Safe and not Alone

I would like to thank those people who helped me complete this journey safely and without  major problems.

My wife Katherine Kleingartner – She supported me through my ride with phone calls and texts. She took care of all the household tasks,  took care of the cats, took care of the grandson and daughter, made sure I was celebrated by family and friends and met me on trail in Minnesota and Canada.

Physical strength – I entered this journey, healthy and strong, and I would like to thank Cara Battles, my official strength coach and physical therapist as well as the Thursday morning  strength training for endurance athletes class members for keeping me strong and able to keep riding without getting injured.

Angry Catfish bike shop – prepared my bike with the best equipment for my trip. They chose new wheels, tires, handlebars, chain and stem as well adjusted all the brakes and derailleurs. I biked 4200 miles and the only mechanical problems I had were 2 flat tires. My bicycle never let me down and was fitting to me well. I did meet otherl people with bike issues and I’m so grateful it wasn’t me.

4. All my followers – I was often asked as I biked across the country whether I felt alone. I would answer by saying I rarely felt alone as I felt the presence of my support network strongly with all the encouraging words and knowledge that people were following along.

Overnight Hosts -I was welcomed into so many homes this summer and treated royally by friends, family, friends of friends, warmshowers.org hosts, hip camp hosts, Campground owners  and others. I had meals cooked for me, I was taken out to eat and had many other needs provided for me. I will tell their stories as time goes on and I am amazed at how many people rolled out the red carpet and provided for me.

No trip like this is possible without a community of people. I definitely had that and will be forever grateful.