Camp Eagle. My home from spring 2005 to spring 2007. 1500 acres of Texas hill country beauty located at the headwaters of the Nueces River outside of Kerrville, TX.
I got up sunday morning and went to church with my family, then went out to eat at Playa Azul, the local Mexican restaurant. After that I headed to Omaha to see if Cabelas would work with me to get some problemss with my tent worked out. Ended up they wouldn't, which was quite frustrating. Turned arond and headed to York, NE and took hwy 81 south towards Texas. The driving was slow due to the recent storm. I ended up getting to Austin around 9am after driving all night and only getting about an hour sleep. Checked in my car and unloaded, packed, then took off. I got a new droid eris smart phone while at home and now have Internet and gps capabilities, so tried them to get me across Austin. Some of the roads weren't very well marked and I made a couple wrong turns, but got it straightened out. Made it across Austin and out to pedernales falls state park; roughly a 50 mile ride. After this I was quite tired and went to bed immediately after dinner.
The next day was in the low thirties and I started out with some sleet and freezing rain. An couple offered and gave me a ten mile ride into fredericksburg. It was enjoyable meeting them. I finished riding to Kerrville and called my old boss. He offered to have someone bring me out to camp, which was good, since I needed to have my bike at the shop to get worked on. The 8 mile dirt road was very poor and it was a good thing I didn't ride in.
I am planning on staying here a week or two and relaxing and also doing some volunteer work on some projects for them. Everyone have a happy new year. I will post again in a couple days.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Florida to Texas by Pics
Chateau in Texas Inks Lake SP, Texas
Hamilton Pools in Austin Dinosaur Prints in Dinosaur
Valley SP, Texas
TEXAS Mississippi reroute The sign says it all from Louisianna
Alabama
Louisianna The Dauphin Island
Ferry in Alabama.
The Florida Gulf Coast. Just outside of Seaside, FL.
The Florida Gulf Coast. Just outside of Seaside, FL.
my guide in the Gator by the boat
Everglades in the Everglades
White Christmas
I made it home for Christmas Monday night at around 11:30. I drove from Austin, TX in the morning. Up until a couple weeks ago I wasn't even sure I was going to be coming home for Christmas, but things worked out. I rented a Chevy HHR. This was able to fit my bike and gear. The rental guy helping me pick out a car was showing me the Malibu's and Impala's, then learned I was putting a bike in and said the HHR's were equivalent, though not as sporty. I went on to inform him that I wasn't trying to pick up any girls on the way home, just get my bike there.
I got home and upon arriving home learned that my little brother had gone skiing at Breckenridge and my older brother and sister-in-law were coming from Michigan, but that there was a good storm brewing across the midwest which might strand them both. Go figure I'm traveling all over the country by bicycle and was the only one not planning on being home, yet I might end up being the only one home. All worked out, however, and all of them made it home before the storm hit.
While at home I went to the bike shop I bought my bike from and had them tune it up, replace the rear cassette and chain, wash everything, and change out the handlebar grips. I also put on a new saddle (the old one had around 10,000 miles) and got a new rear light (I broke one of my old ones on the trip).
While in Lincoln during one of my two day trips there I learned from a clerk at Dillard's (shopping with my mom) that some channel on TV mentioned the coming storm in the midwest and noted that they weren't going to focus too much on it. They stated this is the least populated area of the country and will affect very few people. I tend to disagree that this affects few people since the people in the midwest are often the one's who travel the farthest and the most to get places for the holidays. I then remembered how much they cover storms off the coast that may develop into a decent storm on the coast of America that may affect some populated areas. How is it that a storm that is certain to affect a great area is not as important as a storm that may affect a small area?
While at home I went to the bike shop I bought my bike from and had them tune it up, replace the rear cassette and chain, wash everything, and change out the handlebar grips. I also put on a new saddle (the old one had around 10,000 miles) and got a new rear light (I broke one of my old ones on the trip).
While in Lincoln during one of my two day trips there I learned from a clerk at Dillard's (shopping with my mom) that some channel on TV mentioned the coming storm in the midwest and noted that they weren't going to focus too much on it. They stated this is the least populated area of the country and will affect very few people. I tend to disagree that this affects few people since the people in the midwest are often the one's who travel the farthest and the most to get places for the holidays. I then remembered how much they cover storms off the coast that may develop into a decent storm on the coast of America that may affect some populated areas. How is it that a storm that is certain to affect a great area is not as important as a storm that may affect a small area?
Anyways, the storm did end up shutting down the east and west side of the state and my little brother saw 35 cars in the ditch between Denver and home on the 22nd. All that to say, it was a white Christmas and one that kept many families in the midwest closer than other Christmases, with many sleepovers across the state that were unplanned.
While at home I was able to see my two nieces. I collected some shells in Georgia on the beach and when I got home I got a glass bottle, some sand, and a fake pearl necklace, and borrowed some craft paint from a friend. I painted one letter from their name on individual pearls and then glued those pearls into the shells. I then glued the shells into the bottle and spread sand around them, spelling their names out in the sand.
My nieces are very fun. The youngest one, Sierra, laughs on command in the funniest way: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAh, HAAAH, HAAH, HAAAH. My older niece, Jenna, wanted to have candles lit at every meal.
Being home has been very quick and not near as restful as I had hoped. I have been able to switch out some gear to make the trip better and take a break to see family. It was good, but I am anxious to get back on the road and also get to the place I used to work at in Texas, so I can take a more restful break and see some friends I haven't seen in a couple years.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Keep Austin Wierd
Austin, TX. Last night I attended a cocktail party at one of my friends places. I showed up in borrowed clothes from another friends place using a combination of his and his roommates clothes. I showed up to his place, got dressed, hung out, then we went to Trudy's for a bite to eat and a bit of the Cowboys/Saints game. After that we headed to the party. I ended up knowing about three people at the party; all from college. They gave us a piece of paper when we arrived that gave us something to do during the night that no one else knew. Mine was to keep the conversation on me as long as possible. I figured I wouldn't really do it since I knew almost nobody. It ended up just sort of happening once people started hearing what I was doing. They kept introducing me to more of their friends as they heard. I ended up meeting a lot of people and feeling a lot less awkward at these events than I normally do.
As has been happening these last few weeks, as I left fort worth, it got extremely cold the day I left after being in the 70's the last couple days. I stayed at two state parks and one roadside picnic area on my way to Austin. While I was hanging out at the picnic area a couple guys pulled up in a work truck. They found out what I was doing then offered me some bottles of water and dr pepper. That is exactly opposite of what everyone else did. Most people drove up, saw me under the shelter, then switched their car to reverse and backed up without saying a word.
Today I went to church with my brothers in-laws. The church had a living Christmas tree performance that was quite a production. After lunch we went to a couple different parks around Austin and did some hiking. One place was Hamilton Pools. It is a swimming hole with a waterfall. It was formed by a cave falling in and half the cave is gone while the other half surrounds the pool. It was a pretty cool little place.
As has been happening these last few weeks, as I left fort worth, it got extremely cold the day I left after being in the 70's the last couple days. I stayed at two state parks and one roadside picnic area on my way to Austin. While I was hanging out at the picnic area a couple guys pulled up in a work truck. They found out what I was doing then offered me some bottles of water and dr pepper. That is exactly opposite of what everyone else did. Most people drove up, saw me under the shelter, then switched their car to reverse and backed up without saying a word.
Today I went to church with my brothers in-laws. The church had a living Christmas tree performance that was quite a production. After lunch we went to a couple different parks around Austin and did some hiking. One place was Hamilton Pools. It is a swimming hole with a waterfall. It was formed by a cave falling in and half the cave is gone while the other half surrounds the pool. It was a pretty cool little place.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
ATTN: This Is The FWPD
Today I got to ride along in my friend Zack's squad car in Fort Worth. He has been on the force for around a year now. After talking with his boss and doing a background check on me, I was allowed to go. Zack works in one of the poorer and rougher neighborhoods near downtown Fort Worth. We spent a lot of time in the homeless district and government housing district. Shortly after starting the day we received a domestic disturbance call which involved some car searching and foot chasing. While I was not allowed to be directly involved with some things, I was still allowed to be around for booking and questioning and also visual aid when searching. The next bit of the day was somewhat slow with a lot of patrol and some minor complaints and traffic violations.
After dinner I was given a maglite to use, with force if necessary. We then responded to a minor accident on i35w. A car tapped a car beside it as the driver tried to merge, then swerved into the guardrail, busting about a dozen posts, knocking down a street lamp, and folding the front passenger tire under the car, then sliding for a good distance before stopping. Nothing exciting happened at the call, but it was a neat sight.
