Truckin' on: Americans may love big motors but Susan is hopeful for a green future.
Most cycle-friendly state? Most valuable advice? Green Netjetter Susan summarises her experiences as her three-month trip across the States approaches its end
Name: Susan Greenwood
Age: 27 (although looking more like 64)
Distance travelled: 4,036 miles (100 left along Route 101 to Florence)
Tyres used: Four
Chains used: Two
Most valuable piece of advice given: "Pull yourself together woman" (thanks, Laura!) and "Git 'r done" - the non-corporate American version of "Just do it".
Soundtrack: First half - Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed; second half - I Love This Bar by Toby Keith.
Most valuable item: British accent. (Second most valuable, Adventure Cycling maps; third most valuable, the ability to shrug dramatically.)
Most likely to be found: Having a natural facelift in the headwind while eating a red delicious apple.
Would never have thought: Small-town America could be so friendly and selflessly generous.
Favourite state: Montana, followed closely by Idaho - Lewis and Clarke were on to something for sure.
Greenest state: Oregon - hippie heaven.
Best state for cyclists: Colorado. The hills are mellow, the temperature is great for camping, the scenery is stunning and the cars are very understanding of the plight of someone pedalling up an 11,000ft pass.
Worst state for cyclists: Kentucky. The extra weight of dogs on ankles makes climbing the Appalachians very tricky.
Most oft asked question: "Aren't you scared of cycling by yourself?"
Most oft repeated reply: "No."
The thing that annoys me most about America is: The love affair with trucks, tractor lawnmowers and air conditioning, plus the assumption that a girl cycling on her own should be scared.
I overheard someone say: "The high price of gas has stopped me using my truck for stupid little trips. I've had to really think about when I really need it." (Twin Bridges, Montana.)
I'm sorry I: Never got to Glacier National Park; left my Kentucky Proud organic produce at a gas station and yelled out, "Said the actress to the bishop", when a bike shop worker asked me if I wanted to keep my old ball bearings.
I wish someone had told me: The smell of sulphur from Hot Sulphur Springs in Colorado lingers. A. Long. Time.
I have learnt that: I need very little to live well and happy.
Most surprising discovery: That there are people in existence who give with no expectation of return; that living in tune with nature is great for the soul; that America really does have the potential and desire to tackle environmental change; and that country music is actually very good.
Would encourage people: To slow down, look at the world around them and feel part of it. For all its negative points, it's still a beautiful place.
Worst thing: Realising that chemical-free deodorant doesn't work.
Best thing: Being on my bike.
I would definitely: Do this trip again in a heartbeat.
I would definitely not: Buy a watermelon at a farmers' market believing if I shifted my bike tools over to the other pannier I could actually balance the weight.
If I were American: I would be very proud.
Just one more blog left to write and I've had a few requests for kit information. If anyone wants details, let me know and I'll pop it in the final entry or do a general mail out. I can definitely say to Americans (and Europeans who can get hold of one, as the they are not distributed there yet), that my Jamis Aurora bike is superb. It was far cheaper than the fancy touring bikes and, funnily enough, it really works. I also can't recommend Minx Girl enough as the place to buy kit. It's top-notch equipment and the people behind it really know their stuff. Thighs not included.
