Introduction

Most folks reading this already know me. If not, I'm Melvin. I'm 60, married, and have two wonderful daughters. I retired in 2016 with a list of things I wanted to do. Near the top of the list was ride my bicycle across the United States.

If all goes well, on Aug 13, 2017, I will begin that cross-country bike trip in Neah Bay on the Olympic peninsula of Washington. My current plan is finish in Key West, Florida sometime around the end of October -- hence the "west to east, north to south" description. That will be roughly 4300 miles. Just writing it hurts.

About the blog title, no I am not dying. I just figured I am only doing this once and I like the sound of a farewell tour.

Why? Hell if I know. It just seemed like a fun challenge, and a way to really see and experience America. I love eating dinner, sitting at the bar, and talking to the people there. I look forward to meeting some characters. Oh, I also like riding my bike.

Since I am going to all this effort, I thought I might as well try to do some good at the same time. For the last three years I have participated in the Pelotonia bike ride, with my excellent friend Pete Pajor, to raise money for cancer research. I am doing so again this year, but I plan to use this longer ride to extract more money from my friends and family. If you haven't already, you can donate through the Pelotonia link on the right side of the page.

A couple of things about the route, I am dipping down to Oregon then heading north again. Not the most efficient route, but I have never been to Oregon so why not. In fact, I plan to cross the only three states in the lower 48 that I have never visited. The other two are North Dakota and Iowa. Also, I am building flexibility into my route so if I get to Iowa and decide I do not want to be on the road for quite as long, then I will head straight across the midwest and hit the Atlantic somewhere in New Jersey. But the goal is Key West.

Here is a rough approximation of the route I am planning (on a bicycle).

I am fortunate that the bike shop I have patronized for several years, Spokes, Etc., is supporting me on this ride by providing a pre-ride mechanical overhaul of my bike and some help with spare parts. They are great folks and a link to their website is on the right side of this page.

I will likely have a couple of updates before the ride but the real purpose of this blog will be share my experiences on the road. I hope you follow and enjoy.

Melvin