In the summers of 2003 and 2004, I cycled the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from the Canadian border at Roosville, Mont., to the Mexican border at Douglas, Ariz. This 2,470-mile adventure followed single track trails, forest service, and BLM roads through some of the most pristine and beautiful portions of the United States. Maps of the trail were provided by Adventure Cycling Association in Missoula, Mont.

I am a 60-year-old, retired research instrument designer and have been bicycling for over 30 years. This was my first bicycle tour and it would not have been possible without the support of my wife Mary Ann.

Based on this experience, in August 2005, I was asked by my niece, Leona Dalton, assistant women’s rowing coach and masters degree graduate of Washington College in Chestertown, if I was interested in biking across the country. Of course, I have always had this desire to ride cross country and this would be an ideal opportunity! My wife appreciates this and once again has supported my decision Other participants who caught the fever were Beth Rideout, a 2005 graduate of Washington College and a friend of Leona’s, another niece, Elizabeth Schwartz, a third-year English major at Maryland-Baltimore County and Nile, a retired scientist and old friend. Nile would only be able to go for the first two weeks due to other commitments, but I will pester him in hopes that he will cancel them and continue on with us.

Tentative plans on trip route, timing, and expenditures were discussed over the winter. There is some reason to believe that going west to east would allow us to take advantage of prevailing winds and there is some reason to believe the stories of coastal winds blowing east up the Columbia River Valley. So starting in the Northwest at Seaside, Ore., and following the Lewis and Clark Trail in the bicentennial year of their return from the west, would be an ideal route to St Louis. Seaside is the site of the expedition’s Salt Camp.

In St. Louis we'll pick up the TransAmerica trail and finish in Yorktown, Va. This trail was first started at the Bicentennial Celebration of 1976.

Trails are really misnomers since both, for the most part, are along secondary paved roads. The route has been mapped, with historical sites, campsites, motels/hotels, B&B’s, bike shops, grocery stores, and restaurants marked with addresses, and phone numbers by the Adventure Cycling Association.

It seemed only natural that the best start time would be when the usually wet weather in the Northwest had subsided and when college classes were over. Given that the route would take us almost 10 weeks, camping, with minimal hotel/motel stops, is a financial necessity. Expecting to do about 60-70 miles a day, we will fly to Portland, Ore. on June 2 to start pedaling June 4 and with good luck, low winds and low hills, be home by mid-August.

Using the equipment list I used for prior trips, we have been actively working on minimizing the total weight we need to carry. Lightweight gear is essential and items that can be used for multiple purposes are highly regarded. Since we will be going through grizzly country, bear spray is necessary. Careful packing so that food and scented items are combined for hoisting into a tree at night is also necessary. A tool pouch for minor repairs, flats, etc., will be carried by all. Since bike repair shops have been located along the trail, major repairs shouldn’t be a worry. One problem we have is that the first leg of the journey will be over the Cascades and the Great Divide where the temperatures are likely to be low, with the distinct possibility of snow.

Well, the adventure has begun. The bicycles and bike trailers have been shipped to Seaside and will be reassembled by the local bike shop. Flights have been purchased and training has been ongoing. Hopefully, all is in order.

For me, the adventure is not only the challenge but the serendipity. Always something new, someone interesting to meet, good compatriots, beautiful scenery and a simpler way to live.

For the young college grads and students I am accompanying, I am sure that the adventure is the challenge ... over 4,300 miles in less than 10 weeks! For some, this is the first adventure away from family, school, and obligations. A chance to see the United States in the most informal way — up close. There is also the dependence that one has on each member to safely struggle through the miles, hills and wind. There is the sharing of this struggle, the sights and sounds of the trip and the general camaraderie. What better way to see and experience the Lewis and Clark Expedition? What better way to appreciate the size and scope of this country?