Cycling

Meredith's Ride

By Jason (Wade) Heflin ⋅ May 10, 2008 ⋅ Email This Post Email This Post ⋅ Print This Post Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment
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Meredith Johnson recently made a decision to go into semi retirement. But he won’t be planting flowers in his garden or heading to Florida to relax anytime soon. Meredith opted to cycle from Los Angeles to Boston instead of a typical retirement plan. He’s been prepping for his trip using yoga and, and of course, cycling A LOT!

We’ll be following Meredith here on the Outdoorzy Blog as he makes his cross-country trip this summer. I’ve asked him to tell us a little about himself. Here’s what he said…

My name is Meredith Johnson from Bowling Green, KY. I am 60 years old and have been a businessman throughout my career.

My plan now is to take a few years off and I MIGHT go back to work. I am hopefully cycling to find the next challenge.

I started a Yoga practice two years ago and with the additional cycling training for our tour, my wife says that I am never home to help her... She just doesn’t understand!

On my bucket list was to ride my bike across America. I have been cycling for 15 years. I have completed the RAGBRAI ride across Iowa and the California section of Highway 1, but this is my first long distance tour.

I am part of a 100 member cycling club in Bowling Green, Ky. One of our group trips is to the Three State Three Mountains in Chattanooga, TN. About 2,000 cyclists were in attendance this past weekend. If you are looking for some hill training this is the spot.

Meredith starts his journey today in Los Angeles and will arrive in Boston on June 28th. Many of us have considered a long distance trip like this at some point, but Meredith has taken it on without looking back. We look forward to following along and learning a bit about what it's like to cycle cross country!

Good luck Meredith!

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Discussion

50 comments for “Meredith's Ride”

  1. This is a great idea, I hope he stays safe. Can't wait to hear progress reports.

    Posted by Abenson | May 10, 2008, 8:07 pm

  2. I'll be checking back on this and living vicariously through you. Good on ya! Here's wishing you a great time on the road.

    Forrest

    Posted by Forrest Halford | May 10, 2008, 8:14 pm

  3. Hey Meredith, We all missed you in class this morning! Positive thoughts were sent your way, wishing you good luck as you begin your journey across America. Stay centered, use your breath and most of all, enjoy each moment!

    Posted by Debbie Marquette | May 10, 2008, 8:52 pm

  4. Good Luck!

    Posted by Ben | May 10, 2008, 9:16 pm

  5. What a trip. Hope he stays safe and will be looking forward to the reports.

    Posted by wkumtrider | May 11, 2008, 8:34 am

  6. Go Meredith!!! We are with you in spirit!! Be safe!

    Posted by Mary Jane Hensley | May 11, 2008, 9:02 am

  7. Meredith,
    What a wonderful challenge ahead for you. We know you will reach this goal. BE CAREFUL.
    Gretchen and George

    Posted by Gretchen and George | May 11, 2008, 9:20 am

  8. What a great adventure you are going to have as you travel across the country. It will be fun to share this with you as you keep your fans posted. Best wishes

    Posted by Ann & Noland | May 11, 2008, 11:28 am

  9. Meredith, hope you got off to a good start today. Have a great trip, enjoy the adventure, and return safely.

    Posted by Joe Hutchison | May 11, 2008, 3:31 pm

  10. Go Meredith Go!! We're here cheering you on. Stay focused and safe. We can't wait to hear about your journey.

    Posted by Darren and Anne-Walker Brown | May 11, 2008, 8:39 pm

  11. Good luck and good health to you and your fellow riders!!

    Posted by Stan Markham | May 11, 2008, 10:23 pm

  12. As they say at Churchill Downs..."and they're off!" Keep your eyes on the road and stay safe. I know your yoga will help you breathe and don't worry, your space at the front left of the studio will be waiting for you when you return.

    We miss your spirit!

