My adventure has come to a close. I am home and just want to wrap up a few thoughts. Many of you know about my trials and attempts at crossing th US. Those times while disappointing to me taught me a lot about things. I love to ride my bike always have. But I am not a professional athlete by any means.
. I am a 47 year old guy who wanted to check a box that was important to me. I learned I am not a 200 mile a day guy. I can do 100 before lunch and another 70 or so late into the day. But after that I need to rest. Riding on my own under my rules and plan is what helped make me successful this time. I had to make some on the fly route changes to keep old injuries from cropping up. I only had to worry about where I was and where I was headed. Come to think of it I did not meet one bicyclist going either way doing what I was doing. I had a few terrifying close calls with vehicles in New Mexico, Missouri, and Kentucky. I had three flats, and replaced my rear tire in Farmington. Food resources were very challenging. Some due to covid closures and to small town America drying up. There were days of intense heat and nights of cold. So many dogs chased me I lost count. I am thankful for my wife and family supporting (enduring) this with me for so many years. I also thank my friends and coworkers for following my ride and donating to the cause I supported. When my now older sons and I did our first ride across Kansas and Colorado many years ago we raised money for The Joshua Chamberlain Society, a St. Louis veterans charity that aids wounded and fallen heroes for life. I have a few interviews to do with a couple papers over the next week or so and plan on leaving my fund raising page up for a bit to see where donations land.
2 Comments
Brad Crossley
6/24/2020 06:24:37 pm
Don, CONGRATULATIONS! I am so pleased and proud of you! You are an inspiration my friend. My daughter Alexis and I had the pleasure of meeting and riding with you in 2017 and my friend Dan and I had that pleasure in 2019 on the TABR. The three of us were speaking of you tonight and reading your blog high-five-ing and belly bumping we were that happy! :-) I would love to speak with you and hope you can email me. Thank you and again...you are awesome! Your perseverance and commitment to your ride and the reason is sooooo cool! What a pleasure to know you. Brad Crossley, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Don Forth
6/24/2020 09:50:57 pm
I just sent a message to Facebook messenger to you. I would love to chat. See if we ca hook up through that.
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Don ForthBeginning May 31, 2020 I will embark on a 3200 mile solo bicycle ride with no support vehicles following. As with my rides in the past I am raising money and awareness for The Joshua Chamberlain Society |