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Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA
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My cousin (Matt) is starting his attempt to ride the perimeter of the USA today. He is 25 and left his job in Minnesota in supply chain management at Land o'Lakes to make an attempt at this. I am super excited for him! He has a twin brother, and personally, I am always fascinated by the dynamic of twins and that might be the hardest part he faces on this self-supported trip. Regardless, I wish him well and lots of riding prayers for a safe voyage.


He is a very religious and he is hoping to raise $25,000 for a youth camp he has been involved in over the years for kids with disabilities. Route is pictured below, and although he has no hard dates being self-supported, I am sure he could use some help with a wash of clothes, a place to stay, some latex tubes ;) Although not a triathlete, he has committed to doing the majority of his commuting via bike even in harsh Minnesota winters. I think he did 8,500 hundred last year. Anyway, I figured there might be a few people interested in following along via his Instagram.

**edit** I followed up with my cousin today as there were a bunch of people offering assistance, thank you btw. Especially those that offered to lube his chain, lol. Anyway, If you don't have social media/Insta to send him a DM then send him a message thru his contact page on his website. He is going to need a way to organize the dates/homestay as he makes his way around the country.




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Last edited by: Thomas Gerlach: Aug 8, 18 22:35
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Is he looking for folks to host him? We live near Boston close to MA/RI, and would be open to that. What is best way to contact him? via Instagram?
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I’m in west Phoenix (Goodyear) Lmk what I can do for him here
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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What an awesome challenge and a great cause. Sent him a donation. Wish him luck!
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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It looks like he will be riding by my place in Michigan near the end of September or beginning of October. If he is ok with dogs, he would be welcome to the guest bedroom and can use the laundry.

Trip of a lifetime!

----------------------------
Jason
None of the secrets of success will work unless you do.
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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No shame there. We will find him when he nears our orbit, and provide. PM to you next.
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Have him shout here when he’s in Austin!
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [KathyG] [ In reply to ]
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KathyG wrote:
Is he looking for folks to host him? We live near Boston close to MA/RI, and would be open to that. What is best way to contact him? via Instagram?


I think the best way to contact him is just to send him a DM via Instagram. As for places to host, his plan is to camp pretty much everywhere and then try to connect with friends in places where he can but I am sure he would love to meet new people along the way. He is a super good kid from a nice family and he just really loves to bike and has a very positive attitude and sense of humor. Based on his first day it looks like he already had a flat on a nice thick tire. Funny, I rode in Tucson one winter in Tucson with the same Supersonic tire, with pointy things everywhere, and didn't have a flat for six months.




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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [wannabefaster] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [KathyG] [ In reply to ]
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I think I will forward this thread to him but Goodyear sounds great if he is going thru Phoenix. However, I am not sure his route is 100% set. If it was me, after heading to Tucson, I would just continue west to Kitt Peak and not even beeline (pun intended) up to Phoenix. Great stretch of road there and I am sure Paul Thomas would love to add another horse to his stable even if only for a few hours of companionship.


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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas Gerlach wrote:
He has a twin brother

Alarm bells =)

29 years and counting
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Jorgan] [ In reply to ]
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Jorgan wrote:
Thomas Gerlach wrote:
He has a twin brother


Alarm bells =)

And double letters in his first name! =)

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Virginia Beach standing by to assist.

All I Wanted Was A Pepsi, Just One Pepsi

Team Zoot, Team Zoot Mid-Atlantic

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Good stuff! I remember years ago there was someone else here who tried something similar and posted their blog link, was fun to follow and read some of the stories. IIRC, he started in VA and went counterclockwise, making it to TX before he had to stop (I forget the reason).

I'm just outside of Boston if he needs anything when coming through this way. Best of luck to him!



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Looks like he's doing a reverse Seattle-to-Portland route? I live just a couple miles off the STP route where it crosses through Spanaway (near Tacoma). I've got a bunch of family stuff this weekend, but I could offer laundry, shower, and even a guest bed if he'd like...

Oh, yeah, and I can probably feed him, too.

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Last edited by: brider: Aug 9, 18 6:29
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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But will he do it in 50 days???
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Looks like I'll be hosting Matt tonight.

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Has he contacted Slowtwitch about this to verify the rules?

