3 Years Later: Reflecting on My Ride Across America

I’m getting ready to do another long ride.

Next week (September 4), I’ll start a trip from the U.S.–Canada border (north of Seattle), down the Pacific Coast to just north of the U.S.–Mexico border. I’ll post more soon, but as I prepare for this new adventure, I’ve found myself reflecting on the last one—my Ride Across America back in 2022.

A little over three years ago, I rode my bike across the U.S.A. I started in San Francisco and finished, 51 days later, in Yorktown, Virginia. In between, I had the time of my life. Some of you may have read my posts during that ride and know.

Looking Back: Reflections, Three Years Later

I realized recently that I never wrote a formal post with my reflections. At the time, I shared a few thoughts in statistics, feelings, and favorite photos and videos. I was also somewhat reflective in my last few posts from the road (see here, here, and here).

What I didn’t expect was how valuable the blog would become. It turned into a journal of the ride. After a few weeks on the road, the days started to blur. I’d forget who I talked with, where I stayed, or what town had that amazing breakfast sandwich. When writing this post, I went back and read every entry—something I hadn’t done in years—and I’m happy I did.

What the Ride Meant to Me

Mentally and Emotionally

The ride gave me time to reflect on life. Long, quiet stretches of road. Vast, open spaces. Beautiful landscapes. Conversations with people I’d otherwise never meet. It all gave me the chance to understand myself a bit better. I didn’t fully realize how powerful that was until months—maybe even years—later.

In that first year after the ride, something I heard on a podcast or read in a book would land differently. I’d see it through the lens of the trip. Subtle, but it stuck.

And then there were the reminders. Those automated slideshows or random photos that pop up on your phone or iPad—does everyone have that widget? I loved those. They reminded me again and again: I did something really special. And I’d often find myself falling into old pictures, reliving the journey.

Physically

I have to say—I’m impressed with myself. I actually did that ride. Day after day, 80 to 100 miles. Big climbs. Hot days. Long slogs. Looking back, I’m not sure I fully grasped what I was taking on. And reading those posts now, I sometimes wonder: Who was that guy?

The experience gave me a deep sense of pride and confidence. I proved to myself that I was stronger than I thought. And that’s something I still carry with me.

Socially

Originally, I started JoeRides.blog to keep in touch with family—Chris, Kelly, Ally, and Mallory—and maybe a few close friends. I wasn’t sure who else would read it.

But the response surprised me. Friends, colleagues, extended family… I heard from so many people—during and after the ride—who said they enjoyed following along. That encouragement was incredibly motivating. And on the road, I met all kinds of interesting people, from all walks of life. I wrote about some of them in various posts (like this one), but there were many more I never even mentioned.

Advice for Others

If you’re considering doing something big—whether it’s a bike ride, a personal challenge, or just stepping out of your comfort zone—here’s what I’ve learned:

• Just do it. Start small. My cross-country ride was the result of years of building up—overnights, weekend trips, multi-day rides.

• Keep a journal or blog. You’ll forget so much. Writing things down preserves memories and helps you stay connected with others.

• Stay flexible. Don’t lock yourself into a rigid itinerary. Leave room for surprises, detours, and days when you just need to rest or explore.

• Talk to people. Some of my best memories are the people I met along the way—other riders, hosts, locals. Stop and have the conversation.

• Stay safe. Do your research. Make smart choices. Your goal is to ride—and come home.

• Try hostels. I only stayed in one—and I wish I had tried more. Great energy and connection.

• Enjoy the ride. It really is about the journey.

I’m reminded of a quote I put on the front page of this blog:

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”

—Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness

And a few others that friends shared with me:

“The ultimate reason for initiating something ambitious is not to fulfill certain notions but to find out what surprises might emerge. The most remarkable results almost certainly cannot be anticipated.”

—Stewart Brand, The Clock of the Long Now (shared by Paul)

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

—Mark Twain (shared by Don)

And Now… What’s Next?

So here I am, three years later, packing up for the next big ride.

This one has been on my bucket list for a long time: the Pacific Coast. I’ll be starting just north of Seattle, near the U.S.–Canada border, and riding for 34 days down to Imperial Beach—just south of San Diego at the U.S.–Mexico border.

More posts to come in the next few days. Thanks for following along. Let’s see where this ride takes me.