One of the first things to know about me is that I am a bicycle nerd. I don't ride as much or as often as many cyclists. But I love bicycles and what they can do for people and their surroundings. As such I work as a bicycle mechanic in a local family owned shop. Jim (the owner) and Jim's bicycle shop have been around for nearly 40 years. Twice as long as I've been alive. Because of this our shop has gained a reputation among some as doing anything related to the road. From the top of the line, brand new carbon fiber road bikes, to the restoration of a Vietnam war era pedicab. It is a super fun place to be just because of the sheer volume and variety of things that come through. Soon I'll have photos of some of the things I just mentioned. But until then words will have to suffice!

Done with one adventure and on to more.

For those that have read this blog before, thanks for looking again. To those who haven't, Hello! My name is Dan McMahon. I had created this blog to document my sister and I's bicycle ride across the country. It was an amazing trip but alas it could only last so long. Since then I have traveled to other corners of the country in an effort to see what all is out there. Finally I have ended back at home where I'll stay, awaiting college in August. Until than it's whatever is interesting! I'll be posting stories of what I have done and what I will be doing! So if you think this is a cool enough adventure than tag along!

Final

           Hello one and all. First I would like to apologize deeply for the tardiness of this final post. It is in part because I have been busy, part because I have been slacking and in part because I have just been having trouble reflecting on all that has happened through out the trip. However I will now try to sum up some of the ideas and themes that have, at least in part, come to me since the end (or the beginning.)

           As I say to everybody our ride across the country was amazing. Every day was a new journey, always something or someone different. We moved at a slow pace and yet scenes could change in the blink of an eye. Oregon changes from moist heavy greens into the pines and plains of the lowland deserts. Virginia varies from mountains as far as the eye can see to suburbs and civilization stretching across the land.

We have certainly been in the gear known as gooooooooo for awhile now. But it has finally paid off, tomorrow will be the last day of our near three month journey. However I will lament about that later, for now I am only concerned with what we have done lately and what you have not seen. From our last update we have battled endless hills which have been anywhere from exactly what we have expected, hard. To something we did not expect, really really hard. The one that put us down the most was a two or three mile grade rising at a minimum of 10 percent. Many other hills were quite harrowing but overall we made it through the Appalachians without too many scratches. Along the way we met many more interesting and nice people, got to see some local music, cruised along the blue ridge parkway, slept in the house of the legendary Cookie Lady (June Curry) and now are back with our parents for the last two days of riding. We also separated from one friend who had to finish two days earlier and to do so put in four days ranging anywhere from 90 to 120 miles. 

memory tats! Mom almost fell for that one.

Ben loves his mom thaaaaat much

Dogs!

peach doughnuts! they tasted like... doughnuts

we debated on a moat as well but decided it would trap us in, not them out

swinging bridge, no more than three people, how about four and their loaded bicycles?

Mary and Frank were on their way back from DC

all of that is memorabilia from bicycle tourists, dating back to '76

it keeps going

Mountain, i say to you: I AM GODZILLA, YOU ARE TOKYO

Shenadoah valley from on high

and going

As weird as it may be the first words that crossed my mind as I saw our first hill this morning were as follows: Gooooooooooooood Moooooooooorning Aaaaaaaaaaaaappalachia! We aren't even close to the heart of the Appalachian mountain range yet the hills have started to grow faster than the Cudzu vines that have begun to surround us. All the same we are keeping up our average miles and our spirits. The last few days in particular have helped as we got to see some familiar faces. On Sunday our parents made the three hour trek down to meet us and than drive us to Mammoth caves. Once there we were met by our cousin Kate and went to explore the beautiful caverns! Along with our parents came the dogs and lots of food! We survived off the leftovers for the next day and a half. Two days later and at the end of a 90 mile barrage of rollers we were greeted by even more companions from home! Mary and Frank from next door came down and treated us to a wonderful dinner at the Boone Tavern in good 'ol Berea Kentucky. As we pedal on Maura has to stick close as she just lost her 3rd phone this trip. Just like Maura. Well we have many hills and even more miles to cover. We will see you all soon and are excited to be home!

It is true...I am terrible with phones.... it has been the bane of my existence on this trip...

~love
Mo

Kaaaaaaaantuckey

Well we've done it! Today we crossed over the Ohio river into Kentucky! There are now only two states left, albeit long ones but still! we're close! Our crossing into Illinoise was somewhat treacherous but we made it okay. That night we stayed at a small place up the Tunnel Ridge bicycle path. Getting there was quite Intresting as we had to first ride through an old railroad tunnel. Approaching the tunnel it looks simple, you can even see the hole of light on the other side. However as you get closer and closer to the center you can see less and less until all you have to focus on is the light dancing in front of you as you try to not swerve into a wall. finally we got out of the darkness and to our campsite. which was a shack on the side of the trail where a man left things out for you to take and leave money for on the honor system. The man showed up later and ended up being a really cool guy who just loved to meet people from other places. That night we slept in a shed out back where we were able to fit all 5 of the people who we are riding with. Next morning brought us a beautiful day and a good ride into the Amish country of South West Kentucky.