Awoke early, eager to get started on the final day’s ride. Still dark, packing presented little challenge since, in the last 7 weeks, I have had ample practice doing just this. The routine has become ingrained; deflate thermarest, roll it up and place in bag. Stuff blanket and pillow, along with sleep wear into waterproof pack. Next, get dressed, set bags outside of tent and make sure all items are off overhead storage net (I forgot to do this once and ended up having to unpack my tent to retrieve my sunglasses). Pull up stakes, remove and fold rainfly, drop the tent, fold and bag poles, fold tent, roll it all up and place it in the bag; all of this is done and the sun is not even up!
Breakfast was subdued, people seem to be preoccupied with the fact that we are at the beginning of the end of our 48-day adventure. Rolling out of camp at 7:10 am in groups of 2 to 5 riders, people seemed in no hurry to go out fast.
The early miles were through beautiful, rolling countryside. Raising horses seems to be a large part of the local culture. Imagine our surprise when looking into a pasture off to our right we noticed a horse of a different color. Okay, it wasn’t a horse – it was a zebra. I had to stop to verify. Yes, just 40 miles from Washington, DC, a zebra was grazing alongside four horses!
The other riders had left me behind so I rode alone, quite content to have time during our last day to reflect on the ride of my life. I was not alone for long. At the bottom of a hill, Simon and Tony were off to the side. Simon had blown out a tire and needed a replacement – they both knew that I always carried a spare tire (Most riders just carried spare inner tubes). Simon’s tire problems solved; we quickly got back on the road and soon caught several other riders, including some Big Ride alumni who had come out to escort us on our last day. Many past riders seem to have a long-lasting connection to this event.
The terrain was not done with us just yet. There were some more tough climbs to overcome during the first 40 miles of the ride.
I almost forgot to mention – the “weather gods” smiled on us again! Sunny skies, low humidity (unheard of in DC this time of year), cool temperatures, and a tailwind accompanied our ride today. I doubt there has EVER been a cross-country ride, spanning 48 days, that has been graced with the wonderful weather we have been blessed with!
At mile 43 we experienced a total change in riding environment. For the next 7 miles we shared a very congested bike path (It is Saturday) with walkers, usually walking two or three abreast, joggers, pseudo-bicycle racers, roller bladers, and others. It may have been the most dangerous part of the Big Ride (Route 87 in Ohio was worse).
Riding past the Watergate building (of Nixon fame), the Kennedy Center, along the Potomac River, through the streets of Washington DC, past the Washington Monument and the Viet Nam Veteran’s Memorial was emotionally moving because it reinforced the fact that our great adventure was almost over. But first…..
We need (or want) FOOD!
Costas Pappas is a Big Ride alumni who rode in 1998. He is also the owner of Greek Taverna, a provider of great eats located in the food court of the Old Post Office Pavillion. All of our riders met at his establishment where we were served more food and drink than we could realistically finish, before being sent out, in groups of two or three, to ride the final mile to the official finish of the ride. Costas is a very generous supporter of the Big Ride!
Doug, Dewayne, and I rode out together looking for Henry Bacon Drive and the finish. There were no banners, no music, no pomp and circumstance, just an informal mingling of friends and family waiting for their loved ones to ride in. The only “official” acknowledgement of our accomplishment was the sign made by Doug’s daughters which read “You Made It!”.
After hugs, high fives, and a group picture we all went our separate ways. Some riders loaded up and headed home, others went to a variety of local hotels. A sizeable group of us stayed at the State Plaza hotel, three blocks from the finish.
Ash and Pauline hosted a small get-together for riders and their families in their suite. Drinks and snacks were served as we reminisced about the past 48 days.
So this is how it ends; not with a bang, but a whimper…
Saturday, August 16, 2008
August 8, 2008 Gettysburg, PA to Clarksburg, MD 50 miles (50)
Our string of UNBELIEVABLE luck continues to hold…yesterday’s storm brought with it a welcomed change in weather. Clear skies, low humidity, moderate temperatures and a tailwind accompanied us all day. The usual for this area this time of year is hot, sticky, almost unbearable weather. It is one reason, even in Abraham Lincoln’s day, that people left Washington, DC for cooler locations.
Our ride traced routes taken by both the Confederate and Union armies as they marched back and forth through this area during the Civil War. Plaques, monuments, memorials, and parks commemorated many events of those troubled days. I was inclined to read them all – but didn’t.
In Taneytown, at mile 12, Doug, Joe and I stopped at a café for breakfast. As usual, our bikes out front signaled others to stop as well. We were soon joined by Bruce, Cliff, Letty, Catie, Rachel, Sam, Janet, Barbara, Rosie, and Tracey. The coffee was excellent, the food was good and the stop gave us a chance to acknowledge the fact that 24 hours from now (or there-a-bouts) we would all be going our separate ways. There was a melancholy mood settling over the group.
Rolling through the beautiful countryside, it was hard to believe that we were less than 100 miles from our nation’s capital. Well maintained horse farms, cornfields, brick and stone homes that had seen history march past enhanced the short day’s ride.
Just outside of Fredrick was the Monocacy Battlefield National Monument which I couldn’t pass up. I turned in; Doug looked and just rode on. The interpretive center was only 14 months old, well designed, and staffed by very helpful and knowledgeable people. The little known battle fought on this site stalled a last ditch effort on the part of the Confederates to attack lightly defended Washington, DC.
The last ten miles into Little Bennett Park had a few hills, to remind us of what we had just come through, traffic, to prepare us for what we will certainly face tomorrow.
Tonight’s camp reminds us of our first night’s stay – wooded, secluded tent sites, minus the roar of trucks passing by.
Most people seem somewhat subdued, almost melancholy, reflecting on the completion of our journey tomorrow. Spirits were brightened a bit by the actions of a “closet pyromaniac” in our group. Patty C.,with help from others, built and tended a huge campfire – the only one of the trip. The bright, dancing flames invited riders to sit around, talk and laugh, lightening the mood of the evening. Thanks Patty!
Noah liked the fire so much that he spent the night outside, sleeping near the fire pit. He said that he was watching the fire but some of us suspect that other factors contributed to his choice of sleeping accommodations. We also heard rumors that an unconventional, socially unacceptable method was employed in a failed attempt to put out the fire…I wonder what it might have been?
Our ride traced routes taken by both the Confederate and Union armies as they marched back and forth through this area during the Civil War. Plaques, monuments, memorials, and parks commemorated many events of those troubled days. I was inclined to read them all – but didn’t.
In Taneytown, at mile 12, Doug, Joe and I stopped at a café for breakfast. As usual, our bikes out front signaled others to stop as well. We were soon joined by Bruce, Cliff, Letty, Catie, Rachel, Sam, Janet, Barbara, Rosie, and Tracey. The coffee was excellent, the food was good and the stop gave us a chance to acknowledge the fact that 24 hours from now (or there-a-bouts) we would all be going our separate ways. There was a melancholy mood settling over the group.
Rolling through the beautiful countryside, it was hard to believe that we were less than 100 miles from our nation’s capital. Well maintained horse farms, cornfields, brick and stone homes that had seen history march past enhanced the short day’s ride.
Just outside of Fredrick was the Monocacy Battlefield National Monument which I couldn’t pass up. I turned in; Doug looked and just rode on. The interpretive center was only 14 months old, well designed, and staffed by very helpful and knowledgeable people. The little known battle fought on this site stalled a last ditch effort on the part of the Confederates to attack lightly defended Washington, DC.
The last ten miles into Little Bennett Park had a few hills, to remind us of what we had just come through, traffic, to prepare us for what we will certainly face tomorrow.
Tonight’s camp reminds us of our first night’s stay – wooded, secluded tent sites, minus the roar of trucks passing by.
Most people seem somewhat subdued, almost melancholy, reflecting on the completion of our journey tomorrow. Spirits were brightened a bit by the actions of a “closet pyromaniac” in our group. Patty C.,with help from others, built and tended a huge campfire – the only one of the trip. The bright, dancing flames invited riders to sit around, talk and laugh, lightening the mood of the evening. Thanks Patty!
Noah liked the fire so much that he spent the night outside, sleeping near the fire pit. He said that he was watching the fire but some of us suspect that other factors contributed to his choice of sleeping accommodations. We also heard rumors that an unconventional, socially unacceptable method was employed in a failed attempt to put out the fire…I wonder what it might have been?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
August 7, 2008 Gettysburg, PA
Several weeks ago some of us decided that renting a hotel room would be a nice touch for our final rest day. Dewayne and I booked a room in the Gettysburg Travelodge. I have mixed feelings – it would be nice to spend time with many of the Big Riders in camp, one of the last times we would be able to share experiences, but on the other hand, sleeping in a bed, in an air-conditioned room with a clean bathroom obviously won out.
I awoke at 7:40 am, refreshed and ready to spend the bulk of the day relaxing; no battlefield tours, no bike riding; just a bit of exploring the town on foot was on my agenda. Walking through town I was amazed at the record of events, displayed on plaques everywhere, recounting events of July 1 – 3, 1863. If buildings could talk, many in town could speak volumes on what they witnessed as the Battle of Gettysburg raged in and around town.
Visiting the College of Gettysburg campus, where my father attended school MANY years ago (approx. 64 years ago), I located his dorm and took pictures to share with him when I return home.
We did have a major storm blow through that knocked down trees and dumped copious amounts of rain in a short period of time. Streets in Gettysburg were turned into rivers and hail bounced off roofs. We were glad to be in a hotel!
I awoke at 7:40 am, refreshed and ready to spend the bulk of the day relaxing; no battlefield tours, no bike riding; just a bit of exploring the town on foot was on my agenda. Walking through town I was amazed at the record of events, displayed on plaques everywhere, recounting events of July 1 – 3, 1863. If buildings could talk, many in town could speak volumes on what they witnessed as the Battle of Gettysburg raged in and around town.
Visiting the College of Gettysburg campus, where my father attended school MANY years ago (approx. 64 years ago), I located his dorm and took pictures to share with him when I return home.
We did have a major storm blow through that knocked down trees and dumped copious amounts of rain in a short period of time. Streets in Gettysburg were turned into rivers and hail bounced off roofs. We were glad to be in a hotel!
August 6, 2008 Bedford to Gettysburg, PA 100 miles (101)
2:37 am (I hate digital watches – too exact!) is a bad time to wake up with the urge to use the bathroom. There is too much time before I need to get up so holding it is not an option and getting out of the tent is a chore. Fumbling around in the dark to find zippers, unzipping both the screen door and then the rain fly creates a lot of noise and disturbs others (many of us are now conditioned to wake up in the morning to the sound of zippers opening – “zipper alarms” we call them), contorting a stiff body in order to get out of the too small tent door, and then walking to the bathroom is not fun. As I stepped out into the night I noticed something moving between several tents. Thinking it was a raccoon, or worse, a skunk, I flashed my light in its direction. It was just a plastic bag blowing by. The wind was strong and heavy with the threat of rain. I wondered what morning would bring. At 4:23 am (see digital watch comment) I was no longer wondering, a few raindrops splattered on my tent and just as I was deliberating about breaking camp before everything got soaked, the skies opened up! My decision was easy – crawl back under my blanket and sleep for another hour. At 5:39 am I awoke to silence, the rain had stopped; the skies had begun to clear promising yet another spectacular riding day.
I doubt if any cross-country bicycle tour has been blessed with wonderful weather that has accompanied the 2008 Big Ride Across America!
Breakfast was unusually bad, even by our reduced standards. With the end of the ride in sight supplies are running low so we have to make due with what is left. Two bowls of corn flakes and one banana fortified me for the start of our last 100+ mile day.
Today’s ride is billed as our “final exam”. The cue sheet states “Huge day on the bike…The first 40 miles features several big climbs and treacherous descents.” The ride lived up to its billing! Today we rode over ridges of the Appalachian Mountains and then descended into Gettysburg.
Leaving camp with several others, the early miles tested the legs with a combination of long, gradual uphills punctuated by several short (and some not-so-short) climbs. In Breezewood, at mile 21, we stopped for breakfast. Immediately after refueling the serious climbing began which had me using the lowest gears on my bike. I was still feeling the effects of doing the optional Mount Davis ride yesterday so, as I painfully made my way up each climb, I had ample time to reflect on the stupidity of trying to be young at my age.
The lunch stop and checkpoint was at Cowen State Park (mile 51). What a wonderful setting; a large lake surrounded by pines, a cool wind blowing through, swimming beach and a snack bar, no one wanted to leave.
I rolled out alone to finish the last half of the ride. I didn’t want to be pushed by anyone, the last 3,000 miles have taken a toll on my body. some of the young kids still continue to get stronger (I hate youth) but many of us, young and old alike, have become fatigued by the constant physical effort.
Much of the remaining ride followed Route 30, the same road that goes through DeKalb, IL.; another tie to home for me. The day grew hotter, the sun beat down, and the road went up and up. The gradual climb seemed never ending but was made easier by a strong tailwind. About 12 miles from Gettysburg a long downhill began that took us almost all the way into town, what a relief!
Camp for most riders was at the Artillery Ridge Campground while several of us were headed off to the Travelodge in town.
I doubt if any cross-country bicycle tour has been blessed with wonderful weather that has accompanied the 2008 Big Ride Across America!
Breakfast was unusually bad, even by our reduced standards. With the end of the ride in sight supplies are running low so we have to make due with what is left. Two bowls of corn flakes and one banana fortified me for the start of our last 100+ mile day.
Today’s ride is billed as our “final exam”. The cue sheet states “Huge day on the bike…The first 40 miles features several big climbs and treacherous descents.” The ride lived up to its billing! Today we rode over ridges of the Appalachian Mountains and then descended into Gettysburg.
Leaving camp with several others, the early miles tested the legs with a combination of long, gradual uphills punctuated by several short (and some not-so-short) climbs. In Breezewood, at mile 21, we stopped for breakfast. Immediately after refueling the serious climbing began which had me using the lowest gears on my bike. I was still feeling the effects of doing the optional Mount Davis ride yesterday so, as I painfully made my way up each climb, I had ample time to reflect on the stupidity of trying to be young at my age.
The lunch stop and checkpoint was at Cowen State Park (mile 51). What a wonderful setting; a large lake surrounded by pines, a cool wind blowing through, swimming beach and a snack bar, no one wanted to leave.
I rolled out alone to finish the last half of the ride. I didn’t want to be pushed by anyone, the last 3,000 miles have taken a toll on my body. some of the young kids still continue to get stronger (I hate youth) but many of us, young and old alike, have become fatigued by the constant physical effort.
Much of the remaining ride followed Route 30, the same road that goes through DeKalb, IL.; another tie to home for me. The day grew hotter, the sun beat down, and the road went up and up. The gradual climb seemed never ending but was made easier by a strong tailwind. About 12 miles from Gettysburg a long downhill began that took us almost all the way into town, what a relief!
Camp for most riders was at the Artillery Ridge Campground while several of us were headed off to the Travelodge in town.
August 5, 2008 Confluence to Bedford, PA 81 miles (79)
Awoke to a low-lying cover of fog with the forecast calling for possible severe rainstorms; not a good start. Once breakfast was finished, as cue sheets were about to be passed out, Sharon called for a show of hands – who wanted to ride the road route up and over the highest point in Pennsylvania? She promised extreme grades, no shoulders, and truck traffic – what an enticing invite! We had known this moment was coming, the moment that separates the men from the boys (I wanted to be a boy). Riders had two options: up and over Mount Adams or the flat, crushed-limestone bicycle trail. The question was posed, I looked around and, sure enough, all the young guys raised their hands. Oh shit! It was time for me to put up or …my hand went up along with Doug’s. We would represent the old guys on the climb (Doug is 39).