Overall it was a fairly slow day, but it was still a fun way to spend it, especially whipping through traffic on the way to answer calls. I'm still not fully interested in becoming an officer, but I have a greater appreciation as to why they respond to some violations and not others.
I will be heading towards Austin on Tuesday. The weather is predicted to be in the 50's and maybe the 60's. Hopefully that is the case. I'm anxious to keep moving, but am enjoying the breaks. Almost everyday I am more and more anxious to have a permanent place to call home, but am still enjoying and appreciating my freedom and exposure to so much.
After dinner I was given a maglite to use, with force if necessary. We then responded to a minor accident on i35w. A car tapped a car beside it as the driver tried to merge, then swerved into the guardrail, busting about a dozen posts, knocking down a street lamp, and folding the front passenger tire under the car, then sliding for a good distance before stopping. Nothing exciting happened at the call, but it was a neat sight.
Overall it was a fairly slow day, but it was still a fun way to spend it, especially whipping through traffic on the way to answer calls. I'm still not fully interested in becoming an officer, but I have a greater appreciation as to why they respond to some violations and not others.
I will be heading towards Austin on Tuesday. The weather is predicted to be in the 50's and maybe the 60's. Hopefully that is the case. I'm anxious to keep moving, but am enjoying the breaks. Almost everyday I am more and more anxious to have a permanent place to call home, but am still enjoying and appreciating my freedom and exposure to so much.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Longest State
I am now in the Dallas area. It has been sunny but very cold for the area: staying at or below freezing. Of course it isn't the 15" of snow since the weekend in Nebraska.
My route of Texas is fairly neat in that it's three days of travel, then Dallas, three days of travel, then Austin, three days of travel, then camp, three days of travel, then Midland. I will get to ring in the new year at camp eagle in the middle of nowhere Texas. I am anxious to see camp again as I have not been there in about two years. A lot has changed. I also get to see a lot of friends I haven't seen in a while all over Texas.
The next phase of my trip will slow down due to not being able to get over the mountain passes to soon. I am not fully sure of my route past Texas. I need to check out some weather info and estimate time and distances.
My route of Texas is fairly neat in that it's three days of travel, then Dallas, three days of travel, then Austin, three days of travel, then camp, three days of travel, then Midland. I will get to ring in the new year at camp eagle in the middle of nowhere Texas. I am anxious to see camp again as I have not been there in about two years. A lot has changed. I also get to see a lot of friends I haven't seen in a while all over Texas.
The next phase of my trip will slow down due to not being able to get over the mountain passes to soon. I am not fully sure of my route past Texas. I need to check out some weather info and estimate time and distances.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Hello Texas
I camped on the Sabine river last night. Well, not on but right next to it. Made it into Texas today. There was a cold rain today and last night was a cold night for camping. It also provided me with a migraine I am currently fighting.
As I pulled into Logansport, LA after dark last night I was hoping I would find a place to camp. I had trouble along the hwy finding a place. I ran across a man who directed me to a boat ramp on the Sabine. He said it was a park, but it was just a put in. I found a place to put up my tent, however. It was restful and worked fine.
This state will probably take me the longest visiting friends and family and riding across. I will probably not get out of Texas until the end of January. I will also get to take a break for a few days for Christmas and go home. For new years I will get to celebrate at where I worked at in the hill country.
As I pulled into Logansport, LA after dark last night I was hoping I would find a place to camp. I had trouble along the hwy finding a place. I ran across a man who directed me to a boat ramp on the Sabine. He said it was a park, but it was just a put in. I found a place to put up my tent, however. It was restful and worked fine.
This state will probably take me the longest visiting friends and family and riding across. I will probably not get out of Texas until the end of January. I will also get to take a break for a few days for Christmas and go home. For new years I will get to celebrate at where I worked at in the hill country.
Friday, December 4, 2009
It's Snowing
I finally have Internet again and a time to write. I am in Winnfield, LA and it is snowing outside. It didn't get above 38 degrees today. The prediction is up to 3" tonight. It has been cool and damp over the last week and I waited out a few days hanging out with my friend Mr. Gerry in Amite, LA. He fed me a lot of good Cajun food.
Last night I stayed in a trailer of some redneck who had it sitting in his yard. He was outside with another person, Angie, around a fire. I pulled up at dusk and he offered that for a place to stay. Right as I turned in he came by and said "my name's Chester, my friends call me Chester molester." I was taken aback by this but sort of laughed it off to his drunkeness to where he could barely walk. Angie was nice and not so wierd.
Chester's place was unexpected as I meant to cross the Mississippi river at St. Francisville but the ferry was closed for repairs. The only place for me to cross north of New Orleans was Natchez, MS. I had to add a half day detour for this.
The rest of my ride from Florida had nothing exciting during it.
Last night I stayed in a trailer of some redneck who had it sitting in his yard. He was outside with another person, Angie, around a fire. I pulled up at dusk and he offered that for a place to stay. Right as I turned in he came by and said "my name's Chester, my friends call me Chester molester." I was taken aback by this but sort of laughed it off to his drunkeness to where he could barely walk. Angie was nice and not so wierd.
Chester's place was unexpected as I meant to cross the Mississippi river at St. Francisville but the ferry was closed for repairs. The only place for me to cross north of New Orleans was Natchez, MS. I had to add a half day detour for this.
The rest of my ride from Florida had nothing exciting during it.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The End of Florida
I am now in Pensacola. I am taking a rest break here so that I can be around Mobile for thanksgiving. I am planning on taking the scenic route around Dauphin Island and camping just outside of Mobile for two nights. Nothing too interesting has happened lately, though I did decide to take a different route from Tallahassee. I decided to ride down to the coast and across. I stopped in Seaside, which is where they filmed the movie "The Truman Show". It is a very perfect community.
My legs are doing better and the rest of me seems to be fnctioning fairly normal, though I have been tired lately. Other than that it should be a couple weeks to Texas and probably not a lot of Internet.
My legs are doing better and the rest of me seems to be fnctioning fairly normal, though I have been tired lately. Other than that it should be a couple weeks to Texas and probably not a lot of Internet.
Friday, November 20, 2009
On The Road Again
I finally took off on Thursday. I wasn't sure how well I would do, but I needed to move and that was the day I planned on leaving Gainesville anyway. I ended up making it to Suwannee River State Park, 83 miles from Gainesville. My legs did hurt off and on, but I was able to overcome. Also, I had a pottassium pill, a one-a-day, and a pain pill, as well as some good stretches before I left. I was shocked to see as I made it to the park that the cost of camping was $25. I was here a couple years ago in February and it was less than $10. They did have a new bathhouse, though. I did some good stretching when I got in, took a short walk around the campground, then turned the shower into a sauna. At the end, my legs felt pretty good, though still sore.
Took off this morning for Tallahassee. Made it more than an hour sooner than I thought I would. My legs continued to hurt, but I did the same start up I did yesterday. All of this route from Gainesville to Louisianna is the same route I did a couple years ago, unless I decide to try a different road here or there. No major changes other than a few new houses and some road construction going on. I was nervous coming into Tallahassee because last time I was here my rear derailleur exploded, broke my chain, took some teeth out of my rear cluster, tacoed my rear tire, broke some spokes, and bent my frame; also nearly throwing me into oncoming traffic and making the traffic on my side of the road have to slow way down and work to miss me. I also had a good headwind that year. Thankfully I made it through with no major problems. I called Gene, my warm showers host, after I got into town. He said I was welcome to come over but suggested seeing the state capitol and the Florida History Museum. I did go to the capitol, though I didn't go up to the top. The new capitol looks like a sky-scraper with no major architecture other than a fountain out front. The old capitol looks more historic and dignified.
The weather continues to be great, though it was a little cool this morning in the 40's: relatively speaking, of course, for all you northerners. There is a possibility of rain tomorrow. But it should still be warm.
Took off this morning for Tallahassee. Made it more than an hour sooner than I thought I would. My legs continued to hurt, but I did the same start up I did yesterday. All of this route from Gainesville to Louisianna is the same route I did a couple years ago, unless I decide to try a different road here or there. No major changes other than a few new houses and some road construction going on. I was nervous coming into Tallahassee because last time I was here my rear derailleur exploded, broke my chain, took some teeth out of my rear cluster, tacoed my rear tire, broke some spokes, and bent my frame; also nearly throwing me into oncoming traffic and making the traffic on my side of the road have to slow way down and work to miss me. I also had a good headwind that year. Thankfully I made it through with no major problems. I called Gene, my warm showers host, after I got into town. He said I was welcome to come over but suggested seeing the state capitol and the Florida History Museum. I did go to the capitol, though I didn't go up to the top. The new capitol looks like a sky-scraper with no major architecture other than a fountain out front. The old capitol looks more historic and dignified.
