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I asked Jon & Rich to say something to our followers reflecting their feelings and experiences of the eight days they spent on the TAT. Rich gave me a verbal statement as his response, and said I'd be able to paraphrase it satisfactory Jon must have thought it was a homework assignment, and wrote me a response. I will transcribe that response now;
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Many things come to mind that make The Transamerica Trail unique and memorable to me.The first thing is the remoteness of much of the area traveled.You can travel for miles without seeing any vehicles, or in many instances any homes or people. When you do see people, most are very friendly and wave at you as you go by.The local people and merchants have become aware of and positive towards the riders as more and more riders use the trail. We even ran into two instances where store owners are keeping a log book for riders to sign into as they pass through town.
The scenery is diverse and can be very beautiful. Looking down from the top of the Ozark National Forest is a sight n I will never forget.
Riding every day is challenging, as the conditions are always changing. this has helped to sharpen my riding skills. I know the practice we did before the trip helped when I started doing things by reflex rather than having to think about how to react.
All in all, traveling The Transamerica Trail is not for everyone. If you enjoy challenging conditions, meeting interesting and friendly people, and seeing beautiful unspoiled countryside, then riding "The Trail" is for nyou.
I'm glad I was able to ride part of it (Tennessee to Oklahoma) and hope to be able to do more in the future.
Jonathan Gage- Canandaigua, NY- 8/16/2010
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Rich's observations and feelings are very similar. He enjoyed seeing rural America and meeting the local people the most. The small towns with their unique gas stations, restaurants and people were a big part of the trip for him. Even getting separated and somewhat lost one afternoon, turned into a memorable experience when Rich stopped at a very rural cabin in the Ozark National Forest. The elderly gentleman immediately wanted to share his place with Rich, and gave him a tour and complete history of the property. He gave him the needed directions to get out of the mountain and into Clarksville, and wished him God speed. Rich then proceeded to travel the longest six miles, on the toughest road he has ever ridden, but made it to the hard road and to the motel, happy for his new found experience.
Riches one impression of the rural areas he feels strongly about, is how important it is for this generation and future generations to properly care for and preserve this great treasure given us. It is apparent our fore-fathers weren't always the best stewards of the land. It has to be preserved and respected or it will be lost forever.
Rich said he wished he could continue with us, as each day the trip got better and better.
Richard Joki- Prattsburg, NY- 8-16-2010
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| Break-time in the forest. Off to the reading room we go.... |
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| Break time in the mountains- Is that a traveling Nome sitting on the rock under the shade tree? |
I have loved following this journey. I'm sure you are sorry to see it end Jon. Have a safe ride home and good luck to the rest of you continuing on. Hope the ankle is ok to finish your ride.
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