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-
Sunday, June 29, 2008
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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