The weather continues to be great, though it was a little cool this morning in the 40's: relatively speaking, of course, for all you northerners. There is a possibility of rain tomorrow. But it should still be warm.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Pain, Pain, Go Away
Still in Gainesville. I have been working on getting protein into my system, stretching, walking, and riding over the last couple of days. Sadly my legs are still cramping, though not as bad. Hopefully this goes away in the next day or two and I can continue on.
It has been fun hanging out in Gainesville, however. Jimi has given me a strong desire to start climbing again. He showed me a couple videos and has informed me of his feats and trips. I have always enjoyed climbing since I started, but it has been challenging to keep up in the places I have lived lately. Also all of my climbing buddies ended up getting married to their new climbing partners. Hopefully I will find a place to climb again soon. I will at least be able to do a bit in Texas.
I am again struggling with the desire to settle in someplace again. I realize this will pass but sometimes it makes the energy level to leave a bit low. I truly am anxious to get back on the road and see what God has in store for me. I am anxious for this whole trip but am continually looking forward to the end. Thanks to all for your support and continued encouragement and prayers.
It has been fun hanging out in Gainesville, however. Jimi has given me a strong desire to start climbing again. He showed me a couple videos and has informed me of his feats and trips. I have always enjoyed climbing since I started, but it has been challenging to keep up in the places I have lived lately. Also all of my climbing buddies ended up getting married to their new climbing partners. Hopefully I will find a place to climb again soon. I will at least be able to do a bit in Texas.
I am again struggling with the desire to settle in someplace again. I realize this will pass but sometimes it makes the energy level to leave a bit low. I truly am anxious to get back on the road and see what God has in store for me. I am anxious for this whole trip but am continually looking forward to the end. Thanks to all for your support and continued encouragement and prayers.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Knives in the Legs
Made it to Gainesville today. Ended up renting a car in Miami and driving today. Wasn't in the plan, but I was only able to ride 5 mph. Shortly after leaving the condo my legs locked up and I could barely deal with the pain. My quads felt like they had knives sticking into them. I could barely move them. I eventually made it to a car rental place and my parents got me a deal on a car. I decided it would be cheaper to rent a car than to get a motel in Miami for a couple more days. I have a friend in Gainesville I could stay with, which cut costs. Since I already rode all the roads I decided I was okay to do this. It wasn't my number one choice but it works out.
New Pictures 11/15/09
Delray Beach
Mom's visit
The route to date
Florida
The Atlantic Coast - Jekyll Island
Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island
Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island - Fishing
Georgia
First Roadside Camp
South Carolina
Fall in North Carolina
Restful Camping with Fall Foliage
North Carolina
Tennessee
View from the bike
East Tennessee Appalachians
Arkansas
Okahoma
Friday, November 13, 2009
Drivers, and Gators, and Hurricanes. OH MY!!
As I left St. Augustine, I was unsure where I was going to stay. I had found a campsite in Daytona, but I was hoping to get further. My WarmShowers host from Ft. Lauderdale had also informed me of a campground in Titusville and another host in Vero Beach. I ended up staying in Daytona and met a nice couple at the campground. Bev and Harry met me in the office and offered me free diet pepsi. I took my stuff to my site and then headed over to theirs and we talked for quite a while. I found that they had encountered tourers a number of years ago at their home in PA and I reminded them of that time. We chatted for quite a while, then I headed back to set stuff up and see what my next week's plans were going to be to get to Miami Beach in time to meet my mom.
I found a campground in Melbourne that I could not make reservations at, so I got up early and headed out. It was an enjoyable ride along the coast, except for the construction in Titusville. The rangers at the campground were very friendly and interested in what I was doing. They all had my name memorized shortly after I showed up. A couple of them were cyclists and one told me a story of some roadies who decided to block traffic when they road and ended up doing it to the wrong motorcyclists. End result: a bunch of bloodied cyclists laying on the street from four bikers. Perhaps they learned.
I couldn't find a campground around Stuart to West Palm Beach, so I booked a motel room online. It ended up being a long day at over 100 miles and winds quite strong blowing across my direction of travel. Those big flags that usually drape except in the strongest of winds were standing pretty much straight out. Made it in just before dark to Riviera Beach and checked in. I saw a suspicious car in the parking lot but since I had just arrived I decided to wait to do anything. I went and got something to eat, then came back and hung out. A little later I decided to look out the window and see if the car and riders were still there. They were...along with three police cars, one car member under arrest, and a full car and body search on all riders. Guess my gut told me right.
The following day I headed to Ft. Lauderdale to my Warmshowers host, Dennis', house. Warmshowers is a website for touring cyclists where other cyclists open up their house, yard, whatever they have, to other tourers and give them places to stay and whatever else they feel like offering. On the way there the winds were so strong I once got picked up and moved four feet to the side of where I was riding and set back down. That is quite and experience, flying on a loaded touring bike.
Dennis gave me a bed, dinner, breakfast, and some good stories from the road. It turns out his sister lives just up the road from my family in Nebraska and that he stayed with a couple in Wyoming I knew through the church I attended in Douglas. In the morning he took me to breakfast at a local restaurant and then we hung out till around noon sharing stories. I decided I should head on to Miami, even though the winds were quite strong from tropical storm Ida moving in. I ended up only having 25 miles to go to the condo, so I made it there quite rapidly, even having to dodge all the traffic and walk my bike in places due to wind.
While in Miami, tropical storm Ida became a hurricane and the winds were quite strong for the first two days my mom and her friend were here. Thankfully, the storm stayed west and we only saw 25-50 mph winds.
On monday we decided to head down to the keys and see what they were like. We drove all the way down to Duck Key and then turned around and came back. During the trip we stopped at a tshirt shop and got some good shirts. We also stopped and took some pics. It was amazing how calm it was on the keys with the storm so close, but if you didn't know from the news, you wouldn't have known a storm was in the area. It was a fairly relaxing day. The next day I took my mom up the coast on A1A to see the mansions and castles near Palm Beach. The money in the area is crazy! Tens of thousands of square foot houses for private use only. When the rich men of the 18 and 1900's became rich, they often built public museums into their houses to spread their wealth for all. The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach is one such place. Now we don't do that.
My mom and her friend left on Wednesday and I took the day to relax and work on some projects. On Thursday I took a trip to the Everglades through our condo. A bus picked me up, then took a group out to the park. We were taken on an airboat ride, then given a demonstration with gators and turtles. It was pretty good while we were out there, but the tour company was horrible. I was told I would be picked up around 9-915. They showed up at 930. We then continued to pick people up for the next hour plus. Occassionally people would be asked to get off and we wouldn't see them again. We then headed to the port and dropped some people off, then took on some more. We finally arrived at the everglades at 1140. After the show we were all ready to head back but our driver didn't arrive for another 20 min or so. We then headed back and started dropping people off at their hotels in south beach. I was a little too far north so the bus driver offered me a free city tour with boat trip. I was tempted, but I was fighting a migraine, had to go to the bathroom, and had a few other things to do, so I declined. He then had me stand on the street for 15-20 min waiting for someone to show up in their own car and take me back to my place. Overall, though, it was a good time in the glades.
I am now working on planning my ride to Dallas and tuning up my bike. I am planning on leaving Sunday. I may be having Thanksgiving in Mobile with a friend from Wyoming, so hopefully that works out.
I found a campground in Melbourne that I could not make reservations at, so I got up early and headed out. It was an enjoyable ride along the coast, except for the construction in Titusville. The rangers at the campground were very friendly and interested in what I was doing. They all had my name memorized shortly after I showed up. A couple of them were cyclists and one told me a story of some roadies who decided to block traffic when they road and ended up doing it to the wrong motorcyclists. End result: a bunch of bloodied cyclists laying on the street from four bikers. Perhaps they learned.
I couldn't find a campground around Stuart to West Palm Beach, so I booked a motel room online. It ended up being a long day at over 100 miles and winds quite strong blowing across my direction of travel. Those big flags that usually drape except in the strongest of winds were standing pretty much straight out. Made it in just before dark to Riviera Beach and checked in. I saw a suspicious car in the parking lot but since I had just arrived I decided to wait to do anything. I went and got something to eat, then came back and hung out. A little later I decided to look out the window and see if the car and riders were still there. They were...along with three police cars, one car member under arrest, and a full car and body search on all riders. Guess my gut told me right.
