Photo: Russ Roca via The Path Less PedaledBefore moving to Los Angeles, I talked to some of my friends in advocacy and did some research on my own and made a list of people I needed to meet. The list included some of the people you'd suspect, Liz and Shay, Joe and Ron, Stephen and Enci, Bart Reed, Fred Camino, the BRU and many more.
The last person on that list that I met was Russ Roca, a cycling photographer and activist in Long Beach. I met Russ in March at the Bike Summit and now he is already gone; pedaling across the country with his wife Laura Crawford.
Fortunately for us, they're blogging about their adventures at The Path Less Pedaled and there may even be a book in their future. While we wait for the blog to transist from the teary goodbyes to their friends (and bikes) to exciting tales of life on the road, the duo leaves this explanation of why they're leaving Southern California for life on the road.
The Path Less Pedaled is an exploration of what it means to liveoutside the lines. In March 2009, Laura Crawford and Russ Roca made thedecision to drop out of the status quo and find others around the worldwho have done the same. Paring down their lives to just what will fiton two bicycles, Laura and Russ are embarking on an extended bike tourthroughout the US and beyond – with the goal of connecting with andcollecting the stories of people who followed a calling to live theirlives in unique ways. Through photos, interviews, sketches, hand-boundbooks, and an extensive web presence, Laura (an art jewelry maker) andRuss (a photographer) will compile example after example of lives lessordinary – independent artisans and makers, small business proprietors,community activists and more.
Thanks to our friends at Bike Portland, I can "spoil" their first adventure. Currently their on their way up the coast on Amtrak where their first ride will be with the advocates and cyclists of Portland's bike scene.
