Wide-open country, interesting people, and self-exploration crossed the path of Bakersfield College professor Scott Wayland.
An English professor at BC since 1996, Scott Wayland rose to the challenge of a lifetime by cycling 4,661 miles across 15 states and four time zones in 99 days.
“It was about testing myself. With a trip like this, you figure out what you are made of,” said Wayland.
Wayland began his journey Aug. 10, 2007 in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he picked up his recumbent bike (a German design) at a local bike shop that he shipped from California.
“The idea was to maroon myself on the East Coast and fight my way back,” explained Wayland.
Wayland originally planned to experience the trip with his wife, Jodi. However, due to her conflicting work schedule, Wayland had to tackle the ride on his own.
The Waylands have taken trips in the past such as their 800-mile tandem ride with their dog, Django.
On average, he clocked about 60 miles a day, cycling a maximum of 85 miles in one day.
“There were so many awesome days,” said Wayland.
Wayland described the northeastern section of the country, such as Maine and Vermont, as some of the more enjoyable moments of the trip. However, not all of his experiences were happy.
“Crossing the Midwest was a special kind of misery,” said Wayland. Massive winds, rain, and dramatic mountain climbs challenged Wayland’s determination to complete the “holy grail” of long distance cycling.
“Western Kansas was the hardest,” said Wayland. “I never wanted to quit, but I definitely wanted days to end. It’s like life; you just have to put your head down and push through.”
With the aid of a series of maps, as well as the help of www.adventurecycling.org and www.hotshowers.com, a website for cyclists who are looking for places to camp, people who might take them in and scenic routes, Wayland was able to navigate his way while meeting and making connections along the way.
As days would come to an end, Wayland would consider dinner and where he would sleep.
Pedaling into small new towns, Wayland would hit the local grocery store and then the library so he could update his Web site, www.scott.findinghome.blogspot.com.
Wayland logged his trip with pictures and commentary. While visiting towns, he met interesting people.
Some would take him into their home for the night and recommend where he could camp or inspire him.
If staying at a “new friend’s” house did not work out, Wayland did what he describes as “stealth camping.”
He slept under trees, behind tennis courts or under a cell phone tower.
“It’s about human interactions,” said Wayland.
“You become way more patriotic when you finish a trip like this than when you began. It’s not about politics. It’s about the people and the landscape.”
After 450 hours of cycling, Wayland rolled into Ventura, Calif., on Nov. 15.
Wayland experienced beauty, diverse states, dreadful weather, and although difficult, he would recommend that everyone cycle long distances.
According to Wayland, “The hard part is the spice of the journey.”