Painting with Spencer

I love bicycles. I'm not a competitive cyclist, but I love everything about bicycles and that's led me to discoveries of many aspects of the culture that involves bikes. One of those being long distance touring cyclists.

 A few years ago I discovered that the Adventure Cycling Association's TransAmerica route went just a few miles from my home here in Owensboro, KY. I had been seeing bikes loaded down with gear a wondering what it was all about. So, I did like I always do and researched the internet. From there I found the Crazy Guy on a Bike website and it just snowballed from there.

 Then I learned of the CouchSurfers and Warm Showers websites, but wasn't quite sure back then if my family and I would be up for hosting. But, I planted the seed and it wasn't long before I set up a profile on both sites and started hosting cross country cyclist and even one time a couple of young guys canoeing their way down the Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico.

 That leads me to yesterday. We hosted Spencer Nee who is riding from San Francisco to NYC. to help raise awareness and money for a good cause, http://www.bridgetobridgeride.com/. He arrived around 5pm after having pedaled here from Morganfield, KY. and after a shower we started the grill and made supper and had some good conversation. After the dishes were done, we still had some daylight, so we drove down to Owensboro's downtown riverfront and I decided to paint while we were there.

 Spencer is carrying camera and video gear with him on the trip and will be making a documentary of his adventure and he shot some video and photos while I painted. My son, Dalton, came along and he shot some video on my iPhone and I have ended up making my first legit YouTube video...however amateurish  it may be.

 The sun was setting fast and I whipped out a quick 6"x8" piece and called it good.

I sure had a good time with Spencer and think he's a good dude and an excellent example that we can overcome that which can destroy us. But, we all need help and need to be there for each other.

Happy Trails, Spencer!!!

If you would like to know more about Spencer's story, here is his video.