Persistent pedaling through towns, down canyons, up mountain passes, along rivers, and across vast deserts and farmlands — this is what it takes to cross our beautiful and diverse country by bicycle.
For several years Tom Bischoff, a member of Oregon's Brookings Adventist Church, dreamed of this challenging adventure. Listening to and reading touring cyclists stories and poring over maps, the plan took shape. COVID-19 broke out, but Bischoff and his wife, Misti, agreed it was the “now or never” moment.
A camper on their Dodge pickup would serve as the rolling bed and breakfast, affording self-containment and plenty of social distancing. An average of 50 miles per day would bring Bischoff to his 50th high school class reunion at Fletcher Academy in North Carolina the first weekend in October. Retiring from his 42-year anesthesia career, he celebrated his 69th birthday and embarked on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail journey.
Bischoff began pedaling at Florence, Oregon, on July 7, 2020. Established in 1976, the TransAmerica route typically sees thousands of riders annually and guides them through the heart of rural America via backcountry roads. Maps give riders needed info on amenities in each town, such as grocery stores, restaurants, campgrounds and hostels.
Summer heat demanded early starts. Daily rides often ended with a nap in the sweltering heat of the day or a splash from the faucet at a town park. The term “radical generosity” was experienced at several churches and city hostels. Only 10 other riders were met on the 72-day journey, and that rarity led to instant friendships and some meaningful conversations.
In the last week of September, Bischoff turned south onto the famed Blue Ridge Parkway and finished his ride at Fletcher, North Carolina. His reunion was canceled, but a handful of classmates celebrated at an outdoor pavilion.
Long-distance riding requires endurance usually only found in youth. Bischoff attributes his good health to a temperate vegetarian upbringing, a lifelong love of outdoor exercise and the blessing of good genetics. His final stats include:
- 3,600 miles ridden
- 1 flat tire
- 2 days of rain
- 11,500-foot highest summit (Hoosier Pass, Colorado)
- Quite a few prayers
Retiring from his 42-year anesthesia career, Tom Bischoff celebrated his 69th birthday and embarked on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail journey.
A camper on their Dodge pickup gave Tom Bischoff and his wife self-containment and plenty of social distancing.
Established in 1976, the TransAmerica route typically sees thousands of riders annually and guides them through the heart of rural America via backcountry roads.
The highest summit was Colorado's Hoosier Pass at 11,500 feet.
Only 10 other riders were met during the 72-day journey, a rarity that led to instant friendships and some meaningful conversations.
