An Introduction from the Man Himself

The Romaniello Bike BLOG

By: Chuck and Leah (his 24 year old Niece) Romaniello

With the able assistance and absolutely necessary expertise of Jason Gardner -Bike Mechanic and Blog Kahuna

I know virtually nothing about blogs, have certainly never done one before, and wouldn’t now except for the generosity of Jason and The Bike Station where he works. Not only is Jason an experienced blogger but one hell of a bike mechanic at that. The Bike Station is one of those wonderful businesses that are beautifully balanced between being professional and personal. Less than a year ago I brought my 15+ year old Trek into the Bike Station and proposed, probably to their astonishment, that I was going to ride it across the country. I’m sure that the bike at the time looked more promising than its 62 year old (on the chunky side) motor. Since then I’ve put enough mileage on the thoroughly refurbished beast that both engine and bicycle have greatly enhanced probability of crossing the country. This however I must stress would not have been possible without the patience (perhaps endurance would be a better word) of the Bike Station and its extraordinary personnel who through the generous donation of their expertise have made the attempt at this trip possible.

Many of my friends are probably wondering at this point if Romaniello has finally lost it. Taking a bike trip across the country (4250 more or less miles) is admittedly a little dicey for a “moderately chunky” 62 year old. And taking his only blood niece Leah (24) on this adventure is probably even more baffling. Well in my defense let me ask then: after 32 years working mostly as an economist for the BLM what better cure would you recommend? And as for the adventure prone Leah, currently on route back to Tucson from Sarajevo, I’ll let her rave on about her motivations later. You have to admit though that the trip has a certain appeal especially after years of sitting in front of a computer screen. And to my friend Carl Barna who has highly recommended “I take the bus” I say fie upon the bus!

So here’s the plan: Take the train (July 11) and then bus to Florence OR. Leave Florence on July 15. Follow the Adventure Cycling Trans-America Rout to Rollins WY. Invent a way to Denver depending on our current feeling about mountain passes. Invent our way to Muscatine Iowa. And finally follow The Adventure Cycling Northern Tier Rout to Bar Harbor Maine arriving sometime around Oct 15. May I add that that means New England during foliation. Simple! The plan is also to be self- contained (camping) for the most part but staying at an occasional h/motel as the overwhelming need for a shower or inclement weather demands. So that’s it except to say that we plan to spend a few days in Denver letting Jason re-refurbish the bikes. We as much as humanly possible will contact Jason once a day updating this blog with phone calls, text messages, pictures and rambling observations and riveting political commentary as computers become available.

May the hills all be down hills, may the winds always be tail winds, may the roads be smooth and well marked, may the weather be perfect, and may the truckers have mercy.