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 andUntil we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
To All: Please Take Care! Love, Mary Jo and Ruth
You're almost out of California. Way to go. One state down, six to go :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I'll be waiting for more pics. But it does sound like you're having a much better time than Nala. Will any of the cyclers you rode with be joining your merry little band?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had work to do and you got the job done! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you met other cyclists! Hope you can have them as companions along the way!
ReplyDeletePoor Nala
ReplyDeleteSorry about the headwind. Hope tomorrow goes well.
ReplyDeleteYour friend Jodee posted to my blog. I'm now reading yours. I'm with Woman Tour and ahead of you. If you need lodging or bike shop suggestions. Email
ReplyDeleteblubird@sonic.net. Or call 707 540 1441
have fun
Karen Cooper