Lance Winslow's Transcontinental Bike Ride
May 15th - June ?, 2008
1-800-879-8783 - Lance
Why I peddling Across America?
When I was about 25-years old, I rode a High-Tech touring Ten-Speed from Oregon to Mexico to raise money for Special Olympics. I did that in 6.5 days, just over 1300 miles, which for me was an incredible accomplishment, for that other Lance, Lance Armstrong that is, probably just another training day? Although I was not a cyclist, I found I could do pretty well since I was a long-distance runner. I have always wanted to run across the United States and I suppose I could have done that back in my hay-day, that is if I could take 3.5 months off, which was simply not an option back then. Today, well I am older now (40) and I realize I have limits, that at that point in my life, I do not recall any.
So, knowing I probably could not run it now or make it the whole way without severe injuries - I have decided that now in my retirement I will bike it, peddling across America. I will start in Coronado, CA and ride to Imperial Beach (Pacific Ocean), then head Eastward until I reach the Atlantic Ocean. The first leg of this endeavor will be 160-miles to Yuma Arizona. Then from there to Phoenix, then I'll take Hwy 60 up and over the mountains into New Mexico and catch the I-25 frontage road traveling South to Hwy 380 East over another killer mountain range into Roswell New Mexico and across the Great Texas Plains to North Ft. Worth - Dallas area. At this point I will adjust my route accordingly based on weather temps, wind speed and Thunderstorms.
From May 12th well into June, no one will be able to contact me by email, rather they will need to call me if it's urgent and should not expect a return call until the next day due to some of the remote areas I will be traveling through. The other day someone asked me if I was crazy? Hmm? No, most likely I am not, perhaps this is a midlife crisis "test of will" to myself. It's been a couple of years since I have done anything spectacular and I have to get back to being me again. That's just the way I am.
I would not worry much about me, this is something I have been wanting to do for a long time and something I must do, don't ask me why. I am not like other people. I'd rather live life to the full-spectrum, it's better that way. If you do not understand that comment, it's okay, everyone makes choices and that is why the life experience is so awesome. It can be whatever you make of it.
Want to here something really crazy, I have been thinking about riding back when I am done, but I am certain that once I reach the Atlantic Ocean about the time of the first Hurricane, I'll probably have gotten rid of that thought. I am riding a Giant Carbon-Composite Ten Speed, outfitted with cargo panniers and fully outfitted. I will be riding 15 hours per day or more and knowing me I will probably throw in a few 24-hour rides along the way to try to gap the space and improve my time. As much as I would like to tell you that this is a pleasure ride. It's not. This is a test of will, to prove I still have what it takes, to show myself that I truly have the commitment, strength of character and perseverance to do anything, a quality that has defined my life and perhaps you will see if you read any of my writing.
It is my belief that there is no such thing as "evil" and I do not believe in Hell or any of that non-sense. However, it is my contention that the closest thing evil is probably; Bureaucracy, Procrastination, Excuses and Hypocrisy. I refuse to live in hypocrisy, and I walk the walk. I choose to lead by example even if others cannot follow.
If you see me on the road honk 3-times, otherwise I might run off the road to prevent getting hit?