A Bio of My Fellow Cyclists and Two Leaders

Dave Points Texas, USA, leader, guided us with a firm hand across America. He is a strong cyclist and enjoyed cycling with the stronger men. His task was not an easy one, coping with 12 individuals all with their own aspirations. He kept the peace and offered encouragement and advise where needed. I'm sure there was a lot more going on behind the scenes than we were aware off, as often in the evenings, Dave would seem in a trance gazing quietly into the distance.                                                            

Sean Sweeney, Maryland, USA, co- leader had a very laid back attitude to we cyclists but not to the administration and safety of the tour. He was a great tease and if breakfast was 7.00am, at 7.01am he would shout 'has everyone had their breakfast'. This was for the benefit of the late risers who were still in their tents. On my hardest day, the day of the Texas strong wind, he and I rode together and he encouraged me all the way. I sometimes wonder if I could have completed that day without him. A very kind man.  

    







                                                                                                       

                                                                                                           


Robert 'C' Christopher,South Carolina,USA is a lovely man whom I befriended in San Diego before the tour started. He struggled on the hills but coped very well on the flat. He loves food and ate his way across America, eating four pancakes in one sitting. I was amazed to see that he brought a full sized pillow  - comfort? He also had the heaviest bag which everyone refused to move.

Alannah Holgate, the second youngest cyclist is from New Zealand. She had a sharp wit and was always ready with a quick reply. Along with her father Alan, she enjoyed late starts and liked to stop for 2nd breakfasts. They were both strong cyclists but liked to take their time, explore shops and restaurants so were usually last into camp.

 Alan Holgate, Dunedin, New Zealand was on the tour with daughter, Alannah. They cycled together constantly and I admired the close relationship that they enjoyed. They seemed close friends rather that father and daughter. I greatly appreciated his help when I was cooking dinner after an exhausting day in the hills.

Lars Erlandsen is from Kirkenes, Norway, a most northerly point. He has competed in both Mountain  and Road Biking. The strongest cyclist of the group he could leave two hours after the main group but still be first in. He offered me advise on bikes and bike maintenance which was of great help. Like me, he had a problem making himself understood and I sometimes wondered if he felt a bit isolated. Often, he would be quiet but when he smiled his whole face lit up and he could beome quite animated. Lars completed EFI, Coast to Coast.

Jon Min, New Jersey, USA at 24 years was the baby of the group and one of the strongest cyclists. Jon was the 'flat king' having more flats than anyone else. He was constantly cleaning and fine tuning his bike. He was very helpful to me when I had problems with my phone and bike. After map meeting Jon would give us a weather report for the next day. A really lovely, friendly boy who is a credit to himself and his family.

Robert M ( Monaghan ), North Carolina, USA was another strong cyclist. He researched  the places we passed through and would give a short 'history talk' each night after map meeting. He would meander along making detours to visit places of interest.  A very clever, witty, friendly man who made us all laugh. When he and Dan got together it was a laugh a minute. Robert cycled EFI, from Coast to Coast.

Lisa Purnell, from England had no problems understanding my Scottish accent so she and I became friends from day 1. She has cycle toured extensively in the USA and had a fund of knowledge about America and tour life, almost like a 3rd tour leader. A very sensible, friendly girl she was popular with all but unfortunately had to take time out in the van due to health issues.  She was knocked off her bike a few days before the end of our trip by a car driver opening a door in her path. Thankfully she had only minor injuries.








 Merv Box, Washington,USA was one of the very early risers in camp along with Dee and Robert C. A strong, steady cyclist on the flatlands, he didn't like the hills. He and Dee cycled most of the trip together and were great friends. A very supportive, friendly man who who would go out of his way to be of help. Merv cycled EFI, from Coast to Coast.

Dan Pilliard was a late signing to the group. He retired recently and his goal is to cycle all the continents of the world. He had just completed a cycle tour in Africa, now America and in July is cycling from Russia to Portugal. A  very funny man with a ready giggle, when he and Robert M got together they were like a comedy act.. Dan had a problem understanding my accent saying 'sorry,I didn't understand a word of that'. He didn't like to cycle in the rain and took a day out in the van on the one day it rained.

Dee Griffin, San Diego, USA was another late signing. She was the oldest member of the group but a very fit lady. Very strong on the flat but not so used to the hills. Dee lives in a boat moored in San Diego bay. San Diego has a mild, year round climate so Dee had to buy a rain jacket for the trip, having never cycled in the rain before.  Another of the early morning risers Dee liked her coffee promptly at 6.00am.  Dee cycled EFI, from Coast to Coast.

