September 5: Rest day in Miles City, Montana
I stopped by a bicycle shop in Miles City today. I was looking for some advice on how to get to Forsyth, Montana which is our next destination.
The owner at Pedal Power Sports in Miles City gave me some great route advice. He also told me about some of the other cyclists that have passed through Miles City this summer. One that really caught my attention was Ruth Thomas, a woman from Spokane, Washington, who decided she was going to visit each of the 50 states by bicycle.
But, she wasn’t satisfied to simply visit each state. You see, she’s a geography and American history lover so she mapped out an ambitious 12,265 mile route to ride her bike, self-supported, to the smallest incorporated town in each of the 50 states.
She just finished visiting Hawaii (her fiftieth state) back in April of this year. She started her adventure just a few years ago. Actually, back in June of 1998. Wow, almost eight years! The story I read about her in the Spokane newspaper said she estimates that the trip cost her between $250,000 and $300,000. Of that total amount, she spent $350 on her bicycle.
I was ready to walk away from the bike shop inspired by her dedication and persistence to keep after her dream for nearly eight years. Then the shop owner told me that Ruth is 80 years old. OK, now I’m inspired and humbled.
September 5th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
wow. I found an article on her (http://www.hcn.org/servlets/hcn.Article?article_id=4397) and I think the key to her success was the wicker bike basket on her handlebars. You should totally get one of those!
September 6th, 2006 at 1:41 am
I think the wicker basket is the key component. I’m also wondering, though, what you’re doing for tires, tubes, thorn protection, and what sort of luck you’re having staying inflated.
Rock on, dream on, smile on,
JD
September 6th, 2006 at 8:00 am
Greetings from ITA!
Well, now you and Pat can start planning your senior citizen bike tour. Probably want to ride tandem, with a side car for the dog
September 6th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
Hi Peter,
You are almost home-we are all back at school and Ben has moved on to second grade. I miss him but he looks great and is still dreaming of Hockey and winning the Stanley Cup someday!
My in-laws live in Miles City. Somehow I missed that you were going through there. I hope it wasn’t too hot for you and that the bugs weren’t too bad. I grew up west of Kalispel. I don’t think you are going that far north.
It has been great to get updates and follow along with your route. You should write a book when you get home.
I hope you have safe travels for the rest of your journey!
Mary Cremer
St. Francis Xavier School