Letters from the Road: 5/25/08

My Story

.....On March 22, 2008, I begin my self-contained bike tour across the southern part of the United States from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida along the Southern Tier Route. This is a trip I've wanted to undertake for many years and now it's finally happening. I will be riding with a group of 17 people orgainzed by the Adventure Cycling Association. The tour will take 65 days ending May 25th. We ride on average 57 miles per day for a total of about 3,082 miles with rest days about once a week. I will attempt to keep this blog site updated as we progress across the U.S. on this great adventure. Energy and access to a computer will be key factors. Wish me (us) luck. It's a long journey.

Shirl's Poem

In San Diego, our starting place
We gathered together
and came face to face.
Then Andy Mac came and took the chair
With baggy shorts and a face full of hair.

He spelled out the rules and left no doubt
That here was a man
with strength and clout
He said, “We’re going all the way;
You’re a real good group, just do what I say!”

“On busy roads, if you get stuck,
Please don’t make a cluster f***
If it’s sex on the road, well that’s ok,
But do it quick and get on your way.”

And so, without much further ado
The circus left town, a motley crew,
To see this fine and beautiful land –
Over hills and through the desert sands.

Up near the front is a man of steel.
He’d like to have meat
every lunch time meal
But every day Aede’s heard to utter,
“Oh no, not again – it’s peanut butter.”

Matty, lovely Matty,
goes faster than the wind,
He gets to camp each day
before we’ve hardly beginned (!)
Not only that, but on the way,
He drinks umpteen Starbuck every day!

Nick, from Frisco, brings a touch of class
He cycles with individual panache,
“Life is good,” he’s heard to say
About a hundred times a day.

“Oh crap, I see another hill,”
Says Jan, “I’ve really had my fill –
That Andy must be taking the p***
I sure never signed up for this!”

This trip would be dull
if we didn’t have Frank
Who started out built like a tank,
But three thousand miles of steady crank
And now his tum is as flat as a plank.
(Well nearly!)

Kristina rides with finesse and grace
But downhills doesn’t like to race.
All day she keeps a steady pace –
And never a hair out of place.

On recumbent is fine Dick Beeman,
Patriotic and brave, he’s a former seaman.
“Awesome” is what
you’ll hear him screamin’
As he rides that machine like a real demon.

And then there’s Eileen
Our hill country queen
Always quick with a witty remark
A great sense of humor, a vital spark.

Steve Shapland’s a name
that clearly denotes
A man who needs his carbs and oats
His brain is full of information and facts
But tell him there’s no shower
and watch him react!

Doug’s a guy that we all dig
Tall and strong – he rides a fine rig.
But when a dog made him go ar** over tit
He hurt his bike and body a bit.

There’s a chap who’s quiet
and goes like a bomb
He’s well put together, his name is Tom
He rides like a rocket or a bird on the wing
Is sharp as a knife and doesn’t miss a thing.

Dave’s added a splash of color to this trip
His vivid tie dye makes him really hip.
On his recumbent, he’s striking and lean,
But, Dave, what do all those hand signals mean?

Herb speaks with a voice
that’s dignified and calm
He’s won our hearts with his quiet charm
He has a great eye for a quality photo
And rides his bike as though it has a motor.

Dee has a heart as big as the sun
She lavishes love on everyone.
She’ll help everyone to cook and then….
The very next day, she’ll do it again.

Andy’s a cool leader,
resourceful and inspired
Always helping with our bike stuff
although he must be tired.
He’s been real hardworking
and, besides that, funny –
We’ve sure had good value for our money!

So thank you, Andy, it’s been a blast,
Our trip has gone by real fast
We wish you luck
as you follow that (North) Star
Pleasant tailwinds be at your back
wherever you are.

Finally, I’m bequeathing you
this little parcel (a deck of card)
Do try hard not to always be the a******!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Back Home

It has been three days since I returned home and the demands of daily life threatens to consume my thoughts as I try to reflect upon our cross-country journey. It was a great ride. Alas, all good things must eventually come to an end and so our tour across the southern States ended on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean on a warm day under an expansive blue sky. Like everyone, I was sad for our journey’s end, but glad to finally finish. In the end, the group was more like a family on the road. Throughout the endeavor, we helped and supported each other, accepted our differences, and stayed focused on our common cause. I had dreamed of riding cross-country, but the actual experiences of this journey were truly so much more than I could have imagined. I had some minor physical difficulties and a case of the flu during the last two weeks, but the ride was a complete joy to have done. It is difficult for me to put into words all that had transpired, so I hope the pictures have given you a good sense and feel for our journey. For me, the fulfillment of one dream seems only to inspire new dreams. So, I’m looking forward to what the future unfolds. My thanks to Andy MacIntyre, the gang, and to you for your notes and well wishes.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Around St. Augustine

Our Dinner Celebration

Frank presents Andy with gifts from the gang for a "ride" well done...

That should help on Andy's next tour, the Northstar, if the going gets tough..

Goodbyes are always so difficult after such a great experience

Nick ponders after receiving the infamous "doorknob" for good. It was passed from rider to rider through the trip.

Eileen gives the verbal awards... Most flats, No flats, fastest...

Best of Luck Mattie in your future, whatever you decide.

Going to the Atlantic Ocean

We ended our journey by riding to the Atlantic Ocean.

It was a great trip Tom, better than I could have imagined.

Photo time you guys...

Tom, Dick and I

Frank and Andy celebrate...

That's one way to dip your wheel...

Frank and Eileen congratulate each other...Great job!

The beach scene around us....

It was a great journey for all of us...

Our Last Day to St Augustine

Frank enjoying the morning on the Hwy 17 bridge to East Palatka.

Steve and Dave leading the way out of Palatka. It our last day, so enjoy!

First Baptist Church in Hastings.

View of the St. Johns River along the CR 13.

Nick enjoying the ride along the St. John River.

Doug leads the way.

Frank and Eileen: Everyone rode with a smile in their hearts today.

View of the St. Johns River along the CR 13.

Our last stop at Molasses Junction before riding into St. Augustine.

We did it!!! St Augustine....

Tom rides through the historic section of downtown St. Augustine.

Mattie, who arrived yesterday, walks Tom and Doug to the Pirate Haus

Our Youth Hostel, the Pirate Haus, was located in the heart of the historic city.

To Palatka and Blue Crab Festival

Dee leading the way to Palatka.

Everyone is enjoying the last days of the tour. Tomorrow is the last day.

The William Penn Motel: "This is an awesome room!"

Carnival rides at the Blue Crab Festival.

River view from the festival.

Nick and Doug enjoying the food, crafts, music and activities along main street.

View from our room at the William Penn Motel.

Dinner was at Angel's Diner, one of the oldest in the city.

There was plenty of room at the counter..

Sunset along the St. Johns River

We don't have clouds like this at home.

Night photo from our motel.

Night photo from our motel.