On June 5th, 2022, I set out to ride my bike across America. This was my longest bike tour by far and I wasn't even sure I'd make it. Thanks to countless people, including all of my friends, family and co-workers, I accomplished my goal. It took 50 days, including just two days off.
My route was Washington DC to Pittsburgh on the C&O Canal and GAP trails. Then following the Eastern Express Route to Walden, Colorado, where I picked up the Adventure Cycling TransAm route to Missoula. From there, I rode the Lewis & Clark trail to Washington State. [The Eastern Express route has since been added to the Adventure Cycling catalog, but I followed the maps by Frank Moritz]
Some gear highlights include my All City Space Horse bike, Dan Durston X-Mid tent, Feathered Friends Flicker sleeping bag, Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad, Selle Anatomica saddle, Cotopaxi sun hoodie, Castelli padded shorts, Patagonia R1 Air, Ortlieb panniers, Rogue Panda top tube bag, Shimano shoes, SPD pedals and Nuun tablets (especially the caffeinated ones).
00:00 Washington DC
00:13 Maryland
01:23 Pennsylvania
02:37 West Virginia
02:51 Ohio
03:22 Indiana
03:43 Illinois
04:07 Missouri
05:37 Kansas
07:23 Nebraska
09:10 Colorado
11:47 Wyoming
17:43 Montana
21:16 Idaho
22:57 Washington State
The list of people I have to thank is incredibly long, but it includes Jess, Josh, Don, John, Duncan, Kelly, Sarah, Josh, Sam and her family for taking in a dirty, stinky cyclist and letting me stay with them. My mom for encouraging me and tracking me along the way (while wearing a Waldo costume, for some reason). My dad for keeping me safe with a new set of bike lights and reflective vest. Elizabeth for giving me the flexibility at work to do the trip. Marquis, Jeanette and all of my colleagues who covered for me while I was gone. Jenelle for talking me down when I was freaking out, reviewing this video before the world sees it and coming up with the title. Rob and Phil at Bicycle Space for helping get my bike ready. Rick at The Phoenix Cyclery for fixing my tubeless setup on short notice. Diane for letting me park my car at her house. Tran for getting into bike touring with me and riding out with me on the first day. Cyclists I met along the way, like Ben, Vlad, Brent, David, Emily, Alex, Tanner and Munir. My neighbors Catherine, Andrew and Keya for looking after my house. And all of the rest of my friends and family who cheered me on along the way, including Greg, Robin, Dan, Abe, Niki, Lee, Sage, Tari, Sydney, Katie, Lindsey, Aaron, Murray, Sam, Beth, Ody, Kenny, Jenny, Jay and the Darcio Lira Jiu Jitsu crew and everyone else.
#biketour #biketrip #adventure
