Trans-America Bike Trek Homepage

After the long trainride, apprehensive tension is reduced by the trip's first few pedal strokes after dipping my wheels in the Pacific

Traveling through the California coastal area, with all of the beauty one would expect

Speaking with strangers always leads to fantastic new insight into life. Rain and hills can be discouraging

Throwing caution into the wind, I discover that being oblivious and overconfident leads to problems

An approaching storm creates the need for a rewarding decision

The transition from mountain to desert accomplished in a few surprising miles, and the acquiring of a new travel mate

The wonderful soul of Nevada becomes apparent through the day's adventures

Meeting and bonding with fellow cyclists

The wind shreds any hopes for a successful day of riding

With the winds showing no signs of relief, I decide to face it head on

As I was growing tired of Nevada's repetitive terrain, a new freshness presents itself

The new feelings of Utah continue to exude themselves, and a new landscape is broken into

Getting an unrepairable flat tire in a town with no stores to fix the problem, a solution is found with the kindness of locals willing to help

With the tire finally fixed, little time remains for reaching my hopeful destination, leading to a nighttime adventure through Utah's canyons

Starting the day with an ugly headwind, a reversal of fortune allowed for a complete enjoyment of some of the most wondrous beauty in America

Crossing the 1000 mile mark, any remaining doubts as to the outcome of the Trek are removed

Waking up to the realization of being engulfed by the Colorado River, the day doesn't get much easier after a flat tire and a broken spoke. Forecast: Rocky Mountains

Slowly falling in love with the Rockies, I take a detour which turns out to be immensely rewarding

Enjoining the lifestyle of living on the ranch, time and necessity demand that I ride on, closing in on Monarch Pass

Finally within the reach of the point of highest elevation at the Continental Divide, it's time for the test

Still ecstatic after the previous day's climb up Monarch Pass, the decision is made to get one last taste of the mountains before the ride east

Feeling sad at leaving the Rockies for good, the experiences in Colorado Springs provide comfort to an aviation enthusiast

Although sad, the transition from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains carries with it wonderful perks

Finally coming around to mentioning the many wonderful encounters with the live animals, preparation is made for being open to the beauty of Kansas

Awakening to an intense direct headwind and flat tire, worsening conditions create a test of my ability to cope

Unfortunate proceedings thankfully still allow me to maintain composure and be thankful for the ever-present bright side

As the wind dozes, it becomes easier to become re-acquainted with the love of the trip, with a late-night thunderstorm as a symbol of change

Learning to deal with Kansas' tricks, becoming more seasoned allows for more enjoyment and defense from the forces against me

The elusive nature of the looming storm wells up deep respect for the power of the Kansas weather

Riding quickly with the wind, a comforting feeling of discomfortable living is discussed

Riding into Kansas City, the harsher parts of the city setting creates a longing for rural beauty

Following the path of Lewis and Clark, I experience representations of the potential wonder of America s the early signs of the 4th of July approach

Joining the Katy Trail bike path, the sights and fellow cyclists push me into a fantastic mood despite the crippling humidity and heat alongside the Missouri River

Switching between the Katy Trail and the paralleling Rt. 94, the second of two encounters with storms leaves me drenched after a long day

Reflections on what has already been accomplished has me change pace with a decision to stay put in St. Louis for the next 2 days

Meeting a fellow traveler from England named Nicola, plans are made to explore St. Louis together by bike

Leaving St. Louis becomes a bittersweet moment, as a return to my love of cycling pries me away from the slight roots I had grown in St. Louis over the past 2 days

A wonderful start to the day at a friendly family restaurant provides the caloric and spiritual necessity for traveling through the beautiful simplicity of small towns and farmlands

Taking a moment to pay attention to the trip in a holistic view, realization of what small steps are capable of in a larger sense becomes apparent

A rather nasty start to the day ends well amongst friends in Indianapolis

Refreshed from my night with friends, I continue the journey eastward, exhilerated by all I encounter along the way

Experiencing a wide section of the country within a single day, feelings of greater understanding for how the world seems to connect are created within. A night on the town with a good buddy completes an active day

Leaving the University of Dayton, I travel through Yellow Springs—a hotspot for unique ideas—to watch the parade and meet new people. The night sees me completely taken by firework driving their symbolic meaning deep within

Traveling on smaller roads has me encounter events I would not have otherwise experienced, including trying to help two lost boys in a rural spot

Sensing the returning feelings not experienced to the same degree since leaving the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains gradually begin to introduce themselves. Experiencing an Amish community and later meeting a particularly eccentric man add points of interest

Another state border crossing has me feeling close to the finish line for the first time. Although mixed feelings ensue, the beauty of the area steers me back to full immersion of the moment

Following the decision to consciously slow myself down, I leave the decaying city of New Castle with increasing visions of the bittersweet end in sight

Rerouting myself leads to rewards found in the new luscious forest terrain through which my newly chosen path leads me

Riding up and down the challenging hills, the physical effort yields rewards through both an elevated sense of happiness and the introduction to some wonderful towns and their inhabitants

Feeling thrilled by the hils, feeling the wind, and riding shirtless, the simple pleasures of the day fill my senses after having spotted the first indication of the Atlantic Ocean on the distant horizon

With the end approaching, I take my time traveling within the beauty of the Appalachian region despite the heat, enjoying the sights, towns, and interesting people

Reflections on nature, the beauty of life, and the need to comply with the local rules of the land about as I travel within the beautiful lands of my birthplace

Trekking through the Appalachian mountians, encounters with locals lead to fruitful route changes, including the befriending of an extremely talented artist

The final state border crossing has me looking forward to what I know to exist ahead in my journey based on what I have experienced and falled deeply in love with to this point

The choice to prolong the trek by riding north through the Berkshire mountains is made, with rewards following the decision

Following the surprising visit of my family, I set about climbing Massachusetts' tallest mountain before again heading east and continuing my journey towards the Atlantic Ocean

A delightfully rainy day coupled with the accomplishment of my journey being within reach create powerful emotions within me

Escorted by my family during the last few miles of my current journey, reaching the cool waters of the Atlantic has be reflecting warmly upon the trek and looking forward to life's next great venture

As the train brings me closer to the starting point, the trail becomes more realistic