About the Author

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Joe Tarantino retired from the work-a-day world in 2014 in response to Gods call to a different direction in an otherwise, comfortable life. After a 35 year career working as a chemist, engineer, and in various management roles, he spent time assisting in caring for his father, prior to his fathers passing in 2015. Joe has continued to hone his skills in the art of making the perfect cup of coffee and refurbishing vintage bicycles. Always an avid bicyclist, Joe started a dream to bicycle across the North American continent in 1986 with a trip from Canton, Ohio, to Niagara Falls, New York. After becoming sidetracked playing softball, basketball, and running marathons, he finally finished the 3,600 mile journey 31 years later, with a trip from Seaside, Oregon to Winner, South Dakota. Joes wife, Barbara, is a former high school Spanish teacher and retired Director of High School Guidance Counseling. They married in 1979 after meeting while attending Greenville College, Illinois. They have two sons, Giancarlo and Gianmarco, who also share their parents sense of adventure and travel.