How Dogs Have Changed My Cycling Plans

Before embarking on my southbound journey along the Adventure Cycling Association's mapped Underground Railroad Route I had noted that previous cyclists had offered warnings about loose dogs in some of the more rural areas, particularly once one ventured into Kentucky and then into Tennessee. In preparation, I purchased what I considered to be the requisite can of HALT pepper spray at a bicycle shop just south of Newport, Kentucky. I'm ready, I thought to myself. I can't let a few dogs get in the way of my long dreamed of cycling adventure.

That was a little over three weeks ago. Yesterday I entered Mississippi and a lot has happened in the interim. Essentially, the dogs have won. I am absolutely fed up with being chased, hounded and otherwise constantly threatened by animals that have the potential to cause my death under what could prove to be horrific circumstances. I am very fortunate to have never lost control of my loaded touring bicycle as I rapidly respond to one or two or on at least one occasion more than half dozen loose dogs bearing down on me. I have growled and barked at them until I have gone hoarse. I have used pepper spray and have blasted my air horn at them. At one point I needed to suddenly swerve to avoid one dog only to find myself dangerously close to traffic passing me on these insidiously narrow roads lined with rumble strips.

If anyone were to ask my advice about cycling along the route I just traversed I would simply say “Don't bother.” I accept that there are inherent dangers when one chooses to tour by bicycle. It requires you to stay alert and be prepared to deal with traffic, unknown roads, and much else. But to add to that the experience of constantly being harassed by animals that could cause you significant harm turns what should be an enjoyable experience into something at times verging on a nightmare.

I have spent the past few hours reading over numerous articles on CGOAB regarding this issue. There are lots of suggestions about how to deal with dogs, and page after page of discussion on the forums about “who is to blame.” Maybe it is the cyclist's fault for being on the road suggests one person. No, it is the irresponsible dog owner who doesn't maintain control of his or her animal, says another. I am firmly of the belief that dogs aren't irresponsible, it is the caretakers of those animals who are. However, such a relatively straightforward perspective flies in the face of an entrenched culture in this part of the world that seems grounded in the belief that dogs are meant to be free and unencumbered.

I have cycled thousands of miles around England, and across much of southern Ontario and upstate New York over the past ten years. In all that time and over all that distance, I could count my experiences with troublesome dogs on one hand. Such encounters have clearly been the exception. In rural America they seem to be the rule.

Loose dogs have spooked me off continuing to pursue cycling in this part of the country. Rural America can continue to enjoy its dog centered culture. I just don't want to have anything to do with it. It is too dangerous.

A Conversation at Duke's Diner

Heavy rain is forecast so I decide to spend an extra day in this small town in rural Tennessee. The motel is clean and there are three different restaurants available within easy walking distance. Dinner last night was at Monroe's. I'm starting to get used to catfish. It often seems to be a headliner in this part of the country.

Breakfast this morning was at Duke's Diner. Almost a caricature, it is like walking into a movie set. People are friendly and with the chatter going on there is no doubt that I am venturing further into the southern U.S. The drawl is unmistakable. I'm just waiting for Jed Clampett to walk in.

It doesn't take long before I am engaged in conversation. At first I think he is the proprietor, but he quickly corrects that misconception. “Just here to he'p ma wife. It's ma day off.” he tells me as he slowly moves about clearing the odd table while flashing me an easy relaxed grin.

When I let it be known that I am cyclist passing through staying an extra day at the motel up the road the chatting starts in earnest. Others from adjacent tables are drawn in. “What have you seen so far?” I am asked. When I mention a couple of the civil war battle sites, the stories begin to flow. Everyone has something to say about their connection to the history of the area.

“My five times great grand-dad was murdered after the civil war. The soldiers was leavin' but they killed him on his farm.” I am told. “One of his sons had his new saddle stolen by them retreating Union soldiers.” he continues. “It was a terrible, terrible time. It wasn't all about slavery. It was about taxes on cotton. The slaves you know, around here, they lived in their own houses, and were free to go about as they pleased. Some of the things that happened after the war were just terrible. My grandma told me some of the stories.”

