Go East, Old Man: A Father, A Son, and a Coast-to-Coast Bicycle Trip

I became an educator at age 40; married at age 50. As I approached 60, what life-changing opportunities would appear? My son, Zach, was 25. For much of his childhood, we had to squeeze in quality time. So I figured, "Why not opt for the ultimate quality time?" We’d travel coast-to-coast. Together. By bicycle.In June of 1999, we embarked on a journey of more than 3,000 miles through eleven states, over majestic mountains and across endless plains, through countryside, small towns and state capitals. We experienced thunderstorms, heat waves, and relentless winds; rainbows and sunrises and hot air balloon rallies; flat tires, leg cramps and saddle sores; prayer circles and prisoners; TV and newspaper interviews; a tragedy at the start; and a trip to the emergency room in the middle. We were greeted with almost universal goodwill and the kindness of strangers. The life-changing trip became a life-affirming one. This journal, written at the end of each exhausting day, chronicles that journey. Two decades later, I have Interspersed reflections from my now-80-year-old point of view – hindsight from 2020. I muse on family and fatherhood, Americana and aging, serendipity and spirituality, perseverance and paying it forward, living in the moment, lighting the fire within, and a lesson from an encounter with a Beatle. This book is about not only a father-and-son quest and my autobiographical adventures, but also about the epic journey that we all experience. Come along for the ride! Read more