Introduction & FAQ

We have decided to ride across the country for fun, adventure, health, and to see the country. In 1995 we rode from San Francisco to San Diego in 10 days and had such a good time that we decided to someday ride across the country. Now our kids are grown and we just retired, so it is the perfect time. We will have none of our usual chores and responsibilites. Our only concerns will be where to eat and where to sleep. And burning all of those calories will make the food taste better. Riding along the countryside outdoors we can smell the flowers, sing songs, and enjoy the scenery. We'll visit new places, meet new people, and see how small-town Americans live.

Answers to common questions:
1. Are you avid cyclists?
No. Jeff rode his bike to work a lot until he retired, but our tandem hasn't seen much use in the past few years. Ruth is more into Yoga. But we have taken some medium length rides lately. And we've done a lot of running.

2. What kind of bike?
Burley Rock 'n Roll tandem. 18 speeds geared rather low. Steel frame circa 1990. Drum brake. Racks on front and back on which we mount panniers. 6 water bottle cages. 26"x1.25" Specialized Fatboy slick 100psi tires.

3. How far will we ride per day?
Our farthest ever was 94 miles one day in 1995. Our average on that long ride was about 60 miles per day. But we'll be happy with 50 or 30 or whatever we feel like. We're not racing and we'll stop whenever we feel like it.

4. What is our route?
The "Southern Tier". We bought a set of maps from Adventure Cycling and plan to stick to that route. At the end we'll head south and go to Disney World. Then we'll fly home.

5. Where will we sleep?
Hotels or campgrounds, depending on availability, the weather, and how we feel that day.

6. Do we have cooking gear?
No. When we camp we'll eat cold food. We've tried to pack as lightly as possible.

7. Do we have an intercom while we're riding?
On a tandem we sit close enough to chat while we ride unless the traffic is exceptionally noisy. So we don't have an intercom.

8. Are we crazy? (The most common question.)
We prefer the term "eccentric" thank you very much. And our world is a wonderful place "where life is beautiful all the time..."

9. Will this blog tell the true story?
Ruth has promised her friends to tell the truth. So after Jeff writes the main part of the post, Ruth will add a section entitled "The truth from Ruth" in which she will tell how bad or good it REALLY was.