Why are two crazy ladies riding across the United States?

Seven years ago while I was huffing and puffing to keep up with Ruth's running pace, she asked me if I would run across the USA with her.



You are crazy!" I gasped. "but I will cycle across the states with you."



We started planning the trip that day. We ordered the transcontinental maps from Adventure Cycling Association. Then Ruth's husband got a job in Evian, France, and we put our plans on hold.



Throughout the last seven years, we continued to discuss our trip. Then this last Fall, Bill and Ruth returned to Cincinnati. We looked at our maps again,checked into various cycling groups that are crossing the states this year, and kept pedaling on the back roads of southwestern Ohio.



As we learned the prices and the dates of the organized trips, we realized those trips would not work for us. We finally decided that a spring trip would work, and we decided on the Southern Tier Route. The maps route us through southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and then to our final designation - St. Augustine, Florida.

Throughout the trip we will stay in motels and bed&breakfasts and travel as lightly as possible. We plan to average eighty miles per day, take three rest days, and reach our destination on May 1st.



Our husbands are traveling with us the first two weeks. They will carry our gear for us and will be playing golf or attending spring training baseball games while we are cycling. Hurray for our very supportive husbands!



We will try to update the blog every day. Some nights we may be so tired that the only words we will be able to type are: "We made it!" We may be in a motel without a computer or cell coverage.



We will miss our family and friends along the trip. As St. Patrick's Day is approaching we think of this Irish Blessing:



May the road rise to meet you,



May the wind be always at your back,



May the sun shine warm upon your face,



The rains fall soft upon your fields and



Until we meet again,



May God hold you in the palm of his hand.



To All: Please Take Care! Love, Mary Jo and Ruth



Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Day 11, Caballo Lake to Las Cruces, 65 miles

We spent the night in Truth or Consequences which was actually named after the 1950's TV game show. Early in the morning Bill drove us the 15 miles back to the lake and we resumed where we left off on state route 187.
The morning was quiet with little traffic and little wind. We rode through fields of onions, groves of pecan trees, and fields being prepared to plant chili plants.
After thirty miles, we cycled into Hatch, the chili capital of the world. We bought more water and m&ms. Uncle Sam greeted Ruth.
Further down the road, we met two cyclists journeying to San Diego from St. Augustine. They left St. Augustine January 28 and have had to sit out 15 days because of cold temps and high winds. They warned us about the hill country of Texas and we did mention Emory Pass . They carried heavy panniers and we wondered how they will get over the pass with 10 to 12 percent grades.
As we approached Las Cruces, the winds picked up. We were riding mostly south with the winds coming from the west. Therefore we had strong crosswinds. We held on to our bikes tightly so that we did not fall over.

Today, Ruth focused on taking photos of adobe homes and we did not eat Subway sandwiches.
Tonight Paul and Peg Miller invited us over for dinner. Paul was the former minister of our church, Presbyterian Church of Wyoming.
Tomorrow the winds are suppose to be stronger and gusty but we are having a much anticipated rest day.


"Who has seen the Wind?

Neither I nor you:

But when the leaves hang trembling.

The wind is passing thro' " Christina Rossetti
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6 comments:

  1. MaxannaMarch 31, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    Way to go! And enjoy dinner! And I'm ready for a rest- so maybe we'll all take a much needed break- whether "actual" or "imagined". Love to hear about you adventure!

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  2. julia kApril 1, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    How wonderful to see Paul and Peg!!! I can just imagine your delight in talking to them and the bikers who are coming East to West. The boys must be leaving soon--that may be hard or maybe not. I am really enjoying this ride through you. Your fortitude is amazing.

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  3. julia kApril 1, 2010 at 7:50 AM

    Oh, we had class this morning and truly miss you. Tonight is Maunday Thursday dinner (Leslie) with communion, Good Friday service and then a huge Sunday service with the Hallelujah Chorus. The stain glass window is back too. Julia

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  4. Marilyn HApril 1, 2010 at 8:38 AM

    You are so inspiring that I rode my bike yesterday and will again today! You are doing a great job! I love to see your progress.
    Marilyn H

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  5. AnonymousApril 1, 2010 at 12:37 PM

    Here is a comment from our daughter's mother-in-law who is a true Texan from Dallas.
    Ruth

    "When you get to Texas (God's Country), I didn't know how you would manage to ride your bikes while placing your right hand over your heart the entire ride through Texas, while only steering with your left hand!!!! Also, you need to sing appropriate songs like The Yellow Rose of Texas or Texas Our Texas!!!"

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  6. DonApril 1, 2010 at 1:58 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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