Welcome

Welcome to "Sue Across America," a blog dedicated to the cross country bicycle trip of Sue Ahrend. When Sue came to us at Bike Station a few months ago and told us she was going to be doing a cross country bicycle trip, we thought it would be great to run a blog and keep each other and our other customers and friends updated about the trip. So, here it is: "Sue Across America."
First, I guess we should give you little background. This blog is being hosted by the staff at Bike Station in Golden, CO. Sue has been a customer of ours for some time and we are stoked that she has committed to this trip. We hope the best for her as she travels and look forward to hearing about her experiences along the way.
Now, here's a little information about Sue. A former private pilot, Sue works in the ER at Lutheran Hospital. She has been a volunteer for the Alpine Rescue for nine years, serving as the medical director for five. Sue picked up cycling about fifteen years ago after experiencing some physical pains from years of running; subsequently, she "absolutely fell in love with cycling," and we're glad she did. Sue has ridden the Bicycle Tour of Colorado seven times as well as lengthy trips in Montana, Washington, Utah, the Canadian Rockies, North Vancouver Island, Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. She enjoys the epic experience and remarks that she loves making new friends along the way. Now, at a frisky 61 years, Sue ready to tackle the good ole U.S. of A.
She's doing the trip through "America by Bicycle" long distance touring company. Tuesday we packed up her Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD and shipped it off to California where they'll be starting the trip. You can see the trip and route at www.abbike.com. Look for the Cross Country Challenge. The route and stops are also on the site. We'll do our best to provide a map of where she's at. The group will leave San Fransisco on Sunday, June 1st, and arrive in Portsmouth, NH on July 23. Sue will be calling or emailing us every day or two to tell us where she is and tell us how the day went. We'll post accordingly. We'd like as much interaction from readers as possible here. For instance, if you've done a similar trip and have a story to tell, please do. Or, if you know something about a town or area Sue has been or will be, definitely let us know. I know Sue would be thrilled to know some new stuff about places she'll be passing through. Feel free to offer a periodic word of encouragement too, it's gets long out there. When possible, Sue will try to send us some pictures so we can post them for you all.The first leg of the route will take them from San Fransisco to Fairfield, CA, 82 miles in all.

Here's to you Sue, may the wind be at your back.