A couple of rolling hills out of town gave us a false sense that this was going to be no big deal. A slight drizzle only wetted the road and convinced me to keep my rain jacket on. Things were looking good…until we made a left hand turn and saw THE WALL! Quickly gear down, stand on the pedals, don’t look up, breath hard, dig deep…and we were only 50 feet up the hill! Doug turned off and stopped. “What are you doing?”, I asked. He said, “ You told me to take it easy. So I am!” It was obvious that the ride up and over Davis was going to be rough. As the ride progressed we all separated; it’s hard to ride difficult climbs at someone else’s pace.
• 15-19% grades on Mt. Davis
• Did the mountain – on my own terms
• Great downhills
• Excellent breakfast – though slow service
• More hills
• Tragic traffic accident – bus through trailer (okay, it was only somebody’s house – a trailer with the back two-thirds of a bus installed at right angles to expand living space.
• Great tavern food and drink three miles from camp
• Friendship Village Campground is right next to the Cannondale factory
Did laundry and …went to sleep
A couple of rolling hills out of town gave us a false sense that this was going to be no big deal. A slight drizzle only wetted the road and convinced me to keep my rain jacket on. Things were looking good…until we made a left hand turn and saw THE WALL! Quickly gear down, stand on the pedals, don’t look up, breath hard, dig deep…and we were only 50 feet up the hill! Doug turned off and stopped. “What are you doing?”, I asked. He said, “ You told me to take it easy. So I am!” It was obvious that the ride up and over Davis was going to be rough. As the ride progressed we all separated; it’s hard to ride difficult climbs at someone else’s pace.
• 15-19% grades on Mt. Davis
• Did the mountain – on my own terms
• Great downhills
• Excellent breakfast – though slow service
• More hills
• Tragic traffic accident – bus through trailer (okay, it was only somebody’s house – a trailer with the back two-thirds of a bus installed at right angles to expand living space.
• Great tavern food and drink three miles from camp
• Friendship Village Campground is right next to the Cannondale factory
Did laundry and …went to sleep
August 4, 2008 Washington to Confluence, PA 88 miles (94)
Once again due to a long days’ ride bullet points will have to do. We have all noticed that the daylight hours are getting shorter – a definite sign that we have been on the road a long time!
• The hills were killer early on today.
• Letty has developed into a REAL hill climber,
• Many towns in this area are past their prime.
• The rivers we rode along and crossed over have names that I can’t pronounce, much less spell. (Youghiogheny, Monongahela
• The Youghiogheny River Trail (YRT) is a great rail to trail conversion. We followed it for over 50 miles.
• Some people like crushed limestone bike trails and others don’t.
• Fred (Big Rider 2000) and his family had a great rest stop for us.
• Looking for Tracey adds miles to the ride (not too many) After I finished dinner I overheard that one rider was still out on the trail. It seems that Tracey had several flats and she was still out on the trail alone. Given the fact that it was getting late I volunteered to ride back up the trail to make sure she was safe. Cell phones didn’t work on the trail this so direct contact was the only way to verify her situation. Luckily she was only one and a half miles from camp and all was well.
• Camping at the base of a large dam with a huge water outlet has drawbacks (noise and fear, being two of them)
• Cold beer with a large group of Big Riders (Doug, Dewayne, Steph, James, Chad, Greg, Catie, Kevin, Rachel, Letty, Tony, and Sharon) can solve many problems
• The hills were killer early on today.
• Letty has developed into a REAL hill climber,
• Many towns in this area are past their prime.
• The rivers we rode along and crossed over have names that I can’t pronounce, much less spell. (Youghiogheny, Monongahela
• The Youghiogheny River Trail (YRT) is a great rail to trail conversion. We followed it for over 50 miles.
• Some people like crushed limestone bike trails and others don’t.
• Fred (Big Rider 2000) and his family had a great rest stop for us.
• Looking for Tracey adds miles to the ride (not too many) After I finished dinner I overheard that one rider was still out on the trail. It seems that Tracey had several flats and she was still out on the trail alone. Given the fact that it was getting late I volunteered to ride back up the trail to make sure she was safe. Cell phones didn’t work on the trail this so direct contact was the only way to verify her situation. Luckily she was only one and a half miles from camp and all was well.
• Camping at the base of a large dam with a huge water outlet has drawbacks (noise and fear, being two of them)
• Cold beer with a large group of Big Riders (Doug, Dewayne, Steph, James, Chad, Greg, Catie, Kevin, Rachel, Letty, Tony, and Sharon) can solve many problems
August 3, 2008 New Waterford, OH to Washington, PA 62 miles (62)
Definitely a slow start today; we didn’t get on the road until 8:10 am. I got PLENTY of sleep last night (see August 2nd entry) so I am well rested for the hills promised on today’s route.
Shortly after riding out of the campground, Bob and Kathleen were off to the side on the road. Bob had a flat tire and he was only half a mile from camp. What a lousy way to start the day! Other factors that impacted our ride – a tailwind all day, hills, partly cloudy skies, hills, small towns, hills, comfortable temperatures, and more hills! Today’s ride was beautiful…
Here are some impressions that struck me as the miles rolled under my wheels:
• Is there a problem setting up a rest stop in a cemetery? It was done and one woman was obviously upset about our choice of setting. The cemetery we were at was the final resting place of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. His story of heroism on D-Day was very moving.
• Speaking of cemeteries…Is there a problem with a sign placed just outside a cemetery that advertises “Clean Fill Wanted”. Just wondering….?
• As for signs – there was a billboard on the side of a building that advertised “American Foods” and just under it added “German Meat Specialties”.
• We passed by a cemetery named “Mount Prospect’. Until now the only Mount Prospect I was familiar with was the town neighboring Arlington Heights.
• Pennsylvania has more hills than Ohio.
• Dewayne has troubles getting out of restaurants. Two doors were next to each other near the exit of our lunch break. One door, a solid wood door was labeled “Private”, the other, with glass had an exit sign overhead and near the handle a label to “Push”. Dewayne was insistent, he kept trying to exit out of the “Private” door, much to our amusement!
• I wonder how many insects, dead and/or alive, I have transported across state lines in my tent.
• When this ride is over I’m going to bronze my riding shoes, burn my clothes, and rebuild my bicycle.
• Campground facilities (bathrooms) vary widely in quality.
It’s nice to have Dad and Joan call to see how the ride is going…I’m glad they are following the blog (mine and others) – no matter how dull they may seem!
Shortly after riding out of the campground, Bob and Kathleen were off to the side on the road. Bob had a flat tire and he was only half a mile from camp. What a lousy way to start the day! Other factors that impacted our ride – a tailwind all day, hills, partly cloudy skies, hills, small towns, hills, comfortable temperatures, and more hills! Today’s ride was beautiful…
Here are some impressions that struck me as the miles rolled under my wheels:
• Is there a problem setting up a rest stop in a cemetery? It was done and one woman was obviously upset about our choice of setting. The cemetery we were at was the final resting place of a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. His story of heroism on D-Day was very moving.
• Speaking of cemeteries…Is there a problem with a sign placed just outside a cemetery that advertises “Clean Fill Wanted”. Just wondering….?
• As for signs – there was a billboard on the side of a building that advertised “American Foods” and just under it added “German Meat Specialties”.
• We passed by a cemetery named “Mount Prospect’. Until now the only Mount Prospect I was familiar with was the town neighboring Arlington Heights.
• Pennsylvania has more hills than Ohio.
• Dewayne has troubles getting out of restaurants. Two doors were next to each other near the exit of our lunch break. One door, a solid wood door was labeled “Private”, the other, with glass had an exit sign overhead and near the handle a label to “Push”. Dewayne was insistent, he kept trying to exit out of the “Private” door, much to our amusement!
• I wonder how many insects, dead and/or alive, I have transported across state lines in my tent.
• When this ride is over I’m going to bronze my riding shoes, burn my clothes, and rebuild my bicycle.
• Campground facilities (bathrooms) vary widely in quality.
It’s nice to have Dad and Joan call to see how the ride is going…I’m glad they are following the blog (mine and others) – no matter how dull they may seem!
August 2, 2008 Burton to New Waterford, OH 59 miles (60)
As I settled into my tent for the night I could hear the sound of distant fireworks…or so I thought. As the evening wore on the sound drew closer and closer, a storm was bearing down upon us. I listened to the advancing thunder, I watched the sky (and the inside of my tent) illuminate from the lightning, and I heard the wind begin to pick up. Closer and closer until I could distinctly perceive the distinct sound of the advancing wall of rain. It hit with a vengeance, torrential rain, horrendous winds and scary lightning pounded the camp.
Wrong time to wonder if this was the camp that I set my tent up under a dead branch in the tree overhead…
Below are some general, disjointed thoughts that I will expand on later…
Violent lightning storm last night, rain high winds. Wind change due to storm – a tailwind pushed us south east. Rollers, lots of rollers. Generally good roads Warren Ohio, home to Packard automobiles. Steel mill, coke plant. Breakfast at Perkins with Joe and Doug. Terrace Lakes Campground; seasonals, showers, Laundry (washing machine pretty gross) Pranks – picnic table in Doug’s tent, lightning bugs in someone else’s. “Big family” reunion. Steak fajitas dinner Crawled into tent to nap at 7:38 this is why I’m typing this at 4 am!
Wrong time to wonder if this was the camp that I set my tent up under a dead branch in the tree overhead…
Below are some general, disjointed thoughts that I will expand on later…
Violent lightning storm last night, rain high winds. Wind change due to storm – a tailwind pushed us south east. Rollers, lots of rollers. Generally good roads Warren Ohio, home to Packard automobiles. Steel mill, coke plant. Breakfast at Perkins with Joe and Doug. Terrace Lakes Campground; seasonals, showers, Laundry (washing machine pretty gross) Pranks – picnic table in Doug’s tent, lightning bugs in someone else’s. “Big family” reunion. Steak fajitas dinner Crawled into tent to nap at 7:38 this is why I’m typing this at 4 am!
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 1, 2008 Burton, OH
Breakfast, laundry, postcards, journaling, lunch, and then dinner took up the bulk of the day. I did very little else. Burton is a cute little town (emphasis on “little”) so there is not much to distract us from resting.
Most riders are beginning to fixate on the rapidly approaching end of this excellent adventure. We have ridden 2,900 miles, only 400 to go, Ohio is the 10th of 12 states we will ride through, our watches (or cell phones) are set to Eastern Standard time, and Washington D.C.is not nearly as far away as it was on June 23rd. We have witnessed the maturing of summer; early season crops when we started are now, in some cases, are being harvested and the summer daylight hours are growing noticeably shorter. Some riders are restless to finish the ride and get back to a more regular schedule, while others are dreading re-entering “normalcy”. I’m somewhere between these two extremes….
Most riders are beginning to fixate on the rapidly approaching end of this excellent adventure. We have ridden 2,900 miles, only 400 to go, Ohio is the 10th of 12 states we will ride through, our watches (or cell phones) are set to Eastern Standard time, and Washington D.C.is not nearly as far away as it was on June 23rd. We have witnessed the maturing of summer; early season crops when we started are now, in some cases, are being harvested and the summer daylight hours are growing noticeably shorter. Some riders are restless to finish the ride and get back to a more regular schedule, while others are dreading re-entering “normalcy”. I’m somewhere between these two extremes….
July 31, 2008 Sandusky to Burton, OH 92 miles (102)
Today’s ride highlights; Lake Erie views, beautiful homes, downtown Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; were mitigated by high traffic, narrow roads, poor shoulders, detours, and irritated drivers! Oh well…all days on bike can’t be heaven!
It started out well, Joe, Doug, and I stopped at mile 17 for our second breakfast. Gramdma Joes Icecrematorium, housed in a former funeral parlor, served a delicious breakfast. Back on the road, approaching Cleveland traffic increased and there were numerous stoplights which slowed the pace dramatically. Detour number one resulted in Doug, Kathleen, Bob, and I getting lost. Our detour was good for an additional 8 miles!
In light of the fact that this was my least favorite day of the trip I’ll spare you the details and just bullet some of the items:
• Lake Erie is a big lake
• The detour through Lorain was poorly marked but we found a interesting bike trail
• Detours are really tests of one’s creativity
• Asking a local fireman does not assure one of getting good directions
• My “guy card” was not revoked for asking for directions
• Cleveland’s downtown traffic does not compare to Chicago’s
• Cleveland’s downtown is beautiful
• Reading a cue sheet containing 55 sets of directions, while riding in traffic on poor roads, is not good mentally or physically
• Route 87, east of Cleveland, is not meant for bicycles
It started out well, Joe, Doug, and I stopped at mile 17 for our second breakfast. Gramdma Joes Icecrematorium, housed in a former funeral parlor, served a delicious breakfast. Back on the road, approaching Cleveland traffic increased and there were numerous stoplights which slowed the pace dramatically. Detour number one resulted in Doug, Kathleen, Bob, and I getting lost. Our detour was good for an additional 8 miles!
In light of the fact that this was my least favorite day of the trip I’ll spare you the details and just bullet some of the items:
• Lake Erie is a big lake
• The detour through Lorain was poorly marked but we found a interesting bike trail
• Detours are really tests of one’s creativity
• Asking a local fireman does not assure one of getting good directions
• My “guy card” was not revoked for asking for directions
• Cleveland’s downtown traffic does not compare to Chicago’s
• Cleveland’s downtown is beautiful
• Reading a cue sheet containing 55 sets of directions, while riding in traffic on poor roads, is not good mentally or physically
• Route 87, east of Cleveland, is not meant for bicycles
July 30, 2008 Napoleon to Sandusky, OH 87 miles (89)
We awoke to a rather unusual sound…raindrops1 Something we have all expected would come, hoped it wouldn’t but figured was going to happen sooner or later. How can you ride from Seattle, WA to Napoleon, OH over the course of 34 days and only encounter a couple of hours of light rain? Well, the weather gods are with us, the Sumo continues to bring good karma, and we are still unbelievably lucky – the rain held off!
Last night James and Stephanie asked Doug to pace them through today’s ride as they wanted to arrive early enough to go to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Doug agreed and I volunteered to help. Little did I know what was in store for me!
James and Steph are usually among the last to arrive at camp each day. Picture breaks, roadside naps, and sight seeing detours take up much of their road time – but not today! Cedar Point’s roller coasters are calling! A group of us rolled out together and things were going well until Stephanie flatted. The repair was quickly made and we were back on the road. The pace was good, the wind was at our backs, a cloud cover kept the temperature down – all was going well.
Lately I have become a bit paranoid about crashing….several riders have touched wheels in pace lines and gone down. I don’t want to experience that (at my age I don’t bounce, I SPLAT!). With this in mind, I slacked off the pace and rode much of the day with Patty. It was a very safe, very predictable ride.
Today’s route was primarily due east and mainly followed Route 6 so the chances of getting lost were minimal.
Once into Sandusky, several of us found a great informal diner across the road that served excellent snacks. We enjoyed talking about the Big Ride, the personalities, and the future (yes, there is a future after the Big Ride!) before we joined the others in camp.
Many people set up their tents, showered and then rushed to get the shuttle to the amusement park. The rest of us lounged around and then went our separate ways (in small groups) to get dinner. Ash, Pauline, Sharon, and I had a taste for steak while the others were content with Chili’s (the emphasis for them was on margaritas!)
Last night James and Stephanie asked Doug to pace them through today’s ride as they wanted to arrive early enough to go to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Doug agreed and I volunteered to help. Little did I know what was in store for me!
James and Steph are usually among the last to arrive at camp each day. Picture breaks, roadside naps, and sight seeing detours take up much of their road time – but not today! Cedar Point’s roller coasters are calling! A group of us rolled out together and things were going well until Stephanie flatted. The repair was quickly made and we were back on the road. The pace was good, the wind was at our backs, a cloud cover kept the temperature down – all was going well.