The following day I headed to Ft. Lauderdale to my Warmshowers host, Dennis', house. Warmshowers is a website for touring cyclists where other cyclists open up their house, yard, whatever they have, to other tourers and give them places to stay and whatever else they feel like offering. On the way there the winds were so strong I once got picked up and moved four feet to the side of where I was riding and set back down. That is quite and experience, flying on a loaded touring bike.
Dennis gave me a bed, dinner, breakfast, and some good stories from the road. It turns out his sister lives just up the road from my family in Nebraska and that he stayed with a couple in Wyoming I knew through the church I attended in Douglas. In the morning he took me to breakfast at a local restaurant and then we hung out till around noon sharing stories. I decided I should head on to Miami, even though the winds were quite strong from tropical storm Ida moving in. I ended up only having 25 miles to go to the condo, so I made it there quite rapidly, even having to dodge all the traffic and walk my bike in places due to wind.
While in Miami, tropical storm Ida became a hurricane and the winds were quite strong for the first two days my mom and her friend were here. Thankfully, the storm stayed west and we only saw 25-50 mph winds.
On monday we decided to head down to the keys and see what they were like. We drove all the way down to Duck Key and then turned around and came back. During the trip we stopped at a tshirt shop and got some good shirts. We also stopped and took some pics. It was amazing how calm it was on the keys with the storm so close, but if you didn't know from the news, you wouldn't have known a storm was in the area. It was a fairly relaxing day. The next day I took my mom up the coast on A1A to see the mansions and castles near Palm Beach. The money in the area is crazy! Tens of thousands of square foot houses for private use only. When the rich men of the 18 and 1900's became rich, they often built public museums into their houses to spread their wealth for all. The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach is one such place. Now we don't do that.
My mom and her friend left on Wednesday and I took the day to relax and work on some projects. On Thursday I took a trip to the Everglades through our condo. A bus picked me up, then took a group out to the park. We were taken on an airboat ride, then given a demonstration with gators and turtles. It was pretty good while we were out there, but the tour company was horrible. I was told I would be picked up around 9-915. They showed up at 930. We then continued to pick people up for the next hour plus. Occassionally people would be asked to get off and we wouldn't see them again. We then headed to the port and dropped some people off, then took on some more. We finally arrived at the everglades at 1140. After the show we were all ready to head back but our driver didn't arrive for another 20 min or so. We then headed back and started dropping people off at their hotels in south beach. I was a little too far north so the bus driver offered me a free city tour with boat trip. I was tempted, but I was fighting a migraine, had to go to the bathroom, and had a few other things to do, so I declined. He then had me stand on the street for 15-20 min waiting for someone to show up in their own car and take me back to my place. Overall, though, it was a good time in the glades.
I am now working on planning my ride to Dallas and tuning up my bike. I am planning on leaving Sunday. I may be having Thanksgiving in Mobile with a friend from Wyoming, so hopefully that works out.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Welcome to Miami!
So I made it to Miami Beach on Sunday. The winds were flying over the last couple days due to tropical storm/hurricane Ida moving through the area (25-40+ mph). I once actually got picked up off the ground and placed 4 ft from where I was, landed in the sandy shoulder and nearly took a spill due to the lack of control, but just pulled it off to send me back to the road. That was quite an experience. I made it to the condo before my mom and her friend Sandy arrived, so I waited outside for them. They showed up a few minutes later and we checked in. The winds continued to blow for the next few days, but today was pretty mild. I will go into details on all this later, but I am going to be losing internet connection in a few minutes.
I was unable to have time to upload pictures before my mom leaves with my computer, so my brother will do this as soon as she gets home and they should be up by the end of the week. These will go from Oklahoma to Florida. I have kept very busy since arriving here - a trip to the keys, a trip to Palm Beach, getting to a bike shop, touring the city, etc. Hopefully I will have some rest over the next couple of days. On thursday, however, I will be doing an Everglades tour.
Just thought I should let everyone know I was alive and survived the trip to southern Florida, even with all the crazy and dangerous drivers around here who look straight at me and then nearly run into me. It can be quite nerve-racking at times - trying to stay alive.
I was unable to have time to upload pictures before my mom leaves with my computer, so my brother will do this as soon as she gets home and they should be up by the end of the week. These will go from Oklahoma to Florida. I have kept very busy since arriving here - a trip to the keys, a trip to Palm Beach, getting to a bike shop, touring the city, etc. Hopefully I will have some rest over the next couple of days. On thursday, however, I will be doing an Everglades tour.
Just thought I should let everyone know I was alive and survived the trip to southern Florida, even with all the crazy and dangerous drivers around here who look straight at me and then nearly run into me. It can be quite nerve-racking at times - trying to stay alive.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
More Fun on the Water
Today, Dennis, one of the other guests at the Pirate Haus, asked me to go kayaking with him. I thought this sounded fun and he had two kayaks with him, so I decided to go. We headed to the put it and took off. It was a bit windy but the sun was shining and we figured it would warm up as we went. We decided to take off across Matanzas Bay and head to the inlet across the way. We kayaked over and then spent some time just watching the waves break into the bay. I then decided it would be neat to see a water view of the city and Castillo de San Marcos, so we headed that way. It was much easier paddling that way with the wind to our backs. We went over and had birds flying all around us. We sat and watched the city and talked a bit, then I decided I should call it a day, so we headed back to the put in. As we neared the cove we started to see dolphins. There were two groups of them and we paddled around and they would go by or come up to us as they willed. There was one time I was just sitting in my boat and Dennis was paddling around to get better views and a dolphin surfaced right next to my boat and actually tapped it just inches in front of the cockpit. It was amazing. Then we continued to watch them feed and surface all around us. After some time doing that we headed back to the Haus.
Upon coming back I took care of some last minute preparations for my departure tomorrow and started to pack up. I took it pretty easy this afternoon. I have been trying to find a route down to Miami without having to pay $15 for a map, but haven't had much luck. A few locals told me some of the basics on the A1A and a few blogs I have read have told me a bit, but for the most part I'm just going to wing it. I have a place to stay in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday night, but don't know about the rest of the way down the coast. Hopefully I can find some things as I go. I also hope to see a few cyclists who can potentially let me know about local bike trails and/or the safest ways to head down the coast. I am planning on going mostly A1A and Hwy 1. Hopefully I arrive alive.
Upon coming back I took care of some last minute preparations for my departure tomorrow and started to pack up. I took it pretty easy this afternoon. I have been trying to find a route down to Miami without having to pay $15 for a map, but haven't had much luck. A few locals told me some of the basics on the A1A and a few blogs I have read have told me a bit, but for the most part I'm just going to wing it. I have a place to stay in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday night, but don't know about the rest of the way down the coast. Hopefully I can find some things as I go. I also hope to see a few cyclists who can potentially let me know about local bike trails and/or the safest ways to head down the coast. I am planning on going mostly A1A and Hwy 1. Hopefully I arrive alive.
Monday, November 2, 2009
A step back in time
Yesterday I regretfully took off from my island oasis of Jekyll Island. It was a very peaceful place and restful even with the kayaking and riding my bike and walking everywhere. I ate a box of donut holes for breaskfast and took off into a headwind. It took a bit to get used to the load and riding and climbing with it, but I was soon back into the groove. I headed south on 17 and wasn't sure where I was going to spend the night, but I knew I could get into the hostel at St. Augustine if nowhere else appeared. Tent sites at all the places in Florida I checked were $30 a night for a tent! I found that once you hit northern Florida you hit Jacksonville and stay in it most of the way to St. Augustine. I ended up getting a flat in Jacksonville due to a two inch nail going through my tire, hitting the rim, then bending and proceeding all the way into the tire. I rode for another mile before it went flat and I had to change it. The tire I put on in Nashville proved to be so rigid that even with the air out of the tube it didn't collapse for the rim to touch the ground.
This ended up being my longest ride so far as I went all the way to St. Augustine. 121 miles. My body felt fine doing it but I didn't leave Jekyll till almost nine and didn't try and push until Jacksonville. I arrived as the sun went down, checked in, unpacked, showered, then went and ate. Conrad, the hostel owner, remembered me from two years ago when I came through on my first tour.
I am planning on spending a couple more days here before I head down the coast to Miami. I will leave here Wednesday and arrive there on Sunday.
This ended up being my longest ride so far as I went all the way to St. Augustine. 121 miles. My body felt fine doing it but I didn't leave Jekyll till almost nine and didn't try and push until Jacksonville. I arrived as the sun went down, checked in, unpacked, showered, then went and ate. Conrad, the hostel owner, remembered me from two years ago when I came through on my first tour.
