Usually the first two questions I get when I say I want to ride my bike from Seattle to Scottsbluff is "why?" and then, "is anyone going with you?"
The second question is easy. Not many people are interested in tagging along on a month-long, approximately 1,300-mile bike ride that includes some respectable mountain passes, including 5,400 foot Chinook pass right at the outset. Even the routes published by Adventure Cycling don't go through Nebraska. Unless someone is from there, I've learned that a lot of people regard Nebraska as a place to steer clear of.
I can't vouch for eastern Nebraska, in fact I had a roommate once from Lincoln who said he would never, ever go back, but the panhandle is nice country, and I spent many summer vacations when I was young in the vicinity of my grandparents place in Scottsbluff, or my other grandparents farm just over the border in Wyoming, near Torrington.
Growing up, I made many road trips between Seattle and Scottsbluff with my family, and as an adult I've flown myself there twice, once with my wife and parents, the second time with my wife and (then) 6 year-old son. I often have dreams about travel, in which I am traversing whole states either on foot or by bike, and a couple years ago it dawned on me that I really needed to do this in my waking life.
Last year I went on a wonderful week-long supported tour of the California Siskiyous, and the experience of being up early each morning and out on rural mountain roads while the air was still cool, really fed the fire for this idea of taking a long unsupported tour.
The big differences this time will of course be that I carry all my own gear, arrange each overnight accommodation and daily meals as I go. I opted to go the trailer route rather than panniers. So far on practice rides with my B.O.B. Yak trailer, the bike feels very natural.
Can I do this? If I had unlimited time, I would say, not a doubt. But I've been thinking that a little uncertainty as to the details of the going and the of the ultimate outcome is what makes it an adventure.
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteWhat a crazy adventure!!! It's fabulous!!
When do you leave? I can meet you some where along the way near Othello, It's quite close to where I live. I'll give you some cold water as the weather will be near 100 when you ride through.
Hope to see you; and remember; we'll always have Aspen.
Sheila
I depart very early in the morning of August 22. I'll be approximately hwy 24 thru Connell, so not that far south of Othello. Water will be appreciated!
ReplyDeleteDamn, Kevin! I feel like a jerk for not keeping up with you on this. I know you said you were going to leave sometime . . . this summer!? It would be helpful if you could delay your departure time until after noon or so. I am usually a little tired on Saturdays and don't like to get up before 8 or whatever ungodly hour you plan on leaving. Then I could come and see you off. I would also ask if you could bring me a nice rock from Yellowstone, and from Mt. Mckinley. What an adventure! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteJeff
Good report Kevin. I'm living my 2009 summer vicariously through you. Tom A.
ReplyDeleteSheila!
ReplyDeleteHow I hoped to run into you on hwy 24... I was going off the low end.