- Who'd guessed that Credit Island in Davenport would be so dramatic? High heat, humidity and bug factor. Then awakened from our tents to police telling us that a severe storm with 60 MPH winds is coming and we could evacuate to a shelter in town. We didn't. We moved under a picnic shelter.
- Next night, in Glenwood, we were evacuated into the high school to hide from another severe storm.
- No more storms the rest of the week (I consider that lucky-- I hate riding in rain).
- Oldest Rider: 80s. Youngest: still in diapers being pulled by mom in a trailer.
- Number of dogs doing ride: at least 2 that I saw.
- Never knew how many different bikes there were: recumbents, trikes, tandems, three seaters, trailers being pulled, unicycles, penny farthings, roller blader, skaterboarder, hand trikes, elliptical bike, beach cruisers, mountain bikes, 30 year old bikes, new bikes and everything in between.
- People would just lean $6,000 bikes against a building or tree without locking them and sleep or go inside. I thought that was cool.
- I liked the guys who had good music playing from their bikes or trailers.
- Things you had to find in every town: a place to lean bike, shade, what kind of pie being served and a bathroom for the girls.
- If you like pie, do RAGBRAI. I count at least 10 different pies I tried.
- If you like food on a stick, do RAGBRAI. Examples- I had eggs, beef, chicken, ice cream, corn and probably some other stuff-- all on a stick.
- Elk Horn, Iowa on Day 2 was a fun town. Kimballton too.
- I liked seeing all the people in their yards watching, waving, spraying you with water.
- Towns were so creative and welcoming--- pep bands, cheerleaders, dancers, mermaids and such as you entered towns.
- There were lots of homes that if the owners weren't outside, they left chairs and shade for you to enjoy.
- Great meal at the Church of Christ in Carroll. Nice service too.
- One of the best part of my day: coffee at Benji's, sitting on the mats and watching the riders go by. It was a good reflective time.
- Some people took the ride (and themselves) too seriously. No one in my group though, we would have booted them.
- Enjoyed passing people who were on their expensive carbon racing bikes.
- Enjoyed even more some of the WTF looks I got from those same guys as I passed on my steel touring bike with rack, pannier and monkey attached.
- Did not like not being able to keep up with some of the fast pacelines.
- Liked sharing the paceline with the two girls from the Hawks Triathlon Club. Took all I had to stay with them.
- Liked that Steve told the boys to raise the price on their 50 cent Gatorade.
- Did not like the number of times I saw the spelling "Gaterade".
- Twister Hill was a fun challenge-- I also liked hitting 43 MPH on the downhill.
- Free Chocolate Milk!
- The best Busch Lite ever.
- Wine-arita!
- Bloody Mary at 9:00 AM.
- The kid selling water in camp in Carroll is going to be a good businessman.
- Sleeping in air conditioning on the hottest night (Altoona). Meeting Steve was cool too.
- Leo, our tour guide on the Boone train was the highlight of the train ride.
- Kate is a great tour guide.
- Amy always finds a spot to camp.
- I could always recognize Jessie's biking cadence.
- We almost taught Kate to ride standing.
- Another great part of my day: getting my face dirty eating watermelon.
- Ice Cream was always fabulous, even the half melted one I bought from the cross country team in West Amana.
- I miss peeing in corn fields.
- I am over heat rash.
- I enjoyed practicing my slow riding and track stands as I tried to maneuver through towns.
- I hope to never see Loin Cloth man again.
- Iowa is much dewier than North Carolina.
- Iowa grows more hogs than North Carolina.
- High Fives and free shirt coming into Boone was nice.
- The closest I've ever felt to an Olympic champion was the faux arch, painted field on the road and bleachers filled with people yelling for you as you finished in Coralville.
- The guys who wrenched on broken bikes all week were saints to put up with some of the ungrateful riders.
- Iowa Highway patrol did a wonderful job controlling traffic in the heat. And they played music for us too! Amy liked Lady Gaga.
- I cannot imagine all the planning that goes into putting this event on. I've hosted wrestling and track meets at the regional level so I know a bit about putting on large events. This scares me.
Showing posts with label bicycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bicycle. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
RAGBRAI List
Since I'm such a fan of bulleted lists, here are my thoughts, observations and likes of a week across Iowa on bikes with friends:
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Don't Kill Me
If I can get through tomorrow and Friday, I will have made it the entire week without driving my car. I commuted on my motorcycle today [Wednesday] and Monday and on my bicycle yesterday. Actually, yesterday I biked to school, rode back into town after school to go to the bank and run home and then rode back to school for a function. In all, nearly 25 miles yesterday-- saved just over a tank of gas in Pompey, my trusty Maxima.
Gas prices have fallen in the last week, but they will go up again. Part of what we need to do is find alternatives to conventional means of transportation: mass transit, carpooling, work from home and, yes, bicycling.
I know, the Ducati is somewhat cheating since it uses gas. But one of the reasons I bought it was to save gas. The 50 or so miles per gallon is so much better than the 23-25 mpg of my car.
That being said, please look out for me. And people like me. We are everywhere. Whether I'm on my motorcycle or bicycle, you are bigger than me and will win any collision.
I realize there are a lot of idiots on motorcycles. I really don't need to be fast. I do like the rush of riding. But I get that at 40 MPH. I don't need to go 90. Look for me and my bike as you approach intersections, change lanes and make turns. Drive with extra caution; it could save a life.
I also know there are a lot of people who say bicycles don't belong on the roads. Fair or not fair, until the laws are changed, cyclists are entitled to the same rights on the roads as cars. I believe that we do a terrible job of educating motorists about the rights of cyclists and how to share the road with them. Here are a few things I'd like to pass along as someone who has done a lot of road riding in a lot of places and a decent amount of commuting here at home:
Again, it's spring and the weather is warmer. The people on two wheels are coming out. Please be aware of them. They would really appreciate it.
Postscript:
Example of how North Carolina is behind: I took this photo last summer during my bike tour on US 64 between the NC/TN border and Murphy, NC.
I understand the need for rumble strips. They've saved lives. They've alerted me when I have driven. But why not put them on the white line? What could have been a decent place for a cyclist to ride was made useless. I had to ride in the road with traffic going 55-60 MPH. Fortunately, there was not a ton of traffic, so cars could mostly get over into the left lane. But still-- Oregon, Colorado and even Kansas would never allow this.
Gas prices have fallen in the last week, but they will go up again. Part of what we need to do is find alternatives to conventional means of transportation: mass transit, carpooling, work from home and, yes, bicycling.
I know, the Ducati is somewhat cheating since it uses gas. But one of the reasons I bought it was to save gas. The 50 or so miles per gallon is so much better than the 23-25 mpg of my car.
That being said, please look out for me. And people like me. We are everywhere. Whether I'm on my motorcycle or bicycle, you are bigger than me and will win any collision.
I realize there are a lot of idiots on motorcycles. I really don't need to be fast. I do like the rush of riding. But I get that at 40 MPH. I don't need to go 90. Look for me and my bike as you approach intersections, change lanes and make turns. Drive with extra caution; it could save a life.