I am planning on spending a couple more days here before I head down the coast to Miami. I will leave here Wednesday and arrive there on Sunday.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Jekyll and Hyde
I cycled from Savannah to Brunswick yesterday. A mile shy of yet another century ride. The weather was great if not a little too hot. It has been a long time since my water has heated up during a ride. I cycled through town to Jekyll island. On the north side of the island is a campground, so I headed there. I decided to check in for three nights and tour the island and rest. This used to be a private club for the rich people of the past, like the Rockefeller's.
Today I decided to tour the historic district and the " cottages" of the club era. I also decided to take a three hour guided kayak tour along Jekyll river. It was quite fun and we saw sharks, dolphins, and all kinds of birds. The tide changes six vertical feet from low to high. It was low when we left and rose about four feet during our tour. The tide was not right for a sunset horseback ride, so I skipped that. Instead I had a seafood buffet and then relaxed at the campsite, which is about five or six miles from the island entrance.
This island is a very peaceful place and last night was wonderful with the cover off my tent. I also slept on top of my bag it was so warm. It was great restful looking up and seeing clear sky and the tops of trees swaying in the slight breeze.
I am meeting my mom in Miami next Sunday, so I have some time to kill over the next week. This was one place and now I have to figure out at least one other. Hopefully I can find a not too expensive place to do it in.
Today I decided to tour the historic district and the " cottages" of the club era. I also decided to take a three hour guided kayak tour along Jekyll river. It was quite fun and we saw sharks, dolphins, and all kinds of birds. The tide changes six vertical feet from low to high. It was low when we left and rose about four feet during our tour. The tide was not right for a sunset horseback ride, so I skipped that. Instead I had a seafood buffet and then relaxed at the campsite, which is about five or six miles from the island entrance.
This island is a very peaceful place and last night was wonderful with the cover off my tent. I also slept on top of my bag it was so warm. It was great restful looking up and seeing clear sky and the tops of trees swaying in the slight breeze.
I am meeting my mom in Miami next Sunday, so I have some time to kill over the next week. This was one place and now I have to figure out at least one other. Hopefully I can find a not too expensive place to do it in.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Georgia on my mind
I made it to just outside Savannah today. Last night I did my first hidden camp. It rained most of the day and there were no campgrounds, motels, or churches with people around so I went a couple miles south of town and found a grove of trees between the road and train track and found a location hidden from view then set up. I made sure the majority of reflective materials were hidden then turned in for the night. It was very restful sleeping on unspoiled ground.
Something happenned in the weather and it didn't drop below 60 overnight. I was in a sauna and today it nearly reached 90. That is a 20 degree difference overnight.
Today was a very relaxing ride except for all the trucks on a shoulderless highway. Most of the traffic was good but a few had some close calls. I rode through the town of Rincon, GA on my way to Savannah. This is the home town of country musician Billy Currington. Georgia so far is a fairly bike friendly state, though it's had its problems.
Today I saw a sign that read, "proffessional auto detial. Yes we open six day week." That's word for word with the misspelling. I also think south Carolina is the trailer home capital. I would say 9/10 to 19/20 houses are single wide and a few double wide.
The other big thing is today is 1/6 my journey down. I just passed through state 8 and passed 2,500 miles! YAY!
Something happenned in the weather and it didn't drop below 60 overnight. I was in a sauna and today it nearly reached 90. That is a 20 degree difference overnight.
Today was a very relaxing ride except for all the trucks on a shoulderless highway. Most of the traffic was good but a few had some close calls. I rode through the town of Rincon, GA on my way to Savannah. This is the home town of country musician Billy Currington. Georgia so far is a fairly bike friendly state, though it's had its problems.
Today I saw a sign that read, "proffessional auto detial. Yes we open six day week." That's word for word with the misspelling. I also think south Carolina is the trailer home capital. I would say 9/10 to 19/20 houses are single wide and a few double wide.
The other big thing is today is 1/6 my journey down. I just passed through state 8 and passed 2,500 miles! YAY!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Good old rocky top
I made it out of Nashville. I camped a couple more nights in church yards. At Sparta I had a couple trucks pass me and swing into me and one of those succeeded in pushing me off the road. I was able to stay upright and get back on. I then had three cars try and push me off. One pickup followed me for a couple miles on my tail until he got bored and then drove off. I was ready to talk with the police and find a safe place but saw a church across the road and they let me camp.
The next day I came to a town and asked an officer if there was a place to camp and he told me how to get to a place illegally and camp illegally and then I asked about a church and he told me of a way to get to one. The pastor was a little hesitant on me camping being in a small town, but he offered me his home and then decided a motel was closer so the church paid for that and also had a Wednesday night dinner they invited me to. I then learned my uncle stopped right across the road from me on a truck ride he was on.
I made it to north Carolina the next day and decided to stay two nights because the next day was 90% chance of rain. That day ended up being beautiful and I did some hiking and relaxing. Burt and judy also pulled in next to me and we met each other and then burt and I stayed up till about 11 talking about trips we'd taken, cars, music, and other things. It was a very enjoyable time.
I plan on uploading pictures in a couple weeks in Florida when my mom is planning on visiting.
The next day I came to a town and asked an officer if there was a place to camp and he told me how to get to a place illegally and camp illegally and then I asked about a church and he told me of a way to get to one. The pastor was a little hesitant on me camping being in a small town, but he offered me his home and then decided a motel was closer so the church paid for that and also had a Wednesday night dinner they invited me to. I then learned my uncle stopped right across the road from me on a truck ride he was on.
I made it to north Carolina the next day and decided to stay two nights because the next day was 90% chance of rain. That day ended up being beautiful and I did some hiking and relaxing. Burt and judy also pulled in next to me and we met each other and then burt and I stayed up till about 11 talking about trips we'd taken, cars, music, and other things. It was a very enjoyable time.
I plan on uploading pictures in a couple weeks in Florida when my mom is planning on visiting.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Nashville and tennesseek shelter
I made it to Nashville on Friday and got a new rear tire since my new one was already shredded through in three spots. When I made it to town I called on hotel rooms and one place said they had some available so I rode over there and they told me they were full. They weren't very helpful so I went to one nearby and they were full but more helpful. I was directed a little further out of downtown to a strip of hotels and found one. It turns out Vanderbilts homecoming is this weekend.
As I pedalled through town a few people rolled down their windows at lights and talked to me and welcomed me to Nashville. It was very encouraging. I decided to stay by my motel for the night and then went to town today. I picked up a new raincoat for my bike that is designed in the pacific northwest, so it should be good.
The day I left Memphis it was raining and slowly began to pour. I found out my rain jacket is now more water resistant than proof. It turned out to be a cold and wet day, but I stayed in a state park and had the tent site all to myself. I warmed up in the shower and hung my clothes up all over the room to dry.
The next day I was hoping to get just under halfway to Nashville and did a little better. I was trying withot luck to find a place to camp along the road and then in the next town I came to I stopped by a church and ended up talking to the pastor. He said I could camp in the yard, but then he asked if I would rather have a room. I said either way thinking he was talking a Sunday school room or spare bedroom. Instead he took me inside the church, called a motel, and had it charged to the church. Then he opened up the pantry and tried to give me a bunch of canned goods. I took two and he tried to get me to take more but I had no room.
So it was a rough start in Tennessee, but much better as I go through.
As I pedalled through town a few people rolled down their windows at lights and talked to me and welcomed me to Nashville. It was very encouraging. I decided to stay by my motel for the night and then went to town today. I picked up a new raincoat for my bike that is designed in the pacific northwest, so it should be good.
The day I left Memphis it was raining and slowly began to pour. I found out my rain jacket is now more water resistant than proof. It turned out to be a cold and wet day, but I stayed in a state park and had the tent site all to myself. I warmed up in the shower and hung my clothes up all over the room to dry.
The next day I was hoping to get just under halfway to Nashville and did a little better. I was trying withot luck to find a place to camp along the road and then in the next town I came to I stopped by a church and ended up talking to the pastor. He said I could camp in the yard, but then he asked if I would rather have a room. I said either way thinking he was talking a Sunday school room or spare bedroom. Instead he took me inside the church, called a motel, and had it charged to the church. Then he opened up the pantry and tried to give me a bunch of canned goods. I took two and he tried to get me to take more but I had no room.
So it was a rough start in Tennessee, but much better as I go through.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Memphis
I am now in Memphis and headed to Nashville for the weekend. I made it through most of Arkansas in two days with no problems other than the cold that was in the forty's. I stopped for hot chocolate on the second day and stayed for a half hour until I stopped shaking. I was then hoping to find a camping spot but everything was farmland and flooded. The one place I was hoping for turned out to be a state park without camping. A family reunion was going on and they were very welcoming to me. They informed me of a campground down the road about 15 miles away, so I took off to get there before dark.
