Back from ROAM

A leap of faith was required to join the Europeans on their Roll Over America mission. Actually rolling over, the second day, was not in the plans. My accident on I-84 while crossing a rumble strip, caused too many wounds to quickly overcome, both for the rider and the velomobile. After a week of riding through the beautiful mountains, we hitched a ride home with family, in route from Wyoming to Alabama.
Our mission was to learn about velomobiles and their role in personal transportation. We did learn from the organized Dutch, independent Germans, fun-loving Danes, smart Brits and all the rest, that velomobiles are a viable car alternative, and should be considered for the fit and adventurous. Mingling with high speed interstate traffic or agile city bikes on trails and sidewalks are not their best suits. Sagging presents some challenges, and maintenance is a bit more complicated. However, the visibility, protection and green aspects of velomobiling seem to outweigh the difficulties and may justify the cost when you factor in the fun!
At this writing, the ROAM mission continues for many. We hope the challenges offered in the remainder of the journey can be overcome by our friends, and they too will have many good memories. We were reminded what a great country we have and what wonderful opportunities we Americans have to make it even better. Would we go again? You bet!