April 4, 2025
Can you see us? Two bicycles pedaling steadily, hearts beating strong, breaths measured.
You see, when riding, while it may appear we are just two…we are many. We are the many who have ridden this stretch before us and those who come after. “Remember the two cyclist we saw climbing Lolo Pass?” in a conversation somewhere in the world…yes, that’s us. And that’s ‘them’.
We are never riding alone. You are with us and there are so many of you. How fortunate are we! You are there when I see a penny on the ground or point out the red tail hawk. You speak to me on tough climbs “Stay seated. A little more. Okay. Now stand and push through”. Or “Rule number One: Don’t get dropped!”.
Someone asked once “How many miles do you think you’ve ridden in your lifetime?” Wow! What a tough question and then add the miles Drew has ridden! Lots. And lots. And lots!
Over decades of riding between us, we have shared so many amazing memories with you. Daily rides. Lunch rides. Zwift rides. RAGBRAIs. Touring. My first Century. Your first Century. So many life changing moments. And some of you are now guardian angels…yes, still by my side or in front, pulling into the wind. You will never be forgotten and are oh, so missed.
Some on you continue to inspire us…many we’ve met like Dan & Louise (Daniel Duclos, Louise Duclos), Brently & MaryBeth, Ryan Van Duzer, and Richard Oosterhof. Others, like Roland & Julianna (Roland Leppek, Julianna Henley) SaltyBeard, Mat Ryder, and Steve Retired and Cycling who we’ve ridden with on YouTube. Thank you for taking us with you, teaching us and showing the incredible roads traveled.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Roger Hardy & Kathy Behrens, Mark Benson, Ann & Huge Keegan, Jerry Cowden & Wayne Thomas who shared their wisdom of touring with us before our 2023 tour. Kathy…I never leave a slice of toast behind!
You don’t get to this stage in life without the love, support and influence of others. Years and years of time spent together… as neighbors or colleagues, best friends and family. We’ve grown together, cried and celebrated. ALL of you are a part of this journey and the ‘wind at our backs’. Yes. We are taking you with us.
A resounding theme from our 2023 tour was the number of people we encountered that voiced their unrealized dreams. The conversation would usually start with asking where we came from and where we were going followed by “I always dreamed of ‘fill in the blank’ BUT…”
This recurring conversation with so many people across the U.S. made us realize…
-Don’t wait for things to be perfect.
-Don’t put off living your dreams.
-We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
-If not now, when?
Jerry Barnes Al Casey