Lately I have become a bit paranoid about crashing….several riders have touched wheels in pace lines and gone down. I don’t want to experience that (at my age I don’t bounce, I SPLAT!). With this in mind, I slacked off the pace and rode much of the day with Patty. It was a very safe, very predictable ride.
Today’s route was primarily due east and mainly followed Route 6 so the chances of getting lost were minimal.
Once into Sandusky, several of us found a great informal diner across the road that served excellent snacks. We enjoyed talking about the Big Ride, the personalities, and the future (yes, there is a future after the Big Ride!) before we joined the others in camp.
Many people set up their tents, showered and then rushed to get the shuttle to the amusement park. The rest of us lounged around and then went our separate ways (in small groups) to get dinner. Ash, Pauline, Sharon, and I had a taste for steak while the others were content with Chili’s (the emphasis for them was on margaritas!)
July 29, 2008 Kendallville, IN to Napoleon, OH 70 miles (70)
We were all a little slow to awake and get moving this morning – a combination of today being a short day (70 miles) and accumulated fatigue. It’s interesting to watch how each of us, including myself, deal with the physical demands placed on us day after day.
Breakfast was served by the same great people who prepared last night’s dinner. Scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit, coffee, juice and milk – we had it all!
Dewayne REALLY needs his morning coffee. Without it he is NOT fit for public display! We’ve seen it a couple of times so we were very worried when he rode out of camp, bypassed the coffee, and waved goodbye…No concern – he was on his best behavior today. When we arrived in Butler, approximately 24 miles into the ride, Dwayne NEEDED coffee and Doug needed food. So we stopped.
Patrons and employees of the small downtown diner we selected were very interested in who these strangers (us) were and what we were doing. After hearing that we were riding across the country for the American Lung Association one woman asked if we were accepting donations, and when told “yes” she handed us money and stated her sister had died three weeks earlier from lung disease. The manager of the diner asked to take our picture (she referred to us as “famous people”- obviously they don’t get many strangers through town).
Shortly after entering Ohio (state #10) we had an encounter with an out of control quad runner driven by a 15 or 16-year-old local. Driving fast and passing too close he skimmed by us at 50+ mph. We were shocked when he turned around and came back at us for a second pass. Doug and I did the only sensible thing - we got in the oncoming lane, faced him off and gave him the universal hand sign of disapproval. If I were younger I would have turned around and followed the idiot to confront him…but – let’s just let the ride continue.
Our encounters and acceptance by the people we have encountered have been overwhelmingly positive so our few, very few, negative experiences have to be kept in perspective. We really do have a great country!
Arriving in Napoleon, OH, we rode to the Henry County Fair Grounds to set up camp. I have begun to feel that county fair grounds are home. Home, at the fair grounds, is accompanied by mosquitoes, flies, and an assortment of barnyard smells but it also means water, showers, flush toilets, and a place to set up our tents.
Dinner was great but…
In the last couple of days the reality that this great adventure is drawing to a close has begun to set in. We have ridden over 2,600 miles – less than 800 to go, we are in state #10 of 12, and in the Eastern Time zone which are all signals that the end of this great adventure is near. Mixed emotions – what else can I say?
I can say thanks to everyone who has demonstrated confidence in me by supporting the American Lung Association and the Big Ride Across America! Your contributions have supported a great cause and allowed me to realize a life long dream – for that I’m extremely grateful!
Breakfast was served by the same great people who prepared last night’s dinner. Scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit, coffee, juice and milk – we had it all!
Dewayne REALLY needs his morning coffee. Without it he is NOT fit for public display! We’ve seen it a couple of times so we were very worried when he rode out of camp, bypassed the coffee, and waved goodbye…No concern – he was on his best behavior today. When we arrived in Butler, approximately 24 miles into the ride, Dwayne NEEDED coffee and Doug needed food. So we stopped.
Patrons and employees of the small downtown diner we selected were very interested in who these strangers (us) were and what we were doing. After hearing that we were riding across the country for the American Lung Association one woman asked if we were accepting donations, and when told “yes” she handed us money and stated her sister had died three weeks earlier from lung disease. The manager of the diner asked to take our picture (she referred to us as “famous people”- obviously they don’t get many strangers through town).
Shortly after entering Ohio (state #10) we had an encounter with an out of control quad runner driven by a 15 or 16-year-old local. Driving fast and passing too close he skimmed by us at 50+ mph. We were shocked when he turned around and came back at us for a second pass. Doug and I did the only sensible thing - we got in the oncoming lane, faced him off and gave him the universal hand sign of disapproval. If I were younger I would have turned around and followed the idiot to confront him…but – let’s just let the ride continue.
Our encounters and acceptance by the people we have encountered have been overwhelmingly positive so our few, very few, negative experiences have to be kept in perspective. We really do have a great country!
Arriving in Napoleon, OH, we rode to the Henry County Fair Grounds to set up camp. I have begun to feel that county fair grounds are home. Home, at the fair grounds, is accompanied by mosquitoes, flies, and an assortment of barnyard smells but it also means water, showers, flush toilets, and a place to set up our tents.
Dinner was great but…
In the last couple of days the reality that this great adventure is drawing to a close has begun to set in. We have ridden over 2,600 miles – less than 800 to go, we are in state #10 of 12, and in the Eastern Time zone which are all signals that the end of this great adventure is near. Mixed emotions – what else can I say?
I can say thanks to everyone who has demonstrated confidence in me by supporting the American Lung Association and the Big Ride Across America! Your contributions have supported a great cause and allowed me to realize a life long dream – for that I’m extremely grateful!
July 28, 2008 Valparaiso to Kendallville, IN 109 miles (112)
Indiana redeemed itself today. While the first fifteen miles were extremely busy, the road conditions were good. Once we moved further east traffic lessened, the roads were smooth, there was no wind, and IT WAS FLAT! No hills at all!
Today’s high mileage was complicated by a late start, our transition into the Eastern Time zone (which meant we lost an hour) and the mundane scenery. On the plus side were the occasional fields of sunflowers, an unexpected rest stop featuring homemade cookies sponsored by a Mennonite family, and the quaint towns.
Our camp in Kendallville was among the best we have had so far; campground in town, next to a lake, with showers and flush toilets. The park board administrators cooked dinner for us and we were welcomed by her honor, the mayor.
Today’s high mileage was complicated by a late start, our transition into the Eastern Time zone (which meant we lost an hour) and the mundane scenery. On the plus side were the occasional fields of sunflowers, an unexpected rest stop featuring homemade cookies sponsored by a Mennonite family, and the quaint towns.
Our camp in Kendallville was among the best we have had so far; campground in town, next to a lake, with showers and flush toilets. The park board administrators cooked dinner for us and we were welcomed by her honor, the mayor.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
July 27, 2008 Valparaiso, IN
I apologize for the sketchy posts covering the last week of riding. As the week wore on, our longest riding week of the event, I found it difficult to stay on top of my journal. 654 miles of cycling and several nights of poor sleep only contributed to my growing fatigue. In fact, at our Coal City camp, I seriously wondered how I was going to continue on the following day – very uncharacteristic of me!
Much of the riding from near Madison to Valparaiso blurred into a boring sameness; fields of corn and soy beans and just to mix it up a bit, fields of soy beans and corn!
Much of the riding from near Madison to Valparaiso blurred into a boring sameness; fields of corn and soy beans and just to mix it up a bit, fields of soy beans and corn!
July 26, 2008 Coal City, IL to Valparaiso, IN 82 miles (85)
Campers at Coal City partied late into the night; drinking, arguing, and fighting until well past 2 am! Their revelry did not disturb me too much but other Big Riders were. To get even some Riders began yelling as they broke camp. I doubt that the locals heard any of our noise due to their inebriated state and the noise of the air conditioners on their trailers.
Our remaining miles in Illinois were uneventful, more corn and soy beans, until a loud boom punctuated the quiet morning. My front tire blew out…fourth flat of the trip! Bummer. I assured Doug and Darrel that I was okay and they rode on. While fixing my flat many other Big Riders passed by, each one asking if I needed any help. We are all watching out for one another.
The transition into Indiana was marked by a sign painted on the road and we all stopped for the obligatory pictures. In a few short miles we were all in agreement – we hate Indiana! Terrible road conditions coupled with construction and high traffic counts made our remaining miles to Valparaiso very nerve wracking!
Joan and Nate met several of us about 10 miles from Valpo and the treats served out of the back of the truck helped brighten our moods. At Valparaiso University Joan had a chance to meet more of the Riders as well as Doug’s family. Doug and I may be in trouble now that our wives have met!
Our remaining miles in Illinois were uneventful, more corn and soy beans, until a loud boom punctuated the quiet morning. My front tire blew out…fourth flat of the trip! Bummer. I assured Doug and Darrel that I was okay and they rode on. While fixing my flat many other Big Riders passed by, each one asking if I needed any help. We are all watching out for one another.
The transition into Indiana was marked by a sign painted on the road and we all stopped for the obligatory pictures. In a few short miles we were all in agreement – we hate Indiana! Terrible road conditions coupled with construction and high traffic counts made our remaining miles to Valparaiso very nerve wracking!
Joan and Nate met several of us about 10 miles from Valpo and the treats served out of the back of the truck helped brighten our moods. At Valparaiso University Joan had a chance to meet more of the Riders as well as Doug’s family. Doug and I may be in trouble now that our wives have met!
July 25, 2008 Belvidere to Coal City, IL 104 miles (110)
After spending the night at home, which was a welcomed change, Joan and I got up at 4 am to get back to the ride. I could have used 2 or 3 more hours of sleep! We brought treats from Rolling Donuts for the Riders – the donuts disappeared in record time!
Today marks a major transition in the ride for me. Up to now I’ve been riding ever closer to home but once our route passes Northern Illinois University (my alma mater), I’ll be riding away from home.
The roads of DeKalb County bring back memories for these are the very same roads I trained on 30+ years ago while I was a student at NIU. Most things out here have not changed much at all with one noticeable exception. When I used to ride out here farm dogs were a constant threat but now it seems that every farm has a fence to contain their dogs. What a wonderful change!
The high point of the day was the stop for our second breakfast in Malta. Per usual, two bikes parked outside a local café attracted more, which attracted more, and soon a large group of riders were eating, laughing, and sharing stories from the road. All while locals stared at the strangers in bright colors and spandex that had invaded their town.
Greg, who did a solo cross country tour years ago, his wife, Erin, and daughter, Julia, were kind enough to visit me at Coal City. Its always nice to see friendly faces from home! Thanks guys!
After the long rides of the past few days, it was dinner, shower, and then I crawled into my tent. I didn’t change, I didn’t pull out my sleeping bag, I didn’t even inflate my thermarest – I simply placed my exhausted head on my unpacked bags, wondered how I would be able to continue on, and fell fast asleep.
Today’s question – how can the hills (highway overpasses) of Illinois hurt more than the mountains out west?
Today marks a major transition in the ride for me. Up to now I’ve been riding ever closer to home but once our route passes Northern Illinois University (my alma mater), I’ll be riding away from home.
The roads of DeKalb County bring back memories for these are the very same roads I trained on 30+ years ago while I was a student at NIU. Most things out here have not changed much at all with one noticeable exception. When I used to ride out here farm dogs were a constant threat but now it seems that every farm has a fence to contain their dogs. What a wonderful change!
The high point of the day was the stop for our second breakfast in Malta. Per usual, two bikes parked outside a local café attracted more, which attracted more, and soon a large group of riders were eating, laughing, and sharing stories from the road. All while locals stared at the strangers in bright colors and spandex that had invaded their town.
Greg, who did a solo cross country tour years ago, his wife, Erin, and daughter, Julia, were kind enough to visit me at Coal City. Its always nice to see friendly faces from home! Thanks guys!
After the long rides of the past few days, it was dinner, shower, and then I crawled into my tent. I didn’t change, I didn’t pull out my sleeping bag, I didn’t even inflate my thermarest – I simply placed my exhausted head on my unpacked bags, wondered how I would be able to continue on, and fell fast asleep.
Today’s question – how can the hills (highway overpasses) of Illinois hurt more than the mountains out west?
July 24, 2008 Madison, WI to Belvidere, IL 83 miles (103)
Scott rode out with Doug, Ruben, and me. Our first miles were fairly slow allowing conversation between the three of us. It turns out that Scott and Doug, who both live in Portland, OR, will be joined by Ruben this fall. Ruben is going to attend Louis and Clark University which is located in Portland. It is a small world.
At about mile 15 the conversation ended and the ride for survival began. Scott, with his fresh legs, pulled a group of us (Ruben, Ed, Austin, and me) for the next 90 miles. We all grabbed his wheel, drafted, and hung on for dear life! The miles flew by, no pictures were taken (the scenery was mundane, at best), and stops were few. We crossed into Illinois (state #8), rode through South Beloit and into the fields beyond. At one point we needed water and food but there was none to be found so we pressed on – until Austin noticed a sign for a golf course. Where there is a golf course, there has to be a club house, where there is a club house there has to be water, food, and air conditioning. We found our oasis, got our food and drinks, and when I went to pay for our refreshments the manager of the club picked up the tab!
About 5 miles from Outdoor World, at a sharp bend in the road, we saw a flash of orange ahead. Once at the bend Ed shouted “beer!” Sure enough, there on the shoulder were four, ice cold, cans of MGD! We stopped and then saw my truck with Joan waving to us, parked a short way up the road. She had water, Gatorade, chips and dip, as well as an assortment of candy to get us through the remaining few miles.
After the ride, Joan, Scott, and I left the others and headed back to Elgin. We dropped Scott off at his sister’s house, thanked him for a great ride, and proceeded home for steak, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, a visit with family and then sleep.
At about mile 15 the conversation ended and the ride for survival began. Scott, with his fresh legs, pulled a group of us (Ruben, Ed, Austin, and me) for the next 90 miles. We all grabbed his wheel, drafted, and hung on for dear life! The miles flew by, no pictures were taken (the scenery was mundane, at best), and stops were few. We crossed into Illinois (state #8), rode through South Beloit and into the fields beyond. At one point we needed water and food but there was none to be found so we pressed on – until Austin noticed a sign for a golf course. Where there is a golf course, there has to be a club house, where there is a club house there has to be water, food, and air conditioning. We found our oasis, got our food and drinks, and when I went to pay for our refreshments the manager of the club picked up the tab!
About 5 miles from Outdoor World, at a sharp bend in the road, we saw a flash of orange ahead. Once at the bend Ed shouted “beer!” Sure enough, there on the shoulder were four, ice cold, cans of MGD! We stopped and then saw my truck with Joan waving to us, parked a short way up the road. She had water, Gatorade, chips and dip, as well as an assortment of candy to get us through the remaining few miles.
After the ride, Joan, Scott, and I left the others and headed back to Elgin. We dropped Scott off at his sister’s house, thanked him for a great ride, and proceeded home for steak, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, a visit with family and then sleep.
July 23, 2008 Viroqua to Madison, WI 100 miles (111)
Too much celebrating of Doug’s birthday guaranteed that today would be a LONG one! It was!
Ruben, Doug, and I started the day with breakfast at a diner across from camp. We were the last ones to get started today. Riding back through camp (Doug thought he left his birthday card there) we noticed a bit of commotion, apparently there will be a change in ride support personnel. Can’t say it was totally unexpected…
The first 25 miles were through some of the prettiest countryside so far; hilly, green, quaint, well maintained farms
Ruben, Doug, and I started the day with breakfast at a diner across from camp. We were the last ones to get started today. Riding back through camp (Doug thought he left his birthday card there) we noticed a bit of commotion, apparently there will be a change in ride support personnel. Can’t say it was totally unexpected…
The first 25 miles were through some of the prettiest countryside so far; hilly, green, quaint, well maintained farms
July 21, 2008 Owatonna to Winona, MN 89 miles (103)
Eric’s 21st birthday!
Called Eric at 6:15 am to wish him a Happy 21st Birthday. I wasn’t the first to do so – his buddy, Mike, awoke him at 4 am!
