We talked about a lot of things, his successful search for a saddle that was just right for this trip, about taking a tarp to cover the bike at night (keeping the dew, and occasional rain off the bike), about his one flat tire (which he discovered in his hotel room one morning), a dog incident in Alabama, the many cyclists they met as they traveled across the country, and about all of the differences, in climate, differences in people, their thinking, differences in bicycles, and concepts, etc.
I learned that before this trip, Paul, like me and many other cyclists, would always take a hill sitting on the saddle. Paul learned that alternating sitting and standing to pedal was a major help in tackling the mountains. By using this method, two different muscle groups were used, and each would get a rest. Eating often, and drinking lots and lots of water were extremely important. Paul discovered a great variety of energy bars.
One of the most interesting aspects of Paul’s’ journey had to be the meeting of other cyclists. He told me about three people they met who are in their 70s, doing their second trip across the county to raise money for Clean Water.
Then there was the college girl, traveling cross-country all by herself on her bike. And a couple from the Northeast, riding their bikes for “a year of summer” only riding to where it is warm., making a trip around the perimeter of this great country, for one full year.
In preparing for a bike trip like this, there are as many ideas as there are people contemplating such a journey. Like different routes, east to west vs. west to east, different times of the year, different brands and types of bicycles, different training, different approaches to food, self contained, camping vs. hotels, etc.
Paul obviously was prepared for the physical and mechanical aspects. I think that the emotional and intellectual parts were where he grew the most. An amazing accomplishment, and in my humble opinion, an amazing man. I wonder what he will do next. (He did indicate that he wants to do this again when he is 80. Maybe I could join him.
“The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning”.
As stories end, like this one about Paul, there are always beginnings. I find myself in that situation as well.
This will be my last regular column. Goodbyes are always difficult. And they occur in many areas of our lives. There are goodbyes of all descriptions. And for endless reasons. It has been said, “Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell.”
I have been writing this column for this newspaper and it’s predecessors for several years. This is my last official article. (I may from time to time submit “something” and those “something’s” may or may not get published.)
Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the opportunity I have been given to promote bicycling. Bicycles have been a large part of my life.
Having this forum for bicycle advocacy has been extremely rewarding. It is my hope that this effort has made some small impact in our community.
“Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
others are blue.
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,
here’s a happy one for you.”
Farewell and God Bless.
