18th birthday

I moved into my freshman dorm on my 18th birthday. Because I was nervous, I wrote a letter to myself with my goals to get through 4 years. I opened this letter 4 years later on my 22nd birthday and it said:

..."How did school go? Were you a math and business major? I hope you're ready for the real world. You need to get to that... and soon. I want you to go into the Peace Corps and help the world, get a good job for good people, and I hope you haven't gotten a car. I hope you never do get one and you ride your bike everywhere. Hopefully life goes well for you in NYC! Enjoy, my man. Always remember your morals, trust in God, and never stop smiling. Personality and confidence is what spreads throughout the world making it a better place. Good luck."

I am happy to say that I did well in school. I had a high GPA, graduated with honors, wrote a 50 page thesis on population migration in NC counties, and now have a degree in both mathematics and economics. I am now living in NJ working for a company based in NYC, though I work in Princeton. Of my goals, I have not joined the Peace Corps (and have no intention to anymore) and I do own a car. I am happy to say that the rest have been successful. I have grown and learned so much in college and I am so happy with who I have become.

When I entered college I had a crappy road bike and a dream to make a difference in the world through love and happiness. I have grown and developed more as a person almost as much as my bike has during the past 4.5 years since I wrote that letter. I now have a beautiful, blue Salsa Vaya named Sully. For those of you who don't know, I love the movie Monsters Inc and with my last name being Wasielewski, I like to compare myself to Mike Wazowski. Sully is my work horse and a complete tank. I can't wait for the adventures and experiences I get to have with my new companion just like Mike Wazowski and Sully from the movie.

 

Salsa Vaya X9 named Sullivan (Sully)

I've grown to love so much more than I did in since I was 18, as well. I've had long relationships as well as short ones. I've had my heart broken and mended a few times now and all due to the amazing people I met in Wilmington. The three people in the picture below were the people I spent a majority of my college years with and they have each taught me something I needed to learn. La-Rel (bottom) was my roommate and best friend for the 3 years he was at UNCW. He was the master of selflessness. He did so much for people without question. Always courteous and polite. Chris (right) was a great friend for all four years. He taught me about leaving my comfort zone and always sharing joy with those around you. Chris was a guy who would push you to be better at all times, mostly because "life is a competition." Molly (top) was my best friend for a few years in college, too. She taught me about love and enjoying the unexpected in life. We have had our ups and downs as friends, but the love she gave to me when I didn't deserve it is something I strive to share with everyone I meet.

Wrightsville Beach - Aug '13

My college goals were met with almost a scary amount of premonition, but that doesn't mean I can go back to the way I was. I need to continue growing and improving with every step I take. This trip across Virginia is a way to keep the last section of my goals a success. I plan to show the world what love and smiling can do if you keep sharing it with others. I proceed to keep spending any extra time and energy I have into making this world a better place, even if it's one person at a time like my three friends did for me. If you would like to share some of your good fortune to help me make a difference, that would be greatly appreciated. The link to my cyclist page is:
Zach's Donation Page

Give all that you are able and I will do the rest. Thank you and God bless.

Living a Dream

I've done it again. I signed up to ride my bike and tour this beautiful country. This time for different reasons than the last. When I first signed up for the Northern Tier, I did it in order to help people. I wanted to give back and do good things in the world. I felt the world was lacking optimism and hope. Recently, I feel like I have been lacking that. I'm living alone in NJ, working long hours, and don't have the same lifestyle I grew accustomed to in college. It's been a tough transition with the job taking a lot of attention and then my tonsils growing to the size of golf balls. I struggled to make friends, eat, sleep, and everything else that was important to me during the move. I need something to finally go right for me and I have decided 2016 will be the year of living my own dreams. The following are my goals for 2016 (and the rest of my life for that matter).
.
Live Minimally and Make the World a Better Place.