         Todd Ericksen,Washington, USA. Todd and I cycled quite a lot together, especially in the east,in the hills, where our pace was compatable.Many a time he pulled me into camp when I was beginning to tire. He and I cycled 'a century' together when we took a wrong turning He is a caring, witty man with a dead pan delivery which appealed to me. I shall miss his company. Todd cycled EFI, from Coast to Coast. 

      

  

Back Home in Bonnie Scotland...

It is now Monday, 14th May and I am safely back home. I had a smooth journey, taxi turned up in plenty time to take Lars, myself and our 2 bikes to Orlando Airport. My flight to London left on time and I managed to make my quick transfer to Glasgow. Most importantly, Murray was waiting for me at Glasgow airport and Spike plus luggage arrived undamaged. On Saturday, my daughter Jill, arranged a welcome home party at her house, just a few friends and family, no fuss, perfect. My grandchildren Charlie and Anna gave me a great welcome but wee Rosie was quite shy. Although,  by the time I was leaving, she asked 'can I come to your house, tomorrow.'  There was an article in the local paper about my trip and already I have been asked to give a talk, this Saturday.  Too soon, nothing prepared. I am getting over my jet lag but am sleeping like a log. It amuses me to think that when I get up here, in America at that time, I had already completed 30 miles. It all seems a bit of a dream now and I think 'did I really do that, did I really cycle across America?'.  The answer of course is 'I did, I did.'

Welcome Home at Jill's House

California to Florida - 3146 miles completed. It's been a revelation.....

Our last day. I left Palatka with Merv and Dee, pleased to have their company but also happy to cycle alone and just think. Think about the last two months and how eventful they have been. Happy that the cycle is coming to an end, as my body is weary, but sad my big adventure is over, and having to say goodbye to friends knowing I will never see them again. It was a lovely sunny morning with a light wind, perfect for our last day. Dave had gone ahead with the van to leave at the beach. He would then cycle back to meet us and all 14, dressed identically in our flashy tops, would cycle to the Atlantic together. We gathered at Molasses Junction but the road was busy and we were in high spirits, so Dave decided the group should split and meet nearer the beach. We 'whooped' our way into Anastatia State Park, the people having a quiet afternoon by the sea must have wondered what had landed. We carried our bikes over the beach to the waters edge and dipped our front wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. Some went swimming and we congratulated each other, quite an emotional moment. Spike and I took time to stand apart and just look out to sea. I thought I heard him whisper ' at last'.  Some relations had arrived to greet the Americans and they held up welcome placards, tooted horns and waved balloons. Quite a reception. I had made it safely, all 3146 miles and had revelled in the experience of a lifetime.  I have coped with tent life, run down motels, hard, hard cycling days but at no time came close to quitting. Scottish grit. I salute my amazing companions, Lisa, Dee, Alannah, Alan, Lars, Merv, Jon, Robert M, Robert C, Dan and Todd. Our leaders, Dave and Sean, did an outstanding job in guiding us safely across. There task was no easy one, coping at times with 12 exhausted, irritable cyclists. I had preconceived ideas about America and Americans but they have been thoroughly dashed. I found Americans, in the south, to be friendly, courteous, extremely tolerant with a great sense of humour.Their country is dry desert but also emerald green, lush, great forests and stunning wild flowers. This journey has been an education and a revelation. So that's it.... I intend to update the blog, when I get home, with proper photos and a resume of my fellow cyclists. I can say what I like about them now, so pop in, if you will. If you have enjoyed my story and been entertained, perhaps you would consider donating to Dr. Graham's Homes, my chosen charity. Details of the 'Just Giving Page' can be found down the left hand side of this blogs home page. To those who have already contributed I warmly 'thank you'. Spike is having a well earned rest at the local bike shop. They will box him up ready for collection on Thursday, when I fly home. I should arrive Glasgow Airport on Friday morning. Tomorrow, I plan to look round St. Augustine Historic Old Town then sun bathe by the Motel swimming pool. Will try and bring some heat back to Scotland with me, just saying. So till the next trip....see y'all.....I have absolutely loved it.....

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Photos of Last day

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Alligators Galore - Palatka 61.3 miles.