    Posted by Claudia | May 12, 2008, 9:52 am

  13. We are proud of you!
    Love Megan and Jonathan

    Posted by Megan Word | May 13, 2008, 5:44 am

  14. Hey Meredith!
    You go!! What an undertaking!! I know you are well prepared.
    Will be waiting for updates. Stay safe...Godspeed. We will keep Harriette company..she is in good hands.
    Mel

    Posted by melanie butler | May 13, 2008, 6:40 am

  15. It was good to hear from you today. Ride safe & come back to regale us with stories & pictures of your adventure.

    Posted by Bobby Webb | May 13, 2008, 11:02 am

  16. Meredith,
    It did not look like Rhett missed you too much this morning, but I think your wife wished you were doing the early morning walk with him. Be safe and we look foward to your return to Newberry. BTW, can you pick me up a nice Merlot before you leave California?
    Good Luck,
    Stephen

    Posted by The Humphrey Family | May 13, 2008, 1:49 pm

  17. No, your wife doesn't understand! But, she'll be READY, SET, GO as soon as you return! I'm looking forward to my own adventure...and it won't be on a bicycle! Enjoy your ride!
    LUVUH

    Posted by harriette johnson | May 13, 2008, 8:37 pm

  18. HEY Dude! You're on a most excellent adventure - enjoy! We'll miss you on the BG ride this year. Please stop in when you return. We're all thinking of you and wish you well.

    Posted by Donna | May 14, 2008, 12:04 pm

  19. Good for you!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this challenge of your life. Paulline would be so proud of you and Merle would think you are nuts. I say do the family proud!!!!!! luvj

    Posted by Judy Lear | May 14, 2008, 1:34 pm

  20. Hi Meredith! David and I are so very happy for you, and we hope you are having fun. We look forward to seeing you in Flagstaff on Sunday. Stay safe and enjoy!

    Debbie

    Posted by Debbie Medalie | May 14, 2008, 7:44 pm

  21. Way to go cousin!! The Texas Franklins' say, Good luck"!! We are proud of you!!!

    Posted by Rob & Kathy | May 14, 2008, 8:14 pm

  22. Proud for you Meredith. Keep your mind on what is before you and head East. GODSPEED !

    Posted by Bob | May 14, 2008, 8:21 pm

  23. way to go Meredith, keep your eyes on the road. Ride safe and enjoy the sights....we're keeping up with you....
    luv...:)

    Posted by aunt Arlene & Uncle Jim | May 14, 2008, 8:58 pm

  24. Dang, Meredith! I am so impressed! You are another of my inspirations right now, as I go through my own "journey". Stay safe, Meredith.

    Posted by John Cummins | May 14, 2008, 9:27 pm

  25. Meredith - you may have gone into semiretirement but you sure did it in a BIG WAY. What an exciting adventure. I'll cook the dinner, Mac will provide the wine and we'll enjoy all your stories. Hurry back safely.

    Posted by Cathy and Mac | May 15, 2008, 11:35 pm

  26. MEREDITH- YOU ARE MAKING US PROUD. GO FOR IT! YOU ARE DOING GREAT!

    Posted by DENNIS GRIFFIN | May 16, 2008, 8:10 am

  27. Holy Cow Meredith! You are the man! I think about you nearly everyday. Wonder what Meredith's doing. Is he pumping up a 12% grade on the Rockies or is he rolling 30+ mph with a killer tailwind. Wish you the best my friend. Be safe. Dude you are looking fit in that photo! Hope you got the iPhone for the trip!

    Posted by john russell | May 16, 2008, 9:04 pm

  28. I forgot to tell you, your man Jackson says "Go Meredith!"

    Posted by john russell | May 16, 2008, 9:05 pm

  29. Hey Big Guy,
    So proud of you - the pew seems so empty; however, there's more room for purses!! We love you and can't wait to see you.

    Posted by Heather Thomsen | May 17, 2008, 7:28 am

  30. Way to go, Meredith! Keep pedalling!

    Posted by Margaret | May 17, 2008, 5:22 pm

  31. Meredith:
    Congratulations on your progress so far.!
    I appreciate the updates and photos.
    You are brave!
    Libby

    Posted by Libby Greaney | May 18, 2008, 6:27 am

  32. David and I really enjoyed seeing you today. We also enjoyed meeting some of the other cyclists. You have done a great job so far! Stay safe and continue to enjoy each moment!

    Posted by Debbie Medalie | May 18, 2008, 6:57 pm

  33. We are so excited to hear all about your adventures. For now, we have to content ourselves by duking it out here in BG to see who will be president of your fan club! You are our favorite Brave Soldier!

    Posted by Ann & Matthew | May 27, 2008, 10:40 am

  34. I am so impressed - keep pedaling, big guy!

    Posted by paula | May 27, 2008, 5:06 pm

  35. Hey Meredith
    I am so envious!!!!!!! Wishing you good weather and good health.
    The estrogen has taken over your church pew.

