All posts by : bikeusmsadmin

A little about Ellie

What is your age?

I am 23 years old. 

Where do you live?

Bozeman, Montana

What is your profession?

I am currently working as a chiropractic assistant and a physical therapy aid. Who knows what the future holds though!

What bike do you ride?

I ride a Diva Orbea.

What route/year did you ride with Bike the US for MS?

The TransAmerica ride! 

Do you have a connection to Multiple Sclerosis?

I did not have a personal connection with MS before going on the trip but I definitely made a lot of meaningful connections along the way! 

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?

I love doing things that push me and challenge me, and I wanted to do something that was a bit out of the ordinary and maybe a tad crazy. I also loved the idea that this experience wasn’t all about me, but had a bigger purpose behind it, which I think made the whole experience more meaningful and powerful.

Pre-trip 

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

Most of my cycling experience before the trip consisted of hours and hours on the stationary bike in our student center at school. As a distance runner in college, I trained a lot on the bike both while I was injured and to prevent injury. Most of my fitness came from running though. I bought a bike to ride across the country over Christmas break, and then I got to ride outside a lot more. It was definitely the most fun to ride/train when I could find someone else to ride with me!

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

I have a pretty large network of people from church, school, and camp who love to support me and get excited with me about what I am doing. I posted my fundraising page on Facebook where the most number of people would see it, and that was pretty effective for me. I also had a lot of opportunities to tell friends and family about what I was going to be doing and I wrote a couple of letters explaining what I was doing and who I would be riding with. Surprisingly a lot of my support came from classmates and friends my age, which was humbling for me seeing my friends give and want to get behind the mission of the organization. 

What was your biggest challenge while fundraising, or something that didn’t work as well as you thought it might?

The biggest challenge is to just get over being afraid of asking for money, and wanting people to both know what you are doing but also know that in order to be successful, you need their help financially. Asking for money is always intimidating, but I have found over and over that a lot of people are excited to give, and just need the invitation to be a part of something awesome!

Embarking on any big trip can be intimidating. What was your biggest pre-trip worry?

My biggest worry was what the relational dynamics of the trip would be like. I am a very social person and really like to be with people, so I was worried that I would end up riding by myself a lot, or that there wouldn’t be very many other people my age. I was also worried about food, and how all of that would work. There are just a lot of unknowns before the trip starts, but as soon as you get going everything makes a whole lot more sense! I was also worried about not having ridden my bike enough and getting saddle sores or getting hurt in a way that would stop me from being able to complete the trip. While this can happen, my fears were unnecessary because everyone comes in relatively on the same page, and the first couple of weeks naturally get you in shape and more comfortable on the bike. 

How much training did you do for your trip?

Most of my overall fitness came from just running and staying in shape that way, but I also rode my bike a fair amount. I think my longest ride was 72 miles and one other ride of 60 miles. It was hard to find the time to get in longer rides, and its never as much fun on your own as it is when in a group. Most of my rides were between 20-30 miles and I probably rode anywhere from 1-3 times a week.

Gear 

Did you buy a bike for the trip, or was it a bike you already had?

I bought a bike for the trip, because I didn’t think that the bike that I already had would be very comfortable for the long ride. I bought it off of Craigslist though so it wasn’t brand new, but it was a really nice bike and held up great throughout the summer!

What is something you wish you brought, but didn’t?

I wish that I had a better bike bag, like one that went over my handle bars instead of the one that I had on the frame of my bike. A little bit of a bigger bag would have made it easier to carry an extra layer if I had worn it in the morning but then taken it off during the ride, or had more space to carry my bike lock easier.

I also wish that I would have had one of the camping stove stands to attach to my jet boil with a little pan, rather than just the tall pot. This would have made it easier to cook some different meals rather than just boiling water and using that.

What’s one thing you brought that you couldn’t have lived without?

I loved having my hammock because I really enjoy sleeping in that whenever possible, or even just hanging it up once at camp to hang out in, in the evening. I also couldn’t have lived without my jetboil. I used it every day to make coffee and oatmeal in the mornings and for the occasional dinner as well. And definitely my chacos as well, putting on my chacos was pretty much the first thing I would do once I got to camp each day. You’ve got to get your feet out of those hot, sweaty shoes!

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t or mailed home?

I didn’t have much that I really wished I hadn’t brought. I probably brought too many layers such as a bigger jacket and a hat and gloves. I don’t think I ever used those, but I would have been glad I had them if I had needed them. I brought my running shoes thinking that I would probably be dying to run… but never once put them on to run and honestly never wanted to either, so I probably didn’t need those ☺. 

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did? Likewise, is there something you wish you’d spent more money on?

Something I am glad I had was little packing cubes to organize my stuff in my cubby. I used one for my bathroom stuff, chammy butter, vitamins, etc., one for my socks and underwear so those were easily accessible instead of digging all around in my bag, and one for other miscellaneous items. I would recommend anything like that, that would help organize your cubby because it can get a little crazy in the trailer and it helps to just be able to grab what you need, and know exactly where everything is.

Also I would highly recommend buying or bringing a real pillow and towel. I brought both a camping pillow and towel and after about the first week, really wished I had a better pillow and bigger towel. While you want to pack light, you also want to be comfortable for the weeks or months that you are on the road, and small things like that can make a huge difference!

How many casual clothing items did you pack (for when you were off the bike)?

I had two pairs or athletic shorts that I brought and three t-shirts and a 2 tank tops that I rotated through changing into when I got off the bike. I also had a couple of long pants and jackets for it was cooler.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

I had three pairs of cycling shorts and three jerseys. That was pretty much sufficient for me, but I probably could have used a new pair of shorts partway through the trip.

What type of camping gear did you bring?

I brought a tent and a hammock with a bug net and rain fly, a jetboil with a lighter and fuel, a camping mug and bowl with spork, a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow.

Any advice for a cyclist packing for the trip for the first time?

You definitely don’t want to bring more than what you will need, but you also want to be comfortable. I would highly recommend having a pillow that is comfortable for sleeping on the ground with, and a mat that is easy to inflate and deflate each day. Think about how you might organize your stuff so that it is easily accessible and organized. If things can have a certain place where they fit, it will make your life a lot easier. I did not leave my stuff packed in my bag, but instead, took it all out and organized it my cubby and I could just grab whatever I needed each day instead of carrying around a big duffel bag or suitcase each time.

Food

What was your favorite on the bike snack?

My favorite snack is trail mix! I love anything with dried fruit and nuts, and if there is a little bit of chocolate in there that is pretty great as well! 😉 I also ate a lot of graham crackers with peanut butter and banana. This was my typical first rest stop snack, kind of like a second breakfast.

How often did you go out to eat?

I really didn’t think I would end up eating out that much because it can be expensive and I thought it would be easier to just make my own food. But I would say that I did end up eating out on the majority of the days. Pretty much everyone ends up wanting to go out at the end of the day because it is an easy way to get a good, full meal, and also a fun way to explore the area you are staying, and be together as a team. Also cooking a meal on a camp stove it typically the last thing you want to do after getting off the bike at the end of the day!

Would you cook at camp often? If so, what was your favorite recipe?

I probably cooked dinners for myself 1-2 times a week, and it often consisted of rice and beans wrapped up in a tortilla. Pretty much anything I made could be turned into some sort of a burrito.

What did you put in your day cubby (in the rest stop van)?

I kept peanut butter, graham crackers, trail mix, bananas, some granola bars, and tuna fish packets that I would eat with avocado and hot sauce on crackers for a typical lunch. I also had things like sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a rain jacket for the rainy days.

On-the-bike

What type of mirror did you use?

I used a helmet mirror. 

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

I preferred to ride in a group because riding alone, especially all day can get kind of lonely or boring. Riding in a group definitely helps with camaraderie as well as making sure you don’t get lost, or your not stuck if something happens with your bike. It is always nice to have someone else around if you are trying to fix a flat tire. But I would also highly recommend spending some time riding by yourself, especially through the mountains, where you can almost disappear and it is just you, your bike, and the road. I think there is something so special about moments like that. You also spend ALL summer with these people so its not bad to get a little bit of space and alone time sometimes.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

I kept my map, sunscreen, and normally one snack just in case I needed it between rest stops. I also carried my headphones and my phone with me.

Did you use a rack/saddle bag/handlebar bag?

I used a bag that straddled frame with a center pocket for my phone so I could see the screen, but I often didn’t end up using that much. It was a good place for my maps though and it was easily accessible.

