The time has arrived

I leave for New Orleans tomorrow. I have packed tents, sleeping bag and pad, lantern, bike shorts and jerseys, 3 dozen boxes of gluten-free foods, cooking utensils, extra tubes and tires...the list has seemed endless. It all fit into 2 large duffels.

How do I feel? Tired already. There were so many last-minute details at the office, which I now leave in the capable hands of Adele, Saskia, Sarah, Autumn, and Kelli. I'm excited about the riding, but that doesn't begin for several days yet. Everyone has to get to New Orleans from the east, the west, the midwest. Then we'll have a couple of days of orientation to get acquainted.

Today a friend said "This isn't just a ride, it's an epic journey-an Odessy-a Beowulf..." Okay, Greg, enough with the metaphors. But, yes, it is. I expect to be changed somehow. But I have no idea how. Sure I expect to lose a few pounds and come back lean and tanned. But what will be different on the inside after five weeks away from home and work? After five weeks seeking 12 states of this amazing country? After talking to so many activists? After facing exhaustion day after day? These changes can't be planned.

One of the more ironic parts of planning for an extended time outdoors is how to get use out of technology. My cell phone is going with me. Luckily, it includes a camera, an MP3 for music, GPS if we get lost, all of my emails, and of course the phone number of every person I know. I'll be able to call in to record a blog or send you a photo. I bought a solar charger so that my phone can continue to bring me all of these wonderful services even when I'm sleeping outdoors. How did Lewis and Clark do it without a Blackberry?

I am so grateful to every person who has wished me well and to those who have given a gift to MORCRC to be a part of this great journey. I am so grateful for a board that allows me the chance to get away and renew myself in this way. I am so grateful to my wonderful staff for the competent way they handle all matters in my absence. I am touched by all those who have asked how they can help while I'm gone. When I'm exhausted, I'll think of each of you and smile for all of my luck at knowing such incredible people.

The next time I check in, I'll be in New Orleans and ready to ride.

The road is calling...

Preparing to get to New Orleans

St. Louis has seen constant rainstorms for several weeks on end. And not just rain, but hail, extremely strong winds, and even tornadoes. There seems to be only one day out of every week that is suitable for riding. But even if I can't be on the bike, there is plenty to do to get ready before I can begin the trip in New Orleans.

I decided to take Amtrak to the Big Easy. It's very friendly to bicycles. Putting my bike into baggage at the airport just didn't sound like a good idea. I want to actually be able to ride it once it gets there!

I put new, top-of-the-line tires on my bike. Just a little bit of tread to get me over the gravel roads. I've been assured these tires are very resistant to flats. I hope so, because I think my bike is attracted to broken glass. I had a rear tire blow-out just last week, only about four blocks from my office. The guys at REI love my bike. They even refer to it as "she". They take loving care with it (I guess I should name it-any ideas, anyone??), and I appreciate all their suggestions and well-wishes.

I've been gathering my camping gear. I need a good-weather day to take it all outside to check it out. I'm taking extra gear for some of the participants who don't have tents and bags, so I need to find a way to carry it all to the train station.

Once in N'Awlins, we'll have a couple of days to get to know each other and participate in an orientation. We all get to take turns leading different parts. It looks like I'll be doing the section on bike safety and health, so I spent some time on different biking sites looking for things I want to be sure to cover.

The core of this whole adventure is the scheduling of meetings in cities along the way to talk to local activists and health providers. I'm helping to locate some clergy in each of the cities so that we can build religious support for reproductive justice.

I haven't really told the others how much I'm looking forward to being in New Orleans. It's been a lot of years since I was there. I went to seminary there and my first two children were born there, so the city holds a very special place in my heart. That's been a long time ago, so I don't have friends there anymore. But I sure was horrified when I first saw the photos of Katrina damage. As I understand it, the neighborhood where we lived (not far south of the lake) is still devastated. I hope I'll get some free time to go looking.

The excitement is building

Thank you so much to all of you who have already made a pledge or otherwise sponsored the ride with money or supplies!

Time is flying and I'll be off to New Orleans before I realize it. I've been training diligently, but trying to be careful not to overdo. I don't want to start the trip exhausted; I want to be prepared. The weather was uncooperative last week, so I spent a lot of time in the gym riding a stationary bike and lifting weights. I had to work in Kansas City early this week, and I was able to do some lap swimming at the hotel. I'm trusting that the variety of training efforts will keep me interested and work different sets of muscles .

Last Saturday I rode 43 miles in St. Charles county. The recent rains have caused a lot of flooding there along the Missouri River, so it was interesting to see. We even had to ride over slightly flooded roads at times. On the paved surfaces I was able to maintain a speed of 18-19 mph and it felt great. But when we were on gravel with a fierce headwind, my speed dropped to 8 mph and it was hard work. The average speed of the day was a respectable 13 mph, and my muscles weren't the least bit sore after my first long ride of the year. I'm feeling pretty strong.

Today after work I'm going to ride from the office downtown to the arch, south to Soulard, west to Tower Grove Park, and north to the Central West End, and west to the Loop. It will be about 30 miles.

I've been working on the food committee for the trip (anyone wanting to make donations of gluten-free foods, please tell me!) and I'll also be the chaplain, offering some daily spiritual nourishment. The MORCRC staff has been working hard to find sponsors to support the trip.

Everyone going is feeling excited, terrified, anxious, and up to the challenge. We're gathering spare tubes and water bottles and protein bars. But the most exciting part is how much we're going to learn about the geographical realities of access to reproductive health in America. I know that the work of MORCRC will be enriched by the stories and ideas of activists from other states.

The training has begun

I only learned about a week ago that I had been accepted on the Wanderlust ride. I am so excited and there is so much to do. Not the least of which is getting my legs ready to ride. As the oldest one on the trip, I'm a little nervous about whether this particular 50 year old body can hold up for 5 weeks. But I'm determined, and I know the key to success is smart training and smart riding. My son Caleb is a college basketball coach, so he's my official trainer. He's advising me on the right kinds of exercises and how many repetitions and which kind of knee support to use. Variety is the key. I'm riding a little everyday. On stormy days (like today) I'm spending more time in the gym than outside. I'm using the treadmill and doing weights. At home, I'm using a stretch band several times a day to strengthen my leg muscles.


I've always wanted to try some cross-country riding, but never quite had the nerve to do it all by myself. To do it with a group of reproductive justice activists and raise friends, money and awareness for the movement--well, that's an opportunity I didn't have to think twice about. The response from family and friends and colleagues has been interesting. Some think I'm crazy, but most are completely supportive and excited for me. Aileen said "It's you." That says it all. I do like to be challenged.