Final Thoughts

Once in Tacoma, Wa, got off the bike and spent 4 great days around the area taking in a few Mariner's games, trip up the space needle and Pike Street market as well as some hiking in Rainier National Park. Who knew that after 2000 miles on a bike I would be completely sore and almost unable to do steps after a little 4 mile hike!? I guess bike legs don't translate into hiking legs.

Back home in Minneapolis, it's been really nice to see my girlfriend, Tram and other friends after 6 weeks away. Received many great comments from folks voicing their enjoyment in reading my blog throughout the trip. I was ready to come back though it's remarkable how soon memories begin to fade once normalcy resumes. There were some deja-vue moments from my Peace Corps days that occurred as result of receiveing questions on how the trip went. I had received similar questions after returning from Morocco after 3 years trying to sum up the experience for people in a way that they would understand. Impossible to do so I quickly realized. It was an experience so different, so complex, and so involved in a way that I could not find the words for.

Though this trip was here in the same country it was not unlike some of my experiences overseas. Sure, the beautiful scenery can be shown along the way in pictures but the most memorable moments occurred upon meeting total strangers who put me up in their house, fed me, or simply gave me great information on where to spend the night or which road to take or which restaurant to eat at. Other times I received the most enjoyment while all alone and I was... just riding. How do you explain those most simple of pleasures? Thanks to this blog most people already knew what a great trip it really was and one that I may never be able to duplicate.

This was a trip that, as someone I met described, renewed my faith in people and fellow Americans. The sheer generosity and hospitality that I was shown all along the way with the exception of the Motorhomes that tried to kill me! has made me want to be nicer to others as cheesy as that may sound. I was shown so much kindness as I toured SMALLTOWN, USA for 5 straight weeks that I hope to always remember it and be able to incorporate the same attitude back in the city.

Looking back now, I have tried to answer some typical questions about the trip.

• Would I do it again? Absolutely! Already thinking about where I would like to tour next. I think by far, it is the best way to see the world. By car is too fast and too expensive and walking just too slow and boring. It was just so cool to think that I had everything I needed to live all strapped upon a bicycle.
  
• What would I do differently? Perhaps train a bit more before undertaking such an ambitious endeavor. Maybe I woulldn't have suffered so much in the begining. Traveling West to East would definately be easier.
  

• Equipmet changes the next time? I think I packed really well for my first long distance bike ride. I brought a solar charger for my phone that I wouldn't bring again. It's not like I was in very remote areas. Plus, the regular charger probably weighed less. Being a gadget guy, I couldn't resist the idea.

The common denominator I found among almost every other cyclist was the leather Brooks saddle they had. One guy said he no longer wears bike shorts his Brooks saddle is so comfortable! Wish I would have known that. And to think that I almost quit because of the butt pain! Other than that, would do it all the same.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the following people which allowed me to experience my most memorable vacation. Not in order of importance:

• Tram Nguyen, Mpls, Mn. My really longtime girlfriend who has been my financial and emotional support for such a long time who bit her lip when I told her what I was planning on doing. She had every right to say "your ass needs to get a job and start paying for yourslef!" Instead, she knew what it meant to me and let me go yet still taunting me that I couldn't do it. I think that it was that motivation that kept me going up to 12,000ft on Day 2!

• My parents, Somerset, Ky. Having just finished school with tons of debt they too probably should have said "get a job!" I will be forever grateful for them for their financial and emotional support over the last many years as I tried and tried to get through school, some of the toughest I had ever experienced. They truly went beyond the call of duty from loving parents. Cannot thank them enough.
  

• Scott Backer, Mpls, Mn. Good friend and bike mechanic. Also could not have done it without his help with the bike prep before the trip. Also was always present on the comment list.

• Friends and family from all over who made it known that they were reading and interested in my journey. Nothing better to be in the middle of nowhere, alone, and reading comments people made. Trevor always put a smile on my face with his way with words!

• For their graciousness and hospitality along the way:
• The Byerlys, Ketchum, Id.
• The Huffakers, Ketchum, Id.
• The Colliers, Halfway, Or.
• John Mercer, Bend, Or.
• Doug Moore, Tacoma, Wa.
  

"So that's all folks!" Tried to sum it up as best I could. Really a trip I won't soon forget. And this blog thing was the coolest way to remember it all!

In the process of making a book out of it so let me know if you're interested in getting a copy. Hopefully, I have inspired others to get out there and see the world slowly, on the uphills, anyway, from the back of a bicycle.