Part 01: Lake Itasca, September 7, 2006

Down past New Orleans, where the Mississippi flows into the Gulf of Mexico, the width of this gigantic waterway is over two miles. But here at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, where the river begins it's 2,300 mile journey to the sea, the width is.....well, five whole metres. The depth is equally intriguing - this morning, just four inches - the result of a long, hot, dry summer.

My stories of this adventure alongside the river from Lake Itasca down to the Gulf will, I'm sure, wind and weave like Old Glory itself. But like it's own humble origins, this first dispatch is little more than an introductory piece; something just to say that I've finally done the hardest part by actually getting started.

I write this from the shores of Lake Bermidji, following today's 35 mile ride from the source. It has brought me to the most northerly point of the river, and as of tomorrow, I'll be pedaling south through this beautiful region of majestic pines which stand guard over the shores of endless lakes.

I shall file my pieces at least once a week; and more often than that whenever possible. So while this particular piece is just something to kick the ride off with, it is nevertheless a promise of some really good stuff to come, pictures included.

So click on again next week and see what happens. Right now, I've got as much of a clue as you do.

Keep up to date with Quentin's travels by reading his blog here on Pedelecs, by visiting his site below or listening to the once-weekly broadcast on Radio 5 Live Up All Night programme.