Did you use a bike computer?

I bought a Garmin 935 before the trip because I enjoy tracking my activity in general and knew that it could double as a bike computer for the trip.

What was your normal pace?

I like to ride fast and push myself, so if I was able to do that I would typically average around 17-18 mph but that is obviously depending on the terrain and how much climbing we have to do. But I definitely enjoyed the days when I was able to work hard and feel strong by riding a little faster.

Favorite vs least favorite ride days/states?

My favorite state to ride into was definitely Colorado. The day that we rode into Westcliffe was absolutely stunning and it was the first day that we could see the snow capped Rocky Mountains. I am from the Rockies, so it suddenly made me feel like I was close to home! I also love Utah because it is stunningly beautiful and different than any other state, but it was also the hardest state because of the heat and the amount of climbing. One of my favorite rides was the day into Hite Recreation Area because we were in the middle of the dessert, riding through the red rock cliffs, and it was just absolutely amazing, but then it was my least favorite night of all, and maybe lowest point of the trip because of the oppressive heat and lack of any shade at camp. That afternoon/ evening/ night were pretty miserable, but made for funny memories after the fact.

Would you rather be riding through cold rain or extreme heat?

I would rather ride through the cold rain than the heat any day! The rain just makes for a little extra challenge and something else to focus on.

What was the most physically challenging segment or state for you?

The state of Utah was challenging, but the scenery made it all worth it. Any day that we encountered a strong head wind was probably the hardest days for me, because it is hard to stay mentally tough when the wind is pushing against you. The wind is definitely my least favorite thing, unless it is on your back ☺.

Routine

Were you an early riser, or rolling out of camp right on time?

As the summer I was an early riser and got on the road pretty early. Even though that is not necessarily what I would have preferred, it just became the routine for most of our team.

What’s the first thing you did once you got to camp every day?

Take off my bike clothes and take a shower! Then I would set up my hammock or tent and just chill for a little while.

How often would you do laundry?

I think we ended up doing laundry about every week, but sometimes a little longer than that. You can only wash your chammys in the sink so many times before you really just feel like that’s not quite cutting it and you desperately need clean clothes.

How many sink/hose showers did you take?

There were a handful of times we showered in our blue tent shower with a hose, but I think I only took one sink shower when I didn’t want to stand in the freezing water. I was pleasantly surprised with the fact that there was pretty much a shower every day.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, ate dinner, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fall asleep?

Sometimes I would read or journal about the day, but most of the time we would just sit around and hang out together. Some evenings our sites would be set on finding ice cream, even if that meant running a mile in the dark through the rain to get it! Some of my favorite evenings were when we were able to have a campfire and just hang out around the fire.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

I did a mix of both typically. We would often find a restaurant to eat at so that would involve going into town, or we would go to a coffee shop to hang out for a while. Rest days also often included doing laundry and basic housekeeping stuff like that. One time we went to see a movie, so sometimes random things like that would happen.

Did you keep a journal or blog during the trip?

Yes I did. I was not good about it in the beginning, but about half way through I went back to catch up. Once you realize how fast the trip goes and how much you forget, you definitely want to right it down or have some ways you will remember the places you stayed, the things you did, and all the people you met!

Reflecting

What’s your favorite memory from your trip?

My favorite memories include some of the toughest riding days where we were just over it and exhausted, but could laugh about it, or were just pushed to that point of being loopy silly. I made a lot of friends on the trip that just made me laugh and we would be riding along singing Veggie Tail songs or doing something else goofy. Some of my other highlights include riding along through the stunningly beautiful landscape, and stopping to hike to the top of the hill on the side of the road. These off road adventures were some of the most beautiful, and provided moments to be still and just soak it all in!

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes! That is the best part! After the trip ends you are just thrown back into normal life and people want to know about how it was but no one can really understand what the experience is like. Talking on the phone with teammates is the best way to just re-live some of those memories and process the transition back into normal life together. I am going to be life long friends with some of these people!

What was your favorite service project or donation memory?

In Pittsburg Kansas we did a service project with a woman named Marci. While we were there to help with a few small house projects, the best part was just standing around and listening to her tell her story. Her testimony was powerful about how God has given her strength to battle through MS, and how He has used her story to touch the lives of those around her. Meeting her was humbling, encouraging, and empowering!

Do you feel like you are more aware of the impact that MS has on the lives of those affected by it?

Yes I definitely am more aware of the impact that MS has on the lives of so many. I didn’t really have much of an understanding of MS before the trip, but it was crazy the number of times along the way that we would just be stopped to use the bathroom or something and someone would see our jerseys or our van and come over to talk to us because they have a personal connection with MS. Seeing how lives are impacted by the disease and how appreciative so many people were for what we were doing definitely made an impact on me.

What was your biggest takeaway from the trip?

My biggest takeaway was seeing what kind of an impact we can have when we work together as a team to accomplish something. Not only did we successfully peddle our bikes 3,785 miles across the country but be raised a lot of money to benefit research and treatment of MS, and we created life long friendships that will be valuable forever. Seeing lives of my teammates changed as well made the whole trip worth it. Belonging to a team, and being a part of something that is bigger than yourself, is powerful, and so many of us experienced that this summer. We all became family and nothing will ever replace that! 

A little about Sean 

What is your age?

32

Where do you live?

I work down in Antarctica half the year, but am based out of the Greenville, SC area

What is your profession? 

Emergency and Operations Dispatcher. Part-time artist.

What bike do you ride?

Lady Jade. She’s green. She’s beautiful. She’s a Novara Randonee touring bicycle from REI.

What route/year did you ride with Bike the US for MS?

2019 TransAm. I will be rejoining Bike the US for MS in 2020 as a Route Leader for the Atlantic Coast.  

Do you have a connection to Multiple Sclerosis?

My sister was diagnosed with MS in 2011 and a coworker at the dispatch center I used to work with was diagnosed with MS in 2017.

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?

One of the girls that I worked with through my time in AmeriCorps rode the ‘official’ TransAm solo several years ago and ran into the Bike the US for MS crew. Listening to her stories of that ride inspired me to buy my bike years ago with the intention of biking across the country. After realizing that I would have a summer free from work, I jumped on the opportunity and made the decision to ride in honor of my sister.

Pre-trip 

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

Before I signed up for the TransAm, I think the longest I ever rode on my bicycle was somewhere around 15-20 miles. 

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

I never realized how many personal connections I had to MS, not just through my sister, but also friends, coworkers, and extended family. After posting to social media, I was surprised to find people were more than willing to help out because of their own connections to MS. 

My mother and sister also set up a quilt auction as a fundraiser.

What was your biggest challenge while fundraising, or something that didn’t work as well as you thought it might?

I was doing most of my fundraising from a distance, so it was a very slow process. 

Embarking on any big trip can be intimidating. What was your biggest pre-trip worry?

I was concerned that I wouldn’t have enough time for training. That I wouldn’t be strong or fit enough to complete the ride. 

How much training did you do for your trip?

I biked quite a bit, but mostly on flat(ish) routes. I did a couple climbs up and down Paris Mountain here in SC, but my longest pre-trip ride was around 72 miles. 

Gear 

Did you buy a bike for the trip, or was it a bike you already had?

I bought my bike several years before joining in on the TransAm.

What is something you wish you brought, but didn’t?

A better helmet. Mine was pretty cheap and eventually fell apart at the end of the trip. 

What’s one thing you brought that you couldn’t have lived without?

Sun-sleeves. And my hammock. 

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t or mailed home?

I mailed home my DSLR camera within the first week. And some extra off-bike clothing. 

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?

Padded bike shorts and a better saddle for my bike. Comfort was key.

Likewise, is there something you wish you’d spent more money on?

My helmet. It was pretty cheap and fell apart at the end of the trip. I also realized the need for a better helmet after a close call when I attempted to barrel-roll my bike going through Kansas (I had a very spectacular fall).

How many casual clothing items did you pack (for when you were off the bike)?

If I remember correctly, I had 4-5 t-shirts, a pair of shorts, and a pair of long pants (historical wool Rus Viking pants) as well as scrub pants for sleeping.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

For the TransAm, I had two pair of cycling shorts and three jerseys. I did a lot of washing in sinks. Next time, I plan on bringing another pair of shorts and another jersey (or two). 

What type of camping gear did you bring?

I had a tent that I set up a handful of times (I can count the number of times on one hand). I did the majority of my camping in a hammock, earning myself the title of Hammock King. I also had several blankets for colder nights up in the mountains. 

