Category: USA 2016

Day 71

48 Miles 

We made it! Exhausted but VERY proud of ourselves. The girl did well! The boy didn’t do too badly either. 

You came along for the ride and WE ALL had an amazing time. 

Our ride from Denville was in part hectic! Cycling on highway 46 alongside commuters heading to New York was brutal, after around ten miles we cut this short and took an exit on the right. 

My heart was beating in my chest as if I’d been in an advanced aerobics class. 

Exiting the highway saved our skins. My heart rate settled. For now at least. 

Google maps navigated us around the suberbs of New Jersy, people were going about their normal routines – people sitting on benches in the park chatting to friends, people popping into shops to buy their groceries. 

Amongst it all there were two Brits weaving  in and out of the potholes on their streets. 

Eventually the George Washington Bridge was in our sites. The HUGE structure dominated the landscape. 

The bridge shook beneath our feet and wheels  as the four lane tidal wave of traffic travelled across. With New York beckoning new visitors and welcoming everyone back home, on the other side. 

The cycle lane was a safe way to travel across. 

This was our first view of New York City, from the GW Bridge.

We reached the other side and New York welcomed us into the city. We’ve travelled a long way and each rotation of the pedal brought us to this point. 

We cycled down the greenway. This route into NY meant, that we in part, could avoid the city traffic on the way into the Big Apple. 

It also meant that we could make ‘touchdown’ at the Hudson River  This was significant because the start of the ride was in San Fransisco Bay. The bikes were christened in both bodies of water. The Pacific to the Atlantic.Coast to Coast. 

We left San Fransisco Bay on the 24th May.. 

The Hudson River. Loving the arms Tracey ????

We could see NY City whilst Cycling along the Hudson water front. 

Leaving the peacefulness of the River we headed into NY! 

The chaos of the Big Apple was enthralling. Weaving through the traffic was like an organised free for all – if you saw an opportunity to move forward, then you take it. 

This City is alive with people from all over the world, every nationality and race. Weaving through the streets I felt the pulse of NY.

My eyes were wide open, always with an eye on the traffic. 

Finally, we reached the Doctors Without Borders office. 

We have reached this point TOGETHER and I thank you for all for ‘Coming along for the ride’, and for your help and love that you’ve given along the way. 

Please take a moment to read Doctors Without Borders Charter, then you can see how your support makes a difference to the most vulnerable people in OUR World. 

We were given a warm reception by Leila. 

Day 70

63 Miles 

Cycling along through highway 22 was like being inside our own horror movie! This was ugly.The pace was fast and furious. I held my breath for parts and only exhaled when I saw a friendly smile, hoot or wave. Then I knew they didn’t want to eat Tracey al a cart or Andy for their breakfast. 

This highway was a disaster and this was a worry. We knew we had to find an alternative route, even though this meant a longer day, so be it! We want to be safe today. 

As soon as we saw a right turn – we took it! Now we can breath again. 

We cycled into the residential area of Bethlehem and this was when David cycled over to us. He asked us questions about our trip. We kind of stand out from the usual – two Brits cycling with Union Jack flags flapping around pedaling through the neighborhood. David asked – Where are you going? Where have you been? 

David also helped us with directions because we were a little unsure. We can mostly rely on people who live in the area we are cycling through. 

We also talked to David about the presidential election, Trump and Hillary but we’ll leave that because politics can get the best of people upset. It’ll be what it’ll be.  He even said he’d have put us up at his house if we were stopping in the area. David was a nice and interesting man!

We managed around twenty five miles when Andys back wheel spoke snapped. When we looked at the wheel you could see buldges and cracks around the rim. This was bad because at any point this could have calapsed! 

However, a super hero came to our rescue. His name is Ken and this guy pulled off the road WANTING to help. He took Andy in his car to a bike shop, paid for the new wheel and stayed with us until we were on our way. He even arranged for his girlfriend Michele to look after me whilst they were at the shop. As it turned out the bike machanic didn’t charge for his time as he too wanted to help. Unbelievable! 

Ken. 

Ken, Michele and Sammy the dog. 

Then , wait for it , Ken insisted on helping us find a safe route out of Easton.He drove his car, with hazards flashing onto highway 57. A safer route to Denville. Even though that was remarkable, Ken met us again around twenty miles down the road – with water and to check everything was alright. There’s a good reason for this – the ROADs are busy and he cared about our safety. 

As it turned out this was a blessing because Andy was feeling out of sorts. Ken is a master of communication and he persuaded Andy to take his advise about drinking an energy drink (which Ken brought with him) and to eat a banana. This worked a treat! 