Getting into Tennessee was horrible. No one really knew how to get to the walking bridge, so I ended up heading out on the interstate and then found the bridge and walked it. On the other side there was no way to go across town except by a jaunt on the interstate, which was illegal. I went that way for a bit and came to some backroads and headed to the visitors center. From there I headed to a bike shop and hotel. On my very welcoming memphis ride I picked up two tire shredding flats and had to tape my tire. My rear rack also sheared off a set screw sometime and I needed it drilled out and replaced. The bike store I found was very helpful and got my bike done by staying a little late. I now don't have to stay a second night in Memphis. I only dislike this town for cycling. I have visited here before and enjoyed it, but it is not biker friendly.
It looks like I will finally have to ride in the rain on my way to Nashville. I should've today but it cleared right as I left and the sun was out most of the time. I just hope the flooding in Georgia goes down before I get there.
Getting into Tennessee was horrible. No one really knew how to get to the walking bridge, so I ended up heading out on the interstate and then found the bridge and walked it. On the other side there was no way to go across town except by a jaunt on the interstate, which was illegal. I went that way for a bit and came to some backroads and headed to the visitors center. From there I headed to a bike shop and hotel. On my very welcoming memphis ride I picked up two tire shredding flats and had to tape my tire. My rear rack also sheared off a set screw sometime and I needed it drilled out and replaced. The bike store I found was very helpful and got my bike done by staying a little late. I now don't have to stay a second night in Memphis. I only dislike this town for cycling. I have visited here before and enjoyed it, but it is not biker friendly.
It looks like I will finally have to ride in the rain on my way to Nashville. I should've today but it cleared right as I left and the sun was out most of the time. I just hope the flooding in Georgia goes down before I get there.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Back to Life on the Road
I am currently packing up all my gear and getting ready to set back out on my trip. I am leaving Nebraska this afternoon to head back down to Arkansas and pick up where I left off. The doctor said I have a mild hernia, but doesn't think that is my main problem and says it's not big enough to operate on. He believes I hurt a muscle in my stomach that sometimes happens to extreme athletes. He says if I can grin and bear it to keep going, otherwise my next step is to see a sports specialist. I tried riding some yesterday and it hurt, but not unbearably.
I would like to make Florida in early November and that should still be feasible. I am still debating on how far to ride in Florida, but I have a few weeks yet to decide.
I had my bike worked on while I was home and had my rim strips switched out to try and stop the flats. I put less than 30 miles on it and got another flat, but it was the shops fault so they put in a new tube and fixed the problem. I then talked with them a bit about what was happening and one of their guys was a tourer who has done some long tours. He said he averaged a flat about every 200 miles once the tires were worn in. That is still less than half the flats I have been having, but it let me know I can expect a flat every three days on average. But I have been having 1-2 per day. I am looking forward to getting started, but a little anxious as this next stretch I know very few people. I may look into warmshowers.com and see if there are any on my route that will be available. Warmshowers is a website for cyclists much like couchsurfing.com.
Well...time to continue packing.
I would like to make Florida in early November and that should still be feasible. I am still debating on how far to ride in Florida, but I have a few weeks yet to decide.
I had my bike worked on while I was home and had my rim strips switched out to try and stop the flats. I put less than 30 miles on it and got another flat, but it was the shops fault so they put in a new tube and fixed the problem. I then talked with them a bit about what was happening and one of their guys was a tourer who has done some long tours. He said he averaged a flat about every 200 miles once the tires were worn in. That is still less than half the flats I have been having, but it let me know I can expect a flat every three days on average. But I have been having 1-2 per day. I am looking forward to getting started, but a little anxious as this next stretch I know very few people. I may look into warmshowers.com and see if there are any on my route that will be available. Warmshowers is a website for cyclists much like couchsurfing.com.
Well...time to continue packing.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Home
So...I left Harrison, Ar Saturday morning and rode towards Branson, Mo. I made it to Hollister and waited there for my parents so I wouldn't have to ride into Branson. They came and picked me up and we headed to Joplin for a friend's, Mike Higgins', UNO football game. They beat MSSU at MSSU's homecoming. We came back home on Sunday and now I am working to get into the doctor and hope to get an all clear and maybe a prescription for some rest, and then be back on the road in a week or two. In the meantime I will send out some job apps and get some things done around here and to my gear.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Decision Time
I left JBU yesterday morning and headed in the direction of Harrison, Ar. I rode to Springdale and took a break and then headed on. I got a flat as I left town. I fixed it and headed on and then a few miles later I got another flat. I found out my rim tape is starting to move so I taped it back in place. As I was trying to pump, my pump broke and I reverted to the hand pump. As I pumped with that I broke the tube at the valve stem. Things were not going my way. While all this was happening, my side pain had also been strong. My parents are coming to visit and they gave me the option of taking a two week break to rest my side and see what's up with it back home. I have to decide this and today made me think stronger about taking it. Also as I was fixing my bike a guy pulled up in his truck to see if I needed help. He offered me a ride and said I looked like I was having a rough time. He also said I looked harmless enough and took me all the way to Harrison. That gave me a chance to rest more and spend more time seeing what I should do.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Medical Findings
So...last week sometime I started having a pain in my lower right abdomen. I didn't think much of it but over the last week it has been getting worse. I went to the doctor today and he said it is most likely a mild hernia. He gave me an anti-inflammatory to help with the pain, but if it gets much worse I will have to visit a general surgeon and verify that it is a hernia and see where to go from there. He said the best thing for it is rest, but realizing I am on my ride he gave me the prescription and then said that for the most part it will just cause discomfort but I shouldn't make it any worse by what I am doing. We'll see what happens.
1/10 down
I am now in Siloam Springs, Ar, home of John Brown University where I went to college. I am going to be here a couple days visiting and taking a break. I am now between 1400 and 1500 miles and on state number 5. I have a new pair of tires coming here in the next day or two to hopefully fix whatever is wrong with the current ones. I rode 250 miles without a flat after Wichita and was very excited, only to get another one, but only one. I beat a major storm into town last night and pulled in right as the lightning started. Then I went and ate and while I was eating it started to dump and when I was ready to leave, the streets were flooded. My friends, the Carrolls, who owned the restaraunt gave me a ride to my friend Jon Lintz's place and stored my bike at the dairyette. The rain continued to at least after midnight.
My ride from Wichita was very quick. I was planning on meeting a friend from Norman, Ok in Tulsa on Saturday. Brian Fischer gave me a ride to the southwest portion of town to make it easier for me to catch 81 south, which probably saved at least a couple hrs of riding. I then headed to Ponca City, Ok, 95 miles away. The ride was fairly normal except when I got the the junction of I35 and hwy 177, where I found 177 was closed a couple miles ahead. I called the DOT and found I could navigate around the construction and avoid the interstate. This detour added about 6 miles of gravel to ride and push through, but ended up giving me a tailwind into ponca instead of a crosswind. My mom had found the only campground in ponca and I had to try finding it on poor directions and poorer signs, but eventually made it. I then called Nathan Cozart in Tulsa and double checked my stay there and found out where they lived.
I got up early the next day because the ride would be at least 100 miles if I went to Tulsa. I wasn't sure if I could make it after the previous days ride. In Pawhuska there was a biker gathering and when I went through a few people gave me a look like: "Are you lost? That's the wrong kind of bike." It was rather funny, but most of the bikers waved and admired my rig. I was going to stop and chat a bit, but I was wanting to still hit Tulsa if I could and I had a ways to go, so I pressed on. The map said the next road would be nice and wide. It was not super nice and there was no shoulder. It was a very scenic ride, but I had to pay careful attention to what I was doing with traffic, so I couldn't fully enjoy it. I eventually made it to Tulsa at rush hour and drove down a main street, but the traffic was respectful and made the ride fairly peaceful. I pulled into Nathan and Valerie's drive at 5:30, showered, and then we went downtown with another friend. We ate at Joe Mama's and the waiter was great, which made the experience enjoyable and had us taking one of every course.
Saturday I hung out with my friend John Stewart in the morning and then took it easy in the afternoon. Nathan and Valerie had some friends over later and we ended up playing Monopoly. The next day I went to church with them and then we worked on their flowerbed in front of their house. Then we went and ran for an hour with another one of their friends cuz they were training for a run. After that we took the day easy.
