One Man. One Bike. One Tent.
June 20, 2012 — August 9, 2012 — Alaska to Mexico — 3634 miles — 50 days
“Are you bringing a gun?”
“What in the world would compel you to do this?”
“Are you insane?”
“You’re going alone?”
“My husband and I have talked about this ….we think you’re too over-confident!”
“My buddies and I think you’re nuts …you have bigger ‘stones’ than any of us!”
These are some of the comments I was getting in the days leading up to me climbing on
my flight…
On Tuesday, June 19, 2012, the Delta Airlines morning flight was nonstop from Minneapolis, MN to Anchorage, AK. In the hold of the jet was my brand new bicycle ….a ‘Surly — Long Haul Trucker’ ….I liked the name because it described what I was about to do. I was fortunate to have a window seat and the weather was crystal clear …for the last 3 hours of the flight, I was looking down at heavily glaciated mountain wilderness. Do the math …3+ hours at 500+ mph is greater than 1500 miles just in this segment of the trip alone …and from 35,000 feet, there was no sign of civilization. I had a subtle laugh looking out into the remote distance as the visual became so real …’I have to ride through this …and it’s only a portion of the trip …what in the world am I thinking … what did I sign up for’? It was a strange, yet exhilarating feeling as I rode out of Anchorage …and into complete wilderness the next morning.
For the last several years, I would look out my office window ….and dream ….dream of being outside …dream of the natural world …dream of big, hairy, audacious adventures. My upbringing instilled in me a sense of wonder of what is over the horizon. So …I have always loved travel and adventure …and I would read the stories of others who escaped to pursue those dreams …they dared to do the unusual …and they had the guts to quit talking about it and just do it. I’d feel a great sense of jealousy.
Professionally, I felt completely stale as an institutional stockbroker …the office felt lifedraining …and I was determined to feel ALIVE again. Like a rocket needs critical thrust to break the bonds of gravity, I needed to escape this constraining environment and break the bonds of my professional career. I knew that I just didn’t need to change professions …I needed adventure. And, the adventure couldn’t just be a ‘week off’ type of vacation. I needed to do something so strikingly different, and a huge stretch …one that required constant perseverance even when I might not want to continue. I wanted the adventure to be remote, gruelingly physical, have breathtaking beauty, and I wanted to do it completely alone.
I have strong confidence in my abilities, but I wanted to know what the struggles against my limitations might be. Through this type of journey, I instinctively knew that I couldn’t help but grow, have great experiences, and I knew it would be life changing. If not now …when? At 57, I knew I wasn’t getting younger and my friends were starting to encounter medical problems. My family was completely supportive, so in May 2012, I resigned and determined this was the time for the test. I hadn’t contemplated or planned what my adventure might be …but I went into high gear and quickly decided that I would ride a bicycle from Alaska to Mexico …one man, one bike, one tent. I’ve never been a big cyclist. Prior to this trip, I hadn’t biked beyond 20 – 30 miles in a day …and had never ridden a bike loaded with gear until the very morning I peddled out of Anchorage. I didn’t train specifically for this type of adventure …but had always maintained decent conditioning. I just simply felt that if I wasn’t in shape for the trip …I would ride myself into shape along the way.
Adventures like these are rife with uncertainty. You better be comfortable with your decision making in the face of the unknown …each day I would wake up not knowing what the day might bring. You are totally living in the present. The numerous variables you constantly weigh throughout each day include; your physical condition, mental condition, wild animals (I encountered 19 bears, 2 moose), weather, headwinds / tailwinds, mountainous terrain, mechanical breakdowns, bike-shop locations, food and supply locations, campsites or lack of, traffic, road conditions (shoulders or not), and time of day …whether to proceed or stop. The decision points …and decision making was tremendously interesting. This journey greatly reinforced and furthered my desire to actively live life …to not just bumble along and let it randomly happen. The numerous lessons I experienced are now even more acutely clear …and on many levels. People along the way were nothing but great …they were conscious of my exposure, and would do anything to try to help …and they loved that I was actually doing what most people just preach or dream …their enthusiasm fueled my soul.
I returned to Alaska in early November, 2012 and went back to the F Street Station Bar and Grill. The bartender, Tiffany Pulver, was on duty the night of June 19, 2012 when she overheard my conversation at that time with locals explaining what I was about to do. On November 9, 2012, I returned to the bar and she looked at me and said “I remember you, I just didn’t believe you.”
