Folker’s arrival last week signified that the rapidly approaching start of our summer cycling adventure that will take us up the length of the Atlantic Coast is danger close. Upon his arrival from the Netherlands, it was as if we had not missed a beat as we immediately fell right back into joking with each other. Shenanigans.

My family and some local cycling friends were obviously eager to meet the legend himself during the couple days we had before our departure eastbound. We definitely kept Folker busy with a family dinner, a bike bus appearance, a hike at Multnomah Falls and even a happy hour with my new local Coalition cycling tribe. We were also happy to stop by my favorite in-laws on the way out of my neck of the woods for a quick visit. It was a true pleasure to share him with so many important people in my life.

With the plan to reposition WL to Key West before my family flies into paradise for our link up meant we had a long road trip ahead of us for certain. No worries, we have already successfully made it across the Mississippi River and are well on our way to our destination while traveling in our glorious camper van.

During this stage of our adventure, we have used Harvest Hosts, as per Erin’s recommendation, in order to find some unique camping opportunities along the way. So far, we had the opportunity to stay at an Alpaca Farm and in the driveway of a man that biked across America as part of the Bikecentennial 76. As a reminder, the epic cycling event that took place in 1976 was made possible due to the first United States Bicycle Route being successfully created by Adventure Cycling Association. This route should sound familiar to those following my cycling adventures as it is famously known as the TransAmerica Trail.

Without these cycling pioneers in 1976, I would not have been able to enjoy the last couple summers via the now numerous routes created as a result of their successful journey. They proved in 1976 that cycling across America is a realistic dream for those so choosing to do so in the future.

For the record, to say I am a fan of Harvest Hosts would be a gross understatement, I love it! The pleasant surprises that have been revealed to us in just our first two experiences have been priceless.

I was able to properly introduce Folker to one of America’s meat lover’s gems at the crossroads of this great nation. We visited an amazing barbecue restaurant just across the street from Erin’s old city apartment in Kansas City. This stop in the beautiful downtown area left our bellies full of meat and our protein supplies topped off. We actually decided to take a little walk to Union Station after our feast to ensure we did not slip into a meat coma immediately afterwards.

While at Union Station, Folker enjoyed reading about the Kansas City Massacre that took place in 1933 at the train station involving a few well-known gunmen including “Pretty Boy” Floyd. It was a bloodbath in their unsuccessful attempt to free their friend from being returned to the penitentiary at Leavenworth. A true American story to say the least.

Our last stop before crossing the mighty Mississippi River was St Louis and it did not disappoint in the slightest. The Gateway Arch was magnificent in the morning sun with very limited visitors giving us an opportunity to walk around the beautiful landscape as if it was our very own property.

The final stop before our journey across the river moving us into the eastern side of the country was the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. We enjoyed a quick tour of the original brewery and some tasty beverages. I was very impressed with the history of the brand and the beautiful 19th Century brick buildings with their beautiful Bavarian style.

I would say we are definitely well on our way to Key West, Florida! Here we go!