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

Last week, our Austin-based friend Ray Bonneville had a show at the Aster Cafe in Minneapolis, in the River Room...it was a beautiful, intimate setting, almost like a living room show. In addition to playing songs from his new album, he played "Big Easy" for us. And we were delighted when he ended up staying … Continue reading Ray Bonneville and the Big Easy

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

I love Enid's map, though these show a bit more detail about where we are headed.

This was a lovely and unexpected gift from Dan's sister, Enid, who is a textile artist, covering the states we'll be biking through, with the Mississippi River in blue thread and the bike route in yellow.

How far is it? Just over 1,800 miles. Are you following the river all the way?  Most of the way, but at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, we will cross the river and head to the Natchez Trace, which we follow from Tennessee and southwest across Mississippi to rejoin the river at Natchez.  Then we cross the river … Continue reading Questions everyone asks us