Thank you.
To those who have helped me fight off the demons and have motivated me to keep on going.
Without you, I would not have made it this far.
Anthony from the Philly Police
I was clearly heading down the wrong street in the wrong part of town. I had a real bad feeling. Luckily I saw a police car and knocked on Anthony's window. He told me to turn around - crack and crime was all that lay ahead. He sent me on a better road and then gave me his cell in case I needed more help. That was the exact boost of confidence I needed. Thank you for getting me back on track!
Richard Drumm from Charlottesville, VA
Richard came across my Facebook page when I was still in CA. He's been virtually cheering me on for the past 2,500 miles. Thank you for all the "likes" and encouraging notes. Great to meet you for a coffee, and I can't wait to tune into your 365 Days of Astronomy podcast.
Shanti from Shanti Yoga Haven, Knoxville, TN
I could not have been more lucky to wind up at Shanti's home. She started as my airbnb host but has become a lifelong friend. From her chia pudding to her fantastic yoga/qigong classes, it was hard for me to leave. So I didn't -- I stayed an extra night. I am now a Qigong believer.
Nancy (Nan) Felton from Positive Energy Massage, Fort Smith, AR
I rolled into Fort Smith, AR in need of a serious massage. Suzy from the Beland Manor called up Nan. She came to the B&B and gave me the ultimate massage. As if that wasn't good enough, she invited me to her family BBQ for the 4th of July. I felt the love!
Gary Gardo and the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry
I couldn't think of a better Saturday morning -- biking burritos to those hungry in Memphis. Gary took me under his wing, showing me the burrito assembly line; we cranked out 250 burritos. I had a blast with the group delivering the burritos and then hanging with Gary & his wife at the Farmers Market. Dream morning!
Marie from the Walton Hotel, Carthage, TN
Marie was so gracious, welcoming me to her hotel and then going above and beyond by reaching out to the local paper and chamber of commerce. The next morning, if felt like I had the whole town, including the Mayor, outside waiting to chat. Marie, thank you for making Carthage, TN feel like home.
Ryan Groves, CEO Wishing Well
I met Ryan at Elemental Cafe in Oklahoma City. He was incredibly engaging and informative opening up his network to me. Thanks to Ryan I was able to meet Water4.org and attend a cycling event. You made my visit to OKC. Thank you and good luck with your documentary!
Amanda & David, Roadrunner Lodge
Not only is this one of the best motels on Route66, but Amanda and David have hearts of gold. I lost my SPOT satelite device while riding there. Without a thought, they graciously lent me their truck to retrace my steps. Sadly the device was run over, but I'll never forget their kindness.
Pedro and Tony from NM Bike n Sport
Pedro, you are a PC god. Thank you for having the right computer to update my battery software. And thank you for fixing my rear view mirror -- my most valued piece of equipment. Tony, you have a great store with the best employees!
Angela, Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
You are the most warm and welcoming face to the hotel. When I asked you to store my rig for the night, you were committed to find a way. It's large, but because of your ingenuity we were able to find the perfect, safe spot. Thank you for providing me piece of mind. Keep on smiling!
Cecil
You are my solar angel. I came into an auto service center broken down & looking for an ohmmeter. You were quick to help. Little did I know, you didn't even work there. You not only had the meter but you brought your electrical engineering skills to the table, soldering my solar wires together. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Good luck to you and your fam in NY!
Mom & Dad
I'm so lucky to have the two of you! Dad, you are brilliant and the reason I was able to put this bike together. Thank you for the endless hours in the garage. And mom, you are brave and courageous. Thank you for your unconditional support, love and being my Chief of Safety.
Boyd and Josh Long from Roanoke, VA
You and your family are an inspiration. Thank you for inviting me into your home, cooking up one of the best meals I've had, and keeping my rig safe. I loved spending time with all of you. I hope one day to have a family just like yours!
Leslie, Airbnb host in Blacksburg, VA
Upon arriving to Leslie's home, I felt like we had been friends for years. Without asking, she reached out to her network to see who I could meet in Blacksburg. Thanks to Leslie, I was able to meet a number of professors at VT. Thank you for connecting me to the community and gifting me an American flag!
Randy Schonagen from Bearden Bike & Trail, Knoxville, TN
I arrived on the brink of a storm. I had a busted tail light and needed a custom replacement. Randy was incredibly helpful, giving me a new light and securing it to my solar panel. And then the sky opened up and it started pouring. He invited me to stay for lunch and talk bikes. A rainy dream!
Clark Butcher and the team at Victory Bicycles
My trailer was detached but Clark and team came to my rescue. Without a thought, they replaced my axle and tuned up my bike post the Memphis incident. As if that wasn't enough, they invited me to Friday beers and some sweet Victory swag. Best bike shop. Hands down!
