I received an awesome pin of a cowboy on a horse in the mail today from my new friend in Wyoming! Each state's Department of Transportation web site usually contains a contact for a "Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator." So far, I'd say they are the nicest folks in the world!
I've sent eMails of our planned bike route to the "Bicycle Coordinator" in Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota.
Talbot from Wyoming responded with, "Looks like you're going to have an excellent adventure and please let me be the 1st to welcome you to our state." Wow! He also provided advice on how to alter my route to take in more of the "spectacular scenery in Wyoming!" Then, he sent me a pin!! Other information sent to me from Wyoming stated, "With only a half-million people in the ninth largest state, Wyoming is just a small town with really long streets! Really, really, really long! It also said, "While you're here, Wyoming may start to feel like home." Yep, it already does!!
My new friend, Craig from South Dakota gave me a great route across his state with directions like, "you turn east near an old metal pole barn." He closed with, "Please let me know if I can be of further service." I am going to LOVE Western, small town, HOSPITALITY!!
Oregon sent oodles of information. Jeff had written, "Bonnie, that's a great looking itinerary - I'm envious! He also wrote, "If you have any other cycling-related questions (routes, campgrounds, etc) about Oregon be sure to let me know!" My husband, John said that he feels sorry for the guy!! As if I will be a pest!!
I love Montana too! They sent information describing their State. They started with their rules which said, "Montana has NO BICYCLE-USE RESTRICTIONS of any kind on state or federal highways and interstates." Ha! We should learn a bit about simplifying some of our rules and regulations here in the East! They also wrote about their wild life. "Montana has BIG WILD CRITTERS (moose, deer, elk, bear, raccoon, porcupine, wolf, tyrannosaurus rex....)" I wonder if the dinosaurs are for this Jersey Girl who wouldn't know a moose from an elk from a deer!
I can't wait to meet so many new friends along our route!
Other news....Jack is taking a Bicycle Repair Class at the Wooden Wheel in Newark, DE. It's comforting to know that I'll be traveling with my own bicycle mechanic :-).....We've started to receive donations from a few very generous donors! Currently, we are 11% to our goal of raising $5,000 for Special Olympics! Thank-you!......I'm easing into camping----I slept on our new air mat one night on the floor! Soon, I'm going to put up the tent in the back yard and sleep outside and from there, I'm going to move it to the row of pine trees! Hopefully, by June, I'll be an experienced camper!
Counting down the days!
