We were cycling toward Chadron at around seven in the evening, as a car passed us. It had two bikes on it, which wasn’t all that odd, but enough for us to notice it. The bikes looked like nice bikes, too.
A quarter of a a mile later the car pulled over and stopped, and the two passengers exited. Which was a bit out of the ordinary, but not unheard of. Many people who are cyclists themselves routinely ask us if we need anything, or just want to hear about our journey.
They waved at us happily, and we stopped to chat with the couple.
This is when the likelihood of the event took a turn toward the highly unlikely category: The couple had been riding on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail in Pennsylvania at the same time as we did, and had even spoken a few words to us somewhere near Ohiopyle. That is about a 1500 miles from where we now stood.
The couple, Chris and Tom (I hope I remember their names correctly!) had since loaded their bikes onto their car and gone cycling on a trail in South Dakota. And were now on their way home to Pittsburgh. Then they had seen our setup, which is pretty recognizable, what with the Trailer Bob, the Finnish flag, and of course Kaisa’s unique feet!
Standing in front of us they were almost out of words. But managed to say that they now felt like total slackers. (They aren’t!)
2 comments
Wonderful running into you folks. You got our names right. And it was amazing. Seeing you. Safe travels to you. If you are heading Casper way let us know.
I just arrived home in Ohio and thought of all of you. So, Googled in to leave a note.
Kaisa and Christoffer, I hope all is well with you and your travels.
Although our rode side meeting was very brief, I recall call it vividly.
I used your recommendation and stayed at the Wackey West Campground in Valentine. It was everything you said it would be. The campers in the motor home across from my camp sight told me you two had spent the night in the same spot the night before. So, that confirmed the place was the same as you foretold.
Curiously, I also met the Hongs on the road. They pulled off the road where we talked about you and your adventure. We discussed everything biking in the Black Hill and other worldly topics. How great is that.
May the wind be at your backs and the roads you ride be wide and smooth through gently rolling hills.
Above all, be safe.
From Ohio – Mike
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