We walked back to our tent after listening to the people of Dallas sing karaoke and climbed into the tent as we noticed thunder and lightning in the western sky, across the Mississippi. The trains kept roaring through town, fifty yards from where we were trying to sleep. Lisa worked on her blog post while … Continue reading Day Seven: Dallas City to Hannibal, Missouri

This was a short day for us in which we made our way out of Iowa City to get back on course. We’d gotten advice from bikers on the best routes to Muscatine and, as we left, we noticed the bank sign reading 88 degrees at 9:00. (Everyplace we stopped, the temperature was the main … Continue reading Day Five: Iowa City to Muscatine

The day started overcast and foggy, but warmer and drier. Our night inside left us refreshed and rested. We got on the road by 8:00 and rode strong down highway 61 with its wide shoulders, right by the river. We felt great, riding through the bluff country of southern Minnesota (Houston County is especially beautiful … Continue reading Day Three: Winona to Marquette, Iowa

This will be brief because we're tired and in our tent which is cozy so we'll be sleeping soon. The day was beautiful - great riding and perfect weather. Highlights included a flat tire on Lisa's bike in Hastings which we repaired pretty quickly, meeting two St. Thomas people (Amanda from my office was working … Continue reading Day One: St. Paul to Frontenac State Park

Some have asked what we are bringing, so here is a picture. From left to right, sleeping bags, tent, pads, tiny camping chairs, clothes (Lisa's are in the orange stuff sack), maps, technology (including a borrowed solar collector), cook kit and stove, first aid kit, a couple books, bike tools, Clif bars, water bottles, shoes. … Continue reading All of our possessions for the next month

One week from departure, just back from a quick 40 mile ride which felt very easy, I do want to describe my feelings. I can’t wait to just get started, for one thing.  We’ve been planning this trip for over a year now, maybe closer to two.  We’ve studied maps, selected equipment, trained our bodies, … Continue reading One week out