Pedaling Science: A TransAmerica Bicycle Adventure

Coast to Coast Complete!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:35:00 +0000

After my return to Warrenton, Virginia, reality set in and I realized that I had a very small window of opportunity left to complete the coast to coast segment of my trip. A quick check of the calendar revealed to me that the Highland volleyball season and teacher workdays were upon me. I jumped back on the bicycle Friday, August 15, and headed South. On Saturday, August 16, I eased the front tire into the salty waters. Lise met me there and after a celebratory meal, we headed home.

Thanks again to all of you that have supported my adventure and supplied lots of needed encouragement.

Many Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:54:00 +0000

What a great feeling to be welcomed home by so many friends and family. I met a lot of kind and considerate people along my route and made some new friends along the way. But, there is no place like home! Thanks to all of you who have followed and supported my adventure.

Welcome Home

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Lise and friends organized a warm reception for me at Highland School, complete with a special cake, posters and refreshments. The country has changed a little since I started my trip!

Security Escorts

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:26:00 +0000

Pictured are two of my escorts into Warrenton. Chris Giglio and Jim Bounds met me on the route into Warrenton. Larry Byvik also accompanied me to the finish. Also pictured is David Norden who is a good friend and official representative for the Town of Warrenton. I may actually get a "key" to the town!!!

Pedaling the Skyline Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:20:00 +0000

The last segment home was atop the Skyline Drive, in Shenandoah National Park. The weather was perfect and the views were spectacular. Lise joined me at Skyland on my last night on the road and we enjoyed an evening overlooking the Shenandoah Valley.

Warrenton to Warrenton

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Two miles inland from the coast of Oregon, where I began my journey, is the town of Warrenton, Oregon. I had a photo taken in anticipation of having another photo-opt at the Warrenton, Virginia post office upon the completion of my trip.

On Friday, the final segment of my route will take me from the Skyline Drive, down Thornton Gap, into Sperryville and East on 211 into Warrenton. After lunch in Sperryville, I will most likely get to the Warrenton PO around 4:00 and then pedal over to Highland School to meet with Lise to catch a ride home. At some point in time, I will complete the coast to coast connection to the Eastern Shore.

See you Friday!!!!!

A Welcome Site

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Lise met me at the Virginia border during her return trip from North Carolina, after visiting a friend. We spent the night at the lovely Oaks Motel. It was the finest motel in Rosedale, Virginia. Unfortunately, during the daily thundershower, the rain swelled the door shut, trapping Lise inside. Her quick instincts prompted her to crawl OUT THE WINDOW!

A Welcome Site Too

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:11:00 +0000

Day 60, Wednesday, June 30, between downpours and cloud bursts, I crested a hill to the welcome site of the Virginia state line!!!

Last Encounter

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:00:00 +0000

As we exited Kentucky we camped with probably the last of the "westbounders" we will see. This site was at the Boonesville, Kentucky Presbyterian Church.

Country Road Take Me Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:19:00 +0000

If all continues to go well, and after a few stops along the way to visit my Mother and some friends, I plan to pedal Route 211 East into Warrenton on the afternoon of Friday, August 8. I look forward to seeing my family and friends who have been so supportive of my adventure and sharing my stories and reponding to your blog messages.

Oh Kentucky Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:41:00 +0000

Since entering Kentucky on Wednesday, July 23, we have covered over 430 miles of hills and mountains in the past six days! The scenery has been beautiful,, but the terrain is very difficult. One more day in Kentucky and we plan to enter VIRGINIA on Wednesday evening July 30, at Breaks Interstate Park !!!!!!

Some Good Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:37:00 +0000

There are some GOOD dogs in Kentucky. During a rest stop Mark, John and Tom met up with "Angel".

Unbridled Spirit and Unleashed Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:32:00 +0000

Welcome to Kentucky! On Wednesday, July 23, I ferried across the Ohio River from Illinois into the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The trek across Illinois only took two days!

Riding the Levee

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:40:00 +0000

Much of the morning of Tuesday, July 22, was spent pedaling atop the levee adjacent to the Mississippi River.

Land of Lincoln and Popeye

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:07:00 +0000

OnMonday, July 21, I entered the State of Illinois and the town of Chester. Illinois is known for the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, but Chester is known for the creation of the character Popeye!

The Mississippi River was crossed via a lenghty steel bridge, followed by a climb to the town Courthouse overlooking the river basin. I was awakened during the night by a wind storm and subsequent downpouring of rain.

Welcome relief from the heat

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:51:00 +0000

We climbed a long grade to get to Circle B Campgound in Eminence, Missouri, but it was worth the effort. The owner provided us with inner tubes and after a lazy float down the river, returned us to camp via a van service.

Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Gary Hicklin

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:54:00 +0000

HITTING 3000 !!!!!!!

Hills, Heat and Humidity

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:12:00 +0000

Following a few weeks on the plains, the first full day in Missouri challenged our legs and our climbing skills. This is just the FOOTHILLS, the Ozark mountains are ahead!

Kudos to Kansas / Show Me Something Missouri

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday, July 16, we departed Kansas and entered Missouri. The small towns of Kansas were very accomodating and each had a community park for camping. Most had a town swimming pool which offered us free use of the showers and the pool. I personally liked Kansas because it has TREES and GRASS, much like home.

The Wizards of Oz meet Humpty Dumpty

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:30:00 +0000

On Hwy 39, outside of Walnut, Kansas, the Eastbound Express derailed. We were in our pace line, alternating lead, to counter the Kansas wind. There was an unexpected stop, followed by a convergence of all the laws of physics and the universe, especially the BIG BANG theory! Numbers 4 and 5 in line, Asta and I paid the greatest penalty. Fortunately, our injuries are treatable with a 10# bag of ice, a bottle of Advil and a tube of Neosporine. Our equipement survived, less a little paint and a mirror. The actual event must have looked pretty severe to the oncoming motorist because it prompted a few pre-mature 911 calls.

Oz 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:38:00 +0000

My trip across Kansas has been highlighted by new found companions. From the left is Blair, Mark, John and Asta. Blair and Asta are sisters. They began their journey in San Francisco. I met them at Fort Larned on Saturday, July 12. Mark and John started their trip in Arizona. I met them previously in Bazine. We are all Virginia bound!

My Good Friend Baxter

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:13:00 +0000

On Friday, July 11, I spent the night at Elaine's Bicycle Oasis, in Bazine, Kansas. While there, I met my good friend Baxter, the last of a litter of ten Golden Retrievers. I also met with two fellow eastbounders, Mark and John, traveling to Virginia from Arizona.

Hello Dorothy

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:35:00 +0000

Today, Thursday, July 10, I entered the lovely state of Kansas! For the next 400 miles it is grain fields, grain elevators and lots of wind and sunshine. Hopefully, no tornados!

We are all WINNERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:18:00 +0000

On Wednesday, July 9, on my way to Eads, Colorado, I met Jerry and Lynn Lisenby. They are westbound on the Trans-Am route. Jerry mentioned that I could tell my friends that I had met the biggest loser. I thought that was a rather negative comment, since we were out here every day accomplishing personal goals! It turns out that he was a contestant on last season's television show, "The Biggest Loser", and had in fact lost 110 pounds.

And you think I've lost weight!

Sunrise over Southeastern Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Gary Hicklin) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:51:00 +0000

The days begin early, around 5:30 a.m., to get in the 70 - 80 daily miles, before the 95+ afternoon heat.