Michael Embarks on TransAmerica Bicycle Journey
bitstring_111: In 2022, Michael, a Colorado-based adventurer, embarked on an epic journey - cycling across the United States on the infamous TransAmerica Trail. This daunting endeavor spanned an astonishing 84 days, covering approximately 4,200 miles from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia.
Before setting off on this remarkable voyage, Michael hadn't pedaled more than 10 miles in a single trip. His audacious spirit, determination, and resilience propelled him through this monumental adventure, leaving him with no bicycle-packing experience under his belt.
In the interview below, Michael reveals his inspirations, challenges, and life advice. We've got all the juicy deets, so read on to get inspired by this fellow traveler.
Ashley: Let's kick things off by introducing yourself!
Michael: Hey there! I'm Michael Longo, hailing from Quincy, Illinois, and currently living in Denver, Colorado. I'm passionate about the great outdoors - anything related to hiking, camping, and skiing in the mountains is right up my alley. Colorado's magnificent landscapes have always lured me in, and I've made it my homebase because of my undying love for skiing.
I first visited Colorado in the 7th grade, and ever since that Winter Park vacation, I knew I had to live out west someday. After college, I made it happen, leaving Illinois behind and embracing the Colorado lifestyle.
Ashley: Do you have any furry friends tagging along for the ride?
Michael: Most definitely! My best buddy is a mix breed -Border Collie / Australian Shepherd with some Bernese Mountain Dog in him. He goes by Bennie and is five years old. Bennie's my little adventure partner! I saved him when he was just a year old when he was running wild on an Indian reservation in Utah. He was a steal at only $75, and I can't say enough good things about the money I spent on him.
Ashley: Bennie's a keeper, alright! What's your current favorite quote?
Michael: My go-to mantra is something like - seize the moment and enjoy the now, as life goes by pretty quickly. It's all about living in the moment and not worrying too much about the future or the past.
Ashley: That's a fantastic attitude for Colorado life!
Michael: For sure!
Ashley: Now, let's delve into your incredible 2022 TransAmerica Trail adventure. In plain English, what is this trail, man?
Michael: I'd call it an once-in-a-lifetime challenge that tests the very limits of human endurance. This epic adventure offers a mix of highs and lows, pushing you mentally and physically to your limits. You're in for an adventure of a lifetime that you might never experience again.
Ashley: Sounds amazing, in a positive way, right?
Michael: Absolutely!
Ashley: You said it took you 84 days?
Michael: Exactly, 84 days. And approximately 4,200 miles. I started in Astoria, Oregon, and ended in Yorktown, Virginia. However, I had to alter my route due to wildfires and flooding in Yellowstone. I took a detour through Utah and Colorado instead.
Ashley: Why eastbound, though?
Michael: Honestly, I didn't have a particular reason for choosing to go eastbound. I'm a family guy, and I knew if I ended in Virginia, my family could come and see me cross the finish line. Astoria would have been a bit more challenging for them to reach. So, everything boiled down to seeing my family at the finish line.
Ashley: That's heartwarming. I'm sure it was a special moment.
Michael: Yeah, it was definitely emotional. Thinking about it now gives me chills. The finish line in Yorktown is called the Victory Monument - it's the official end of the TransAmerica bike route. My family was there, sporting custom-made t-shirts and celebrating with champagne. It was a pretty rewarding end to an incredible journey.
Ashley: That's fantastic! I'm glad your family was there.
Michael: Same here! They were an integral part of my support system.
Ashley: And just a heads up, they were a big part of your inspiration for the journey?
Michael: Hmm. In a sense, yes. The inspiration came from my desire to test my own physical and mental limits. The idea stayed with me, and luckily, I had the opportunity to make it a reality.
I was drawn to the beauty of long-distance cycling after chatting with a cyclist while visiting Breckenridge, Colorado. That brief conversation sparked my curiosity, and I knew I had to explore more about the TransAmerica Trail.
Ashley: Well, it's quite the adventure. Did you have any prior experience outside of that one conversation?
Michael: Ha! You're kidding, right? Before this ride, the longest distance I'd ever cycled was 10 miles. That's the beauty of this journey - it doesn't require a professional athlete or seasoned cyclist. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve almost anything.
Ashley: It's true! So let's rewind to the month before you started. Where were you mentally and physically leading up to the trip?
Michael: I moved back to Quincy, Illinois, to begin my training and prep for the trip. I bought an 80-dollar bike from a friend and had it tuned up at a local bike shop. Then I started training, though I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive about the trip. The nerves really kicked in the closer the start date got.
But I was so excited to get going that I couldn't help but push through the fear. When the train left Illinois, I knew there was no turning back. It was now or never!