I also know there are a lot of people who say bicycles don't belong on the roads. Fair or not fair, until the laws are changed, cyclists are entitled to the same rights on the roads as cars. I believe that we do a terrible job of educating motorists about the rights of cyclists and how to share the road with them. Here are a few things I'd like to pass along as someone who has done a lot of road riding in a lot of places and a decent amount of commuting here at home:
- I did not wake up in the morning thinking, "What can I do to inconvenience the world?" Trust me, if I could go faster I would.
- If I do not ride on the far right of the lane, it is intentional. I am trying to force you to go around me instead of "squeezing" by me in the lane.
- Another reason I sometimes don't ride on the far right is for my own safety. Riding more in the lane gives me room for error in case there is an obstacle or drain or something. Plus, the road is cleaner, thus safer. If you've ever walked or ridden on a road, you'll realize how much debris there is closer to the edges-- pebbles and rocks, trash, nails and bolts, glass, etc.
- Many states have passed laws that require motorists to give cyclists 3 feet (or 1 meter) when passing. See article in USA Today. Of course, North Carolina is not one of those states. Though it's not a law (yet), it's still a good rule of thumb to follow.
- That being said, if you are on a four lane road and the left lane is free, why not get over when you pass? I ride Four Seasons Boulevard to work, one of the main thoroughfares in Hendersonville. Where I have to share with cars, the speed limit is only 35. If it were 55, I would not ride it. Yet in my four trips yesterday, there were at least 8 cars that, with no traffic in the left lane, either "squeezed" by me or barely moved left to pass.
- I really believe more people would commute if it were safer. Some of the ones I've talked to are just terrified to share the road with these large cars and inconsiderate drivers. And probably rightfully so. To me, it would be a good investment in future paving projects to add bike lanes. They look aesthetically nice, promote safe commuting and minimizes conflicts between cars and cyclists. I noticed that almost most of the roads in rural Colorado had paved shoulders (photo below). While not designated bike lanes, they allowed me to ride out of traffic and a safe place to pull off if you were in a broken down car.
Again, it's spring and the weather is warmer. The people on two wheels are coming out. Please be aware of them. They would really appreciate it.
Postscript:
Example of how North Carolina is behind: I took this photo last summer during my bike tour on US 64 between the NC/TN border and Murphy, NC.
I understand the need for rumble strips. They've saved lives. They've alerted me when I have driven. But why not put them on the white line? What could have been a decent place for a cyclist to ride was made useless. I had to ride in the road with traffic going 55-60 MPH. Fortunately, there was not a ton of traffic, so cars could mostly get over into the left lane. But still-- Oregon, Colorado and even Kansas would never allow this.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
By the numbers
Some numbers from the bike trip:
2 sock monkeys that finished the trip
2 Tires replaced – 1 rear tire on bike and 1 trailer tire
2 gloves lost in Vale, Oregon
4 flat tires patched
7 number of rest days
8 days over 100 miles
13 states traveled through
14 pounds lost
17 other cross country cyclists met
31.3 shortest travel day (Grand View to Mountain Home, Idaho)
54 days traveled
66.2 average daily miles (76.1 not including rest days)
100 Counties travelled through: Oregon (10), Idaho (10), Montana (1), Wyoming (6), Colorado (7), Kansas (18), Missouri (12), Illinois (5), Kentucky (4), Tennessee (12), North Carolina (1), Georgia (7), South Carolina (7)
125.3 longest travel day (Colorado Springs to Kit Carson, Colorado)
3, 578.5 miles logged
3,600 estimated average calories burned per day cycling (based on 14-16 mph for 5 hours)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Homecoming
On June 23, I left Cannon Beach, Oregon on my Surly Long Haul Trucker. 54 days and 3578 miles later, I arrived at Folly Beach, South Carolina.
It was the conclusion to an epic adventure. I was challenged in many ways, met countless terrific people, was pushed physically and recharged mentally. I got to visit old friends and made new friends. It was a lot of what I expected and then plenty of unexpected.
It took me three days to bike from Elberton, Georgia to Folly Beach. South Carolina is old plantations, Spanish Moss, dense forests, slow rivers and small communities. The heat and humidity made the ride difficult. John Williams, who assists me in wrestling, his wife Wendy and their daughter Sophia made things easier by picking up the trailer and panniers. I could ride without the burden of pulling an extra 50 or so pounds. I estimate that I was about 3-5 MPH faster without the weight; the biggest gain came in climbs. So I got to ride unencumbered and John, Wendy and Sophia hung out at the pool or beach. It worked out great and I can't thank my friends enough for coming down.
So I make it a bit over 50 miles when John and Wendy catch up with me on Thursday. They grab the trailer and feed me fresh fruit and drive on. I pedal the next 40 miles and meet them in Aiken, a great town when it's not 180 degrees outside. The next day, I am off riding early and John, Wendy took Sophia to Edisto Island for her first visit to the beach.
The final day, Saturday, was about 60 miles from Walterboro to Folly Beach. Matthew and Erica Johnson drive down with their five month old, Eliza, so that Matthew can ride the final day with me. It was nice having the company of a great friend and awesome athlete. Matthew is a friend from church, a sick Ultimate player, the lead teacher at Glen Marlow Elementary and the guy who has given me scars mountain biking. Matthew and I always ride the trails together, so riding the pavement with him was a new experience. But we took turns drafting and just tore up the first 40-45 miles until fatigue started setting in.
Funny thing is that in 54 days of riding, I've never had to ride in the rain. It has rained at night, but not when I was on the bike. I was totally prepared for the rain-- I've got Goretex gear, fenders, drybays and they weren't called on. Matthew and I are trucking down Folly Beach Rd with the end very near in sight when the skies just open up. Not a just shower; it was a deluge. I turned and asked if he was okay with this and he replied, "Yeah! We're so close." So we trudged the last mile and half in an absolute downpour. When we got to the town of Folly Beach, the streets were flooded with 4-5 inches of water. We're totally saturated... and we're loving every moment of it.
At the Holiday Inn, John is waiting along with Chris Stevens (and here), a Georgia Tech Superfan, and his buddy Victor. Congrats, high fives and hugs are given all around. When the clouds break, we head to the Atlantic, where Bella and I step into the ocean to conclude our trek. After that, champagne toast courtesy of Chris's foresight and thoughtfulness.
It was a great way to finish. Exciting ending in the rain, super friends, champagne on the beach.
And how do I know it was a great ride? I don't hate my bike. After almost 3600 miles, I'm ready to get back on a bike and ride. So call me up-- we don't have to go cross country, but I'm up for a road ride or some singletrack in Dupont or Bent Creek.
It was the conclusion to an epic adventure. I was challenged in many ways, met countless terrific people, was pushed physically and recharged mentally. I got to visit old friends and made new friends. It was a lot of what I expected and then plenty of unexpected.
