It's Me

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Odin the Rednose Coonhound

Home Sweet Home

Greetings All from Cape Cod!
Gary and I have now arrived back on-Cape after completing the second leg of the Big Adventure along the Eastern Coast of the US. We added another 1,200 miles to the tandem's odometer in addition to the 4,800 from last year's trek from New Hampshire to San Francisco. Seeing the country at an average pace of 10 mph, along back roads, self-supported, on a bicycle has been one of the greatest experiences of our lives! Aside from the physical and mental challenges of traveling this way, well, no, rather because of them, it has been one of those life changing times. It's important to have those "let's shake things up a little" events in life and do things that we're not sure we can do. I've never been a confident bicyclist, but I like relying on my wits and trust my gut instincts. People laugh when Gary and I tell them that we really don't consider ourselves great bicyclists but rather curious adventurers.

For now we are back home but not for long. Next week we leave for a cross-country drive with Gary's sister, Mary Lyn, and her two little dogs, Sassy and Gretchen. Every big adventure requires a support system and at the helm of ours for the past 2 years has been Mary Lyn. When Gary and I first started to plan this trip and put feelers out to the family to see if anyone was interested in an extended stay at our house on the Cape while we were out scratching this crazy itch, Mary Lyn agreed to do it. Granted, it required her to move from the West Coast, but that was OK by her. Mare has been the one who has kept up the homestead for us while sending periodic emergency packages and always being the first one to respond to our emails. We could not have done it without her! So, we will be on the road again, returning Mare and "the girls" to California, all the while reminiscing about these past 2 years, lamenting the price of gas, stopping to see a few sites (The Grand Canyon for one), and visiting family all along the way.

As for the rest of our support system, we thank you one and all for your encouragement and thoughtfulness during our Big Adventure! It's hard to adequately convey how much everyone's messages, prayers, offers of a bed or meal, rides to get us started and to get us home, and general well-wishes helped Gary and me keep going on this sometimes arduous journey. These kindnesses truly made all the difference. In return we hope you've enjoyed our tales from the road. We sure had a good time exploring on two wheels!

Signing off once again,
Gary and Cathy and little Mojo

Connecticut

We entered the northwest hills of CT today. Even with 6000 miles behind us the ups and downs are still very challenging. One more state to cross before we're home.

The Hudson River

Today we crossed the mighty Hudson near Poughkeepsie NY. It sure looked different than it did last year when we crossed it in the Adirondacks on our way west. Up north it is just a mountain stream.

Fellow Tandem Riders

We met Jessica and Mike on our ride from Dingman's Ferry Campground along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania to Middletown, NY. They recently graduated from college and decided to ride from Miami, Florida to Bar Harbor, Maine before starting their careers. We do have to say that they are riding much faster than we are but are taking their time to see all the sights along the way.

It is always nice to meet fellow adventurers. It allows you to reflect on why you are on the road and keeps you focused on the journey, wherever that may take you.

New Jersey

Crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey today. We'll be riding north along the river for the next few days.

Our Home State

Now biking in PA. (Susquehanna River near Maryland border). Hills have been challenging after the low country of SC and NC. NJ, NY and CT are next on the list.