Physically, I felt good, but I did experience a minor scare a week before the start. I blew out my Achilles tendon while jump roping at the gym, but thankfully, it turned out to be just a strain. A family friend who's a physical therapist advised me to save the strenuous activities for after the trip, and I followed his advice.
Ashley: But it ended up working itself out, right?
Michael: Indeed! The first week on the bike was tough, but it all worked out in the end.
Ashley: Moving on to the highs and lows of the journey, what would you say was your highest high of the whole thing?
Michael: I think the highlight was conquering the McKenzie Pass on the first mountain range. Knowing that I had taken on and completed the second hardest pass on the entire route was a monumental moment. It was one of the toughest days I've ever had physically, but the mental victory was unparalleled. I actually cried with relief when I reached the top.
Ashley: A cry of relief, huh?
Michael: Yep, absolutely.
Ashley: And to flip that around, what would you say was your lowest low of the journey?
Michael: The first two weeks were pretty rough. I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the journey ahead. I started to doubt myself a bit and felt the weight of being away from family and friends on a solo odyssey. However, after those first two weeks, I got into a routine and focused on savoring the moment instead of fretting about the distance ahead.
Ashley: And it seems like this philosophy of living in the moment is something that's reflected in the lifestyle you live overall?
Michael: That's right - I had embraced that mindset prior to the ride, but the bike journey solidified it for me. I'll carry that lesson with me for the rest of my life.
Ashley: Was there any unexpected lesson or moment during the journey that stands out to you?
Michael: I learned that you can get caught up in all the negative things around you, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to human connection. People are inherently helpful and want to see each other succeed. During my ride, I encountered numerous instances of kindness and generosity from strangers - offering food, water, shelter, and companionship. That's something I hope to pay forward whenever I can.
Ashley: That's a powerful reminder. Speaking of paying it forward, you rode the TransAmerica Trail for a cause, right?
Michael: Yes, I biked for Street Soccer USA, a non-profit that helps people in low-income areas to have a safe space to play soccer. I've always been passionate about soccer, and this organization resonated with me. They help develop communities through sport, which is important to me.
Ashley: Any particularly memorable moments or encounters along the way?
Michael: Oh, definitely! In Tennessee, I met a little boy named Christopher. He saw me on the school bus and then biked with me for 10 miles. Later on, I met his neighbor, who told me he had biked from the Mexican border to the Canadian border in his forties. They both were incredibly kind, and it was such a special experience.
Ashley: Christopher and his neighbor sound like gems!
Michael: They were awesome! This community spirit is something I'll always treasure from my ride.
Ashley: So of all the preparation you did, what would you say was an unexpected lesson or moment during the ride?
Michael: I think the most valuable lesson was the importance of human connection and the kindness of strangers. This journey reminded me that people genuinely want to help and support each other. I met countless individuals who went out of their way to lend a helping hand, offer advice, and share their homes with me.
Ashley: For anyone interested in taking on a journey like this, what tips would you offer them?
Michael: A'ight, first things first - make sure you research your route and are well-prepared. Gear up with the best equipment you can afford. You don't have to go all-out, but quality matters, especially for a multi-day adventure like this.
Second, embrace the fear. Embrace the uncomfortable feelings, as that's how you grow. And remember - fear can be overcome with determination, planning, and preparation. With the right mindset, it's easier to charge forward.
Ashley: Embrace the fear - love it!
Michael: That's my mantra!
Ashley: So, if there's any dreamer out there who wants to embark on something but is unsure, what advice would you offer them?
Michael: I'd say - chase your dreams, conquer your fears, and make your mark. If you let fear hold you back, you'll miss out on some incredible experiences. Live life to its fullest and chase what truly makes your heart sing.
And remember - you're stronger and braver than you think. Embrace challenges, as they lead to growth and personal development. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, because that's where the magic happens.
Now get out there and discover your own fears, so you can overcome them!
- Michael hails from Quincy, Illinois, but currently resides in Denver, Colorado, where he embraces the Colorado lifestyle, which focuses on outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
- Michael's favorite pet is a mix breed dog named Bennie, who serves as a loyal adventure partner.
- Michael's favorite quote is, "Seize the moment and enjoy the now, as life goes by pretty quickly." This quote reflects his philosophy of living in the moment and not focusing too much on the past or future.
- The TransAmerica Trail is an epic challenge that pushes cyclists to their mental and physical limits, offering a unique adventure spanning across the United States, from the West Coast to the East.
- Cycling the TransAmerica Trail requires no extensive cycling experience; rather, it highlights the significance of having a strong determination and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances.
- Overcoming the McKenzie Pass on the first mountain range was a monumental accomplishment and one of Michael's highest moments during the TransAmerica Trail journey.
