WESTFIELD-Three longtime friends are embarking on the journey of a lifetime – on their bikes.
Don Podolski, Carl Lafreniere and Stuart Markey will soon set their sights on the Pacific coast – on their bikes. Podolski is the owner of New Horizons Bikes in Westfield. (Submitted photo)
Don Podolski of Westfield, owner of New Horizons Bikes on Franklin Street, will take to the road July 27 with Carl Lafreniere of Middlefield and Stuart Markey of San Diego, CA. Markey and his wife Linda also have a home in Westfield.
The avid cyclists all agreed the timing for a cross country trip seemed to fit in with their schedules this summer.
“Don and I have been talking about it for years based on when I would retire from work,” said Lafreniere. “No firm plans were in place until this year.”
Lafreniere added that Podolski is a “great planner” for trips and bike rides.
“Over the winter he started throwing thoughts and ideas out there,” said Lafreniere. “The thought of doing the ride sounded better and better. When Stuart heard what we were up to he was all in on going with us.”
For Markey, he too is recently retired and now has flexibility with his time.
For Podolski, he said the time was right for one particular reason – his age.
“I’m 71,” said Podolski, noting it’s now or never to take the challenge.
During the past few weeks, the men have been reviewing maps and have decided on a “northern route” that will begin at Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Their trek will take them through New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
“We could deviate from this, but this is roughly the current plan,” said Lafreniere.
As the clock ticks down, the men are eager for the journey to begin which should encompass pedaling close to 4,000 miles. While there is no set end date, the men hope to average 70 to 75 miles each day.
“If we can average 70 miles per day, that will be great,” said Lafreniere. “I am sure we will have some days with less miles, some days with more and a few days with no miles. Wind, rain, heat, mechanical issues, there will be many factors coming into play. The main thing is to have fun and stay safe.”
For such a momentous undertaking, Podolski said his only preparation has been the “routine” cycling he has always practiced.
“Preparation is just my normal routine, perhaps a bit less than normal as I prepare to be away from my business for two months,” said Podolski. “Also, I had a minor knee issue this spring, a meniscus tear.”
Markey also has a “routine” that includes cycling approximately 65 to 100 miles a week.
“Nothing heroic,” he said.
Lafreniere noted he has been commuting by bicycle to work for the last 35 years, averaging 2,800 miles a year.
“I currently have commuted 1,100 miles this year and I feel that this is a solid base to begin the trip with,” said Lafreniere.
With close to 100 years of cycling experience between them, the trio will soon embark on the longest biking journey of their lives – and will relish the stories they will share with family and friends for years to come.
“I have a feeling that to put back-to-back 70 miles a day riding together, day after day, will be a real eye-opener,” said Lafreniere, adding they will be “fueled” by 4,000 calories a day and a lot of water.
For Markey, his journey includes highlighting a charity – Kids Kingdom Orphanage near Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
“I am asking for donations of a penny a mile,” said Markey, noting the orphanage “cares for abandoned and abused children.”
For Podolski, the road ahead will be an adventure he has contemplated for years.
“We hope to average 75 miles a day, but there will be low days of 50, high days of 110+, with one rest day after every 10 days,” said Podolski, noting the ultimate goal is to “keep challenging yourself.”