What is his background? This sounds impossible. I doubt he can do it.

Is he just looking for attention? Cause why else would he tackle something so grandiose?

Who did he train with? It better be somebody we respect on slowtwitch or this is just a waste of time.

It's for the kids. Of course, it's always for the kids. And the money.

How is he tracking where the money goes? Cause most of these charity things are about padding someone's pocket.

How is he verifying his mileage? He could just be cheating. We need to know this.

You didn't mention any doping controls for this?? Is he doping? He must be doping.

I have so many other questions. But this will do for now.

ps- in pink. Or is it?
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I know your cousin Matt a little bit through the Minneapolis cycling scene. He’s hooked up with a an awesome group of riders here that routinely put in a ton of miles. He’s a super great guy. I wish him all the best.

____________________________________________________

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Ralph20] [ In reply to ]
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Lol, I thought about putting some of this in my original post but opted against it as to avoid bashing any predecessors of this sort of activity. I will say, with 100% certainty, he is not a sociopath despite the double letters.


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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Worked out great! Matt found his way to our place around 6, and we had a hearty dinner of chicken enchiladas, some games, then a good night's sleep. Pancake breakfast, then he headed north into Seattle to meet cousins. Hopefully this is just the first of many hosted nights on his journey. Quality gentleman, and a great cause. Folks, check his website and if you're close to his route, open your homes.



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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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What's he got against South Texas?

Btw, I'm in the Houston area (The Woodlands) and can offer a bed and shower.
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [logella] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Us Minneapolis folks just can’t get enough of our bikes!

"The person on top of the mountain didn't fall there." - unkown

also rule 5
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Matt stopped in Spokane, WA, last night. Not sure whether he stayed with folks, but I know there were at least a couple volunteers. So now it's eastward out of Washington, another set of mountains, and into the plains.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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brider wrote:
Matt stopped in Spokane, WA, last night. Not sure whether he stayed with folks, but I know there were at least a couple volunteers. So now it's eastward out of Washington, another set of mountains, and into the plains.

Looked like a cold wet ride today. 46 and raining is no good when you are already cold from sleeping in a tent. Hopefully one of the worse days weather wise he has but imagine he will have some cold days too as he gets to Vermont / NH later this fall. His twin brother did a pretty cool ride this weekend riding from Dakota to Wisconsin in an organized event.


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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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He had a volunteer to house him in Bozeman, but his route was farther north. I've been watching his progress -- yesterday looked like a huge day.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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Huge day indeed, nice rebound from the cold wet weather the previous day. Been fun to follow this journey.



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Thomas -

I have been following him every day via Strava.

Thanks for sharing.

"If it costs you 30 minutes at Maryland so what" -dwreal
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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When he hits the west coast of CA I would like to take him out for a steak and pizza. Does he drink beer?? Also got a nice hot tub here to sooth whatever are left of his muscles by then, and get a good nights sleep...
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [monty] [ In reply to ]
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monty wrote:
When he hits the west coast of CA I would like to take him out for a steak and pizza. Does he drink beer?? Also got a nice hot tub here to sooth whatever are left of his muscles by then, and get a good nights sleep...

To be honest, I never really gave it much thought as to whether or not he drinks. We have a very big family and I would say everyone is at least a celebratory drinker, but if there was any one to abstain it would be him and his twin. Regardless he is still a very social young man and I am sure he would love a steak, pizza, and some stories from an endurance legend. Hot tub sounds great to me.


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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [bluestacks867] [ In reply to ]
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Happy to. I know it won't live up the hype of the drama with Ashley but this is just a good midwestern young man from a great family, with lots of love, and a desire to see what else is out there.


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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Another huge day saw Matt into Minneapolis on Tuesday. 220+ miles, loaded. He's about 2 weeks ahead of schedule already.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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That is huge - impressive carrying all the gear too. Looks like he's taking a break for a few days at home before getting back at it.



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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Another huge day saw Matt into Minneapolis on Tuesday. 220+ miles, loaded. He's about 2 weeks ahead of schedule already.



