Jen? Jen who?

Hello! My name is Jen and this is my dad's blog. Tad is riding his bicycle across the country from Rockford, IL to Seattle, WA. I  moved to Seattle back in August of last year and my dad and I have been planning this bicycle trip for about a year now. A lot has happened since we initially talked about it in his garage last summer. Never actually thought it'd be possible given the circumstances of life but holy shit, when there's a will...there's a way. And so it is.

I'm super excited that he's finally on his way. This is literally the bike ride of a life time.  He's finally on the road and I'll be updating his blog with how it's goin. I'll be posting pictures he uploads and writing about how he's doing as I'll hear from him often while he's traveling. I have to make sure he's still alive and stuff. He won't always have internet to write or post pictures himself so I'm helping. :)  

So here's me in Washington.

And a gorgeous waterfall, Multnomah Falls, Oregon.

First blog post momentarily. Apologies for the length, it was a few updates jammed into one. 

 Just some random pictures of my trip. This guy was just burning stuff in his backyard. I love the country!

 This is where I joined the Jane Adams Prairie Trail to WI. Just west of Cedarville IL.

 Little Richard Creek looking north from Cedarville.

 This was just there along the trail. An old caboose that over looked the pond below.

 Stopped for the night just north of Orangeville IL about 2 miles from WI. Quiet and very dark. Just awesome!

 Dakota IL. A day of rest. Nice little quiet town. Rained most of the day though.

 Headed out of Winnebago IL

 Just past the Stephenson county line. The trail turned to hard dirt at this point and I was pushing the bike. So tired and just stopped. Land owner came down later and checked me out. Said I was good and if I needed anything to just knock.

Orangeville Il on the Jane Adams bike trail.

A random pony out for a stroll.

Was gonna rain so I put everything inside. Fits really well but a bit tight. Feels like I am in a space ship or something.

On my way Saturday, April 16th! Doing a cpl of trial runs first. This is about 1/3 of the total weight. I went 5.7 miles in 47 mins at an average speed of 6.5 mph. Just taking it easy. I am so ready to go!!!