Many times in preparation for this Cycle Across America adventure I have brought an old atlas down from my bookcase and studied our proposed route on it. The atlas had belonged to my Dad and was handed down to me when he died. It contains not only the written information, somewhat dated now, it contains the memories of long conversations with my Dad.
My Dad was usually a man of few words. If I rang my parents at home and Dad answered the phone, after a few pleasantries, he would say ‘I guess you want to speak to your mother?‘ Except, when I was planning a cycle adventure. Then he would be full of excitement and chat and information he had gleaned about our intended destination.
My Dad’s generation didn’t have as many opportunities for travel as we do but that didn’t stop him travelling vicariously through our cycling adventures. Before he died I had cycled Vietnam to Cambodia, Lands End to John O’Groats, Boston to Bar Harbour and was planning to cycle the Alps. My Dad would have been able to tell you about every twist and turn in each of these routes.
Having never travelled to most of these places, my Dad’s knowledge of the landscape, the history and the people in each region were borne from many hours pouring over maps in the atlas and more latterly and more practically, his knowledge of the locations of cafes, supermarkets, bike shops and the like came from his research on Google maps. How he loved Google’s Street View!
I can picture him now sitting with his atlas open at the kitchen table. He would have his glasses on and he would have a pen and paper beside him. He would become absorbed in this exciting world of possibilities, oblivious to my Mum’s questions about coffee or lunch.
It was the notes that he would take while sitting at the kitchen table that would be full of suggestions, ideas and questions about where we were going.
My Dad was a walker not a cyclist but he loved my cycling adventures and he would love that I am cycling across America. He would have known where we were at any given moment in time, how many miles we had cycled, what climate, geography and people we could expect to encounter and we’d have had lots to chat about in the months leading up to a trip.
There are always certain triggers that remind me of my Dad: an Ella Fitzgerald song, a glass of single malt whisky, Christmas at ours and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival to name a few and this cycle across America has made me think about him a lot.
My Dad would be very proud of what we are doing now and he would have been very much a part of it. So, I’m raising a glass, I might even manage a single malt, to my Dad and promise to look after myself during this adventure.
Challenging Times 
I never knew this even though we’ve chatted about your Dad. I’m sorry he’s not following along on this trip but he’d have known there would be more, all carefully and methodically planned and it sounds like he is, in part, some of the wind beneath your wings. Sending love xx
A lovely post xx
❤️
This was a wonderful read and a tad emotional 🩵 I am sure Dad is watching over you and is brimming with pride at your courage and determination xx
Thank you. I’d like to think so. 🥰
An emotional one, but lovely thoughts of our Dad. I’m sure he is watching over you sis and brimming with pride at your courage and determination xx
A lovely pen portrait. Thank you for sharing.
What a lovely tribute for Dad, he is never more than a thought away. Thank you Alison much love xxx
Lovelytribute
This is so lovely to read Alison. It made me smile as my dad too loves a good old fashioned map and a nosey on Google maps.
I am sorry your dear dad is no longer here to get absorbed in your huge America cycle challenge. Having all those memories of him and your times together are so special.
I am following your journey in awe. 10 years after your diagnosis and you are stronger than ever. I remember at work how you made things happen, how motivated you were. There was never any doubt from me that you would let Parkinsons get the better of you. Amazing X
Such a beautiful read about your lovely Dad. As you say, he would have been so proud of what you are doing. Great to have such precious memories of him. ❤️
Beautifully written, a great tribute to your dad. 🥲
What a great tribute to your Dad. He obviously loved to be part of your adventures 😁
Brought a tear to my eye, Alison. What a beautiful description of your dear Dad. He would surely be very proud of you, as we all are, and I’m sure he is with you every pedal of the way. Much love xxxx
A meticulous planner and organiser. The apple truly doesn’t fall far from the tree. Beautiful.