Last longish day of the trip. Funny to be pleased it is only a '60 mile' day. Set off early, before 7.00 am, as usual, and picked up the Gainsville/Hawthorne State Trail which was to be part of my route for 16 miles. Dave had said if we visited an off-shoot, the La Chua Trail we might see alligators. As I walked along it I met a local hiker, Danny, who knew the area well. He took me to a large pool and there were about 30 gators slumbering at the waters edge. They just looked like large logs, it was great to see them at last. He also said there were bison, deer and boar in the area. Antway, a cycle tour beckoned and I had to carry on. At Melrose Todd and Dave caught up with me and we stopped at a convenience store. They left before me and that's when I noticed I had a front flat, a farewell present from America. I was busy fixing it when who rolled in but Jon, the 'flat king'. I had found the hole in the tube but not the tyre. Jon squeezed the tyre and out flew a sliver of glass, he is my hero. Tyre fixed we headed off and just reached the motel in Palatka before the heavens opened and it poured down, hot rain and thundery. Some of the cyclists got caught 20 miles out. In the evening we went to a fish restaurant to celebrate our final night. Those of us, who have cycled EFI, ( every f..... inch ) were given rulers as a keepsake. Dave and Sean had bought us silly presents representing different aspects of the trip. Dan, a whoopee cushion, for strange noises in the night. Jon, a toy fishing rod, for trying but never catching any fish. Lisa, Little Miss Camper award for always being tidy about camp. Todd, a toy toolkit, as he was the gadget man. Robert M. washing powder for always shouting 'where's the laundry'. Dee, a toy alarm clock, for being first up. Merv, a spool, for winding up all his electrical cords. Robert C. an empty box to represent cleaning materials used on his bike. He oiled his chain twice. The Kiwi's, USA flag and Top Hat as they are so positive about everything American?? Lars, two soft toy dogs to practice his 'halt' aim. Me, a waffle making kit as I am the only person who goes into a Waffle House to put on weight. Most people there are already obese. We bought Dave and Sean one mile each of an ACA route, they will be given ownership certificates. Seemed appropriate. We had a great time, a good laugh, all were in good form, a fitting last night. So that is it, tomorrow,the last day of my big adventure, a short 40 miles to finish...think I might manage it don't you....still loving it.....

Photos of Aligators Slumbering

Hope you can make out the alligators. There are about 30 of them slumbering at the edge of this lake, they just look like logs. Photos taken about 7.30 am

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Getting Closer - Gainsville miles 75.8 miles.

This was a fairly long day passing through back roads of Florida. As it was the weekend there were a lot of 'Garage Sales' in front gardens - giving me ideas for selling my bric a brac at home. Stopped at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, beautiful crystal clear water. I haven't mentioned Robert C lately so some of you may be wondering how he is coping. Now that we are in the flatlands, no 'significant' hills, the answer is 'very well'. He is the first to leave, at sunrise, and the last to arrive but he completes every day. He has eaten his way across America, I have never seen someone consume so much food, he is constantly eating. Just before he arrived at the motel today he had a pint of ice-cream and 3 huge doughnuts, that after a beefburger lunch and an 'all you can eat' Chinese meal tonight. I think he must have put on 2 stone.  The good news is he is much happier although I think he will be glad to see the trip finished. We all seemed a bit subdued tonight, doing  things like signing the van, making leaving plans. Lisa didn't ride today but is fine and will probably ride tomorrow.   St. Augustine, where we finish, is America's oldest city, over 400 years old, an interesting place to visit. Tomorrow night we have our final night party so thankfully Tuesday is a short day of 40 miles. The plan is for us to assemble, all wearing our Southern Tier tops, 10 miles outside St Augustine. Together we will cycle to the Atlantic Ocean for the ceremonial dipping of front wheels in the sea. This will be goodbye, as some cyclists are being met by family and will be leaving soon after. My big adventure is nearly at an end....but still loving it.... 

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Iced Tea and Ice-Cream Milkshake for Lunch. 37 deg F

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Sweltering Suwannee River - Live Oak 67.6 miles

Left early this morning and by 10.00 am had completed 30 miles. There was a warm, thick mist for the first hour which made Spike and myself quite wet, helmet dripping, arms and clothing soaked, very refreshing. Not such a long day as expected, with a pleasant tailwind for a change, but temperatures reached 101 deg F/ 37 deg C. Even the locals are complaining, they have become accustomed to air conditioning. We passed through Greenville, the boyhood home of Ray Charles, a statue has been erected to his memory. Cycled along the Suwannee River well known due to Stephen Foster's tune 'the Swannee River'. He changed the spelling of the river because ' he was afraid people would mispronouce the u'. When I arrived at the Motel I heard the worrying news that Lisa was in an ambulance on her way to hospital. Apparently, a lady had opened her car door in Lisa's path. The good news is that she is fine, bruised, bump on her head , cracked finger but ok. She received excellent attention, even a cat scan. We all need to keep alert for the last few days. I had a cooling swim in the motel pool then had a huge ice-cream milk shake from a nearby Dairy Queen....lovely, still loving it...

