About Us

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Based in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, we three are longtime single cycle riders. After early retirement, Karen and David bought a jumbo-sized Cannondale tandem. It's white (very), trimmed in red. We call it the Pillsbury Doughboy. We were joined by Bill, an old friend, on his 14-year old single Cannondale and made the call that started this adventure. He's supposedly retired but continues to find real work when he chooses.We planned to pedal self-supported across the U.S. in Spring 2011 from San Diego CA to St. Augustine FL. In beginning this adventure we agreed philosophically with Jean-Jacques Rousseau: "The person who has lived the most is not the one with the most years but the one with the richest experiences."

Sunday, April 17, 2011

is it all about me?

At our overnight at the trailer motel in Quartzsite, I had a small confrontation with a local self described prospector/geologist. Apparently between rock-hunting gigs, he was manning the front desk of the motel office, a charming old tiny log cabin.
I went in with the intention of asking about a next-night lodging possibility. What I got was a ten minute analysis of why I (we) were riding cross country.
"I've watched you guys come through here for years," he said, "and I've tried to understand why anyone would do this."
Then he looked at me and said, "Now I know. You do it for you. You have an ego."
Much more was said by him as I tried to back out, that this was something that was self-centered and did no good for anyone.
Wow.
Yep. All About Me. Brushing my teeth in the bike storage bathroom.
I have my own motivations, and yes, they do include meeting a personal physical challenge. But it is so much more. Actually SEEING this crazy country, meeting and talking with California winery owners,curious Apache Indians (one who said he would pray for us) and curious kids who for some reason just love our tandem)creates a fascinating experience I could not get in a car.
If anyone out there actually reads this, what are your thoughts?
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5 comments:

  1. whitemiceApril 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Of course I'm reading your blogs! Don't let the ramblings of one prospector/geologist bother you, just say, "Well, yes, it's all about me - it's certainly not about you, I'm so glad you figured that out."

    You're making great progress - before you know it you'll be in Texas ... for lots of days.

    Happy Palm Sunday, and stay safe!

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  2. Karen, David & BillApril 17, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Wish I'd thought of that. Just realized , we made it across AZ and are now in NM. And we're watching the Wizard of Oz. Gland the Good Witch is singing. Reminds me of you. :-)

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  3. Karen, David & BillApril 17, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    I meant Glinda.

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  4. UnknownApril 18, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    We check your blog every night. I use Mapquest to view your lay over point, check the weather and see where you'll be the next night.
    Years ago I tried to explain to my first wife the joys of cycling. Riding to Oxford on a Sunday morning all by myself, seeing the flowers, smelling the fresh country air, the silence, this was my church. You can not explain this to someone that has never done it.
    David - without your e-mail jokes, I'm down to just a couple a day.
    Our thoughts are with you guys every day.

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  5. Karen, David & BillApril 18, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    Thanks Steve. We must be channelling your good wishes because we are pretty content during our ride every day. and still looking forward to the next one tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete

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