Much like the explorers of the Lewis & Clark expedition, we have already learned that hardships able to slow progress abound. No... not hostiles... nor herds of marauding buffalo, nor dissention in the ranks. The 'gitis took hold of Matt before we even left the fort.
Now, a week later, with glands deflated and throats much less rosy in hue, we embark on our journey. Followers along, please stay tuned for updates from the Colombia River Gorge.
Practice run
Still wet behind the ears
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Mission Statement: Getting Serious
This blog is intended as a record of Anna Sommo and Matt Crampton's cross country bike ride.
Over the past few years, our interests have come to a convenient crossroads. Anna's experience in Berkeley, CA as a nutrition/garden teacher has piqued her awareness of local capacities for food production. Having recently completed his masters in landscape architecture, Matt has developed an interest for designed and improvised responses to community need. The newfound popularity of farmer's markets gave us a way to focus our trip and combine our interests.
As we cruise across the states, we hope to learn about (and taste!)the amazing projects people are working on to create stronger, healthier communities. We want to know how a simple farm stand or homemade brew affects day to day life, how apple trees planted in a neighborhood bring people together, and why eating from a local farm or growing your own tomato can feel like the ultimate independence. We know that this is a sexy trend in many places- we can't deny that. But we think it is a pragmatic movement, and that it springs from a lot of the crazy, scary stuff that seems to be happening all over the world. It is also a hopeful movement that can bring together people from all backgrounds, and the more people try different models, the easier it will be for everyone to get involved. We know that most people will glance at this blog and spin through the photos, skipping over our soapbox, and that is more than fine. But if you happen to have a long day at work when you want to peruse the links, post a suggestion, a correction, a question or an idea, we are all ears.
Happy summer, friends. Have a carrot and come on a bike ride!
Over the past few years, our interests have come to a convenient crossroads. Anna's experience in Berkeley, CA as a nutrition/garden teacher has piqued her awareness of local capacities for food production. Having recently completed his masters in landscape architecture, Matt has developed an interest for designed and improvised responses to community need. The newfound popularity of farmer's markets gave us a way to focus our trip and combine our interests.
As we cruise across the states, we hope to learn about (and taste!)the amazing projects people are working on to create stronger, healthier communities. We want to know how a simple farm stand or homemade brew affects day to day life, how apple trees planted in a neighborhood bring people together, and why eating from a local farm or growing your own tomato can feel like the ultimate independence. We know that this is a sexy trend in many places- we can't deny that. But we think it is a pragmatic movement, and that it springs from a lot of the crazy, scary stuff that seems to be happening all over the world. It is also a hopeful movement that can bring together people from all backgrounds, and the more people try different models, the easier it will be for everyone to get involved. We know that most people will glance at this blog and spin through the photos, skipping over our soapbox, and that is more than fine. But if you happen to have a long day at work when you want to peruse the links, post a suggestion, a correction, a question or an idea, we are all ears.
Happy summer, friends. Have a carrot and come on a bike ride!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The great bike escape
We left Berkeley on Thursday and drove away with our car packed to the hilt... but not before leaving a sidewalk full of random giveaways outside our old house. It was sad to leave friends and our fruit-laden, flower-filled neighborhood, but exciting to finally be off on the first leg of our journey.
The drive to Portland was long, but assisted by five episodes of This American Life: we learned about the puppy channel, older brothers who turn into werewolves and imaginary friends. The bag of pastries (imagine a chocolate croissant as big as your head) just about made up for the down time without our friend Ira Glass.
Once in Portland it was time for business but we didn't shy away from 3 straight barbecues (thanks to Anna's sister Eb). We spent the days wrenching on bikes, waterproofing just about anything, getting haircuts and researching Jacky Wilson (a new favorite oldie).
Monday the 23rd marked the first day on the bikes. We did a long ride around Portland to test out the gear and shake anything loose that might need shaking. We also continued our research on farms, farmers markets and food security programs; there seem to be a lot of amazing things going on in even the smallest towns!
Tues is the second local ride with increased mileage. We are aiming to average 70 mi/day and have to make sure our legs are up to the challenge of toting 60 additional lbs of gear.
Wed is the first day on the road.
The drive to Portland was long, but assisted by five episodes of This American Life: we learned about the puppy channel, older brothers who turn into werewolves and imaginary friends. The bag of pastries (imagine a chocolate croissant as big as your head) just about made up for the down time without our friend Ira Glass.
Once in Portland it was time for business but we didn't shy away from 3 straight barbecues (thanks to Anna's sister Eb). We spent the days wrenching on bikes, waterproofing just about anything, getting haircuts and researching Jacky Wilson (a new favorite oldie).
Monday the 23rd marked the first day on the bikes. We did a long ride around Portland to test out the gear and shake anything loose that might need shaking. We also continued our research on farms, farmers markets and food security programs; there seem to be a lot of amazing things going on in even the smallest towns!
Tues is the second local ride with increased mileage. We are aiming to average 70 mi/day and have to make sure our legs are up to the challenge of toting 60 additional lbs of gear.
Wed is the first day on the road.
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