As someone who has done extensive bike touring around the world, I often wonder why people do those kind of miles? There is so much to see and enjoy about bike touring but it's much better if you take your time, look around and meet people from all over the place. He will remember so much more if he would take his time. If you bike to exhaustion, and then repeat again and again, you lose the desire and it becomes a chore and he won't remember much about the trip. Everyone can choose to do it their own way of course but if I could offer any advice, I would say slow down, enjoy the trip and the freedom and you will never regret it.

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Sanuk] [ In reply to ]
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Sanuk wrote:
Another huge day saw Matt into Minneapolis on Tuesday. 220+ miles, loaded. He's about 2 weeks ahead of schedule already.



As someone who has done extensive bike touring around the world, I often wonder why people do those kind of miles? There is so much to see and enjoy about bike touring but it's much better if you take your time, look around and meet people from all over the place. He will remember so much more if he would take his time. If you bike to exhaustion, and then repeat again and again, you lose the desire and it becomes a chore and he won't remember much about the trip. Everyone can choose to do it their own way of course but if I could offer any advice, I would say slow down, enjoy the trip and the freedom and you will never regret it.

Most of his days have been much shorter. He's well aware of the benefit of meeting people along the way. At least that was my impression from him after he spent the night at our place after day 2.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Saw that he made it to Maine, working his way to Bar Harbor and then heading down this way. If he keeps the rate he's been going I'll likely miss him as he passes through my area this week where I'm traveling for work. About three weeks ahead of schedule and putting monster miles in, been fun to follow his journey.



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Bumping this where I saw that he made it to San Diego yesterday, has gone coast to coast to coast. I love stories like this and enjoyed following it since he started.



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Brian in MA] [ In reply to ]
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That's awesome, so I assume he probably went by me here in south Orange County today?? Anyway I posted up awhile back I would host him at my house here, but he has to deal with 3 little kids(and my hot wife)..

If he still needs a place to stay we are available, good luck to the lad...
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Brian in MA] [ In reply to ]
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I've been following Matt since the beginning (we hosted him in Tacoma, WA on his second night) -- he's a machine. Looking forward to maybe meeting up with him in Portland when he finishes the whole circuit.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Matt is now within a couple days of finishing! I'm planning to drive down to Portland to meet him, take him to dinner (likely at Hopworks Bike bar), and hopefully meet up with some of the Portland bike community. He is still working on his plan to get back home -- if anyone wants to make a contribution to that effort, please do so!

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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This has been a fun journey to follow, so bummed that I was away when he came through Boston in the fall. Congrats to him where the finish line is coming very soon.



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Brian in MA] [ In reply to ]
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He was within a few miles of us in Upper Michigan, we were planning on meeting up, but he came through while we were gone. Pretty cool to see that he made it all teh way around.
Last edited by: Mtbdave: Jan 28, 19 10:07
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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I too had a near miss with Matt in Malibu. It was pouring down rain for a few days while he was working his way through Southern California. We had some back-n-forths on the phone, and he was well taken care of here in Los Angeles with old friends. I've been following is Insta account and enjoying his journey.

Ian

Ian Murray
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I like the pursuit of mastery
Twitter - @TriCoachIan
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Matt is SOOOO close to Portland.

And it's a go for tomorrow evening, Wednesday 1/30, at Hopworks Bike Bar (3947 N. Williams Ave). Anyone in the area is welcome to come on by.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for being so kind. Matt is a good dude, far better dude than myself. Glad everyone has been so supportive of his journey. It was fun hanging out with him while he was in Florida. It was his off day so what did I make him do? Of course ride 50 miles but I called it the "tour de food" and we stopped 4 different places for snacks and dinner. I also crashed that day. First crash since 2015.


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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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He made it! Last 50 miles today, culminating in an interview by the local channel 8 news, and a ride to the airport where his journey began. We had a great dinner at the Hopworks Bike Bar, then drove him to his host for the night. Thanks for posting about his journey. My wife and I both feel we've made a good friend in Matt, and I know he'll have many more adventures in his life.

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Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

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http://www.mjolnircycles.com/
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [brider] [ In reply to ]
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Brilliant effort. Have been following him on Strava
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Re: Shameless plug: My cousin is attempting to ride the perimeter of the USA [Thomas Gerlach] [ In reply to ]
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Happy for him that he did it, I enjoyed following his journey online. He had an experience of a lifetime.



"You can never win or lose if you don't run the race." - Richard Butler

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