Photos used under creative commons by:

Author: Alicia

Author: Alicia

As it turns out, the giant 25 foot rabbit we imagined ended up being 8 feet tall. We all got out of the car, posed with the rabbit for a picture, made some New Year’s racket, and got back in. We saw many other things on that trip – some incredible things – but one of our favorite memories is <groan> ”I can’t believe we went and saw that Jackrabbit!” Travel is about creating memories that last well beyond the end of the trip. 

Travel Goal Getter takes no responsibility for your satisfaction in visiting such sites as they aren't for everyone. But for a certain type of person it can add humor– and sometimes awe – that other sites on your trip can’t give you.  Add a “largest” to your trip today by checking out our World’s Largest List. If you have visited a “largest” in each state, please let us know so we can add you to our Record Holders. Thanks to member Garry Arndt for giving us a great start on places to include on this list.

Jackrabbit used under creative commons by drewesque.

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Do you have amazing travel goals? Check out a simple tool to help track of states visited, countries visited, and continents visited - see ourTravel Goal iPad App to learn more about tracking your unique travel goals and your travel experiences and bucket-lists on your own travel goal iPad app. See Achieving Travel Goals for some quick advice and a comprehensive guide to help you achieve travel goals. Looking for great articles to plan your next amazing adventure? See our Top Travel Blog Search Engine that searches only the top 150 most widely read and popular travel blogs in the world. Have you traveled to all 50 states, at least 6 continents, or at least 15 countries? Become a free member of ourAll Fifty Club, Continent Club, and/or Traveler's Country Club and join our Travel Community for FREE today or give a membership as a gift! Happy Travels!

Author: Eric

While we certainly covered the extent of their two all fifty state trips, I was left with something greater and more powerful than the notion that travel is just about checking off places visited. For the Edington's, travel is something more; for them, it's about making connections, meeting new people, and giving back to the travel community. You could say that Don and Vanda caught the travel bug on their first overseas trip (the Edington's are also world travelers and have visited 52 countries to date). Their two-week trip to England, which happened to cost $250 at the time, placed them with a host family, much like Couch Surfing (see couchsurfing.org)  connects travelers today. It's no coincidence that the Edington's utilize couch surfing and are now travel hosts themselves; in the past few years they have hosted 16 fellow travelers. The Edington's have one trip planned in the near future: an Alaskan inside passage cruise to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. 

Beyond their Alaskan trip and whatever their future travel plans may hold, you can be certain that Don and Vanda will savor their time on the road and relish in the opportunities of enjoying new travel experiences and meeting new people from around the world. 

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Do you have amazing travel goals? Check out a simple tool to help track of states visited, countries visited, and continents visited - see our Travel Goal iPad App to learn more about tracking your unique travel goals and your travel experiences and bucket-lists on your own travel goal iPad app. See Achieving Travel Goals for some quick advice and a comprehensive guide to help you achieve travel goals. Looking for great articles to plan your next amazing adventure? See our Top Travel Blog Search Engine that searches only the top 150 most widely read and popular travel blogs in the world. Have you traveled to all 50 states, at least 6 continents, or at least 15 countries? Become a free member of our All Fifty Club, Continent Club, and/or Traveler's Country Club and join our Travel Community for FREE today or give a membership as a gift! Happy Travels!

Author: Alicia

UPDATE 8/4/13: Larry is attempting his third All Fifty States tour, playing 50 rounds of disc golf in 50 days. His first stops are in Alaska & Hawaii starting August 12th and his trip will end September 30th. He'd love your support! Visit soldieringonfordiscgolf.com for more information and ways to get involved. Larry's schedule is at the bottom of the post.

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Author: Eric
We first introduced you to David Miller on 11/18/12 after he just completed his quest to visit all 50 US States by bicycle. Last month I had the chance to catch up with David to fill in some of the questions we had about his incredible achievement. See below for the full interview...

When and why did you decide to travel around the US by Bike?
Just around my 49th birthday I started thinking about the adventure I wanted to take to celebrate my 50th
             
Was the trip a combination of driving/biking or just biking?
The trek was mostly land-based, but there was also a bit of air (a flight back from Anchorage to Seattle as well as the flights from DC to Honolulu and back again) as well sea (ferries across the Mississippi, from San Fran to Marin, across Lake Champlain in Vermont) travel. With regard to the land travel, about 85%was by bicycle towing two trailers (one for the dog and the other for my equipment) and the other 15% was hitchhiking to avoid rain, snow and wind. 
             
What were your overnight sleeping arrangements – hotels/tent?
About 30% was covered by inexpensive motels. Another 5% was camping - strictly as a last-resort type of option (I just couldn't get a good enough night's sleep and when you're on your bike for 6 or 7 hours, the rest is imperative). 30% was with family, friends, colleagues and the network of all of their contacts (people with some relation to me however far-removed that might have been). The remaining 35% was satisfied through an amazing organization called Warm Showers. It's a network of long-distance adventure cyclists. They call it a "hospitality exchange". Most of the people on this Facebook-type website have already been on a long-distance bike trip and have been on the receiving end of limitless kindness and generosity. Now that they're back at home, they become the hosts so that they can return the favor.
             
