“A lake holds all that raw potential still, keeping it from damaging things in its path, in much the same way our brains hold our thoughts.”
- Date: Wednesday, July 27, 2022
- Weather: Surprisingly cool and overcast with light crosswinds.
- Starting Point: North Kingsville, OH
- Departure Time: 0627 CST
- Miles: 69
- Moving Time: 3:44
- Total time: 4:07
- Overnight Location: Lakeside KOA, Westfield, NY
Some states do it, some don’t, and I couldn’t tell you why. On the fifth day of the ride, I noticed the brightly colored sign as I rode from the distance. I was the only living and breathing thing on the road that day, yet I was warm with satisfaction.
By some feat of logistics and persistence, we managed to make our way all the way across California. Nevada welcomed the opportunity for me to do it again, and it felt good. The celebration was little more than a sideways glance under the witness of the blazing desert sun, yet it felt like I’d won the tour.
For most, driving from one place to another is a mundane chore not worthy of circumstance or a fleeting glance. To me, it meant much more. Each time I cross the threshold of a newly named place, the memories flash before my eyes, and my mind goes to what lies ahead.
I stopped and leaned my bike against the sign when I entered Pennsylvania. I read every word, slowly and thoroughly. There aren’t many more chances for me to chronicle the life-changing moments.
Some states don’t do it, and I don’t know why. It’s a let-down, a disappointment, and it robbed me of the chance to relive what has made this journey transformative.
Nothing can go on forever. I guess that’s why there are memories.
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Forty-Nine—Jon Poole
Here is what Jon had to say—”DIRT means a lot to me. I got into it via the weekly TTTs during lockdown and have been TTTing and racing with Down n DIRTy on a weekly basis since. The online community is the best thing about DIRT. As well as racing online, I’ve made great friendships with people across the globe, gone on holidays, and shared life’s ups and downs with my DIRT bros and MIRT sisters. DIRT and cycling keeps me on an even keel!”
Amount Raised to Date—$9,279
Thank you, Jon!
Now off to East Aurora, NY!
To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.
Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
