Billie Sargent

Step into the captivating world of adventure as we take you on a journey that transcends time and spans continents. In 1986, fueled by a love for cycling, Bob Hatchell and I embarked on an epic cross-country ride across the USA. The following year, our wheels carried us across the picturesque landscapes of Europe. We experienced a kaleidoscopic view of change that forever altered our perspectives. From my early days of riding a bicycle to the local grocery store to mastering the rules of the road under Bob's guidance, our passion for cycling together blossomed. We conquered the low-traffic highways of Glynn County, Georgia, and participated in the week-long, 300 to 400-mile Bike Ride Across Georgia in the summers of 1981, 1982, and 1983. Inspired by these joyous cycling adventures, we hatched a plan to embrace a different life—a life on two wheels, encircling the globe. Our around-the-world bicycle journey began June 14, 1986, setting the stage for a life of extraordinary experiences and unexpected turns when we dipped our wheels into the Atlantic Ocean off of the Georgia coast and headed West. We were off on the United States leg of our grand adventure. After 13 weeks, 92 days, 2,184 hours, and 4,353 miles we again dipped our wheels—this time the front wheels—in the Pacific Ocean off of the Washington State coast arriving September 14, 1986. Wintering in Seattle, Washington, we made preparations for the European leg of our journey with the help of the city’s exceptional selection of travel information. On May 23, 1987, we set out again on two wheels from Luxembourg, Belgium, to England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, France, and ended in Madrid. Another almost 4,000 miles under our belts, and Africa awaited for an October 1, 1987, arrival. The Road to Now Here is not just a book; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in a world where every turn of the pedal unveils a new chapter of discovery. I invite you to join us in reliving the magic, the challenges, and the sheer joy of our global escapade. —Billie Sargent