Gilberts travel Lower 48, No Interstate

By MELODY METZGER

Lamar Democrat

Eric and Diane Gilbert were guest speakers at Lamar Rotary on Tuesday, May 17, to tell of their journey of “Lower 48, No Interstate”. You see, the Gilberts are traveling on their Spyder three wheeled motorcycle, heading as far north, south, east and west as possible in the lower 48 states, traveling solely on roads that are not interstate, as they visit unusual places, meeting fascinating people along the way.

Diane is a 1981 Lamar High School graduate and is the daughter of Don Clements, Lamar, and the late Emily Clements. Her husband, Eric, graduated from school in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and the couple met through their mutual employee of Caterpillar in Peoria, Ill. The couple were married Sept. 6, 1991 and this trip is in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. The couple currently reside in High Rolls, N.M., where they were able to build their dream home.

As they embark on this journey the two decided to take on a whole new mindset, so after 25 years of going by their middle names, they figured their first names were more aptly suited to the next chapter in their life, so Chet and Marj emerged. The two plan to travel the 48 states in 72 days, which is the time they figured it would take to travel that distance. Eric was quick to point out that a trip like this doesn't happen overnight, that it has been a while in the planning stages.

Day six of their journey was spent in Lamar, not only visiting Lamar Rotary after being asked by their niece, Melissa Little, to be the guest speakers, but they also visited Lamar West Elementary for Mrs. Achey's class, in which Melissa's daughter and the couple's great-niece, McKinley, is a member.

The Spyder that they travel on is bright yellow and very striking and seems to be an immediate draw, especially to younger people, according to Eric.

The couple are keeping a daily blog of their travels, which can be found at L48NI.wordpress.com. Through their blogs and postings on facebook, they have encountered many individuals along the way that have invited them into their homes; however, the couple will usually be found spending the evening at a hotel, in order to be able to do what has to be done that evening as to the experiences they encountered that day. I have never been a “blog” person, but their adventure is truly interesting and the local connection makes it even more so. Their facebook page is facebook.com/L48NI.

Along with them on their journey are two special friends, a stuffed bear and a stuffed dog that have accompanied them throughout their married lives as in the words of Eric, “Everyone that has to travel much, knows the importance of having something familiar with them to make them feel at home”. That is the role of Zia and Scrapper.

Following a full day of family and friends, the couple began the next leg of their journey on Wednesday morning, May 18, followed of course by pie at Cooky's in Golden City.

Following the Rotary presentation on Tuesday many questions were answered by the couple, as well as a picture session taken on the Spyder as it sat outside of Nathan's Place. Safe travels are wished for this couple and I'm sure there are many in the community that would enjoy a follow-up report when the journey is done.

Lamar Democrat/Melissa Little

Eric and Diane Gilbert (now known as Chet and Marj) embarked on a 72 day journey of Lower 48, No Interstate, as they travel on their three-wheeled Spyder motorcycle. The two were the guest speakers at Lamar Rotary on Tuesday, May 17.