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“The purpose of my ride is to draw attention to the inequality facing members of the LGBTQIA community in this country. Many of us have been bullied or targeted with hate speech. People have died because of who they love, and it’s time for it to stop. The trip will take me approximately fifty-five days because I’m stopping along the way to highlight LGBTQ+ centers throughout the country who are trying to fight for our equality. Subscribe to this channel so you can take the trip with me.

“Thanks to these great supporters who came out to see us off. Thank you to Alexis and Stephanie who are holding down the home front and maintaining the channel to bring these videos to you. I hope you’ll see something that touches you or brings a smile to your face.

“Thanks to my family for their support, and last, but not least, thank you to the love of my life, Bridges. Without your guidance and love, I’d never be able to do this. I haven’t said it nearly enough, but I hope I’ve shown you that I love you.”

My voice broke as I was swamped by emotions, but I meant every word I said. The crowd behind me cheered, and Alexis stopped filming.

Bridges brought out my new recumbent bike from the back of the RV, which looked a lot different than the bike I used for practice. It was a two-wheeled bike the height of my other bike, but the handles were near my hips and the seat rested back a little further. It was neon yellowish green like my other bikes, and I kissed him for it.

“You didn’t show me this one,” I scolded with a smile.

He grinned. “I like to surprise you, baby boy. Use me to balance and get on. Nobody will laugh you off the road on this baby.”

I did as he said, and I took off, taking a test ride up the empty street before circling back to wave to everyone. I figured out how to stop without falling off when I got to the RV, and after one more kiss, Bridges and I were off on the adventure of our lives.

Travel Journal of Weston Aames

Week 1

States visited: NY, PA, MD - extended stop in Gettysburg

Dear Journal,

Bridges suggested I document my thoughts as we travel across the country, so here are my thoughts. This shit isn’t easy. The new bike does take the pressure off my back and shoulder, but learning to turn has been a little tricky.

I’ve only fallen off once, which is a fucking blessing. I skinned my knees, but Bridges kissed them and then kissed somewhere else, and it all felt better.

The first night, we stopped in Easton, PA, and found an RV campground at a state park outside town. I was so damn tired that I took a shower while Bridges made us some sandwiches. We went to bed at eight, both exhausted from the day, but when the clock chimed at five the next morning, I was bright-eyed and bushy tailed.

After a protein shake and an egg sandwich for breakfast, we were off again. When we stopped in Gettysburg, we decided to take an extra day to tour the small town. It was really interesting, and I’m not necessarily a history buff, but Bridges ate it up. His reaction gave me gift ideas for years to come.

The rest of the week proceeded the same way. I saw some beautiful scenery, and even though Bridges was in the RV behind me to keep me safe, I missed talking to him. I’d left my phone in the RV so I could concentrate on traffic safety, but being alone with my thoughts wasn’t the most fun I’d ever had.

Let’s hope week two goes better.

Travel Journal of Weston Aames

Week 2

States visited: WV, OH, IN – stopped in Indianapolis

Dear Journal,

We started the week in Cumberland, West Virginia. It was absolutely stunning there. We stayed at a campground with beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains and a kick-ass shower room. The spray soothed my aching muscles like a spa massage.

Bridges buys a souvenir in each town we go through to commemorate the trip, but he doesn’t think I notice him doing it. I think it’s really cute and can’t wait to see what he does with them.

We’ve cut back to between seventy-five and a hundred miles a day, depending on the terrain, because we’d allowed more than enough time to get to Cali. This is our opportunity to see the country like we never have before and probably never will again. Breathing in the cool fresh air when I start the trip each morning is amazing.

We’re staying an extra day in Indianapolis to see the sights since neither of us has ever been to the city before. Today we took in a museum and went for pizza near the campus of Indiana University. Even though school is out, there are still a lot of folks roaming the campus and hanging out at the bars and restaurants.

Once we stop for the night, Bridges goes for a run to get in his exercise, so I use that time to write about the trip. I’ve been thinking about the things Uncle Edmond and Mom both said, and I guess I’ll forgive them. I’ve accepted they were looking out for me, regardless of how condescending I found their attempts to push me to succeed. They’re older. They thought they were helping, or so I tell myself. They act without thinking, but maybe I’ll be the same when I get their ages.

We stopped at an electronics store in Columbus, OH, to pick up a blue tooth earpiece so I can talk to Bridges while I ride by linking it with my phone. We don’t constantly talk like we did on the Hudson Valley Greenway trail, but if I need to stop to use the bathroom, or if he needs to stop to stretch his legs, we can let the other know. Or if I get lonely, cause it happens. It’s nice to check in with him. He listens to audiobooks, which I don’t have the patience to do, but he tells me about them when we get into bed at night. I do love lying down with him and talking about anything. He’s quite insightful, and I marvel at the trivial facts he knows. The man is amazing.

Travel Journal of Weston Aames

Week 3