Long-distance bicyclist enjoys country roads, stops in Lincoln and uses library internet

[July 31, 2015]  LINCOLN - When Jim Thompson of Missoula, Montana decided to visit his father and other relatives in his home town of Richmond, Virginia, he bought a one way plane ticket. He had decided a few weeks before the trip to take his bicycle with him on the flight and pedal back to Missoula.

Thompson stopped in Lincoln on Monday after spending three and half weeks on his return trip to Montana. He expects to complete the trip in another three weeks. He spent last night in Clinton camping at Weldon Springs. “I spend about 75% of my time camping,” he said. He carries a GPS with him to plot the way. “I like to stick to country roads as much as possible, although I do use two lane highways when I have to. I usually don’t know where I am when using country roads, but the scenery is wonderful,” he said. His bicycle is specially designed for touring with twenty speeds.

After traveling to Lincoln on Route 10 on Monday morning, he was just pedaling around taking in the sights when he came across the Lincoln Public Library. He decided to stop in and see if there was public access internet. Sure enough, the staff in the Carnegie building directed him to the library’s computers. “I carry a computer with me, but traveling by bike gives me time away from it. I like that,” he said. “I like visiting small town America while I’m cross-country biking,” Thompson said.

Jim Thompson is a high school history teacher in Missoula. He rides his bike to work every day, except during grim winter weather. Having the summer off has allowed him time to take this trip. He also is a mountain biker, so this jaunt from the east coast to Montana is no big deal. While he doesn’t cross-country bike every year, he has done several over the years. When asked about the length of this trip, he just grinned and shrugged. He has been touring by bicycle since 1984.

Sunny skies and tail winds to Jim Thompson on his way home!

[Curt Fox]