    Posted by Mary McKnight | May 28, 2008, 9:41 pm

  36. Meredith, This is unbelievable! I can only imagine the breathtaking scenery and the tired muscles. Who's making 'ya do this? Please stay safe - don't forget your sunblock. Carole Harned

    Posted by Carole Harned | May 29, 2008, 3:05 pm

  37. Meredith,
    I wish I was with you, We will miss you on the BG ride tis year.
    Good luck and God speed.
    David

    Posted by David Parkerson | May 30, 2008, 6:25 am

  38. Meredith,

    Don't go near any more Pizza Hut's!! Harriette keeps us up to date on your exciting excursion. Les got Tommy a bike for his birthday so now Mac has someone to ride with that is more his speed :-)

    Stay safe and hurry home.

    Cathy

    Posted by Cathy and Mac | May 31, 2008, 7:49 pm

  39. Did you all just skip over Texas???
    Was the wind blowing so hard you flew through it?

    Hang in there....we're rootin for you...:)

    Posted by aunt Arlene & Uncle Jim | June 1, 2008, 7:21 pm

  40. meredith- soon you will be saying "i guess we are not in kansas anymore" keep it going denny

    Posted by DENNIS GRIFFIN | June 3, 2008, 9:27 am

  41. Hey Meredith
    I was thinking of you today while walking my dog... hoping the
    heat and humidity is not so bad where you are..does your bike
    have AC????HAHA
    Praying you have cool breezes
    Mary McKnight

    Posted by Mary McKnight | June 6, 2008, 5:00 am

  42. Cathy and Glenn Howard send their best wishes for a wonderful adventure. Stay safe and enjoy the view. We want to hear about it all when you get back.

    Posted by harriette johnson | June 6, 2008, 8:12 am

  43. Meredith,
    Great to "sse" you as you travel across the us. Denny had a good one about Kansas.
    Jack

    Posted by Jack Wright | June 7, 2008, 9:29 am

  44. [...] anytime soon. Meredith opted to cycle from Los Angeles to Boston instead of a typical retirement plahttp://blog.outdoorzy.com/2008/05/10/merediths-ride/Sarasota Flower shop - Beneva Flowers - Sarasota florists ...Beneva flowers flower shop is a local [...]

    Posted by florida flowers | June 10, 2008, 2:22 am

  45. We were concerned you might get blown away or washed away in the storms that are rolling through the plains. Sorry to hear about your "saddle problem." I hope you can get back on that bike again real soon (maybe you already have). You have accomplished a lot in your journey so far. Keep up the good work. I and the entire BGLOB look forward to your return. Have a great & safe time.

    Posted by Bobby | June 12, 2008, 1:27 pm

  46. Meredith...we have just had such a wonderful dinner and have missed your presence!!! The pool is GREAT (you'll love it!!!) and you should see the beautiful jewels Harriette bought in L-ville. You will love the bling!! I know you would have picked all of it yourself! They are so BIG and shiny and match Huffy and Schwinn perfectly!!
    Love,
    Mary Jane
    PS Chad was here in your place and he loved the ribs!!!

    Posted by Mary Jane Hensley | June 12, 2008, 7:21 pm

  47. HEY I just now found this BLOG. I wished I would have known about it sooner. I have found a couple of photos of you on other riders BLOGS. I sent them to Chris and Susan. I also read were you help Linda with the pulled hamstring. You are always there to help people in need. I know who's wheel to get behind when you get back stronger than ever. It must be a great experience. June 28 will be here before you know it. I'm looking forward to hearing GREAT stories. Your Pal Renée
    Hey we had 168 riders for the Tour de Cave, not bad.

    Posted by Renee Slaughter | June 13, 2008, 6:50 am

  48. 'cruisin' sounds a lot easier. pedal safely.

    Posted by brenda & marty | June 13, 2008, 8:43 am

  49. Meredith!!! All your neighbors miss you so much! You must get home and rescue Dean. Lottie is trying to change his voting preference and talk him into a female preacher! Rhett looks sad and even sat in Dean's lap for a while. Kate still makes him very nervous! We are all so proud of you and can't wait to hear all about your grand adventure.
    Hurry Home! Your honey- do list looks like wallpaper.

    LOVE
    Catherine

    Posted by Catherine Warren | June 23, 2008, 9:31 pm

  50. meredith- you are my hero! way to go. denny

    Posted by DENNIS GRIFFIN | June 30, 2008, 7:27 am

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