COURTESY OF Gary Parkerson What has been the most challenging aspect of your journey to this point ?
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey to this point ?
What role has the upcoming total solar eclipse played in this trip ?
The Surly Big provides amazing views of the setting Sun in Nevada .
because I do this every day . Better yet , I ’ ll deliver first telescope views to thousands during the very long ride project , and everyone I encounter seems genuinely thankful for the opportunity to view the Sun , Moon , planets and other celestial wonders through quality telescopes .
Doing the work of editor of Astronomy Technology Today while traveling by bike and camping most nights has been a challenge , as is consuming the 4000 + calories it takes to fuel rides averaging 50 miles per pedaling day . Mostly though , it ’ s the simple physical challenge of pedaling a bike that weighs as much as I during the heat of summer that is most daunting . I ’ m hardly an athlete . I love traveling by bike , but there ’ s no sugar coating the rigors of pedaling a bike as loaded down as the Big .
I ’ m getting to see the U . S . in a way most never will , and I understand fully now the privilege that represents . It ’ s a privilege , because I could not do this without the support of family , friends and sponsors — even strangers . But no
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COURTESY OF Gary Parkerson What has been the most challenging aspect of your journey to this point ?
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey to this point ?
one I encounter during the project remains a stranger for long . The most rewarding aspect of the journey ? A renewed sense of connection to , well , everyone .
What role has the upcoming total solar eclipse played in this trip ?
The 2017 solar eclipse will be the first total eclipse of the Sun to cross as much heavily populated landmass since the 1999 solar eclipse across Europe and Asia . It also will be the first such eclipse to have the potential of being witnessed by so many people since the advent of social media . Put simplest , it is shaping up to be the greatest astronomical event of our lifetimes , and I wanted to do something to help our industry leverage that opportunity into maximum awareness of the life-enhancing benefits of amateur astronomy . I can ’ t do much , but I can pedal a bike . Many others have accomplished and will accomplish far more , but this is what I can do .
For more information on The Pedaling Astronomer Project , visit pedalingastronomer . com or follow The Pedaling Astronomer Project on Facebook .
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