Matt Hager

I’ll be author of this blog. As such, I will be the perpetual protagonist who is never in the wrong, continually a force for good, and always in my right mind. I hope to bring stories that will entertain and educate, while trying to elevate myself above my peers (that’s just how blogs work, I think). This cross country bicycle journey is something I’ve dreamed of since I was 13; now 45 years later I think I’m just experienced enough, fit enough and stupid enough to make it happen. Thankfully, I have two friends who also fit these descriptors, and they are joining this epic bicycle journey. I’ve known both of these guys since 1987 at Valparaiso University; at some point after that we actually became friends.

I had hoped that my next public writing would be in the form of a book about my Mississippi River kayak journey, but that’s still in the works. If you didn’t follow along 3 years ago and are interested: Mississippimattblog.com.

Geeto Reilly

In November, my friend Geeto retired as a Captain from the Chicago Fire Department. After a career of excitement and life saving opportunities, this journey fills a hole in his calendar and his need to be caring and empathetic to those in need. He’s hopeful that he’ll in some way save my life on this journey (though I don’t intend to give him that satisfaction). It’s funny how maybe the only person I’ve ever wanted to seriously kill (39 years ago) is now my conscripted life-saver; I’m glad he was faster than me when I chased him with a large metal pot to bash his brains in!

Mark Lecy

Those from the Mississippi Matt blog may remember as I described Mark as “Mr. Positive” – he’s always uplifting, inclusive and fun-loving… until he’s not. What we later diagnosed as acute hanger brought out the Mr. Hyde inside of Dr. Jubilant. Hearing him in the background on a phone call at that time, my daughter Sarah said it sounded like I was traveling with “the ghost of some poor pitiful soul”. Thankfully, no permanent damage was done then, and Mark promises to eat regularly as we burn through 5,000 calories a day. Mark remains one of my closest friends; I was overjoyed when he was interested in joining this journey, and I know he will help emit the good vibrations from this crew. Mark recently became a grandpa (daughter Lauren gave birth to baby Olive Elizabeth in July) and he’s preparing for the wedding of his second daughter Julia in September (which throws a little wrench in our bicycling works).