Once again, Route 14, was the road of choice…only now it is rather busy. Semis, cars, pick-ups, some of whom don’t like to share the pavement with bicycles, passed dangerously close. To add to the challenge, the shoulder was in very poor shape.
Just before winding our way through Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic, we were treated with a food and water stop hosted by four of last year’s Big Riders. Ben, Ane, Tom and Liz treated us to all the things they looked forward to at rest stops. Chairs, a wide assortment of fruit, coffee, donuts, fresh-baked cookies covered the table. What a welcomed sight! THANKS GUYS!
On our way through a residential neighborhood in Rochester we noticed two little kids selling lemonade. Just had to stop which made their day! The little girl exclaimed to her slightly older brother “And Mom said we wouldn’t have any customers and now we have thousands!”
Shortly after Rochester I decided to roll through the final checkpoint. From that point on I rode alone – almost 40 miles. With a tailwind and level to slightly rolling terrain the miles rolled by quickly.
Thankfully Becky, Mike and their son, Alex, saved me from a dinner of boiled hot dogs and cold, soggy tater tots
Called Eric at 6:15 am to wish him a Happy 21st Birthday. I wasn’t the first to do so – his buddy, Mike, awoke him at 4 am!
Once again, Route 14, was the road of choice…only now it is rather busy. Semis, cars, pick-ups, some of whom don’t like to share the pavement with bicycles, passed dangerously close. To add to the challenge, the shoulder was in very poor shape.
Just before winding our way through Rochester, MN, home of Mayo Clinic, we were treated with a food and water stop hosted by four of last year’s Big Riders. Ben, Ane, Tom and Liz treated us to all the things they looked forward to at rest stops. Chairs, a wide assortment of fruit, coffee, donuts, fresh-baked cookies covered the table. What a welcomed sight! THANKS GUYS!
On our way through a residential neighborhood in Rochester we noticed two little kids selling lemonade. Just had to stop which made their day! The little girl exclaimed to her slightly older brother “And Mom said we wouldn’t have any customers and now we have thousands!”
Shortly after Rochester I decided to roll through the final checkpoint. From that point on I rode alone – almost 40 miles. With a tailwind and level to slightly rolling terrain the miles rolled by quickly.
Thankfully Becky, Mike and their son, Alex, saved me from a dinner of boiled hot dogs and cold, soggy tater tots
July 20, 2008 New Ulm to Owatonna, MN 72 miles (73)
Almost felt like we were cheating today – the ride was fast and over even before Mother Nature could cook us!
We started out in a fog that just got heavier as we went along. Riders that passed were swallowed up and disappeared! Didn’t have to drink at all – just licked the condensation that formed on my arms as I rolled along.
The scenery and terrain were unspectacular – I think…with the fog it was hard to tell. The only thing we could do was ride. Traffic is getting heavier now that we are approaching more populated areas. Makes me long for those long, unbroken stretches through Montana and South Dakota where we would pedal for hours and see maybe one or two cars. Along with the increased traffic is a noticeable increase in drivers who are a bit irritated sharing the road with us. We’ll deal with it and just continue on.
Ruben and I had some fun making other riders work to try to catch us and ended up in camp at the fairgrounds just after noon. Eventually Doug, Tony and I grabbed a bite to eat and came back to camp and ate dinner – a great meal cooked by Daniel. Vern, who rode the ride last year, and his wife, Karen, welcomed us to their town and contributed fresh corn on the cob for dinner. What great people!
We started out in a fog that just got heavier as we went along. Riders that passed were swallowed up and disappeared! Didn’t have to drink at all – just licked the condensation that formed on my arms as I rolled along.
The scenery and terrain were unspectacular – I think…with the fog it was hard to tell. The only thing we could do was ride. Traffic is getting heavier now that we are approaching more populated areas. Makes me long for those long, unbroken stretches through Montana and South Dakota where we would pedal for hours and see maybe one or two cars. Along with the increased traffic is a noticeable increase in drivers who are a bit irritated sharing the road with us. We’ll deal with it and just continue on.
Ruben and I had some fun making other riders work to try to catch us and ended up in camp at the fairgrounds just after noon. Eventually Doug, Tony and I grabbed a bite to eat and came back to camp and ate dinner – a great meal cooked by Daniel. Vern, who rode the ride last year, and his wife, Karen, welcomed us to their town and contributed fresh corn on the cob for dinner. What great people!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Another Photo Update
Bored riders do strange things!
Two locals wish Chad a happy 21st birthday.
Waiting for the gear truck.
Steph's bike likes to climb vending machines.
Bike cleaning and repair have become part of our daily routine.
Wind turbine blades are REALLY BIG!
Entering Minnesota - State #6
Saturday, July 19, 2008
July 19, 2008 New Ulm, MN
Rest day. Luckily I did my laundry last night so today I explored the town, cleaned up my bike and caught up on my blog. New Ulm is a quaint town with a strong German heritage – over 80% of the population is German!
July 18, 2008 Tyler to New Ulm, MN 86 miles (88)
Nothing different to start another day…wake up, clean up, pack up, eat up, load up (the truck), saddle up and ride out. We continue to ride Route 14 east which we’ve done for the last three and a half days. This ribbon of asphalt is yet another connection to home because it runs through my hometown of Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Based on the map, I anticipate riding 14 for at least another day or two.
Some of the riders have turned the Big Ride into the BRTDQ (Big Ride Tour of Dairy Queens). It seems that every sizeable town has its own DQ and riders cannot pass by with out stopping in. I have fallen prey to the temptation several times; my personal weakness is a root beer float!
Again towns fly by: Florence (pop. 61), Balaton, Tracy (named after one of our riders?), Walnut Grove (childhood home of Laura Engels Wilder), Revere, Lamberton, Springfield, Cobden (pop. 61), Sleepy Eye (How’d it get that name?) and finally New Ulm.
We are staying at Martin Luther College and pranks continue…Stephanie’s bike found its way to the top of vending machines.
Based on the map, I anticipate riding 14 for at least another day or two.
Some of the riders have turned the Big Ride into the BRTDQ (Big Ride Tour of Dairy Queens). It seems that every sizeable town has its own DQ and riders cannot pass by with out stopping in. I have fallen prey to the temptation several times; my personal weakness is a root beer float!
Again towns fly by: Florence (pop. 61), Balaton, Tracy (named after one of our riders?), Walnut Grove (childhood home of Laura Engels Wilder), Revere, Lamberton, Springfield, Cobden (pop. 61), Sleepy Eye (How’d it get that name?) and finally New Ulm.
We are staying at Martin Luther College and pranks continue…Stephanie’s bike found its way to the top of vending machines.
July 17, 2008 De Smet, SD to Tyler, MN 78 miles (80)
I have to backtrack to last night…a police officer stopped by to tell us that a major storm was bearing down on us -70 mph winds, heavy rains, and large hail was expected. With the ominous rumble of thunder and lightning approaching, his warning seemed well founded. The nighttime storm hit but was not as serious as what some of the riders had to deal with in the morning…
As I awoke thunder was rumbling, with occasional flashes of lightning, in the westward sky. Another storm was quickly bearing down upon us. Frenzied activity was obvious throughout the camp; no one wanted to be in the middle of breaking camp when the storm struck.
Breakfast was being served at the Catholic Church one block from camp. Several riders and I were enjoying our morning meal when the skies opened up. A rain of biblical proportion drenched everyone who was still packing – about half of the riders. We waited until the bulk of the storm had passed to finish loading the truck and begin the day’s ride.
Rain accompanied us for the first two hours of the ride. The slow soaking of the on-again off-again drizzle was not too bad. The worst part of the wet conditions was the painful “power washing” we got as trucks passed at 60 mph, spraying us with a mixture of water and gravel picked up from the road. Maybe it wasn’t so much a “power washing” as it was a “sand blasting”! Eventually the rain stopped, the roads dried, and the skies cleared making way for another fine ride.
Just outside of Brookings, Kathleen got a flat, which I helped her repair. This caused me to loose touch with some of the riders I had been with so for the next 15 miles it was just the road and me. Eventually I caught Barb and we finished the ride together. Along the way we marveled at an expansive wind farm that bordered the road for over 11 miles. With turbine blades revolving, and several hundred towers visible, it seemed like something out of another world. We also crossed onto state number six: Minnesota.
Our group camped outside Tyler high school, home of the Knights, which was close enough to town that we could walk to dinner.
One major change today – I feel like I’m home! The whole make-up of the land is familiar. Trees, corn, soybeans, farms, towns every 6 to 10 miles apart, the flat to slightly rolling terrain, the humidity, even the condition of the roads has a comfortable, back home, feel to it.
As I awoke thunder was rumbling, with occasional flashes of lightning, in the westward sky. Another storm was quickly bearing down upon us. Frenzied activity was obvious throughout the camp; no one wanted to be in the middle of breaking camp when the storm struck.
Breakfast was being served at the Catholic Church one block from camp. Several riders and I were enjoying our morning meal when the skies opened up. A rain of biblical proportion drenched everyone who was still packing – about half of the riders. We waited until the bulk of the storm had passed to finish loading the truck and begin the day’s ride.
Rain accompanied us for the first two hours of the ride. The slow soaking of the on-again off-again drizzle was not too bad. The worst part of the wet conditions was the painful “power washing” we got as trucks passed at 60 mph, spraying us with a mixture of water and gravel picked up from the road. Maybe it wasn’t so much a “power washing” as it was a “sand blasting”! Eventually the rain stopped, the roads dried, and the skies cleared making way for another fine ride.
Just outside of Brookings, Kathleen got a flat, which I helped her repair. This caused me to loose touch with some of the riders I had been with so for the next 15 miles it was just the road and me. Eventually I caught Barb and we finished the ride together. Along the way we marveled at an expansive wind farm that bordered the road for over 11 miles. With turbine blades revolving, and several hundred towers visible, it seemed like something out of another world. We also crossed onto state number six: Minnesota.
Our group camped outside Tyler high school, home of the Knights, which was close enough to town that we could walk to dinner.
One major change today – I feel like I’m home! The whole make-up of the land is familiar. Trees, corn, soybeans, farms, towns every 6 to 10 miles apart, the flat to slightly rolling terrain, the humidity, even the condition of the roads has a comfortable, back home, feel to it.
July 16, 2008 Miller to De Smet, SD 77 miles (79)
Ugh…morning already! Actually in spite of last night’s celebration everyone seems ready to go. Like yesterday the scenery was not inspiring but the level terrain made biking, especially with others, fun. Road construction through the town of Wosley presented a challenge. Brendan, on his mountain bike, found the gravel and rough road to his liking. Bob, Brendan, Tony, Patty, DeWayne and I stopped in Huron for and early lunch – we never seem to stop eating! By the way, Huron marks the halfway point of our journey ONLY 1,650 MORE MILES TO PEDAL!
Arriving in De Smet, home of the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead, we set up camp in the nicest town park imaginable, shady, clean bathrooms complete with showers, and electricity. As an added bonus it is only a short walk to the Dairy Queen which also has wireless access!
Arriving in De Smet, home of the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead, we set up camp in the nicest town park imaginable, shady, clean bathrooms complete with showers, and electricity. As an added bonus it is only a short walk to the Dairy Queen which also has wireless access!
July 15, 2008 Pierre to Miller, SD 74 miles (78)
Breakfast at the hotel beats instant oatmeal and stale bagels anytime! Those of us at the hotel enjoyed the complimentary continental breakfast before venturing out to the park. Leaving Pierre involved yet another climb; long, steady, and drawn out. Just enough of an incline to cause pain and discomfort early in the morning. Once on top everything changed – the countryside flattened out1 I felt like I was back in Illinois!
Riding with Tony and Brendan, the towns (Blunt, Harrold, Holabird, Highmore, Ree Heights) and the miles flew by. There was no spectacular scenery, just fields of wheat, sunflowers, and corn from roadside to the horizon.
Our destination in Miller was the high school. Some riders opted to sleep in the school while others set up tents outside. Due to some issues with renewing the rental agreement with the sag vehicles, Daniel was the only one supporting riders along the route. Because of this he did not have the time to cook for us so Taylor’s restaurant in town was enlisted to feed us. The sirloin tips ($8.95, including soup and salad bar) were excellent!
We had two riders celebrating birthdays today. Chad turned 21 and Janet…well lets just say she turned somewhat older! Taylor’s was the perfect spot to mix it up with some locals (Bobby Hanks, no relation to Tom, and three of his friends) while Chad was initiated with beer and shots. We all had a great time but morning will come too soon!
Riding with Tony and Brendan, the towns (Blunt, Harrold, Holabird, Highmore, Ree Heights) and the miles flew by. There was no spectacular scenery, just fields of wheat, sunflowers, and corn from roadside to the horizon.
Our destination in Miller was the high school. Some riders opted to sleep in the school while others set up tents outside. Due to some issues with renewing the rental agreement with the sag vehicles, Daniel was the only one supporting riders along the route. Because of this he did not have the time to cook for us so Taylor’s restaurant in town was enlisted to feed us. The sirloin tips ($8.95, including soup and salad bar) were excellent!
We had two riders celebrating birthdays today. Chad turned 21 and Janet…well lets just say she turned somewhat older! Taylor’s was the perfect spot to mix it up with some locals (Bobby Hanks, no relation to Tom, and three of his friends) while Chad was initiated with beer and shots. We all had a great time but morning will come too soon!
July 14, 2008 Kadoka to Pierre, SD 95 miles (100)
Packed up and loaded the truck early (6am) in order to be at breakfast at the H&H diner. The food was excellent, the staff was congenial, and everyone appeared anxious to begin the ride. 95 miles between here and our destination…
We continued to parallel Interstate 90 eastward for 20 miles before heading north for another 20. As for the scenery, well, what can I say???? Rolling hills, I mean REALLY ROLLING HILLS! South Dakota is not flat. When at the top of any of the hills we climbed you could see vast nothingness for miles. We’ve been told by several locals that due to a heavier than normal amount of rain things are much greener than normal.
Temperatures rose, the scenery didn’t change and still we rode on (like we had a choice). One interesting thing that Doug and I found was a sign that directed our attention to wagon wheel ruts that were still visible from the Deadwood stage coach trail – even after 140 years!
Arriving in Pierre, the state capital, we located the camp for the night (a city park along the Missouri River) and saw a sign warning us to beware of “homeless and panhandlers”. Not the welcoming we were hoping for… Many of us opted for a local hotel room; myself included.
(We are now in the Central Time Zone – I feel much more at home.)
We continued to parallel Interstate 90 eastward for 20 miles before heading north for another 20. As for the scenery, well, what can I say???? Rolling hills, I mean REALLY ROLLING HILLS! South Dakota is not flat. When at the top of any of the hills we climbed you could see vast nothingness for miles. We’ve been told by several locals that due to a heavier than normal amount of rain things are much greener than normal.
Temperatures rose, the scenery didn’t change and still we rode on (like we had a choice). One interesting thing that Doug and I found was a sign that directed our attention to wagon wheel ruts that were still visible from the Deadwood stage coach trail – even after 140 years!
Arriving in Pierre, the state capital, we located the camp for the night (a city park along the Missouri River) and saw a sign warning us to beware of “homeless and panhandlers”. Not the welcoming we were hoping for… Many of us opted for a local hotel room; myself included.
(We are now in the Central Time Zone – I feel much more at home.)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Billings Montana News
Well, Jim was interviewed by Billings Montana Channel 8 News so here's the link to the story...
'Big Ride' Stops in Billings
Monday, July 14, 2008
July 13, 2008 Rapid City to Kadoka, SD 101 miles (105)
What a day! We rolled out of Rapid City at 7am and very soon found ourselves in (or on) a train of sorts.
