YOU WHO ARE on the ROAD

The young police officer stood on the porch in the heat of the summer evening and stared wide-eyed at Karen in disbelief. In a controlled voice he said, "I can see tomorrow''s headlines. 'Female cyclist pedaling across the United States alone spends the evening with a murderer in Minnesota.' Just what are you trying to prove?!!" I rolled my eyes and was tempted to ask him what century he was from since I knew of women doing all sorts of adventurous activities on their own. You Who Are on the Road, tells how Karen began and completed a 10,000-mile bicycle journey around the periphery of the United States. The physical experience of bicycling serves as a metaphor for her spiritual transformation resulting from interactions with the people she met along the way. Though we all pedal our own unique paths, there is much to learn from the experiences of others. Author William Least Heat-Moon (Blue Highways, 1982; River-Horse, 1999) wrote Karen letters offering words of wisdom and encouragement. It was this fellow explorer's most emphatic suggestion--''Complete the trip' which resonated in her soul, like a mantra, during the thirteen-month journey. Mr. Least Heat-Moon knew from his experience that living a dream was challenging, rewarding and most of all hard work. We are living through a time in history where current events have caused some people to seek new ways to add meaning to their lives. This book gently suggests ways to explore new territories-physically, emotionally and spiritually. People looking for insights in their lives can learn from stories told by kindred spirits along the way. Those looking for adventure will find it in You Who Are on the Road. The true good nature of most people comes out in the story and will bring hope to those who are cynical about our troubled times