It took me three days to bike from Elberton, Georgia to Folly Beach. South Carolina is old plantations, Spanish Moss, dense forests, slow rivers and small communities. The heat and humidity made the ride difficult. John Williams, who assists me in wrestling, his wife Wendy and their daughter Sophia made things easier by picking up the trailer and panniers. I could ride without the burden of pulling an extra 50 or so pounds. I estimate that I was about 3-5 MPH faster without the weight; the biggest gain came in climbs. So I got to ride unencumbered and John, Wendy and Sophia hung out at the pool or beach. It worked out great and I can't thank my friends enough for coming down.
So I make it a bit over 50 miles when John and Wendy catch up with me on Thursday. They grab the trailer and feed me fresh fruit and drive on. I pedal the next 40 miles and meet them in Aiken, a great town when it's not 180 degrees outside. The next day, I am off riding early and John, Wendy took Sophia to Edisto Island for her first visit to the beach.
The final day, Saturday, was about 60 miles from Walterboro to Folly Beach. Matthew and Erica Johnson drive down with their five month old, Eliza, so that Matthew can ride the final day with me. It was nice having the company of a great friend and awesome athlete. Matthew is a friend from church, a sick Ultimate player, the lead teacher at Glen Marlow Elementary and the guy who has given me scars mountain biking. Matthew and I always ride the trails together, so riding the pavement with him was a new experience. But we took turns drafting and just tore up the first 40-45 miles until fatigue started setting in.
Funny thing is that in 54 days of riding, I've never had to ride in the rain. It has rained at night, but not when I was on the bike. I was totally prepared for the rain-- I've got Goretex gear, fenders, drybays and they weren't called on. Matthew and I are trucking down Folly Beach Rd with the end very near in sight when the skies just open up. Not a just shower; it was a deluge. I turned and asked if he was okay with this and he replied, "Yeah! We're so close." So we trudged the last mile and half in an absolute downpour. When we got to the town of Folly Beach, the streets were flooded with 4-5 inches of water. We're totally saturated... and we're loving every moment of it.
At the Holiday Inn, John is waiting along with Chris Stevens (and here), a Georgia Tech Superfan, and his buddy Victor. Congrats, high fives and hugs are given all around. When the clouds break, we head to the Atlantic, where Bella and I step into the ocean to conclude our trek. After that, champagne toast courtesy of Chris's foresight and thoughtfulness.
It was a great way to finish. Exciting ending in the rain, super friends, champagne on the beach.
And how do I know it was a great ride? I don't hate my bike. After almost 3600 miles, I'm ready to get back on a bike and ride. So call me up-- we don't have to go cross country, but I'm up for a road ride or some singletrack in Dupont or Bent Creek.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Home Stretch
Yesterday, my brother joined me in north Georgia. We got to hang out and camp. It was nice. Today, he hauled my trailer and gear while I biked the 68 miles to Carnesville, GA. He hiked, took pictures and toured in the car and we met up for a late lunch. It was nice not having the extra gear. Especially after I crested Neel's Gap and could go down the other side like I was in the Tour de France. After lunch, I hooked up the trailer and reattached the panniers and was off for the last 30 miles to Elberton.
Tomorrow, John Williams, my assistant wrestling coach, his wife Wendy and their daughter Sophia are gonna come and join me on the trip. John is gonna take the gear and I'm gonna ride hard. Wendy might join me for a few miles also.
I've got another friend (or two) who are deciding if they can come join me for a few miles at the end. I hope they do. The plan is to arrive at Folly Beach on Saturday afternoon. I can almost taste the salt water and feel the sand; something I haven't done in over 3200 miles.
And here's Tyrone Rucker, from Elberton, GA. He loved the idea I was riding across the country. He didn't want to take a picture of me; he wanted me to take a picture of him:
Tomorrow, John Williams, my assistant wrestling coach, his wife Wendy and their daughter Sophia are gonna come and join me on the trip. John is gonna take the gear and I'm gonna ride hard. Wendy might join me for a few miles also.
I've got another friend (or two) who are deciding if they can come join me for a few miles at the end. I hope they do. The plan is to arrive at Folly Beach on Saturday afternoon. I can almost taste the salt water and feel the sand; something I haven't done in over 3200 miles.
And here's Tyrone Rucker, from Elberton, GA. He loved the idea I was riding across the country. He didn't want to take a picture of me; he wanted me to take a picture of him:
Tennessee
Middle and Eastern Tennessee wore me out. Sunday got off to a bad start because I wasn't three miles into the day and I ran over something that cut a 1 inch gash in through both the tire and tube of the trailer. Replacing the tube was easy, but the tire was an issue. I glued and taped the tire together to try to create something that would hold a shape until I could get to Cleveland.
Sunday was brutal. It was hot and there was a lot of climbing as made my way to Smithville. In Sparta, I made a decision that I would kind of regret. I decided to push to Fall Creek Falls State Park. It was another 30 miles or so and would put me closer to Cleveland in the morning. I did not realize that there was going to be a climb of over 2200 feet to slow me down. By the time I got to the turn off for the park I was toast. I stopped at an inn and had dinner with a family from Greensboro. My plan to camp across the street in the community center was spoiled by a sketchy car parked there. So I rode the 4 miles to the campground at Fall Creek Falls-- in the dark. I never like to ride after dark, even though I have lights. But I made it. The campground was nice enough and the park has lots to offer-- waterfalls, a golf course, hiking and backpacking.
Monday was more of the same. I got an awesome downhill to come out of the Cumberland Plateau and a break in Pikeville, but then it was more climbing (photo below)to get to Dayton. 6 miles, 2000 feet and lots of heat. From Dayton, it was about 30 miles to Cleveland. I had to hustle because I wanted to get there before the bike shop closed. I spent all my energy trying to make it to the shop, which I did. They were super nice at Scott's Bikes and let me hang out and cool off. And I got to replace that tire on the trailer.
Yesterday was another day that involved lots of climbing. And descending. And then more climbing. I followed the Ocoee River, which I've rafted a few times and which hosted the whitewater competition during the 1996 Olympics. Did you know it was the first Olympic competition held on a natural river? The ride was fine, it was the traffic that was bad. The trucks gave me no room, I was run off the road twice! I've gotten comfortable being passed by 18-wheelers, but these trucks far surpassed my comfort level. They literally scared me off the road.
But I did break into North Carolina. It was nice to smell my homestate. I love the Smokies. I wasn't in North Carolina for long. Dropped down US 19 towards Blairsville, GA. My third state of the day. More up and down. Luckily, my brother found me along the road. He took the trailer and panniers off me and it's amazing how much more efficient I am without the extra weight. I met him down the road at a campground where we set up for the night. Vogel State Park is an excellent park that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice outing.
