I heard this phrase a lot as people would often come to ask me what I was doing, where I was going, and how long I had been riding.

Every time my response was something like – you would be surprised.  With some gear and determination you can do it too.  

And that is totally accurate.  Last year I met a young women in her late 20’s who hadn’t ridden a bike since she was a kid.  She went to a local bike store, bought a bike, some used gear and headed out.  She rode from Idaho to Maine.  I met folks on this trip in age from their 20’s to 70’s who were doing rides much longer than what I did.  In fact – in only completed about 40% of the total TransAmerica route.  Some of the folks have ridden across the country multiple times.  My friends Piers and Steff still have 50ish more days to go!

It really isn’t about being an athlete. It’s about deciding to make it happen and being flexible enough to handle the unexpected things that come your way during this kind of adventure.

The support of the biking community is amazing too. People who have “been there / done that” on their own adventures are willing and eager to help others complete their trips. It’s like finding a family you didn’t know you ever had when you put bags on a bike and start riding.

Something that is important is support from friends and family. Prayers and encouragement are very helpful as you encounter things.  A riding partner or two is also really good.  Even though there were times that Piers and Stefaan and I were miles apart riding, coming together at break time, evenings and meals was a blessing.  Even just complaining about how cold we were on some days is nice when it’s a person who was just as cold.  But especially great when we all would pause to look at the amazing scenery together.  We supported each other all the way. 

People asked – “how long did you train”….  Me – very little.  I was way behind what I wanted to do.  Stefaan did 0 training for the trip. You just start slow with low expectations of miles to be completed, and each day you get stronger.   

In 2 weeks I went from 4.5mph up hills 4-5% incline to 6.5 – 8mph.  Each hill made me stronger for the next.  My average speed increased in all conditions so that a 60 mile ride was just a normal day and 20 miles was “almost there”.  I’m sure if I had kept going – a “normal” day would have moved to 70-100 miles without issue. The ride itself will train you!

Biking long distance isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. I get that.  God gave all of us different interests and desires.  But if you want to experience something like this don’t let the “I could never do that” doubts keep you from moving ahead.  

I realized this whole process is similar to pursuing a deeper faith in the Lord.  It takes determination to grow faith dealing with doubts and issues that arise.  There is a community of believers who will help and guide and support you.  As you step out in faith and rely upon the Lord during times of joy or difficulty, you get better at handling those things in the future.  You do not need to have all the skills and ability BEFORE you start walking with the Lord.  He will grow you in the process. 

While I did grow in my knowledge of bike touring and I completed a great trip…. I am most thankful for all He gave me / taught me during the ride.  

Whatever life stage you are on, school, marriage, raising a family, single life, etc., (these are all adventures on their own) commit it to the Lord and let Him teach and guide.  His desire is that we become complete and mature in our faith. Seek Him and let Him guide.  Who knows where that will lead or who you will meet or what you will complete.  Just be willing and don’t let the doubts hold you back.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” DT 31:8

Thanks for reading along.  It was a great encouragement to see so many folks reading my blogs.  Also, thanks for all your prayers and messages of encouragement along the way. They were appreciated 

I hope to set aside a time in a couple months to show some video/pictures and answer questions if your interested.

Rich