Please join me on the ride and read my day to day stories, decisions faced, and people encounters at www.goingcommandoblog.wordpress.com
A two minute YouTube video of this story was put together by a University of Minnesota
journalism student named Andrew Christina …here’s the link:
Jerry Holl Bio:
Jerry Holl lives in Tonka Bay, Minnesota with his wife Suzanne. They have 3 grown children. He worked in the corporate world for 33 years for several companies in sales, marketing and executive management roles. He likes to travel and be active in the outdoor world and likes a variety of activities including; scuba, downhill and cross country skiing, has climbed Mt. Rainier, Mt Baker and several 14ers in Colorado, likes a variety of water sports, canoe trips, whitewater rafting, backpacking, has skydived, has hitchhiked across North America, has motorcycled much of America and Canada, has run with the bulls in Spain …and most recently has bicycled solo from Alaska to Mexico.
He went to the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1976 from the Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Geological Engineering and also received an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Business School in 1978.
Jerry Holl is on Twitter @jerry_holl and you can e-mail him here: holljerry@gmail.com
Sonia Marsh Says: This is really a true example of a “My Gutsy Story,” Jerry. You did what so many men long to do: quit their corporate job, or “cubicle job” as my hero, Chris Guillebeau talks about to his tribe of non-conformists. Of course there are many women as well who seek adventure in their lives. I can’t wait to read your book when you’re ready, and hear about your future adventures.
Please leave your comments for Jerry below. He will be over to respond. Thank you to all who follow the series.
NEWS ABOUT DECEMBER
I shall be in Paris at a book signing on December 13th, 5-7 pm, at WH Smith (scroll down on their website) as well as visiting family and friends in Paris and London. (ANY SUGGESTIONS? WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN? LET ME KNOW IN YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR E-MAIL ME AT Sonia@soniamarsh.com)
Since we are all busy during the holidays, I shall post stories and photos from Europe during the month of December, and hope you take some time to write and submit your “My Gutsy Story.” Be the first one on January 7th 2013. Thank you.
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We have started our November “My Gutsy Story” series with Jerry Waxler and Elaine Masters, Susan Weidener
Do you have a “My Gutsy Story” you’d like to share?
NOW is the time to submit your “My Gutsy Story” and get published in our Anthology. Please contact sonia@soniamarsh.com for details.
You can find all the information, and our sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here
Oh, what a great adventure you must have had! Well done you!
And Sonia – I just finished Wild by Cheryl Strayed. A brilliant description of her solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Well worth a read!
ladyfi recently posted..The grand finale
Ladyfi, it’s really hard for me to describe in words. The funny thing is ….I wasn’t ‘looking for myself’ …I was on the other side side of that bell curve looking for a constructive kick-ass good time, good stories, and a bunch of laughs. I got everything I bargained for …and then some. Thank you for responding and the nicepositive comments.
Jerry Holl recently posted..Wipeout! But, Eagle Has Landed…..
I felt so very gutsy when, at age 42, I decided to do an Outward Bound 9-day adventure in North Carolina. Jerry, your level of gutsy is out there far beyond many of us; I am in awe of your gutsy move! Congratulations for living outside the box :}
Doreen Cox recently posted..THE LIEBSTER AWARD
Doreen, you are too kind. The interesting thing is that many can do far more than they think they can …and that’s where real growth occurs. Thank you so much for the nice comments
Jerry,
Have you thought of a future “Gutsy” adventure? I’d love to hear what you might have in mind.
Sonia, I haven’t really thought about the next adventure yet. The bike trip came together very quickly. I didn’t over-think it …so I suspect the next trip might be similar. A long distance cross country ski adventure or long distance kayak / canoe adventure are intriguing to me. I’d also love to trek in the Himalayas and down in Patagonia, and climb Kilimanjaro. And, I don’t count out future bike rides. I like things where I have to go over the horizon and get see and experience many things along the way. I’ll keep you posted when something ‘hits’ me. For the time being, I’m contemplating writing a book on my bike adventure without exposing my illiteracy!
Jerry,
Is your wife into following your adventures? I have a desire to do Peace Corps work in Africa, although this may not qualify as a sporty adventure like yours.