Any advice for a cyclist packing for the trip for the first time? Don’t over pack?

Think about what you would wear in an average 4-5 days back home if, instead of working, you were biking every day. Because that’s basically how it is. Focus on comfort and relaxation when you’re off the bike.

Also, don’t stress out about being fast enough or anything like that. It’s not a race. 

Food 

What was your favorite on the bike snack?

My go-to rest stop snack was peanut butter and honey tortilla wraps. I also kept granola and cliff bars on the bike to stave off on the go hunger. 

How often did you go out to eat?

Probably every other day for dinner, especially if there was a local diner or dive within walking distance. Good food makes me a happy cyclist, especially on hard and long days. 

Would you cook at camp often?

If so, what was your favorite recipe? When cooking at camp, I kept it very simple: boxed mac and cheese (the type that only needs water), spiced up with whatever was on hand (salt, Cajun spice, hot sauce, whatever your heart desires). I usually had enough to share. 

What did you put in your day cubby (in the rest stop van)?

Peanut butter and honey wraps (one for each rest stop). Extra cliff and granola bars (non-peanut butter ones as well for when you can no longer stand the taste of peanut butter). Some type of candy (usually starbursts). Usually a piece of fruit per day (apple or avocado were my go-to fruits). 

On-the-bike

What type of mirror did you use?

I used a Third Eye Round Helmet Mirror. Unfortunately, my first one fell off, so I snagged a second one that refused to stay on my helmet. Gorilla Glue fixed that sucker in place! It may not have looked real pretty, but it worked. 

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

It depended on the day. At the beginning of the trip, I found a couple people that rode about the same pace as I did and without them, I probably would not have made it. Once we hit the flats of Kansas, I ventured off on my own and absolutely loved it. On climbing days, I tended to ride solo. On the flatter or shorter days, groups would form and I would ride along with others.

There were days where I would jump from group to group or to riding solo. I would often head out in the morning at the same time as several others, then jump to another group or venture off solo when they hung out at the rest stops longer than I wanted to (or if they left before I did).

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

The map for the day. Everything else I kept in my bike bags.

I tried putting my phone in my jersey pocket near the beginning of the trip, but I sweat a lot and anything in those pockets would eventually get soggy!

Did you use a rack/saddle bag/handlebar bag?

I was the only person on the TransAm that rode the entire trip with saddle bags. That is where I kept my slip-on camp shoes, bike lock, repair kit, extra tubes, extra water, extra biking sweater at times, and rain coat.

And I had a smaller frame bag. That’s where I kept my phone, snack bars, and my wallet.

Did you use a bike computer?

No. I had no desire to have one. I didn’t even track numbers on my phone, mainly because I know myself well enough that I would get so focused on the numbers that I would no longer enjoy the experience.

What was your normal pace?

I started off the trip somewhere around 8-10 mph. I slowly increased my pace as we made our way west and hit an average of 16 mph one day going through Kansas. But, to be honest, I wasn’t really keeping track every day, so it varied depending on who I was riding with or if I was solo.

Favorite vs least favorite ride days/states?

Favorite state overall would have to be Utah, it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, with the gorgeous canyons, buttes, and amazing views. For me, the deserts of Utah (and into Nevada) were some of my favorite days of riding, despite the heat and long, slow climbs.

As for least favorite days, probably the days that had massive climbs at the end of the day, like going into Blacksburg or Rosedale, VA or Telluride, CO. The worst section of the ride would have to be the last four miles into camp in Cainville, UT, where we hit brutal headwinds that slowed us down to a crawl. Those last four miles took me 45 minutes!

Would you rather be riding through cold rain or extreme heat?  Depends if it is a dry heat or humidity. And is it pouring rain with wind and lightning?

I can do dry heat all day every day (thank you saddle bags for the extra water). And I’ll let someone else have fun with the storms. But I would never turn away a nice, gentle cold rain.

What was the most physically challenging segment or state for you?

The Rockies. Between the brutal climb up Monarch Pass and then Lizard Head Pass a couple days later, it was rough, but beautiful. And you would think, once you’re in to Utah, the Rockies end, right? Wrong. It just gets even more physically challenging, you just add some beautiful canyons and buttes to the mix.

Routine 

Were you an early riser, or rolling out of camp right on time?

I wasn’t the first to hit the road, but I was usually out of camp before the larger groups of cyclists. Once we hit our groove, I was usually out at some point between 6:15 and 6:45, depending on how many miles were on the schedule for the day.

What’s the first thing you did once you got to camp every day?

Set up my hammock. Most of the time, this happened before I even changed out of my cycling shoes.

How often would you do laundry?

Once a week?  Then, I also supplemented that with sink washes for my biking gear every couple of days.

How many sink/hose showers did you take?

A lot. But any time that there was an opportunity to take a shower, be it an actual shower, hose shower, or a jump in a lake, I took it.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, ate dinner, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fall asleep?

Usually drawing. Or breaking out the mandolin to play music. Or talking with people. Or reading.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

I usually liked to hang out, rest, and relax. Though, there were times where I would go out for a little bit to go out for food or laundry. But I tried to stay off the bicycle on our rest days.

Did you keep a journal or blog during the trip?

I know several people journaled and blogged during our trip, but I left my computer at home (on purpose) and didn’t want to journal. Instead, I did a daily landscape drawing on a 2.5 x 3.5 artist trading card. On the back, I wrote what day it was, how many miles, starting location and destination, and some general thoughts about the day. So, I guess I did a different version of journaling?

Reflecting

What’s your favorite memory from your trip?

How can you narrow down all the memories into a single favorite?! It could be the amazing conversations I had with my riding buddies. Or coming into camp with the caboose party after a miserable day of pouring rain and storms, where we had to take shelter twice. Or it could be climbing the fire tower in MO. Or having my 8 year old niece and nephew show up to cheer us on. Or the T-Swift party through KS (don’t be hatin’). Or the beautiful views from top of the Rockies. Or riding through the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Or the terrifyingly beautiful descent into Cedar City, UT. Or being greeted by my grandmother, mom, and my sister (who I was riding in honor of) on the beach of San Francisco.

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes. My teammates are more than friends that I made on the trip, they are an extended family spread across the world.

What was your favorite service project or donation memory?

Cedar City, UT: Got to do some yard work for an amazing couple who was living with MS. After trimming some bushes and pruning some of the flower beds, I got roped into picking cherries. They had this beautiful cherry tree in their back yard that had hundreds of cherries that they couldn’t reach, so I spent an hour or so with a long pole with a wire basket attached to the end picking them off the furthest reaches of this tree. I enjoyed it. The team enjoyed fresh cherries. And then we had pizza. I call it a good day!

Do you feel like you are more aware of the impact that MS has on the lives of those affected by it?

In my head, I always thought I knew the impact of MS because my sister was diagnosed with it eight years ago. After this journey and meeting some of the families and folks who live with some of the more severe symptoms, my eyes have been open to the larger impact of MS, not just on individuals, but on the entire community.

One of our Route Leaders and another cyclist who joined for the beginning and end segments live with the disease, so seeing their lives impacted first-hand was beautifully revealing. Meeting some of the folks along the road who we had an opportunity to serve on our rest days made me appreciate all that I often take for granted. And meeting some of the strongest men and women, whose lives have been severely impacted by their battle with MS has redefined what strength truly is.

What was your biggest takeaway from the trip?

The community of riders and supporters who come from all walks of life, who have come together, be it from personal connections to MS or the desire for adventure, to make a difference and change the world. We had cyclists who were college students, business folks, teachers, retirees, vagabonds, and adventurers, who were each supported by their circle of family and friends, who came together to form a family.

Yes, we did a really difficult ride together. But the beautiful thing that happened along the way was that we came together as a family. 

A little about Liz

What is your age?

I am 24, almost 25. A quarter of a century – makes a girl think.

Where do you live?

Atlanta, Georgia.

What is your profession?

During the day, I work as a bike technician for REI. In the afternoons, I help coach a high school rowing team.

What bike do you ride?

On the trip, I rode a Novara Safari.

What route/year did you ride with Bike the US for MS?

I rode the TransAm route in 2018.

Do you have a connection to Multiple Sclerosis?

Before I started the trip, I did not know of any direct connects. Through the fundraising process, I learned some of my own extended family that live with MS, as well as many of my friend’s family and friends also impacted. Not to mention, after riding in 2018, I met and befriended even more amazing people impacted by MS.

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?

