In the spring of 2014, with support from my wife Sallie, I bicycled 3,269 miles from San Diego to Virginia Beach. Along the way, I experienced our country’s amazing natural beauty and history. I also learned what people personally believe make their community beautiful. I made . . . connections.
It was great to be back in Hampton Roads on June 28th after 69 days of cycling about 55 miles per day, from San Diego to Virginia Beach through our very beautiful and often hilly country.
There was so much about this experience that was interesting to me- whether it was meeting the physical and mental challenges of the ride, exploring new places, talking with people from America’s heartland, taking in the natural beauty, or learning about the history of how simple places became the foundation of our country
We introduced ourselves by having our support vehicle, a Toyota Highlander, wrapped with our message of bike safety and cleaner communities. At some point in our conversations with those that we met, I asked the question, “What makes your community beautiful?” I heard many different responses from the 69 people I spoke with. One thing they all had in common: they cared about their communities and what they said gave me a clue as to why. Here are some of the responses I received:
“I can go into town and someone will always know me there” — Anthony, Mountain Grove, Missouri
“Our public library.” — Hugh, Chanute, Kansas
Personal connections lead us to cleaner, greener, more vibrant communities.
How do YOU connect to your community in Hampton Roads?
Next time: What is a “Pedal Up to Cleanup” and how did it work in Hampton Roads and in selected locations along our route?
