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| My start point McLean VA, May 4, 2013 |
Total
Distance: 4’110mi (6’614km)
Total elevation gain East (VA, KY, IL,
MO): 78'931ft (24'058m)
Total elevation
gain West (CO, WY, MT, ID, OR): 74’295ft (22’645m)
Longest Stage:
125mi (Stage 31)
Shortest
Stage: 45mi (Stage 38)
Stages 100mi
and more: 13
Stages 50mi
and less: 5
Average
mi/day: 85.5 mi (141km)
Riding time incl. stops: 345hrs
Average speed: 12mi/hr (19km/h)
Total Calories: 213’174
Average riding time per day: 7hrs20min
I have accomplished what I set out to do and
cycled across America coast to coast unsupported. I rode from McLean, VA to Florence,
OR as planned within 50days. I began by cycling from McLean to Charlottesville
where I caught up the original TransAm trail. I finished by riding on from Eugene
to Seaside at Florence, OR. Total distance cycled between the extreme points of
McLean and Seaside was 4’110mi. Total time between these places was 47 consecutive
riding days (no rest days at all). I ‘hitchhiked’ approximately 110mi due to
unpredictable and severe weather or closed roads. I was not always very lucky
with the weather. I had many days of headwinds but also a few with tale wind. It
was never either too hot or too cold. The wind had also its positive side as it
cooled me down during the hot and sunny days. There were times, notably in eastern
Kansas, when I took advantage of favorable winds to ride double stages. If the
winds had been blowing the other way, as they might have been, or if I had
declined to exploit them, I would not have gone so far so quickly at certain
stages. I had no illness or injury throughout the ride except for a saddle sore,
which for some reason never responded entirely to treatment for the entire
journey. May be a rest day or two would have helped... I never had a shortage of
energy caused by not eating or drinking enough. I found the ride physically
less arduous than I expected. The training I did six month before my departure
turned out to be adequate. Mentally the ride for me was more demanding, as expected,
due to the fact that I was mostly riding by myself and this 85mi average per
day. However, I maintained a positive frame of mind throughout and never
experienced a psychological low point. I am also happy that
I can say that my bicycle has been wonderfully reliable. A great coaster for a
Mountainbike. I have had two puncture and did not use the spare tyre I carried
with me. The only maintenance I conducted was to pump up the tyres every few
weeks and a little check-up in Pueblo. I checked the firmness of the tyres
every morning and occasionally checked the tightness of the bolts. My GPS
receiver (Garmin Edge 810) was an important ‘companion’ but the ACA maps are
still indispensable.
I stayed overnight mostly in Motels, one night at a
Baptist Church and one night a former Jail. I have been asked which part of the
trip was the highlight for me. I find the question difficult to answer. I have
been living so much in the moment. Each day has brought its own new wonders and
challenges. I haven't had time to think back. Later I will read through my blog
and perhaps that will enable me to see the trip as a whole and identify the
best parts. Undoubtedly, however, one of the main things I will take away from
the trip is the memory of the many people I met, cyclists and non-cyclists,
Americans and non-Americans. I experienced countless instances of friendliness,
generosity, and helpfulness. I feel privileged to have met so many good people
and thank them all sincerely. Motor vehicle drivers too were almost always
courteous and gave me as much room as they could on the road. I am very
grateful to the many people who have supported my ride through my blog – THANK YOU!
I am very happy to fly back home on Saturday to be with my wife Veronique and our kids Jil & Ewan again. It has been a long journey without them and I am relieved by knowing they have managed their every-day life and besides supporting me every day - I LOVE YOU!
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| My end point Florence, OR - Pacific coast, June 19, 2013 |
