The End

Poland is Next!!

We made it!!! Washington, DC

Final Stats:
Miles Ridden: 3,476
Hours of Pedaling: 282
Average Speed: 12.63
Money Saved on Gas: 825.67
Beginning Weight: 198
Ending: Weight: 185
Number of Convenience Stores or Gas Marts Frequented: 107
Would I do it again: Yes, most definitely
Would I do it a second time: Probably not

Top Ten Questions Asked
1. Where ya headed? A: Washington DC
2. Where'd you come from? A: Seattle, WA
3. How long you been on the road? A: 7 weeks
4. When did you start? A: August 1st
5. When will you get there? A: September 20th
6. How many miles do you cycle a day? A: An average of 90
7. What’s your cause (or disease)? A: Peace (hence: bike4peace.org)
8. What do you do that you can take off so much time from work? A: Unemployed
9. Where are you from? A: New Jersey
10. Where do you sleep? A: Host Families, Churches, Camp Grounds

Finished!!!! - Washington DC

Great Allegheny Passage and C & O Canal Trail

The last three days we were scheduled to cycled on the Great Allegheny Passage, which is an abandone railroad tracks from West Newton PA (near Pittsburg) to Cumberland PA and then continued on the C & O Canal Trail that lead directly into Georgetown, DC. After the first night of camping, I decided to skip the "rest day" which was the following day, and continue cycling by myself to DC. I camped each night on the banks of the Potomac river. When I arrived in DC, I was in desperate need of a shower. Not having showered for three days. The Passage and Trail were really nice, surrounded by vegtation, no traffic, and level (no hills), albeit it was a bit bumpy. The surface was crushed limestone, not pavement. My butt and hands were sore. I saw my first leaves changing colors, and could smell fall in the air.

Convenience Stores or Gas Marts

Convenience Stores and Gas Marts became a frequent stop multiple-times a day…coffee, donuts, fruit (when available), bathroom, juice, water, etc.

Head Winds - Ohio

During the past two days in Ohio the head winds have been fierce. They slowed us down considerably. They generally tend to be worse than inclines or hills, one never can anticipate them, and they generally persist throughout the day, making for an exhausting day of cycling. Inclines and hills can be anticipated, don't last all day long, and are often followed by an compensating declines or down hills.

Random Street Photos - Chicago, IL

On our rest day in Wheaton IL, some of us journeyed into Chicago for the day.

Art Institute - Chicago, IL

I decided to spend most of my rest day in Chicago at the Art Institute. I've been craving the intellectual and creative stimulation. For me at least, the lack of intellectual and creative stimulation has been a significant downside of traveling by pedal power.

Horse Farm - Wheaton, IL

Our hosts Jenny and Matt in Wheaton, IL hooked us up with a amazing pot-luck BBQ at their horse farm on the first day and helped us navigate our way in to the city of Chicago on the subsequent rest day. Food, friendship, hospitality and support were once again overflowing.

Churches

Many churches along our route volunteered as hosts, and excellent hosts they have been. On arrival dinner in the church’s kitchen, and often they leave behind breakfast food in which we would prepare ourselves in the morning. There is also always ample space to sleep throughtout the church. And while most churches don’t have showers, we would usually make due with a “sink” bath. Or in some cases, in western states, the church has directed us to a city pool or city park with public shower facilities.

Kerry’s Birthday – Belvidere, IL

Kerry turned 26 today. We celebrated her 26 birthday with 26 candles in a Cliff Bar. (For those non-cyclists, Cliff Bars are energy/protein bars, popular amongst cyclists. Many in the group, including myself, have O.D.ed on them and wish to never eat another.)

Rain - Winona, MN

A low pressure system hovered overhead as we left Winona, MN and crossed into western WI on our way to Viroqua. It rained periodically throughout the day, and then again the next day on our way to Madison, WI. Thanks to waterproof panniers, a plastic garage bag covering my sleeping bag and tent, front pannier covers (yellow), an Arc'teryx rain suit and helmet rain bonnet, I stayed fairly dry, except for my cycling shoes. I brought waterproof rain covers for my cycling shoes, but they weren't very effective. My feet got wet regardless of whether I wore the rain covers or not. Ultimately, I chose just not to wear them, and to dry my shoes by directing a fan on them overnight.