Welcome to our blog about biking Adventure Cycling’s Southern Tier Route. The six of us intend to get up close and personal with the USA from the vantage point of bicycle seats all the way across the southern tier of states from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida. The trip itself will begin February 28, 2013 but the adventure of planning and preparing has already begun.
We are all members of the Tall Dog Bike Club here in central Iowa and have ridden many years and many miles with this great group of biking friends. So as you follow this blog adventure, the reference to “old dogs” is shorthand for our shall we say “senior” status in a great bike club.
Southern Tier Comfort Ride 
What a handsome group of young men!!!
Guys, I’m gettin giddy. March can’t get her quickly enough. My last two days of work before retirement were Snow Daze!!! How great was that?!?
Good luck Mr Netsch! I hope you enjoy your ride-you deserve it! The service corps and Stat will miss you, but your mission is so wonderful and I can’t wait to see just how many Mary’s Meals kids you help! Just keep riding!!!
Thanks for the encouragement, Rae. I’m going to miss you and IHS but …life goes on- at least for about 3010 miles.
Look forward to following your blog. I will be taking my own trip at the end of May. Will be traveling from Farmington, Missouri to Astoria, Oregon. Will be traveling unsupported and camping most of the way.
Wow!!! What an adventure! Take lots of pictures and keep a log book of memories.
This is such an exciting adventure! I will be following along every pedal of the way! Safe travels to all of you.
Very cool. Will be following, be safe and enjoy!!!
Enjoy your trip. Can’t wait to hear about your adventure.
You’ve done a great job preparing in your indoor cycle classes. It will be so much fun and a real lifetime adventure.
Hey Ron –
Let us know when you’ll be going through Tucson and we’ll come down to cheer you on! Nancy and Jerry
Must be rough to be so free and easy. Good luck to all you retirees. I am so jealous. Keep writing! Melissa Soliday
Good luck to you all. I am very jealous. I know you will have a great time! (Oh, yeah, Ron Smith….remember, “carry no crap”.)
What a great adventure. I am jealous,also! Keep us posted on a regular basis! What is your ETA into St. Augustine?
Im jealous ! you guys have a safe and fun trip. try not to cut any rabbits or armadillos in half.
I really, really, REALLY want to be riding with you guys! 😦
We are very excited for all of you, and especially Phillip. Have a blast – you have earned it! We can’t wait to read all about your adventure! Be safe out there. We love you.
Bart,
And I too am wishing I was accompanying you on this adventure! I know it will be everything you are hoping for and more!!! Cherish every mile, even when you are suffering in the rain or on a steep ascent!
The best of luck to you lucky dogs. Keep the leg up! (Chile Dog).
Enjoy the adventure. Each day will, no-doubt, bring may surprises and memories that will last the rest of your lives. Good luck and ride safe.
Have a wonderful trip! Looking forward to following your adventures. so jealous of your ability to do this ride!
Good luck & be safe. I’m looking forward to following you all the way!
Hope everyone has a safe trip! Looking forward to the updates!
Enjoy your trip have fun but most of all be safe
Phyllis,
It looks like you figured it out. Keep in touch!
Roger
Great article in the REGISTER today, guys! And Ron, you old debate coach, try not to “argue” with your fellow riders (!)….remember me? HA! Have a great and safe time, gentlemen!
The day is finally here!! Enjoy the adventure guys and be safe!!!
Looking forward to following your journey on this site. Be safe!!!
art here im thinking of you guys especially you, allen!!! be safe and have a blast!!
Been thinking about you too Art.♥
Gods speed
Will this be recorded as an HBO special?
You all are such an inspiration–proof that it is never too late to experience your dream! Roger, we are so proud to know you–great article in the Register!
Art here – Bart told me of your “minor” glitch yesterday. Hang tuff!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. You guys are too strong to be beat!!!!!
Welcome to California. Sorry to hear about the bikes. Even though Kathy and I are both working, if there is anything you need let us know and I am sure we can get some supplies to you.
Nice welcome to California! Sorry to hear about the theft of your bikes and equipment. Hang in there and have fun on your new ones!
Sorry to read about the set-back. Happy that replacements were found and you can get on with your dream. Looking forward to posts all along the way.
Hope you all adjust to the new bikes quickly! Good riding from here on out!
Esther Kauffeld-Hoffa
Good luck, Guys…..especially the awesome Waukee Y winter riders Bob and Brian!! Your story is inspiring and your determination – even when a big evil curveball was thrown your way- is the way we should all live. Will keep checking in!!
Rick and Dawn
You may be the old dogs but you’re still the “ELITE DOGS” in my book.(I think that was coined by Art.) Wish I were your driver and Aztec Sun God for the trip but I’m sure the Southern route will keep you warm and dry. Go Go recumbent power!!!! Ride safe.
Bear
Looking forward to following your blog. Very excited for all of you and what a great group!
You all inspire me.
Sorry to read about the theft of your equipment; absolute bummer. Ride on ‘old dogs.’
Sounds like an exciting trip! I would love to be able to do this and know that you are going to have some amazing times and stories before you get back! Heh,I thought a ride across Iowa was spectacular. St. Augustine will come all too quickly. Have fun and enjoy every minute of it guys! Hope and pray you all are safe.
FINALLY I have Internet! Just heard a couple days ago about the thievery…those scoundrels! Are you sure Art didn’t have something to do with it? (check those handlebars for rocks or spaghetti!) Am envious of your joie de vivre and hope you all have a wondrous time full of tailwinds, downhills, and 70 degree days! Ride safe and bike til you bleed! (and be lenient…some dog may NOT be sniveling, he may just be STATING FACTS!)
Heidi Ho
Greify here. I just found out from Ben Funk.
Have a good ride.
Just so ya know, Spanish moss is home to chiggers. If you look closely you can see them moving around. The locals will tell you not to touch it:)
Rite on guys. B-meyers used to tell me stories about weekend road trips. Funny stories about doing or not doing #2. From your old old buddy Double A.