Arrived around 5:30pm after a little more than 90 miles of riding. Temps only reached 92 with the sun shining half the time, which helped going through the dunes. This was my first ride that I did a purposeful ditching- two tractor trailer trucks and me on an uphill with no shoulder, the trucks had their way. Once in Blythe, I was able to Visit American legion Post 24 and make some new Legion friends. I also stopped by to say hello at the Law Offices of Shaffer cormell and spoke with Pauline and Sharon about attorney wellness. On our day of rest reflections will be shared on my path to improved mindfulness.

In the desert outside Glamis … getting hot

Started before sunrise today; left knew muscle bothering me, limped to my bike, heading to Blythe today 90 plus mile journey- CA 78 the whole way

Left Boulevard this morning and 73 miles to Brawley; on the way we saw one of the border walls erected; in Brawley we stopped at American Legion Post 60 and made some new friends; hardest part of day was biking on rough roads in 100 degree heat with the sun and no shade. Stopped for cold drinks numerous times.

Rode 70 miles from San Diego to Boulevard, ending at an elevation of 4111 feet. According to Strava, we bike climbed 7509 feet in elevation 😳. This was a difficult first day, and averaged 9.6 miles per hour.

On September 21, 2019, my cousin George “Duffy” Thomas and I will bicycle from San Diego to St. Augustine. My ride is for fellow veterans that cannot. It is also my personal journey for improved mindfulness.

Please reach out to a veteran with kindness and consideration. Should you want to reach out another way, please support these organizations that do good things for the physical and mental well beings of veterans.

The Travis Mills Foundation

Veterans Count

Welcome to my website. My plan is blog about my bicycle journey over the next several weeks while raising awareness for veterans and mental wellness.

I have been a Air Force reservist and guardsman for 18 years, deployed to IRAQ during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009, and met outstanding military men and women. I joined American Legion Post #164 in Falmouth, Maine shortly after my return from deployment.

As a registered Maine attorney for 22 years, I have been practicing at a law firm in North Yarmouth, Maine with an awesome legal team. I am indebted to them for supporting me on my attempt at crossing the country.

Most importantly, I am thankful for the support of my lovely wife Holly and children for their encouragement. Holly has made me a better person with her love and invaluable counsel for over 28 years.

My cousin Duffy offered me this great opportunity to ride with him across our country. Duffy is riding to honor his daughter Emily ; see thisrideis4emily.wordpress.com