It was 14 months ago that I first said, “When I retire I’m going to ride my bike across the country.” I remember the first time I eliminated the “I’m thinking about” and said, “I’m going to…ride my bike across the country.” It committed me. It excited me- and scared me a bit.
I leave Sept. 1, 2016. My house is rented. I bought a Kona Sutra bicycle. Rich Dussell loaned me his Ortlieb panniers. Brian Smallwood sent me a battery for a phone charger. My family in Wisconsin bought me a GoPro camera. Friends personalized a cycling shirt for me. Many, many people have asked helpful questions and shared advice and concerns.
I wanted a name for my journey and, finally, after input via Facebook, over dinner at Crafted with Ben and Brinnon, Mike and Lisa, Jenny and Escarlet, and fine-tuning with my family in Wisconsin, the name is “Another Groth Adventure.” I like that it references the past and future adventures.
I’m excited and a bit anxious. Keith Jones is riding with me the first three days. A posse is escorting me to Spokane.