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Ray Charles/Greenville, Suwannee River, Spot Spikes New Cable

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Slow Meander to Waukeenah - 60.1 miles.

Had a sound sleep. Already I am slipping back into the real world, as by present standards, I overslept. As there is no camp noise I now  rely on Dee, who is an early starter wakening me up. I didn't hear her leave for breakfast at 6.00 am, just her return at 6.30 am. Panic, not really as we were only cycling 60 miles and can't get into the motel till 2.00pm but I like an early start to escape the heat of the day. All the motels seem to have waffle making machines so that is how I now start my day - waffles, maple syrup and orange juice. Set off about 7.30am,  the first town I reached after 6 miles was Tallahassee, the capital of Florida. I got so carried away dodging through lanes of traffic that I completely missed my turn off and cycled an extra 4 miles. Grrrr. Part of our route today followed the 'St Marks Trail' - an old railway line path which reminded me of trails between Ardrossan and Glasgow. It was much better maintained though with pristine toilets every few miles. We passed through Wacissa which has the distinction of being the only village in the south not to fall into Union hands. Apparently, it was being defended by a ragtag group of confederate old men and boys. They managed to hold off a badly organised Union Detachment enroute to Tallahassee. Visited Wacissa Springs, a lovely peaceful lake but a bit overgrown and muddy. Some of the group went for a swim and although extremely hot I declined. Gators, perhaps? An owl was watching a fisherman and every time he landed a catch swooped down and stole the fish. Just 4 more days of cycling across this amazing country but I now feel we are just putting the miles in. We are staying just north of Waukeenah in a Super 8 Motel. Long day tomorrow of nearly 80 miles and it has to be 35 deg. Must make an early start, no sleeping in.....still loving it....  

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St Marks Bike Path, Willkillya County Van, Post Office, Springs where I didn't go for a swim.

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Old Schoolhouse, Junk Yard

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Moving Through Florida - Midway 61.2 miles

Lovely sleep in motel with cooling air-conditioning and no bugs. Bliss.  Funny, though, feel more tired with easy cycle rides and good nights sleep than when conditions were difficult. Another warm day but more overcast which made for pleasant cycling, quite a strong headwind and a few steep hills. I usually cycle on my own, in fact we all mostly cycle alone, and some days I  cover 40 miles without seeing another cyclist. I like an early start as by lunchtime my feet are swollen and hands tingling. Then I usually head into a cafe for an ice-cream milkshake and more importantly to cool down in their air conditioning. We are now in Eastern Time so moved our watches forward 1 hour. The UK is just 5 hours ahead of me now. In the USA there is Eastern Time, Central Time, Mountain Time and Pacific Time. We ate out again tonight, I had a chicken salad, couldn't face another cheeseburger, I have never known a country to have so many fast food joints. Some of the men never stop eating but that is another story! Following on from last nights post, if oranges are the states largest export, tourists have to be the number one import. Tourist levels are the result of activity that dates back to the early 1880's. Then, two rival tourism promoters, Henry Flagler and Henry Plant arrived in Florida and

were shocked by the primitive hotel accommodation. Both began building in St Augustine, Miami and Tampa Bay. To get people there Flagler bankrolled the railroad to construct along the eastern seaboard. It was the beginning of an influx of travellers from the North. Of course in the 1970's, Walt Disney, rewrote the book on Florida tourism, he purchased Florida swampland at 185 dollars an acre. When the swampland was drained and the Disney plans announced real estate values in the neighbourhood soared to 300,000 dollars an acre. Lucky for some.  The days are definitely numbered now, plans are being discussed for last night and last day so ....I'll keep loving it while it lasts....

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No More 'Tent' or 'Cooking'. Marianna 63.2 miles.

