Be Epic! Our Epic Journey

We are signing off from this version of ProjectThorn with an Epic Journey.

If you are on this page you likely know that ProjectThorn originated from the combination of art, conservation, and cycling. This version of ProjectThorn is ending in very much the same way it began. We are fundraising for conservation, donating nearly every penny from the profits of my last solo exhibition, and riding the ABSA Cape Epic. ProjectThorn will continue in some form just hopefully something more sustainable that does not rely on a direct donor-ask model. I’m just not cut out to hold my hand out.

I will do my best to chronicle our Epic Journey on this page for those that want to follow along. Numerous stops will be made and miles crossed before we start measuring our distances in kilometers traversed and meters climbed on our bikes. After the Epic and a little R&R, I will visit the reserve where your donated dollars are transfer to Rands that save Rhinos. So continue to follow along on the Journey even after the race concludes.

The Road Trip Begins

With Olaf (the not so affectionately named Metris van) loaded, Charlie tethered, Guston snuggled into his donut, and Karrie behind the wheel we began our “Epic Journey” from Fairfax to South Africa and back. 

Numerous stops will be made and miles crossed before we start measuring our distances in kilometers traversed and meters climbed. After the Epic and a little R&R, i will visit the reserve where your donated dollars are transfer to Rands that save Rhinos.

Destination: Santa Fe, NM – Thank you David!

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

We are spending a few days in Santa Fe. Santa Fe is about an 18 hour drive from the Bay Area so it is the perfect distance to break-up the coast-to-coast drive. Or that is the excuse we use for justifying a stop in Santa Fe. In reality, I just love it here. Galisteo Basin is one of my favorite places to ride. The terrain, vegetation, surfaces, and vistas remind me of the Eastern Cape where I did my guide training. The only things it lacks are giraffe and zebras. We are also using the stop to get in a little training at elevation and on actual trails. The winter in the Marin has been extremely wet so trail riding has been limited.

I also took the opportunity to drop work with the new gallery I am working with. If you visit Santa Fe drop by Aurelia Gallery on Canyon Row. If all goes as planned, I will be having a solo show with them in 2025.

Many thanks to David for allowing us to stay in his beautiful home with the views of Sun Mountain.

From the Road

It’s time to hit the road again. Next stop is Vermont. Yes, we do try to make it in a straight shot. If all goes well, and we are not delayed by weather, we should roll in on Sunday evening.

We swap drivers every 3 to 4 hours, which conveniently typically coincides with needing to fill the tank and coffee cups.

Arrived. We made it to North Concord, Vermont 33 hours after departing Santa Fe. Not bad at all. Weather cooperated. We only hit a little rain and a little ground fog. May we have such good fortune on the rest of this journey.

Guston begins his winter adventure in the NEK

Guston is not at all sure why we were worried about winter in Vermont. Thus far the temperatures have been nearly tropical here. The days have been in the fifties. A little gray and muddy out there but it’s downright pleasant balmy next to the wood stove in the living room. May these warm temperatures continue – though I’m not sure they will hold. TBD.

And we are off

With the bikes in the boxes, suitcases packed, van loaded, and the last trainer sessions completed – we are ready to head to Boston on Sunday for our early flights on Monday. It is really amazing how much stuff you need to pack for an 8 day race, a safari holiday, and a little training and work. We are pushing the weight limits on our bags for sure but thanks to Frequent Flyer Miles we have business class tickets on the way there.

We do still need a few thousand to reach our fundraising goals so don’t hesitate to hit that Donate button at the bottom right of the page.