In which state or states had the best riding conditions?
It's difficult to name a state as an entity. Unfortunately, cycling conditions are still not a state or federal priority. However, cities and municipalities are showing a rapidly growing interest and are becoming involved in the development of elaborate systems of trails, paths and greenways for bikes. Some of the best would be the Atlanta area, Raleigh, NC, the whole area that includes Washington, DC, Maryland and the Virginias . . . also Portland, ME and Chicago . . . but, now that I think of it, two states that probably do have a statewide plan would be California and Oregon - both states have amazing opportunities to ride your bike.
             
Which state or states proved to have the most difficult riding conditions?
Iowa (for the complete lack of bike lanes or even adequate shoulders on the county highways), Florida (for the increasing number of older drivers during the winter months) and Alabama (for the aggressiveness of drivers and a bizarre habit of passengers throwing things out the window at cyclists).
             
What were some unexpected mechanical problems that you faced?
Nothing really "unexpected" . . . . just a lot of what I was expecting: flats on the inner tubes, wear and tear on the tires, the need to change the chain every few thousand miles, structural problems with the trailers (they turned out to be extraordinary and the surprisingly lasted the whole trip although they're only designed and built to carry their loads around town; not 4 times across the country!) 
             
What were some unexpected physical problems that you faced?
Once again, I didn't experience anything unexpected. And actually, I didn't face many physical problems at all! I had pain in my right knee after the 5th or 6th week. I put a brace on and starting favoring my left leg to give the right a rest. Within three weeks, the pain disappeared almost as miraculously as it had appeared. The sun was a problem I had foreseen. Periodically over the course of the year when the sun was the strongest, I was bothered by a sun rash. Sun block proved to be ineffective and ultimately I opted to just cover all exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, a legionnaire-type covering for my neck and a runner's cap for my head and face.
             
Did you stick to the planned route or did you find yourself having to make adjustments & why?
I had crossed the country once already (from San Diego, CA to Sarasota, FL) and was heading back again to California when I realized that I was already behind schedule and that I would not be able to complete the four planned crossings in time to reach Washington state and the last ferry of the season to Alaska.  Also, there was the question of weather in Alaska at the end of September. Quite often it snows then. So,  I pulled out my maps and the Google mapping application for bicycles and started looking at different options. It was early March and I was just crossing Tennessee and Kentucky when I decided to adjust my route. I found a way to combine the third and fourth crossings into one: I rode out to California to finish the second leg then up to Oregon and Washington (where I left Max with friends). From there I took the ferry up to Alaska, rode from Homer to Seward to Anchorage, then flew back to Seattle. I picked up Max and we headed back east in an up and down, rollercoaster-type path across the northern and mid-northern states. We finished in Washington, DC and I flew to Hawaii to complete the 50!
             
What was the most memorable moment or moments of the trip?
There are so many it's almost impossible to mention just one, but if I had to pinpoint just a few, I guess they would be:
1. Arriving in Sarasota, FL to complete the first leg of the journey. I couldn't quite believe that I had actually crossed the whole country by bicycle. The end of the other crossings were also important, but the impact wasn't as great.
2. Seeing my first Bald Eagle in Alaska.
3. Seeing my first bear in Alaska.
4. Reaching Wai'ale'ale, elevation 5148 ft., the highest point on Kauai and one of the wettest spots in the world (for the amount of yearly rainfall). It's where I said to myself, "You're done, this is as far as you need to go. You've pedaled in all 50 states. You can rest now!"
             
Of all the places you visited on the trip, where would you like to go back to spend more
time?
I could never live there, but I would love to go back to explore more - that would be Alaska! It's beautiful, majestic, extraordinary! And of course, Hawaii. Each island is different and I only had the chance to visit
two. The tropical beauty and the endless ocean is incredible. I could definitely see living there, but finding a well-paying job isn't easy and the cost of living is relatively high.
             
How has your trip changed you or your outlook on life?
I think more that anything else it has taught me to be "in the moment". I see so many people who are distracted by all that's happening in their lives and all that's buzzing around them - computers, apps, smart phones and endless electronic paraphernalia...sensationalist news programs and garbage TV...and I realize that we miss so much important stuff that's right in front of us because of it. When you're riding, you have to be so aware of what's going on in the immediate vicinity that you're forced to be alert and attuned to what's happening in the here and now. Once you achieve that awareness, you start seeing all kind of things that are wonderful.
             
What advice do you have for someone who is thinking of attempting a similar goal?
You can't plan or prepare enough. Try to consider all the elements of your project. Investigate, interview others, find and request information from professional organizations and associations. With the adequate information and preparation, you can more like ensure success.
             
