| Many people dream of going on a great travel | | | | Picchu in Peru. And everywhere they went they |
| adventure. Most of us keep dreaming; others | | | | met other cyclists from all over the world. |
| make it happen... | | | | In May 2007 -- two years, twelve countries, and |
| Gregg Bleakney's dream was to travel the | | | | over 30,500 km (19,000 miles) later -- Gregg |
| Americas from top to bottom. He got the idea | | | | eventually reached Ushuaia, Argentina, the |
| after he finished a 1,600 kilometer (1,000 mile) | | | | southernmost city in the world. (Near Guatemala, |
| bike ride. Gregg's friend, Brooks Allen, was also a | | | | Brooks had to return to the U.S., and Gregg |
| cyclist. The two friends talked and slowly formed | | | | continued without him.) |
| a plan: they would travel from Alaska to | | | | The trip taught both men a lot about traveling, |
| Argentina -- by bike. | | | | especially if you travel abroad. What did they |
| To pay for the trip, Gregg and Brooks worked | | | | learn? Here is some of Gregg's advice: |
| and saved their money for years. Once they | | | | Travel light. The less baggage you have, the less |
| were on the road, they often camped outdoors | | | | you'll worry about. |
| or stayed in hostels. In many places, local people | | | | Be flexible. Don't plan everything. Then you'll be |
| opened their homes to the two friends and gave | | | | more relaxed and happy, especially if there are |
| them food. | | | | problems. |
| During their trip, Gregg and Brooks cycled through | | | | Be polite. As one traveller told Gregg, "Always |
| deserts, rainforests, and mountains. They visited | | | | remember that nobody wants to fight, cheat, or |
| modern cities and ancient ruins such as Machu | | | | rob a nice guy. |