With 1,000-mile trek behind him, Air Force architect ready to go again

  • Published
  • By Susan Walker
  • AFCEE Technical Support Division
SAN ANTONIO, Texas --  "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step," said Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism Chinese philosophy.

For Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment architect Dave Duncan, the journey began May 31 with a rotation of three wheels in Garden Ridge, Texas, and ended June 16 in South Haven, Kansas.

Oklahoma-native Duncan was joined by several friends along the way, including three from San Antonio for the first leg of his journey of approximately 500 miles that concluded where the Oklahoma Freewheel ride began June 10 - Frederick, Okla. The second leg of his journey - the Freewheel - was an additional 500 miles.

This was the third year Duncan and friends have taken part in the Freewheel but the first with the architect cruising on three wheels instead of two.

"(The trike) was fantastic! Much more comfortable to go down the road in an easy chair than sitting on a fence post," he said.

Although his new ride didn't allow for him to stand on the pedals for hill climbs, he said he learned to crank away in low gear to reach the top.

"But look out after I crest the top," he added, "With all the added weight and better aerodynamics than an upright bike, I coasted down most hills faster than my friends on uprights, even when they pedaled."
Duncan said he's decided a trike fits long-distance touring perfectly and he won't go back to this type of ride on two wheels.

At the start of the Freewheel in Frederick, Duncan said he and other riders were greeted enthusiastically.

"What a great welcome from a great town!" he said.

For the next seven days, the group traveled through Oklahoma to South Haven, Kansas, where the 2012 Freewheel ended.

Duncan said he was tired at the end of his 1,000-mile journey but already looking forward to his 2013 adventure, with a few changes.

"Each year I carry a little less stuff," he said. "There were a few items I never used this year, such as a small tarp and some spare batteries that I can buy anywhere. There is a fine line between taking items you might need in an emergency and those items that are just nice to have. I'm slowly learning to focus on just the essentials. I'm not a minimalist, but every ounce adds up when you're dragging them clear across Texas!"

The cyclist said he's "absolutely" looking forward to next year's Oklahoma Freewheel and will find out more when the route is announced in late January. That's when he'll begin planning his route across Texas to get to the Freewheel start location.

Motivated by Duncan's annual ride and want to try a distance bike or trike trek of your own? Duncan has a little advice.

"Remember it's not a race, it's a bike ride," he said. "Sure, to the beginner, the distances can seem daunting, but being out on the actual tour is much different than going on a local training ride."

On training rides you often have schedule pressures looming at home or work that cause you to push a little harder to get done with your ride, he said.

"When on tour, you might have an 80-mile day, but you can split it in two with a two-hour lunch break and no one really cares if it takes you all day. That's one of the most relaxing aspects of long-distance touring: your only responsibility is to arrive by nightfall at your campground. You can go fast or poke along. You have no one other than yourself pushing you."

Visit www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/okfreewheel2012 for more on Duncan's adventures.