From DC to Seattle: Ruth’s Ride Across America

2 octobre 2025

One of the best things about printing maps for customers is hearing the stories behind the rides. Recently, Ruth ordered a map of her incredible coast-to-coast journey across the US, and after we printed it, she kindly answered a few questions about the adventure.

The Inspiration

Ruth told me it all started in lockdown:

“Ryan Van Duzer’s video riding the Continental Divide during lockdown is what inspired me to take up bike packing. That was in 2020.”

Early rides included a trip from Wraysbury to Tenby to watch the Ironman, and cycling around Jersey. Both planted the seed for something bigger. “We enjoyed those so much that we decided to cross the US from DC to Seattle — my hometown.”

Why This Ride?

When I asked what motivated her, Ruth said:

“We had retired, my husband just two weeks prior to our departure. I had watched a multitude of videos about people cycling the US and thought, ‘why not us?’ We wanted to do it before the 2024 elections, so we left April 10th from Washington DC. We wanted to see the country through fresh eyes and discover it as Hemingway once described cycling — the only way to learn its contours.”

Highs, Lows and Tornado Warnings

Preparation played a big part in their success. “It was all in the planning that enabled our trip to go as well as it did.” But as with any ride of this scale, there were plenty of challenges.

“The gravel roads in Iowa nearly killed me. We had to wild camp in South Dakota after a 98-mile ride because no campsites were available. We nearly ran out of water. And one morning, we got a Tornado Warning at 5:30am and had to seek shelter in a toilet block. Thankfully the tent didn’t blow away!”

Despite that, the ride was packed with unforgettable moments:

“The Badlands, Devils Tower and the Big Horns really stand out. The people we met along the way were brilliant.”

One encounter in still makes her laugh:

“A solo cyclist rushed up to us and his first words were, ‘do you want some bananas?’ His name was Patrick, and he was like an excitable puppy. Then he strapped on the biggest backpack you can imagine — like an oversized Deliveroo bag — and rode off into the wind. I often wonder if he ever got to Seattle.”

What It Meant

Finishing in Seattle was about more than miles and mountains:

“By the time we reached Seattle, I had rediscovered an America vast in its beautiful and amazing landscapes, generous in its spirit and more unified than it appears from a distance. It was more than just the physical crossing, but a reflection on how travel can reshape the way we see our homeland, our relationships and most of all ourselves.”