A fellow at an adjacent table nodded in agreement. “Everybody was wrong.” I am told. “But them Union soldiers shouldn'ta done what they did. They was stealin' just to make money, not because they needed what they took.” As the talk continues I hear The Band singing “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” in the back of my mind.

I don't detect anger as I am told these stories. I do pick up on the sadness however. My new friend makes it clear that this is an oral history, that has been passed down to him through generations. He tells me quietly, at times with a smile, but often slowly shaking his head, as if he is reliving the tale told to him by his grandmother. His ancestors experienced the horror of that war, and the story continues to be told, and re-told.

Multi-Faceted America

As a Canadian, I can easily fall into the trap of pigeon-holing my American neighbours into distinct camps. Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative, Bible thumper or secularist, gun lover or gun hater.  Of course, America is much more complicated than that.

In the past couple of weeks I have overheard many conversations, and had the privilege to engage in many more. My expectation was that as I moved further south into America's heartland the more conservative would be the opinions of those I met.  I also assumed that the more liberal thinker would be easier to find in the urban areas and in college towns.  To some extent this seems to be true, but one must always remember what the word assume spells: (It makes an ass out of u & me;)

Kent, Ohio had the distinct feel of a progressive college town. A vibrant art scene, funky downtown with lots of independent business and a variety of ethnic foods.  Chatting with folks at the local farmer's market I found there was lots of interest in organic farming.

Within a couple of days, however, I met a couple in Mansfield, Ohio who clearly defined themselves as "conservative Republicans". They were quite curious to have read on my previous blog posting my observation regarding the "divisiveness" of this election. In their opinion, it was the Democrats who were doing the dividing.  They agreed with my interpretation of those posters that Barrack Obama is "anti-American." "He wants to fundamentally change our country into something our founding fathers did not intend."  Apparently they had been convinced on this matter by a movie they had recently seen. When asked about their support for Mitt Romney, I was told "He's not my first choice, but I like his support of family. He's a family oriented man. I like that he does not support abortion." I chose not to ask about the issue of gay marriage.

Next stop was the college town of Delaware, Ohio, home to Wesleyan Ohio University. My experience there couldn't have been more radically different from economically depressed Mansfield, less than fifty miles north. As another college town, it also had a vibrant, funky downtown which supports a twice weekly farmer's market. There was an openness to the town that was in the air. Smiles and conversations were easy to come by.  My hosts in Delaware were clearly progressive liberal people who were outraged at the income disparity in their country. They also were personally affected by the lack of a comprehensive medical system that left people vulnerable to possibly bankruptcy due to medical costs.  Not native to Delaware, they had a considerable worldview, having traveled extensively not only across America, but around the world.  They could appreciate the world from many points of view.  Although they never spoke of it, I had the sense that there faith was important to them from the muted references I saw in their home.

A couple of days later and about 50 miles further south I spent quite a bit of time with another unique American. A former military man with a son and daughter in the military he was ready to acknowledge his fundamentally conservative views, but was also quite open to another side of any argument. He was, you might say, an open minded conservative.  His college training was in agriculture. Although he liked the notion of local organic agriculture, he didn't feel we could feed the world that way. He did, however, feel that he was a "steward" of the earth and was most concerned about some of the more rapacious agricultural and industrial practices he had witnessed.

Next stop was Cincinnati. Big city feel, big city thinking, big city views. I met progressive liberals and fundamental Republican Romney supporters.  Some of the young people simply felt it was a matter of time before the old guard "Tea Party" types would die off and that the world would ultimately be a better place.  Many of these young people however mixed their progressive views with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.  Those of my (the baby-boomer) generation were very saddened by the current divisive political discourse. The difference this time was that they put the blame on the Republicans.  The Romney supporter clearly felt that a business background was essential to running America.  "What does Obama know?" he asked rhetorically. He doesn't know anything about business. "He's never had a real job." he opined.

In Madison Indiana I chatted for at least half an hour with John W.  a retired Indiana State trooper.  Our discussion ranged from gun control to religion to medical insurance. (Indeed, almost every conversation I have had with Americans on this trip has at least touched on the issue of medical care.)

