A Submarine Called Santa Fe

New Franklin, Missouri… the beginning of the Santa Fe Trail.

January 5, 2013

How did I get involved in my passion, bicycle touring? It all started with a submarine called Santa Fe. In January 1994, my husband was in command of a newly built attack submarine, USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) in Groton, Connecticut. During the submarine’s new construction phase, members from the host city, Santa Fe, New Mexico participated in the ship’s christening and commissioning ceremonies.

In honor of the commissioned submarine, Santa Fe author Elaine Pinkerton sent the crew a copy of her book, The Santa Fe Trail by Bicycle. Inspired by the book, the Chief of the Boat rallied several of his shipmates around the idea of cycling the Santa Fe Trail as a personal test and as a way to visit the submarine’s namesake city.

After getting permission from the command, plans for the trip started. The USS Santa Fe Lightning Express bicycle club was formed to organize, plan and help train those interested in cycling the trail. The trip was open to crew members and their families. I jumped at the chance to be a part of the amazing adventure.

At the age of 41, I was a bicycle-touring novice and didn’t own a bike. The closest I came to cycling was riding my indoor exercise bike. Over the next nine months, I immersed myself in information on bikes, cycling equipment and training. After months of preparation and the purchase of my new Cannondale R-500 road bike, I was ready to spin all the way to Santa Fe.

The fifteen passenger van that supported us along the trail.

On the morning of September 15, 1994, eleven crew members and I started on our way to New Franklin, Missouri, the start of the Santa Fe Trail. We rode in a fifteen-passenger van that hauled a trailer packed with gear and six bikes. The remaining bikes were stowed on top of the van along with two car top carriers. One thousand miles later, on the morning of September 16, we arrived in New Franklin. We were ready to spend our two-day layover exploring the historic town and meeting its people during their Santa Fe Trail Days Festival.

After two days of parades, cow patty bingo, live bands, picnics and a carnival, we left New Franklin on September 18 and headed out into a crisp fall morning. The start of our two week, 1,129 mile supported bike tour had begun. As I spun my pedals, I was filled with excitement and expectation. I knew that the ten of us cycling were in good hands. We had the support of the van and its two drivers. All we had to do was head west and enjoy the beautiful day. 

In New Franklin, we pose in front of the Santa Fe Trail Monument before starting our trek.

As we cycled along the trail through four states, we were proud to represent the newly commissioned fast-attack submarine, USS Santa Fe. Along with promoting physical fitness and the Navy, we cycled to honor our namesake city. In the towns and cities that we stayed in, we presented ship’s plaques, pictures and information on submarines to every Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and group that supported us. It was truly an amazing two weeks.

When we arrived in Santa Fe October 1, 1994, we were greeted by the Mayor and treated to two days of parties, tours and a hot air balloon festival. It was a memorable time. The kind people, places and experiences I encountered along the trail are still with me today. This was my first long distance cycling tour and I had come through unscathed and with a sense of accomplishment. I was hooked on touring and ready to once again take to the highway and explore America.

So, try something new in your life. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It doesn’t matter what season you’re in. Follow a dream. Take a chance. Start on a new journey. You never know where that “beginning” will take you. Who knows, I may meet you some day cycling along the backroads of America!

Tailwinds,

Kathy

In Santa Fe, New Mexico posing with city officials at the Santa Fe monument.