Episode 191: Becky Gilbert

Coast to Coast on The TransAmerica Trail

Becky Gilbert grew up hearing her grandparents tell her about their ride across the USA on the TransAmerica Trail. Then almost 30 years later she decided to do the ride herself. All up it was just over 3 months spent riding from Oregon to Virginia. She was joined by her partner Ash, and on all accounts they had an amazing adventure.

Something else that is surprising to know about Becky is that growing up she didn’t actually like cycling. Her parents were both outdoors minded so family holidays would actually often involve cycling with them to new places on holidays, but she never enjoyed it. Fast forward to when she was 25 and she actually took a first bikepacking adventure with her parents. Just a small credit card tour to Wales. She loved it.

Another tour followed from Newcastle to Scotland and eventually the idea that perhaps she could ride the TransAmerica Trail just like her grandparents started to take hold. Her partner Ash had gotten into cycling and he was keen. So plans were made and before they knew it they were on a plane to Oregon to set off to ride across the country.

Becky shared with me how from day one on arriving in Oregon, she didn’t ever believe she’d make it all the way across. Self doubt had crept in and she didn’t allow herself to think too far ahead. Her strategy was always to pick a milestone on the route and see if she could get to there, then the next one and eventually after over two months spent cycling the trail, she did believe she’d be able to finish it off.

The TransAmerica Trail is put together by the Adventure Cycling Association, and Becky shared how if people want to do the ride themselves it is definitely worthwhile seeking out the official maps and guide routes from Adventure Cycling. It is much more than the GPX route files, and the official maps also contain information as to where you can safely camp, which could be town parks, local churches and even fire houses.

Something which did take Becky by surprise was they never really came across too many other riders. Occasionally they’d pass someone travelling in the other direction, but for a huge marked national trail, she thought there would be more people riding the route. This was also evident with the people who they met along the way in what could be classed as ‘small town America’. Becky recalls how they couldn’t arrive anywhere in town without someone coming over to chat to them. The loaded bikes sparked up the curiosity to strike up a conversation and it was a highlight for the entire journey.

Becky also recalls a particularly welcoming encounter from trail legend Wes. Wes is known to host many people who ride the TransAmerica Trail and when he spotted Becky and Ash’s bikes in town he started the search to see if they’d like to stay with him. What followed was incredible kindness, he hosted them, fed them, took them out for frozen custard and then set them off with an amazing breakfast the next day. What a legend!

The only unfortunate incident of the entire trip was a run in with dogs in Kentucky. It’s a known problem for people taking on the trail, indeed, Becky’s grandparents themselves had issues in the state with dogs as well. Becky was actually thrown off her bike by a Rottweiler and is thanful she wasn’t seriously injured. The incident made her and Ash re-assess their route, and they decided to hire a car and skip over the state of Kentucky completely.

By the time they got to end of their journey the autumn colours were in full display in Virginia. It made their time pedalling through the punchy climbs of the Appalachians a bit more manageable, although the weather had turned by then as the tailend of a hurricane was hitting the coast. But they made it across and now Becky has a shared experience with her grandparents. All along the route there were reminders of stories her grandfather shared with her, and now she can tell him some as well. How awesome!

You can keep up with Becky’s future adventures via her instagram @BeckyOnABike

The Seek Travel Ride podcast