Sunday was brutal. It was hot and there was a lot of climbing as made my way to Smithville. In Sparta, I made a decision that I would kind of regret. I decided to push to Fall Creek Falls State Park. It was another 30 miles or so and would put me closer to Cleveland in the morning. I did not realize that there was going to be a climb of over 2200 feet to slow me down. By the time I got to the turn off for the park I was toast. I stopped at an inn and had dinner with a family from Greensboro. My plan to camp across the street in the community center was spoiled by a sketchy car parked there. So I rode the 4 miles to the campground at Fall Creek Falls-- in the dark. I never like to ride after dark, even though I have lights. But I made it. The campground was nice enough and the park has lots to offer-- waterfalls, a golf course, hiking and backpacking.
Monday was more of the same. I got an awesome downhill to come out of the Cumberland Plateau and a break in Pikeville, but then it was more climbing (photo below)to get to Dayton. 6 miles, 2000 feet and lots of heat. From Dayton, it was about 30 miles to Cleveland. I had to hustle because I wanted to get there before the bike shop closed. I spent all my energy trying to make it to the shop, which I did. They were super nice at Scott's Bikes and let me hang out and cool off. And I got to replace that tire on the trailer.
Yesterday was another day that involved lots of climbing. And descending. And then more climbing. I followed the Ocoee River, which I've rafted a few times and which hosted the whitewater competition during the 1996 Olympics. Did you know it was the first Olympic competition held on a natural river? The ride was fine, it was the traffic that was bad. The trucks gave me no room, I was run off the road twice! I've gotten comfortable being passed by 18-wheelers, but these trucks far surpassed my comfort level. They literally scared me off the road.
But I did break into North Carolina. It was nice to smell my homestate. I love the Smokies. I wasn't in North Carolina for long. Dropped down US 19 towards Blairsville, GA. My third state of the day. More up and down. Luckily, my brother found me along the road. He took the trailer and panniers off me and it's amazing how much more efficient I am without the extra weight. I met him down the road at a campground where we set up for the night. Vogel State Park is an excellent park that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice outing.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Covering Ground
I'm in my third state in three days. I took a short route through Kentucky and I've also had consecutive days of 112 and 102 miles.
Yesterday was a very easy day. The temperatures were in the lower 90s; a huge relief compared to earlier in the week. I felt strong. The terrain was hilly, but not difficult. I got a ferry ride across the Ohio River into Kentucky. Ate really good fried fish at Dutton's in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois. Passed through some neat little towns in Kentucky and lots of corn, sorghum and tobacco fields.
Here's Matt from Lafayette, CO. That looks like Bella and Bob behind him, but it's actually his bike. Smart guy.
Today, I reached Lebanon, TN. Today was harder. I guess yesterday caught up with me. I did, however, regain my legs in the afternoon. Second wind, if you want to call it. I needed it too. Lots of up and downs, some long climbs and more traffic today. Had a great lunch at a very nifty cafe in Springfield, TN. You have to climb this massively steep hill to get to the courthouse (below) and downtown though. Stopped for Happy Hour at Sonic in White House and was a semi-celebrity. Every other person wanted to talk to me and ask about my trip.
Earlier in the day, as I was leaving the nice town of Adams, TN, a car pulls up beside me and tells me to stop at the school. I'll be honest, I was a little hesitant. But I talked myself into stopping, because what would anyone want with my stuff, right? Turns out, Allan's wife saw me riding by and Allan jumped in his car to catch me. He had a heart attack last winter and has been in recovery. Next spring, he wants to ride from his home Adams to Moline, IL, where he has family. Allan wanted to pick my brain and talk about bike touring. I think what he wants to do is awesome.
I am so close to being finished. My mindset has changed some. I've become less caught in the journey and more looking at the destination. Part is because I've been on the road for over 6 weeks. I think since I am back in the south, the novelty has worn off too. I'm familiar with where I am, it's not as new a place as Kansas or Idaho. Finally, I am sure I am ready to be done with the heat and humidity.
But I've decided I am going to push past home and go ahead and ride towards the Atlantic. There's gonna be some tough days since I have to climb into the Appalachians and the heat is gonna crank up. But if things go well, I hope to be on the coast by next weekend.
Cross your fingers and continue to keep me in your prayers.
Yesterday was a very easy day. The temperatures were in the lower 90s; a huge relief compared to earlier in the week. I felt strong. The terrain was hilly, but not difficult. I got a ferry ride across the Ohio River into Kentucky. Ate really good fried fish at Dutton's in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois. Passed through some neat little towns in Kentucky and lots of corn, sorghum and tobacco fields.
Here's Matt from Lafayette, CO. That looks like Bella and Bob behind him, but it's actually his bike. Smart guy.
Today, I reached Lebanon, TN. Today was harder. I guess yesterday caught up with me. I did, however, regain my legs in the afternoon. Second wind, if you want to call it. I needed it too. Lots of up and downs, some long climbs and more traffic today. Had a great lunch at a very nifty cafe in Springfield, TN. You have to climb this massively steep hill to get to the courthouse (below) and downtown though. Stopped for Happy Hour at Sonic in White House and was a semi-celebrity. Every other person wanted to talk to me and ask about my trip.
Earlier in the day, as I was leaving the nice town of Adams, TN, a car pulls up beside me and tells me to stop at the school. I'll be honest, I was a little hesitant. But I talked myself into stopping, because what would anyone want with my stuff, right? Turns out, Allan's wife saw me riding by and Allan jumped in his car to catch me. He had a heart attack last winter and has been in recovery. Next spring, he wants to ride from his home Adams to Moline, IL, where he has family. Allan wanted to pick my brain and talk about bike touring. I think what he wants to do is awesome.
I am so close to being finished. My mindset has changed some. I've become less caught in the journey and more looking at the destination. Part is because I've been on the road for over 6 weeks. I think since I am back in the south, the novelty has worn off too. I'm familiar with where I am, it's not as new a place as Kansas or Idaho. Finally, I am sure I am ready to be done with the heat and humidity.
But I've decided I am going to push past home and go ahead and ride towards the Atlantic. There's gonna be some tough days since I have to climb into the Appalachians and the heat is gonna crank up. But if things go well, I hope to be on the coast by next weekend.
Cross your fingers and continue to keep me in your prayers.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Friends in the land of Popeye
Chester, Illinois is where I crossed the Mississippi River. It's the home of Elzie Segar, the creator of Popeye.
After riding 57 miles in triple digit heat, I decided I was going to get a hotel instead of trying to go another 35 miles or so to Carbondale. I stopped into a McDonalds for snacks and because I can get lots of refills easily. While I was sitting there, a lady asked where I was riding to and from. After I told her, she let me know that she had an extra apartment that didn't have a tenant I could stay in that night if I wanted.
They were renovating the apartment, so there was no shower but new carpet. After consulting with her husband, she offered me to stay in a horse trailer in their barn. It was free, she seemed nice enough and she had a little girl with her (Kyleigh) so I said sure.
That was my introduction to Laurie York. After her husband, Louie, got done working, he and Kyleigh (granddaughter) came and picked me up. We loaded the bike in the truck. Louie asked me if I was an axe murderer. I asked Kyleigh if she was an axe murderer. Kyleigh proceeded to talk my ear off-- in the short ride, I learned their entire family history and then some. She's definitely not shy. Very smart beyond her 6 years.
