First of all, thanks to Eric (and sometimes Bonnie)
for all the mapping and for keeping you all informed
of our adventure. Thanks, too, to all five of my
cross-country companions who made the trip memorable.
The in-jokes, the support, the humor and the
encouraging words were invaluable. Finally, thanks to
Sheryl for saying "sure" when I aked her if it was ok
to go.

It's impossible (for me, anyway) to remember each of
the 60+ motels and campsites, each of the 100+
restaurants, bars, brewpubs, grocery stores,
convenience stores, and gas stations that provided the
fuel, and all of the weather, pavement and traffic. A
few stand out, though. Creeping up hill after hill in
Iowa in the heat, grinding though driving rain,
sailing along at 25 mph with a tailwind, riding along
canal towpaths, rail-to-trail paths, and the Glenwood
Springs bike path, and reaching the 12,000 foot
Loveland Pass were some of the highlights.

Am I glad I did it? Of course. Why did I do it?
Because at the end of every week-long tour I always
wonder what it would be like to stay on the road,
living with just the stuff on the bike. Would I do it
again? Who knows? Perhaps.

What does it take? The will (and willingness to be
uncomfortable), the health, the time, and the money,
but mostly just the will to do it. Luck plays a major
role; we had no major injuries, illness, mechanical
problems. It sure helps to go with some good friends.
Yes, there were the inevitable minor squabbles, but
those memories will quickly fade. Since I am a student
of how leaderless groups reach a consensus, it was
fascinating to learn how six people decide on where to
eat, where to sleep, how far to travel, how fast to
travel, and even what route to take. Yes, it consumed
a lot of time, but what's time to a wanderer? Isn't
patience one of the virtues?

Ken King; Bangor, Maine; July 4, 2005; about an hour
before the flight home.

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