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Doug and Sally's border to border & coast to coast

Discussion in 'Long Haul' started by DougLeland, Jul 5, 2011.

  1. DougLeland

    DougLeland Newbie





    7/6/11 marks the second anniversary of our visit to Necedah and introduction to our Teardrop (affectionately known to us as the Tin Toad). Since then we’ve spent 112 nights in the Toad and towed the Toad more than 19,000 miles, to include a 15,000 mile trip last summer -- border to border and coast to coast.

    Summer of 2010 included driving from San Diego to the Canadian border so that I could ride an ElliptiGO bike (elliptical machine on wheels) back to San Diego. Without spending a night at home we immediately headed for the East coast and Sally’s high school reunion. We pulled the Toad through Steamboat Springs, past Mount Rushmore (just missed the Sturgis rally but made the obligatory stop at Wall Drug), stair-stepped our way through southern Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana into Kentucky, West Virginia, and then to McLean, Virginia for the reunion. From there to Vermont (family) and then Maine. Our return included another stop in Steamboat Springs, Yosemite (bear tried pushing us out of our site) and a couple stops along the coast of California.

    For photos and movies of our bike trip and Toad trip down the West coast and you can to the following website: http://web.me.com/dougleland/On_the_GO/Welcome.html. Many funny stories about giving “tours” of the Toad, some of which are described in the blog section at the website.

    In three weeks we leave on a 10,000 mile trip, back to Vermont and Maine. The Tin Toad (and our Maine Coon cat Willie) should cross the 25,000 mile threshold about the time we cross the Mississippi for the second time.

    If anyone is interested in a cross country ElliptiGo or bicycle ride in 2012 -- either as rider or part of a Teardrop support caravan, let me know.
     
  2. Ken & Peggy

    Ken & Peggy Moderator Staff Member Donating Member

    Nice trip, and an interesting bike. Is it any more tiring than a regular bike?
     
  3. DougLeland

    DougLeland Newbie

    It takes 25% more effort to cover the same distance as an equally geared racing bike, though it more than holds its own going uphill. I never really felt tired though. I would ride for six hours and be as fresh at the end of the ride as I was at the beginning. I tell folks, if the objective is to get from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, stick with a racing bike. If your objective is a great and fun cardio workout with no joint, muscle, or seat soreness, then give the ElliptiGo a try. Though I took it on a long trip, my primary motivation for getting it was (and remains) routine workouts and subsequent health benefits. At half the cost of my health insurance premium I consider it a bargain. I finished the bike ride at my junior high weight and felt healthier than any other time in my life ... to include four rather physical years at the Naval Academy.
     
  4. Ken & Peggy

    Ken & Peggy Moderator Staff Member Donating Member

    Interesting for sure. It looks like it would be a great workout. Thanks.
     
  5. AnnaSteve

    AnnaSteve Novice

    Great story and pictures.Steve :)
     
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