A Bike Ride
part III: Coming Home
After a brief break in Hawaii and a difficult, even if temporary, parting with Michelle, I will return to the contiguous 48. I will set out from Portland (OR) on June 18th and hope to arrive in St. Louis (MO) by the end of August to ride with you on the Spokes Helpin' Folks team. That is, assuming I can make it over those bumps known as the Rockies. In fact, it is on those steep mountain climbs that your donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or spot in the MS150 ride will be most motivating. Please, Join the Team or Donate to the MS Society. Be sure to let us know by email so that I may draw encouragement from you.
In addition to plenty of food, one of the most important aspects of cycle touring is flexibility. I have found this to be particularly true with regard to the route. A strong wind or an exceptionally imposing mountain can eloquently present reasons for visiting unplanned areas. If, however, the tentative route shown above passes near you and you are interested in talking, cycling, or sharing a cup of tea, please, Contact Us and I will try to make sure that the wind blows me your direction, especially if you happen to be downhill.
Some of the communities that I currently plan to ride through:
Oregon:
Portland, Madras, Mt. Vernon, Brogan, Ontario
Idaho:
Boise, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho City, Stanley, Salmon
Montana:
Dillon, Ennis, West Yellowstone
Wyoming:
Jackson, Pinedale, Farson, Jeffrey City, Casper, Douglas , Torrington
Nebraska:
Scottsbluff, Ogallala, Holdrege, Hastings, Dorchester, Lincoln, Auburn
Kansas:
Hiawatha, Atchison, Leavenworth, Kansas City, Pittsburg
Missouri:
Kansas City, Joplin, Branson, West Plains, Rolla, Cuba, Hermann,
St. Louis
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Coming Home Updates: 6/27 Matt left Portland on Tuesday, June 19. One week later, yesterday, he crossed the western Idaho border, just north of Boise. One state down, many more to go! He crossed into "Mountain Time Zone", which he thought an ominous sign for the upcoming Rockies. Matt thanks you for your support - through prayers, emails and financially. -Michelle |