Cross-country cyclists pass through Lusk
by Carrie Goddard

 
Have you ever imagined how long it would take to ride across the United States on a bicycle? The answer: 50 days. Some people would think it a preposterous idea, but for 75 riders that come from various regions of the United States its a goal that they hope to accomplish. On June 16, the 75 riders dipped the rear wheel of their bikes into the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, Ore. and began their journey. The cyclist come from all walks of life, there are doctors, lawyers, transportation specialist, and even a Catholic Priest. They range in age from 15 to early 70s. For these people it is a once in a life time opportunity that they were not willing to turn down. Some are riding for charities such as Habitat for Humanity, and the American Cancer Society, but some are just riding for themselves. Many will tell you that the most asked question they get is are you crazy? The riders have spent countless hours training to get ready for this ride, but Wilson Hubbell says that you can never train for what the reality of the ride will be. He said that the first three or four days are like boot camp. He said that your muscles ache, your feet and your backside hurt to a point where you ask yourself why am I doing this?" Soon your muscles begin to adapt, you begin to know your body better, and then the 100 or so miles a day that you ride don't seem so grueling. So far the group hasn't run into inclement weather, other than some strong wind.  Hubbell said that the wind can either make your ride very enjoyable if it's pushing you, or it can make your day absolutely miserable if you have to push a head wind all day long. One rider was hit by a car in Idaho Falls and sustained broken ribs and a broken jaw, and had to withdraw from the ride. So far the group has come approximately 1,400 miles. The riders cover about 100 miles a day, but sometimes it's more. Their day begins at about 6 a.m. when the whole group eats breakfast together. By 6:30 most of the group is already on the road. During the day support vehicles offer water, food, mechanical and medical assistance for all of the riders. At points throughout the day all riders have to sign in so that the support vehicles can be assured that no one made a wrong turn and got lost, or didn't make it to the nights resting place. After a gigantic supper, which is earned after burning 4,000 to 5,000 calories during the day, a group meeting is held. During this time the riders are given direction which will get them to their next destination. They talk about road conditions and what the terrain will be like, and they also discuss how the day went. For many of the riders this is their first time in Wyoming. One rider, from England, was amazed by the fact that you could travel 20 or 30 miles and never see a house or a car. Hubbell said that many were also in awe when they realized all of the geological differences you can observe while in Wyoming. He said that when you ride into the Tetons and then begin descending down, the geological change is very dramatic. So far Hubbell said that the people in Wyoming have been very kind. Many of the riders stop and talk to people along the way because they are very curious about the ride. This is the group that has traveled this particular path. Others have traveled across the United States, but not in the same fashion as this group. One may think when looking at their travel map that they have gone out of their way, however, Hubbell said that sometimes it is hard to find a town that can accommodate 75 people with motel rooms, and a restaurant with a dining room large enough to feed everyone. However he did say that Lusk will probably be on their map once again in 2002. If you are interested in how the riders are progressing, there are several websites available from the travelers. Some of the rider have incorporated a laptop computer and a digital camera into their 50 pound allotment of luggage so that those interested can ride across the United States with them. If you are interested in daily journals, pictures, and more information about some of the riders, you can go to www.padrerider.com or http://pmarquez.homestead.com. The riders will dip the front wheel of their bikes in the Atlantic Ocean at the end of their journey in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on August 5.