Suzy & Mike, Beland Manor Inn Fort Smith, AR
I stumbled across the Beland Manor, and I could not have been any luckier. Suzy and Mike are the best hosts. They not only cook a delicious breakfast, but aslo insanely good home-made granola and bread. To top it off, they landed me an interview with the local paper. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Kyle from Absolute Bikes in Flagstaff
Thanks to you my bike is humming again, friction free. I sure killed that rotor, but I'm happy to know it'll gain a new life with your creative sculpturing. I can't wait to see the final product!
Mandy & Maria
Thank you for welcoming me into the Banning Police Department and helping me find a way to cross the 2.5 mile stretch. Maria, you made it happen by graciously offering your truck and driving me. Good karma coming your way!
Scott (left) and Aaron (right) you two are studs.
Scott, you set my dream on fire by believing in me and lining up a Turbo S e-bike. I owe it all to you! Aaron, I'll be singing your praise every day I mount the bike, knowing it was fit perfectly for my body geometry.
Wes Warfield
You are extremely talented. Your passion for videography and photography runs deep. You have given your heart to this project and ever ounce of creativity. From drone flights to interviews, you bring magic to the screen. Thank you for joining me on this journey, from Day-1.
Leslie
Spending a day with an old friend never felt so good. Thank you and Andrew for driving up and showing me Flag. I had an absolute blast and as usual, you brought the festiveness.
Kingsley and Kat
I could not have done this without you. Thank you for the extra hours of engineering wisdom and helping build the solar panel. You two are brilliant and SunPower is lucky to have you.
Patricia Sparks, GM Best Western North East Inn
I arrived haggered. It was a rough day on the road - flat tire, lost bag, bloody knee, a 25-mile detour. But it was all washed away once I met Patricia. She greeted me with enthusiasm and incredible generosity. From the room rate to the upgraded suite, I was back in the game. Thank you for your kindness.
Kurt, founder of Magic Hands Repair in Blacksburg, VA
Kurt came to my rescue, repairing my shattered iphone. It took him no time at all to replace my screen, but it was the conversation about attending Virginia Tech and career ambitions that was the most rewarding. Kurt, I hope you explore the potential of the solar industry!
Rob Carter, FedEx, Memphis TN
You meet Rob and you feel inspired by his perspectives, demeanor, and knowledge. Thanks to Rob I was able to meet the FedEx team and also indulge in a fantastic dinner in Memphis. And to top it off, he got me the invitation to Blackberry Farm. I can't thank you enough Rob! Your generosity astounds.
Sam Beall, Blackberry Farm Walland, TN
Rob Carter, a friend from FedEx, is my hero. He reached out to cycling enthusiast Sam Beall from Blackberry Farm, and I was invited to stay at the farm. It was an experience of a lifetime. The setting, the food, the people - I'll never forget the beauty and generosity from Sam and his team.
Mike from Super 8 Downtown Memphis
I arrived to the Super 8 in pieces with a detached trailer and some battle wounds. Even though I was not staying at the Super 8, Mike made me feel right at home and got me back on my feet. Thank you for transporting my solar panel and being my uber driver to FedEx
Mark (left) Tosh (right), Pickup Parts & Sales
I slowly rolled in to Pickup Parts in Meeker, OK with a broken solar cable. This is Round 2 of one of the wires breaking because of friction. I was so lucky to meet Tosh who said, "You got to talk to Mark." Mark is the King Mechanic. who soldered and reinforced my wires. I couldn't been luckier. Thank you for your time, skills & Alaska stories Mark!
Karl
Your are a fairing wizard, designing and hand building the most efficienct windshield structure to increase streamlining and reduce drag. Touring Zzipper in Santa Cruz and spending time with you was one of the most memorable days.
David Thawley
You are the ultimate leader. When I shared my dream with you, you lit up and said we will find a way. I've never met a more supportive CEO that believes and has the back of each and every employee. You inspire Dave.
Diya, my Airbnb host in Sedona
You were a wonderful host, making me feel right at home and giving me insight into Sedona. Thank you for the great dialogue and for having the most handy, bike savvy son. I appreciate the tune up!
Lindsay
Thank you for being the best personal shopper, fitting me with the right athletic wear -- from tights to recovery wear, Lululemon clothes are the best! I'll never forget this remarkable shopping spree.
Daniel from Palm Desert Cyclery
I arrived with what I thought was a broken bike. Without hesitation you began working on it and quickly fixed it. You are the bike whisperer and it is clear that you love what you do. Thank you, and the entire shop, for getting me back on the road.