Of all people, Simon, was at the front of a pace line that eventually numbered 18 riders. We were very content to allow him to pull us along at over 20 mph for ten miles! All in all, with some additional assistance we covered the first 30 miles averaging over 20 miles per hour. At one point, Nick, our mechanic, rolled ahead of the pace line in the truck taunting us to get behind him. 100 yards separated us from him – I jumped and closed the gap but the energy expended to catch him didn’t allow me to stick with him for long! It was great fun trying….
The Badlands were stark and impressive; like touring another planet. Scenic (not much there) and Interior (an unfriendly bar and a friendly gas station) were the only inhabited places we saw for over 30 miles. We stopped for lunch at the Cedar Pass Lodge and while we were there I experienced a déjà vu moment – we visited Cedar Pass and stayed at the nearby camp site many years ago! In fact, I made Brad, Tim, and Eric, (ages 11, 10, and 7 at the time) ride up this very same pass. Sorry boys!
Exiting the Badlands, the route paralleled I-90 for the last 12 miles into Kadoka. The service road we were on was the same one I had watched pass by when we drove this route two years ago. During that trip I dreamed that someday I’d have the chance to ride a road like that – and NOW HERE I AM!
By the way, Kadoka is home to the world’s friendliest people! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Of all people, Simon, was at the front of a pace line that eventually numbered 18 riders. We were very content to allow him to pull us along at over 20 mph for ten miles! All in all, with some additional assistance we covered the first 30 miles averaging over 20 miles per hour. At one point, Nick, our mechanic, rolled ahead of the pace line in the truck taunting us to get behind him. 100 yards separated us from him – I jumped and closed the gap but the energy expended to catch him didn’t allow me to stick with him for long! It was great fun trying….
The Badlands were stark and impressive; like touring another planet. Scenic (not much there) and Interior (an unfriendly bar and a friendly gas station) were the only inhabited places we saw for over 30 miles. We stopped for lunch at the Cedar Pass Lodge and while we were there I experienced a déjà vu moment – we visited Cedar Pass and stayed at the nearby camp site many years ago! In fact, I made Brad, Tim, and Eric, (ages 11, 10, and 7 at the time) ride up this very same pass. Sorry boys!
Exiting the Badlands, the route paralleled I-90 for the last 12 miles into Kadoka. The service road we were on was the same one I had watched pass by when we drove this route two years ago. During that trip I dreamed that someday I’d have the chance to ride a road like that – and NOW HERE I AM!
By the way, Kadoka is home to the world’s friendliest people! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
July 12, 2008 Rapid City, SD
I became Doug’s adopted son for the day. Doug’s family met up with him last night and will be shadowing the Big Ride for the remainder of the trip. What a great family! We did all of the usual tourist stuff – Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, Needles Highway, and Custer Park. We finished up with pizza at Hermosa, the same place we stopped at before slugging it out with the monstrous headwinds of yesterday.
July 11, 2008 Newcastle, WY to Rapid City, SD 81 miles (83)
The usual routine unfolds morning after morning….wake up, clean up, pack up, eat up, load up (the truck), and then mount up.
The breakfast provided by the Newcastle Senior Center residents was a great way to start the day. Receiving our route sheets we got on the bikes looking forward to entering the fifth state, South Dakota, on our journey east. Temperatures were very comfortable (mid-70’s) and the skies were clear but…high wind warnings were posted for later in the day (I’ll get to that a bit further on).
Riding through the Black Hills was fantastic; dramatic rock out-croppings, pine covered hillsides, fragrant scent of wild flowers, and light traffic made this portion of the ride one of the most enjoyable yet! I remember driving these very same roads just two years ago with Joan and Nate hoping that someday I’d be able to bicycle them and here I am! Pedaling the switchbacks up to Jewel Cave, coasting wildly downhill, taking it all in and relishing every mile of it. Once we arrived in Custer, Liz, Doug, Tony, and I checked in with Amy and Mark (two of the Big Ride support crew) and then found a café for our second breakfast. Refueled, we headed out.
Doug and I stopped at a rock shop, looked at the crystals, fossils, and mineral samples before cycling east on 16A. After a 10 mile twisting, downhill the road flattened out and the WINDS PICKED UP! Initially, because we were heading east, the winds were primarily a cross wind, slowing our progress and forcing us to lean left just to stay upright. We knew we were going to be in trouble due to the fact that just up the road, at route 79, we would be turning north, riding twenty miles directly into a steady 35 mph gale with gusts over 50 mph! Fun?! ugh!
To steel our nerves and ensure we were in the right frame of mind for the impending challenge, Doug suggested that we stop at a nearby pizza joint for a beer, to which I quickly agreed. Sam joined us for a soda. We were all surprised to see Tony, one of the strongest riders, come back (he had already checked out the strength of the wind), walk in to the restaurant and declare “I’m not riding into that wind alone!” Tony joined us for a beer too.
The three of us pace lined into the wind, picking up Simon along the way, and made it into Rapid City. None of us had ever ridden into a wind that strong!
We are staying at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for our rest day.
The breakfast provided by the Newcastle Senior Center residents was a great way to start the day. Receiving our route sheets we got on the bikes looking forward to entering the fifth state, South Dakota, on our journey east. Temperatures were very comfortable (mid-70’s) and the skies were clear but…high wind warnings were posted for later in the day (I’ll get to that a bit further on).
Riding through the Black Hills was fantastic; dramatic rock out-croppings, pine covered hillsides, fragrant scent of wild flowers, and light traffic made this portion of the ride one of the most enjoyable yet! I remember driving these very same roads just two years ago with Joan and Nate hoping that someday I’d be able to bicycle them and here I am! Pedaling the switchbacks up to Jewel Cave, coasting wildly downhill, taking it all in and relishing every mile of it. Once we arrived in Custer, Liz, Doug, Tony, and I checked in with Amy and Mark (two of the Big Ride support crew) and then found a café for our second breakfast. Refueled, we headed out.
Doug and I stopped at a rock shop, looked at the crystals, fossils, and mineral samples before cycling east on 16A. After a 10 mile twisting, downhill the road flattened out and the WINDS PICKED UP! Initially, because we were heading east, the winds were primarily a cross wind, slowing our progress and forcing us to lean left just to stay upright. We knew we were going to be in trouble due to the fact that just up the road, at route 79, we would be turning north, riding twenty miles directly into a steady 35 mph gale with gusts over 50 mph! Fun?! ugh!
To steel our nerves and ensure we were in the right frame of mind for the impending challenge, Doug suggested that we stop at a nearby pizza joint for a beer, to which I quickly agreed. Sam joined us for a soda. We were all surprised to see Tony, one of the strongest riders, come back (he had already checked out the strength of the wind), walk in to the restaurant and declare “I’m not riding into that wind alone!” Tony joined us for a beer too.
The three of us pace lined into the wind, picking up Simon along the way, and made it into Rapid City. None of us had ever ridden into a wind that strong!
We are staying at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for our rest day.
July 10, 2008 Gillette to Newcastle, WY 75 miles (76)
Woke up to find some (three) mischievous elves had saran wrapped and TPed many of the guy’s bicycles together. Must have been pay back for some earlier prank!
We had a fairly late start due to the fatigue of yesterday and the fact that Gillette to Newcastle is only a ride of 76 miles. Notice the word “only”? Our perspective has really become warped; any ride under 80 miles is considered short and presents no concern. 80 to 100 miles is just a normal day’s ride – no big deal. Stretch the daily mileage to over 100 and we then consider it a challenge. Hills and wind may increase the difficulty of the course to be covered but most of us just view the miles as something that HAS to be done.
Cliff, the rider hit by the truck, is back on a bike and once again riding with us. The man is unbelievable; an inspiration for all of us.
I began the ride with Doug. Shortly outside of town we came upon multiple stacks of HUGE tires; another photo opportunity. Turns out the tires form the protective berm of a shooting range and, as luck would have it, the son of the owner stopped by. He invited us in for a tour of the facility which we quickly accepted, now accompanied by Brendan. Doug became the victim for two, absolutely hilarious, practical jokes. The first involved baby rattlers (did I mention we are in rattlesnake country – Diamondbacks being one of the most common samples of roadkill). A small barrel labeled “baby rattlers” was on the floor of the store. Doug asked about it and was told that being early, and somewhat cool, it was probably same to carefully look inside. Doug moved tentatively toward the barrel, carefully pulled back the newspaper covering the mesh top, and STOPPED. There was a huge hole in the mesh screen! When assured the rattlers posed no threat, brave Doug peered in to the barrel…and busted out laughing! There in the barrel were very colorful baby teething rattles!
The second incident involved a caged, ferret/badger hybrid with a bad attitude. You’ll have to talk to Doug for the full story (or check with me later) but let’s just say its good the Doug’s heart is strong!
Continuing on the road, several of us stopped in Moorcroft (mile 27), for an early lunch. The remainder of the ride is a blurr…things like days, miles, locations, and events are beginning to blend together. I did ride with Joe, Ruben, Liz, and Rosie. DeWayne and I finished the final 8 miles, had a bite to eat, before riding the final half mile to the Newcastle Senior Center (I’m old enough to be a resident here).
Some riders are setting up outside, but being soft, I decided to camp on the floor in an air-conditioned room.
We were served dinner and will be served breakfast by the residents of this facility. People here are very outgoing and friendly!
We had a fairly late start due to the fatigue of yesterday and the fact that Gillette to Newcastle is only a ride of 76 miles. Notice the word “only”? Our perspective has really become warped; any ride under 80 miles is considered short and presents no concern. 80 to 100 miles is just a normal day’s ride – no big deal. Stretch the daily mileage to over 100 and we then consider it a challenge. Hills and wind may increase the difficulty of the course to be covered but most of us just view the miles as something that HAS to be done.
Cliff, the rider hit by the truck, is back on a bike and once again riding with us. The man is unbelievable; an inspiration for all of us.
I began the ride with Doug. Shortly outside of town we came upon multiple stacks of HUGE tires; another photo opportunity. Turns out the tires form the protective berm of a shooting range and, as luck would have it, the son of the owner stopped by. He invited us in for a tour of the facility which we quickly accepted, now accompanied by Brendan. Doug became the victim for two, absolutely hilarious, practical jokes. The first involved baby rattlers (did I mention we are in rattlesnake country – Diamondbacks being one of the most common samples of roadkill). A small barrel labeled “baby rattlers” was on the floor of the store. Doug asked about it and was told that being early, and somewhat cool, it was probably same to carefully look inside. Doug moved tentatively toward the barrel, carefully pulled back the newspaper covering the mesh top, and STOPPED. There was a huge hole in the mesh screen! When assured the rattlers posed no threat, brave Doug peered in to the barrel…and busted out laughing! There in the barrel were very colorful baby teething rattles!
The second incident involved a caged, ferret/badger hybrid with a bad attitude. You’ll have to talk to Doug for the full story (or check with me later) but let’s just say its good the Doug’s heart is strong!
Continuing on the road, several of us stopped in Moorcroft (mile 27), for an early lunch. The remainder of the ride is a blurr…things like days, miles, locations, and events are beginning to blend together. I did ride with Joe, Ruben, Liz, and Rosie. DeWayne and I finished the final 8 miles, had a bite to eat, before riding the final half mile to the Newcastle Senior Center (I’m old enough to be a resident here).
Some riders are setting up outside, but being soft, I decided to camp on the floor in an air-conditioned room.
We were served dinner and will be served breakfast by the residents of this facility. People here are very outgoing and friendly!
July 9, 2008 Sheridan to Gillette, WY 109 miles (111)
Up and out early Breakfast at McDonalds Cliff may rejoin the ride Stopped at Ucross art colony Rode with Doug and Joe first half of the ride No services for 70 miles Pink roads Uphill, uphill, uphill into the wind paired up with Ruben Camped in city park Lots of road noise Great meal at local restaurant (prime rib) hot hot hot Interesting inter-group dynamics continue to develop Began roadkill across America pictures
Sorry, due to the length of the ride and the HEAT the above, disjointed, summary will have to do!
Sorry, due to the length of the ride and the HEAT the above, disjointed, summary will have to do!
July 8, 2008 Hardin, MT to Sheridan, WY 84 miles (86)
Weather was great, skies were clear as we left Hardin. Doug and I paired up and as we left town noticed a museum off to the left, we pulled in and were quite impressed with the assembled collection of old buildings, many of which had been moved from their original locations, and assorted paraphernalia from years gone by. Covering many miles together allows riders to really get to know each other; Doug and I are no exception. The miles go by quicker when there is conversation.
Today’s ride was marred by a rather upsetting event. Our oldest rider, Cliff, was hit by a truck. While the particulars of the incident are still unclear, Cliff is okay, albeit, shaken, but his new bike is destroyed. It seems that he ejected off towards the shoulder while his carbon fiber bicycle was crushed under the wheels of the truck. We all hope that Cliff, after taking a short break, will rejoin the ride. This event really points how vulnerable we all are!
Night’s camp was at the Sheridan KOA. The kids on the trip are having a great time; lots of laughing, teasing, and listening to music. The night ended with a group meeting to discuss different ideas on departure times for daily rides.
Today’s ride was marred by a rather upsetting event. Our oldest rider, Cliff, was hit by a truck. While the particulars of the incident are still unclear, Cliff is okay, albeit, shaken, but his new bike is destroyed. It seems that he ejected off towards the shoulder while his carbon fiber bicycle was crushed under the wheels of the truck. We all hope that Cliff, after taking a short break, will rejoin the ride. This event really points how vulnerable we all are!
Night’s camp was at the Sheridan KOA. The kids on the trip are having a great time; lots of laughing, teasing, and listening to music. The night ended with a group meeting to discuss different ideas on departure times for daily rides.
July 7, 2008 Billings to Hardin, MT 54 miles (56)
Okay, wrong….except for a four hundred foot climb early in the ride today’s route was fairly flat with a brisk tailwind. Leaving Billings with DeWayne and Patty, we wound our way through the busy streets and out on to 87 east where the traffic dropped dramatically. In fact over the next three hours we probably didn’t encounter move than a dozen cars. It was cycling heaven! Our ride was briefly interrupted twice; once to observe a rather large rattlesnake warming itself on the pavement (I moved it off the road by squirting it with my water bottle) and then to assist a truck driver who lost a trailer while trying to avoid an oncoming car.
Only one scheduled water stop was set up due to the limited mileage. When Liz attempted to find some privacy to relieve herself near the only trees to be found –she wasn’t alone. A deer carcass was right next to her selected site. Smelly, to be sure.
Arriving in Hardin, Bob was able to hook us up with a couple of locals who were willing to drive us to the Little Bighorn Battlefield, only 15 miles away. Walking the grounds on which such a historically significant event took place makes one feel the sense of fear and desperation the U.S. soldiers must have felt as they fought against hopeless odds. Total U.S. losses approximately 260 including General George Armstrong Custer and all of his men. Indian losses were estimated at between 50 to 100. After our return to camp, a shower followed by another excellent meal catered by Beyond Basil closed out the day.
Only one scheduled water stop was set up due to the limited mileage. When Liz attempted to find some privacy to relieve herself near the only trees to be found –she wasn’t alone. A deer carcass was right next to her selected site. Smelly, to be sure.
Arriving in Hardin, Bob was able to hook us up with a couple of locals who were willing to drive us to the Little Bighorn Battlefield, only 15 miles away. Walking the grounds on which such a historically significant event took place makes one feel the sense of fear and desperation the U.S. soldiers must have felt as they fought against hopeless odds. Total U.S. losses approximately 260 including General George Armstrong Custer and all of his men. Indian losses were estimated at between 50 to 100. After our return to camp, a shower followed by another excellent meal catered by Beyond Basil closed out the day.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Photos from the last few days
Pauline, from Canada, signing the sumo.
Happily making PB&J for lunch.
Alaska John and his dog, Squirrel (4200 miles!)
One way to cool off on a 100+ degree day
Crossing into state #4 - Montana!
