Gratitude

I would like to start by thanking the two key people who made this journey and, resulting book, possible. First, love and gratitude to my late husband, Clark Campbell, whose spontaneous nature and willingness to risk the unknown for a shared adventure made this incredible bicycle trip possible. 

The greatest measure of gratitude for helping me finish this book goes to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Ann Sprague. I could never have completed this project without her encouragement, patience, brilliance, sense of humor, kindness, love, understanding and support.  It was healing for me to relive this journey alongside someone who knows and understands me. I can never adequately thank her for all she did to make this possible.  

A million thanks to Dale Sprague at Canyon Creative for being the inspiration for all the design elements including the book cover, map, and photos. And for all the creative ideas, enthusiasm and support over the years. As well as allowing me to monopolize so much of Ann’s time and energy.   

Thank you to my mom, Marjory Panetti, who never tired of hearing me read sections of the book and website over and over. She helped make numerous small changes that added up to a big difference in the final copy. 

Much appreciation to my dad and stepmother, Al and Mary Grube, who hosted us in their home during the trip and never doubted for a moment we could do this ride successfully. 

A heartfelt thanks to my sister, Lauren Grube, who took care of matters at home, while we travelled unplugged.  She was an ardent supporter of both the ride and writing process and never seemed to lose enthusiasm no matter how many times I stopped and started this project.

A special recognition to my sister-in-law, Lisa Campbell, who has always been there for me. Her love, support and encouragement along with her role as the family historian helped make this story complete. 

Deepest gratitude goes out to my stepkids, Ryan and Taea Campbell, and my daughter in-law, Allison Campbell. They never stopped getting excited about this book and continued to believe in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.  

Hats off to the late, great Larry Hinds, who house-sat our 150-pound dog, Mozart and spitfire cat, Phil. He kept his good humor despite the fact that the animals outsmarted him on a regular basis. The stories still bring me joy! 

Many thanks to my dear friends who let us stay with them for three or four days along the route, while we healed our sore muscles, fixed our bikes and procrastinated our return to the road. In each case, they allowed us free reign of their homes, automobiles and refrigerators. They include: Carol and Drew Barney, Sue and Chuck Cooper, Carla and David Marshall, Joanna and Kelly Redfearn and Carol and Keith Waller. 

Reams of gratitude goes to Lubosh Cech who designed my website and continuously eased my technology fears. He also stepped in mid stream to design my book cover. His creativity and open communication made this important step so much easier.  

Appreciation to Sarah Fortener from Nicely Creative Services for doing the final edit and displaying ultimate patience both with my slowness in getting her the required pages and continually making a mess of them.  

Thank you to Gale Bonnell, who did an early read of Spontaneous Revolutions and offered her wise advice for how to make it better. Kim Hefty and Chris Fowler who lent us their tent and bicycling wisdom despite the fact they barely knew us. Sarah Vandervoort for scanning all my pictures into readable computer files. The fine folks at Balboa Press. And to my many instructors at Marylhurst University who helped build my writing confidence. 

Cheers to my two computer gurus, Sherri Curley and Jonathan Hecht who always make themselves available and remain patient despite my continuous computer frustrations and issues. Never once have they laughed at my stupid questions. 

A credit to photographer Sarah Eastlund who took my author photo and put me at ease by teaching me to stick my neck out and look like a chicken. 

Thanks to the many members of Willamette Writers who made concrete suggestions for improving the direction of this book and website. I am especially appreciative for the advice and encouragement to stay with my own vision of the story. 

A monster credit goes out to all the kind and wonderful people who supported us along the way: offering shelter, roadside assistance, buying us meals or honking and cheering as we struggled uphill or through inclement weather. You will never know how much you added to our journey!

And finally, a special note to my grandkids, Arwen Campbell and Ari and Avery Jackson, as well as any kiddos who may come along later. I hope as you grow you’ll get a chance to know your grandfather, Clark, and find inspiration for your own journey through the pages of this book.