Here we go…a potentially overzealous plan to bicycle the Underground Railroad route.

When I first mentioned to friends I wanted to do a big bike tour, often the reply was…”By motorcycle you mean!?!” Me: “NO!!!! Human powered bike!” “Do you even have a touring bike???” To which I replied “No, but I’m gunna get one!” And about 7 months ago I sold my dirt bike bought a Salsa Fargo and started riding. Having never changed a flat tire nor pedaled more than 16 miles in a day, wanting to do a 2,000 mile solo bike tour was a bit of a stretch but we don’t grow if we don’t stretch. I have often been asked if this is a rails to trails route (since it says “railroad” in the name) and no, it isn’t. It’s the Underground Railroad that you studied in elementary school, roughly the route that slaves took to escape to freedom.

Next question I get asked is “why that?” Well, one reason is my admiration of Harriet Tubman as a kid. She’s the bomb. Her courage, morals and drive were inspirational. Another reason – while most people don’t even give it a second thought but I am super appreciative of freedom. Even today, had I been born in another country I would not have been afforded the privileges and rights that I am entitled to having been born in the US. I’ve traveled many places where women are 2nd class citizens and while they are not deemed “slaves” they still don’t have equal rights. And lastly but certainly not least-ly, I ride in honor of my little 4 legged BFF that was a huge part of my life for 15 years. She was my favorite being in the whole wide world and I will miss her every day for the rest of my life. She taught me more than anyone on the face of the earth about being free spirited, she had the most incredible sense of adventure, heart, passion and courage. I would have loved to tow her dog trailer and take her with me on this adventure but life went by in a blink…so instead, she’s here in spirit. 

THE PLAN: It’s about the adventure so if I get distracted and want to stay longer somewhere, I will! General plan is to start in Mobile, AL and head north. I plan to stop when one of the following occurs: 1) I decide I’ve had enough 2) I run out of time and have to get back to work 3) I hit Canada. – Whichever comes first!

Stay tuned…I have an airplane to catch.