Home: Day56, Mile3360: Alexandria, VA

This morning saw the sunrise over Washington DC as I pedaled through the night fueled by a thirst to get home and an adrenaline waterfall 3,360 miles across America. I made it home to Washington DC where I pause to collect myself and begin coming to terms with the incredible adventure which began in San Francisco California 2 months ago. Here the bike and I are pictured with front tire in the Cheasapeake Bay watershed of the Atlantic Ocean.

Bike Broke: Day 55: Harper's Ferry, WV

Two symmetric breaks below the seat post have developed on either side of the bike frame here. The ironic thing is that this Titanium frame cracked at the ‘bomb proof’ decals. This event brought a rush of emotions as I imagined our trip come to an end. But it is not broken yet! I am going to press on for the last 60 miles. At least now we can say, ‘George Makrinos broke a titanium frame’.

Final Stage : 360 Miles Home

The Great Allegheny Passage and Cumberland and Ohio (C&O) Canal trails will offer almost 360 miles of uninterupted bicycle passage from Pittsburgh PA to Alexandria VA. Ahead for me is one last week of travel and one tenth of the overall bicycle across America mileage.

Welcome : Day 43, 2464mi. Crown Point, IN.

As it began to get dark on the first day in Indiana, I was approached by a fellow rider who noticed my gear and asked where I was riding. I replied, ‘Across America’, adding ‘Can you point me in the direction of a campground?’ He answered, ‘Yeah, my backyard – come on’. I followed him home where his wife Rose had dinner and cold beers waiting. We shared stories of the West and our love for the outdoors. After a shower and sleep on their couch, Brad joined me for the first 10 miles this morning. This is Indiana, America.

With Family : Day 41, 2394mi. Chicago, IL.

This weekend, I toured North to Chicago for an awesome weekend with family. Here I found myself in the midst of four generations: grandma Makrinos (pictured), my aunt, cousin and daughter. This was the first time I was referred to as ‘Uncle George’. Cousin Nico (pictured pointing East) rode almost 50 miles with me; meeting on arrival in the Western suburbs and guiding us toward Lake Michigan and out of the metropolitan region to my next state, Indiana.

Bike Jacked : Day 40, 2300mi. Dixon, IL.

Thanks to Bill Peterson for sharing the following cartoon to illustrate that rising fuel prices, a growing awareness of environmental issues and the popularity for the recreational sport has fueled a rise in demand for bicycles around the world. It is Day 42 on the road and the bike and I have survived hijack free of the crazed SUVs.

Pleasant Suprises : Day 37, 2082mi. Oskaloosa, IA.

Prior to this experience, my understanding of our great country had been largely unknown because I had heard of places such as 'Iowa' from a distance. To roam by bike through Oskaloosa is to absorb the rain, be blown by its wind and slowly transformed by the soul of our country. The tremendous effort invested teaches me that as I strive to be better, everything around me becomes better too. I look forward to many pleasant suprises in Iowa.

Two New Tires : Day 35, 1982mi. Adel, IA.

Soon we will cross the 2000th mile and by that mark you will have raised a dollar per mile since the start in San Francisco. Thank you!
I will share the following story : Jeremy Thaxton saw the photo of my flat tire 8 miles from the Wyoming border and sent 'Don't worry about the tire, I'll take care of it'. It took me back to an experience a few months prior when I met an Iranian couple who were cycling around the world for peace. The husband had a flat that I replaced with the words 'What goes around comes around' aware that the future would conspire to help me too.

Rest and Reflect : Day 29, 1592mi. Gothenburg, NE

The Pony Express Inn's owner, Eric offered a second night 'on the house'. I said, 'it is a good day'. He replied, 'we all try'. Following some talk about ourselves and the town, I returned to my room and to the book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. To paraphrase this morning's reading I can say this trip has taught me something important: that there is a language in the world that everyone understands. A language that I use throughout the time I am bicycling across America. It is the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired. Paulo adds, 'when you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it'. I have accepted a day of rest and reflection in Gothenburg, 183 miles into Nebraska on day 30 and mile 1590.