Every time I stop and visit friends I get the urge to stop and settle down for awhile. Sometimes it takes some good effort to leave. I enjoy the road, but after so much time alone on the road and in Wyoming the last year, I feel like stopping. I'm sure as the trip goes on this urge will not be as strong, but right now it's fairly apparent.
My ride from Wichita was very quick. I was planning on meeting a friend from Norman, Ok in Tulsa on Saturday. Brian Fischer gave me a ride to the southwest portion of town to make it easier for me to catch 81 south, which probably saved at least a couple hrs of riding. I then headed to Ponca City, Ok, 95 miles away. The ride was fairly normal except when I got the the junction of I35 and hwy 177, where I found 177 was closed a couple miles ahead. I called the DOT and found I could navigate around the construction and avoid the interstate. This detour added about 6 miles of gravel to ride and push through, but ended up giving me a tailwind into ponca instead of a crosswind. My mom had found the only campground in ponca and I had to try finding it on poor directions and poorer signs, but eventually made it. I then called Nathan Cozart in Tulsa and double checked my stay there and found out where they lived.
I got up early the next day because the ride would be at least 100 miles if I went to Tulsa. I wasn't sure if I could make it after the previous days ride. In Pawhuska there was a biker gathering and when I went through a few people gave me a look like: "Are you lost? That's the wrong kind of bike." It was rather funny, but most of the bikers waved and admired my rig. I was going to stop and chat a bit, but I was wanting to still hit Tulsa if I could and I had a ways to go, so I pressed on. The map said the next road would be nice and wide. It was not super nice and there was no shoulder. It was a very scenic ride, but I had to pay careful attention to what I was doing with traffic, so I couldn't fully enjoy it. I eventually made it to Tulsa at rush hour and drove down a main street, but the traffic was respectful and made the ride fairly peaceful. I pulled into Nathan and Valerie's drive at 5:30, showered, and then we went downtown with another friend. We ate at Joe Mama's and the waiter was great, which made the experience enjoyable and had us taking one of every course.
Saturday I hung out with my friend John Stewart in the morning and then took it easy in the afternoon. Nathan and Valerie had some friends over later and we ended up playing Monopoly. The next day I went to church with them and then we worked on their flowerbed in front of their house. Then we went and ran for an hour with another one of their friends cuz they were training for a run. After that we took the day easy.
Every time I stop and visit friends I get the urge to stop and settle down for awhile. Sometimes it takes some good effort to leave. I enjoy the road, but after so much time alone on the road and in Wyoming the last year, I feel like stopping. I'm sure as the trip goes on this urge will not be as strong, but right now it's fairly apparent.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
some pics finally
cunningham, ks
Dodge City, Ks
Sweet chair in Dodge City, Ks
Front Street at Boot Hill Dodge City, Ks
Boot Hill, Dodge City, Ks
So how do you have fun?
Where's the wind?
View as I left Colorado Springs, Co
Roadside Scenery
World's Largest Swing, Ne
Boot Hill, Dodge City, Ks
So how do you have fun?
Where's the wind?
View as I left Colorado Springs, Co
Roadside Scenery
World's Largest Swing, Ne
Why Wichita?
I am now in Wichita, Kansas, a place I was trying to avoid. I started getting flats again and was running on all patches. I was hoping to find a new set of tires to fit my bike, but they would have to have them ordered, so I got some tubes and will call specialized and have them send some new tires to Arkansas. The bike shop said sometimes things get imbedded that you can't see and you just have to replace the tires. I have run these tires on three other bikes and have never had problems, so something is up.
Anyway, I decided to stay in Dodge City again on Sunday and just relaxed all day and let my body recuperate from the long rides out of Colorado. Also, this would place me in Tulsa over the weekend, allowing me to see some friends. I was hoping to leave early on Monday, but when I went to leave I had a flat on the front tire. I replaced it and then went to Wal-mart and bought a pump that would be easier to use, then I bought a souvenir and headed out. 20 miles out I got a flat on the rear and replaced it. I then rode to Greensburg and ended up getting another flat. This was very frustrating but specialized is going to help me out and hopefully fix this pesky problem that is making me learn patience in ever greater quantities. Greensburg was pretty much wiped out a couple of years ago by a tornado and most of the city is still being rebuilt. I talked to a leathertramp who has been through here a couple of times and he said the politics are making the rebuild process fall apart. He had some good stories and has been all over, working here and there.
At Greensburg I decided I would have to head to Wichita so I planned out my route and decided to stop just west of Kingman at a state fishing lake with free camping. It was beautiful and peaceful with huge old oak trees and sunflowers on the bank and a decent sized lake with cranes, turtles, and fish. I passed through the small town of Cunningham, Kansas today and of course took some pics.
I then came into Wichita and struggled to find a way past the interstate when I finally found I had to do some backtracking and get to Central, as it was the only road that crosses and then found West street and the bike shop. They were very helpful. Then I had some lunch, called my friend Brian Fischer and found out where he lived and then headed that way. Riding through downtown I found another cyclist and she told me I was on the one halfway bike friendly street in Wichita and then invited me to a couple of rides this weekend, which I have to miss in order to make Tulsa. She confirmed how poor cycling in Wichita is and then gave me some decent directions to where I needed to go. I got a flat after I was almost to Brian's, but he was on his way home from work and I was nearby, so he came and picked me up and then we headed back to his place. He offered to drop me off on the south side of Wichita tomorrow so I wouldn't have to deal with traffic, so I may take him up on that. We'll see. So far...always an adventure.
Oh yeah, and the wind was blowing from the perfect direction today...for tomorrow's ride.
Anyway, I decided to stay in Dodge City again on Sunday and just relaxed all day and let my body recuperate from the long rides out of Colorado. Also, this would place me in Tulsa over the weekend, allowing me to see some friends. I was hoping to leave early on Monday, but when I went to leave I had a flat on the front tire. I replaced it and then went to Wal-mart and bought a pump that would be easier to use, then I bought a souvenir and headed out. 20 miles out I got a flat on the rear and replaced it. I then rode to Greensburg and ended up getting another flat. This was very frustrating but specialized is going to help me out and hopefully fix this pesky problem that is making me learn patience in ever greater quantities. Greensburg was pretty much wiped out a couple of years ago by a tornado and most of the city is still being rebuilt. I talked to a leathertramp who has been through here a couple of times and he said the politics are making the rebuild process fall apart. He had some good stories and has been all over, working here and there.
At Greensburg I decided I would have to head to Wichita so I planned out my route and decided to stop just west of Kingman at a state fishing lake with free camping. It was beautiful and peaceful with huge old oak trees and sunflowers on the bank and a decent sized lake with cranes, turtles, and fish. I passed through the small town of Cunningham, Kansas today and of course took some pics.
I then came into Wichita and struggled to find a way past the interstate when I finally found I had to do some backtracking and get to Central, as it was the only road that crosses and then found West street and the bike shop. They were very helpful. Then I had some lunch, called my friend Brian Fischer and found out where he lived and then headed that way. Riding through downtown I found another cyclist and she told me I was on the one halfway bike friendly street in Wichita and then invited me to a couple of rides this weekend, which I have to miss in order to make Tulsa. She confirmed how poor cycling in Wichita is and then gave me some decent directions to where I needed to go. I got a flat after I was almost to Brian's, but he was on his way home from work and I was nearby, so he came and picked me up and then we headed back to his place. He offered to drop me off on the south side of Wichita tomorrow so I wouldn't have to deal with traffic, so I may take him up on that. We'll see. So far...always an adventure.
