Today marks the beginning of my training for my attempt at a doublecross bicycle ride across America. Today I rode 26 miles at a 15.2 mph average. Back in late January of this year, I rode the same bike path and distance with a 16.8 mph average. I guess you could say I am out of shape. Since cycling in my 50's I have never really been a great cyclist and probably never will be, even for my age. I simply enjoy cycling and have always dreamed of doing this kind of trek across country since I was a teenager.
When I was in my mid teens I was acquainted with a young woman by the name of Becky. I presume that was short for Rebbecca but don't really remember, or know if I ever did know. Her last name also escapes me but I believe it was Wilson. I remember being impressed with her as a single woman doing a doublecross across the US by herself. Sometime, I may try and research this as I believe she may have been the first woman to have done this. She started and ended in Denver, Colorado. I believe it was sometime in the mid to late 60's. Her accomplishment left me with a feeling of awe and inspiration! The cycling equipment at that time was nowhere near what it is today making the feat even more amazing.
Since that day I have always wanted to do such a ride and now, once again, I am starting the training and making the plans to do just that. I plan on riding from Grand Terrace, CA to Sedona, AZ to Denver, CO and from there heading almost do east to Washington, DC. From Washington I plan on returning to the west coast, taking a more northerly route, until I get to Seattle, WA and from Seattle, WA back down the coast to home. I do not have the complete route mapped out, and even if I did I know that there will be some slight changes from time to time for various reasons. I estimate that the complete ride will be between 7,000 and 7,500 miles. It would be nice to average 75 miles a day or more, including non riding days but I know that will be tough to accomplish.
Am I in the least bit apprehensive? Yes I am, but I am much more excited than apprehensive. My two biggest tasks from here on out will be training and saving the money. I am planning on doing this alone, as I know that it will probably be hard to find someone that can get away that long to do it with me. However, if you are reading this and think you might be able to do it with me let me know.
Training Log:
10/11/10 26 miles 15.2 mph avg. Terrain: Easy bike path. Weather: mild 70-80 Deg.