John's opinions on issues leave any preconceived notions you have about Americans in disarray.  He initiated our conversation proclaiming that "Most Americans don't know their own history."  "Did you know that our first four Presidents were Deists?"  He shook his head scornfully as he recalled one glorified portrait of George Washington on his knees praying to the Almighty.  "Washington would never have been on his knees in prayer." he assured me.   He literally laughed out loud as he talked about those who believed that "God would save them" from whatever may happen to them. "When it comes down to it", John concluded, "I'm an atheist."

"You go talk to Americans," he told me. "They don't want us to continue to be Sheriff of the world. We'll sell 'em the weapons if they want to buy 'em, but we shouldn't be fighting these wars."  He agreed with me when I suggested that America's stance on this harmed their international reputation.

He was curious about the Canadian health care system.  I told him that it wasn't perfect, but that what I liked the most about it was that Canadians were largely protected from catastrophic health care costs. He nodded his head attentively.

He then asked about gun control. "I understand you have a much lower murder rate. Is that correct? he asked. Although I couldn't provide him with the exact statistics I assured him our murder rate was miniscule compared to the U.S. "You probably don't realize this, but as a former state trooper I have a lifetime concealed weapon permit and I'm carrying a .38 revolver right now." he stated in a matter-of-fact fashion.  "You know, where more of the population is armed, there is less violent crime." he offered as support for everyone  being armed.  He agreed with my assessment that over many decades Canada and the U.S. had developed distinctly different cultures regarding gun control. 

No doubt, America is a complex, multi-faceted place. At least as demonstrated by those I have been talking with.

Visiting the Kent State May 4 Memorial

Today was a difficult, tearful, most touching day. I spent this morning and early afternoon at the site of what is referred to today on wikipedia as the Kent State Massacre. Almost invariably, most "baby-boomers" are familiar with what occurred on May 4, 1970.  At 1224 PM, within thirteen seconds, 28 Ohio National Guard fired 67 shots into a crowd of students. They were demonstrating against the decision by President Richard Nixon to extend the Viet Nam war by invading Cambodia.  Four students were killed and nine others wounded. 

As I wandered the site this morning all the memories of that tumultuous time in our history came back.  I constantly was welling up with tears as I walked around Taylor Hall. Almost invariably whenever I started to speak with anyone this morning about it I started to cry. I met a young woman looking at one of the displays on the grounds.  I started to speak with her and as soon as I did my voice began to quake. Although I hadn't been there, I felt as if I had.  I well up now as I type this. The four students killed were aged 19-20. On that day, in 1970 I was looking forward to my nineteenth birthday.  I got to experience that birthday, and many more. They never did. As I walked around the site I was constantly confronted with the feeling that it could have been me.

Today was difficult, very difficult in many ways, but it was a journey I needed to make.  I needed to come here today to pay my respects not only to those who died, but also to those who have struggled to come to terms with what happened that day.  It was a very very angry time.  America was engaged in a brutal war and it was, almost literally, tearing the country apart.

I was privileged today to have the opportunity to have a brief tour of the yet to be opened memorial display housed in the basement of Taylor Hall.  I met one of the curators whom I had been told was present the day of the shootings. As much as part of me wanted to, I could not summon the courage to ask her about her experience that day for fear that I would simply break down before her or that I would summon the same in her.  Yes, it was that emotional. 

For "baby boomers" it brings it all back. For all of us it provides another perspective on what was happening in those so difficult times.  I urge everyone, if you have the opportunity, to spend the time you need at this site to inquire, learn and reflect. 

I conclude for now with this quote that welcomes you as you enter the memorial. It is from Alison Krause, (April 23, 1951 - May 4, 1970) who was killed that day.

Dates and facts are not enough to show what happened in the past. It is necessary to delve into the human side of history to come up with the truth.  History must be made relevant to the present to make it useful.

 Mary Ann Vecchio, screaming in anguish over the body of Jeffrey Miller.

It was from this vantage point that the National Guard aimed and fired.

 Yes, it could have been me.