Our usual camping location: high school football fields
Clowning around at the Continental Divide.
Doug LOVES a clean tent!
The Continental Divide - its all downhill from here!
Patty following closely
Letty celebrating the Fourth of July
Cliff, our oldest rider, resting after a long day.
Somewhere in Montana
Noah, the winner (?), of the July 4th hot dog eating contest
Sunday, July 6, 2008
The Big Ride continues...
I'm sorry I haven't been able to post regularly but WiFi availability has been a bit spotty.
It's amazing how simple life becomes when involved in an adventure like this: wake up, pack, eat, ride, set up camp, eat, sleep and then do it all over again, and again, and again....
The range of scenery is unbelievable, even the stark, barren, dry high prairie has its own attractiveness. And the other riders, each person is unique with their own interesting stories to tell. I'm enjoying it all!
Here are some highlights of the last week...
It's amazing how simple life becomes when involved in an adventure like this: wake up, pack, eat, ride, set up camp, eat, sleep and then do it all over again, and again, and again....
The range of scenery is unbelievable, even the stark, barren, dry high prairie has its own attractiveness. And the other riders, each person is unique with their own interesting stories to tell. I'm enjoying it all!
Here are some highlights of the last week...
July 6, 2008 Billings, MT
“Woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head” (my apologies to the Beatles)….but that is precisely how the day started. Did some laundry and then met with Jim, a former student of mine whom I hadn’t seen in 25+ years. We had a great visit over breakfast and hopefully will keep in touch. As Jim was leaving my wife’s cousin, Bill, and his wife, Mavis, arrived from Powell, WY – a 90 minute drive away. We went out to lunch (food, AGAIN! It seems all I do these days is eat!). Another wonderful visit and now I’m sitting here trying to regain control of my blog.
Tomorrow is a short ride of 54 miles but we’ve learned that short rides usually mean a lot of climbing!
“Woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head” (my apologies to the Beatles)….but that is precisely how the day started. Did some laundry and then met with Jim, a former student of mine whom I hadn’t seen in 25+ years. We had a great visit over breakfast and hopefully will keep in touch. As Jim was leaving my wife’s cousin, Bill, and his wife, Mavis, arrived from Powell, WY – a 90 minute drive away. We went out to lunch (food, AGAIN! It seems all I do these days is eat!). Another wonderful visit and now I’m sitting here trying to regain control of my blog.
Tomorrow is a short ride of 54 miles but we’ve learned that short rides usually mean a lot of climbing!
July 5, 2008 Harlowton to Billings, MT 92 miles (89)
Woke up at 4:45 to the sound of rain on my tent – not a good omen. The thought of riding 92 miles in the rain was NOT enticing. But no fear, sumo power cleared the air. The sumo that my son, Tim, gave me has become a talisman of good (mostly) luck. I am afraid, as are several other riders, that if I remove the sumo from my aero bars, all sorts of ill fortune will accost us.
This morning’s light rain was the result of a weather front moving through which brought with it a change of wind direction. We were pushed eastward for 46 miles by a strong tailwind. Averaging over 20 miles per hour, the pavement quickly rolled under our wheels. Shortly before turning off 12 there was an impressive line of sandstone cliffs on our left. I pointed them out to the rider I was with at the time, distracted he swerved off the road into gravel and went down. Luckily, he survived with minor scrapes and cuts. At Lavina, our route turned south-south east. Leaving highway 12 after almost 200 miles was a bit sad but Billings, and a rest day, were just ahead.
Two TV crews, Channel 2 and 8, were in the parking lot when Barbara and I arrived. Channel 8 interviewed me about the Big Ride. I missed both the 5 and 10 o’clock new shows on which the footage was to air. Oh well!
Dinner was catered by Beyond Basil. Steak, mahi mahi, and grilled tofu, they had it all! Even beer! They will also be providing the same dinner in Hardin, our next stop.
Woke up at 4:45 to the sound of rain on my tent – not a good omen. The thought of riding 92 miles in the rain was NOT enticing. But no fear, sumo power cleared the air. The sumo that my son, Tim, gave me has become a talisman of good (mostly) luck. I am afraid, as are several other riders, that if I remove the sumo from my aero bars, all sorts of ill fortune will accost us.
This morning’s light rain was the result of a weather front moving through which brought with it a change of wind direction. We were pushed eastward for 46 miles by a strong tailwind. Averaging over 20 miles per hour, the pavement quickly rolled under our wheels. Shortly before turning off 12 there was an impressive line of sandstone cliffs on our left. I pointed them out to the rider I was with at the time, distracted he swerved off the road into gravel and went down. Luckily, he survived with minor scrapes and cuts. At Lavina, our route turned south-south east. Leaving highway 12 after almost 200 miles was a bit sad but Billings, and a rest day, were just ahead.
Two TV crews, Channel 2 and 8, were in the parking lot when Barbara and I arrived. Channel 8 interviewed me about the Big Ride. I missed both the 5 and 10 o’clock new shows on which the footage was to air. Oh well!
Dinner was catered by Beyond Basil. Steak, mahi mahi, and grilled tofu, they had it all! Even beer! They will also be providing the same dinner in Hardin, our next stop.
July 5, 2008 Harlowton to Billings, MT 92 miles (89)
Woke up at 4:45 to the sound of rain on my tent – not a good omen. The thought of riding 92 miles in the rain was NOT enticing. But no fear, sumo power cleared the air. The sumo that my son, Tim, gave me has become a talisman of good (mostly) luck. I am afraid, as are several other riders, that if I remove the sumo from my aero bars, all sorts of ill fortune will accost us.
This morning’s light rain was the result of a weather front moving through which brought with it a change of wind direction. We were pushed eastward for 46 miles by a strong tailwind. Averaging over 20 miles per hour, the pavement quickly rolled under our wheels. Shortly before turning off 12 there was an impressive line of sandstone cliffs on our left. I pointed them out to the rider I was with at the time, distracted he swerved off the road into gravel and went down. Luckily, he survived with minor scrapes and cuts. At Lavina, our route turned south-south east. Leaving highway 12 after almost 200 miles was a bit sad but Billings, and a rest day, were just ahead.
Two TV crews, Channel 2 and 8, were in the parking lot when Barbara and I arrived. Channel 8 interviewed me about the Big Ride. I missed both the 5 and 10 o’clock new shows on which the footage was to air. Oh well!
Dinner was catered by Beyond Basil. Steak, mahi mahi, and grilled tofu, they had it all! Even beer! They will also be providing the same dinner in Hardin, our next stop.
Woke up at 4:45 to the sound of rain on my tent – not a good omen. The thought of riding 92 miles in the rain was NOT enticing. But no fear, sumo power cleared the air. The sumo that my son, Tim, gave me has become a talisman of good (mostly) luck. I am afraid, as are several other riders, that if I remove the sumo from my aero bars, all sorts of ill fortune will accost us.
This morning’s light rain was the result of a weather front moving through which brought with it a change of wind direction. We were pushed eastward for 46 miles by a strong tailwind. Averaging over 20 miles per hour, the pavement quickly rolled under our wheels. Shortly before turning off 12 there was an impressive line of sandstone cliffs on our left. I pointed them out to the rider I was with at the time, distracted he swerved off the road into gravel and went down. Luckily, he survived with minor scrapes and cuts. At Lavina, our route turned south-south east. Leaving highway 12 after almost 200 miles was a bit sad but Billings, and a rest day, were just ahead.
Two TV crews, Channel 2 and 8, were in the parking lot when Barbara and I arrived. Channel 8 interviewed me about the Big Ride. I missed both the 5 and 10 o’clock new shows on which the footage was to air. Oh well!
Dinner was catered by Beyond Basil. Steak, mahi mahi, and grilled tofu, they had it all! Even beer! They will also be providing the same dinner in Hardin, our next stop.
July 4, 2008 Townsend to Harlowton, MT 101 miles (102)
Happy Birthday, U.S.A.! For the last 62 miles of yesterday’s ride we were on US 12; the same US 12 that goes through Arlington Heights, IL. my hometown. Today we continued on 12 for another 95 miles. The character of Route 12 in this part of the country is totally unlike home: two lanes versus four or six lanes, very few cars versus traffic counts in the tens of thousands, beautiful wide open scenery as opposed to mile after mile of commercial development. Yet, in spite of the differences, I felt comforted by the connection to home that 12 represented.
Today was a tough ride; the first 23.5 miles were almost all uphill – not a good wad to start! Added to this was a pesky headwind. Because we were going so, so, so slow while climbing the wind was not much of a factor but on the flats it became rather irritating. The wind was just strong enough that we even had to pedal on some of the downhills.
Climbing up and out of Deep Creek Canyon provided some of the finest views yet and when we finally reached the top the expansive vistas of Montana’s high range country had us in awe. This really is “Big Sky Country”!
We made it into White Sulfur Springs just in time for the Fourth of July parade, the second small town parade of our trip. This parade was so small that after traveling the length of main street (approximately four blocks) it turned around and came back! Just for those who may have missed it the first time. Big Riders overwhelmed Dory’s Cafe staff but it was the only place to get some food for the next 60 miles.
Harlowton’s camp was next to the rodeo arena. Locals, including cowboys, were still milling around after the conclusion of the annual rodeo. They looked at us mighty strangely in our bright colored jerseys and spandex riding shorts. The evening was spent watching a hot dog eating contest between several of the young guys, eating, and blowing off a variety of fireworks.
Happy Birthday, U.S.A.! For the last 62 miles of yesterday’s ride we were on US 12; the same US 12 that goes through Arlington Heights, IL. my hometown. Today we continued on 12 for another 95 miles. The character of Route 12 in this part of the country is totally unlike home: two lanes versus four or six lanes, very few cars versus traffic counts in the tens of thousands, beautiful wide open scenery as opposed to mile after mile of commercial development. Yet, in spite of the differences, I felt comforted by the connection to home that 12 represented.
Today was a tough ride; the first 23.5 miles were almost all uphill – not a good wad to start! Added to this was a pesky headwind. Because we were going so, so, so slow while climbing the wind was not much of a factor but on the flats it became rather irritating. The wind was just strong enough that we even had to pedal on some of the downhills.
Climbing up and out of Deep Creek Canyon provided some of the finest views yet and when we finally reached the top the expansive vistas of Montana’s high range country had us in awe. This really is “Big Sky Country”!
We made it into White Sulfur Springs just in time for the Fourth of July parade, the second small town parade of our trip. This parade was so small that after traveling the length of main street (approximately four blocks) it turned around and came back! Just for those who may have missed it the first time. Big Riders overwhelmed Dory’s Cafe staff but it was the only place to get some food for the next 60 miles.
Harlowton’s camp was next to the rodeo arena. Locals, including cowboys, were still milling around after the conclusion of the annual rodeo. They looked at us mighty strangely in our bright colored jerseys and spandex riding shorts. The evening was spent watching a hot dog eating contest between several of the young guys, eating, and blowing off a variety of fireworks.
July 3, 2008 Avon to Townsend, MT 61 miles (66)
Today marked a major milestone in our ride east – we crossed the Continental Divide. Its all downhill from here to Washington D.C.! Yeah, sure….except for the Black Hills, the hills in Wisconsin, and the Appalachian mountains. We’ll deal with those when we get there. The climb up to MacDonald Pass was fairly long, steep and steady topping out at 6,350 feet above sea level, the highest point on our cross-country journey. Due to the fact that today was a short day (only 60 miles) a group of us decided to ride a gravel road further up to a lookout on a peak adjacent to the pass. From the top the view was 360 degrees of spectacular scenery.
On the way through Helena, the state capital, Doug, Tony, and I detoured from the route to view the capitol building and some of the historic sections on downtown. Due to our extended stay we, along with Ed and Austin, were the last ones out of town. We hammered to catch up with some of the other riders. In Winston, at a small store (beer, wine, groceries, souvenirs, camping supplies, and US Post Office!) we met some of the other Big Riders. From that point on it was a fast paced ride to the finish in Townsend.
Daniel cooked a great meal of shrimp linguini, we had some drinks to wash it down and then settled in for the night.
Right now, as I sit here in my tent, Mother Nature is putting on quite a display. Thunder, lightning, and ominous clouds are moving in. Not to be outdone, the locals are setting off a variety of fireworks of their own. So, all in all, tonight should prove to be very entertaining!
(Written the following evening) Little did I know what was in store for us last night. A fast moving, Violent storm moved in necessitating our evacuation to the safety of the high school. After the rough stuff had passed, we went out to survey the damage; two tents down, one was beyond repair, and one other tent full of water. Luckily, my REI Taj 3 survived intact. Those of us who could settled in for the night, the others made the best of it in the school. Later another barrage of bad weather hit the camp but caused no further damage.
Today marked a major milestone in our ride east – we crossed the Continental Divide. Its all downhill from here to Washington D.C.! Yeah, sure….except for the Black Hills, the hills in Wisconsin, and the Appalachian mountains. We’ll deal with those when we get there. The climb up to MacDonald Pass was fairly long, steep and steady topping out at 6,350 feet above sea level, the highest point on our cross-country journey. Due to the fact that today was a short day (only 60 miles) a group of us decided to ride a gravel road further up to a lookout on a peak adjacent to the pass. From the top the view was 360 degrees of spectacular scenery.
On the way through Helena, the state capital, Doug, Tony, and I detoured from the route to view the capitol building and some of the historic sections on downtown. Due to our extended stay we, along with Ed and Austin, were the last ones out of town. We hammered to catch up with some of the other riders. In Winston, at a small store (beer, wine, groceries, souvenirs, camping supplies, and US Post Office!) we met some of the other Big Riders. From that point on it was a fast paced ride to the finish in Townsend.
Daniel cooked a great meal of shrimp linguini, we had some drinks to wash it down and then settled in for the night.
Right now, as I sit here in my tent, Mother Nature is putting on quite a display. Thunder, lightning, and ominous clouds are moving in. Not to be outdone, the locals are setting off a variety of fireworks of their own. So, all in all, tonight should prove to be very entertaining!
(Written the following evening) Little did I know what was in store for us last night. A fast moving, Violent storm moved in necessitating our evacuation to the safety of the high school. After the rough stuff had passed, we went out to survey the damage; two tents down, one was beyond repair, and one other tent full of water. Luckily, my REI Taj 3 survived intact. Those of us who could settled in for the night, the others made the best of it in the school. Later another barrage of bad weather hit the camp but caused no further damage.
July 2, 2008 Missoula to Avon, MT 99 miles (100)
Today’s ride was spectacular by any standard! Looking outside, after waking up, caused some initial concerns; low clouds, spotty drizzle, and an uncertain weather forecast. We all packed our rain gear expecting the worst.
While a few of the first riders out encountered some rain, the majority of us were blessed with cool temperatures (63 to 80 degrees), partly cloudy skies, and minimal winds. The scenery got better and better, each vista was better than the last.
We are now in the Rockies and will cross the continental divide tomorrow – the highest point on our ride at 6,350 feet. The Rockies in this region are not the Rockies of Colorado. High and rounded, they remind me more of the Appalachians out east, only higher. There are not the high, stark peaks with snow on them year round that are present in Colorado but this area is just beautiful.
57 miles on SR-200 had some traffic but once we turned on to SR-141 the traffic count dropped and the road surface became the best we’ve been on so far. 200 followed the Blackfoot River which was brown with sediment from recent rains. It looked like chocolate milk. 141 snaked its way through the high plains with the Garnet Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east.
Our campground is three miles outside the town of Avon, home to a small café renowned for its great pies. Many riders, myself included, couldn’t resist checking to see if the reputation would stand up. We can all attest to the high quality pies baked by the café’s owner, Sue. My large piece of blueberry pie was delectable!
Today’s ride was spectacular by any standard! Looking outside, after waking up, caused some initial concerns; low clouds, spotty drizzle, and an uncertain weather forecast. We all packed our rain gear expecting the worst.
