The Route

There is a  bit of history behind the planned route. I will begin in Astoria, Oregon and plan to finish in Yorktown, Virginia. More details of the history are as follows:

Bikecentennial '76 was a bicycle tour across the United States in the summer of 1976, in commemoration of the bicentennial of America's Declaration of Independence.  The route crossed ten states and 112 counties in either direction between Reedsport, OR, and Yorktown, VA, a distance of about 4,250 miles (6,840 km). The route was chosen to include many historic sites, but avoid the Great Basin desert, major highways, high-traffic zones and big cities. This route is still in use as the TransAmerica Trail and U.S. Bicycle Route 76. Astoria, OR, was an alternate western terminus, with four additional counties. Original route: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bikecentennial_DOT_HS-803_206_page_c38.PNG

The 4,100 riders who participated represented all fifty states, and ~10% were from foreign countries. Just over 2000 cyclists rode the entire length of the trail.

-From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikecentennial

Maps for the trip are produced by Adventure Cycling Association. The mission of Adventure Cycling Association is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. They help cyclists explore the landscapes and history of America for fitness, fun, and self-discovery. Established in 1973 as part of the Bikecentennial, Adventure Cycling has 44,500 members nationwide. They are headquartered in Missoula, Montana and I plan to stop on my way through, ...for the free ice cream! An image of the numerous bike routes created by Adventure Cycling Association are as follows:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/RouteNetwork.pdf

The Ride

It would seem important to show the noble steed that will carry me across the United States. I think I will name her the Black Stallion. It will not win a road race, but the idea is to Tour the country. Where as my wife will be riding in more comfort and pulling the new camper. Her excitement level has increased as the time to depart draws closer, plus the new camper has helped that situation!

Training Notes

Although, I have been riding my bike since I was a young whipper-snapper, the official training began on January 1, 2012. Thankfully the winter was mild which allowed me to get outside for a lots of rides. When the winter temperature was unbearable (less than 30 degrees), I would use the stationary Schwinn Airdyne to keep the legs and cardiovascular system in shape. The obvious goal is to gradually increase the number of miles each week. For the first two months, through the end of February 2012, I have pedaled 565 miles. In contrast to March 1st to date, I have added another 540 miles, for a total of 1,105 miles. Lately the wind has been a big issue, but I have been told riding in a strong headwind helps condition one for mountain climbs. I can see that theory to be the case, as my legs are feeling it today after a 50 mile ride yesterday in 20+ MPH winds. I rode to Middle Point, via Delphos, Ohio.

The goal for the cross country trip is to ride 60-75 miles per day with one day off each week to recover and let the legs rest a bit. For the past three weeks, I have had at least one 60 mile and multiple 50 mile daily rides. So, things are improving and I am more confident that I will be ready when June arrives and this crazy kid sets off on the adventure.

The Beginning

Where does one begin a journey? It begins with an idea, an inspiration, or a spark that motivates one to take that first step. So, if I have to identify that point in time, it was in 1988. One Sunday morning, I was talking to a fellow church member, Mr. Wendell Freeland. He was sharing his experience of riding his bicycle across the Continental United States. I was thinking, "Wow! you mean that is possible?" If you asked me, a feat like would take a year to complete, if at all. But, I discovered that Wendell, at that time a 65 year old retired banker, completed the 4,250 mile trip in 82 days. So at that moment in time, some 26 years ago, I decided, that was a journey which I would dream of completing....someday! Well, someday has come and this summer (2012) the journey will begin. Of course, I had to do a lot of talking to my lovely bride of 31 years. Although I was prepared to take the trek as a self contained tour, my wife would not entertain the idea of me making the journey solo. Consequently, she agreed to join me on the trip as my support aid group (SAG). Since she is not as crazy about bicycling, she will drive and pull a travel trailer ahead of me each day. So, the plan is coming together and the training is underway...