There’s just one thing that you need to know about Tuscany. It tastes good. The pasta is good. The wine is good. The vegetables are good. The mushrooms are good. I’m pretty sure that the dirt tastes good, though my lovely bride would not help me perform a scientific experiment on this hypothesis. Naturally, I wouldContinue reading “Italy Part 2: Radda in Chianti”
Author Archives: Mike Evans
Italy Part 1: Rome
Just a short time ago I finished a bike ride across the United States. During that trip, I spent a lot of time documenting the beauty of the land I had gone through as well as my unique experiences interacting with the people and places of a great nation. Towards the end I waxed more philosophicContinue reading “Italy Part 1: Rome”
Final Equipment List
I got a chance to read a number of gear lists before I took my trip and I found them incredibly helpful. I’ve put my own spin on the traditional list by reporting what I had at the end of the trip rather than the beginning. So here’s the final tally of stuff that made itContinue reading “Final Equipment List”
Journey: Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean.
When I started this great ride across the country, I knew that it would be more than physical. It was to be an emotional and spiritual journey as well. Most visibly, I’ve changed physically. I’ve dropped from a high of 214 pounds in January to 188 pounds in July. At the same time, my legsContinue reading “Journey: Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean.”
Day 75: Pacific: Swisshome, OR to the Frickin Pacific Ocean
26 miles (42 km) – Total final milage: 4,157 miles (6,626 km) Over the last 75 days as I’ve inexorably rolled towards the Pacific Ocean I’ve daydreamed of what the moment would be like. As I crossed the Mississippi, I experienced a small bit of the exuberant joy I expected to see at the end. AsContinue reading “Day 75: Pacific: Swisshome, OR to the Frickin Pacific Ocean”
Day 74: Signs of the end.: Eugene, OR to Swisshome, OR
60 miles (97 km) – Total so far: 4,091 miles (6,584 km) Eugene is a well-intentioned town of biking lifestyle lovers… with a little bit further to go on implementation. The many bike paths are well maintained and superbly marked. Unfortunately, they end abruptly with no warning. Having a bike path down a busy highway thatContinue reading “Day 74: Signs of the end.: Eugene, OR to Swisshome, OR”
Day 73: The Atomic Pie Bomb: Sisters, OR to Eugene, OR
92 miles (148 km) – Total so far: 4,031 miles (6,487 km) The pre-penultimate day of my grand adventure across these United States was wonderfully joyful and fulfilling. A cobalt blue sky framed the vibrant green of Williamette National Forest. In the distance to the South, the Three Sisters Mountains proudly displayed their snowy rainment. ToContinue reading “Day 73: The Atomic Pie Bomb: Sisters, OR to Eugene, OR”
Day 72: Riding Incidental: Ochoco Lake, OR to Sisters, OR
47 miles (76 km) – Total so far: 3,939 miles (6,339 km) Today wasn’t so much a ride as it was a series of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and the like rudely interrupted by pedalling on a bike. After yesterday’s blazing time in the saddle Paul, Terry, and myself were all ready for a nice restfulContinue reading “Day 72: Riding Incidental: Ochoco Lake, OR to Sisters, OR”
Day 71: Wildfire!: Dayville, OR to Ochoco Lake, OR
73 miles (117 km) – Total so far: 3,892 miles (6,264 km) This trail isn’t done with me yet. Today’s ride was to be seriously challenging. Two 2,000+ ft passes through the Ochoco mountains. Temperatures over 100 degrees for the eighth day running. No shade, and little opportunity to replenish water. Fortunately, the Presbytrian churchContinue reading “Day 71: Wildfire!: Dayville, OR to Ochoco Lake, OR”
Day 70: Outstanding Oregon… and Outlaws!: Austin Junction, OR to Dayville, OR
60 miles (97 km) – Total so far: 3,819 miles (6,146 km) 100-105 degree heat really smothers all chance of enjoying any pedal stroke made after 11:00 AM. We’ve tried all manner of things to avoid these blistering temperatures: starting early, cycling late, hibernating in restaurants during the worst of it, jumping in rivers, hydratingContinue reading “Day 70: Outstanding Oregon… and Outlaws!: Austin Junction, OR to Dayville, OR”