For many years, Gail has been riding her bicycle all around the world, including France, Italy, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, and Canada with more to come. This book is based on an actual cross-county bicycle ride, from Seattle to Boston.
Gail hopes her book will inspire young readers to get out into nature and dream big and appreciate the important role that our pets play in our lives.
She lives in San Leandro CA with her cat Ranger, who keeps her entertained with his antics!
How The Book Came To Be
As I was packing for my cross-country bike ride, I joked with my friend Julie that I wished I could take Ranger with me. She laughed, imagining him in a basket on the front of my bike wearing goggles. And thus, the idea was born. Inspired, I planned to create Ranger’s blog during the ride, however, after averaging 65 miles a day, I was too exhausted to write. But shortly after I got home from the trip, I started writing his story. After many drafts and writing classes, I’m excited to share the final version.
More About:
I started my career as a K-12 teacher of Health and Physical Education and eventually transitioned into medical research, where I’ve authored many peer-reviewed papers in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and exercise science. I’ve pursued my interest in creative writing through classes on travel writing, personal essay, children’s writing, and memoir. A few years ago, I completed a long-time goal of riding my bicycle across the US. This experience served as the impetus for my book, Ranger’s Big Adventure, a fictionalized version of my trip written from my cat’s perspective. I’m a member of SCBWI and have been published in Ultra Runner magazine, RVW magazine, and the San Leandro Times along with many letters to the editor published in The San Francisco Chronicle, and The Sun magazine.
Earlier Stuff:
I grew up near Milford, PA, in the Pocono Mountains. As a child, I often rode my bicycle to visit friends who lived within a few miles of my home, as the roads seemed safer at that time. In high school, I participated in the limited sports available to girls: field hockey, gymnastics, and volleyball. I attended East Stroudsburg University, where I earned a degree in Health and Physical Education.
Following college, I relocated to Philadelphia and taught for five years. After completing a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at Temple University, I entered the medical field and specialized in echocardiography. In 1987, I was employed by a company that had recently opened an office in San Diego, California, prompting me to move there due to the favorable weather for year-round outdoor activities. During this time, I pursued my love of running – completing my first marathon, learned boogie boarding, and began long-distance cycling with a local club.
In 1990, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and obtained a master’s degree in public health from UC Berkeley. I then worked at Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research for the remainder of my career. Upon retiring, I achieved my goal of bicycling across the country. I have developed a passion for bicycle touring and intend to continue as long as my body allows. I now spend part of my summers in PA, at my cottage on Twin Lakes, where I enjoy swimming, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
P.S.
I would be delighted to hear from you!
Gail Husson, author 