The Bike
For our journey to the center of every state, we have chosen to get around by bicycle. Yes, we are aware that this is insane. However, it is a well thought out insanity—you can read about the car vs. bike decision making process here.
Once we settled on self-propelled transportation, we had to choose our bike(s). At the outset, I was biased towards using two bikes, primarily because of the 10,000 mile bond I had formed over the years with “The Wasp”.
Yet in the back of my mind was a peculiar bike that I had seen years before while studying abroad in Germany. It was a tandem, but the rider in the front sat recumbent, while the rider in the rear cycled in a conventional position. This allowed the bike to be much shorter than normal tandems and put the riders close together, which made for easier communication. Also, the drivetrain allowed the front rider to coast while the rear rider continued pedaling.
I got online and found out that the name of the bike was called the Pino, made by a German company named Hase Spezialräder. The more I looked at the bike, the more it made sense for us. It was a perfect bike for our trip, and it was also a mechanical metaphor for all that we hoped for in our new marriage, a physical manifestation of our spiritual oneness.
Instead of putting our energies into individual pursuits, we would combine our efforts into a joint endeavor. It kept us close, which made for easier communication. I would always put her first and would lead and guide our journey. Her comfort would always be a priority, and if she needed to rest, she could back off and let me carry us both along.
Now we admit that our marriage is young, and we know that rough times are inevitably ahead (especially when we choose an undertaking like this!) And we have heard the maxim that tandems are “relationship accelerators”: they don’t determine your destination, but they speed up your progress towards it. The jaded have even called them “divorce bikes”. Yet we have made the somewhat antiquated decision that divorce is never an option, and that we will stay together regardless of circumstances. So with that direction barred, we set out with unflinching optimism and faith that God will give us the grace to arrive at our destination together, with our relationship only strengthened by the times we’ve shared.
You have my admiration!
This is so awesome!!! I am with you guys 100%!!! Good Luck!!!!
My daughter and I met in you in New Castle, IN. We were so impressed with your endevour. This is something my daughter will go back to school in the fall and share with her classmates. It also inspires us to do more bike riding in the comming years and to visit far away places on bike. Godspeed and blessing.
Be safe
Alberto & Allison Pinon
This is such a cool bike! We admire your courage and passion for riding, and know that God will use the next 2 years to strengthen your love for each other. We can’t wait for you to come through Austin!
Blessings on your journey,
Joe B.
Parkville, MIssouri
Met you two at Spencer Beach while we were on our own bike trip. Very inspirational what you two are doing. Thank you for mentioning about keeping a strong marriage. Not emphasized enough these days.
So I went to a junkyard to look for parts for my VW Rabbit Truck diesel. Met a random guy there also looking for VW diesel parts, got into talking about veggie oil and biodiesel, exchanged names and parted ways. When he was about 15-ft away, he turned around and said, “Ryan, what is one percent you’re going to do for your wife today that will make your marriage that much better. Not 10% or 15%, just one percent. What is it? When I see you again, I want to know. If more married couples followed that idea, there would be a lot less divorce these days.” I will never forget that guy and keep this in mind often. Marriage takes work at times, but when the two are in for the long haul, such a special treat it is!!!!
Give us a call when you get to Sacramento, CA. You’ll have a place to stay. 916-736-3682.
Best,
Ryan and Maria
Aloha, we met you at lunch Sunday with Peter and Barb. When you get to KALISPELL Montana,
Stay with us.. We will introduce you to Robin & Pattie…Aloha 406 756 7612
Wow. You two are too cool. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your experience - even in such a small way as in sharing our shower. It was great to able to include you in our Lucas community items of the Russell County Newspaper too.
This is what I submitted for printing: Traveling by bike, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron and Laura Beese are in the midst of peddaling to all 50 states on a tandem bicycle. They started in June 2007. Kansas is number 34 on their list. Their “journey to the heart of the United States” will last two years. In order to travel deep into each state, the couple is visiting the geographic center of each. They were happy to learn of the Geodetic Center in Osborne County. They plan to write a book when they return home to Newcastle, OK in 2009. They will also make their decision at that time to which state they will relocate and start their new family. Their web site is www.fiftybybike.com.
Thanks again, Jack and Tess McKnight, Lucas 67648, and Luray 67649, In the sunflower state of Kansas.
May God continue to Bless you and Keep you safe on your daily drives to complete your dreams. It was a pleasure to meet you at the One Stop in Oakland, Nebraska. Hope the trip to Onawa, Iowa was a pleasant and easy reid with the exception of a couple of hills. Keep hydrated in this hot summer sun!!.
Given that you are on a fifth rear wheel would you recommend a Pino for touring given the problem? Is the weight distribution a problem? Would a trailer alliveate the stress on the rear wheel sufficiently?