We worked out that we needed to cycle another thirty miles to get to Denville before loosing the light, we PUSHED on as fast as we could. 

The roads were starting to become busier and two lanes became four. We waved and smiled through the traffic and it was remarkable how many people returned our advances. From young children shouting ‘look mummy’ and pointing in our direction, to adults smiling, tooting their horns or asking ‘Where have you cycled from’, to Semi truck drivers (Articulated lorries) responding to my arm gesture and hooting their horns. 

We chased the light today looking for somewhere to stay. We’ve pitched the tent behind a building not too far from here.

This evening we had a lovely family pull off the road asking ‘ Where are you going and Where did you start’. They put some money into Andys hand and said ‘Have dinner on us’. Remarkable! 

It’s been a remarkable day! It’s been a remarkable couple of months. 

We’ve cycled the USA from West to East. We did this TOGETHER and even though tomorrow is our last cycling day in the USA … 

WE can feel PROUD of OUR achievement because WE believed that we could do it and WE did. ‘Sometimes it takes someone believing in you to believe in yourself ‘…  

Golden Gate Bridge. The start of OUR ride on 24th May. 

Tomorrow NEW YORK !! ????????????

Day 69

33  Miles 

Our morning started in out in a damp tent. As soon as I opened the zip on the tent water dripped on my head. 

Tentatively, I crept out because the spiders are huge here! Just last night one ran over the top of the tent. You couldn’t miss him. I gave Andy a sideways look, as if to say I’ve never seen one that big before, Andys eyes almost popped out. 

It was definitely time to pack up and move on. 

The dampness in the air very soon evaporated and the beautiful hedgerows came alive in the warmth of the day. 

Another sunny day and clear skies.

The roads rolled up and down with some fairly big climbs, nothing that we couldn’t handle and not as steep as mountains in Nevada, Utah, or Missouri. 

Monarchs Pass in Colorado, if you stood before us now we would laugh in your face ???? (if mountains have faces). Well I can say that now we are hundreds of miles away. 

Continuing down the road for around thirty miles hunger set in.

So we stopped for lunch with a beautiful roadside view. Feeling relaxed and comfortable.  Watching passing cars and trucks as they rushed along as though there lives depended on getting somewhere as quickly as they could. 

Our tranquil lunch ????

Actually, in part some of that was true. We did enjoy seeing some motorists because we frequently get people waving and smiling at us. They can see that we’re up to something, with our British and Anerican flags flapping around. 

This gets attention! Quite the celebrities these days ????

Cycling towards Bethlehem on highway 22, Eastbound got me into song.

Afterall, I am carrying a donkey. This guys been with me across the full width of the USA, just chilling in my top box. Just maybe I’m loosing the plot but laughter is goodfor you – right?! 

I was in a great mood today! 

I was feeling giddy! Why? Because New York City is in our sights. We’ve come along way to get to this point…. TOGETHER ????????

We’ve had some tough days and we’ve had not so tough days. 

We’ve laughed and we’ve cried. 

We’ve been overwhelmed with the heat and we’ve been cold with the snow on the higher elevations. 

But most of all we’ve enjoyed all of it and we’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. New old and forever friends and family. 

Cherished memories .. 

The next couple of days we’ll have to be careful because the traffic is getting busier and we don’t want to be tooted for the wrong reasons… 

But the journeys not over yet – We’ve got to cycle through New Jersey and into New York.

Day 68

45 Miles 

The first thing to greet me this morning was a bug! He was HUGE and appeared to be having a flipping good time in our tent. 

These guys (bugs) sang all night and they sent me into a lullaby slumber. 

Back to the bug. Andy got a nudge to sort him out- man to man! and I escaped by the exit flap of the tent. 

We cycled away from the woods with a mission to find water because we were running really low. This was when we met Tanya and Margaret. 

These people without hesitation gave us four bottles of water and filled our bottles up. Very kind people. 

A little further down the road and we met Robert, better known as Marty who had waited to ask if we wanted some water and his peach. Marty works for the forestry department. This guy cycled Coast to Coast East to West in 1986. He explained that the ride pulled him back around from a difficult time in his life. What helped was meeting great people.  

Cycling down to Lavelle town for a coffee, Andy got a right kick out of this signage. Turkey Hill. 

Meet Joseph Powell. We met this guy at Turkey Hill gas station. We talked about anything and everything, including poverty, the USA presidential candidates and about the local area. 

My lasting impression was he’s a smart guy. 

Minersville Town. We cycled through here today looking for somewhere to dry the tent and have a light lunch. 

Please meet Svetislav and his wife Mary. We had some homemade food at their cafe and these people treated us really well. 

