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. If you liked that adventure, I think you’ll like this one; if you didn’t like that one – delete this site from your browser history and take a literal hike – life’s too short to waste time with wasteful electronics!

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! Now instead of being a convicted manslaughter felon, I get to spend two months with this friend who balances his brash stubborn confidence with deep empathy for (most) everyone he meets.

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) and he’s still gainfully employed – amazing he can shoehorn this journey into his life right now. Mark also plans to stream Chicago’s WXRT through every mile, except when he’s streaming every Cubs game; he also hopes for many nights camping under the stars in close proximity to interstate traffic noise.