Most of my friends call me Klainer, but I still seem to get a few Matthew's every once in a while. I grew up in Rochester, NY and moved to Boston to attend Tufts University. After returning from the ride, I moved out to Minneapolis, MN to re-enter the working world - it had to happen eventually, right? While in Minnie, I met Amy and we got married during the summer of 2006 at my Aunt and Uncle's house on the coast of Maine. We then moved to Chicago where I'm pursuing an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management and Amy is working for Chicago Public Schools.

Since my father passed away, my relationship with my mom and sister has become even more important. Pam, my mom, lives and works in Rochester (NY). My sister, Sara, lives in Ann Arbor, is attending the Ross School of Business at Michigan and loves to travel as well - she's been to over 50 countries all over the world.

In my work life, I've been fortunate to have different experiences and work with some great people over the years. I've sold internet advertising for About.com, worked as a management consultant for the Thomson Corporation, co-founded a startup magazine focused on students transitioning to college and worked in Business Development at Google: All unique opportunities and great in their own individual ways. You can see more about my work life at LinkedIn

Just prior to the ride, I traveled throughout New Zealand for 3 months where I hiked, cycled, sailed, and sea kayaked my way around the country. New Zealand is a magical place filled with brilliant sights, wonderful people an amazing variety of opportunities. Try to go at least once in your lifetime.

Many people have asked me why I set out to complete this ride. Part of the reason is that I wanted to complete an unfinished dream for my father. The ride was also a way for me to feel closer to my father now that he's gone from my day-to-day life. He was always an amazing cyclist; it was his passion and his joy. My dad and I would go out for leisurely rides, but it was more to spend time together than to actually ride the bikes. Cycling is a different and more meaningful experience now. And I'm actually starting to enjoy it, slowly.

There's a lot more to my life and who I am as a person, but hopefully as you read my email travelogues, you'll gain a deeper understanding of who I am and why I set off on this journey.

Thanks - Matt