It is with a certain amount of trepidation that I start this blog. It's about my soon-to-begin bike trip from Seattle to Washington, DC. I have an awful fear that I won't be able to complete the seven-week, 3300-mile trip. The first day is 86 miles long and involves a 3000-foot climb over the Cascade mountain range. After that are more mountains, howling winds, fierce rainstorms, scorching sun, and miles and miles of pavement. My fear is doubled by the knowledge that if I do drop out everyone will know about it. A long-time friend, hearing of my trip, sent me an anecdote that resonates in my head. A man competed every year in a long and risky swim in the English Channel. When asked why he did it, he replied, "because it requires no intelligence and there is a lot of pain."
Even so, I've dreamed of riding across the country for years. On week-long rides in the vacant West I've experienced the joy of speeding along a deserted highway in air so clear I'm sure I could see a hundred miles. I've made new friends along the way, felt the warmth of rural Americans, and exercised muscles long disused. Since I turned 70 in January, I figured better go soon if I'm to go at all. Ann, my wonderful wife of 39 years, bless her heart, encouraged me.
Several of my friends have peddled themselves across the USA, but this ride is special. It commemorates the transcontinental bike trips made in 1976 to celebrate the nation's 200th birthday. BikeCentennial was so successful that it continued as Adventure Cycling and became the nation's largest bike membership organization. I've read their magazine for years and salivated over the tours offered. But there was one big drawback, in my view. Participants on most Adventure Cycling tours carry their own tent, clothing, food, and cookware. This trip, however, is "supported." A van will carry our gear. We'll still have to set up our own tents, but our bikes won't be burdened and, better yet, we won't have to cook. I signed up about two minutes after the tour list opened. Almost immediately the 40 slots available were filled and a long waiting list developed.
So far, I've met only the four others from the Washington, DC, area, and we do represent the region: Two lawyers, a physicist doing research on homeland security, an association official, and me, a retired newsmagazine journalist. If the rest of the members are as delightful as these new friends, it's going to be a wonderful ride. At last count, there were 12 women, average age 48, and 28 men, average age 55. The oldest rider, I'm told, is 73. Our tour leader is a high school teacher in his 20s from New Hampshire.
Hello,
Am enjoying reading your description of scenery that we have traveled. We lived in the Seattle area for about 2 years and then drove your route as we moved to Louisville, Ky some 10 years ago. We are also keenly interested in your trip as our brother/brother in law, Martin Berndt is one of your fellow riders. You two look out for each other. Good travels and God Speed. We will be checking in with you freq.
Posted by: Joyce/Lee Berndt | July 01, 2006 at 11:00 PM