Finally, we have begun. With all the procrastination, exams and interviews, out of the way, Woody and I finally found some time to start planning. After saying for so long we we are going to cycle the Pacific Coast, we were going to look mighty stupid if we didn't.
I did think for a while it may not happen, that all the talk of the trip, all the time spent researching and proselytising would eventually come to nothing. I worried my enthusisasm for adventurous fundraising would dampen with the lack of action.
But this weekend changed that. Over some beers and a 'proper spread' we started.
Dates, being the first and only problematic hurdle were agreed, (in principal). On the 15th of July we will fly to Vancouver, bikes in tow, and fly home on 24th August from New York, via San Diego.
A rough timescale quickly materialised, between 18th July and 17th of August we plan to complete the cycle. with our final few days spent in San Diego and then New York. The 3500km will most likely be split into roughly 100km blocks, leaving us with time to enjoy the cities along the coast.
Our route at the moment starts in Vancouver, BC, descends to Seattle, Wash, enters Oregon, a quick diversion into Portland, Ore, then into California, hitting San Francisco, LA, San Diego and finally arriving at the Mexican border town of Tijuana. It all sounds so simple.
Although we hope to gain a massive amount of enjoyment from the trip, we are doing this for charity. In particular the RFU Injured Player's Foundation, that supports rugby players who have sustained catastrophic injuries whilst playing the sport they love. Both Woody and I are keen rugby players, and knowing we could never play again because of injury is something we hope we never have to face. Knowing that that injury could leave you without the use of your legs, or worse, is horrific.
The fact is that an injury that can have a lasting and often detrimental effect on a rugby player's life is something that many have come to terms with. But from a friendship with someone who has suffered such an injury I was made aware of the RFU injured player's Foundation, that provides 'help and support for both players and their families in the early months of these injuries as well as in the long term'. Details of how to sponsor us, will shortly be appearing.
As we are doing this for a rugby charity, we searched for a rugby theme for the trip. Knowing the strength of the rugby community worldwide. We hope to perform a rugby shirt relay, taking a shirt from our local clubs in England, and meeting up with N. American clubs along the Pacific coast, exchanging shirts, relay fashion, along the way. Planning this is probably going to be the most difficult part of the process, but emails will shortly be going out to garner interest and support amongst clubs the legendary Route 101. It is rugby sevens season in America during July and a bit of participation is not out of the question.The title and subsequent tag line, Rucking and Rolling -Tum and Wood Tackle America, is another homage to the rugby charity we're supporting.
Exposure wise we're making use of social networks. You can follow us on twitter @ruck_and_roll, there is a page on Facebook and continue to read this blog. We want to get as many people aware of the trip as possible, so if you enjoy our blog over the coming months make sure to let others know. Spread the word.
Tom Morris
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