It all started one summer in college with my old Giant mountain bike. I’d had the Giant since I was ten, but, for the summer, it became my main method of transportation. Those two months really changed how I saw cycling. I began to think of it as less of an occasional hobby, and more of an activity I could incorporate into my lifestyle. Plus, it made me happy. So, I figured, what could make me happier than riding across an entire continent?

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Pre-Trip

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

I honestly didn’t have much experience in cycling until that summer with my trusty (too small) mountain bike. After that, I procured a bike that actually fit me, and started riding more around my college town. In Atlanta, where I live now, I clocked most of my pre-trip miles by taking a very roundabout route to work.

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

I found the most success by contacting people I already knew. Reaching out through e-mails, making phone calls, and posting on Facebook helped me a lot. But, I do think the direct contact was key. People want to help and support, you just have to ask!

What was your biggest challenge while fundraising, or something that didn’t work as well as you thought it might?

Honestly, I signed up for the trip pretty late in the game. I submitted my application in late March, so I had all of April and May to get my fundraising done, but the fundraising goal was still pretty daunting. I would have to say my biggest challenge was getting over the awkwardness of asking people to donate. To be clear, the awkwardness was all brought on by me. People were incredibly receptive and supportive whenever I talked to them about it!

Embarking on any big trip can be intimidating. What was your biggest pre-trip worry?

My biggest worry was definitely the concern of how I would fit into the team. Not only socially (read as: how I would go about meeting 20+ new people), but also in terms of riding style and speed.

How much training did you do for your trip?

I clocked the mandatory mileage recommended through commuting, BUT, I still didn’t train as much as I should have. Virginia was a difficult state, but I can honestly say it got everyone in shape very quickly. It’s also a very different mindset going from, in my case, commuting 25 miles and being done for the day, to riding 75 miles all in one day. It’s an adjustment, but absolutely doable!

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Gear

Did you buy a bike for the trip, or was it a bike you already had?

A little bit of both. I bought my bike way before I knew I would do the trip with Bike the US for MS with the intention of doing self-supported touring on it. However, by the time I started the TransAm, it only had one 3-day self-supported tour under its belt.

What is something you wish you’d brought, but didn’t?

It may sound silly, but I wish I’d had closed toe shoes that weren’t bike shoes! A lot of my team mates brought crocs, and I had some chacos as my “off bike” shoes, but I personally missed being able to wear a close-toed flexible shoe.

What is one thing you brought that you couldn’t have lived without?

My two person tent! Plenty of my team mates thrived in their one person tents, but, for me, the two person was perfect because there was plenty of room for me, AND all my gear, as I was one of those people that took most of my stuff out of my cubby every night. Honorable mention goes to my portable charging block. I got a super heavy duty one that no normal human would ever realistically need. Out west, it came in super handy for charging the electronics you absolutely must have, like bike lights.

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

I honestly can’t think of anything!

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?

Yes! I spent much more on food than I initially thought I would. If we came across a local spot along our route that day, I’d stop at one. Especially getting into the more rural areas of Kentucky/Illinois/Missouri, it was a huge treat to eat something different from a local diner or roadside joint. It was also the fastest way to bond with teammates! I think some of my fondest memories involve sitting around a table at restaurants all across America with some of my favorite people.

Likewise, is there something you wish you’d spent more money on?

My tires! I started off on cheap tires I used for commuting, and they were complete toast by the time we hit Missouri.

How many casual clothing items did you pack (for when you were off the bike)?

I had two pairs of running shorts, three t-shirts (and adopted more as we went along), one pair of long pants, and one jacket.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

Three.

What type of camping gear did you bring?

I brought my aforementioned tent (REI quarter dome 2p, highly recommend), an inflatable sleeping pad, and a 45 degree sleeping bag.

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Food

What was your favorite trailer snack?

I gained a real appreciation for beef jerky over the course of the trip.

How often did you go out to eat?

I was a bit more conservative in Virginia and Kentucky, but, by the time we hit Illinois, I was already sick of my cooking. It was more than worth it to me to eat food I didn’t have to prepare or worry about fitting in my cubby. I would say if not once a day, then at least once every two days (if there were services…).

Did you bring a camp cook set?

I did! I had a cheap camp stove (don’t even remember the brand, but it was around 20 bucks maybe), a camp pot that folded up, and a collapsable bowl and cup.

Would you cook at camp often? If so, what was your favorite recipe?

Definitely! Even though I ate out a decent amount, I cooked at camp a lot, as well. I consumed lots and lots of food. My favorite thing to make was top ramen. Preferably the creamy chicken flavor, when I could find it. I am aware it is horrible for you, but, at the time, it’s what my body wanted, and who was I to deny myself?

What did you put in your day cubby in the rest stop van?

I would usually have a sleeve of ritz crackers, jerky, skratch mix, and I’m sure other things at various times, but that’s what I was eating a lot of towards the end of the trip.

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On-the-bike

What type of mirror did you use?

I had a Blackburn mirror that was the only one I could fit on my bars. I had weird trekking bars that are shaped kind of like a figure 8, so I had to get a mirror that could clamp around the side. I ended up having to fix my mirror to the bars by wrapping a shoelace through the plastic of the mirror and around the bars, but it worked!

Did you prefer to ride alone, or in a group?

I would say I preferred riding in a group, or at least with one other person. It can be difficult finding a pace you like, but it can also be daunting to start out riding alone! I think everyone had more experience riding alone in the second half of the trip as we all became more comfortable with our abilities to read the maps.

Do you listen to music while riding?

For sure (following the one ear bud rule, of course). I also listened to a lot of podcasts. SSDGM.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

Really just my phone and map.

Did you use a rack/handlebar bag?

I used a frame bag! It was perfect for me on the trip, and I continue to love it now. It could hold my bike lock, charging block, and a few other miscellaneous items.

What type of tires did you ride?

I started off with Michelin proteks, which were a great value for their cost, and I didn’t have any problems with them, until I realized they were literally coming apart by the time we hit Farmington, MO. Luckily, there was a great bike shop there that had some hybrid-style Giant brand tires. Those lasted me the rest of the trip, and I’m still riding them now!

Did you use a bike computer?

I did. I even used two sometimes! I always used my trusty Cateye Padrone that lived on my bike at all times (and is still kickin’), and would sometimes break out my garmin edge 25. The garmin was cool because it runs on gps, but its battery life only lasted around 6 hours. Most days, it would take me more than 6 hours to get to camp. I’m glad I had my computers, though, because they helped me a lot with navigating.

What was your normal pace?

Honestly, when I was in shape, it was probably right around 14 mph. Built for comfort, not for speed.

How long did it take to read maps?

It probably took me close to two weeks to understand the maps fully. Virginia and Kentucky were tough. By the time we got into Illinois and Missouri, I was comfortable enough to set off on my own if I felt like it.

Riding on a flat terrain with a headwind, or climbing a mountain pass for miles. Which do you prefer?

Wow, what beautiful choices. I’m trying to think back to what annoyed me more, haha. I can definitely remember some ridiculous headwinds in Kansas that were plain absurd, and while I am very slow at climbing, I at least know at the end you have to go down again. I think I’ll go with climbing the mountain pass.

Would you rather be riding through cold rain or extreme heat?

I’d say extreme heat. The heat is tough, but, in my experience, we dealt with heat on a wider scale than we dealt with cold and rain. The one time we had to deal with freezing rain in Utah, I had a pretty hard time. Luckily, it was towards the end of the day and we were fortunate enough to be sleeping inside that night.

What was the most physically challenging segment or state for you?

Definitely the last few days of Virginia and into eastern Kentucky. By far the hardest both physically and mentally for me.

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Routine

Were you an early riser, or rolling out of camp late?

Here’s the thing…I feel like so many of my team mates were EXTRA early risers. Not that I necessarily rolled out of camp *late*, but, perhaps, most of the time, I was in the last group heading out that morning. Maybe.

What’s the first thing you did once you got to camp every day?

If we were camping, I’d grab my tent and find a spot to set up. If we were in a community center/church I’d also try to find a spot, preferably by a power outlet.

How often would you do laundry?

Since I had three pairs of cycling shorts, I’d do laundry generally every three days. Sometimes, that meant doing communal laundry with a few of my teammates at a local laundromat. Other times, I’d just do it in the sink with Dr. Bronner’s soap (which is an all-purpose cleaning agent, also highly recommend).

How many sink/hose showers did you take?

