millie
I just re-read your Epilogue and found out that you were getting fancy with your French…..so..
..Les félicitations à vous tous
Congratulations, to all of you!!! We both are grinning from ear to ear, happy to hear that you have reached your destination with perhaps a bit bittersweet feelings that it’s over! Our only questions are how many pounds of oatmeal and when’s/where’s the next trip?
You guys going to turn around and ride back? Haha!
Reading the final blog captured some great emotion! I could feel the sense of accomplishment you must have felt. Everyone is to be congratulated for your dedication and spirit of adventure! See you back on the west side!
Congratulations everyone! You are all sooo awesome. I loved following your trip through this blog. You did a great job keeping us all informed.
Words don’t express how proud I am of you.
Now you need to write a book!
Way to go, everyone! What a monumental accomplishment, made possible by everyone working together, cyclists and support folks alike. Thanks so much for taking us along for the ride with your wonderful stories and great photos. Have a safe trip home.
Mary & Lando
Salem
Darlene and I have thoroughly enjoyed this blog. Watching you point at state signs all across the northern tier of states was exhilarating for us both. You just gotta be proud as punch of yourselves. I have bragged you up to all of my friends and neighbors. They are all impressed–we are both quite proud of you guys. Nice job!
Duke and Darlene
We are THRILLED for each of you and this incredible accomplishment! Way to go!! You make us proud! Safe journey back to P-town!!
Annette & Jack
Congratulations!! It has been such a gift to our family to be able to read about your journey: praying for you during the difficult times and celebrating with you at many of your check points and accomplishments. I am certainly a proud student of Dr. Peterson, but I am also proud of each of you for the ability to set out on a trip that must have seemed daunting at first and seeing it through to the finish with the same will and desires that you had when you first put your foot to pedal in WA. I agree with the above suggestion – write a book – I have bragged immensly over your efforts and would love to share your journey even more.
You have made us proud!