What is one thing you would change if you did the trip all over again?
I would definitely think twice about bringing the dog along. There are some many reasons why it was great to have him along (among them, companionship, protection and most importantly, socially - people would always approach us to pet Max and in that way, I met so many great folks) and at the same time, so many ways in which the trip was complicated by his presence: hotels and motels that don't allow pets ... pulling his weight in an extra trailer...contemplating, buying and carrying all the supplies needed to keep the dog
comfortable...worrying about his health and welfare (particularly his paws).
             
What is one thing Max would change if he did the trip all over again?
Sometimes I think that he would say that he would have liked to stay with my folks for the year! Dogs are creatures of habit and I basically took away all of his habits. I think he missed having the same old bed, the same park to run in, etc. As much as he enjoyed the adventure and being out in nature and running so
much, I also think he would have been very happy staying with what he already was accustomed to.
             
What travel plans/goals do you have for the future?
To be perfectly honest, it's a blank slate right now. About two months ago, I started a list of possibilities but there's still nothing that jumps off the page and says, "this is the ONE!". That's what I'll be working on over the next few weeks and months.
 
For the last 17 years, David has lived in Mexico City where he helped develop the country's first full-service, multi-sport health and fitness clubs. In 1999, Miller founded his own company dedicated to the growth and advancement of the club industry in Mexico and Latin America.    
Since your time in Mexico, do you feel that Mexico and Latin America have made positive strides in terms of improving the growth and advancement of the health club industry and overall population health –  why/why not?
Without a doubt the industry has advanced. Not only are there more facilities for the wealthy but also for the middle class. Health and wellness, fitness and physical activity are so much more present in the everyday culture throughout the region. Still, there is a huge problem with obesity, particularly in children. Even with improvements and positive gains, you are also seeing how certain issues are worsening.

More about David Miller and this incredible adventure can be found at www.bike50at50.com. Congratulations David! Where will your next travel adventure take you? Share your 2013 travel goals!

You might also like...

Do you have amazing travel goals? Check out a simple tool to help track of states visited, countries visited, and continents visited - see our Travel Goal iPad App to learn more about tracking your unique travel goals and your travel experiences and bucket-lists on your own travel goal iPad app. See Achieving Travel Goals for some quick advice and a comprehensive guide to help you achieve travel goals. Looking for great articles to plan your next amazing adventure? See our Top Travel Blog Search Engine that searches only the top 150 most widely read and popular travel blogs in the world. Have you traveled to all 50 states, at least 6 continents, or at least 15 countries? Become a free member of our All Fifty Club, Continent Club, and/or Traveler's Country Club for FREE today or give a membership as a gift! Happy Travels!

Author: Eric
As reported by The Garden Island in an article titled Cyclist finishes 50-state ride on Kaua‘i, one year and two months since his journey began, David Miller has completed his quest to visit all 50 states by bicycle. What's amazing is that he completed his journey not in spurts of cycling here and there but in a row. David basically set out on his bike 14 months ago and never stopped! For 46 of the 50 states David had his dog Max in tow as they traveled raising $5000 for charities including The American Heart Association and The Cancer Research Institute. To read more about his journey visit David's website Bike 50 At 50 where you'll find a Google Map of his journey and more information. Congratulations David! 

Do you have amazing travel goals? Check out a simple tool to help track of states visited, countries visited, and continents visited - see our Travel Goal iPad App to learn more about tracking your unique travel goals and your travel experiences and bucket-lists on your own travel goal iPad app. See Achieving Travel Goals for some quick advice and a comprehensive guide to help you achieve travel goals. Looking for great articles to plan your next amazing adventure? See our Top Travel Blog Search Engine that searches only the top 150 most widely read and popular travel blogs in the world. Have you traveled to all 50 states, at least 6 continents, or at least 15 countries? Become a free member of our All Fifty Club, Continent Club, and/or Traveler's Country Club for FREE today or give a membership as a gift! Happy Travels!


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Author: Eric
The social and political controversies of Madonna aside, I can't begin to imagine the travel logistics and complexities that go into producing and organizing a world concert tour.  I counted at least 25 semi-trucks and at least 15 top of the line motor-coaches at her recent show in Denver, Colorado.  Take a look at the Madonna MDNA World Tour 2012 Travel Map below to see where the tour has been (green) and where the tour has yet to go (grey).  The map was created using the Travel Goal Getter iPad App.  Here's one way to put some stamps in your passport:  Go on tour!  Have you ever made seeing a music act the sole purpose of traveling to a new country?

Do you have worldly travel goals?  Check out a simple tool to help track travel goals and travel accomplishments - see our Travel Goal iPad App to learn more about tracking your unique travel goals and your travel experiences on your own map of the world.  See Achieving Travel Goals for some quick advice and a comprehensive primer to help you achieve travel goals.   Looking for great articles to plan your next awesome adventure?  See our Top Travel Blog Search Engine that searches only the top 150 most widely read and popular travel blogs in the world.  Have you traveled to all 50 states, all 7 continents, or at least 15 countries?  Become a free member of our All Fifty Club, 7 Continent Club, and/or Traveler's Country Club for FREE today or give a membership as a gift!  Happy Travels!

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