So, we meant to bring this little back and forth with Derek and Dylan Thomson to you last week, but you know with them finishing a cross-country bike trip, Cycling the US For ALS, and all, life was a little busy for them.
And we understand – the being busy thing, not riding our bikes across the country. There’s no way we could do that.
The brothers rode 4,500 miles from San Francisco to Seabrook in 45 days, going through 15 states and two countries. They also, as of last week, had raised $27,631 for the Connolly Tough Fund, which helps former Concord High Principal Gene Connolly and his family in his fight against ALS.
So anyway, we wanted to find out what life was really like out on the road, what they had planned next and how close they came to not finishing. To donate or to learn more about the Thomsons’ journey, visit cyclingtheusforals.com and facebook.com/cyclingtheus forals.
What was it like to finally finish?
Dylan: It didn’t feel real to bike down that road. Everything was brought into perspective of what we just did and emotions flowed.
Derek: We had been imagining this moment since we left. I really had two finish lines, one in Concord and one at Seabrook Beach. Both were extremely emotional and became moments that we will never forget.
Were you surprised by the welcome you received in Concord?
Dylan: Extremely, it is one thing for people to follow us online, but to bring it to life is a whole new thing. People took time out of their day to support us and that means the world to us.
Derek: We both were looking forward to this and we tried to imagine what this day would feel like. But these moments you can never predict, and words can’t describe what it felt like to be greeted by everyone. It made every mile worth it.
What are your plans now that you don’t have to ride your bike for hours and hours each day?
Dylan: I have another big journey ahead of me in playing soccer for UNH. I will be training full time for that, along with spending time with my family and friends.
Derek: I plan to make a documentary about our trip and then I’m going to work for my dad for the rest of the summer and then figure out what I’m gonna do next.
What was the most difficult part of riding your bike across the country?
Dylan: Hardest physical part was in Nevada when all we did was climb mountains. My dad told me in the beginning it is way more then a physical game it is mostly mental. When we were in Canada I was sick and I was ready to quit, and I almost did but when my dad came his energy saved me.
Derek: That stretch of 170 miles of no food and no water in Nevada was extremely tough. Also when Dylan and I both got Giardia (an intestinal infection caused by drinking contaminated water) – that was tough to get through. Like Dylan said, it’s the mental part that will get to you the most and sometimes it’s a constant battle with yourself to get up everyday and bike.
What was the most enjoyable part?
Dylan: The finish in Seabrook!
Derek: Both the finish in Concord and Seabrook. Being able to see all our family and friends who supported us all along our adventure.
Were there ever any doubts that you’d finish?
Dylan: Yes, in Canada with being physically drained and coming down with Giardia I was ready to be done.
Derek: Once I got Giardia and I continued to have it for multiple days, I felt like it wasn’t going to go away any time soon. I wasn’t sure what was gonna happen to us.
How did the trip change your brotherly relationship?
Dylan: He was my best friend in the beginning and he continues to be now. But along the way at my breaking points he was the one to put me back together. I love all my friends and family, but there isn’t one other person I could have done this trip with.
Derek: We were best friends going into the trip and we became even closer throughout. I thought we might get sick of each other, but that never happened. We both shared an experience together that not many people will ever be able to say they did – and I’m glad it was with him.
What are you looking forward to most now that you’re done?
Dylan: Enjoying summer, spending time with family and friends and playing soccer.
Derek: I feel like I need to plan another crazy adventure. But for now just enjoying the summer and figuring out what I’m gonna do in the near future.
What was the first thing you did when you got home?
Derek: Jumped in the pool and ate all the food I had been craving the past 40 days.
What was it like sharing the last few parts of your journey with Mr.Connolly?
Dylan: It was awesome to be able to feel like we were making a difference, and every peddle I took, he was the one motivating me to do it. It made it so much easier to bike when you’re doing it for a purpose.
Derek: Words can’t describe those moments. Everything that he has done for me and the Concord community and the power of his determination that has inspired everyone is way beyond on what Dylan and I did. It was an extremely emotional moment when I hugged him in front of the State House. Even though Gene can not speak I could feel his emotion. It was a powerful feeling that I will never forget.
What’s the deadline for donations?
Dylan & Derek: We’re going to keep it open for awhile, the website will expire next April, so I guess you have a couple more months.
Any plans to do it all over again next summer?
Dylan: No.
Derek: Not next summer, but maybe if my kids want to do it I would do it with them.
Any tips for people thinking about doing the same kind of trip?
Dylan: Don’t go alone, and make sure you can handle the person you go with.
Derek: Be prepared! Stay calm when things don’t go your way. People are going through much harder times than you are with a flat tire. Be physically prepared and even more so mentally prepared.