One lethal reminder that exists today. One of the bullets pierced half inch thick steel through this sculpture.  The memorial in the distance is to Jeffrey Miller, one of the four students killed.

After a Few Days on the Road

Since crossing the Rainbow Bridge and entering Niagara Falls, NY on Sunday, I have cycled about 375 kilometers on my journey into the "heart" of America.  Pedaling across the extreme northwest corner of Pennsylvania I am now in my third state, Ohio.  It is time to try and make sense of what I have experienced so far.

If what I wanted was to experience a slice of "Americana" it would be hard to beat what I came across as I entered Conneaut, Ohio. I felt like I had entered a movie set when I found the White Turkey Drive-In.

From a cycling perspective, the further I have journeyed, the worse the roads have become. New York state impressed me with their wide well maintained paved shoulders. As soon as I hit the PA border, the road surface deteriorated, and the shoulders became narrower. I should have considered myself lucky, for once I entered Ohio, the shoulders disappeared entirely as I cycled on rough pavement that was edged by a decades old curb. Infrastructure was in bad shape, as evidenced by this railway overpass on US 20 just west of Conneaut. How long before it collapses?

Lots of abandoned warehouses, and For Sale signs seemed to be everywhere. In Conneaut, an large church building, with big house, was on offer for $69,900. A real estate office showed dozens of properties, many decent looking homes for less than $100,000. $250,000 would get you a massive home on several acres.

Interestingly, a village police force had the resources to purchase and maintain what I can only call an urban assault vehicle.

It wasn't all bad though, but the bad stuff does stand out.  On the bright side, the Western Reserve Greenway Trail is a well maintained paved route extending from Ashtabula to the outskirts of Warren, Ohio, a distance of more than 40 miles. It is a beautiful easy ride taking you through quiet countryside.

In Austinburg I chanced upon a bbq set up outside Shannon's Mini Mart. It was hosted by Tami Pentek who is running for Clerk of County Courts. Why this is an elected position is one of the vagaries of American politics that I am yet to understand. Lots of relaxed conversation was happening. I chatted with an area cyclist and then spent a few minutes discussing my trip with Ms. Pentek.

As I cycled closer to Warren and started to inquire about motels, I was repeatedly warned away from that city. "They had trouble there. You wouldn't want to stay there.", were the admonitions. I took the advice offered, and found myself at the deservedly named "Budget Motel" at the intersection of I80 and Highway 5. I want to learn more about what is going on in Warren, Ohio. Perhaps another day, or another trip.

I have found people to be almost invariably friendly and welcoming. A lot of the overheard conversations, however, in diners, and other such places, is about the economy, and how bad it is. You don't really have to listen though. All you have to do is look around.

My First Observed Presidential Election Sign

2012 - America VS Obama

 
This was the first sign that caught my eye regarding the U.S. presidential election.  It started me thinking.  If America (at least, apparently, some Americans) are against Obama the other part of this message, albeit unstated, is that Obama is against America. The logical outcome of this would be that Obama is not only Un-American, but ultimately anti-American.  I saw two of these signs outside homes just east of Dunkirk, New York as I cycled along SR 5. It struck me as quite a divisive "Us versus Them" message. What I found particularly ironic was that I saw these signs only a couple of hours after reading a news article about how  "Romney accuses Obama of running a campaign of anger and divisiveness."

I know I've missed some of Obama's speeches, but he has never struck me as one who engages in "anger and divisiveness". If anything, one of the criticisms I hear about him is that he endevours too often to portray himself as the great compromiser., who seeks to "reach his hand across the aisle."   Perhaps I have misinterpreted these signs. I am certainly open to an alternate explanation of their meaning.

Now I am really curious to see more roadside signs as I travel south.

Morphing Into a Traveling Explorer

Although my cycling journey hasn't yet begun I am now transitioning into a "traveler".  A traveler is someone who, at least in the moment, is without roots.  I noticed this when I glanced over at my  panniers stacked in my brother's living room. Those four little bags, attached to my bicycle, constitute at least the physical essence of my home and life for the next two or three months. During this journey I often will not know in the morning where I will find rest at the end of my day. In the event of bad weather, shelter may be in a mall or under a store awning or a bridge.  My next meal will often be an unknown. To be a traveler means to let go of the security of home, and trust the awesomeness of the world that surrounds you.

