English native travels through Elkhorn Valley on bike trip

If you want to catch a glimpse of real America, try cycling from coast to coast.

Jemma Stilwell, an English native, traveled along U.S. Highway 275, Friday, making short stops in Ewing and Clearwater.

A chance conversation with a group of coffee drinkers at Westend Mini-Mart in Ewing altered Stilwell's route, sending her to the Summerland Advocate-Messenger for a quick visit about her trek.

Stilwell departed Seattle, July 25, riding between 80 and 100 miles a day, en route to Washington, D.C.

"I had a bit of a choice to go across South Dakota or Nebraska and Nebraska's flat - very flat - so I figured it was the best way to go."

She planned to ride the Cowboy Trail, but since it has gravel on it, she has been following the path along the highway.

"It seemed the most obvious choice," she said.

Stilwell was just over halfway through her 40-day journey last week.

Although she did get caught in a thunderstorm, the weather has cooperated.

"Last year, there were forest fires (in Montana) and I would not have been able to do it," she said.

Stilwell isn't a cycling newbie.

She has participated in several cycle tours across Europe and in the UK.

"I love cycle touring because it's a good speed to see a country and you don't have to wait for public transport to get you anywhere," she said.

Traveling across America has been one of her bucket list challenges.

"It's three times as far as any of the others were."

Stilwell lives near Lyme, England, not too far from Windsor Castle. A music instructor, she is currently on break and has six weeks to complete the journey.

"A faster bike, be fitter, I'll be lighter, the bike will be lighter. I'll be on my own. I figured I could do 80 miles in a day. It's been alright," she said.