DC Baby!
After some late night heroics performed by my new friend Nick in Shepardstown WV, I had a new crank..kind of, and a ‘new’ chain. He looted a chain from an old 1958 Schwinn Racer to complete the job.
My first few pedal strokes were done gingerly, I didn’t want to stress out the 50 year old chain, didn’t know if it would hold up. But after a few miles it felt strong, and I was on my way to Washington DC!
It felt so good to be pedaling with two legs again, what a difference it makes. As the miles ticked down on the C&O trail I got more and more excited. I couldn’t believe my journey was coming to an end.
I’ve seen and experienced so much, the initial rush of taking off in Oceanside, struggling over the first set of mountains, suffering through the 110 degree heat of Arizona, meeting TONS of amazing people, eating countless cans of beans, sleeping on picnic tables, enjoying every bit of nature along the way and slowly pedaling….all the way across the USA. Wow!
I’m inspired by those I met along the way and so lucky to have found them all, Americans are pretty darn cool!
Riding into DC was a dream, pedaling past the Lincoln Memorial down to the Washington Monument. When I got there I stopped for a moment to savor the moment, and then I called mom to let her know that I had gotten there safely…as I did every night of this adventure.
My buddy Jaime then came cruising by on his spiffy folding bike and we shared a bottle of champagne on the lawn. It felt so good to relax.
For dinner by good friend Doug took me out to an Ethiopian feast, Wow, my taste buds weren’t ready for those exotic flavors, I’m too used to peanut butter and beans.
Thanks to all of you who supported me along the way, I never felt alone on this journey, big hugs to all you!. And a huge thanks to those who donated to Community Cycles, if you’ve been waiting until the end to donate, you can still do it, it’s easy, fast and will make your heart grow two sizes!
I’d also like to thank New Belgium Brewery for helping to make this dream come true. Bike more, Drive less!!
and here’s all the fun from my final push into DC. Cheers!
Great job. It has been fun watching you cross the US!
Kick ass job Duzer!! Thanks for the fun videos and photos and write ups. Hopefully the $ helps out Community Cycles. Good job man, if you come through SoCal again we'll try to meet up with you for a ride. Cheers!
Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything. -Charles Kuralt, On The Road
Congrats, you made and you even saw something along the way. I thought you might enjoy this quote.
I must admit, I am a little jealous. I wanna do a bike trek across the US.
Hey, a note from Leslie Sutton's Mom. Duzer, you are awesome! I have enjoyed checking your progress everyday. You rock. I am inspired and uplifted by your experience.
What is next?
Pat Halderman
Way to go Duzer! Seems like they should be throwing a big parade in your honor there at the capital city!
It's been a lot of fun to live vicariously through your words, photos and videos along the course of your journey. Thanks for being such a great inspiration to the people of this nation, and for being an advocate for bikes and for bicycling. I'm looking forward to your next adventure!
Hi Van Duzer!! Congratulations for your amazing expedition Across the nation!!! Really I have enjoyed seeing your videos,photos and words. I whish you the best of luck in your return to Boulder, your hometow. I also especially want to show a very public admiration for Ryan´s mama for her support during all the trek. Now i´m beginning to follow a similar adventure trek : Trevor Wright an American citizen is riding on a bike across South America ( A long-term adventure travel ) You can find He on mebobandsurly.wordpress.com
"Adios" ( farewell ) … "Hasta la vista baby" ( From movie Terminator )
HOORAY FOR RYAN VAN DUZER!!!
P.S. I hope this final writing from Machala, Ecuador Can be understand for all of You. This is because I am learning the English language. ( I will continue reading The Daily Camera on-line edition because I like City of Boulder )
duz, it was awesome to follow your journey. as a fellow boulder-ite (whose brother happens to live in shepardstown WVA) i am inspired to ride across the country in 4 years when i turn 50. i will forever be touched by your videos and i thank you for sharing these with us.