Wheeling and Healing

Over the weekend Thomas and I saw a number of cyclist riding down Hwy. 1. Impressive feat and one done by many during the summer months. As we were approaching our campsite in Gualala I casually said to Thomas, "Wouldn't it be cool to meet a cyclist this weekend and get to know him/her, you know talk about their journey." Well watch what you ask for. On Saturday night after our delicious dinner we were washing our dishes and overheard these four cyclist looking for a campsite for the night. The place was packed so the attendant was turning them away. Thomas and I looked at each other for a second and I turned and hailed them over. So we offered to share our campsite.



It turns out Rich and his three kids are touring from the Oregon boarder to Santa Barbara County. Their lives have been touched by alcoholism and their journey is an effort to connect with nature and find some healing. You can read their story at Wheeling and Healing.

Meet the Murphy Tribe as they call themselves; Michael, Sarah, Sean, and Papa Richard.


We were so inspired by their determination, entertained by their stories on the road, and touched by their honesty and candid spirit. We wish you the best. Rich you are right sometimes the best thing to do is to keep moving forward.

The gear. Everything you need for four weeks of cycling. Maybe not everything. Michael did say now that they have been on the road for a week there are some items that they will UPS home.

~Meet Nick, well that is his American name. Nick was a really interesting guy. Nick was cycling with the Murphy Tribe when we met him. He was very easy going and had a cheerful carefree disposition despite being in what I imagine is a very different world from what he is used to. Nick is from South Korea. He took a year off from his job with Merck to cycle from the Canadian boarder to Argentina. He started his journey in Vancouver where he stayed for 2 months learning English. He then bought all of his gear (bike, tent, sleeping bag, etc) and started making his way south. Why Argentina? He said he also wanted to learn Spanish. Nick, we will be cheering you on. Buen Viaje!. ~Thomas



This is the road ahead. Rich, Michael, Sarah, and Sean you have our admiration.

Pictures taken by The Murphy Tribe