The story was on the Day to Day program on NPR this morning. In case you didn't get a chance to hear it, you can go to the Day to Day website and listen on-line. Click here to go to the story.
As I listened I thought about all the people we met along the way. Maybe Curry in Rugby, North Dakota heard the story while driving in the below zero temperatures blanketing the northern tier of the country. Or maybe Carol and Charlie in Spencerport, NY were listening as they hunkered down by the wood stove. There were so many people who made this trip possible, and so many people we met along the way who helped us, took the time to talk with us, who made us laugh (and sometimes made us yell at their poor driving!).
We are buried in snow here (over two feet!), and biking seems so far away at this point. I did see one hardy soul riding this morning on the snow-packed street in front of our house. I can't wait to get back out on the tandems again. Gus and I are still contemplating riding with Phil in Australia. We are all looking forward to getting on the bikes and doing more local trips and day trips.
Thanks again to everyone we met along the way (both in person and on-line). You are all now part of the lore of the trip!
Have a great holiday season, and we will see you in 2009!
Dan
11 comments:
You guys are amazing! I really enjoyed hearing your story on NPR. It is inspiring.
I just heard your story on NPR. Cool! Congratulations! This summer, I biked from Anacortes WA to Westerly RI with my 23 year-old son. We actually ran into another family of parents with their 12 year-old son and 10 year-old daughter, crossing the country on tandems, like you guys. Saw them last in Montana, and they were having a blast. My son and I had an amazing 7 week, 3600 mile trip. Good times, huh? Glad you're spreading the word about biking and about this great country.
Congratulations on your great adventure. My 21-year-old grandson and I did a cross-country (Disneyland to Disney World) and often now reminisce about our adventure. Your children will appreciate it more as time goes on. My wife has MS, and I wouldn't even consider such a trip with her. Of course, we are a little older than you also, and I would suggest next time that you do it with a sag wagon. What's next?? I suggest Vietnam and Asia. I'll never forget the father and 2 small daughters I met on Iowa's RAGBRAI who were riding on a tandem and tagalong, and him recounting the story of the day before when he wanted to quit, and the 2 young daughters - probably 8 and 10 - encouraged him to continue. Ain't life amazing???!!!! I would also highly recommend the RAGBRAI for you (last week in July every year).
I heard the piece on NPR today, on my way back from lunch -- 'twas a "Driveway Moment" for me!
What an amazing and fascinating story! I can't wait to read of more!
You've got a great website! I've enjoyed looking at it. Like a couple of the others, I was drawn to the site for nostalgic reasons. This summer was the ten year anniversary of my own cross country bike trip, and hearing your story on the radio brought back some wonderful memories. Looking at your site was even better, particularly your spring break trip. You stayed in some of the towns that we stayed in on our trip.
I did my trip with friends from college, but I can't wait until the day that I can share adventures like this with my children. It must be a great experience.
Good luck with your next adventures!
Hi, I have lived in the Seattle area for 20 years now but grew up in Walla Walla and I heard your story on NPR today. Pretty cool! Matt.
Hi Guys,
It was so good to hear your voices, albeit on the radio.
Im sorry to report that I have to delay my ride by 12 month. A friend needs my help to keep his business alive and prevent him from losing his home etc. The ride will happen and i will continue to raise money and awareness for Camp Quality in the meantime.
Have a great Christmas and a sfe new year.
Fire in the hole Gus
Your Friend
Phil
xxx
More Mighty Northwesterners!
Happy Holidays.
Great! You are part of our cocktail party (a genteel term for what we actually do) story list. We skied Banff at Christmas with our seven year old grandson. This summer our youngest son is getting married on Vancouver Island so we plan to ride from Naniamo to Tofino. Life good if you keep on riding eh!
Jan and Steve
Awesome! I am going to listen to it now! Tell Allison that two little girls miss her very much! We moved to Salem a year ago, and they still talk about their favorite doctor kirby! (Savvy and Sari say hello and they miss the pooping animals and nice lady doctor!)
Great job!!! I am impressed but not surprised by your outrageous courage and spunk, and what a great gift to give to your kids! There must be something special in those Walla Walla cherries. Thanks for including me.
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