Why are you doing this?

• Most folks who know me realize there is no simple answer to this question. I hear Forrest Gump in my mind saying “No particular reason” or Carl from Slingblade saying “I reckon – I’m doing it for the potted meat.” Here are a few other thoughts that popped into my head:
• Because I can and there was a certain point in my life when it was unthinkable.
• Because it may serve as an inspiration for others.
• To make a few new friends from diverse backgrounds but who share a common love of cycling.
• To have the vacation / adventure of a lifetime and experience the beauty of this country from coast to coast.
• Last and certainly not least to give back to our veterans.

What kind of bike are you riding?

•  I will be riding one of the lightest production bikes made. The Cannondale Evo weighs is at about 15 pounds. It has Zipp Firecrest 303 wheels and SRAM Red. I

 How did you train for this ride?

• Last fall, I began to think this ride might happen. I was out of shape and had gained quite a few extra pounds. Slowly I lost some of the extra pounds and began to put in some miles on the bike. I set a target of riding 2500 miles in the 2 months prior to the ride. I made it with about 50 miles to spare. I tried to do a lot of hills and ride through different types of weather to acclimate to the conditions we might encounter on the ride.

Are you riding for a cause?

• Yes, I am riding for the Wounded Warrior Project. I didn’t get organized enough to become official. However, Chet Basher another rider from New Jersey allowed me to piggyback on his campaign. Please see the Wounded Warrior Tab for more details>

How can we keep track of how you are doing and where you are?

•  That’s why I started the Blog! This is a new experience for me !

What do you hope to achieve by doing this?

•  Is world peace too much to ask?

Do you have any concerns?

There is a lot that can wrong when you ride 3500 miles in a month and a half through desert and mountains on a seat that looks way too small.Here are a few things that don’t keep me up at night but probably should:

• Traffic
• Very, very sore bum
• Critters
• Flats
• Mechanical failure
• The desert
• The mountains
• Hail and thunderstorms
• Pot holes (note that I didn’t say “Chuckholes”)
• Getting lost (but I have a Garmin)
• Abducted by Aliens
• Heck my next birthday is 12/21/2012, and I really hope there is nothing to that Mayan thing!