Tires crunch against loose gravel somewhere in the Pacific Northwest…. Mountains rise in the distance as rain clouds threaten overhead. Strapped to the back of his bike… nothing but the essentials, for a journey that’s already stretched thousands of miles. For 2018 Maine-Endwell graduate Dean Plaskon, the road ahead isn’t just about endurance, it’s about discovery.
Over the past four months, Plaskon has traded the routine of everyday life for long days in the saddle - sleeping under the stars, meeting strangers-turned-friends, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with life on two wheels. And soon, his adventure will grow even bigger as he prepares to take part in the Great Divide, a grueling 2,700-mile mountain bike route stretching from Canada to Mexico through the Rocky Mountains. The race, considered one of the toughest endurance cycling events in the world, begins in June.
But for Plaskon, the journey didn’t begin on a mountain trail. It began right here at Maine-Endwell.
During his time in Spartan Country, Plaskon was involved in Key Club, cross country, track, and swimming, where he became a Section IV state qualifier in the pool. One of his favorite memories… putting up hundreds of post it notes, and having a dance party on the International Day of Happiness. Plaskon says it wasn’t until later in life that he realized just how unique the Maine-Endwell community truly was.
“After talking with classmates in college about their grade school experiences, I realized the friendly community of students and teachers is unique to M-E and I'm so thankful for that,” said Plaskon.
Following graduation, Plaskon headed south to Georgia Tech, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering before stepping into the fast-paced world of aerospace technology, working for a startup making satellites.
But after nearly three years with the company, he found himself at a crossroads, unsure of what direction came next, but certain he wanted to challenge himself in a new way.
“After spending almost three years at the startup (and loving it) the company started to pivot in a direction I didn't want to join them in, so I decided to leave and take time to decide what direction I did want to go in,” said Plaskon.
That reflection eventually led him toward something far less conventional, but with much deeper personal meaning.
“After spending a couple months working on personal projects and reflecting (with the help of a lot of friends) I decided it was time to set out on something, though I wasn't sure what and I'm not sure that aspect matters as much as just trying something,” said Plaskon.
And “try something” he did. But ironically, his love for cycling began with something much simpler - a cheap Craigslist bike purchased for convenience during an internship.
“I first fell in love with cycling when I got a cheap bike off of Craigslist in hopes of simplifying my 3-mile commute for an internship in 2020. I quickly discovered the freedom that cycling provided and fell in love,” said Plaskon.
Since then, cycling has become far more than transportation. It’s become community, purpose, and perspective.
“I have now found an incredible community around cycling, volunteering to help with safety around community events, bike busses (where we bike to school with kids once a week) and other bike related activities,” Plaskon said.
As his current four month journey has unfolded, Plaskon says the people he’s encountered along the way have become one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
“The journey has been incredible so far. One aspect I didn't expect was how many amazing people I'd meet. I've met fellow bikepackers, travelers and was even invited to a local bike event in Portland as I was passing through,” said Plaskon.
He says the physical challenge has also created space for something deeper.
“It has also been meditative, pushing my body while giving space for my mind to ponder and reflect, with the simplicity and comfort of being surrounded by nature,” said Plaskon.
That mindset is part of what drew him toward the “Great Divide” - a challenge that combines endurance and adventure – pushing the human body to limits many of us will never dream of experiencing.
“The Great Divide mountain bike route combines cycling with being in nature which are two things I connect deeply with. There will also be fellow adventurers who I can meet and share experiences with,” said Plaskon.
Peddle by peddle, Plaskon can’t help but look back on his time at Maine-Endwell with a smile, with plenty of those early life lessons continuing to guide him on this journey.
“My time at M-E taught me to seek and enjoy the challenge,” said Plaskon.
He continued, “I think back to Miss Alger's smiley face questions, which were bonus questions that you really had to earn. I also think back to all of the advice from Mrs. Murat about activities both in and out of the classroom, pushing me to choose the path of discomfort. To the philosophy and wisdom from Doc Watson, Mr. Lorenz, and Mr. Linaberry which I am only now learning to appreciate. Finally, the grit and determination I learned from my coaches, Coach Krise, Verity, Cordi, and Jacoby,” said Plaskon.
As for current students still trying to figure out where life may take them, Plaskon says uncertainty isn’t something to fear.
“I believe 'figuring it out' is a lifelong journey, but a good step when I was feeling very lost was to examine the thing that scared me most and do it. This has led me to growth in ways I didn't know were possible and has changed my life in ways I'm proud of,” said Plaskon.
From the hallways of Maine-Endwell to mountain passes thousands of miles from home, Dean Plaskon’s journey is proof that sometimes the most meaningful destinations are the ones you never originally planned to reach.
You can follow Dean's journey on his blog here.