Starting May 1st, I’m taking a much-needed break from the digital world. I’ve decided it’s time to give my eyes a rest from screens and complex spreadsheets in favor of the vast horizons of the American prairies and mountains. This trip is about disconnecting from the “hustle” and reconnecting with what really matters and I think a 30 Day Gravel adventure into some of the most remote parts of the USA is the perfect way to do that. 

The Mission: Seattle to St. Louis:
The goal is to ride my own Iron Horse (bicycle) from the Pacific Northwest all the way to St. Louis using a combination of human power and historic iron. To keep the journey as enjoyable as possible, I am intentionally avoiding highways and heavy traffic. Instead, I’ll be following the historic rail lines that shaped this country, riding the gravel trails where the tracks used to be and jumping on the train where they still run. This takes me back to 2018 Japan touring. 

• Total Cycling Distance: I’ll be pedaling approximately 3,700 km of gravel and backroads.  
  
• The Amtrak Link: I’m incorporating the Empire Builder line for the segment from Whitefish, MT to Williston, ND to bridge the Great Plains.  
• Total Elevation Gain: My legs will be tackling over 28,000m of climbing—roughly the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest from sea level over three times.
• During this vertical grind, I’ll be passing through Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.