Gene Glasscock


The well-named Kindness family had Gene to stay at their home in Maine, then sent us these lovely photographs.

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On the right, Governor John Baldacci of Maine is the first Governor to get in the saddle! Left, Frank looks resigned to having three small passengers instead of Gene!

This "Ode to the Long Rider" was written by DC Vision. DC knows what he is talking about - he rode 14,000 miles in the USA.

Ode to the Long Rider

I threw another unnecessary calendar onto the night's campfire
Then took out the journal from the pack to write down a line or two
You know that conventional living has never retained my desire
I have had to have deep conviction for every breath that I drew

Compasses and maps will surely only hold the discovery back
I have created the trail with every hoof beat that hits the ground
From the saddle you will always get the entire sensual impact
That fossil fuel explorers in their boxes simply have never found

There is an ancient natural heartbeat matched at this pace
Where rider, mount, and environment find their communion
Only when you leave routined existence will you find this grace
And the completion of the journey will leave you in this union

We have explored millions of miles and conquered your terrains
The men, women, children, and horses of The Long Rider's Guild
Our intention will never be to settle down into society's constraints
We will find the untravelled places where expansion cannot build

©2003 DC Vision

DC Vision, another Founder Member of The Long Riders' Guild, and Gene meet Governor John Baldacci in Augusta, Maine.

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Please click on the links to read various stories about Gene in the press:
Kennebec Journal

On the far right is a photograph of Gene leaving Maine, taken by Michelle Shea.

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12th July, Winthrop, Maine
"Never would I have guessed the answer to my simple question, "Where do you hale from?" would be answered with the word "Denver." My family and I met Gene July 12, 2003 here in little Winthrop, Maine which is about 15 miles west of Maine's state capital, Augusta. Gene kept me and my family entertained while we lunched at a small diner. He looks healthy and is definitely happy. He in an inspiration to us all!
Wishing you our best, Gene!

Teresa and family

Mid-July, Bethel, Maine
"I was on my way to work very early one morning in the middle of July on busy Route 2 which runs east-west from Maine into New Hampshire. Just over the NH border I noticed a man on horseback leading another horse. I thought it unusual but not uncommon to see something like this so I continued on my way to work. The next morning I was going down Main Street in Bethel, ME to get my mail and lo and behold, here comes the same man on horseback coming down the street. What a wonderful opportunity it was to meet you, Gene! By then you had met some people who had offered to take your gear on to Augusta. We chatted a while and I gave you a couple of different routes to travel on to our capitol city in Maine.
Best of luck to you. Like my Grandpa and Dad, I find your desire and motivation to live life to its fullest quite inspirational. Age shows no boundaries!"

Emily Beers

19th July, New Gloucester, Maine
"Dear Gene, I read about your journey on horseback in the Lewiston Sun Journal. I wish I had been in your line of travel and had a chance to meet you. I have always thought I would like to ride across this great country on horseback. Congratulations and have a safe and happy trip."

Jean Butler

23rd July, Alfred, Maine
"Today is July 23rd, 2003. We had the pleasure of meeting Gene as he arrived yesterday with his horses. In a very short time we felt like he was a old friend. Our girls Laura age 10, Emily age 6,and Grace age 1 were excited about him staying here with us. We all sat and listened to story after story of his travels, each one more interesting than the next. Gene is truly a special person . We hated to see him leave this morning and have thought about him all day wondering if he made it to his next destination. Gene's picture now hangs on our refrigerator as a reminder that with God all things are possible. Our prayers are with him as he continues his journey."

Jack, Lori, Laura, Emily, and Grace Kindness

23rd July, Lebanon, Maine
"Good morning. On Route 202 Lebanon, Maine, I was on my way to Double G Tack Shop. Erin, Liz and I were chatting away on the Rt. 202.. I see a man with 2 horses, I knew then this was Gene!! Wow, too cool. If I had known he was traveling that day from Alfred, Maine to Rochester, NH, I surely would have joined up in riding with him with my 8 year old Tennessee Walker, EB's Shy Buckwheat (Buck). We live in North Berwick, we stopped and met Gene, took photos and had a wonderful chat. He is a heck of a man. What a great pleasure for us to have met him. He is now on his way to the capital of Concord, NH. and is to arrive there this week, July 28th - August 1st. Have a great day to all. Happy trails."

Michelle Shea

23rd July, Waterboro, Maine
"I live in a small town in the foothills of Maine. I live in Waterboro, Maine. I stopped at our local Post Office and there was Gene. It was a very hot humid day. I stopped and chatted with Gene for a while. I have always been afraid of horses but I found Frank and George to be very friendly and I got to pat them. I told him that I had never seen a real cowboy before and he smiled. I found Gene to be a very interesting person to talk with. He and the horses were doing fine. He was asking directions to Leedy's Restaurant in Alfred, Maine. When he rode to the top of my road, I asked if he would like some water for the horses and maybe use a hose to wet them down and cool them off. He declined and said he was stopping at the restaurant and they would be fine. I regret that I did not take any pictures."

Vicki Chick