The trip highlights center around the encounters with the many people met along the way. Seattle, the mountains, the plains, the lakes, the East. Each with it’s own culture. Culture must surely be that which has evolved over time and that which works for the area. To experience and feel these differences adds to the adventure.

The bike used was a RANS Phoenix. A former tour was on a RANS Stratus. The handling characteristics of the Phoenix showed a marked improvement over the Stratus although the Stratus was easy to ride. Incidents involving the bike were limited to two flat tires, one broken spoke and a failing free hub.

The experience was a positive one and is certainly recommended for any who care to undertake such. The challenges are less physical and more mental/emotional than one might expect. Adjustments can be made along the way to minimize those challenges.

James and his RANS Phoenix have successfully made the trip across the United States! He has the bike packed up and ready to ship. Tomorrow, September 25, he flies home!

RANS Phoenix

James spent last night in Brunswick Maine. Today he’s riding along a very busy highway. He’s got around 80-85 miles to ride today. Tomorrow he has only 50 miles to ride before Bar Harbor! Tuesday, he flies home.

Brunswick elevation 62 ft
Bar Harbor elevation 52 ft

James stopped in Woodsville New Hampshire for night. Only 288 miles to go!

Woodsville elevation 456 ft.

James stopped tonight just outside of Sharon Vermont. He is staying at a bed and breakfast owned by bike tour guides who are currently in Ontario. The other tenant isn’t there either. Power went out so no shower till it comes back on. He is 75 miles east of New York.

Sharon elevation 500 ft.

James stopped tonight in Raquette Lake, New York, which is located in the Adirondack Mountain Range. The 4th of July saw 10,000 people there which diminishes to less than 100 permanent residents for winter. Annual snowfall is upwards of 400 inches.

Raquette elevation, 1,762 ft.

James is in Port Ontario, in northern New York! Latest mile count is only 587 miles to go!

Port Ontario elevation is 243 ft.

Crossing back into the United States proved to be a challenge as the bridge was under construction. Finally he was given permission to ride with traffic and said it went fine.

James is in Ridgetown Ontario. He’s enjoyed a nice cool day today. Tomorrow’s plans are to ride to Alymer where he’ll spend Sunday waiting out the rain.

Ridgetown elevation 650 ft.
Alymer elevation 774 ft.

James rode 95 miles today. He’ll spend tonight in a motel at Marysville, MI. He is 20 miles from Ontario.

Marysville elevation 610 ft.

It’s laundry day in Frankenmuth, MI. He’s 100m on bike route from Ontario.

Frankenmuth elevation 633ft