Cyclists using libraries on Underground Railroad Route

Re: Cyclists using libraries on Underground Railroad Route

2008-07-03T02:47:07Z

There will be a group of kids from the Bronx Lab School on the Ohio leg of the route next month. To find out about what they're doing, and to support their ride, you might check out their web site, http://www.blurr.us.

Re: Cyclists using libraries on Underground Railroad Route

2008-07-02T17:45:29Z

Tim, I'm glad you asked. ;)

The [url http://www.bikewalk.org/2008conference/index.html ]Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike 2008[/url] event is a showcase of "the facilities and programs that are making Seattle and the Puget Sound models for the roles bicycling and walking can play in our 21st century communities."

The presentation that I'm part of is on Wednesday, Sept 3rd:
The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route Diversifying Bicycling Through Innovative Ideas and Partners
Presenters Ginny Sullivan, Dr. Stephen Thomas, Betha Gutsche, and David Jayco

Be there!

Re: Cyclists using libraries on Underground Railroad Route

2008-06-29T20:29:52Z

Ellen. This is fantastic. I'd like to echo Bethat's welcome.Thanks so much for sharing. I was actually wondering if people were going to keep using this topic this summer so I appreciate your great timing on your post ;-)!

And Betha, I'd like to hear more about your Sept. ProWalk ProBike presentation!

Re: Cyclists using libraries on Underground Railroad Route

2008-06-29T15:07:46Z

Welcome Ellen and thanks for telling your cycling story.

It's so nice to hear how much you appreciated the library services along the way. I like the idea that you felt part of a stream of people "following the drinking gourd" even though you didn't meet them. It is the history and route and the library waystations that tie it all together.

I too would love to hear more stories from Underground Railroad cyclists. I will be giving a presentation at the Pro Walk Pro Bike Summit in Seattle in September. The more stories I can tell and pictures I can show, the better the I can communicate the power of the route and the importance of libraries.

....Betha

Cyclists using libraries on Underground Railroad Route

2008-06-27T20:06:46Z

My husband Lowell and I just completed an extended bicycle trip on our tandem, a good part of which was on the Underground Railroad Route from Mobile, AL, eventually to our home in Youngstown, OH. We actually began our journey in San Francisco in mid-February, 2008, riding south to San Diego and then across the southwest to Mobile, before turning north to Ohio. It was a wonderful trip of over 5,000 miles.

Along the entire way we stopped in public libraries, all of which were noted on our Adventure Cycling maps. Our primary reason was to use the Internet, to stay in touch with family and friends, or to check on weather, availability of campgrounds, or just to "read" the NYT and our local newspapers. We were never refused service, but always welcomed and assisted in many ways, including directions to campgrounds, the nearest coffee shop, or a grocery store. Each facility had its own system for visitors to log in, and all were most accommodating. Interestingly, along the Underground Railroad Route librarians would tell us that other cyclists had been in their libraries. Though we rarely saw those folks, thanks to the interest of librarians, we felt as if we were part of a stream of travelers on an historic journey.

We also noticed that many libraries now have a "Friends" bookshelf for free or inexpensive books. This became a useful source of paperbacks for us to take along with us, and several times we donated the books we'd completed.

We'd enjoy reading about the experience of other cyclists, or of librarians along bicycling routes.

Ellen Satre
Youngstown, OH