Not too many sink showers, as our route leaders had a great talent for finding hose hookups. Definitely took my fair share of hose showers, though.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, fed, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fall asleep?

Definitely hanging out with one or many of my awesome teammates. They’re some of the coolest people I have the privilege to know.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

I definitely wasn’t trying to paint the town red on our rest days, but a group of us might get into at least one fun thing! For example, in Carbondale, IL, a group of us went to see Incredibles 2 on the afternoon of our rest day. We got the last 4 tickets in the entire theater and had to sit extremely far away from each other. It was awesome.

Did you keep a journal or blog during the trip?

I did bring a journal. I kept up with it in the first week or two, then fell off. I continued to chronicle our journey through pictures, and that became my way of remembering places and things.

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Reflecting

What’s your favorite memory from the trip?

Goodness. It’s nearly impossible to pick just one. I have so many great memories with everyone from the trip! I often think back to when we stayed in Hite, Utah, which is officially classified as a ghost town. It was so remote that the only people around aside from the 10 locals were our group. We talked, played games, and goofed off all evening. Nothing particularly remarkable happened, but it’s probably one of the most objectively “lonely” places I’ll ever be, and I didn’t feel alone in the slightest.

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes! They’ve become some of my closest friends. I have even been lucky enough to see a handful of my teammates since the trip concluded.

What was your favorite service project?

I thought the service project in Cedar City, Utah was very neat. We got to work alongside members of the local LDS church there, who also let us camp on the property of their church.

Do you feel like you are more aware of the impact MS has on the lives of those affected by it?

I am definitely more aware, but still have so much to learn. The trip really opened my eyes to just how much MS can affect not only the person diagnosed with it, but the people around them.

What was your biggest takeaway from the trip?

What humans have in common is so much stronger than the differences that can divide us. We’re all trying to navigate life, and no one has all the answers. When we work together and love and support the person next to us, we can all accomplish so much more than we ever could alone. I realize this sounds cheesy as all heck, but I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe it fully. My summer with Bike the US for MS taught me more than I knew I was ready to learn. If you’ve made it all this way and are still reading this, you’re ready to give it a shot. See you in 2019.

A little about Jen

What is your age?

I turned 51 while we were riding across the country.

Where do you live?

I have lived in Seattle since 1987, but grew up in upstate New York.

What is your profession?

Registered Nurse

What bike do you ride?

Colnago CX-Zero

What route/year did you ride with Bike the US for MS?

Northern Tier 2017

Do you have a connection to multiple sclerosis?

I had been working as a clinic nurse in the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Center in Seattle.

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?

I have always been a cyclist and have always wanted to ride across the country. One day at work, I had an inspiring encounter with a woman who is living with MS. She shared her story of riding the Northern Tier with BTUSFMS with me, and I started planning that day… *smile*

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Pre-Trip:

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

I have been a daily bike commuter who does longer rides on weekends. I had never done any touring, but was used to being on my bike.

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

I sent lots and lots of emails to friends and family, but a dear friend offered to host an auction for the cause. The auction ended up being a huge boost toward reaching my goal.

What was your biggest challenge while fundraising, or something that didn’t work as well as you thought it might?

I am not naturally comfortable with fundraising… I had to learn to step out of my comfort zone. It was easy to keep telling the story of this amazing organization and all the people that benefit from their efforts.

Embarking on any big trip can be intimidating. What was your biggest pre-trip worry?

Keeping up with calorie needs…and preventing saddle sores.

How much training did you do for the trip?

I stayed focused on my daily commute to work (which is about 20 miles round trip) and made sure to do at least one long ride every weekend.

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Gear:

Did you buy a bike for the trip, or did you ride one you already had?

It was a bike that I acquired the summer of 2016 with this ride in mind.

What is something you wish you brought, but didn’t?

Nothing! I brought too much stuff and kept shipping things home that I did not need.

What is something you didn’t bring, but wish you did?

Nothing! I totally overpacked!

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

I overpacked food.

Is there anything you spent more money on that you’re glad you did?

My husband built my front wheel with a dyno-hub. This allowed me to easily keep my phone and lights charged. It was awesome.

Likewise, is there something you wish you’d spent more money on?

No…but can I say how important it is to have a good tent?

How many casual clothing items did you pack (off-bike clothing)?

2 pairs of shorts, 2 t-shirts, and 1 pair of pants…cozy socks, sneakers, flip flops, a sweatshirt, a puffy jacket, and a summer dress. Everything packed into a relatively small stuff sack.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

Three

What type of camping gear did you use?

A basic single person REI tent, a Big Agnes sleeping bag and pad, small pillow, headlamp. An MSR cookstove with bowl, cup, spork, etc. A hammock.

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Food:

What was your favorite trailer snack?

Trail mix, bananas, almond butter

How often did you go out to eat?

It varied, but if we could find a good diner for eggs and potatoes, we would go once daily. Otherwise, we made plenty of good food at camp.

Did you bring a camp cook set?

Yes, the MSR I mentioned… it was great.

Would you cook at camp often? If so, what was your favorite recipe?

Yes, usually for dinner every night. I made alot of concoctions with quinoa and salsa and kale. Most everything tasted good to me out on the road. For breakfast, I ate alot of overnight-soaked oatmeal with chia seeds and dried fruit. 

What did you put in your day cubby (in the rest stop van)?

Extra beverages (I got hooked on Arnold Palmers), trail mix, fruit, cookies… whatever I had!

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On the Bike:

What type of mirror did you use?

My mirror was on my handle bars.

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

I like both, but we happened to have a really great group of people on Notier 2017, so we rode together in different group iterations on a regular basis. I only rode two days by myself on the whole trip.

Do you listen to music while riding?

A couple of the riders in our group had a sound system they attached to their rear rack, so we had intermittent tunes for a stretch of time — which was really fun, but mostly we went without. I don’t wear headphones when I ride.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

As little as possible.

Did you use a rack/saddle bag or handle bar bag?

I had a handlebar bag that held my phone, snacks, map, lip balm, sunglasses, etc… and a saddle bad that held tools, spare tire, and sunscreen (and anything else I needed to squish into it!)

What type of tires did you ride?

Gatorskins — don’t leave home without them!

Did you use a bike computer?

Yes

What was your normal pace?

Huge variance — depended on the terrain and the headwinds

How long did it take to learn to read the maps?

It probably took me about a week to get comfortable with them.

Riding on flat terrain with a headwind, or climbing a mountain pass – which do you prefer?

I would take a climb over headwinds any day!

Would you rather be riding through cold rain or extreme heat?

Tough choice, but I think I would prefer the rain…

What was the most physically demanding segment or state for you?

The headwinds in Indiana

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Routine:

Were you an early riser, or rolling out of camp late?

Early riser

What the first thing you did once you arrived at camp every day?

Pitched my tent/picked my sleeping spot

How often would you do laundry?

If you could do it daily, you did…we took turns and owe much thanks to fellow rider Matt, who loved to do laundry and did more than his fair share

How many sink/hose showers did you take?

I think I have chosen not to remember this… 4 or 5?

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, fed, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fall asleep?

Playing cards, writing postcards to friends and family, exploring the area…

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and explore the town, or hang out, rest up, and relax?

Exploring the places we stayed was definitely a highlight of the trip

Did you keep a journal or blog during the trip?

I wrote in a journal nightly (which I am so glad I have now) and posted pictures on Facebook as often as I could.

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Reflecting:

What your favorite memory from your trip?

There could not possibly be only one…but looking back, I will say it was a beautiful thing to meet 20 strangers and to start a somewhat unpredictable journey together. So my favorite memory was not of a singular event; I loved witnessing (and being part of) this group of people getting to know one another, looking out for one another, and supporting each other across the country. It was an incredible experience.

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes!

What was your favorite service project?

No favorites… each of our service projects was memorable and worthwhile.

Do you feel like you are more aware of the impact MS has on the lives of those affected by it?

Most definitely. This trip was incredibly humbling for me in that sense. 

What was your biggest takeaway from the trip?

Live your dreams. It will inspire others to live their dreams. Which will make the world a better place. Really.

A little about Richard

What is your age?

I was 69 when I rode the Northern Tier in 2014.

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?   

Was on my bucket list to ride across the the United States for several years.

Where do you live?  

Albuquerque, NM

What is your profession?  

I’m retired after serving in the Air Force for 20 years and working for the Department of Defense for another 23 years.

What route(s)/year(s) did you ride with Bike the US for MS?  

Northern Tier in 2014 and I did a segment of the Southern Tier 2014.

