Dog on Wheels Tour

My family

Thanks
Though I will travel the trail only with Coltrane, I've had a lot of help and support pulling this trip together.  First, I want to thank mom and dad both for generously helping me to purchase necessary equipment and for encouraging me always to challenge myself.  Wyatt, thank you for consistently inviting me to join you in your love and concern for the world; Carrington, for pushing me to wonder at God's grace, when I am inclined to problematize; Garrett, for sharing in my excitement at an ambitious adventure.  Thanks to Noah for making me a better teacher and for following through on our shared dream.

A number of you have encouraged me and offered to help in all sorts of ways.  Thank you for indulging as I get caught up in this thing.  Thank you for your contributions to SEGL and to my own expenses.  It's the nature of a trip like this that I will impose on the hospitality of both friends and strangers.  Thank you all for smiling and waving, for places to sleep and warm meals, for following my progress, for rubbing Coltrane's belly after a long day on the trail, for letters, emails, and care packages, for listening to my stories when it's all over.

A particular thanks also to the various state coordinators for the American Discovery Trail.  I have been very impressed at your taking the time to provide me with detailed route information and advice.

Finally, I want to thank a couple corporate partners of the trip.  By contributing supplies, offering discounts, or simply providing uniquely good service they have made this venture much easier.  I honestly believe that the products produced and provided by these companies and used during my trip are the best of their kind available.  By contributing to my ride these companies have earned a space on this page, but even had they not been so generous, I would have carried their products on my bike.  I unreservedly recommend you to these companies.  The logos below link to their respective websites; for information about the products, please visit the equipment page.

Tarptent was one of the first companies to support this trip with a donation.  Henry Shires, whom I believe started Tarptent in 1999, responded to my partnership request himself.  In our few brief messages I have been impressed with his generosity and personableness.  I love that, in addition to making a great tent, this is a small company that takes a real interest in its customers.  Tarptent has donated a Squall 2 tent.

If I have my story right, the Springer is manufactured in Norway.  SpringerUSA is their domestic distributor, operating out of Salt Lake City, UT.  I'm sorry that my route won't pass through their town.  We'll be thanking them every time Coltrane is outside the trailer.  SpringerUSA has donated a Springer attachment for the bike.

It's been a real pleasure to work with Dick Salisbury, President of CycleTote.  Knowing nothing about me except my ridiculous plan to tow my dog 5,000 miles, Dick was the first person to agree to any sort of sponsorship arrangement.  The trailer is one of the most critical pieces of equipment we'll have with us on this trip.  It needs to be safe, comfortable, easy to pull and maneuver, and solidly constructed.  CycleTote makes a great product and stands behind it with incredible customer service.  CycleTote gave me a significant discount on a Doggy Tote

Moosejaw is a very cool outdoor outfitter.  Though they carry everything essential, they still feel like a small operation.  The two most striking things about my experience with them are that they know about their equipment and the outdoors, and they have a great time.  Visit their website for everything from a complete catalog to dating advice.  I understand they are a regular supporter of Chicago charities and of any trekker who uses their gear.  They have offered me a generous discount..

I found 21st Century Goods when I was researching solar chargers.  I didn't ask them to donate anything for the trip, but I'm including them on this page for their great customer service.  I spoke with Keith about solar technology and connectivity issues.  He explained clearly what issues I would need to consider and helped me determine what product was most appropriate to my ride.  Additionally, he gave me a discount on a Sunlinq 6.5 Watt solar charger.

I simply cannot say enough about Adam and Kevin at Get a Grip Cycles.  This is the bike shop I have always wanted to have right around the corner.  Every time I talk with these guys I get more excited about riding.  They couldn't be more friendly, and their knowledge about riding and about the equipment is clear.  They love their customers and go beyond the call of duty to provide the greatest service possible.  In the few months I have been visiting the shop I have seen them provide a quick tune up for free, invite a customer to come in before the shop opens to work on their training cycle, and discourage customers from spending money unnecessarily.  They are gracious each time I call to ask about my bike (Kevin even recognizes my voice over the phone); they will always try to match a lower price if I can find one, and they have offered to teach a few maintenance tricks I may need on the road.  They will stand behind any one of their bikes with a free annual tune-up, and they're always excited to hear their customers' own riding stories.  I like to think that Get a Grip is the Cheers of bike shops.

I love Flint River Ranch!  Coltrane has been eating their food since the day I picked him up in Virginia.  The food is all-natural, human grade ingredients.  And it gets delivered right to the front door.  I never have to think about dog food anymore; it just shows up when I need it.  Coltrane is healthy, has a wonderful coat and lots of energy, and he seems to think the food tastes good.  Flint River Ranch has agreed to provide Coltrane's food on the trail.  They are even willing to track my location and send the food directly to me at pre-arranged locations.