2007/2008
Virginia
Kentucky
Illinois
Missouri
Kansas
Colorado
Wyoming
Montana
Idaho/Washington
Hello, we are Jeff and Diane and in the summer of 2006 we spent 6 months cycling across the United States of America. Going east to west through small town America. Starting in Yorktown Virginia and finishing in Anacortes Washington. Here is our story.
Saturday 1st April, we flew from Istanbul airport to Dullas Washington, where we were met by our cruising friends Jim and Pat. After a whirlwind sight seeing tour of Washington, we headed on to the Chesapeake Bay, where we spent the next three weeks in Jim and Pat's beautiful water front home. Not only did they make us very welcome, but they transported us backwards and forwards to the bike shops so that we could equip ourselves for our next adventure. At the end of our frantic spending spree we had acquired two touring bikes, a trailer, camping equipment, and some kinky Lycra pants. Now we had all the gear, and had run out of excuses to stay.
Tuesday 18th April we woke up to a bright sunny morning, it was a good day to start the trip. Skip and Julia (new friends) came over to wish us well, and make sure we had their contact number in case we needed any help along the way. All the farewells said we were on our way. We met several people that day who were keen to know what the heck we were up to. We covered 43 miles the first day and spent the night in a very lonely youth hostel, us being the only youths around. It's still early in the season we were told.
Wednesday 19th another nice day light winds and sunshine. We hit Yorktown today the official start of the route. Travelling along some very busy roads we had to cross two extremely long bridges, but the drivers were very considerate and gave us a wide berth. Upon reaching Yorktown we were dismayed to find that there was no where for us to camp, and the church accommodation was full. Jim and Mary took pity on us and offered us a bed for the night in their home. We were very grateful and excepted their kind offer, and wondered about these people who would take complete strangers into their homes. Jim played the saxophone and invited us along to his band practice. An unexpected treat for us especially because Jeff also plays the sax.
Thursday 20th. Yorktown to Jamestown, the weather is good. Said goodbye to Jim and Mary and made our way to Victory Monument Yorktown to start the Trans American Bicycle trail, east to west. Following tradition we cycled to the beach where we dipped our rear tyres into the Atlantic, and away we went.
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