Laurie and Louie have just moved into this small house in the country that they used to use for a vacation rental. They did not have a spare bedroom, so Louie plugged in the horse trailer and I had a nice air conditioned unit that they use when they take their horses places.
We had a lovely dinner and conversation. We stayed up too late talking. I had a great night of sleep in the trailer. In the morning, a severe storm rolled in so I did not get to leave with Louie like we had planned. Louie had work and Laurie had an appointment and they told me to just stay as long as I needed. By the time the Laurie was ready to leave, the storm had passed and the radar looked clear so I went ahead and left.
I have learned so many lessons from this trip. I have been able to see the best in America. One lesson I have taken is that we should not be too quick to give up on humanity. The Yorks prove that. Holly in Hope, Kansas; Elaine and Dan; the Dejongs; Charlie from Oregon; Justin, Heather and Violet in Idaho help remind me that strangers are sometimes just friends you haven't met yet.
After riding 57 miles in triple digit heat, I decided I was going to get a hotel instead of trying to go another 35 miles or so to Carbondale. I stopped into a McDonalds for snacks and because I can get lots of refills easily. While I was sitting there, a lady asked where I was riding to and from. After I told her, she let me know that she had an extra apartment that didn't have a tenant I could stay in that night if I wanted.
They were renovating the apartment, so there was no shower but new carpet. After consulting with her husband, she offered me to stay in a horse trailer in their barn. It was free, she seemed nice enough and she had a little girl with her (Kyleigh) so I said sure.
That was my introduction to Laurie York. After her husband, Louie, got done working, he and Kyleigh (granddaughter) came and picked me up. We loaded the bike in the truck. Louie asked me if I was an axe murderer. I asked Kyleigh if she was an axe murderer. Kyleigh proceeded to talk my ear off-- in the short ride, I learned their entire family history and then some. She's definitely not shy. Very smart beyond her 6 years.
Laurie and Louie have just moved into this small house in the country that they used to use for a vacation rental. They did not have a spare bedroom, so Louie plugged in the horse trailer and I had a nice air conditioned unit that they use when they take their horses places.
We had a lovely dinner and conversation. We stayed up too late talking. I had a great night of sleep in the trailer. In the morning, a severe storm rolled in so I did not get to leave with Louie like we had planned. Louie had work and Laurie had an appointment and they told me to just stay as long as I needed. By the time the Laurie was ready to leave, the storm had passed and the radar looked clear so I went ahead and left.
I have learned so many lessons from this trip. I have been able to see the best in America. One lesson I have taken is that we should not be too quick to give up on humanity. The Yorks prove that. Holly in Hope, Kansas; Elaine and Dan; the Dejongs; Charlie from Oregon; Justin, Heather and Violet in Idaho help remind me that strangers are sometimes just friends you haven't met yet.
Missouri
I haven't looked it up, but I think "Missouri" is French for "misery". The last few days were easily among the hardest of the trip.
First, the temperatures have been near record. Triple digits for the last three days. And I've entered humidity, so the heat index has been as high as 115. Even riding at 6:00 AM, while better, is the beginning of A LOT of fluid loss. Somehow, I put in 90 miles on a day where my on bike thermometer read 108.7.
Second, the terrain is tough! The hills are steep and abundant. I was told that Missouri was tough, but I didn't realize how hard it was. For the first time during the trip, I pushed my bike. In the Rockies, I stopped and rested, but never pushed. This grade I estimate to be 13-15 percent and I had not legs and too much weight.
Third, I haven't encountered any canines until Missouri (not including the grey wolf crossing the highway in West Yellowstone and the red fox I spotted near Tribune, KS). In one day, I was chased by four dogs. I don't think any were serious about biting, but still not fun. Two pit bulls cornered me because I happened to stop for a break across from their house.
Not to say everything about Missouri is bad:
Missouri is home to the Katy Trail, which I believe is America's longest rails to trail. It runs from over 220 miles from St. Charles (near St. Louis) to Clinton on the west side of the state. I took it from Sedalia to Boonville, about 45 miles. It's scenic, there's no traffic, relatively flat and takes you through small towns that cater to the trail. I'm still waiting for our trail to get built between Hendersonville and Brevard.
I got to visit with Laura Alexander Page, a great friend from high school. She and her husband, Tyler, work for the University of Missouri and came to Boonville and picked me up so I could spend a day with them in Columbia. We had great pizza at Shakespeare's, took naps and went to a cookout.
In Gerald, Missouri, I camped outside the fire station. They called the police chief for permission for me to camp in the city park. The chief said he would come over to talk to me and never showed. So they told me to camp outside the station (which was right next to the park). It was fine, except even with the fly doors open, I could not sleep because it was so hot and muggy.
Farmington is where I got back on the Transamerica Trail. There's a bike hostel there in their old jail. They renovated the upstairs and created one of the nicest hostels I've ever stayed in. It's dedicated to Al Dziewa, a local businessman and cycling enthusiast who lost a battle with cancer. It had clean sheets, laundry, air conditioning, internet, clean baths and secure bike storage. No attendant, you just call the police department for an access code and put a donation in the cash box upstairs. And there were other bikers to share stories and enjoy one another's company. Lots of cities could take a nice lesson from Farmington.
Here's a link to an AJC article about Al's Place.
First, the temperatures have been near record. Triple digits for the last three days. And I've entered humidity, so the heat index has been as high as 115. Even riding at 6:00 AM, while better, is the beginning of A LOT of fluid loss. Somehow, I put in 90 miles on a day where my on bike thermometer read 108.7.
Second, the terrain is tough! The hills are steep and abundant. I was told that Missouri was tough, but I didn't realize how hard it was. For the first time during the trip, I pushed my bike. In the Rockies, I stopped and rested, but never pushed. This grade I estimate to be 13-15 percent and I had not legs and too much weight.
Third, I haven't encountered any canines until Missouri (not including the grey wolf crossing the highway in West Yellowstone and the red fox I spotted near Tribune, KS). In one day, I was chased by four dogs. I don't think any were serious about biting, but still not fun. Two pit bulls cornered me because I happened to stop for a break across from their house.
Not to say everything about Missouri is bad:
Missouri is home to the Katy Trail, which I believe is America's longest rails to trail. It runs from over 220 miles from St. Charles (near St. Louis) to Clinton on the west side of the state. I took it from Sedalia to Boonville, about 45 miles. It's scenic, there's no traffic, relatively flat and takes you through small towns that cater to the trail. I'm still waiting for our trail to get built between Hendersonville and Brevard.
I got to visit with Laura Alexander Page, a great friend from high school. She and her husband, Tyler, work for the University of Missouri and came to Boonville and picked me up so I could spend a day with them in Columbia. We had great pizza at Shakespeare's, took naps and went to a cookout.
