Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Where in the world is Bill? Check out:

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0TSm7h5vSsAoziekqbF4hvDJuKRbIJsDX

I am also using a blog to post my new ride, you can check it out at www.parrotpartyadventures.com. This will allow me to post in more areas and be more current than this site in some situations.

For some new designs you can also check out www.parrotpartyisland.com.

Have You Seen One Of These?

The SPOT Satellite Tracker is "The World's First Satellite Messenger". It works over most of the world. I purchased one of these last week and have been playing with it for a few days to test it out. When I first received it I signed up for the basic service, the tracking service (there are coupon codes for 1/2 price available), and the optional $100,000 emergency extraction insurance (only $7.95 if you opt for it when signing up).

The box includes everything you need to get started, even lithium batteries. After a quick read of the manual I signed up for service and took it out in the yard for a first test. This thing really works!. Pushing the OK button sent a text to my phone and an email to several people I had set up. The really cool thing was that a link in the email allowed me to see a Google map of exactly where I was sending from. The map can be zoomed, changed to a topo map or even a satellite photo of the area.

After a day of initial playing I decided to head in the the woods at the Great Smokeys National Park for an over night trip with the unit set to tracking (in this mode an automatic signal is sent out approx. every 10 minutes). The trees made a heavy canopy over me and I wondered if any of the signals would be able to get out. Several times I switched the unit from tracking mode and hit the OK button so that I would be able to see if a slight opening in the trees would allow the signal to get out. If you check out:

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0TSm7h5vSsAoziekqbF4hvDJuKRbIJsDX

you will see that I went from near the highest part of the park to some of the lowest and back to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park. The share page is part of the tracking package and the link can be sent to anyone wanting to monitor your trip or movements.

When I got back more of the signals got out then I thought would be possible with the amount of tree cover this time of year. Was it perfect? No, but if I put forth a little effort I was able to find a slight opening and get a signal out.

Next I put the unit in a Storm box on my motorcycle and took a ride, again with the unit on tracking. In the open areas on the highway and the unit got through on virtually ever attempt. Think how nice this would be to keep check on family or kids on a trip and know that all was going well.

There are two more modes I haven't tried on the unit but feel they would function as well as the OK and Tracking mode did. One is a HELP mode that sends text or emails to people you set up for non-life threatening emergencies. The other is 911, this sends a signal to emergency personnel that you need help now. In this mode a signal is sent out every 5 minutes and updates your location as you move.

In conclusion I do want to say the unit is not perfect and heavy tree cover will block muck of your signals but with some effort you can get the signal out. It is however better than anything else I have seen out there and will continue to use mine on any of my own trips.

Anyone Wondering What Simon Is Up To Next?

You can find out about Simon's next ride HERE. Good luck to Simon and his mates on their next adventure.

Looking For A Way to Save Money?

Check out this FREE Trial offer!

New Designs

I just posted a bunch of new designs at my online store. Check them out. I have many more in the works so check them often.

A New Ride Is In The Works!!!

I have already bought a project bicycle to use and show that a long distance ride is something anyone can do, even someone on a very limited budget. I will be posting pictures in a few days so keep checking back.

Many have emailed (bill@ridingforadventure.com) and called about what I have been up to since I finished the ride. I have been very busy but things are starting to get better now. Several things have happened to cause major changes in my personal life. My dad had to have a stint in his carotid artery and immediately after that they did a heart cath and found several major blockages. April 29 they did by-pass surgery. He was released from the hospital on that Saturday and thinks he should be better already but we have kept him from doing too much. I have been riding several times a week and the legs are feeling strong.

Several other changes are coming to this site very soon.

Do You Have The Best Safety Device For Outdoor Sports Enthusiasts?

Most of us don't like to think of ourselves being involved in accidents but this should be high on our list of priorities. If you don't have and use a RoadID yourself or if someone you care about doesn't please seriously consider ordering one now. The ID will allow emergency personal to notify family members if you should be in an accident and not able to talk for yourself. It can also notify them of potentially dangerous allergies or other medical conditions. You can order one at www.RoadID.com. Check them out and read some of the testimonials there. I use mine even on short local rides and runs.

What do I have on my RoadID? My name, this website, phone numbers for three of my family members, and the words "Explore, Dream, Discover". What will you put on yours?

Check Out This Special From Lonely Planet:

Lonely Planet provides some of the best guide books available. I have used several and they always impress me.

Have You Tried The Funnest Piece Of Exercise Equipment?

I just bought a TRIKKE Carving Vehicle and it is a blast. Check out the link below for exciting videos and more information. I'm not doing stunts yet but I just wait till I have more time on it.

Welcome to Riding For Adventure!

This site started out about my solo bicycle ride across the United States, starting in San Diego, California on November 25, 2007 and ending in Saint Augustine, Florida on January 4, 2008. It includes equipment reviews, my experiences, and links to suppliers I used to buy my equipment. Your comments are welcome and encouraged. Please email them to me at: bill@ridingforadventure.com

Who Am I And Why Would I Ride Coast To Coast?

My name is Bill Chaffins and I live in East Tennessee. I have ridden bicycles most of my life and a cross country ride has always been a dream of mine. After reading many books about similar journeys I decided to try it myself. It turned out to be one of the funnest things I have ever done and I met several great friends.

How will you know if you have seen me on the road?

Take a look at these pictures and you will know what I look like.

Check out the Photo Gallery for photos from the ride.