Author: dkmamunes

Decorations welcoming me home Oregon will be remembered for their great state campgrounds, the high desert, Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a run in with a deer, ghost towns, national forests, John Day Fossil Beds, volcanic fields of McKenzie pass, devasted town of McKenzie Bridge, rocky coastline, and foggy finish in Astoria.  My first day in… Continue reading Goodbye Oregon, Hello Virginia Beach

Idaho will be remembered as the shortest distance covered in a state, more forest fires, truck accident seconds before me, long days with few places to stop, golden mountains, beautiful rivers, bike issues, Hells Canyon, and the river town of Riggins. I entered Idaho after a long climb up Lolo pass with poor air quality… Continue reading Goodby Idaho, hello Oregon

Montana will be remembered for it's smoke filled days, rock formations, cowboy wedding, fly fishing, side by side ride, Adventure Cycling headquarters, and Glacier National Park . I started off riding by beautiful Hebgen and Earthquake Lake, formed when a 7.5 magnitude earthquake devastated the area in 1959. One of the highlights of the state… Continue reading Goodbye Montana, Hello Idaho!

Wyoming will be remembered for my unique lodging, ghost towns, taxidermy, friendly hosts, wildlife, beautiful national parks, Indian reservations, and continental divide crossings. My first city in Wyoming was Saratoga where I soaked in the beautiful Hot Springs and stayed in a retro camper. Next off was Jefferson City, a ghost town that was 6000… Continue reading Good by Wyoming, hello Montana!

Colorado will be remembered for the halfway point of my journey, Rocky Mountains, welcoming fire stations, colorful murals and neon alley and Riverwalk of Pueblo, breathtaking gorges and mountain passes, mountain goats, moose, rocky mountain oysters, forest fires, snow capped mountains, hail storms, quirky town of Guffey, Breckenridge breweries, and small-town parades and rodeos. The… Continue reading Goodbye Colorado, hello Montana

Kansas will be remembered for it’s vast prairies, horseflies, golden wheat fields, wind turbines, cattle, strong headwinds, record breaking heat, Brahm’s ice cream, and welcoming churches. I should’ve known it was going to be a challenging state when I crossed the border and there was no “welcome to Kansas” sign but in the reverse there… Continue reading Goodby Kansas, hello Colorado

My first day in Illinois was spent going off my regular route to Garden of the Gods which had breathtaking views and rock formations created by millions of years of nature’s weathering forces. It was well worth the extra 15 miles to go off course. Unfortunately, the next two days in Illinois I spent in… Continue reading Goodbye Illinois and Missouri

Crossing into Kentucky 7 days ago As I sit on the banks of the Ohio River in Illinois reflecting on my travels through Kentucky, many wonderful memories come to mind. First and foremost are the wonderful people of Kentucky. I have never met such a transparent and welcoming group of people, telling their stories of… Continue reading Goodbye Kentucky

Dipping my wheel in the Chesapeake Bay First off, thank you for all of your donations and words of support over the last two weeks. With your generosity, over $8,000 has already been raised for CWA. After dipping my wheel in the Chesapeake Bay, I was on my way to Jamestown. The best part of… Continue reading LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN

Practice ride fully loaded on Elizabeth River Trail WHO - Recently retired Physical Therapist of 30 years and owner of Dynamic Health Services. Previously competitive triathlete and runner. Loves traveling and insatiably curious about other countries and cultures and has a heart for serving others. WHAT - Unsupported bicycle ride across country to raise funds… Continue reading ABOUT DIANE HAUPT