In Gerald, Missouri, I camped outside the fire station. They called the police chief for permission for me to camp in the city park. The chief said he would come over to talk to me and never showed. So they told me to camp outside the station (which was right next to the park). It was fine, except even with the fly doors open, I could not sleep because it was so hot and muggy.
Farmington is where I got back on the Transamerica Trail. There's a bike hostel there in their old jail. They renovated the upstairs and created one of the nicest hostels I've ever stayed in. It's dedicated to Al Dziewa, a local businessman and cycling enthusiast who lost a battle with cancer. It had clean sheets, laundry, air conditioning, internet, clean baths and secure bike storage. No attendant, you just call the police department for an access code and put a donation in the cash box upstairs. And there were other bikers to share stories and enjoy one another's company. Lots of cities could take a nice lesson from Farmington.
Here's a link to an AJC article about Al's Place.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Bye, Kansas
So it's been an eventful few days since my last post. I stayed in Great Bend on Monday, July 26 so I could get a new tire. When I got to the Golden Belt Bicycle Shop, he did not have any tires in my size (26x1.5). About 5 minutes behind me, another customer asked for the same tire size. The owner was a little embarrassed. He said that he sells about 4 a year and here he had two requests on the same day. He did adjust my rear derailleur that was acting a little slow on the downshifts.
Well, no biggie. I rode on because I was confident I could get two days of riding out of the tire. Off of HWY 156, I stopped by an education center for the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge and learned a lot about migrating birds. Jumped on HWY 4 and had a very nice, if not hot ride through corn and hay fields and tiny little towns. I did find two great towns on Tuesday-- Marquette (pop ~682), with it's fun downtown and home of the Kansas Motorcycle Museum and Lindsborg (pop 3,300), nicknamed little Sweden it had a brick lined streets, a definite Scandinavian flair and is home of the Bethany College Swedes. Lindsborg is where I camped for the night.
On Wednesday, I had a goal of 115 miles to Harveyville where my friend and North Henderson Art teacher Liz Runkle (and the creator of Baron and Cliff) was doing an art residency. I was riding by 6:00AM and doing great. Took a little break for breakfast in Gypsum. Made it to Hope, where a guy named Holly, feeling bad for me in the heat, bought my slushy. The day was going great-- I was making awesome time, my legs felt fresh and I got a free slushy!
From Hope, it's 8 miles to Herington. Halfway there, I heard a hiss as the air emptied out of my rear tire. In the hot sun, on the side of the road, I fixed the flat. But I was screwed. I didn't carry an extra tire, just tubes and patch kit. As I examined the tire, I saw the cause of the flat-- I had actually worn a hole through the tire. I used some duct tape to try to protect the tube and rode to Herington. Things seemed well until I heard a loud pop. The tire did not make it. No sense in trying to repair it, it would just flat again and I had over 50 miles left to go.
So I call Liz, who drives to Herington and we creatively fit Bella, BOB and everything else in the tiny Toyota Yaris. We go back to Harveyville and Liz shows me the set up. It's an old school that was converted into a sort of refuge for artists to come and work. Liz was housed in an old science room and I got sleep in a history room. Nicole cooked us dinner. It was great, just really hot and humid. We even found a room that had a scale model of Harveyville. What do you do with that? Well, have sock monkeys attack, of course!
Thursday Liz and I rode up to Topeka. We got a new tire for Heang, Liz got paper to work on her prints and we picked up weedeater string for Nicole. Being enticed by air conditioning, we made the decision to watch Inception. I thought it was a really good movie. After wasting more time in A/C in Barnes and Noble, we headed back to Harveyville for dinner.
Today was a pretty good day. I covered 111 miles. Had nice legs and no wind. Breakfast in Burlingame was nice. Baldwin City was a good break from the sun and I had a gyro. I got lots of little breaks just to cool off. Once I got into Olathe and the Kansas City suburbs, things got more difficult. I had to dodge traffic, re-route because of construction and put up with urban drivers. I can't remember anyone shouting anything at me on the entire trip. In a 15 mile span, there were about 6. All teens trying to be smart and who thought they were hilarious. I rallied my way to Lee's Summit, Missouri and found a hotel since there were no campgrounds nearby. I asked if they had a special rate for someone riding across the country and the guy says sure. I got a good deal.
Well, no biggie. I rode on because I was confident I could get two days of riding out of the tire. Off of HWY 156, I stopped by an education center for the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge and learned a lot about migrating birds. Jumped on HWY 4 and had a very nice, if not hot ride through corn and hay fields and tiny little towns. I did find two great towns on Tuesday-- Marquette (pop ~682), with it's fun downtown and home of the Kansas Motorcycle Museum and Lindsborg (pop 3,300), nicknamed little Sweden it had a brick lined streets, a definite Scandinavian flair and is home of the Bethany College Swedes. Lindsborg is where I camped for the night.
On Wednesday, I had a goal of 115 miles to Harveyville where my friend and North Henderson Art teacher Liz Runkle (and the creator of Baron and Cliff) was doing an art residency. I was riding by 6:00AM and doing great. Took a little break for breakfast in Gypsum. Made it to Hope, where a guy named Holly, feeling bad for me in the heat, bought my slushy. The day was going great-- I was making awesome time, my legs felt fresh and I got a free slushy!
From Hope, it's 8 miles to Herington. Halfway there, I heard a hiss as the air emptied out of my rear tire. In the hot sun, on the side of the road, I fixed the flat. But I was screwed. I didn't carry an extra tire, just tubes and patch kit. As I examined the tire, I saw the cause of the flat-- I had actually worn a hole through the tire. I used some duct tape to try to protect the tube and rode to Herington. Things seemed well until I heard a loud pop. The tire did not make it. No sense in trying to repair it, it would just flat again and I had over 50 miles left to go.
So I call Liz, who drives to Herington and we creatively fit Bella, BOB and everything else in the tiny Toyota Yaris. We go back to Harveyville and Liz shows me the set up. It's an old school that was converted into a sort of refuge for artists to come and work. Liz was housed in an old science room and I got sleep in a history room. Nicole cooked us dinner. It was great, just really hot and humid. We even found a room that had a scale model of Harveyville. What do you do with that? Well, have sock monkeys attack, of course!
Thursday Liz and I rode up to Topeka. We got a new tire for Heang, Liz got paper to work on her prints and we picked up weedeater string for Nicole. Being enticed by air conditioning, we made the decision to watch Inception. I thought it was a really good movie. After wasting more time in A/C in Barnes and Noble, we headed back to Harveyville for dinner.
Today was a pretty good day. I covered 111 miles. Had nice legs and no wind. Breakfast in Burlingame was nice. Baldwin City was a good break from the sun and I had a gyro. I got lots of little breaks just to cool off. Once I got into Olathe and the Kansas City suburbs, things got more difficult. I had to dodge traffic, re-route because of construction and put up with urban drivers. I can't remember anyone shouting anything at me on the entire trip. In a 15 mile span, there were about 6. All teens trying to be smart and who thought they were hilarious. I rallied my way to Lee's Summit, Missouri and found a hotel since there were no campgrounds nearby. I asked if they had a special rate for someone riding across the country and the guy says sure. I got a good deal.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Friends on the Road
My wonderful friends and co-workers, Audra and Dylan King, stopped by to see me today. They have been on the road since the second week of June touring National Parks, visiting family and attending weddings with their camper and two dogs. They just left Ft. Collins and are heading home and got off the direct route just long enough to find me on Route 96.