This afternoon I hope to get a peek at some of that awesomeness as I take in buskerfest at the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto with my good friend Paul. A last wander through the gleaming steel and glass towers of this big city. Should be quite a change once I start pedaling along the southern shore of Lake Erie.

Let the Journey Begin!

I guess today is the beginning of the beginning of the trip.   Later this morning I will pedal about two kilometers to the train station. I'll be boarding train number 55 for Toronto from Ottawa & then cycle about 16 km. to my brother's home just north of  Highway 401.  I'll be spending two or three days in my old hometown visiting with family & friends before heading off to Niagara to begin what I can only describe as my first "epic" cycling journey.   Last summer taking two weeks to cycle 1,000 kilometers around Lake Ontario seemed big, but, 3,000 km. in ten weeks to go to Florida?  At this stage in my life, that classifies as epic.

There will, I trust be much, much more to come through this blog and other postings. For now though, let the journey begin!

A List of Links!

Here is a list of links to where I will be posting about my upcoming trip.


My personal blog
My Fun(d)raising facebook page
My youtube channel
My Crazyguyonabike page.
My Strava Page (this is where my gps tracked route will be posted, showing daily distance, elevation, route & speed)
Twitter   -  #LPRide (the hashtag I will using on Twitter.)

Remembering Dad

One person who will be traveling with me on my upcoming southbound journey, at least in spirit, will be my dad, Frank Poole. Dad passed away this past spring, age 89. It was from him that I first began to learn of the joys of cycling. I remember as a child he would tell me about his biking adventures as a young boy growing up during the depression in Montreal.  He would cycle more than 20 miles to go to his favourite swimming hole.  Later, his first job was as a bicycle messenger, earning ten cents an hour. He gave me my first defensive cycling trip, which I carry with me to this day.  "You may have the right of way", he would advise, "but they have the right of weight."  Without dad's support, I wouldn't be making this trip.

Dad's final years were spent at the Rideau Perley Veterans Home in Ottawa. I really cannot speak highly enough of this amazing facility. All of their staff, whether in the kitchen, medical, management, or housekeeping are professionals who show the utmost respect for the residents and their families. I dare not name one person, for fear of leaving anyone out. It is a wonderfully caring institution and deserves our ongoing support.  For this reason, I will be donating a nickel for every kilometer I pedal on my upcoming journey south.  If you are familiar with Perley, & appreciate what they do, please consider making a pledge in support of this outstanding facility through their foundation.   If you do, please let me know, so I can track it on this blog.

Getting the Ball Rolling

I am at an exciting juncture in this fun(d)raising scheme. Last week I completed the nine day Otesha "Pedal to Plate" tour around eastern Ontario. (Yes, that is me pitching hay in one of the videos.)  I learned so much about local food. I spent more time on a farm in those nine days than I had ever before in my almost sixty one years of existence. I am one of those born and raised urban dwellers who has for a lifetime believed, (and inaccurately so as explained to me by Derrick Jensen), that our food comes from a supermarket. I have an entirely different respect now regarding agriculture, having experienced first hand how much work is involved.

On this tour I took the opportunity to talk up my fun(d)raising idea and two people each committed to contributing a nickel per kilometer that I pedal toward the Andrew Wolf Memorial Bursary Fund. Andrew was tragically killed in a traffic accident during the Otesha 2010 Highlands and Islands Tour.  His family subsequently initiated a bursary in his name in order to make Otesha programs more accessible.  Another person has committed to volunteering time one day a week to use his bicycle to deliver Meals on Wheels for every week I cycle. How cool is that for a start to the campaign?!?  I complete the trip, and over three hundred dollars is given to a good cause & at least ten meals are delivered to someone who needs nourishment.

If you have a cause you want me to ride for, leave a comment & I will promote it on the blog. If you wish to remain anonymous, send me an email - leonardpoole AT gmail DOT com

As they say at Otesha - Peace and Bike Grease!

