Jan Gierlach

Freelance Writer

Chicago, IL, U.S.A

Jan Gierlach

Freelance Writer

Chicago, IL, U.S.A

The Conclusion
Since my family’s departure the last few weeks have flown by. I made quick time through Louisiana and of all the places I’ve cycled it boasted the most interesting roadkill. In just one day’s ride I saw an iguana, possum, racoon, catfish, and crawfish. In the wake of tremendous flooding, enough frog carcasses covered the road to make the scenery resemble something out of a biblical plague.
The Sixth Week
Just when I was starting to think that my trouble with the desert thorn known as Goat’s Head had come to an end I awoke to find that the City Park I had camped in was filled with it. I made this unfortunate discovery by stepping on one in my bare feet. My first concern was not for my bleeding foot but for my vulnerable bicycle tires, and after hobbling over to my bike, at first glance what I saw confirmed the worst.
The Fifth Week
Today, unfortunately, I used the pepper spray for the first time ever. On my way from Hatch to Las Cruces, New Mexico, three full-sized, angry Dobermans charged the street where I was riding. All three of them put together served as a kind of canine road block. The tiny, “travel sized” canister of pepper spray I had been carrying all these miles suddenly looked like a very silly and inadequate form of protection.
The Fourth Week
From March 1st to March 7th I stayed in the sleepy little town of Kingston, New Mexico. Today Kingston is home to just 25 full time residents, but in 1890 it was a thriving metropolis of 7,000 people—more populated than even Albuquerque at that time. In 1882, Kingston was founded shortly after a large deposit of silver ore was discovered in the area by Jack Sheddon.
The Third Week
I left for Globe, Arizona, at around 8am, and with strong winds at my back was headed towards Safford, Arizona. It wasn’t long before I was riding through the Apache Indian Reservation. As I came down a hill, a large crowd of people began to cheer for me. Both flattered and confused in the moment, I would later discover that I wasn’t the intended recipient of their praise.
The Second Week
After 35 more gruelling miles, my exile in the desert had come to an end, and I arrived in Blythe, California. Although some may consider Blythe to be a small farming community, Palo Verde, the next closest town, has 171 full time residents, making Blythe and its 20,000 residents a large city by comparison.
The First Week
I was turned around almost immediately trying to leave the city limits of San Diego. The road my map had instructed me to cross was flooded by the San Diego river. As I stood in front of the street, now rushing with river water, two men of the streets happened upon me. Being both friendly and knowledgeable, they helped me create a detour and I was on my way again.

About

Jan Gierlach

Jan Gierlach is a freelance writer, photographer, and aspiring software developer with an interest in cycling, entrepreneurship, and technology. Jan is the owner of Hometown Industries, an online retailer and consultancy of ecommerce.

He is also an avid cyclist and has completed a solo and self supported journey from San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida. The ride raised funds for the charity Ride For 3 Reasons. Thanks to the help of many the ride generated over $600,000 to support the organization. For details visit rf3r17.org.

He currently attends Hope College where he is studying to major in Computer Science.