Changing Gears: A Distant Teen, a Desperate Mother, and 4,329 Miles Across the Transamerica Bicycle Trail

by Leah Day

What happens when a mother and her 16-year-old son drop everything to bike across the country? On the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, they struggle up hills in the pouring rain, they feel soreness in muscles they didn’t know they had, and they learn more about each other than they ever knew before. When licensed clinical therapist and self-proclaimed “reluctant adventurer” Leah Day felt herself drifting from her son, Oakley, she decided to make a drastic play to reconnect. In this memoir chronicling the journey of a lifetime, Leah and Oakley find that if they can push themselves to accomplish physically exhausting and emotionally taxing milestones on a bike, they are capable of anything!

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Cycling

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[Jackson Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventures tales told through very transparent and honest sentiments about being a human, mother (son), reflecting on our impacts, and the benefits of stepping out of our comfort zone. Thanks for sharing. Inspiring. Go Peaks!

[Ralph B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bicycle journeys can get a little tedious if the author simply recounts a strictly chronological story. This author must have read other bike trip books because Leah Day avoided that trap. Or maybe not. Given the numerous blunders she made as the adult in charge, my guess is that she hadn’t.

As a writer, she kept me very engaged not only in explaining why she made this 4300-mile trip across America with her special needs 16-year old son, but also in chronicling the journey. Trip chapters covered 7-10 days at a time in which she highlighted the most interesting and/or challenging experiences, some of which triggered her recollections of past embarrassing, often frightening predicaments that Oakley got into as a young boy, running off into crowds and pulling a fire alarm at the school open house.

Unlike other bike journey authors, Day is a licensed clinical social worker residing on an island off Portland, Maine where highest point can't be more than 20 feet above sea level. Needless to say, climbing the western continental divide or even the Appalachian equivalent was nothing she had anticipated. But the shared strain of a physically exhausting trek with numerous misadventures - both weather and map-related - helped her to connect with an often disagreeable teenager, breaking his pattern of impulsive behavior and her antagonistic responses.

Both mother and son admittedly struggle with focus and silliness but their love of a challenging adventure comes through. Interspersed are descriptions of numerous instances of kindness along the way, not just pastors opening their chapel for shelter, but also many truck drivers, loading their bikes/gear into their flatbeds and hauling the sometimes unprepared riders to the nearest bike shop. Oakley's occasional journal entries season their story with a unique adolescent accent.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read which is a nonfiction about a woman who decides to take her 16 year old son on the TransAmerica route from Oregon to Virginia. Why does she do this? To reconnect to her sullen and erratic son; to reset their lives and relationship. It was enjoyable to read about the landscapes and all the people she encounters. The adventure of climbing up mountains, riding against headwinds, finding out where to camp, and dealing with various mishaps. And it was heartwarming to see their relationship evolve. I recommend this read to fellow bike enthusiasts and those dreaming about interrupting their lives for some adventure.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific story of a mom and her unique 16 year old son who decide to bicycle across America. It is a story of courage, determination and a little bit craziness, told with compassion, honesty, humor. I am fortunate to know both Leah and her husband Twain, which adds to the depth of experience reading this remarkable journey.
The two things that strike me the most, besides the skillful writing style, is Leah and Oakley's resilience and determination, and the kindness of strangers that appeared throughout their odyssey.

[Bob Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a little while to get into the book with some of the early background stories but it was worth it. It was very inspiring not as much for the cross country ride itself but due to the patience, diligence and love the author had for her son. I could not imagine dealing with his behavior but she and her family certainly put forth great efforts to cope with it and try to help him.

Even if you are not into biking it is an excellent and inspiring story. I appreciated the epilogue and information on how the trip has helped them both and altered their lives.

[Wilma Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I traveled vicariously as Leah Day and her son reconnected on a 4,329 mile bike trip across America. It was necessary to "reboot" their lives. Their acceptance of the challenges and adventures along the way made me consider my past, present and future challenges and adventures. It's a quick read and a good jumping off point for a discussion about if/how/why one should take a physical/mental/recreational/relocating life detour.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to read a book about riding the TransAmerica route - the nitty-gritty, the details of the ride - and found this one just skimmed the surface. I skipped a lot of the flashbacks and relationship stuff to get back to the ride.
Rides like this are never done without introspection and self-realization, so I expected that type of content. I just expected to read more about the ride.

[Sabastian Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as I’m prepping for my first RAGBRAI. I liked the book but I suspect the adventure detailed in this book could have been told in a more interesting way. Still a good story. The mom/author sounds like an amazing person.

[gnarlyhiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

And we sit on the side of the road, eating bananas on hot dog buns slathered in peanut butter

enjoyable and quick read

good luck

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super interesting read. Wouldn't have minded a few more contractions, but great, motivating, incredible story!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read for outdoorsy people who are always itching for an adventure. I’m not big into bicycles, but after this book, I want to be!

[m · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing bike trip for mother and son

I was very impressed with this mother and son. They gained so much physically and personally as they travelled across the country on their bikes.