Pre-trip

How many miles did you clock in before the trip?  

I had just bought a new bike in March so I did about 550-600 miles getting used to the bike.

What was your cycling experience before signing up?  

Numerous century rides, a lot of riding around New Mexico and I had ridden the week-long Iowa ride 9 times.

Where did you find the most success fundraising?  

Family and friends.

What was your biggest worry before the trip, and how did you handle it?  

Getting my bike to Bar Harbor.  I used Bike Flight to ship my bike and it work very well.

How many fundraising letters/emails do you think you sent?  

Most of mine was personal contact with family and friends.

What surprised you most about the fundraising process?  

How everyone supported me.

Gear

What type of bike did you ride? Where did you get it?  

I rode a Motobecane that I bought online from Bikes Direct.  I had a professional bike mechanic put it together and check it over.

What is something you wish you had brought which you didn’t?  

My cold weather riding clothes and my 0 degree sleeping bag.  Even in June the nights were cold!!!

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?  

Breakfast.

How much casual clothes (t-shirts, shorts, etc) did you bring?  

3 shorts and t-shirts.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?  

2 shorts

What type of sleeping pad did you use?  

I had a Big Agnes inflatable pad which was great.

Food

What was your favorite trailer snack?  

Power and Cliff bars

How often would you go out to eat? 

Once or twice a day.

Would you cook at camp often? If so, what was your favorite recipe?  

Yes, and would do rice or pasta box mixes.

On-the-bike

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?  

I did both.  Some days you would feel like a group ride and others going it alone.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?  

Snacks, map, and a small pouch with money and credit card in it. Money kept in a zip lock bag to keep it dry.

Did you use a rack/saddle bag/handlebar bag?  

I had an Arkel trunk that mounted on my seat post with a quick disconnect.

What type of tires did you ride? 

Specialized Armadillo 700×23

Did you use a cyclocomputer? 

What was your normal pace?  Everywhere from 4 or 5 MPH to 35+.

How long did it take to learn to read the maps?  

With the training given before the ride it was easy.

Riding on a flat terrain with a headwind, or climbing a mountain pass for miles. Which do you prefer?

Much prefer climbing a mountain pass.

What was the most difficult part/aspect/state of the ride?  

One day in North Dakota with a steady headwind.

Routine

Were you an early riser? Did you sleep in?  

Up and at it early!!!

When you got to camp, the first thing you did was….

setup my tent.

How often would you do laundry? 

When available or three to four days.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, fed, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fell asleep?

Write in a journal and visit with the others.

How many sink/hose showers did you take? 

2 or 3.

How many loads of sink/hose laundry did you do?  

None.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

Go out and see the town.

Post-trip

Has the trip changed you as a person or the way you see life?

Absolutely. I met so many interesting people who have influenced my choices for the better. Life is too short not to follow your passion and enjoy a balanced life-style. I quit my job during the ride (Eureka, MT) and decided to move out west to be close to family, to find a job I love and become much more active.

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A little about Michelle

What is your age?  

41

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?  

I have done shorter events like Cycle Oregon and a Backroads trip…and I really enjoyed them. Bike the US allowed me to check an amazing item off my bucket list, while supporting a cause that I believe in.

Where do you live?

I lived in Raleigh at the ride, but now live in Louisville, CO

What is your profession?

I am a tech product manager for a company that builds mobile apps and websites for NCAA sports programs.

What route did you ride for Bike the US for MS?

Northern Tier

Pre-Trip

How many miles did you clock before the trip?

I rode about 120-150 miles a week before the trip.  I wish I had ridden more hills before starting the ride.  I paid the price during the first two weeks.

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

I had done some week long trips with friends.  Other than that, I would commute to work on my bike and ride for fun on weekends

Where did you find the most success in fundraising?

I found that company matching played a big part – lots of companies do this!  Also, family and friends were more than happy to donate when they learned I was riding for MS.

What was your biggest worry before the trip and how did you handle it?

I was worried about not seeing my husband for long periods of time.  We worked it out so that he would meet up with us every 2-3 weeks and he even helped with service projects.

How many fundraising letters/emails do you think you sent?

I posted on Facebook and sent an email to work colleges – the rest took care of itself.

What surprised you most about the fundraising process?

How many people wanted to contribute…without my even asking.  I was surprised by this before the trip and even on the trip.  It was overwhelming and humbling to receive such generosity from complete strangers.

Gear

What type of bike did you ride?

It would have been a Specialized Ruby Elite…but our car got rear-ended on the way to the ride…so a Specialized Ruby Soprt (last minute purchase on Memorial Day weekend).  I got it at Goodales Bike Shop in NH.

What was something you wish you brought which you did not?

My sister…for the whole trip.  She was able to join for the 1st week and the last day, but it would have been fun to have her around the whole time.

What was one thing you could not have lived without while on the road?

My smartwool black skirt – great for comfort, going out and for privacy for roadside pitt-stops….also Chamois butter…definitely chamois butter…

What is one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

Extra clothes – you really do not need much

Is there anything that you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?

Bike Maintenance in Minneapolis – had to trade out tires, repair my chain and such – bike felt like new after that!

How much casual clothes did you bring?

After getting rid of extra stuff…here is where I settled:

3 T-shirts

Black smartwool skirt

Long Pants

Fleece

How many pairs of cycling shorts?

3…but ended up buying 1 more because laundry was not always predictable and sometimes, shorts would not dry when hung out at night…(especially in the beginning of the trip)

What type of sleeping pad did you use?

A Basic coleman pad – nothing fancy (I like a firm mattress, so makes sense)

Food

What food was your favorite trailer snack?

Chocolate milk – amazing when cold, but stores sell milk boxes that don’t need to be refrigerated…they were good too

How often would you go out to eat?

I would say about half the time – mostly for breakfast…I probably spent more than some on food overall, but for me it was about convenience. I was not a really fast rider, so I didn’t have a ton of extra time for food prep.

Would you cook at camp often?

Sometimes…there was a group of us that would share responsibilities – some bought ingredients and some cooked.

Favorite recipe?

Any dish with beans and rice.

On-the-bike

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

I did both – depended on the day.  It was good to mix things up and have group time and alone time.

Would you rather be riding through steady rain or extreme heat?

Steady rain – as long as the roads are relatively flat…. I prefer the cooler weather and hiding in barns in the midwest was entertaining.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

Cliff Bars, Gels, Smart Phone, maps

Did you use a rack / saddle / bike bag?

I used a small bike bag under my seat for tools…and a handlebar bag for snacks and maps.

Did you use a cycle computer?

No – lots of people around me had one, which came in handy in New England where there were lots of turns.

What was your normal pace?

I averaged around 13 mph….no racing for me

How long did it take to learn to read maps?

It took me a couple of weeks.  New England was challenging because there were so many turns, so I often depended on others. Once I had the hang of it, we were in the midwest – not many turns at all

Riding a flat terrain in a headwind or climbing a mountain pass for miles?

Climbing a mountain pass – especially in the west – they know about switchbacks…(the east does not know about switchbacks, but I would prefer to a headwind).  I can remember riding for 98 miles in a headwind to Kathryn, ND – felt like riding under water – one of my toughest days.

What was the most difficult aspect / state of the ride?

I would have to say NH…lots of turns, some tough climbs and it was early enough that my body wasn’t conditioned yet.

Routine

Were you an early riser?

We were all early risers – usually around 6am, once people started packing up it was hard to sleep in.  Towards the end of the trip, things were a bit more relaxed – maybe sleeping in til 7am…

When you got to camp, the first thing you did was….

Chocolate milk and then a shower or swim in a lake…

How often would you do laundry?

In the beginning, it was about every 3 days.  You learn to do it when you can.  Toward the end, we sometimes went 5-6 days between laundry.

What did you do to pass the time until sleep?

Played hearts, drank wine, explored, talked, blogged.

How may sink / hose showers did you take?

I took a few…by the end of the ride, I could go 2-3 days without a shower if needed.  I think we all smelled pretty bad…but amazingly, I don’t think we noticed..

What did you do on rest days?

Since there was usually lots to do, exploring, finding good places to grab a bite…or a massage….

Post trip

What is favorite memory?

So many to chose from…but would probably say the day we dipped our tires in the Pacific – it was the perfect day and emotions were high, champagne was flowing. I still get a little choked up when I think about the day we capped off such an amazing adventure….

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes…on Facebook…and in person when people travel.  It is nice to have such a lovely and diverse group to connect with from time to time.

