Shawne and Jo are OUT OF HERE!!!

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As you all know, Shawne and I are riding our bicycles from San Diego to the Florida Keys. (Yes, our "pedal bikes"!)
Though this is my third journey cross-country on a bicycle, it is Shawne's first, and I am both thrilled and proud to be by his side. We acquired our maps through Adventure Cycling, and are prepared to depart on September 20th to San Diego. We hope to hit the road by the 23rd. We are taking few creature comforts, but the gear we have will leave us more than comfortable on our trek.
It is odd that a journey's beginning consists of many a goodbye. Our goodbye was a party with as many dear friends and family attending as possible. The party took place at Toad's Bar in Carson City, NV, and it was a smashing success. Laughter, tears, and good wishes abounded. New friends and old visited well into the night. We line-danced to Pantera, and ate spinach dip in spite of the current e-coli scare. We felt brave, mighty, and loved.
We thank you all for being there, and we will carry those warm memories with us through whatever lies ahead.
Follow along as we traverse this great nation!
Thanks for reading!

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Comments

[Arthur]

Rally hard!
Rally hard and have a great time! Best of luck and we'll be watching. Cheers

[Erin]

Good Luck
I wish both of you the best of luck. I know Shawne is in good hands traveling with Jodie. I hope the two of you enjoy each other and the trip. It should be a great time! I am excited for both of you. Love ya both!

[BRYAN]

YO!
BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR TRIP. JODIE, LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A ROPE FOR SHAWN. BE SAFE AND AWARE. BYE FOR NOW GUYS

[Shawne's mom-Tricia]

Have fun and be careful
Hi Guys, I think it is awesome that you are doing this adventure. Remember Shawne I said never have regrets in life so I'm happy for you. And I like the adding this to your life resume thing. What a cool thing to do. If you need anything you know who to call...Your mom. Hugs and kisses, Love Mom

[Katie]

Banana Virus!
Are you sure Shawne didn't drink from a contaminated water source and contract the Banana Virus? :) Just kidding, love you much and miss you even more.

[Jessica]

I'm so excited to be able to live vicariously through your adventures for a bit ... I hope Shawne feels better, these things never get off to a smooth start. Are you taking the Bobs (I guess I'll find out) ... wondering how you'll make it across with the stringent water requirements :) I'm so excited for your adventure! Desitin and radios ...

[Donnie]

How About That!
I kept getting email notices from this blog, but didn't know what it was about or who was sending it. I almost deleted the messages. So, I finally clicked the link. I didn't know you two were going biking. Plus, what an awesome idea to blog about it! Visit N'Awlins since you're gonna be in the neighborhood anyway.

[Tia Cheri]

Awesome!
Hi nephew. What a handsome young man you are! That pretty girl is a nice fresh of breath air as well. I am so excited for you guys!!! I love to travel, and man, it's so awesome to see the creation of God, and sleep under the stars, sunrises, sunsets, and the like, you will never, never, never, forget this! (flat tires or not, it's part of the sights, all things have a purpose, to slow you down to meet someone or get you out of harms way or to speed you up for the same). Breath it in!!!!! Grandma Amsden is happy for you as well. I pray you will be coverd night and day with the blessed Angels of God, to bring you guys to where you want to be and where you need to be. I will pray for you daily!!! Love always xoxoxoxo