Rob Lilwall

Tandem bicycle ride across America

A Chinese gal and a British guy ride a tandem bicycle from coast to coast

Editor’s Note: I want to try this. And you’re guaranteed not to lose your partner.

After 5 months in America, riding from LA to New York, I wondered whether the experience had changed me? There were plenty of tough times: the grueling days in the hot sun of Tennessee, the scary nights camping wild in the deserts out west, the exhilaration of being chased by dogs through Oklahoma (Rob said these were part of the fun – for me, I much preferred not to be chased, especially when I was at the back!), of falling off the bike because we had to stop suddenly and couldn’t get our feet out of the pedals. There were also plenty of good times: the kind strangers who invited us round to their houses for a swim in their pool in the heat of the day, or to have us stay the night, or asked, with genuine concern, whether we were packing [a gun], and then shook their heads in disbelief when we said we weren’t, of time with Rob on the road, sharing an adventure together.

Both the highs and lows are precious memories, though it all seems so far away now, and in a sense, I wonder whether the whole experience was a dream! Actually, although I did miss home when I was away, now that I am back, I miss the simplicity of being on the road, riding from Point A to Point B every day, stopping for lunch somewhere along the way, and camping or staying in a motel at the end of a long day of riding. If only normal life was this simple!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this short video of our trip, it’s quite fun!

If you enjoyed this story…

  • I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
  • Subscribe to get new stories in your inbox.
  • If you are feeling generous, even $1 helps. Or send an anonymous gift from my Amazon Wishlist.
  • And/or please share.

Thanks. This website is a labor of love, and your kindness keeps me motivated.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More stories like this one

Alastair Humphreys Tom Allen

How to add purpose to your adventures

What if your next adventure could change more than just you? Alastair Humphreys offers 20 thought-provoking questions to help adventurers add purpose, responsibility, and lasting impact to their journeys.
Before and after picture of Tim and Sharyn with their loaded touring bicycles in the snow of Canada and in the sun of the United States.

From backpacks to panniers to housesits

Tim and Sharyn have spent nearly two decades redefining adventure, going from backpackers to bicycle tourists to housesitters in the world’s most beautiful and expensive cities. Read on to discover their inspiring midlife journey, lessons learned on the road, and how they’re teaching others how to housesit and save thousands while traveling the world.
Komodo snorkeling

My reasons to go diving in Komodo Island

Komodo Island is recognized as one of the world’s best diving spots in the world. Its aquatic features and scenery is a wonder to behold.