My Route


For more detailed maps, scroll down through the blog. Click on any one to enlarge it; use the backspace button to return to the blog. That goes for the photos, too.

Wednesday

EPILOGUE #1: Logistics, Part Two*

So how did I do? Here’s a recap of my pre-trip estimate:

TOTAL DISTANCE 4,307 miles
at 63 miles per day, that’s 68.5 days
With one rest day per week, that’s 9.5 rest days
TOTAL TRIP DAYS = 78 days
Add 6 days start & finish / 6 days for stops mid-route (12 days)
GRAND TOTAL 90 days

In fact, it turned out to be:

TOTAL DISTANCE 4,548 miles
69 days of cycling, average 66 miles per day
plus 9 rest days
TOTAL TRIP DAYS = 78 days
Add 3 days start / 9 days finish (12 days)
GRAND TOTAL 90 days

I have duly rewarded myself a pat on the back for obsessive pre-planning and am considering a new career as a long-distance cycle tour planner - for non-sporty types who value gazing at things and chatting to people rather than racking up impressive daily mileage.

*(Logistics, Part One is in the Prologue, confusingly located at the end of this blog)

EPILOGUE #2: Back To The Beginning

From: John
To: Susan Greenwood (Guardian Netjetter)
Sent: 13 September 2007
Subject: Trans-America

Dear Susan,
First of all, let me introduce myself: my name's John and I'm a cyclist from Scotland currently cycling across America. I'm writing from Oregon just about at the end of my coast-to-coast trip, which has taken me (so far) from Bar Harbor, Maine to a little town called Dayville, Oregon. Just one week to go and I should reach the West Coast at Florence.
The reason for this email is to say thank you: I've had a trip like this at the back of my mind for ages, but it was your blog in the Guardian last year that finally made me decide not to put it off any longer. And it's been such a fabulous journey.
Right now, I keep on bumping into TransAmerica cyclists almost at the end of their journeys telling me stories (like yours) of being chased by dogs all over Kansas. Thanks once again for inspiring me to get off my lazy butt and do this trip.
With best wishes,
John.

From: Susan Greenwood
To: John
Sent: 18 September 2007
Subject: Well done!‏

Hi John
Susan netjetter here! Hopefully before you were reading this email you were staring out at the Pacific Ocean, soaking up the best view in the world! Congratulations - on getting off your 'lazy butt' (your words) and of finishing. So pleased I could help you on your way, although at the moment I am unspeakably jealous of you!
I don't know what your plans are now - cast them aside, everything changes from here on in. Enjoy.
All the very best
Susan xx