Sonia, my wife has been totally supportive. She said ‘after a professional career, raising a family, being involved with the kids, getting them educated, and buying a house …it was my turn ‘
Although she has no desire to do the grueling trips, she doesn’t hold me back. She really liked the day to day blogs and likes the sense of adventure. She likes family road-trips wherever they take us.
I think Peace Corp work in Africa would be tremendously rewarding and quite an adventure in itself. I hope you’re able to fulfill that desire.
Jerry Holl recently posted..Wipeout! But, Eagle Has Landed…..
Jerry~
Thanks so much for sharing this fantastic journey with us. We really enjoyed the day-by-day adventures and beautiful pictures you shared with us. We look forward to hearing about many of your future exploits and adventures. Best wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year and of course, more fabulous trips to share.
Paula, those are such nice comments. I’m really glad you enjoyed the journey. I feel inadequate trying to put it in words. Your encouragement has been sweet. Thanks so much. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Jerry Holl recently posted..Wipeout! But, Eagle Has Landed…..
Jerry, Hurrah, WOW! and 3,634 cheers for, first off, setting a demanding goal, wild in scope and bravely positive against the perils that could come your way (bears, frontier bandits, fierce weather, narrow highways, timber trucks, drunk drivers and more); and, then, achieving the challenge in a mere 50 days.
I think, wanted or not, this high physical performance stands now as inspiration for others to follow, to “go for it,” to make life-changing decisions (not the least, the hard choice to break from corporate comfort and its advantages).
Good for you, Jerry. Now what? How you ever going to top this incredible fete?
Uncle Jerry
Uncle Jerry,
So nice to meet you and for your support towards your nephew, Jerry.
Has he always been this way?
Thanks for commenting.
Sonia
Uncle Jerry , I can’t help but grin …the check is in the mail. :). Seriously, you had nothing but positive and enthusiastic comments for me along the way …those comments inspired me to proceed on …I can’t thank you enough for your kind support.
A truly gutsy story. Everything about it, from inception to crashing at (almost) the finishing point was gutsy: exchanging a corporate job and comfortable life for a risky adventure, the distance, the difficulties,dangers, problems, discomfort, climate/conditions, the sheer enormity of a long-distance bike-ride with little biking experience, traversing hazardous areas, etc.
What is next on your agenda?
Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your Dream
Penelope, thank you for commenting. You pretty much captured the story in your comments …but there were many mints of exhilaration, discovery, and sheer beauty along the way too. I’m not sure what’s next …I. ‘M still trying to digest this trip and get it on paper. Thank you agan.
Jerry, our mutual friend and classmate Rob McCallum passed this on to me and am very appreciative that he did. Having retired last May I’ve been pondering “the next chapter” and your bike adventure is truely inspirational to think out of the box…I worked in the Alaskan bush for 15 years as a guide and lived for 3 years in AK, leaving Excelsior in spring of 97…moved back to no. MN. in Oct 2000…AK has my heart so it was with great affinity as I read about your trip starting out of Anchortown! Working on acquiring a cabin on an island out of Valdez…adventure and excitement on a daily basis in the awesome Alaskan wilderness. Congrats on throwing caution to the wind and thanks for reinforcing my desire and need for adventure…and most importantly of all, “just do it”! Best Regard to you and your entire family Always, John(Cab)
Cab, it’s great hearing from you after all these years. You’ve always been such a ‘horse’ that I can’t wait to see what your next adventure wil be. I’m happy that in some little way my story inspires you to ‘get on with it’. Please let me know what you choose to do.
See your brother Paul occasionally and it’s always nice to catch up with him. You guys are such good guys.
All is well in my family and my parents are 87 and in really good shape …so I’ve been lucky and lived a charmed life so far.
Stay in touch and thank you for your genuine kind words.
Great story. I might attempt that. On a motorcycle. Well…okay…on the back of a motorcycle.
Teresa Cleveland Wendel recently posted..Partners in Crime
Teresa, there is a funny irony to your blog. I have a Harley and when the occasional rider would come by on their HOG, I would be jealous….yet when I’m on a long distance trip on my HOG and see a person on a bicycle, I’m so jealous of them because they are wringing themselves out! Go figure! Any way you look at it …just go! It’s so magnificent of a route that it will change your dreams. Thanks for the nice and funny comment!