Audra and Dylan will be home tomorrow. I'll be home in three or four weeks. Look at the dogs in the picture, all they want to do is eat Baron and Cliff.
Audra and Dylan will be home tomorrow. I'll be home in three or four weeks. Look at the dogs in the picture, all they want to do is eat Baron and Cliff.
Elaine and Dan
I am one of those who never knew their grandparents. Every once and a while, I meet people who I think, "You'd be wonderful grandparents, will you adopt me?" Meet Elaine and Dan.
Elaine runs a little bed and breakfast on Route 96 in tiny Bazine, Kansas called the Bicycle Oasis. They set it up about 8 years ago because so many cyclist passed by on the Transamerica looking weary and tired. Neither are cyclists, they are just lovers of people. For ten bucks, you can camp in their yard, fifteen lets you sleep on the screen porch and thirty gives you a bedroom. I camped outside but still got to use the kitchen, living room and bath. And Elaine will cook you breakfast in the morning.
The greatest thing about Elaine and Dan is that you are not just a customer. From the moment you are arrive, you feel like family. They have such a tender spirit and, remember, they welcome you into their home. When I was recommended the hostel, I was told that they were taken to Elaine's brother for dinner. When we were there, Dan invited us to a potluck and pool party at the home of one of their church members. So we went and had a nice dinner and met some great Kansans. Talked a long time to Terry, a farmer and former teacher who has the distinction of being the only teacher I know who used to commute to work by airplane. Also the only teacher I know who has an airplane parked in the backyard.
Dan cuts hay for a living. And he raises some cows. He showed us how his bale lifter worked and let me turn on his tractor (brand new-- $84,000, which is cheap compared to some). Dan also took me to "walk" his four hunting dogs. It involved a command that got all the dogs in the back of the pickup. Bear, the black lab, is too old to get up by himself, so Dan has to help him. But ask Dan about Bear and he gets really soft: "Best hunting dog ever. He's made some amazing retrieves." We drove about a mile down a dirt road, turned down another road and with another command the dogs jump out and run up the road. That's their exercise and they love it! We follow, turn the truck around, stop at the end and call the dogs back. And that's how the dogs are walked.
Elaine's Bicycle Oasis was supposed to be just a place to rest and shower. It ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip thanks to Elaine and Dan and their love and generosity. I also enjoyed my traveling companions: Clyde, Joelle and Ken. We had seen each other off and on for the last two days and ended up at Elaine and Dan's together.
Elaine runs a little bed and breakfast on Route 96 in tiny Bazine, Kansas called the Bicycle Oasis. They set it up about 8 years ago because so many cyclist passed by on the Transamerica looking weary and tired. Neither are cyclists, they are just lovers of people. For ten bucks, you can camp in their yard, fifteen lets you sleep on the screen porch and thirty gives you a bedroom. I camped outside but still got to use the kitchen, living room and bath. And Elaine will cook you breakfast in the morning.
The greatest thing about Elaine and Dan is that you are not just a customer. From the moment you are arrive, you feel like family. They have such a tender spirit and, remember, they welcome you into their home. When I was recommended the hostel, I was told that they were taken to Elaine's brother for dinner. When we were there, Dan invited us to a potluck and pool party at the home of one of their church members. So we went and had a nice dinner and met some great Kansans. Talked a long time to Terry, a farmer and former teacher who has the distinction of being the only teacher I know who used to commute to work by airplane. Also the only teacher I know who has an airplane parked in the backyard.
Dan cuts hay for a living. And he raises some cows. He showed us how his bale lifter worked and let me turn on his tractor (brand new-- $84,000, which is cheap compared to some). Dan also took me to "walk" his four hunting dogs. It involved a command that got all the dogs in the back of the pickup. Bear, the black lab, is too old to get up by himself, so Dan has to help him. But ask Dan about Bear and he gets really soft: "Best hunting dog ever. He's made some amazing retrieves." We drove about a mile down a dirt road, turned down another road and with another command the dogs jump out and run up the road. That's their exercise and they love it! We follow, turn the truck around, stop at the end and call the dogs back. And that's how the dogs are walked.
Elaine's Bicycle Oasis was supposed to be just a place to rest and shower. It ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip thanks to Elaine and Dan and their love and generosity. I also enjoyed my traveling companions: Clyde, Joelle and Ken. We had seen each other off and on for the last two days and ended up at Elaine and Dan's together.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Into the Plains
At last, I've entered Kansas. It's been three days of riding since I left Colorado Springs on Thursday and I've covered a 260 miles, two states and two timezones. Here's the recap:
Thursday, July 22-
I got a late start because Carter's little bed was so comfy and I was getting spoiled. In the end, I guess it all worked out. Wendi made pancakes for breakfast and packed me muffins for the road. And I would need them as I put in what would be my longest day ever in the saddle-- 125 miles! Needless to say, it was a long day.
The first 25 miles or so were hard. I was regretting the late start as the heat was pretty intense. Also, there were several pretty big climbs out of Colorado Springs. But I stopped for lunch in little Ellicott, CO and that was a nice break.
Back on the road things were going pretty good until I saw the storm ahead. I was riding right into it. It started to drizzle slightly on me, but it was the lightning in front of me that really had me worried. Fortunately, I arrived in Rush, CO (only about 15 miles from Ellicott), where I pulled Bella under an awning and went inside a little restaurant and had pie, ice cream and read the book Mr. Drake gave me as I waited on the storm to pass.
After about 30 or 40 minutes, I decided to chance it. The storm had moved but the skies were brewing. I actually rode the next 60 miles in between storms. I could see the one in front of me getting away, but whenever I looked back I could see another following me right up the highway. I never did get rained on. Even better, the clouds kept the sun off me. I think if it were sunny, I would have never made it to Kit Carson.
I kept looking for places to pull over and camp. It was hard, because I do want to sort of conceal myself a little and in the prairie there are very few places where you can pull that off. By the time I made it to US 40, I made the decision just to push to Kit Carson. It was 21 miles, but fortunately downhill with a tailwind.
When I arrived in Kit Carson, it was dark and raining. I stopped into a roadside diner and ate a big dinner. It wasn't special, but for about $10.00, including tip, I was full. I was sitting outside waiting for the rain to die down to make my move. I didn't want to set up a tent in the rain. A gentleman starts talking to me. Nice guy, he's on the school board. They serve 93 students. I tell him there are semester that I have over 93 students. Their senior class is usually 2-3 students per year, some years they have as many as 5, a few years 1, but they've never had a class of zero.
