Jane Hellman

Summer Engagements: Cross Country Tales from the Saddle Jane Hellman

Ever wanted to hop on your bicycle and pedal all across the U. S? Alone? On a no-frills, self-contained mountain bike? Meet dozens of quirky, interesting, and at times naked individuals? Beginning in Yorktown, Virginia, and ending in Florence, Oregon, Jane pedals 4,120 miles over two and a half months to really discover small-town America, following the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. Take this inner and outer journey alongside her, as the back roads unroll a tapestry of sights and experiences. She meets soul-jarring heat and humidity in Kentucky hollers, encounters numbing expanses of Midwestern flatland, and witnesses blindingly beautiful Montana scenery. Taking it day-by-day, this journal account (with photos) of her trip is much more than a diary: you experience the joys, surprises, and challenges she meets along the way, as a woman traveling alone and exploring insights into human nature, politics, family, religion, feminism, racism, and history. Serendipity greets her in numerous funny and unexpected ways. When she finally reaches the foggy Oregon Pacific coast, you will cheer, too, having traveled and grown along with her. Written in easy, humorous style with detailed travel descriptions and ideas you can use to design your own trip.