They live in Minersville, having moved from Romania  to the USA around thirty years ago to improve their lives. These people put a lot of effort into creating a better life for themselves and their children. 
Lasting impression of these people is love thy neighbor and you’ll be treated well. 

The highway 61 east wasn’t too busy with traffic and the wide lanes kept them, mostly away from us. 

Eventually we made it to Hamburg. We were pleased because we needed a shorter ride today, with aching legs and feeling a little weary we value sometime to relax. 

This was when we found the Moose Club. Unto known to us the Club was Celebrating their 100th Aniversary and their usual club membership was wavered to welcome the public just for this week. 

The organisation  cares for vulnerable children and at risk teens, and also offers residential housing for elderly Moose members. 

We had an amazing welcome and I mean everyone welcomed us! 

They congratulated us on our achievement with the cycle ride, and even made us members of their club.  

Our newest friends. Dean and Karen. 

Meet Buck. 

We also met Heather and Brad. 

We are now proud members of the Loyal Order of Moose. 

Tonight we’ve pitched up in a field around the back of a church. The familiar sound of the bugs are outside the tent again singing their tune. 
Last thing on my mind this evening… 

We’ve only got 127 miles to go ???????? !

Day 67

60 miles 

I woke up puffy eyed and a little damp but ready for a days ride. Eric gave us a call of ‘Are you up ‘ from outside our tent. 

We had breakfast together with Eric and Mary-Ellen, Eric cooked and made me a cup of tea which was amazing. I’m not use to tea – pure luxury! 

We were treated with kindness. 

We said our goodbyes and went on our way down the road. After around twenty miles we took the tent out to air. Soggy tents aren’t good to sleep in. 

Unfortunately, we had to hit the highways today the 901 and 61. This was alright because the other vehicles moved over slightly. Nothing to worry about. 

The countryside was filled with dense woodland, with farm buildings scattered inbetween. 

Andy became a little lightheaded this afternoon, maybe he hadn’t taken on enough fluid. However, a truck pulled over and David stood there wearing  his cowboy hat asking if we were alright. Without hesitation this guy offered cold drinks and we gladly accepted. Really amazing! 

Yes the sign says – Christmas Tree Farm. They have hundreds of pine trees all ready for the November sale. The farm was picture perfect. 

The pine trees nearly ready for Christmas. 

Beautiful trees lining our route. 

Finding a small clearing in some secluded woodland – we pitched our tent. 

As I’m writing this I can hear the woodland creatures making noises – insects sounding similar to hundreds of crickets singing, along with other noises from animals waking up. They are becoming louder. 

I hope I can turn the sound off in my head. 

Our supper was some yummy berries that Andy picked from the bushes. 

???

Day 66

65 Miles

After a great night Daisy was packed up because today the bikes were heading to the city. Water and snacks included.

Our fan (s) are lining the streets. We called him Ray. 

The sunflowers filled the field with colour. 

On route the armish people sold fruit by the side of the road. 

We had some fun flying down the hills. When there’s an up there’s always a down – see if you can spot Andy on his way back up. 

Corn fields lined the roadsides. 

Pennsylvania is very beautiful. 

We arrived in Millheim town and were soon introduced to these guys. The bar was packed out with bikers from all over the area who came together to celerbrate the life of a friend called Chad, raise awareness and money for sucide prevention. 

They were full of fun and very welcoming. Bill sat on my bike, as you can see below and Jason let me sit on his bike. 

Bill commented about my seat being hard. Not quite the luxury he’s use to ???? and I have to say the Harley was very comfortable. 

We chatted together and then left and cycled up the road and out of the town looking for some quiet area to pitch the tent. 

Thinking about changing my wheels …. 

Making our way to Woodward we came across a very quiet area to the side of a corn field. His was when Eric and Mary – Ellen ( Eric’s daughter) spotted us and we figured that if we kept a low profile, then no one would move us on. 

However, being rumbled turned out to be to our advantage. These people invited us to pitch in their back yard and offered us to shower and to eat with them. We accepted the kind offer. Perfect! 

Eric’s wife and son are in the UK and when they get back dad and Mary- Ellen have got their own adventures to talk about. 

Day 65

40 Hilly Miles

We packed up and shipped out early this morning and made our way back on the ghost town trail, Cycling towards Nanty Glo.  

This was just 6 miles down the road trail from our camp. The idea of going here was to have some breakfast and take a look over our map. Pulling into the town Andy asked someone in the street to recommend a cafe, that’s how we ended up in the liberty cafe. 

