f.a.q.

What camera did you use for these pictures?
The camera I used was a Kodak DC4800 digital camera. It's a solid little number with good color quality, and if you're wondering, it's durable enough to survive a few falls from a bicycle.

Why did you go alone?
Because no one else wanted/was able to go with me. Sorry if you expected a more interesting answer.

Are those snakes real??!!
No. I frequently carry fake snakes with me, to spice up my time in the desert. Oh wait, no I don't...

How long did it take to plan this trip?
I've wanted to do this since I was in college, so call it six years of planning. In terms of actual planning, about 6 months -- mostly because I bought the equipment over time.

How did you train for this trip?
I carried six-packs of beer with me for like, you know, ages. Other than that, I rode myself into shape. Okay, I rode and walked myself into shape.

Why did you ride East-to-West? Isn't that harder?
Because of prevailing winds, the east-to-west crossing is considered significantly harder than the west-to-east crossing. You also have to ride the toughest part of the trip -- the Appalachians -- in the first week, if you ride east-to-west. I still think the east-to-west is the only way to go. Would you rather start in a populated area, with the goal and motivation of reaching the west, or would you rather coast through beautiful country, eventually approaching the crowded Atlantic states? I'll take the former. As for tailwinds, I've never been the kind of person that takes the easy route. You're riding a freaking bicycle across the US. Do it right.

Do you have any plans to do this again?
One day, yes. No immediate plans, though.

Do you still live in NYC, the City Than Never Bathes Sleeps?
Hell no.

How much weight did you lose on your trip?
I lost 28 pounds. I mentioned this in my journal. Reading comprehension for the win!

What would you do differently?
I would have brought lightweight rain gear, instead of that Gore-Tex nightmare I carried everywhere. I would have never taken the stove and cooking equipment, since I rode solo and it became a pain in the butt to cook and clean everything every night. I would have dipped my tires, even though I was freaked out. I wouldn't have tried Rhubarb pie from a gas station.

What was the hardest part of the trip?
Getting up every morning and packing everything up, knowing that I would have to do it again and again and again. Once I was on the bike, it was easy. Again, something that would have been easier with another rider to help.

Your tent looks enormous! Why didn't you use a smaller tent?
Because I didn't have one. Duh.

Sounds like you hated your trip. All you did was sleep late and complain. What gives?
I don't know where to begin answering this one. I'll start here. And here. You may also want to try this.

Why are you so mean?
Better question: why are you so ugly? Refer to the previous answer.

Did you really drink all of that beer?
No, of course not. Don't be absurd. I definitely spilled some on at least two occasions.

Are you going to keep your Web site up? Thanks!
Yes, it will stay up as long as my site is online.

Bah, a bike with two wheels, big deal. If you wanted a challenge, you could have done it on a bike with one wheel.
Or even harder, a bike with no wheels! I bet I just blew your mind.

Four months!!! What took you so long?
What took you so ugly? Actually, I took my time so that I would enjoy the trip.