Today was the perfect start! It started with a nice farewell from my wife. She is so nice to let me do this trip!! I will miss her dearly, even if this lasts only a few days!

Me leaving home. Looks like a first day of school picture

I hopped on my EUC to grab coffee. I saw my two voyage consultants, Mike and Jeff, and then headed to BART.

I took my “cheat ride” to Antioch and officially started the journey.

First challenge: crossing the Antioch Bridge. My voyage consultants had suggested I either drop road flares or follow a big truck. I went with the latter. Google Maps then took me through farm roads and trails—both picturesque and bumpy. My EUC handled it beautifully. Along the way, I saw incredible waterfowl in the sloughs, a few unfortunate dead possums, and even got chased by a big dog!

As I cruised along a levee road, I came across the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department doing dive training in the river. Naturally, I stopped to chat—they had some awesome underwater drones they were testing, along with full sets of dive gear. The deputies were incredibly friendly, and I could have hung around pestering them all afternoon... but it looked like they were actually trying to get real work done. Before I left, they handed me a sticker—probably in hopes that I’d move along quietly.

Note newly “Awarded” Junior Deputy sticker on Helmet

I stopped at Fat Lou’s Cafe in Walnut Grove. Fat Lou himself wasn’t there, but his wife was—and she was fantastic. So was the food! We chatted, and I asked how far she thought I’d make it; her guess was 1,500 miles. I also asked if Fat Lou was, ironically, skinny. She laughed and said, “Nope—just chubby.” Great spot—clean as a whistle!

The next leg took me through some sketchy but stunning paths and backroads in the Sierra foothills. At one point, I even had to cross a very small stream!

What is the word of a trickle of water? Stream seems like a massive exaggeration.

My EUC was running low on charge when I luckily stumbled upon a rural fire station run by the El Dorado Fire Department. I rang the bell, and they welcomed me like family. We hung out behind the station while my EUC charged, talking about the stresses of firefighting and the importance of mental health services. These guys were so friendly and kind—it honestly felt like being at a Ritz-Carlton. One of them mentioned his uncle has an EUC in Hawaii and wanted a photo of us together. What an unexpected but fantastic break!

Super helpful fire fighters from the El Dorado Hills Fire Department

I made it to Shingle Springs, CA, and had dinner and a charge at The Break Room Restaurant. The staff were incredibly welcoming, letting me hang out, charge my EUC, and enjoy some great food. Even better than the meal was the service. A family sitting next to me asked what I was doing, and when I explained, one of them said, “How are you using social media to document this trip?”

I told her I had a blog, and she informed me (gently) that it was woefully inadequate if I wanted to build a following. I asked, “Who would want to see pictures of an old guy talking to strangers?” I don’t remember her exact answer, but I’m pretty sure she was thinking, “This guy—dressed like a spaceman with an electric unicycle—needs all the help he can get.”

Social media consultants and all around nice family

She turned out to be Ann-Marie, and she graciously reconfigured my Instagram account—using my old login from a fake news website with 11 followers—and taught me how to post properly. (She also showed me something else I’ve already forgotten but am sure was important.) She even upsized the font on my phone, so now I can actually read it! Thank you, Ann-Marie! She and her equally wonderful family said a prayer for me before they left. I’m not religious, but I appreciated the kindness. I hope she had a great Mother’s Day—she definitely felt like a mom to me in that moment.

Google Maps then guided me along beautiful roads and bike trails almost all the way to Kyburz. I only had to ride on Highway 50 for about 19 miles to reach my motel.

Incredible rails to trails path! Thanks Google Maps!!

When I arrived, Carlos and his dad, Oscar, the resident managers, were so welcoming. They were fascinated by the unicycle and wanted to see it in action. We ended up having a blast in the parking lot, and they even invited me to their patio behind the office for a beer. Some of their neighbors joined, and we had a great time. I even got to break out some of my Duolingo Spanish—which made it even more fun.

Carlos, Oscar, their daughter and friends!

Finally, I checked my email and saw a message from Ewheels (the company that sold me my EUC and fast charger). They’d come across my blog and were concerned that I was using my fast charger as a seat support. I really appreciated them reaching out—it turns out I could have ruined my charger and been stranded. Huge thanks to Ewheels for the heads-up!

I’ve driven through this area so many times but had no idea how beautiful it is—or how amazing the people are. I loved the foothills around Shingle Springs and definitely want to explore more. The Sacramento Delta is stunning too; the levee roads wind around wetlands and sloughs, offering unexpected beauty.

But honestly, the biggest impression today was the people. Everyone I met was kind, helpful, and engaged. We didn’t talk politics, but my main takeaway is this: America is already great.

I usually go to San Francisco or the Peninsula for culture, or to Tahoe for skiing, completely ignoring the swath of land in between. Today, I realized I’ve been missing out.

Tomorrow’s goal: Fallon, NV—131 miles!

Great First Day!

From Falling to Fallon

Day 1 Plan- How do you spell Kyburz?