Derek Jennings
Ride with Me

In 1976 Bicyclists from around the world took part in a 4,250 mile journey across the United States of America to celebrate Bicentennial Year

Experience an account of 42 days on a bicycle from Readsport Oregon to Yorktown Virginia

Thursday August 5th
New York

Rose at 8 o’clock and decided today I would make my way out to JFK Airport. Got the bike ready for the road again and before leaving the “Y” went to the P.O. to enquire where Howard Beach lies, Irwin Burger lives there. Left the “Y” at 10am and took a picture of the U.N. building, the flags were flying now. Couldn’t get over Queensboro Bridge, no bikes allowed so took the cable car to Roosevelt Island in the middle of East river and then a trouble free ride over a bridge on to Long Island. Made a call to Daily Mail but could not get Jane. The first few miles on Long Island were not pleasant, same old problems – dense traffic, bad road surfaces and endless traffic lights. Lost my way further on and was directed back on the route around the back of the Forest Hills area which was pretty much the same as our better suburban areas at home.

Back on the road to Howard Beach and J.F.K. I was hailed from a stationary car by the words HEY!! DEREK!! and who should it be but Irwin Burger. Now if that isn’t just the ultimate in coincidences I don’t know what is! I just could not believe it. Well he took me to his home which was just 1 ⁄2 a mile away and here I am now writing this, and very conveniently placed to pack my bike and get to the Airport tomorrow night, when I really expected to be sleeping rough on Howard Beach. I just cannot get over the way this has all happened, and Irwins invitation to stay here has just about completed the most fantastic set of experiences that I expect I shall ever have happen to me in my lifetime. I might add that Irwins place is just a couple of miles from J.F.K. When Irwins wife Martha came home at six we had a delightful meal, candles and wine – THE LOT!!

Then a drive out to Rockaway Penninsula to the real Atlantic so I could complete the Ocean to Ocean ceremonial paddle properly. Irwin insisted the one I had carried out on my arrival in Yorktown was not in an Ocean it was the Chesapeake Bay!! He went to a great deal of trouble to make sure I got it right! and has already rung the bike shop and arranged to pick up a bike box tomorrow then drive me to the airport in the evening. So I reckon my middle name really is “lucky”. Just imagine once again what problems I could be having finding a sleeping place out here especially as I am down to my last 10 dollars and then having to mess about at the airport preparing my bike for transit, and changing clothes for travel etc. Sat up talking and was quite surprised to find it was 12.35am before we went to bed.

Friday 6th August
New York

Woke at 7am and lay in until 7.45, couldn’t go back to sleep for I was much too excited about flying home tonight. At last, all those days of waiting since my arrival in Yorktown had finally passed and I was soon to see all those dear to me. I was aware during all those days that I shouldn’t be wishing them away, as I would never have this opportunity again. I should be gaining all the benefit I could from the time available.

Tidied up my baggage, then with Irwin it was down to the bike shop for a box to transport the bike home. In the cafe opposite, a breakfast of hotcakes and maple syrup was on the menu. Who knows when I can enjoy those again? I just had to take the opportunity (maybe it would be for the last time). Spent the morning packing the bike with Irwin and after a snack we went down to Rockaway beach for a ‘swim’ in the Atlantic. A storm brewing sent every one scurrying from the beach, the Atlantic rollers with a fine sandy beach were really great. Watched telly and had a doze when we got home and then dinner. Martha was late home due to road flooding on her way home from work in New Jersey, she got in at 7 o’clock. Irwin and I had eaten beforehand as it was her plan to go to the hairdressers before her meal. She’d changed all that however, it was time now for the airport and Martha wanted to come with us. On the way she insisted that I couldn’t leave America without sampling a “Hot Dog” and it had to be a “Nathans”. So to “Nathans” we went, which apparently comes from the old established (1916) hot dog stand on Coney Island.

Arrived at the Airport around 9.30pm and into the departure lounge. Irwin had a problem parking his car for any length of time so could not accept my invitation for a farewell drink. It was therefore sadly, that I said goodbye at 9.45pm, all too quickly, after all that both had done for me. Made one or two purchases for Angela and Bob and finally boarded the plane at midnight, a Boeing 707. Took off at 12.20 for a 61 ⁄2 hour flight to Heathrow. Promised Martha when I left that I would send her my press cuttings and diary writings if they ever get published and also a photograph of the mementoes of the trip that was causing some amazement and interest. My collapsed bicycle saddle was one, the other was the beaker and napkin that Irwin had obtained for me at Nathans as a souvenir.

Now of course sitting here winging my way home there is time for reflection and trying to decide what it was that created the biggest single impact on me throughout this fantastic 7 weeks! The choice is without doubt between the variety, beauty, and challenge of the country I have travelled through, or my astonishment at peoples friendliness, generosity and hospitality, along with a genuine interest in us as bike riders, and me in particular, which prevailed throughout the ride from the first day to the very last. If I had to choose I think it would be the latter. Once again I enjoyed the flight, a different experience this time as it was a night flight. A good view of New York by night on take off, then supper was served soon after. Cold beef, ham and chicken with salad, bottle of wine, cheese and coffee. Spent my last $8 on some duty free perfume and by one o’clock everyone was settling down for a nap. I tried, but could not settle and was rewarded at 2 o’clock by the magnificent sight of flying out of the darkness and into the dawn, an advantage of having a window seat. Didn’t sleep at all, much too excited about seeing Helen and concerned that with my eyes closed I would miss some important part of the flight. Breakfast was served at 9.30am London time, fresh fruit, omelette bacon and tomato, roll and butter, croissant and marmalade and coffee. Just time for a wash and brush up before preparing to land and that long awaited reunion. I wonder if the ears will give me trouble again, I’m taking advice and chewing gum this time, I hope it will help!

At this point I no longer kept this diary and I’ll leave you to imagine the scene as I was reunited with my family and friends at London, Heathrow.