There are few things I really admire in the world and I wrote myself a letter freshman year of college to make sure I didn't forget these things. On my birthday in 2015, I received this letter and it hit me harder than I imagined. I wanted to help the Earth. Maybe not in the "chase down every bit of little litter" kind of way, but in the support of sustainability. I love riding my bike more than I enjoy driving my car (especially driving in NJ) and I think the week I am taking off work to ride my bike is a good way to show how to it's possible to travel minimally. Hopefully, with a new bike, I will also have something that is better equipped to take me to and from work on the average day..
.
Build Friendships and Find a Home

Other things this trip helps me with is to make friends and build stronger friendships. Often times, I'm trying to hold onto friendships that are in the past or letting go of friendships that are important to me. This bike trip is a part of both new and old friendships. Getting to ride with my friends Alex and Kaylyn will be wonderful, but making new friends is also important in my life. Life isn't a journey we ever go at alone. This goes for all aspects of the ride. From Bike the US for MS staff to route leaders to riders to donators and employers of riders and even friends and family, we all work as a unit. As someone still adapting to a lifestyle change, any system I fit well into is one that I plan to join.
.
Smile.
This is the first item in my bucket list. The world is not about who makes more money or who is more attractive. I want to live my life based on what I am happy doing and what will make me smile. People often times tell me that I'm "too happy" or "too outgoing". To me, I don't see why I shouldn't be. If you aren't happy with where you're at, what you're doing, or who you're with, you need to change it. Yes, it's hard to change. Yes, there might be rough times before you smile. There is just no reason why you shouldn't always strive to have a smile on your face. If I every have a choice between something and happiness, I am going to choose to be happy this year. The bike trip is just a part of that mission..


.
As there is obviously more posts to come when I get my new bike or get more information on people I'm riding with, I will continue to post here. I do need to post a link to my cyclist page. Many of you might have donated last year or even if you're familiar with technology. It's pretty easy to donate. Click the link below, go to the page, click the donate button, insert your information. I understand if you wish to remain anonymous, but I want to thank you all personally for helping me make my 2016 dreams a success. If you wish to just shoot me an email or wish me good luck, please send them to zacharywasielewski@yahoo.com