The Liberty Cafe wasn’t just any normal cafe it was also a War / service personnel museum, filled with the memories of fallen soldiers. Photos of American soliders standing side by side, either linking arms together or a mothers photo of her sons in full military dress were proudly displayed by the board members, together with the biography of a soldier telling their personal story from either WW1 or WW11, Korea or Vietnam. 
I was very interested and then I noticed that one of the framed displays had a one dollar bill torn in half. I continued to read about two brothers Hank and Billy Wright. 

The brothers tore the dollar bill apart during their duties in WW11. Each brother keeping their half with the idea of the dollar bill being rejoined when they met again. Sadly, the brothers never reunited as Billy was killed in France, in 1944. Hank Wright passed in 2004. 


We were given a great welcome into the Liberty Cafe by Doc and Aleashia.

We talked together about politics, family and the war veterans. 

Doc, a former Navy / Marines medic in WW11 listened intently to every word that was spoken and he talked with passion and love for the war veterans that didn’t make it safely home. 

This man cares about people.

However, we needed to make haste because we had some cycling  to do. So we hit the tarmac hard and found our way to a small town where I met Michalia. We stopped at her grocery store to pick up a couple of things. She was impressed with our Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge. This is certainly a challenge but it can be done because we are proof of that. 

Please meet Michalia Little. 

Continuing on, we made our way up a few climbs to Greensburg City. Navigating through the busy network of roads and traffic lights we found our way out and headed east to Altoona. 

Altoona City was equally busy and hilly. However, after just 40 miles we were ready to stop for the day. Sometimes short distances can be tougher than putting in more miles, it all depends on the terrain amongst other things. 

We needed to get a good nights sleep because so far Pennsylvania has taken a lot out of us because of the constant climbing. 

Day 64 

59 Miles 

Our morning began with the sun rising over Ray’s garden. His little piece of heaven. 

After breakfast together we said our goodbyes and Ray gave me a big hug, and said if you come back this way again to call in on him. I’m going to miss Ray. 

Back on the road we headed east cycling up a couple of steep hills stopping at a garage for a coffee, we noticed two cyclists taking a break. 

Meet Paul and Paul. Two local guys and as it turns out they gave us a great alternative route. Instead of taking the highway 22 all the way to Vitondale they suggested taking the ghost town trail. 

However, before we could enjoy this – there was a small issue of highway 22. The hard shoulder was wide and gave us a safety net. 

We had to cycle around thirty miles before taking the trail. The road was busy and not very pretty but I didn’t mind because we got to meet a friendly truck driver. 

Please meet Ryan. 

Leaving the busy highway was instantly peaceful. 

The ghost trail proved to be stunning with trees lining the way and we saw a couple of snakes on the pathways and deers drinking from the river. 

Bliss.

Andy and I took a break along the trail and Mike, a local guy also stopped and asked ‘Are you two doing a big cycle ride, like coast to coast’. Great guess! We chatted about our trip and thecandidates running for office before getting back on the trail. Smart guy! 

We met another cyclist along the Trail called Gene. We stopped and talked about the route to Nanty Glo. Nice friendly guy. 

Meet Gene.

Just before reaching Nanty Glo we were asked for directions to highway 56 by a lady who appeared to be lost. Of all people she asked two Brits.

Andy helped her out. 

We set up camp, thankfully just before the sun went down. 

Day 63

60 Miles 

Another State cycled and don’t my thighs know it – these climbs are making my toes curl. 

Pennsylvania is our hilliest state to date. 

Goodbye West Virginia it’s been a a flying visit! 

We said we’d do it (cross the states on bikes) and look another state in the bag and we’ve had such a friendly reception (you’ll see if you scroll down) and we keep meeting amazing people. 

After cycling around twenty hilly miles our energy and hydration dropped. Plus our old friend, Mr sun was rather affectionate today and we needed to cool down! 

So, a quick pit stop to refuel and hydrate was essential after a couple of hours on the road. 

Our no frills lunch break. 

Having lunch by the roadside is how we eat most days. My knees are my dinner table. 

We weren’t short of climbs today. 

How could I resist stroking these two beauties. A good excuse for a water break and to catch my breathe. 

We stopped again because my bike was making a ‘squeaking’ sound. A couple drops of oil and all sorted. 

I’m so pleased to say I’d had NO MORE FLATS 

Bishops Cycles : Jonathan – you’ve won the Golden Cycle Machanic award on my trip! No more flats – you did me proud! 

I know that I’ve already mentioned this but route today was REALLY hilly. My thighs were burning. I don’t assume this to be tougher than a spinning class workout because I’ve never done one but ten hours of cycling, mostly up hills has got to come close!? 