While a few of the first riders out encountered some rain, the majority of us were blessed with cool temperatures (63 to 80 degrees), partly cloudy skies, and minimal winds. The scenery got better and better, each vista was better than the last.
We are now in the Rockies and will cross the continental divide tomorrow – the highest point on our ride at 6,350 feet. The Rockies in this region are not the Rockies of Colorado. High and rounded, they remind me more of the Appalachians out east, only higher. There are not the high, stark peaks with snow on them year round that are present in Colorado but this area is just beautiful.
57 miles on SR-200 had some traffic but once we turned on to SR-141 the traffic count dropped and the road surface became the best we’ve been on so far. 200 followed the Blackfoot River which was brown with sediment from recent rains. It looked like chocolate milk. 141 snaked its way through the high plains with the Garnet Range to the west and the Continental Divide to the east.
Our campground is three miles outside the town of Avon, home to a small café renowned for its great pies. Many riders, myself included, couldn’t resist checking to see if the reputation would stand up. We can all attest to the high quality pies baked by the café’s owner, Sue. My large piece of blueberry pie was delectable!
July 1, 2008 Missoula, MT
Rest day. Didn’t do much after going out last night…Last evening Tony, Doug, and I went to a casino/grill/bar called the Press Room. When we got there Daniel, our ride leader, and Nick, the mechanic, were there with several other riders. The three of us had already eaten so we ordered some beverages and talked biker talk. This went on far too late after a 104-mile ride, but what fun.
Woke up, did laundry, hiked up to the giant “M” on Mount Sentinel overlooking the UM campus (620 feet of vertical), and then got busy writing postcards. Had dinner at the Press Room (we liked it that much) with 17 other Big Riders before coming back to the dorm to peck out these few meager words. All in all, a very restful day.
Tomorrow we continue on.
Rest day. Didn’t do much after going out last night…Last evening Tony, Doug, and I went to a casino/grill/bar called the Press Room. When we got there Daniel, our ride leader, and Nick, the mechanic, were there with several other riders. The three of us had already eaten so we ordered some beverages and talked biker talk. This went on far too late after a 104-mile ride, but what fun.
Woke up, did laundry, hiked up to the giant “M” on Mount Sentinel overlooking the UM campus (620 feet of vertical), and then got busy writing postcards. Had dinner at the Press Room (we liked it that much) with 17 other Big Riders before coming back to the dorm to peck out these few meager words. All in all, a very restful day.
Tomorrow we continue on.
June 30, 2008 Thompson Falls to Missoula, MT 101 miles (104)
Today the group split into two groups; one skipped breakfast in order to get on the road early while the other riders opted for the free food in town which meant a later start. I like free food. Mimi’s Café served a great breakfast and I was very uncomfortable when I got on my bike due to the amount I’d eaten. Other riders felt the same.
While on the topic of food, it is truly amazing how much we all eat only to be hungry again an hour or two later. Its not uncommon to eat breakfast before the day’s ride and then stop 25 miles later for a second breakfast! We have one rider who amuses us all…when he is done with his meal he looks around for ANY food left on other rider’s plates. To him any unattended morsels are fair game. I’ve witnessed him “clean” two and three plates, other than his, at a sitting!
Back to the ride – hot, sunny, hotter, sunnier, headwind, tailwind, scorchingly (is that even a word?) hot, intensely sunny and then, at mile 76, a fairly challenging 4.5-mile climb. Once again temperatures were in the 100+ range (104 by one thermometer) which stressed a few riders. Beautiful scenery and snowcapped mountains helped keep my mind off the heat. In the town of Rivali, at mile 64, there was a small sandwich shop that made GREAT huckleberry shakes and tropical smoothies. (Food again) Many of us sat on the shaded porch, enjoying the breeze, and watching the huge trout in the pond below. Alaska John met us there as well.
This was a well-needed break because earlier on the road trucks posed a problem – I have an issue with truck drivers who play god with my life. One trucker appeared to see how close he could come to me while traveling at 65 mph. Pretty unnerving!
Long rides in adverse conditions do strange things to one’s mind. I swear there was a heat exhausted, dead or dieing, Grover lying by the side of the road!
Two miles from the UM campus Rosie got a flat tire. Luckily there was a small patch of shade where she could fix her tire in relative comfort. Because she designated me as her “closer” I stayed with her and we finished the ride together.
Today the group split into two groups; one skipped breakfast in order to get on the road early while the other riders opted for the free food in town which meant a later start. I like free food. Mimi’s Café served a great breakfast and I was very uncomfortable when I got on my bike due to the amount I’d eaten. Other riders felt the same.
While on the topic of food, it is truly amazing how much we all eat only to be hungry again an hour or two later. Its not uncommon to eat breakfast before the day’s ride and then stop 25 miles later for a second breakfast! We have one rider who amuses us all…when he is done with his meal he looks around for ANY food left on other rider’s plates. To him any unattended morsels are fair game. I’ve witnessed him “clean” two and three plates, other than his, at a sitting!
Back to the ride – hot, sunny, hotter, sunnier, headwind, tailwind, scorchingly (is that even a word?) hot, intensely sunny and then, at mile 76, a fairly challenging 4.5-mile climb. Once again temperatures were in the 100+ range (104 by one thermometer) which stressed a few riders. Beautiful scenery and snowcapped mountains helped keep my mind off the heat. In the town of Rivali, at mile 64, there was a small sandwich shop that made GREAT huckleberry shakes and tropical smoothies. (Food again) Many of us sat on the shaded porch, enjoying the breeze, and watching the huge trout in the pond below. Alaska John met us there as well.
This was a well-needed break because earlier on the road trucks posed a problem – I have an issue with truck drivers who play god with my life. One trucker appeared to see how close he could come to me while traveling at 65 mph. Pretty unnerving!
Long rides in adverse conditions do strange things to one’s mind. I swear there was a heat exhausted, dead or dieing, Grover lying by the side of the road!
Two miles from the UM campus Rosie got a flat tire. Luckily there was a small patch of shade where she could fix her tire in relative comfort. Because she designated me as her “closer” I stayed with her and we finished the ride together.
June 29, 2008 Sandpoint, ID to Thompson Falls, MT 88 miles (94)
Another wonderful breakfast at a high school was somewhat offset by the fact that all of the riders were anxious to get an early start due to the anticipated high temperatures predicted for the day. Today’s ride was fairly flat due to the fact that we followed the Clark Fork River most of the way. Sure there were some attention getting “rollers” but they helped keep things interesting.
At mile 36 we made our second state line crossing; Idaho to Montana. We are making progress. Montana, Big Sky Country, lives up to its name and I look forward to out next eight days in the state. At about this time though, the heat became oppressive and there were still 58 more miles to be pedaled. Just before entering Thompson Falls, our destination for the day, I spied another rider ahead. Since old habits die hard (those who know me can attest to this) I chased him down and was truly humbled….the rider I caught turned out to be on his own epic journey.
John was from Fairbanks, Alaska and was cycling solo from Fairbanks to Fort Collins, Colorado – a total distance of approximately 4,200 miles. Kind of makes the Big Ride seem easy! Did I say solo? Well, not quite, for he had his three year-old sled dog, Squirrel, with him. He was riding a Navara mountain bike, loaded with 80 pounds of equipment (not including the 42 pound dog) and pulling a trailer and still managed to average between 60 and 100 miles each day! John and Squirrel were invited to join us at the high school for the night (road courtesy). His stories of 300 miles of gravel on the Al-Can Trail and grizzly encounters kept many of us entertained.
The only wildlife encounters we had to endure (other than the mother bear and her cub sighted near the high school) were the horrendous hordes of mosquitoes. Grizzly bears or mosquitoes….? Does a dead fish placed in a rider’s bag count as an “encounter”?
By the way, the temperature in Thompson Falls, depending on which bank thermometer you chose to believe, was either 105 or 111 degrees. I have pictures to prove it!
Once again we will be up and out early. Temperatures are going to be hot again tomorrow.
Another wonderful breakfast at a high school was somewhat offset by the fact that all of the riders were anxious to get an early start due to the anticipated high temperatures predicted for the day. Today’s ride was fairly flat due to the fact that we followed the Clark Fork River most of the way. Sure there were some attention getting “rollers” but they helped keep things interesting.
At mile 36 we made our second state line crossing; Idaho to Montana. We are making progress. Montana, Big Sky Country, lives up to its name and I look forward to out next eight days in the state. At about this time though, the heat became oppressive and there were still 58 more miles to be pedaled. Just before entering Thompson Falls, our destination for the day, I spied another rider ahead. Since old habits die hard (those who know me can attest to this) I chased him down and was truly humbled….the rider I caught turned out to be on his own epic journey.
John was from Fairbanks, Alaska and was cycling solo from Fairbanks to Fort Collins, Colorado – a total distance of approximately 4,200 miles. Kind of makes the Big Ride seem easy! Did I say solo? Well, not quite, for he had his three year-old sled dog, Squirrel, with him. He was riding a Navara mountain bike, loaded with 80 pounds of equipment (not including the 42 pound dog) and pulling a trailer and still managed to average between 60 and 100 miles each day! John and Squirrel were invited to join us at the high school for the night (road courtesy). His stories of 300 miles of gravel on the Al-Can Trail and grizzly encounters kept many of us entertained.
The only wildlife encounters we had to endure (other than the mother bear and her cub sighted near the high school) were the horrendous hordes of mosquitoes. Grizzly bears or mosquitoes….? Does a dead fish placed in a rider’s bag count as an “encounter”?
By the way, the temperature in Thompson Falls, depending on which bank thermometer you chose to believe, was either 105 or 111 degrees. I have pictures to prove it!
Once again we will be up and out early. Temperatures are going to be hot again tomorrow.
June 28, 2008 Spokane, WA to Sandpoint, ID 76 miles (77)
Woke up to a clear, cloudless sky which appeared to be a good omen…but temperatures were rising and we were met with a wind out of the east – in our faces all the way for today’s’ ride. Let me roll back just a bit to last night. The Big Ride Across Jersey designed by Austin was an item I didn’t think I could afford. From day one I regretted that decision; not only does the jersey look great but what a keepsake it would be. Last night Austin and his riding friend, Ed, asked if I had purchased one. When I said “No”, Ed said he had an extra one that would fit me and offered it to me. That BRAA jersey traded hands on the spot. What great guys!
Now back to the ride: miles upon miles of beautiful scenery on all sides as we rode east on SR-2 in spite of the pesky headwind. Out of Spokane, up and down rolling hills, some quite challenging (and we were promised an easy flat ride), through the towns of Mead, Chattery, Riverside, and Newport. Most of the route was in sight of the Pend Orielle River. In Newport a parade was held in our honor (not really, the parade was in conjunction with a rodeo being held in town). Shortly after leaving Newport we entered Idaho, the first state line crossing of the ride!
The thermometer rose dramatically, topping out in the mid-nineties. That coupled with the relentless sun and wind made the ride a bit tougher than the distance would suggest. Daniel, our ride leader, is concerned because the forecast promises hotter weather ahead.
In camp, on the grounds of Sandpoint High School, community members served our group a great spaghetti dinner. Afterwards some people crashed in their tents, others went to the beach, and several of the guys played a prank on three of the young ladies. When the ladies came back from church they found their bicycles hanging high in a tree! You know what they say about payback - its going to be fun seeing what develops!
Early up and out in order to avoid as much heat as possible.
Woke up to a clear, cloudless sky which appeared to be a good omen…but temperatures were rising and we were met with a wind out of the east – in our faces all the way for today’s’ ride. Let me roll back just a bit to last night. The Big Ride Across Jersey designed by Austin was an item I didn’t think I could afford. From day one I regretted that decision; not only does the jersey look great but what a keepsake it would be. Last night Austin and his riding friend, Ed, asked if I had purchased one. When I said “No”, Ed said he had an extra one that would fit me and offered it to me. That BRAA jersey traded hands on the spot. What great guys!
Now back to the ride: miles upon miles of beautiful scenery on all sides as we rode east on SR-2 in spite of the pesky headwind. Out of Spokane, up and down rolling hills, some quite challenging (and we were promised an easy flat ride), through the towns of Mead, Chattery, Riverside, and Newport. Most of the route was in sight of the Pend Orielle River. In Newport a parade was held in our honor (not really, the parade was in conjunction with a rodeo being held in town). Shortly after leaving Newport we entered Idaho, the first state line crossing of the ride!
The thermometer rose dramatically, topping out in the mid-nineties. That coupled with the relentless sun and wind made the ride a bit tougher than the distance would suggest. Daniel, our ride leader, is concerned because the forecast promises hotter weather ahead.
In camp, on the grounds of Sandpoint High School, community members served our group a great spaghetti dinner. Afterwards some people crashed in their tents, others went to the beach, and several of the guys played a prank on three of the young ladies. When the ladies came back from church they found their bicycles hanging high in a tree! You know what they say about payback - its going to be fun seeing what develops!
Early up and out in order to avoid as much heat as possible.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Few look as graceful on a two-wheeled vehicle as my father on a bicycle... Complete with a big sumo butt! (Compliments of the blog master) Photos also include the presentation of a check to the ALAW, the funds of which were raised by the Big Riders. Also, Jim assembling a bicycle before the start of the ride.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Attention: June 29th Update!!!!
Hey folks, just wanted you to know that my dad has been experiencing spotty internet access. Therefor, he will continue sending me posts via email that will consist of many entries. I'll organize by day for a consistent, easy to read story. So keep checking back every once in a while.
Photos will be here soon!
-The Master of the Blog-
Photos will be here soon!
-The Master of the Blog-
June 27, 2008
June 27, 2008 Spokane, WA (28)
Rest day…slept in until 9:30! Did laundry, downloaded pictures and then took a ride on the Centennial Trail. This multi-use, paved, recreational path snakes its way through downtown Spokane following the river. Heading out of town the path enters Riverside State Park. The scenery was spectacular and there were very few people on the trail. I had it pretty much to myself.
There was a tragic event unfolding on the river while I was there. A young lady had fallen in the river and it was suspected that she had been swept downstream. Rescue squads were positioned along the river, boats were in the water, and a helicopter was searching overhead. At last report the girl had not yet been found.
Rest day…slept in until 9:30! Did laundry, downloaded pictures and then took a ride on the Centennial Trail. This multi-use, paved, recreational path snakes its way through downtown Spokane following the river. Heading out of town the path enters Riverside State Park. The scenery was spectacular and there were very few people on the trail. I had it pretty much to myself.
There was a tragic event unfolding on the river while I was there. A young lady had fallen in the river and it was suspected that she had been swept downstream. Rescue squads were positioned along the river, boats were in the water, and a helicopter was searching overhead. At last report the girl had not yet been found.
June 26, 2008
June 26, 2008 Odessa to Spokane, WA 75 miles (78)
Riders are already looking forward to a rest day but before that we have 77 miles to go.
Breakfast at the Odessa community school was the start of what was to prove to be the best day yet.
Rolling out of town we were met with rolling hills and dry scrubland. For the next 25 miles SR-28 was our direct line east. Our ride on SR-28 was 104 miles ending in Davenport. SR-28 treated us very well.
Entering Davenport, our group of eight, including Austin, Ed, Steven, Greg, and Noah, stopped at a B & B for a second breakfast. Several other riders were already enjoying a fine meal, sitting on the front porch, watching the world go by. While we were there more Big Riders joined us until more than half of our group mobbed the place! I overheard one of the owners say that they should put out a sign saying “bicyclists welcome”. They were obviously quite pleased with our business.
Out of Davenport the cue sheet stated, “Begin gradual nine mile climb out of town”. None of us were looking forward to that especially on a full stomach! Our fears were groundless; a twenty-mile per hour tailwind pushed us up the hill making those nine miles some of the fastest of the trip! Our group cruised along at better than 22 mph.