Cyclist page: http://biketheusforms.org/cyclists/detail.asp?cid=879

My Leaders & My Role Models

Saying goodbye to my route leaders a few minutes ago made it hit me.. I'm done. I made it to Seattle. I've shipped my bike home and tomorrow I don't get to spend time with the people I've come to love in such a short amount of time. The people who got me to this point are my route leaders. The people I gave hell frequently on the trip with bike troubles, complaints, drinking, and numerous questions. These people deserve so much for what they have done in the lives of my team, the organization, and this country.
.
Ladies first, right? Emily Huber. The toughest person I know. She's the epitome of a badass. She cycled through hypothermic conditions in little more than a tank top and shorts. She was the last to complain (in fact, never did) and the first to give up a good thing for others (like the time she tried giving up a hot shower for a teammate). This woman does everything kindheartedly and with good intentions. I can't thank her enough for sharing her heart with me and cheering me up every day of this trip. You are an angel. Thank you.
.
Next should be another sweetheart, Ayhson Shafiq. He was the team intern and had the team's best smile. He was always genuine and honest with us. As a rider, we could relate to him because this was his first big trip. Ayhson loved every minute of the trip and was a person to laugh with you when you do something stupid, which I did many times. He alone peer pressured me into many things by saying "you won't ______". I'm so glad I don't back down from a challenge. I enjoyed every second of completing what he said I wouldn't. Thanks, Ayhson.
.
Next should be one of the first guys on this list, because he was the first I talked to. Lucas Johnston. Our bike mechanic and the real reason I made it to Seattle. He helped me find bikes my size in Bar Harbor after the tragic death of my All-City bike. He then was always willing to fix my bike when it broke, even when it wasn't what he wanted to do. Lucas was hard working all the time and by far an inspiring rider. He was fast, strong, and experienced. My favorite memory of Lucas was after the first time I had to get in the van. My bottom bracket on my bike practically fell apart while riding on the 3rd of July. I thought it snapped. I spent the last 8 miles of the day in the van and assumed that I was going to be in the van on the 4th of July (the one day I looked forward to the most). I sat in the van disappointed, I got to the church and sat in the pew with my head down praying. Praying that my bike could make it to Seattle and that some miracle would fix my bike. Lucas was that miracle. Without my asking (because I wasn't going to ask), Lucas looked at my bike and fixed it. I instantly felt better and my bike survived from that moment until Seattle without Lucas needing to fix it. I owe so much to Lucas for allowing me to physically and mentally get to Seattle. He always held me to a high standard and I'm competitive. Thank you so much!
.
The man. The machine. The goof ball. Joe Letchford. Just looking at him, I felt inferior. Joe is chiseled and hard working. After spending time with Joe, I gained so much confidence, though. I saw his work ethic and his commitment to what he wanted, but we had so many conversations about confidence. Joe and I are polar opposites in almost every regard. He bikes fast - I bike slow. He works out to look better - I work out to have fun. He is always trying to improve himself - I am always trying to convince others that I am already amazing. I learned so much from Joe about how different others can view you compared to how you view yourself. Joe is a remarkable human and those who met him will agree. I am so happy to have a person like him in my life and I can't wait to visit him in Minneapolis (my favorite city of the trip, including seattle).
.
Last, but certainly not least, is Mike Platania. This guy was my role model throughout the trip, no offense to the other route leaders. Mike was a witty, athletic, resourceful route leader. When he was interacting with the team, Mike was funny and brought the fun. Some of the time he used peer pressure and other times he was leading the pack to play games. When Mike was riding, he was strong and fast. He was great to draft off, if you could keep up and he never asked to draft off you. I still remember Mike telling me, "I only ride half the time you all do, so I should be pulling the draft line." Mike inspired me to not rely on others and earn every mile I rode. He made me compete in games like kickball and frisbee, because we never got put on the same team. Best of all, Mike was an amazing route leader. He drove the lead van most times and this meant he had to be ahead to secure rest stop and accommodations. Mike can be credited for many indoor nights to protect us from the rain that we didn't originally have planned as well as getting us showers that he worked to get us for free. I cannot wait to see him again and go to Atlantic City. Thank you for all you have done for me, Mike.
.
These people have changed my life. I've loved, learned, and lived with them. My experience riding this summer pales in comparison to all the time I spent with this crew. I'm thankful to have you all as my route leaders, role models, and friends. You all did such a great job this summer. Thank you all! I love you.

0 - Seattle

Tears haven't left my eyes yet, but many have been shed by my team so far. We are 35 cyclists who have achieved something that many wouldn't fathom. We biked 4,295 miles to get from the Atlantic to the Pacific and we did it in the longest way possible, Maine to Washington. It hasn't hit me yet. 69 days of this lifestyle. We got in yesterday and it felt as though it would continue. We got in, we hung out, and we went to bed. This morning is different. Now some of these people are gone. Good friends have left and I don't get to see them continuously, like I had before. I can't say enough how much everyone in this trip has meant to me. From Don and Cassie all the way down to the people letting us stay in a church at night, my life has changed because of you.
.
I made it to Seattle. The place I've dreamed of going for years. It's kinda crazy to think of the effort I put forth to get here and now the time has arrived. I've seen the space needle. I've seen Pike Market. I'm going to go see more of downtown, soon. First, I need to get my plans in order for checkout of this marvelous hotel and my rental car for this afternoon. Tonight, I'll be staying with my cousin. I hope I haven't forgotten how to drive a car..
.
Thank you all for the support. And I'll be doing the souvenir lottery tonight. Best of luck to those who have donated!