Raising Money for Your Charity

I must admit to having a selfish reason for wanting to pedal my bike for a charitable cause. To be honest, it would encourage me to keep going. Call it the ultimate peer pressure.  If I knew that every pedal stroke further down the road helped raise funds for a community, I'd be far less likely to take the easy way out one rainy miserable afternoon when I was confronted with my third flat of the day.  When I remember previous tours there were times when I seriously wondered what I was doing out there. My "Day From Hell" comes to mind. When those times come (and really, it's not a matter of if, but when), it becomes tempting to throw in the towel, pack up the bike and find another way home.

I'm going to spend the next couple of weeks or so chatting up this idea of somehow securing commitments from others to make contributions to a charity of their choice for the distance I cycle this fall. I'd like to find out if the idea is feasible.  I may post a link to this, for example, at the Adventure Cycling website, perhaps ask them to post something in their bi-weekly "Bike Bits" newsletter.

So, rather than pedal for my cause, I want to pedal for your cause. I want to inspire as many people as possible to contribute to their community in whatever way makes sense to them. The idea is that many communities potentially get the benefit, while I get the peer pressure to keep going.

Perhaps it could work like this. Someone in, say, Louisville, Kentucky sees this & decides to make a pledge to donate a penny for every kilometer I complete to support their local youth organization. If I do the entire ride of about 3000 kilometers, $30 is raised for an important local cause. When I'm informed of the pledge, I post a link to it on my website, & encourage the contributor to follow along for the ride as I pedal south. They let other community members know  and before you know it five other people think it is a good idea, and a total of $180 is raised. One of these people shares the link with their cousin in Melbourne, Australia, who decides to make a similar pledge to support their local hospice, and, well, you get my drift. With the Internet, this can, & does, travel around the world in the blink of an eye.

My side of the bargain would be that everytime someone makes a pledge, I post a link to encourage more contributions to that cause. I also would commit to maintaining a daily blog, posting my distance through a gps enabled website (either strava or mapmyride) that would allow anyone to track my progress.

I think it is a wild & crazy idea. I don't know if I will get the ball rolling on it, but, I would like to. I haven't received any responses yet on my previous blog post on this, but I am not going to let it discourage me. I'm just going to keep "chatting it up" for now. Regardless, I'm going ahead with my plan to pedal into America this fall, and see what I can learn about my neighbour to the south.
 
As before, comments & suggestions are welcome.

A Fun(d)raising Idea

As part of the preparation for my BIG bike tour from Ontario to Florida this fall, I have been reading through several online journals of people who have pedaled a similar route. Not everyone, but often people are doing a big bicycle trip to raise money for a cause. It may be for a hospice, a community radio station or to raise awareness (& money) to fight modern day human trafficking, but they cycle for a cause.

Now, my initial reason for embarking on this journey is because I simply love touring by bicycle. Wouldn't it be wonderful though, if a side benefit would be that I could also raise awareness & perhaps a bit of cash for a cause that was dear to me?

But then, I had a bit of a problem. There are a number of issues that I am passionate about. How could I pick one?  Then it struck me; maybe I don't have to choose.  I could let those who are so inspired to make a contribution to what they believe in. And, it wouldn't have to be money. It could be that someone perhaps didn't have spare cash, but had some time to donate, or some tools they could share in a community project.

As I thought about it more, I realized that one of the biggest causes for me is doing whatever I can to encourage people to be involved in community building, in whatever way makes sense for them. Yes, money is always a welcome donation to so many cash-starved organizations and the multiplier effect can be tremendous, especially when one of our wealthier (at least money-wise) citizens chooses to open his or her check book. But really, the act of giving can be so much more than writing a check. Certainly for those with limited time it may be the best way to "share the wealth". But how about the one with no money to share, how can they participate in the joy of giving?  Really, it's easy. It can be sharing your last cigarette. (And this, coming from an avowed non-smoker;) or helping out at your local food bank. 