What’s your favorite memory from your trip?  

The great feeling when, at a rest stop, people come up and thank you for riding for them.  Some are MS survivors and others have relatives, friends and coworkers with MS.  It is an amazing feeling.   Secondly, riding through the Avenue of the Giants in the redwoods of Northern California is an unforgettable experience.

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A little about Larry

What is your age?  

77 but when I did the first ride, I was only 75.

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?  

The challenge and also to see the USA uniquely from the seat of a bicycle.

Where do you live?

Florida

What is your profession?

Retired pilot and home builder.

What routes/years did you ride with Bike the US for MS?  

Northern Tier 2014 and Pacific Coast 2015.

Currently signed up for the Southern Tier for 2016.

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Has the trip changed you as a person, or the way you see life?

There is no way it cannot have a positive impact.  To pedal across the country gives one a sense of accomplishment and also a feeling that you can do anything you set your mind to.

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Pre-trip

How many miles did you clock in before the trip?

I ride 6000 to 7000 miles per year but that is not necessary to do the rides.

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

Mostly Centuries but a few week long rides across southern states.

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

From family and friends.  When I mention how much money has been raised for the MS cause, people quite often volunteer to contribute.

What was your biggest worry before the trip, and how did you handle it?

Everyone has the same concerns.  We are excited about the ride but worried that we won’t be able to do it.  Of course, everyone does it and their apprehensions were useless.

How many fundraising letters/emails do you think you sent?

About 50 emails.

What surprised you most about the fundraising process?

It is quite easy.  Ask and you will receive.

Gear

What type of bike did you ride? Where did you get it?

A Trek road bike purchased from a local bike shop.

What is something you wish you had brought which you didn’t?

A motor home (only kidding).

What’s one ancillary thing you couldn’t have lived without on the road?

The small seat pack with extra tube, pump and CO2 cartridges.

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

Too many clothes. I sent them home at the first mail stop.

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?

I ordered an extra Bike the US for MS jersey which came in handy.

How much casual clothes (t-shirts, shorts, etc) did you bring?

Your list of clothing and equipment is sufficient.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

4 shorts and 4 jerseys.   Could have made it with half that number but it allowed to go longer without laundry

What type of sleeping pad did you use?

Inflatable.

Food

What was your favorite trailer snack?

Bananas.

How often would you go out to eat?

I’m an old guy so I found a way to eat out every meal.  If there was not a restaurant in the area, I would purchase a sandwich at lunch and put it in the trailer.

On-the-bike

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

Some of each.  At times it is nice to ride with the group but at others, it I may want solitude to soak in the scenery.

Would you rather be riding through steady rain or extreme heat?

Neither bother me but, being from Florida, I am accustomed to the heat.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

Cellphone, handkerchief and, for me, a pair of glasses.

Did you use a rack/saddle bag/handlebar bag?

Small saddle bag, plus a little bag for Power bars and Kleenex.  One more thing–a case to hold the route map.  It fastened to the handlebar so I could read it while moving.

What type of tires did you ride?

Light 23 mm road tires.  On the PacCoast ride, had only 1 flat.

Did you use a cyclocomputer? What was your normal pace?

Garmin.  Keeps track of mileage, speed, cadence, heart rate, percentage of climb and other things.  Wouldn’t leave home without it.

How long did it take to learn to read the maps?

Essentially no time at all.  They are very simple and user friendly.

Riding on a flat terrain with a headwind, or climbing a mountain pass for miles. Which do you prefer?

The mountain–because you get to fly down the other side.  A headwind is relentless.

What was the most difficult part/aspect/state of the ride?

The first day or two.  After that, you realize that you can do this!

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Do you have any pieces of general advice for new cyclists?

Everyone questions if they can finish such a ride but you can do it!  Go for it!

Routine

Were you an early riser? Did you sleep in?

I tried for an early start to enjoy the cooler morning temps.   If it had been cold, however, a later start would have worked.

When you got to camp, the first thing you did was….

Pitch the tent.  Once the things are unpacked, you can enjoy a cold drink.

How often would you do laundry?

Tried to do it every 4 days.  Possibly on 2 occasions that didn’t work out.  Had to wear used shorts and jerseys but everyone was in the same boat.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, fed, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fell asleep?

Read email, catch up on the blog and sit around and discuss the ride with your new friends.

How many sink/hose showers did you take?

Only a few on each ride.  Most often, there were regular showers available.

How many loads of sink/hose laundry did you do?

None.  That was not necessary.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

In many cases, it was the first time we had been to a particular town so I had to check it out. You can get plenty of rest when you die.

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

A strong bond was formed and we are friends for life.

What’s your favorite memory from your trip?

So many memories. One of the best, was when the entire TransAm 2014 team was at dinner with the Charlottesville, Virginia MS Society. Don (BTUSFMS Founder) surprised us all by presenting a family with a much needed handicapped van. The tears were a’plenty, emotions were high, and not a doubt was to be found as to why we rode for MS.

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A little about Claire

What is your age?

I am 24 now, although in a sense I am merely 5 years old since my first BTUSFMS trip (when life truly began) was when I was 19.

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?

America is such a massive, diverse, wicked-awesome country. I wanted to see what my own Motherland had to offer and biking across her seemed like the best way to accomplish that.

Where do you live?

I live in a small community in the Dominican Republic.

What is your profession?

My current profession is Peace Corps Volunteer.

What route(s)/year(s) did you ride with Bike the US for MS?

I did the Northern Tier in 2012 and the TransAm in 2014. To be continued in 2017…

Pre-trip

How many miles did you clock in before the trip?

For my first trip, let’s be honest, not many. The first two weeks, to put it lightly, were brutal. But, I was all the wiser the second time around and did lots of mountain biking and a mini-tour to prepare.

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

I had little experience in cycling besides biking to school in grade school.

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

From my experience, personalized emails have high efficacy as a fundraising method.

What was your biggest worry before the trip, and how did you handle it?

My biggest worry was not finishing. I handled it upon meeting the Bike the US for MS team. They’ll get you across the world if need be.

How many fundraising letters/emails do you think you sent?

Yikes. An inordinate amount. I sent about 50 emails the first day and tried to send at least a few everyday up until the tour. I signed up lat minute so it was pedal to the metal fundraising until the tour commenced.

What surprised you most about the fundraising process?

Through fundraising, I realized how close to home MS was. I never knew how many friends of mine were affected by MS. Many of those who went on to donate told me about their family members or connections with MS that were unbeknownst to me previously.

Gear

What type of bike did you ride? Where did you get it?

Listen, my first year I rode a too small, too fragile, fancy little road bike. I learned my lesson the hard way. A few million broken spokes later I am now the proud owner of a Surly. Steel is real. I highly recommend finding a sturdy steed to get you across the county without any snags. I found my ride on Craigslist and it happened to be owned by a professor of mine.

What is something you wish you had brought which you didn’t?

More than one chamois my first year. Need I explain more?

What’s one ancillary thing you couldn’t have lived without on the road?

The legendary bike rear-view mirror.

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

I didn’t bring my DSLR for my first rodeo. To this day, I wish that it had been there with me.

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?

Food splurging in cities. No regrets. Nor, on the many pairs of quirky socks purchased along the route.

How much casual clothes (t-shirts, shorts, etc) did you bring?

Three shirts, two hiking pants, one shorts. Disclaimer: Many of my cycling tops doubled as normal shirts.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

First year: one.

Second year: four.

Second year > First year

What type of sleeping pad did you use?

The therm-a-rest foam folded pad. Solid, minus the fact that it is soft… *ba dum chhh*

Food

What was your favorite trailer snack?

I loved the all natural bars. Larabar and ProBar are two fool-proof options.

How often would you go out to eat?

Every lunch that there was the opportunity to go out I took it. Breakfast and dinner were generally culinary experiments at the campsite.

Would you cook at camp often? If so, what was your favorite recipe?

Hearty oatmeal with bananas and apples. I also highly recommend carb-loading with Velveeta mac and cheese.

On-the-bike

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

Depends on the day. But, if the wind blows hard, I can guarantee, 100% of the time, you’ll find me right in the back of a pace line. Bet your bottom dollar.

Would you rather be riding through steady rain or extreme heat?

Steady rain was always so majestic. Some of the most magical days were in the cathartic rains, ergo I am very partial to the rain.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

I liked to travel comfortably. I didn’t usually have pockets so refer to the following questions for what I carried.