1 - A Flash Back

Throwback to my first day post, because it's eerily similar.
.
Nervous excitement, immense amounts of adrenaline, and soon to be a breakfast in Snohomish. Tonight is the last night of the trip. This journey has started since October of 2014 when I guaranteed myself I would change my life in order to change the lives of those around me. I could not be more proud of what I have accomplished to get to this point. I am 30 miles from Seattle. I have made best friends with my teammates. I have biked over 4000 miles and it feels like I could keep going.
.
Family. I love you all. I can't wait to be home and see you soon. I miss you and only a week left until I fly back
.
Framily. Thanks for putting up with my crappy messages all summer. I have a few days with you in a few weeks. Let's make it count.
.
Natalie. All summer, you made it easier to ride. Thoughts of you got me through the summer. Long distance sucks, but I cannot wait to see you. I'm sorry I've not beem able to talk much recently.
.
Those reading. Named above or not, you are supporting me and helped me complete this trip. I didn't finish it because of my pride or the people around the world who need help. This trip is to support those who are in need living with multiple sclerosis, but it's much more than that to me. This trip provides a way to show people that they can change lives in such drastic ways. My friend Erin and I are working our way across the country to help others in need. I want to convince others to do this. It's not easy or for the faint of heart, but I would never give up this experience. I'm now an adult. I work soon and this prepared me for that. I know I can conquer all.
.
Time to go. Team bonding for the last night. Superlatives and alcohol. What could go wrong? Snohomish to Seattle tomorrow. 30ish miles. Easiest day of the trip. Celebrations all day. Booyah! Seattle, here I come!!

2 - Off Rouge

This will be short. I don't have much to say now that I have service. Many people are currently hammocking at camp and I even had my teammate Chelsea come and join me in my hammock. It was a beautiful day. Reminded me of the fast and easy ride into Iroquois a few weeks into the trip. I even rode with the same guy. "Rowdy" Reed and I averaged about 16mph today. Lots of shade to keep you feeling fresh and plenty of gradual downhill to make it easier to pedal. We talked sports. We talked future. We just had a good time. He was the last of the team to not feel so well, so climbing these mountains have been rough on him. He was back to being fast today, because he was pushing me to keep up at times. Can't believe I will need to say goodbye to him and a few others on the 4th after our celebrations. Reed and Kaylyn. Two amazing college students with bright futures will be heading on a plane the night we get in. It's going to be a tough goodbye, but I'll save that for a not so future blog post. Time to read and relax before our final true day of riding. I'll probably sleep in my hammock tonight. Snohomish tomorrow. Seattle the next. Time flies. I'll be home soon, everyone. Love you and God bless!

3 - Service is Slim

4 days of mountains done. 5 mountain passes complete. Over 10,000 feet of climbing. It was the final push. Last hoorah before Seattle. We made it. We went up. We went down. The bottom of Rainy Pass finds us in Diablo by the lake. What a gorgeous view. I feel secluded into nature, though. No cell phones. No stores. No restaurants. No flat land to camp on.
.
Today we ran into the 4k for Cancer riders. They started in Baltimore and will end in Anacortes in Washington. On my way up Washington pass, I heard from a fellow rider that they were on their way up the mountain and acted like show offs, too. I proudly decided to make sure they never biked past me. They didn't. I went faster up. I stopped for less time to catch my breath and cool down. I reached the top of the first pass without even seeing a rider from 4k. At the top of the first pass, we ran into their van and one of my teammates helped this girl fix her chain that fell off (an issue I have dealt with a lot in the past few weeks). We then ventured to the top of the next pass and went on a hike to a lake hidden in the mountains. Still, no 4k riders. On the descent to Diablo, I saw them all coming down the hill behind me. I pedaled hard. I would catch one of my teammates and warn them, so they could tag along. I ended up with 5 or 6 teammates bombing the final stretch of the hill at 48+ mph. We got to camp 15 seconds before the other riders. I felt so accomplished. It was a remarkable day and I'm glad to have had that extra push to ride faster.
.
An awesome person and one of the funniest people of the triptrip, Kaylee Schweet-hat-sir, and I are cracking up. We assigned everyone a role on how I met your mother and then asked people what they would be if they could be anything. I would be a puddle of water melting into the ground. Kaylee would be a starfish. We had some people say a couch or an adult sloth! This game will continue. Have a great night.