All the riders agreed that 77 miles, with sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and a SCREAMING tailwind is about as good as it gets! Will this luck last? Some of our group suspects the good fortune we are experiencing is related to the signed sumo on my handlebar. I guess I can’t take it off for fear of jinxing the trip!
Riders are already looking forward to a rest day but before that we have 77 miles to go.
Breakfast at the Odessa community school was the start of what was to prove to be the best day yet.
Rolling out of town we were met with rolling hills and dry scrubland. For the next 25 miles SR-28 was our direct line east. Our ride on SR-28 was 104 miles ending in Davenport. SR-28 treated us very well.
Entering Davenport, our group of eight, including Austin, Ed, Steven, Greg, and Noah, stopped at a B & B for a second breakfast. Several other riders were already enjoying a fine meal, sitting on the front porch, watching the world go by. While we were there more Big Riders joined us until more than half of our group mobbed the place! I overheard one of the owners say that they should put out a sign saying “bicyclists welcome”. They were obviously quite pleased with our business.
Out of Davenport the cue sheet stated, “Begin gradual nine mile climb out of town”. None of us were looking forward to that especially on a full stomach! Our fears were groundless; a twenty-mile per hour tailwind pushed us up the hill making those nine miles some of the fastest of the trip! Our group cruised along at better than 22 mph.
All the riders agreed that 77 miles, with sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and a SCREAMING tailwind is about as good as it gets! Will this luck last? Some of our group suspects the good fortune we are experiencing is related to the signed sumo on my handlebar. I guess I can’t take it off for fear of jinxing the trip!
Jue 25, 2008
June 25, 2008 Vantage to Odessa, WA 81 miles (86)
Day three was another perfect ride. After sleeping (kind of) an extremely windy night at the Vantage campground we awoke to a cool, clear day that promised nothing but the best! Blustery Burgers put on a great breakfast – they are also the ones who sponsored last night’s dinner – we all gathered together for an escorted convoy ride across the Columbia River. Because the I 90 bridge has no shoulders support vehicles “book ended” the riders as we took over one lane of the road to cross the river. After that it was every rider for themselves.
In reality, by now, most riders have found people of their own ability or riding style to ride with each day. Some are fast, some are slow, but everyone is making it into camp at a reasonable time.
The ride today began with a two mile climb up and out of the Columbia River gorge. After that there were several long, steady climbs interspersed with an occasional downhill. The temperature rose into the mid to upper eighties and the sun was relentless. We will see hotter temperatures in the days to come so today provided a good introduction to the heat.
Vantage to Odessa is a vast, largely uninhabited stretch of land. We were on state route 28 for approximately 60 miles, 40 of which had absolutely no services! Every time we saw one of the support vehicles we were quite happy – especially when the crew had ice cream cones ready for us in the middle of nowhere.
We set up camp on the Odessa High School athletic field and were served a wonderful meal by community members.
Day three was another perfect ride. After sleeping (kind of) an extremely windy night at the Vantage campground we awoke to a cool, clear day that promised nothing but the best! Blustery Burgers put on a great breakfast – they are also the ones who sponsored last night’s dinner – we all gathered together for an escorted convoy ride across the Columbia River. Because the I 90 bridge has no shoulders support vehicles “book ended” the riders as we took over one lane of the road to cross the river. After that it was every rider for themselves.
In reality, by now, most riders have found people of their own ability or riding style to ride with each day. Some are fast, some are slow, but everyone is making it into camp at a reasonable time.
The ride today began with a two mile climb up and out of the Columbia River gorge. After that there were several long, steady climbs interspersed with an occasional downhill. The temperature rose into the mid to upper eighties and the sun was relentless. We will see hotter temperatures in the days to come so today provided a good introduction to the heat.
Vantage to Odessa is a vast, largely uninhabited stretch of land. We were on state route 28 for approximately 60 miles, 40 of which had absolutely no services! Every time we saw one of the support vehicles we were quite happy – especially when the crew had ice cream cones ready for us in the middle of nowhere.
We set up camp on the Odessa High School athletic field and were served a wonderful meal by community members.
June 24, 2008
June 24, 2008 Easton to Vantage, WA 71 miles (73)
Two days in, 46 more to go – if they are like today this ride is going to be beyond belief! We woke up to a very cool (46 degrees) morning. Tights, fleece, gloves, and a jacket were needed to cut the chill. An early ride climb did nothing to warm me up! Riding out of Easton presented a continuous view of valleys and pine trees.
Accompanied by a strong tail wind, which was to assist us all day, the early riding was almost effortless, even the climbs.
At about the 45 mile mark, just after the town of Cle Elum, the road climbed relentlessly; up, up, up, and still more up. The temp had warmed up, the excess clothing was shed, and our surroundings took a sudden change. No longer were we in pine forests, no longer was the foliage green; sun baked, dry, treeless arid land was all we could see. There was no escape from the sun as we climbed 15 miles, very slowly, to the top of the pass that eventually would lead to Vantage, our stop for the day.
The downhill into Vantage was unbelievable! Eleven miles of uninterrupted coasting at between 30 and 45 mph! There is no better way to end a days’ ride!
While early in the day I rode with Liz, Darrell, and Bob we kept leap-froging Brandon. I lost contact with my riding partners when taking a picture stop, Brandon passed by and I eventually caught up with him. Together we finished the ride, arriving arriving in camp first. We unloaded everyone’s gear from the truck, set up camp, took showers, and then went to get a bite to eat. A nice low-key evening at camp, a great-catered dinner, followed by more conversation with other riders ended the evening.
Two days in, 46 more to go – if they are like today this ride is going to be beyond belief! We woke up to a very cool (46 degrees) morning. Tights, fleece, gloves, and a jacket were needed to cut the chill. An early ride climb did nothing to warm me up! Riding out of Easton presented a continuous view of valleys and pine trees.
Accompanied by a strong tail wind, which was to assist us all day, the early riding was almost effortless, even the climbs.
At about the 45 mile mark, just after the town of Cle Elum, the road climbed relentlessly; up, up, up, and still more up. The temp had warmed up, the excess clothing was shed, and our surroundings took a sudden change. No longer were we in pine forests, no longer was the foliage green; sun baked, dry, treeless arid land was all we could see. There was no escape from the sun as we climbed 15 miles, very slowly, to the top of the pass that eventually would lead to Vantage, our stop for the day.
The downhill into Vantage was unbelievable! Eleven miles of uninterrupted coasting at between 30 and 45 mph! There is no better way to end a days’ ride!
While early in the day I rode with Liz, Darrell, and Bob we kept leap-froging Brandon. I lost contact with my riding partners when taking a picture stop, Brandon passed by and I eventually caught up with him. Together we finished the ride, arriving arriving in camp first. We unloaded everyone’s gear from the truck, set up camp, took showers, and then went to get a bite to eat. A nice low-key evening at camp, a great-catered dinner, followed by more conversation with other riders ended the evening.
June 23, 2008
June 23, 2008 Seattle to Easton, WA 77 miles (96)
Nervous as all get-out and very anxious to get started! My wife, Joan, #1 son, Brad, and his girlfriend, Jenna, were at the start to wish me a safe and wonderful adventure. While the weather appeared ready to cooperate, cool, overcast with light winds from the west, the day’s route cue sheet was not so accommodating. We were expecting a 77 mile ride – it was actually quoted as an 89 mile ride on the sheet but my computer clocked 96 miles! (that counts the ride to the start as well as several extra miles as I backtracked to find another rider)
NBCB (No Biker Left Behind)
Overall the ride was great, a bit cool but no rain, several great climbs, especially the grade up to Snoqualmie Pass, and a gentle tailwind helped push us along most of the way. The downhill, at 40 mph, was a gas! During the days’ ride I had the opportunity to ride with a variety of riders. I look forward to getting to know them much better as we share this experience.
Today was the best possible start to this event.
Easton State Park is nice though you can clearly hear the cars and trucks passing by on I 90 which boarders the campground. I was also pleasantly surprised as event organizers carried in case after case of BEER for tonight’s meal
Nervous as all get-out and very anxious to get started! My wife, Joan, #1 son, Brad, and his girlfriend, Jenna, were at the start to wish me a safe and wonderful adventure. While the weather appeared ready to cooperate, cool, overcast with light winds from the west, the day’s route cue sheet was not so accommodating. We were expecting a 77 mile ride – it was actually quoted as an 89 mile ride on the sheet but my computer clocked 96 miles! (that counts the ride to the start as well as several extra miles as I backtracked to find another rider)
NBCB (No Biker Left Behind)
Overall the ride was great, a bit cool but no rain, several great climbs, especially the grade up to Snoqualmie Pass, and a gentle tailwind helped push us along most of the way. The downhill, at 40 mph, was a gas! During the days’ ride I had the opportunity to ride with a variety of riders. I look forward to getting to know them much better as we share this experience.
Today was the best possible start to this event.
Easton State Park is nice though you can clearly hear the cars and trucks passing by on I 90 which boarders the campground. I was also pleasantly surprised as event organizers carried in case after case of BEER for tonight’s meal
June 18-22, 2008
June 18-22, 2008 Arrive in Seattle, WA
The last few days here in Seattle have been a wonderful prelude to the Big Ride. Mike, a 2006 Big Ride alumni and his wife Gail, opened their doors to me and a couple of other ride participants. Mike’s stories of his cross-country experience entertained us and heightened our excitement for the adventure ahead.
I’ve had a chance to explore the Seattle area by foot, bicycle, and automobile – not only are there a LOT of hills but there is not a straight street anywhere! Getting lost when you have no place to be and no time to be there has been a major form of entertainment. During these wanderings I have “discovered” unique neighborhoods, restaurants, unusual sights, and great people.
My experience here in Seattle has been nothing but excellent…Mike and Gail were wonderful hosts, Joan arrived, Brad and Jenna were here for her family get-together, and the weather was great! Joan and I walked (and walked!) all over the area; Pikes Market, Seattle Center, the University District, and to many other areas to mention were covered by foot and, eventually, by car. In spite of my normal hesitancy to drive in unfamiliar areas, being forced to allowed me to surprise Joan with my knowledge of how to get around in a rather confusing maze of streets.
Tomorrow the Big Ride begins – am I nervous – YES! We had an orientation meeting today and there is a strong representation of the younger crowd involved. Eleven of the thirty-three riders are twenty-five years old or younger.
The last few days here in Seattle have been a wonderful prelude to the Big Ride. Mike, a 2006 Big Ride alumni and his wife Gail, opened their doors to me and a couple of other ride participants. Mike’s stories of his cross-country experience entertained us and heightened our excitement for the adventure ahead.
I’ve had a chance to explore the Seattle area by foot, bicycle, and automobile – not only are there a LOT of hills but there is not a straight street anywhere! Getting lost when you have no place to be and no time to be there has been a major form of entertainment. During these wanderings I have “discovered” unique neighborhoods, restaurants, unusual sights, and great people.
My experience here in Seattle has been nothing but excellent…Mike and Gail were wonderful hosts, Joan arrived, Brad and Jenna were here for her family get-together, and the weather was great! Joan and I walked (and walked!) all over the area; Pikes Market, Seattle Center, the University District, and to many other areas to mention were covered by foot and, eventually, by car. In spite of my normal hesitancy to drive in unfamiliar areas, being forced to allowed me to surprise Joan with my knowledge of how to get around in a rather confusing maze of streets.
Tomorrow the Big Ride begins – am I nervous – YES! We had an orientation meeting today and there is a strong representation of the younger crowd involved. Eleven of the thirty-three riders are twenty-five years old or younger.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Update from Jim's "Blog Master"
I'm Tim, Jim's 2nd son. Learn the name, know the face...
Anyways, my purpose here this evening is to post some photos that my dad took a few days back and to inform you that I'm the one taking care of the blog. Also, I want to let everyone monitoring this blog know how proud I am of my father's epic, although insane, journey across the US.
My dad with some fellow Big Riders
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Seattle Experience
The last few days here in Seattle have been a wonderful prelude to the Big Ride. Mike, a 2006 Big Ride alumni and his wife Gail, opened their doors to me and a couple of other ride participants. Mike’s stories of his cross-country experience entertained us and heightened our excitement for the adventure ahead.
I’ve had a chance to explore the Seattle area by foot, bicycle, and automobile – not only are there a LOT of hills but there is not a straight street anywhere! Getting lost when you have no place to be and no time to be there has been a major form of entertainment. During these wanderings I have “discovered” unique neighborhoods, restaurants, unusual sights, and great people.
The ride begins tomorrow - I can't wait!
I’ve had a chance to explore the Seattle area by foot, bicycle, and automobile – not only are there a LOT of hills but there is not a straight street anywhere! Getting lost when you have no place to be and no time to be there has been a major form of entertainment. During these wanderings I have “discovered” unique neighborhoods, restaurants, unusual sights, and great people.
The ride begins tomorrow - I can't wait!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Nerves, Nerves, Nerves
Okay...now its really begun to set in. What seemed so far away when I signed up on December 15th (8 days after knee surgery) is NOW a reality! I fly to Seattle early tomorrow morning which signals the beginning of a great summer adventure. Thanks to my sponsors fund-raising was very successful, personal training goals have been met, and my bags are packed (well...almost) so I guess I'm ready to go!
Am I nervous? Yes, and excited! While I'll miss my family and friends, the thought of experiencing the small towns of America, seeing the scenery, and meeting people during this event is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Last Minute Preparations
The enormity of what I've signed up for is beginning to sink in....48 days, 12 states, 3,300 miles, in all types of weather (and this year Mother Nature has demonstrated how unpredictable she can be!) all with the support of many people - friends, family, students, and others to numerous to list. As I reflect on this summer's event, excitement tinged with more than a bit of nervous apprehension are the overwhelming feelings that hit me. I don't want to disappoint anyone who has demonstrated faith in my involvement in ALAW's Big Ride.
My bicycle has been packed and shipped, I'm practicing setting up my new tent, and my to-do list is getting smaller.
My bicycle has been packed and shipped, I'm practicing setting up my new tent, and my to-do list is getting smaller.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thanks to All of My Sponsors!
As of last night my fund-raising goal of $5,500 has been met and surpassed. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has opened their wallets for the American Lung Association and shown an interest my summer adventure. Without the efforts and financial support of the Friendship Junior High School community (administrators, teachers, students, and parents), my sister and her neighborhood posse of children, neighbors, friends, and relatives my participation in the Big Ride would be in question. I especially would like to thank my wife, Joan, and my boys, Brad, Tim, Eric, and Nate for their encouragement as I've prepared for this ride of a lifetime.
There is some additional good news to share; my mother finally underwent her hip replacement operation and tolerated the surgery fairly well. Her recovery will take time but she is already sitting up for extended periods of time, is in physical therapy, and has even taken a few steps (with a lot of support).
There is some additional good news to share; my mother finally underwent her hip replacement operation and tolerated the surgery fairly well. Her recovery will take time but she is already sitting up for extended periods of time, is in physical therapy, and has even taken a few steps (with a lot of support).
Sunday, June 1, 2008
A Shift in Priorities
As mentioned in the last entry, my mother fell and broke her hip - not a good thing for an 83 year old ! Her hospitalization has not gone well...with the number of health issues she has accrued over the years doctors are reluctant to forge ahead with a hip replacement operation. Foremost among the reasons for their concerns is the fact that her lung function is very poor, due to emphysema. As my sister said, "the broken hip won't kill her, the operation won't kill her, the complications brought on by years of smoking will". These events have pointed out, in a very personal manner, the importance of what the Big Ride is all about. Smoking, a major cause of lung disease, SUCKS!
While I'm a bit overwhelmed with the final preparations for the ride, my major concern centers around my mother's well-being.
While I'm a bit overwhelmed with the final preparations for the ride, my major concern centers around my mother's well-being.
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