What I'd like to do then, is devise a way that I can turn this bike tour into a means of encouraging others to share their wealth, whatever that may be, with others. Wouldn't it be way cool if I could inspire someone to volunteer a night at their local soup kitchen or with a youth group for every 100 kilometers I ride? If I could get just ten people to make that pledge, & I completed the journey, that would add up to almost a years worth of volunteered evening shifts. And it would be just as cool if just one (or more) of our more financially fortunate friends chose to donate a dollar for every kilometer I rode to their favourite charity.

I realize that I don't want to tell anyone how they should donate their time or money or expertise. I just want to inspire all of us to share whatever it is we have to share.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who may have views on this idea. Does it make sense? Could it work? It would seem to me that there would need to be some way of tracking participation. Would the best way to do that be through the Internet, either individuals posting anecdotes about their volunteer pledges on my blog, or perhaps through a social media site like facebook?

To be honest, my primary goal this late summer and into the fall is to have a great adventurous bike ride. If, however, I thought I could encourage some interesting community involvement on the part of folks I know, & people I may come to know, that would be, as I said above waaaaaaaaaay cool;)

Let me know what you think. Now, I just have to hit that Publish button up above & get this crazy idea out there.

Bike Trip Into the Heart of America - Why?

The idea of cycling from Toronto to the gulf coast through what one might call the "heart" of America first came to me in the summer of 2011. I had just completed a 1,000 km. bike ride around Lake Ontario. I very much enjoyed the few days I spent in upstate New York cycling east from Niagara, along the Erie Canal.  I noted the rhetoric of the 2012 American election was already beginning to heat up, as a gaggle of Republican presidential hopefuls played leap-frog over each other to appeal to Tea Party supporters.

I have always been drawn to any opportunity to observe events as they unfold. Whether it is looking up when I hear a siren, attend a G20 demonstration, a political convention, or witness the FLQ crisis unfold, I'm always curious. I want to take events in with all my senses whenever possible. 

For this ride I intend to observe campaign events as I come across them, eavesdrop on coffee shop conversations, perhaps even participate in one or two. Not immediately jumping in, I expect, will be one of my greatest challenges. I'll need to keep front of mind that I will be a guest in America, in possession of two ears and one mouth.  I will want to remember to use them in a similar proportion.

Of course, there will not only be the election events to observe. America, like everywhere else, is struggling with transformation. Like it or not, all of humanity is confronting the challenge of diminishing resources. I am curious to know how the slice of America I travel through is dealing with this. Are they in denial, or seeing it as an opportunity? I suspect it is a combination of the two, and much more, but I will have to wait and see.

I will be sharing my observations as I pedal through America. I'll make the best use of technology during the trip to report on what I see and hear. I'll use Twitter (@leonardpoole, #LPRide) which will automatically post to my facebook page.  As time permits, I will be posting longer commentary to this blog. Follow along if you are interested.  Don't hesitate to fire off any suggestions or comments. 

I'm looking forward to experiencing a little slice of history unfold this fall. It should be a blast!

Bike Trip Prep - The Basic Equipment

The more I talk & think about my plans for a bicycle tour into the U.S. this fall, the more excited I get about hopping on my bike. There are seemingly countless things I need to put into order. In this post, I shall detail the basic equipment plan.

My bicycle is a 52 cm. Surly Long Haul Trucker . I purchased it in the spring of 2011. It comes with the basic stock equipment, but I have embellished it somewhat to suit my preferences. Additions include a Brooks B-17 saddle, Arkel low-rider front racks, Tubus rear racks & fenders. I use Shimano A530 road pedals & wear Keen Austin cycling sandals. I am currently riding on 26x1.5" Continental City Contact tires. They have already given me about 5,500 kms. of flat free riding & show little appreciable tread wear.  I do, however, plan to swap them out for Schwalbe Dureme 26x2" folding tires before heading out on this ride.

Perhaps the biggest modification I have made is the addition of a second stem & bar that allows me to mount extra equipment, such as mirrors, bike computer, front bag,  cycle-cross brake handles, Samui Air-Zound cycling horn, & bells. More details on the installation on this previous blog post. 

