Hi. I’m Spencer Countiss, MD, a primary care internist at Grants Pass Clinic in Grants Pass, Oregon. I’ve been riding my bike regularly for about 12 years. For years the idea of riding across the country has been in the back of my mind, and for the past 6 months it has been at the front.

My lovely wife, Stacy, will be offering moral support but has no desire to do this herself. My 21 year old son, David, is in school now at USC and has equally little interest in joining us. My 23 year old son, Chad, will be along all the way. We’ve been training together and we’re ready to go. My partners at Grants Pass Clinic have been very gracious in allowing me to be away for 2 months while they take care of my patients.

I’ve taken some weeklong rides in Vermont, Glacier National Park, and the Painted Hills area of eastern Oregon on Cycle Oregon. I’ve never undertaken a ride of this length, so I hope I’m up to it.

When I’m not working or riding I’m cooking, playing soccer (enthusiastically if poorly) or taking pictures. I hope to post some good photos from the ride. My soccer team has also been gracious in letting me go. We’ll see if they’re as gracious in letting me back. I’ll miss home cooking on this trip, as will the rest of my family.

I’d love to get comments on the blog.