It started out cold up in the high desert in Jacumba at 42 degrees this morning. Winds were forecast to be lighter than the past few days.🤞 And they were; although the west wind grew steadily throughout the day. We bundled up even though we had a lot of climbing to do before heading down to the ocean – Tecate Divide at 3890’ was the highest point today.
It felt so great to cycle all day and not have the elements of temperature, wind or traffic interfere with our ability to just ride. Lots of varied interesting terrain we covered in 83 miles and 4500’. Always takes a long time to navigate in and out of the big cities, too. I’m relieved to be safely finished. With life events of Tom’s 90 year old mom passing in February, a new granddaughter being born in early March, and my own 99 year old mom going on hospice in March, I wasn’t sure I was getting on a plane to FL March 17th, let alone finish the ride. But here I am; granddaughter Miya and parents are great; my mom is actually doing better; and I persevered after my fall in New Orleans, and a few days cut short from traffic that felt unsafe and some strong winds.
California stats: 183 miles, 6000’ elevation gain (less than planned due to wind)
Super fun to have Steven’s wife, Karen, meet us at Ocean Beach Park in San Diego with Steven’s sisters, Carol and Nancy. And our Portland friends Bob & Kristin Krueger. And of course support driver Jody Ritchie!
Thanks for joining me on this crazy journey. I enjoyed sharing it with you. Get out on a bike… why drive when you can pedal!
TransAm 3.0 Southern Tier
- March 20 – May 6, 2026 (42 days cycling + 6 rest days)
- St Augustine, FL to San Diego, CA
- 2806 miles, 81,790’ elevation gain
TransAm 1.0 TransAmerica Bicycle Trail (with some route changes)
- June 13 – Aug 17, 2015 (56 days cycling + 10 rest days)
- Rehoboth Beach, DE to Gearhart OR
- 3927 miles, 178,626’ elevation gain
TransAm 2.0 Northern Tier (with some route changes)
- June 22 – Sept 6, 2023 (66 days cycling + 10 rest days)
- Bar Harbor, ME to Anacortes, WA
- 4240 miles, 153,813’ elevation gain
west marine layer of fog
TransAm Cycle 3.0 
Congratulations to all four of you. What a great way to finish! Amazing challenges all along the way.
If you’re ever eager to plan a Trans Am 4, I can share the stats and paved-version of our continental divide route from Mexico to Fairbanks AK. Different challenges like avalanche, buffalo and bears.
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