He tells me I can camp in the city park. The bathrooms are never locked and there's a pavilion. Bingo for me. I get there and am surprised, this park cannot be more than 2 or 3 years old (or it's very well kept). Nice facilities, but most importantly, a shelter so I don't have to set up my tent in the rain.
Friday, July 23-
I was up early to beat the heat. Easy ride south to Eads and then I turned east towards home. Route 96 is back on the Transamerica and I ran into my first biker in Eads. I tried to talk a little as we rode, but he was a lot slower so I moved on. Rode past the site of the infamous Sand Creek Massacre-- one of many sad moments in our history with the Indians. Stopped for a long break from the hot sun in Sheridan Lake's gas station/sub shop.
Made it into Kansas to the town of Tribune. Tribune is a neat little community in the prairie. When you ride through Main Street, it's piping country music through the speakers. I'm no country music fan, but this was very appropriate and perfect. Tribune is in Greeley County, named after Horace Greeley, who wrote for the New York Tribune (hence the town name) and advocated, among other things, that Kansas be a free state. Greeley County only has two towns, Tribune and the nearby and smaller, Horace.
Here's the Greeley County Fairgrounds. Someday, I'm gonna visit one of these little county fairs out here in the midwest.
In the park in Tribune were several other bikers. One going to Arizona, a husband and wife doing the Tranamerica west to east and another group of three doing the same route. The city left the pool house unlocked so we could shower and use the bathrooms. We parked our bikes in the pavilion in case it stormed. In the morning, when I woke up at 6:30, all the bikers were gone. Talk about early risers!
Saturday, June 24-
I had an awesome ride from Tribune to Leoti. Then after leaving Leoti, I ran into a headwind. My pace slowed considerably. My goal was a little town called Dighton, but I fell short and stopped in Scott City. I was tired from the wind and the last two days.
Actually, I was undecided if I were to stay or move on. I was riding down the street looking for a place to get a late lunch when a guy in an SUV asks if I was going to stay in town for the night. I say maybe. He tells me there's a biker's hostel just half a block, he'll show me. His name is Bill and he runs the Athletic Club, which doubles as a hostel. Not a true hostel. There are gymnastics equipment, lockers, showers, an Olympic pool, but no beds. Bikers just roll out their sleeping bags and sleep. It's not a bad deal, I'm staying here with two guys from Jersey and another couple from New England. I got out of the sun, explored the town, took an afternoon nap, and had a nice dinner with Andrew and Brian (the Jersey boys).
And how can you not sleep well with this in your room?
Thursday, July 22-
I got a late start because Carter's little bed was so comfy and I was getting spoiled. In the end, I guess it all worked out. Wendi made pancakes for breakfast and packed me muffins for the road. And I would need them as I put in what would be my longest day ever in the saddle-- 125 miles! Needless to say, it was a long day.
The first 25 miles or so were hard. I was regretting the late start as the heat was pretty intense. Also, there were several pretty big climbs out of Colorado Springs. But I stopped for lunch in little Ellicott, CO and that was a nice break.
Back on the road things were going pretty good until I saw the storm ahead. I was riding right into it. It started to drizzle slightly on me, but it was the lightning in front of me that really had me worried. Fortunately, I arrived in Rush, CO (only about 15 miles from Ellicott), where I pulled Bella under an awning and went inside a little restaurant and had pie, ice cream and read the book Mr. Drake gave me as I waited on the storm to pass.
After about 30 or 40 minutes, I decided to chance it. The storm had moved but the skies were brewing. I actually rode the next 60 miles in between storms. I could see the one in front of me getting away, but whenever I looked back I could see another following me right up the highway. I never did get rained on. Even better, the clouds kept the sun off me. I think if it were sunny, I would have never made it to Kit Carson.
I kept looking for places to pull over and camp. It was hard, because I do want to sort of conceal myself a little and in the prairie there are very few places where you can pull that off. By the time I made it to US 40, I made the decision just to push to Kit Carson. It was 21 miles, but fortunately downhill with a tailwind.
When I arrived in Kit Carson, it was dark and raining. I stopped into a roadside diner and ate a big dinner. It wasn't special, but for about $10.00, including tip, I was full. I was sitting outside waiting for the rain to die down to make my move. I didn't want to set up a tent in the rain. A gentleman starts talking to me. Nice guy, he's on the school board. They serve 93 students. I tell him there are semester that I have over 93 students. Their senior class is usually 2-3 students per year, some years they have as many as 5, a few years 1, but they've never had a class of zero.
He tells me I can camp in the city park. The bathrooms are never locked and there's a pavilion. Bingo for me. I get there and am surprised, this park cannot be more than 2 or 3 years old (or it's very well kept). Nice facilities, but most importantly, a shelter so I don't have to set up my tent in the rain.
Friday, July 23-
I was up early to beat the heat. Easy ride south to Eads and then I turned east towards home. Route 96 is back on the Transamerica and I ran into my first biker in Eads. I tried to talk a little as we rode, but he was a lot slower so I moved on. Rode past the site of the infamous Sand Creek Massacre-- one of many sad moments in our history with the Indians. Stopped for a long break from the hot sun in Sheridan Lake's gas station/sub shop.
Made it into Kansas to the town of Tribune. Tribune is a neat little community in the prairie. When you ride through Main Street, it's piping country music through the speakers. I'm no country music fan, but this was very appropriate and perfect. Tribune is in Greeley County, named after Horace Greeley, who wrote for the New York Tribune (hence the town name) and advocated, among other things, that Kansas be a free state. Greeley County only has two towns, Tribune and the nearby and smaller, Horace.
Here's the Greeley County Fairgrounds. Someday, I'm gonna visit one of these little county fairs out here in the midwest.
In the park in Tribune were several other bikers. One going to Arizona, a husband and wife doing the Tranamerica west to east and another group of three doing the same route. The city left the pool house unlocked so we could shower and use the bathrooms. We parked our bikes in the pavilion in case it stormed. In the morning, when I woke up at 6:30, all the bikers were gone. Talk about early risers!
Saturday, June 24-
I had an awesome ride from Tribune to Leoti. Then after leaving Leoti, I ran into a headwind. My pace slowed considerably. My goal was a little town called Dighton, but I fell short and stopped in Scott City. I was tired from the wind and the last two days.
Actually, I was undecided if I were to stay or move on. I was riding down the street looking for a place to get a late lunch when a guy in an SUV asks if I was going to stay in town for the night. I say maybe. He tells me there's a biker's hostel just half a block, he'll show me. His name is Bill and he runs the Athletic Club, which doubles as a hostel. Not a true hostel. There are gymnastics equipment, lockers, showers, an Olympic pool, but no beds. Bikers just roll out their sleeping bags and sleep. It's not a bad deal, I'm staying here with two guys from Jersey and another couple from New England. I got out of the sun, explored the town, took an afternoon nap, and had a nice dinner with Andrew and Brian (the Jersey boys).
And how can you not sleep well with this in your room?
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