America One Spoke At a Time: Seattle to Savannah

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The journey from Seattle to Savannah came to an end on August 21 when Jay cycled down Bay Street and rolled his bicycle into the lobby of the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel.

We traveled together on this epic adventure, but we both have our own story of this trek across America.

Helen was the trip’s SAG (Support and Gear) driver. Including our travel from our home near Atlanta to the west coast, Helen drove our Prius a total of 10,834 miles. As Jay cycled, Helen drove ahead to that evening’s campsite. She made all arrangements to pay for the campsite (or hotel), set up the tent, shopped for food, ice and drinks, did laundry and took care of our dog Nando. More importantly, she kept on eye on the weather. Especially in Montana and North Dakota, clear blue skies could change rather dramatically to dark, dangerous wind and rain-filled skies. Dangerous weather appeared twice and Helen needed to jump into the Prius to retrieve Jay. Helen’s support kept Jay safe and kept the fun in our arduous trek across this huge country.

Jay cycled 3,867 miles. Those miles included climbs over the Northern Cascade Mountains, endless hours alone surrounded by wheat, corn and soya bean fields, cycling the rolling hills of Kentucky horse farm country and keeping his focus each day to roll another 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 miles down the road.

The seed of this epic journey was sown 40+ years ago, during Jay’s high hippie days in the mid- 1970’s when he hitch hiked across the US and Canada and saw a cyclist riding across Canada. “I need to do that someday.” Thus, an item was added to Jay’s bucket list.

The Facts:

States Jay rode through: 11. Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia.

Flat Tires: 3

Days of Cycling Trip: 82

Average Miles per day: 60 – 70

Longest Ride: 98 miles (on Jay’s 67’s birthday)

We admit it is hard to believe that the journey has ended. We are now back home, sleeping in our own bed and updating our smartphone calendars with committee meetings, doctor’s appointments and other sundry items of everyday life. It was a great adventure, and we have many fond memories of people, places and experiences that we cherish.

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