Did you use a rack/saddle bag/handlebar bag?

Yes. As well as a Salsa Anything rack. I always carried my DSLR, map, a folding chair, air horn, phone, patch kit, bike tool, sandals, and Swiss Army knife.

What type of tires did you ride?

35’s in the back and 28’s in the front. Both tires always had some traction on there. Never bald. There are fewer feelings more satisfying than pulling shards of glass out of your tires while the tube remains in pristine condition.

Did you use a cyclocomputer? What was your normal pace?

No computer. Nonetheless, I fit in the 15 mph cruise category.

How long did it take to learn to read the maps?

I would guesstimate that 2 weeks into my first trip I had an adequate handle on the maps.

Riding on a flat terrain with a headwind, or climbing a mountain pass for miles. Which do you prefer?

Without a doubt, I’ll tackle a mountain pass over headwinds. With a pass, one is rewarded with a killer view from the top and a killer descent afterwards, not to mention the glory that comes with slaying a pass (eg: A photograph with the elevation sign). There is no reward, that I know of, for headwinds.

What was the most difficult part/aspect/state of the ride?

Headwinds.

Routine

Were you an early riser? Did you sleep in?

I am an early riser. But, somehow the male riders who woke up 30 minutes after me were always ready to hit the road at the exact same time. One of the greatest mysteries of life.

When you got to camp, the first thing you did was….

Sit in the grass. Just sit and think about how amazing showering will be. But, first, sit.

How often would you do laundry? 

A post-ride ritual became a quick rinse of the bike clothes each day.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, fed, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fell asleep?

Easy question, sit around with the team and tell tales, or get back on the bicycle and cruise around town to see who there is to meet and what there is to see.

How many sink/hose showers did you take? 

Quite a few. Anytime there was a line for the real shower I would bypass to the hose.

How many loads of sink/hose laundry did you do?

As stated in a previous answer, it became my daily ritual to at least rinse out my bike clothing post-ride.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

I always did a spin or two around town to get a feel for the environment.

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes. This trip helps you make many great friends with such amazing people. I still talk to them and even have mini reunions with some of them.

Post-trip

Do you have any pieces of general advice for new cyclists?

This trip is hard to prepare for and a major accomplishment to complete, but the toughest part by far is saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to the friends who live in various places across the country and goodbye to the lifestyle you grew accustomed to will make you emotional. Enjoy every moment of this trip while you have it and those last few nights of the trip, you’ll know what I mean when I say that your life will never be the same again.

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A little about Zach

What is your age?

21

What made you want to ride your bike across the country?

I wanted to see the sights from the US and I was looking for a way to give back to others at the same time.

Where do you live?

I live in Princeton, NJ.

What is your profession?

I am a financial data analyst

What route(s)/year(s) did you ride with Bike the US for MS?

I rode the Northern Tier in 2015.

Pre-trip

How many miles did you clock in before the trip?

I think I rode 600 miles before the trip, but most were on flat terrain.

What was your cycling experience before signing up?

I biked as my main form of transportation for four years in college, so i rode it a few miles a day to my classes and friend’s houses.

Where did you find the most success fundraising?

I had a bake sale with members of my community that raised the most money for me. As a tactic, I didn’t put prices on goods. I, instead, had people pay what they thought it deserved while knowing that all the money was going to charity.

What was your biggest worry before the trip, and how did you handle it?

I was worried about being away from family and friends for an entire summer. It was easy once the trip started because your teammates become your closest friends.

What surprised you most about the fundraising process?

It’s exhausting to raise money. It takes a lot of work, so be prepared.

______________________

What’s your favorite memory from your trip?

My favorite memory from the trip was from Minneapolis. We spent time as a team bonding, riding around the city, and meeting people at the MS Achievement Center.

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Gear

What type of bike did you ride? Where did you get it?

It’s actually a funny story. On my drive up to the starting location, I got into a car accident and the bike that I trained on was totaled. The day of orientation, I needed to also go find a bike that I could take across the country. I ended up with a Fuji cyclocross bike.

What is something you wish you had brought which you didn’t?

Having a portable phone charger would have been something nice to have, but I think it is more important spending time with your teammates than being on your phone.

What’s one ancillary thing you couldn’t have lived without on the road?

I could not have lived without headphones. One of the reasons my phone died so much was because we listened to podcasts or music all the time. This is something that helps you take some of the boredom out of riding through corn fields for the 2nd week in a row. There are many times where you need something to occupy your attention while riding and headphones help you do just that. Look into investing in books on tape to listen to. Some of my teammates made it through several Harry Potter books during the last half of the trip.

What’s one thing you brought that you wish you hadn’t?

It’s tough to bring something you wish you hadn’t, because your cubby isn’t that large. Anything that takes up a lot of room which you don’t use often is something you should consider leaving at home unless it’s vital to your safety or comfort.

Is there anything you spent a bit more money on that you were glad you did?

I spent more money on food, which was by far the best thing I could imagine spending my money on.

How much casual clothes (t-shirts, shorts, etc) did you bring?

I wore a lot of casual shirts and shorts while riding, but I brought 2 pairs of nicer clothes for times where I had a chance to look presentable in public.

How many pairs of cycling shorts/bibs did you bring?

I believe I brought 4 pairs of chami shorts and 3 jerseys.

What type of sleeping pad did you use?

I didnt bring a sleeping pad. Instead I just had a comfortable sleeping bag that I didn’t need the additional padding.

______________________

Has the trip changed you as a person, or the way you see life?

In many ways, this trip has changed me. I am even going to ride again this summer because this organization has changed my life and made me into a better person.

______________________

Food

What was your favorite trailer snack?

Beef Jerky or trail mix is the move.

How often would you go out to eat?

I went out to eat quite often. I did not have the camp cooking skills or patience to eat a good meal at camp.

Would you cook at camp often? If so, what was your favorite recipe?

When I made food at camp, it was never food that needed to be cooked. Canned chef boyardee, peanut butter sandwiches, or cold oatmeal was the meal of choice.

On-the-bike

Did you prefer to ride alone or in a group?

I would say it was 50/50 alone and with a group for me. Everyone finds someone who rides at their pace, but I liked not needing to worry about other people while riding from time to time.

Would you rather be riding through steady rain or extreme heat?

Steady rain isn’t so bad if you’re not verging on hypothermic conditions.

What would you keep in your bike jersey pockets?

Pockets are for food. A pocket banana and some pocket

Did you use a rack/saddle bag/handlebar bag?

I had a waterproof handlebar bag. It was great to store a wadded up rain jacket and some additional items for emergency.

What type of tires did you ride? 

I had the tires that came with my bike, but many people rode gatorskin tires. Mine luckily only had a flat once because it was a thick, big tire.

Did you use a cyclocomputer? What was your normal pace?

I did not use one, but my normally pace was close to 12-13mph. Enjoy the trip and don’t worry about rushing unless it’s going to be a long mile day.

How long did it take to learn to read the maps?

I would say that it took a week to get adjusted to reading the maps if you don’t just follow others all the time.

Riding on a flat terrain with a headwind, or climbing a mountain pass for miles. Which do you prefer?

The first week when you’re climbing that first mountain, you wouldn’t think biking can get harder, but 25mph headwinds are a bikers nightmare. Pedaling as hard as you can just to go 10 miles per hour is worse than climbing a hill.

What was the most difficult part/aspect/state of the ride?

Eastern Montana with the heavy headwinds was hardest part of the trip.

Routine

Were you an early riser? Did you sleep in?

I am an early riser, but I would say most of my team left camp by about 8am.

When you got to camp, the first thing you did was….

Set up my tent and showered if that was available.

How often would you do laundry? 

Laundry is a luxury. It was something I think we did once a week if we were lucky enough to find a laundromat.

It’s the evening and you’re out of your bike clothes, fed, and your tent is pitched. What are you doing to pass the time until you fell asleep?

Reading a book, talking to family (assuring you’re still alive), or hanging out with teammates.

How many sink/hose showers did you take? 

I don’t think I can count them on my fingers, but you definitely need to get used to makeshift showers or just not showering at all.

How many loads of sink/hose laundry did you do?

I didn’t do any laundry in the sink or under a hose. I used a laundromat anytime I could.

On rest days, did you prefer to go out and see what the town has to offer, or did you hang out, rest up, and relax?

I liked going out and spending time in the town.

Do you keep in touch with many of your teammates?

Yes. This trip helps you make many great friends with such amazing people. I still talk to them and even have mini reunions with some of them.