About the Ride
Todd and his Ride Across the Country for Jared
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Across the Country For Jared
F.A.Q.
How did you pick your route?
While researching various options on the internet, I discovered a wonderful nonprofit organization, now called the Adventure Cycling Association. In 1976, they laid out a special bike route to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial - named the TransAmerican Trail. This was exactly what I was looking for – a route focusing predominately on small town rural America with loads of cultural and geographic diversity. I love the idea of bypassing the interstate system and enjoying ride from quirky little roads and at speeds that allow me to absorb the character of the people and lay of the land. As an added bonus, my alma mater (Univ. of Montana in Missoula) happens to share a special stop on my journey with the Adventure Cycling Headquarters!
Are you planning to shave your legs like the professional racers do?
Well, I’m not necessarily opposed to the incredible advantages gained with respect to the reduction in wind resistance; I believe I’d benefit more smartly from the extra layer of fur during those frigid nights in a tent. You see, I’m a desert rat, more accustomed to dealing with the oppressive heat than frigid nights.
What happens if you break down along the way?
I’ll be carrying some spare stuff with me to help handle common mechanical problems. Wheels are fairly important on a bike, so that means I’ll need to bring spare tubes, tires, and spokes. Oh, and plenty of that miracle repair item, duct tape. If something really unexpected breaks, like a derailleur, I’ll likely rely on my skills gleaned in college and thumb a ride to the nearest BS (Bike Shop).
There are some very steep hill and mountain passes along the route - can you make it up them?
I hope so! I’ve got a good bike with really low gearing – it’s just a shame my legs aren’t stronger. And if all else fails, my ego allows walking (but only if nobody is watching).
What happens if you get hungry and thirsty and there are no towns nearby?
I grew up in Montana, where it is common for us rugged types to frequently forage for food. Most local types, self included, are able to exist Rambo-style on grubs and berries, and the occasional small burrowing creature. And as long as I don’t misplace my slingshot and water witching branch, I’ll be fine.
Where will you be staying along the way?
I reckon a mixture of places, but since I’ll have a tent and sleeping bag it will generally be in the great outdoors under a blanket of stars. However, I’m sure I’ll occasionally need a motel for sanity sake and to obviously recapture a fresh look and smell. I owe that to America – I really do!
Most long distance cyclists have a support (sag) crew; what about you?
Yes, there are three in the crew. First, there’s “me”; then there’s “myself”, and of course, let’s not forget “I”. The unfortunate thing is that a couple of them have time, and time again, proven to be lazy, unfocused, and unreliable -in other words, dead weight. So I think I’ll just go it alone.
How often are you going to be updating your blog?
I hope regularly. I’m keenly aware of the fleeting attention span of even my own parents and I certainly want to string them along to share the pain. So it beehoves me to post as often as my little old laptop catches a reliable internet connection and in rural America, who knows if they even know about the internet yet.