Goals

Carol's reasons for doing this bike trip

1)  Personally, for fun, fitness, adventure.  I enjoy and feel enriched by the company of my relatives who will be on the trip.  I expect to see beauty in parts of the country I've never seen.  I expect to learn things about myself, perhaps via the experience of pushing myself harder than I do in daily life.  I expect it will build confidence.

2)  I try to live sustainably, and favor a sustainable mode of transportation.  I  have been a bicycle commuter for 17 years.  Alan Durning says they are the most efficient method of moving people in terms of miles traveled per unit of energy expended.  When you want to see some countryside, human powered speed is more informative than the blur of telephone poles rushing by.

3)  I think the trip will give me opportunities to connect with people, both met along the way, and via the blog.  The unusual act of bicycle touring is attention getting and a conversation starter.  I hope to share my values with people (heavens no, I won't be lecturing or proselytizing).  When I talk with people about what's important to me, I can suggest support, including financial, of organizations I hold dear.  This will help me feel like the trip is not total self indulgence.

Perry's reasons for doing this bike trip

My reasons are similar to those well expressed by Carol.  For me, this trip is an ultimate expression of my commitment to bicycle commuting in everyday life.  Leave the car behind, get some exercise, enjoy the world at a slower pace, wave or say hello to folks as we pass, chat as we rest.

We've linked you all to a few fundraising ideas on this blog, and it's cool if you can support those or your own causes.  Important to me is volunteering.  On some days off I hope to lend a hand.  Could be as simple as recycling or trash pickup, I'll see and ask.

I want to be learning, contributing member of our team as we experience our ups and downs together.  Please stay in touch with us as we will with you.

Yep, finally, I hope to have a darn good time.

Margaret's Request for Leave of Absence for this bike trip

I am applying for a Leave of Absence from June 23 to October 14, 2013, in order to bicycle across the United States. The trip begins on the Oregon coast and will end approximately September 30 at Bar Harbor, Maine. I am requesting the additional two weeks into October to allow for whatever contingencies may arise on a journey of this nature. I will return to work as soon as possible after completion of the trip, in no event returning any later than October 14.

 

I have been employed at the District since 6/27/1983, so this trip will mark my 30^th anniversary here. Crossing the country under my own power is a very personal goal of a lifetime, which I would like to accomplish while I’m still young enough to enjoy. Our group of 8 family members and friends will carry all our supplies and camping gear on our bikes, planning to average about 50 miles per day. If I were to defer the trip to some future year I would lose the opportunity to do it with this group in this fashion.

Most of this leave would be on paid status, with 2-4 weeks of leave without pay at the end. I will work with Employee Resources regarding my benefits during the unpaid status. I will work with my Manager to ensure that my job duties are adequately documented and covered during my absence. And I will be in touch about a definite return to work date as soon as it is known.

With much appreciation,

Margaret Elwood                                                                               

December 28, 2012