I got a text a few days after Hurricane Helene swept through the Eastern US causing catastrophic destruction, specifically in Western NC, our backyard. “Know anyone that can donate old climbing rope, carabiners, or harnesses … they’re rope-bridging people out and need more supplies”. People up and down the east coast had started to mobilize and Human Powered Movement would take a leading role to help our neighbors in need.

Turns out, we’ve all been duped. With a puffed chest, I’ve been sharing this whackadoodle idea of “The 7-Eleven Ride” with a few friends over the past few months. I’ve confidently shared that this is “a thing people do”. They ride 100 miles and stop every 20-ish miles at different 7-Elevens to eat roller meat (hot dog, brat, taquito, etc) and add an escalating topping at each subsequent stop. Our ride started with a confession and ended, thankfully, with far less dogs than I expected.

Galen Bratton, the older brother of Human Powered Movement founder Adam Bratton recently completed his first multi-day bikepacking trip of the 184 mile Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail.

Although many have ridden this popular and completely car-free route, from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC (or vice versa), the experience with his HS pals did more than just allow for a few days away from computer screens and onto two-wheels. It re-inspired the childlike wonder of riding bikes, it re-invigorated the need to move through nature, and it reinforced 40+ years of friendship.
​
We tossed a few questions his way to get a feel for what last week’s pedal powered comradely session meant to him and his HS buds.