I’m starting to build thighs of iron???? 

See if you can spot the kitten. 

Please meet our newest friend, Ray. He was born in Australia and came to America with his family at the age of 17. 

Now retired from the police service, Ray enjoys his music both writing and playing his guitar. 
Ray asked us to request a couple of songs and then he sang a song which he wrote. We had our very own private gig. 
This man was the highlight of our day. A true gentleman and a Champion not just because of his professional boxing days when he sparred with Roberto Duran but just because I say so. 

We met Ray as we were cycling past his house and he stopped us to see if we were alright. Our flags are often a give away that we are from out of town. This man blew us away with his BIG heart. 

Ray’s late wife Dayza’s car. He bought this for her as a surprise, even though she asked him to promise not to spend more than $450 and came back with a brand new Mercades
Ray lost his wife, whom he married after just three months from meeting. They met whilst Ray was policing the traffic, he pulled her over for nothing criminal apart from he found her beautiful. 

He said Dayza was a dentist, German and had long arburn hair. 

Dayza was 28 and four months pregnant when she lost her life due to a tragic event, he never married again but he keeps her close by, he talks about the conversations they had and he’s kept her car for over thirty years. 

In most respects they are still together. 

In Ray’s own words he said our visit was like taking having a vacation. 

This was our home for the night. Ray’s RV.

The view from Ray’s back porch. 

Goodnight and sleep well, it’s a late one for me because we arrived at Ray’s between West Newton and Madison quite late in the day – so I hope 6 hours sleep is enough for our big ride tomorrow. 

69 miles 

Day 62 

We woke up to heavy fog and a mystical view in front of us, as we overlooked the beautiful and peaceful landscape. 

Quickly packing the tent away so as to get on the road, we had our concerns because our tent was soaking wet. 

However, the sun soon evaporated all the moisture from the air. The sun is really intense here and as a Brit it’s taken some getting use to. 

Cycling around three miles away from the church grounds, we arrived in Cambridge, Ohio. Just a flying visit to take this picture. 

We continued cycling east and came across Mr Lee’s family owned restaurant. We enjoyed meeting Linda, the daughter of Ralph the owner. 

Linda told us about her dad who’s in his late eighties who continues to have the same work ethic as he did in his twenties. Starting his day at 0400 to get the restaurant prepared for the public. Unfortunately we didn’t get to meet him because he’d popped backstage for a nap. 

Their restaurant is immaculate. 

Please meet Linda who’s modelling my cycle helmet. 

We hadn’t cycled too far when this very thoughtful man, called Tip pulled up by the side of the road and gave us the heads up about a cycle trail. He wanted to try and keep us off busy roads. Like I said a very thoughtful man. 

The cycle trail was a safer route to Lore City, taking us on a route just a couple of miles down the road, away from the traffic. 

Unfortunately the trail was short. 

Around thirty miles down the road we saw a petrol and grocery store. This was when we met Bruce and Eric. These guys gave us some reassurance about our route today. Im sure they took some pleasure in telling us to expect some big hills today. They made me laugh and yes they were right about the hills! 

Friends for over fourty years. 

Whilst at the store we took advantage of the sun and dried our tent. This only took around fifteen minutes to fully dry. 

We said our goodbyes and continued to push on. It was a hot day and because I don’t want another day of feeling out of sorts we’ve been taking on plenty fluids. 

We had some beautiful scenery today and the traffic was low at this point. 

Cycling through a couple of small towns and villages we eventually arrived in Barnesville. 

The people of this friendly town, like other towns and villages we pass through want to know who we are and why are we cycling through their home. 

Because we stand out – we get noticed and because it’s unusual to see cyclists passing through with our Union Jack flapping in the breeze most people want to ask us about our journey. 

This happened in Barnsville. Chris and Brandon. This is a family run store. 

We put our heads down and pushed over the climbs Bruce and Eric warned us about. Through valleys, eventually cycling out of Ohio and into West Virginia! State number ten ????

Literally and I mean around twenty feet before the West Viginia sign we met Mary- Ann. This lovely lady happily filled up our water bottles. 

However, we still had around ten more miles to go before reaching our destination. 

We cycled through Wheeling City. This suspension bridge frightened me because I’m not keen on heights. Yes I’ve cycled up to 11000 feet on this trip but I can’t relax! 

Trembling I took a steady approach, my heart bouncing in my chest and looked forward and I made it to the other side! 

An elephant sculpture in Wheeling City. 

Wheeling City in the evening sun. 

After a further seven miles we arrived in Triadelphia. I very much welcomed this sign. 

Tonight I will sleep like a baby.