Katherine deciding between Triple Chocolate Penetration and Maple Blazer Blunt at Portland’s Voodoo Doughnut. She took the majority of the pictures on our West Coast drive from Portland to LA, so I’ll let you know when she puts them up.
So the bike trip has ended, and it was incredible. I saw more breathtaking scenery than I could possibly document…
Grass, Forest, Mountain, Sky in Yellowstone National Park
…met more amazing people supportive of this ride than I could possibly thank…
Anne, as usual, being charismatic, crazy, and contagious
…and received more uninhibited kindness than I could possibly reciprocate.
Steve, my first CouchSurfing host, opening his cabin for me for the night
Which is why saying the bike trip has “ended” isn’t exactly accurate, because its effects still linger in me. I want to explore more of the U.S. (and the world), of which this ride merely gave me a taste. I want to meet, swap stories with, and learn from the type of people to whom this ride introduced me. Most of all, I want to give more unconditional kindness of which I received so much on this ride. The kind that doesn’t hesitate or expect anything in return. Yeah, this trip definitely has not ended.
If you have any interest in a ride like this, do it! Better now than putting it off again…and again…and never getting around to it. Tell everyone that you’re going to do it, so when you’re still on the couch, they’ll encourage you to get out there…like positive peer pressure. Ask around – you may put together your bike/trip entirely on donations. Don’t worry about fancy gear; an old road/mountain bike frame and sturdy wheels will do. Plan a route. Or don’t plan a route. Give yourself 3 months. Or a year. Take your time. Take smaller roads. But not gravel roads. Meet people. Smile. And carry pepper spray for the dogs in Kentucky.
‘Til next time,
Tall Guy on a Bike/White Giant
Tall Guy on a Bike 
Posted by Stephanie Marnocha on October 7, 2011 at 8:08 pm
Brandon! Congrats once again on your amazing accomplishment! You are truly an inspiration, and like you said, now’s the time to get out and do it! Where are your adventures taking you next?
Posted by bcline909 on October 12, 2011 at 8:27 pm
thanks Steph! for now, I’ve moved back to Charlottesville – living with friends, looking for a job, and enjoying life 🙂 who knows what’s next…maybe Appalachian Trail 2013?
Posted by Sam on October 10, 2011 at 3:39 am
This is awesome! Congrats on your trip, it was fun and very inspiring to read along.
Posted by bcline909 on October 12, 2011 at 8:28 pm
thanks Sam! I’ve also been stalking your blog – glad you got to attend Kevin’s wedding! I was able to see a lot of my fraternity brothers in town and heard it was a great time. keep rocking med school!