Last night was our final camping night. As we are under budget, Dave has decided that it is Motels and eating out from now on. Farewell to a damp, smelly,hot, humid, bug ridden tent and sleeping bag. No more lying, listening to frogs,  ducks, birds, snorers, tent zips going ziiiipppp, ziiipppp, ziiipppp and assorted other noises, all night long. No more rolling up a dew drenched tent at an ungodly morning hour. No more crawling out a tent backwards, fumbling for torch, stumbling, getting lost  enroute to the toilet. No more gazing at the wondrous stars in a blackened night sky as I stagger back to my tent. I shall miss it, it has been my sanctuary, my own private space.     I didn't sleep well, my mind kept going over aspects of our journey so I was tired when I set out at 7.00 am. Immediately I heard a 'whining' noise coming from Spike, that's what I get for cleaning him yesterday. My nephew, bike specialist, Matt says 'if there is a noise coming from the bike, something is wrong'. I thought it was the cranks, so stopped and gave them a good lube. Whine, whine continued. I couldn't stand it, so eventually found a shady spot, turned Spike over and lubed the cranks again. All quiet, sorted, great. Very hot and humid again today but some relief from clouds and tree shade. We travelled Hwy 90, all day, passing through Ponce de Leon, Westville, Coryville, Bonifey, Chipley, Cottondale then eventually Marianna. The Motel has a swimming pool which was fantastic after such a hot cycle. For much of the ride we were back in rolling hill countryside but the last 10 miles was along a busy road, with no hard shoulder, which I didn't enjoy. In 1513, Spaniard Ponce de Leon landed in Florida and named it such. He landed during Spains 'Feast of Flowers' and called the land Florida meaning 'flowery'.  He also intoduced oranges; all ships had to carry orange seeds and trees as a protection against scurvy and other diseases. Centuries later oranges blossomed into Florida's leading agricultural staple. Just thought you might be missing the history lesson..... still loving this journey......

                                          

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Cooling Off at Defuniak Springs

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Restful De Funiak Springs, Florida.

The noise of the camp woke me at 7.00am. We made breakfast, sat around chatting and laughing till 9.00am, then set off, in the van, to the local Walmart. A lovely, relaxing start to the day. Dee, Merv and Robert C had aready departed, on their bikes, to a nearby cafe for breakfast. At Walmart I bought a new bigger bag, as one of my bags had started ripping at the seams. I have been buying a few souvenirs en route, so eventually the bag said, with only 10 days to go, enough is enough. We enjoyed a Fried Chicken lunch back at camp then headed out to nearby springs for a swim. We were all so hot the water at 68 deg felt bitterly cold. It was wonderfully refreshing though and chrystal clear. Spotted 1 turtle and loads of little fish. No alligators, guess it was too cold. Back at camp I cleaned and lubed Spike ready for our final week. He is looking in remarkably good shape considering the mileage and terrain he has coped with. In the evening, over dinner, Robert M asked us all 'what our next big adventure would be'. It ranged from  'going back to work'  to Dan cycling, this July, from Russ ia to Portugal.   Robert M then asked us 'if this trip had changed us in any way.' I said 'no, but my first cycling tour in India had changed me'. It had given me confidence and courage in my ability to cope with demanding challenges. He then said 'I was Queen of the Hills' which I liked. We had good, hysterical fun over dinner and I am going to greatly miss the comraderie of this group. We have come through a lot together but musn't get maudlin, we have another 7 days cycling to complete and a 70 miler in the humid heat beckons tomorrow....still loving it....btw the frogs are still croaking and bugs still biting. Aaaahhhh

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Hot and Humid, De Funiak 55.3 miles.

Well I really wish my tent had air conditioning as this is the most uncomfortable weather to date. It cooled down a bit during the night but still very muggy. Left camp just after 7.00 am, numerous grey squirrels about, scampering up trees, at the roadside, quite unafraid. By 8.30 am it was very hot but as long as I keep moving I can cope.  There was no shelter from trees etc as our journey was mostly on busy roads between towns. At least there were plenty of convenience stores to pop into and cool down. Some of the locals were complaining about the heat which actually made me feel better. Jon said it was 95 deg, our hottest and most humid day yet. Over the past week, I have noticed that I have started to lose weight. Probably something to do with cutting back on the pancakes so first stop was a Waffle House. I had a delicious waffle with grits,  didn't like the  grits, just a corn gruel made with water. I had heard it mentioned a lot so wanted to try it. It was an uneventful cycle, just felt I wanted to arrive and get out the sun. We are staying at Juniper Lake Camp Site tonight, so once again, now night has fallen the wild life are in full voice.  There are huge bass and turtles in the lake and we watched the owner giving them their daily feed.  Day off tomorrow which is nice, our last rest day of the trip. We are all, bikes and cyclists beginning to suffer a bit wear and tear but I suppose that is to be expected after 7 weeks constant cycling .....don't care....am still loving it....   

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Waffles, Campsite.

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