To carry the gear I will use Arkel GT-54 Grand Touring rear panniers, MEC cordura front panniers, & a MEC handle bar bag. To better compartmentalize my clothing I use three labeled waterproof stuff sacks. With respect to clothing, I figure whether you are going for three days, or three months, you pretty much take the same stuff.  One of those stuff sacks holds "cool weather" gear. This includes a merino wool sweater, long tights, 1 pair of full fingered gloves, 1 pair of wool socks & a beanie type cap that will cover my ears. (Okay, if I'm heading out from home in the middle of July for only a couple of days, I probably won't need this bag;)  My cycling clothing bag holds two days worth of riding clothing (two cycling shirts, two padded shorts, two pair of socks). The street clothing bag holds lightweight convertible pants, a lightweight nylon long sleeved shirt & a polyester t-shirt. In the handle bar bag I will carry leg & arm warmers. I will also have the requisite Gore-Tex rain gear, including jacket, pants, booties & lobster style gloves.


My tent is a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL-2 and I sleep on an Exped Downmat sleeping pad. I sleep in a Europe Bound +2C sleeping bag. (If it's colder than that, I'll be renting a room somewhere, I hope;)  For a pillow, I stuff a down vest into a pillow sack. When I cook it will be with an MSR WhisperLite stove.

Other items include a basic tool kit, spare tube & tire, a few spare parts and other repair paraphernalia. (An entire blog post could probably be written about those details;)    There will be a first aid kit, toiletry bag, lightweight towel, bug repellent, afterbite, anti-chafing cream,  etc., etc., etc. I actually have a master list on a spreadsheet that I will be dutifully checking off as the date approaches.

Of course, I don't want the ride to be about the equipment.  It is the gear, though, that, in combination with my body & soul, is the great enabler. Whenever I reminisce, either with myself or others, I always reflect very fondly on exquisite memories of the people I meet & the hills I climb & descend.  A memory of a bad day on the bike is always so much better than a great day at the office. And those amazing days on the bike? Absolutely priceless.

Planning for a BIG Bike Trip

Ever since returning from my two week sojourn around Lake Ontario last summer, I have been contemplating my next journey.  One idea that has fascinated me for almost a year now has been to travel extensively for several weeks (8-10?) in the United States during their upcoming election in the fall of 2012. To start to push this idea further toward reality, I have begun, in the past month or so, to speak about this idea with a few friends. I figure if I talk about it, I'll be opening myself up to the possibility of some peer pressure to actually start pedaling.

The PLAN, at this stage, is for Niagara Falls to be the starting point of a cycling journey that would take me to the gulf coast of Alabama and then across to Florida by election day on November 5, 2012. I would start the weekend of August 25-26 from Toronto, taking the 9AM GO train to Niagara.  I have chosen a route that roughly follows the Adventure Cycling Association Underground Railroad Route. It traces a route from Mobile Alabama all the way to Owen Sound, Ontario. I have a couple of detours planned.  One will take me to Kent, Ohio as I want to visit the site of the May 4th Memorial at Kent State University. I will probably avoid a meandering part of the route and travel more directly between Cincinnati and Louisville.  From there I expect to stick to the prescribed route until I reach Aliceville, Alabama at which point I will pedal across to Selma so I can cycle the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights National Historic Trail.

Total distance for this epic journey is a little over 3,000 kilometers, or about 1,900 miles.  It would be roughly three times the distance I traveled last summer over a two week period. So long as the legs hold out, I think ten weeks or so should be enough time to allow not only for visiting historic sites, but also to witness first hand the electoral process in the United States. One of my biggest challenges, as a guest, will be to simultaneously keep my ears and eyes open, while keeping my mouth shut.  No small task for someone who likes to talk;)

I love my bicycle, the Surly Long Haul Trucker and I think I have outfitted it with the gear that I need. I have some new Schwalbe Dureme tires on order which should minimize concerns regarding flats.  I'll be hoping to post to my blog as I go, sharing what I can.  I plan to do some camping, staying in motels, & also, when possible make connections with others for accommodation through Warmshowers.

There, not only I have I spoken the words, I have published them on the Internet.  One step closer to reality.  Hopefully this will push me that much closer to pedaling another dream trip.