For HRBike member, Jim Herron, the journey of 4,600 miles begins with a pedal stroke. Jim has been dreaming of a trek across the US via bike for years and now it has become a reality! On a recent club ride we got to talk to Jim at the top of Alto, (Jim is in the Yellow jersey in the photo). He was training with an extra 50# of barbell weights on his bike that day!

Please enjoy the ride details in the following letter from Jim:

I rented a van and will drive up 3/30-31. I start 4/1 at the Yorktown Victory Monument in Yorktown, VA, the conventional start of the TransAm ride on Adventure Cycling Association maps. I’m unsupported and riding solo even though I have already connected with several fellow cyclists that will be on the route. I hope to ride the standard route to Missoula, MT.

If I feel good about it and winter has disappeared, I want to ride up to the Northern Tier route from Missoula and do a loop in Glacier NP. Then, the idea is to head to Seattle. If all is good there and I have time, I’ll loop around Olympic National Park. Hopefully, I’m home before the end of July – a total of 4,600 miles. My daily riding average goal is 50 miles per day with one rest day per week. I plan to camp often, use the organization WarmShowers.org some, bike hostels some, meet up with friends some, and stay in hotels at least one day a week.

This has been on my “bucket list” since I was in my 20’s. I have a window and plan to mark it off my list! There is a guestbook on the blog. I’d love to hear from home folks as I ride! Thanks!

Jim Herron

Follow Jim on his blog, CrazyGuyOnABike, see his route on RideWithGPS (User ID is “jherron” from Estill Springs), and also he plans to “live log” so his wife, Christa, can know his location.

Jim, we are so proud of you and wish you Godspeed.