Angahard, Very interesting, both the story and the photos, and I thank your for them.
As you and Maddie Bell are really into bicycling, you may find this interesting. Out in Washington State is an annual 133 mile two day bicycle trek from downtown Seattle to downtown Portland, Oregon. It has all form of bicyclists, (roughly 4-6000) involved, from individuals to race teams, to associations, to fund raisers, to bike police patrol officers, to families with small children. Needless to say, they do not use the interstate for this ride, just use all the "back roads" (actually the old highways that ran from Seattle to Portland) The two days to allow for those who can't go on day one due to work or whatever. You will generally see all kinds and descriptions of bikes being used. It is a fun, healthy and enjoyable trip and is actually run regardless of rain or shine. Does definitely let you know how out of shape you might be, if you don't prepare for the trek beforehand. Thanks again for the story and photos, J-Lynn