Most people think it is nuts to try to ride across the United States on a bicycle! It is a long way from Washington State to Boston or New York. It is a long way from California to Florida or Georgia. It does not matter which time of year you go, it is still a very long way you see? In fact, it is a ball-buster to the max as they say. Everyone I talk to tells me not to do it. But I have already picked out the route? So, how could I not go now? Chickening out is not an option, nor is it the way I wish to live my life.

However, recently a concerned gentleman I met suggested that I still ride for 3 weeks, the time it would take me averaging 160-220 miles per day and instead ride 20 or so miles per day and pick a state to tour and go meet folks and that might be a lot of fun and the insight invaluable. Indeed, he makes an excellent and a strong argument and yes I have now been to every city in the United States now over 10,000 and have stopped in more small towns than I can remember names, many with the same names I might add, while traveling in my retirement;

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You see, I have been touring the country for five years and been literally everywhere and have met so many wonderful people and learned about all the issues, downtown re-vitalization projects, all politics is local issues. Indeed, I have cried with small business owners whose businesses went out when the only factory in the city closed and the town was boarded up. I have been there. Yes, I have seen this country and without any ego; I honestly believe I know this country better than anyone else in the world, especially since before my retirement I was busy setting up franchisees in 23 states serving 110 markets and 450 cities.

So, I understand his comments about meeting people and such. I have done that, nearly everywhere I go. So, it appears that while his idea is an excellent one for the serious bicycle tourist, well, I just want to prove I can do it and make it across this great nation. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philospher and perpetual tourist