I just learned of a book called "Hey Mom, Can I Ride My Bike Across America?", about two teacher and five or six of their 12-13 year old students that rode from D.C. to the Pacific, published in 1990. Have any of you read it? If so, how was it? If you're a teacher, would you ever consider trying anything like it?
Mind you, I haven't read it yet, but I'm intrigued.

Something that I would love to do. Something that I wouldn't let my children do, 'till they were at least 16 and understood they were puting thier lives at risk. Small town drivers never ever see or expect cyclist on the road. Except the Amish, which has won me many road or sidewalk arguements.

By John Seigel Boettner; 1990. ISBN 0-9625707-6-1

Fun book to read, great adventure. Resiliency of the kids shines through; impressive trip as several had never undertaken anything more than riding to school prior to trip training. Done in pre- cell phone & ubiquitous internet times (1986, I think). Subtly but not obnoxiously noted also is the usefulness of financial backing for such a trip - these appeared to be rather upper-middle class families involved.

I think in today's legal environment (including, obviously, sexual safety concerns) it'd be an interesting undertaking. Even our Boy Scout troop insists that 1 adult never be alone with boys. It'd probably be challenging convincing the powers that be that an adult male could "safely" take a group of 3 boys & 2 girls on an extended camping trip!

I am a teacher and I am going on tour in 08, I have already made the decsion that if any kid is coming with me it will only be my kid. Sadly in this day and age I simply don't feel that it is prudent to take kids along.
If a parent wants to come along and bring their kid I may consider it but it sure wouldn't be optimal.
Back on subject (sorry for the sidetrack) I haven't read the book but I think I will look for it and see how it is.
Steven

I read this book. I enjoyed it very much and was inspired. The author has made a second trip across the country with kids, and produced a DVD chronicling the project. It was called the Corps of Rediscovery because he and the kids retraced the route of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery, and attempted to simulate some of the experience. I got a copy by participating in the development of Adventure Cycling's Pedal Pioneers program - for getting kids involved in bike touring. I'm not sure how one could get a copy of the DVD, but I'd contact ACA if I was interested. I thought it was even more inspiring than his book, and the equipment is more up-to-date. For instance, the kids all pulled Bob Trailers. I showed the DVD to my class this year, and they enjoyed it a lot.

I'm a 6th grade teacher. I have started a bike club for kids. Much of the advice offered by the Pedal Pioneers binder mitigated my fears enough to make me give it a try. It has been a success for the most part, and we've gone on around 10 group rides, ranging from 10 miles to 30, and usually with from 6 to 20 kids, and several parents. I still have some safety concerns, however, so we're going to have a "state of the club" meeting this summer and assess whether it has been successful enough to continue, and how we want to proceed.

One of the problems is that the parents don't have the same experience as I do, and they can be "bad influences." For instance, I'm big on riding single file whenever there's traffic. For some reason, I can't get the parents to do this. They seem to want to ride next to their kids so they can talk. I've suggested that all the kids get rear view mirrors and learn how to use them. So far, not one has, and I think it's because the parents think it's too much trouble to go to the bike shop and buy one, or don't want to worry about how to install it, or just think I'm being a worrywart. I don't get it. They also invite their neighbors, or their kids' friends to come along on the rides. The friends haven't been to my safety training, they don't know our safety procedures, and they haven't signed a liability release. The parents don't seem to get that this is a potential problem. So, I think if I'm going to continue to participate, I'm going to have to "lay down the law."

I would consider taking kids on a tour. They would have to be the right kids. They would have to be very well trained in safety issues. I would have to go on several test rides and observe their judgement, responsibility, problem-solving skills, ability to stay focused, etc. I would also have to have what I considered to be iron-clad liability protection. I would have to know that the parents were 100% in favor and completely aware of the risks, and willing to accept possible consequences.

It's a daunting prospect, and I may never do it, but I would consider it.

Has anyone ever heard of Fran Call and the Cyclemates? She was a teacher who came to my junior high school (North Mercer Junior High, Mercer Island, Washington) after I left. In the 70's she took groups of 8th and 9th graders on cross country, self supported tours for at least 4 summers in a row. Her tours were always succesful. Her groups were often around a dozen kids. She was always an inspiration to me, and I always wished she had been there and doing it when I was in junior high. One of my best friend's little brothers was in her first group. It was the adventure of a lifetime for him.

Cycling through France last summer we passed several entire classes of 20-30 kids all on bikes led by a teacher front and back, off on one school outing or another.

It was a regular occurence there, we were very impresed with one pair of teachers turning up at the local municipal swimming pool with a class of 8 year olds just as the another pair of teacher were leaving with their class of 14 year olds. Every one on a bike

Y'all have given me more inspiration. I've been teaching high school and couldn't drum up enough interest for a bike club. This next year I'm moving to a middle school with 7th and 8th graders where I'm hoping to start a club. I'm also scheduled to take the SuperCyclist course (link) through the Texas Bicycle Coalition, and use their curriculum in club meetings. I'll also be contacting Adventure Cycling about trying to get a copy of that DVD. The book is on order.

Yes - I know that I am late to the party, but when I was in middle school, I did two tours with the Cyclemates that were part of the book - her passion passed on to me and I now own a bike shop in Portland, OR. Fran is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met. If you have any questions about how she ran cyclemates or her Outdoor Fitness class, ask away!

Wakefield Gregg
Cyclemate 84-85