It's over.
Wow! Hard to believe...
For the record>>
75 days on the road including 11 rest days, 4224 miles pedalled in 12 states and one Canadian province.
5 flat tires, 4 million pedal strokes, 3 days without ice cream, 2 days without coffee, zero days without meeting a new friend.
Highest elevation attained-- 9666' @ Powder River Pass, Bighorn Mountains.
Elevation gained and lost--ask my dog, it was her job to keep record.
Most frequently asked question "Why did you want to do such a trip?"
Second most frequently asked question "How old is your dog?"
Question never asked "Would you like a cold beer from the cooler in my trunk?"
Second most frequent question never asked "Are you interested in a promotion to write a book?"
Most frequent answer to any question " No, I won't be cycling back."
Second most frequent answer to any question "From Seattle."
Third most frequent answer to any question "To Maine."
Most frequent emotion felt "Hungry".
Second most frequent emotion felt "Tired and hungry".
Weight loss during trip--nothing
Calories consumed--okay, now this is getting silly...
The short form of the feelings and thoughts I've gathered from doing this journey can be summed up in the following paragraphs: the country is large, much larger than one can imagine. There are corners to explore every time you turn. The land and terrain is diverse and at times rugged beyond control. There is beauty in so many forms; in the rocks, the rivers, the flowers, the creatures.
The people I met were genuinely loving and kind, helpfull and courteous. Many went out of their ways to help a stranger they would never see again. Some I hope to cross paths with again and probably will. I had NO bad or regrettable encounters. Traffic was respectfull, except for a few instances in New York State. South Dakota and Ontario drivers were absolutely the most polite of all. I only had to outrun two dogs, (not counting mine).
I have gained a renewed respect for the working class of this country, the large majority of Americans who are disenfranchised from the economic prosperity around them. Many live in communities whose regional planners have sold out to large corporations that have outsourced their jobs or let faceless mega-stores undercut their personal business ownership. The result is countless closed businesses, properties for sale, and economic depression in areas that once thrived. I understand protectionism and regionalism like never before.
I am very thankfull for the chance to have undertaken this trip. Only here in the first world is it possible to travel on such good quality roadways, along with courteous traffic, to have food, lodging and supplies readily available daily, and to be able to record events through photographs and blog. And how about the privledge of being able to afford a good bicycle and trailer and the healthy legs to pedal it? Yes, I am thankfull. I am lucky too.
Lastly, I want to encourage all of you who read this blog and find some aspect interesting or inspiring about it, to step out of your sheltered harbor, out of your comfort zone, and take on a challenge that lies buried in some recess of your being. Not everyone will find bliss in pulling 100 lbs. of gear and smelly hound around for a summer, I understand. But adventures come in all shapes, sizes and are just awaiting for someone to do them. Step out into the wind...
Thanks to all those who supported me, helped me, encouraged me, followed me and led me.
(Oh yes, and those who fed me!!)
Cheers, you made GravyTrain2Maine 2009 a reality!
Gary and Brindil-hound
Wow! Hard to believe...
For the record>>
75 days on the road including 11 rest days, 4224 miles pedalled in 12 states and one Canadian province.
5 flat tires, 4 million pedal strokes, 3 days without ice cream, 2 days without coffee, zero days without meeting a new friend.
Highest elevation attained-- 9666' @ Powder River Pass, Bighorn Mountains.
Elevation gained and lost--ask my dog, it was her job to keep record.
Most frequently asked question "Why did you want to do such a trip?"
Second most frequently asked question "How old is your dog?"
Question never asked "Would you like a cold beer from the cooler in my trunk?"
Second most frequent question never asked "Are you interested in a promotion to write a book?"
Most frequent answer to any question " No, I won't be cycling back."
Second most frequent answer to any question "From Seattle."
Third most frequent answer to any question "To Maine."
Most frequent emotion felt "Hungry".
Second most frequent emotion felt "Tired and hungry".
Weight loss during trip--nothing
Calories consumed--okay, now this is getting silly...
The short form of the feelings and thoughts I've gathered from doing this journey can be summed up in the following paragraphs: the country is large, much larger than one can imagine. There are corners to explore every time you turn. The land and terrain is diverse and at times rugged beyond control. There is beauty in so many forms; in the rocks, the rivers, the flowers, the creatures.
The people I met were genuinely loving and kind, helpfull and courteous. Many went out of their ways to help a stranger they would never see again. Some I hope to cross paths with again and probably will. I had NO bad or regrettable encounters. Traffic was respectfull, except for a few instances in New York State. South Dakota and Ontario drivers were absolutely the most polite of all. I only had to outrun two dogs, (not counting mine).
I have gained a renewed respect for the working class of this country, the large majority of Americans who are disenfranchised from the economic prosperity around them. Many live in communities whose regional planners have sold out to large corporations that have outsourced their jobs or let faceless mega-stores undercut their personal business ownership. The result is countless closed businesses, properties for sale, and economic depression in areas that once thrived. I understand protectionism and regionalism like never before.
I am very thankfull for the chance to have undertaken this trip. Only here in the first world is it possible to travel on such good quality roadways, along with courteous traffic, to have food, lodging and supplies readily available daily, and to be able to record events through photographs and blog. And how about the privledge of being able to afford a good bicycle and trailer and the healthy legs to pedal it? Yes, I am thankfull. I am lucky too.
Lastly, I want to encourage all of you who read this blog and find some aspect interesting or inspiring about it, to step out of your sheltered harbor, out of your comfort zone, and take on a challenge that lies buried in some recess of your being. Not everyone will find bliss in pulling 100 lbs. of gear and smelly hound around for a summer, I understand. But adventures come in all shapes, sizes and are just awaiting for someone to do them. Step out into the wind...
Thanks to all those who supported me, helped me, encouraged me, followed me and led me.
(Oh yes, and those who fed me!!)
Cheers, you made GravyTrain2Maine 2009 a reality!
Gary and Brindil-hound
Gary, congratulations on the successful completion of your journey. Your posts and pictures have entertained me daily since we met outside Lowman, ID. Keep crankin!
ReplyDelete-Aaron on the Cannondale
Way to go Gary, you are awesome and an inspiration. Wonder what adventure I can dream up with Kima - it can't involve pedaling! Maybe she could run alongside a horse...
ReplyDelete~Jill lapsed supper-clubber
Gary, you are truly an inspiration. My chance meeting with you was one of those events etched in my brain that I'll never forget. My initial thought when you told me what your mission was, was "no way" that's impossible. And then to follow your progress across the country I realized I had met a super-human individual. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteGreg-The guy on the Honda in the hilly section going toward Hell's Canyon