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Biking Across America

Author: Teddy Burch
Issue: 2008 February

(continued from previous page 1)

The journey continued the next day to Shawnee, then to Seminole and on eastward toward the Arkansas state line. Reflecting on the first state’s center and anticipating the next, the two refuse to lose sight of the most important reason for their exploration.

“Our journey is devoted to giving due honor to the ordinary, but our focus is not just on ordinary places, but ordinary people too,” said Aaron. “For what is a place apart from its people? So in the spirit of Lincoln, we endeavor to make this journey ‘for the people, of the people, and by the people!’”

Since the beginning of their trip, the two have traveled to 20 states and covered 5,940 miles. They have consumed 27 jars of Skippy peanut butter and enjoyed the thrill of adventure at an average cost of $24.60 per day.

“Bicycle travel is incredibly cheap,” said Laura. “With our decision to avoid hotels by camping and staying with people we meet, our costs are reduced to food, entrance fees for campsites and national parks, and various incidentals. This kind of bike touring is incredibly cheap once you get all the gear you need. In fact, it’s far cheaper than our
normal life!”

Rather than endure the harsh conditions of winter, the couple agreed that the best decision would be to find refuge in a nice warm place. Realizing they had to go to Hawaii anyway, the choice was between a week of “touring” or four to five months living in Hawaii. The choice was easy. As for winter work, a few emails arranged jobs picking macadamia nuts, coffee and vanilla beans at HuaHuaFarm.com.

The next leg of the tour will begin in March, in the southern tip of Florida. The two plan to cover 24 states and wind down for the 2008-'09 winter in Oregon. They look to complete their journey in May of 2009.

Before leaving, Aaron and Laura created an interactive website that allows the rest of the world to get involved with their travels. Log onto www.fiftybybike.com to follow their trip and to learn how you can get involved.

“We turn to you, our fellow citizens,” said Aaron and Laura. “The very philosophy of this trip is to glory in the ordinary and to give special attention to the overlooked middle. This trip is for all of you. We are the sojourners and all of you are our co-journers. So please, join with us on this journey; become both our partners and our patrons.”

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