 "The route in Nevada, along U.S. Highway 50, was described some years ago by a LIFE magazine writer as 'The Loneliest Road in America'. . . This section of the Western Express Route is considered very difficult due not only to terrain, but also due to lack of water, temperature extremes, and long mileages without services. Carrying a water purifier is strongly advised for any water access outside of towns. Nevada is extremely dry and has no shade except for three trees east of Fallon." —Adventure Cycling Association.Summary:- 718 miles
- Total trip days: 20
- Bicycling days: 16
- Gasoline used: 0 gallons
- Other cyclists met: 29
Ted Phelps
Central Valley, California
tphelps@daystarbotanicals.com
Paul Cunningham
Dallas, Texas
neves77@sbcglobal.net
A 25th Anniversary Celebration: Fellow cycling and nature enthusiast, Paul Cunningham from Texas, will be joining me on this little journey. We will both be riding our 25 year old 1983 Specialized Expedition touring bikes on this trip. These were among the finest mass-produced touring-specific bicycles made back-in-the-day—and are still more than capable today. Because of the diversity of the terrain and climate of this region, we will be packed very heavily, with approximately 60 lbs. each (gross weight, including food items), making our bikes weigh-in at nearly 100 lbs. You can take a look at the equipment and packing list from the menu at the top of the page.
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 Why? Some background information:
"Hi!" I'm Ted Phelps. In June 2007, while teaching primary school to abandoned and orphaned children in Ghana, West Africa, I was inoculated by a very nasty mosquito that happened to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum—the parasite that causes "cerebral malaria". As a result, I fell extremely ill and was taken to the nearest facility, a tiny, dank clinic/hospital in our small bush village. Malaria being so common in Africa, they were prepared with the necessary medications. Refusing admission, I was taken back to our children's home where I laid in bed, dilerious with fever. Suffering from extreme weakness and slipping in and out of awareness, our dear workers stayed with me around the clock sponging me with cool water. Finally the fever broke, returning me to full awareness. However, I didn't have the strength to get out of bed and had to be carried to the toilet. My weight was 62 kg (138 lbs.) and I'm 6'1" tall—a little lean. Meanwhile, I'm grateful to have survived that mosquito bite, but to be honest, I haven't been the same since. I have not had the strength or vitality that I enjoyed before this experience. Sadly, I've learned that I had been re-infected with a chronic form of malaria (Plasmodium vivax) before I had a chance to leave Africa, which wasn't discovered until this past June. So, I have a goal for this amazing bicycle tour of the rural western United States. In the months leading up to the launch date I've prepared myself for the journey as best I can, although I haven't had very much stamina. However, by extended daily exercise on this trip, a simple diet, deep draughts of fresh air and water, exposure to the healing rays of sunshine, and life-lessons garnered from the book of nature, I'm praying that I might pedal myself into a full recovery, and once again enjoy the vigor that was lost by a lone mosquito-bite in West Africa.
The route over Ebbett's and Monitor Passes in Northern California's Sierra Mountains, the fertile Smith Valley of western Nevada, and the arrid regions of western Utah will offer new scenery and challenges, but I will also retrace some of the roads that I've traveled on past cycling journeys—most notably, the route across the many mountain ridges and vast basins of Nevada's "Loneliest Road in America"—US Hiway 50. The "Loneliest Road in America", as US 50 through Nevada has been called, offers miles of quiet road for personal reflection, and thirteen steep summits for contemplation. Crossing Nevada on a bicycle will cause one to look inward and upward—to search, and examine. By the time one arrives in Utah there is a peace and calmness that has settled upon the countenence, and it's easy to share with the gentle folks you meet along the way. You can begin to understand how this rugged land can speak to us and teach us—and even heal us. You can follow the journal here.
 A 25th Anniversary Celebration: Fellow cycling and nature enthusiast, Paul Cunningham from Texas, will be joining me on this little journey. Paul will be flying into Sacramento and head over the Sierra Mountains via Carson Pass. We will then meet around day six at Fallon, Nevada. We will both be riding our 25 year old 1983 Specialized Expedition touring bikes on this trip. These were among the finest mass-produced touring-specific bicycles made back-in-the-day—and are still sailing across this continent today. You're invited to read Paul's trip journal here.
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