Gates Carbon Drive

Many bicyclists dream of exploring America on two wheels, leaving behind the stress of jobs, bills and obligations and enjoying an epic adventure. Reuben and Heidi Vanderkwaak and their two young children Eden and Harper–collectively known as the Pedal Powered Family–are doing just that.They left their home in Hamilton, Ontario on May 21 and plan to ride across North America, Mexico and Central America for 12 months, their children in tow. “We seek to live simply, give generously, and travel slowly on our bikes,” Reuben says.

So far they have coveredabout 1,500 miles of their 12,000-mile journey, which has taken them across the heartland of theUS andinto the Rockies on their way to British Columbia and the Pacific Coast. At the Pacific, theywill hang a sharp left andfollow the coastline of Washington, Oregon and California down to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica andPanama.They will then shuttle back to the US, heading up the East Coastfrom Floridato Mainebefore turning backthrough Vermont and New Yorkon their way home toOntario.You can read more about theirjourneyat www.pedalpoweredfamily.com.

So what kind of a bike does one choose when embarking on a yearlong trek across the plains,over mountains, through sand and storms andrugged landscapes? For Heidi, it was an aluminumSantos Travelmaster with Gates Carbon Drive and Rohloff internally gearedhub.Reuben rides a modified Surly Big Dummy.The children’s seats and sun canopy are custom DIY creations.

When Gates heard about the Pedal Powered Family through Facebook, we contacted them and invited them to lunch during their short stay in Denver. It was a wonderful opportunity tohear their stories and get to know an amazing family that is leading a life less ordinary. We look forward to checking back in with Reuben and Heidiin the months to come as their journey progresses. Meantime, if you should encounter a young family on bikes down the road, say hello, offer to buy em lunch, provide them with a place to stay the night. You may just be inspired topedal off into the sunset yourself.

Thanks toJenn Starkwww.jennstarkphotographers.comforthe top three photos.