Oh yeah, and the wind was blowing from the perfect direction today...for tomorrow's ride.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Back in Kansas
I am now in Dodge City, Ks. I made it to Kansas yesterday and stayed at a campground south of Lakin, ks. I met a trucker there who has done some touring in the past and we shared stories. His name was Steve and in the morning he saw me leaving in the thick fog and offered to drive me to town and buy me breakfast. By the time we finished breakfast the fog had cleared enough to ride safely. I only had to ride to Ingalls today because my mom had a cousin in the area who offered to take me to his house after he got off work. I arrived a little before he went through so I grabbed a bite at the cafe and then we went home. He ended up having a funeral come up so they took me out to eat in Dodge and then helped me find a hotel. I am now just under 1000 miles into my trip so I will do some basic maintenance and cleaning as well as spread out for a couple days. I am going to check out the town tomorrow and then get some stuff fixed.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Looking to Kansas Again, Toto
I am going to be entering Kansas today. After leaving Denver I climbed 2000 more feet in elevation and stayed at some friends house in Monument. It was a short 45 mile day to start getting my legs back. I then went 84 miles to Punkin Center, which ended up being a house and a couple trailer houses at the intersection of two highways. I was working to beat out a storm that was building to the north of me and made it a little before the storm kicked in. The people with the house had a couple acres and it looked like they had garden tours, so I asked if I could stay. They weren't super inviting, but they let me stay under the covered picnic area and fill up my water outside. I wasn't sure how long I was allowed to stay so I took off at 6:30 the next morning. I made Eads by 12:30, which was my destination for the day, so I figured I'd head on to Lamar, making my day 110 miles. Just outside of Eads I crossed paths with a biker from the UK going from Boston to San Francisco piecing together various ACA maps. We talked for a bit but the semis were a little too loud, so we said goodbye and headed on. At Lamar I went to the visitors booth and asked for a place to camp. They thought for a bit and then suggested walmart and then remembered a little park I could go to. I headed to the park and set up, though I wasn't sure I could, and then at 2 and 4 in the morning the sprinkler system turns on. This was annoying, but the worst part was I left part of my rainfly open to help with ventilation and before I got it closed a little water came in and got some of my stuff wet. However, it could have been worse as I thought about sleeping on a picnic table, which also ended up getting wet. So thankfully I avoided an unwanted midnight bath, though I could use a shower.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Reason
There is an author named Squire Rushnell who wrote a book called "Godwinks" (he also created the cartoon School House Rock). It tells of different stories of what some call coincidence and says those are really times when God is winking at us, saying " everything is okay and I got you.". I saw and read a lot of this book at the church in Last Chance. I have seen a few of those on this trip which tell me I'm on the right path and doing what I'm supposed to.
The Anton Food Store in the middle of nowhere; the Methodist minister being in last chance when I arrived (he was gone both shortly before and shortly after); stopping in front of Mason's house and getting a ride; and many more. These are little encouragements that let me know I'm on the right path.
I am also reading a book by John Eldredge entitled "Walking with God.". It talks of how we are meant to actually hear God, though not always through verbal communication. This book confirms something I already knew and have personally experienced. When people ask me why I am doing this trip I often say "to meet people; see the country; I think it would be fun; etc." while those reasons are true, I often find myself discouraged to say the real reason because it might be construed as crazy. John's book confirms this reason and encourages me: I heard God telling me to do it and these Godwinks are confirming it.
Three years ago I was not into road cycling and believed I never would be. Then I moved to Texas and was 70 miles from town and trying to do as much as possible. Where I lived is the area Lance Armstrong trains often. My parents had an old road bike that didn't really fit, but I decided to try it anyway, since I like free. I ended up liking it and shortly thereafter did a tour from Daytona to Baton Rouge for 1000 miles. I enjoyed it. From that experience, however, I would not have dreamed I would ever think of going for 49 states on a bike.
Now I am attempting a ride through the 48 contiguous states. The great part about it is I'm not worried about finishing. Sure I'd like to say I did it, but I am willing to stop any time I believe I am supposed to. I still don't know the full reason for this trip and that's part of what makes it so fun: "what's in store for me next and what am I to do about it.""
The Anton Food Store in the middle of nowhere; the Methodist minister being in last chance when I arrived (he was gone both shortly before and shortly after); stopping in front of Mason's house and getting a ride; and many more. These are little encouragements that let me know I'm on the right path.
I am also reading a book by John Eldredge entitled "Walking with God.". It talks of how we are meant to actually hear God, though not always through verbal communication. This book confirms something I already knew and have personally experienced. When people ask me why I am doing this trip I often say "to meet people; see the country; I think it would be fun; etc." while those reasons are true, I often find myself discouraged to say the real reason because it might be construed as crazy. John's book confirms this reason and encourages me: I heard God telling me to do it and these Godwinks are confirming it.
Three years ago I was not into road cycling and believed I never would be. Then I moved to Texas and was 70 miles from town and trying to do as much as possible. Where I lived is the area Lance Armstrong trains often. My parents had an old road bike that didn't really fit, but I decided to try it anyway, since I like free. I ended up liking it and shortly thereafter did a tour from Daytona to Baton Rouge for 1000 miles. I enjoyed it. From that experience, however, I would not have dreamed I would ever think of going for 49 states on a bike.
Now I am attempting a ride through the 48 contiguous states. The great part about it is I'm not worried about finishing. Sure I'd like to say I did it, but I am willing to stop any time I believe I am supposed to. I still don't know the full reason for this trip and that's part of what makes it so fun: "what's in store for me next and what am I to do about it.""
Friday, September 4, 2009
For Every Uphill There is an Equal and Opposite Downhill...c
I just might not ride it. The world may be round, but it's all uphill to me as I travel from the plains to Denver. I got into Denver last night after riding nearly 80 miles. I am staying in Aurora, so I didn't have to navigate too much city traffic.
My last few days have been fun. From Atwood I headed on 36 west to Denver. The map showed a handful of towns along that route, so I figured I would be able to get what I needed along the way. I arrived in Idalia, Co with a leak in my rear tire at the end of the day and found a village with a motel that looked abandoned and only two blocks of paved road from the highway to the k-12 school. I had spotted ballfield lights from the highway so I headed to the school. It was just after four and there were only a couple coaches and teams around practicing. I talked to the coaches and they said I could stay on the field, so I camped at the school for a night.
The next day I was in need of some snacks and eventually water, but all the "towns" had nothing. I finally rounded a bend after leaving only a couple sips of hot water and there, standing all by itself, was the Anton food store. I had to buy water, but it was worth the dollar for a gallon.
I then proceeded to Last Chance and found it to be inhabited by 8 1/2 people. The minister of the church lived in Denver half the week, but when I arrived he was there. He came out and greeted me and then proceeded to open the church up for me and let me use the restroom and kitchen and even let me sleep inside as it was about to storm. The church has 80 full-time members and is very well off. The next morning I left at 6:30 to get to Denver, hopefully before rush hour, which ended up happening
In Denver, Jim and Rachel Mattson opened up there home to me. A friend of mine rents from them as she works with Operation Christmas Child in the Denver area. I am hanging out here for a couple days and then it's on the road again.
I am going to leave some things here in Denver with my cousin to help cut down the load and hopefully reduce flats. It ends up being about five pounds saved.
My last few days have been fun. From Atwood I headed on 36 west to Denver. The map showed a handful of towns along that route, so I figured I would be able to get what I needed along the way. I arrived in Idalia, Co with a leak in my rear tire at the end of the day and found a village with a motel that looked abandoned and only two blocks of paved road from the highway to the k-12 school. I had spotted ballfield lights from the highway so I headed to the school. It was just after four and there were only a couple coaches and teams around practicing. I talked to the coaches and they said I could stay on the field, so I camped at the school for a night.
The next day I was in need of some snacks and eventually water, but all the "towns" had nothing. I finally rounded a bend after leaving only a couple sips of hot water and there, standing all by itself, was the Anton food store. I had to buy water, but it was worth the dollar for a gallon.
I then proceeded to Last Chance and found it to be inhabited by 8 1/2 people. The minister of the church lived in Denver half the week, but when I arrived he was there. He came out and greeted me and then proceeded to open the church up for me and let me use the restroom and kitchen and even let me sleep inside as it was about to storm. The church has 80 full-time members and is very well off. The next morning I left at 6:30 to get to Denver, hopefully before rush hour, which ended up happening
In Denver, Jim and Rachel Mattson opened up there home to me. A friend of mine rents from them as she works with Operation Christmas Child in the Denver area. I am hanging out here for a couple days and then it's on the road again.
I am going to leave some things here in Denver with my cousin to help cut down the load and hopefully reduce flats. It ends up being about five pounds saved.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Hills and Headwinds
I swung south today after Trenton, Ne, which is where BRAN started in June. For those not familiar with BRAN, it is a 500 mile bike ride across Nebraska over the course of a week. I went on it this year for the first time and used it to train for this ride. After Trenton, I turned south and headed to Atwood, KS, which is where I ended up staying. Mason suggested this route to me and said it was decent. I decided to try it as I was going to turn to Kansas eventually and it was a beautiful ride. The only problem was the15 mph headwind. I don't mind hills as long as the wind is light. It is days like this that make one question why they ride a bike; why they put gear on it to catch all the wind possible; and then tell people it's fun. The only thing is...it is fun. Getting out and hearing, seeing, and feeling nature while also quenching a desire to travel is worth the days of hard work and frustration that occassionally come. It's what adds to the experience. Travel is not about where you go so much as the way you got there. Days like this I get off my bike and have sea leg experiences from wobbling all over the road. I'm sure the people who saw me eat tonight were wondering what bus I fell off of.
Atwood has a beautiful lake and park and as I rolled in I was greeted by a field of sunflowers that reflected the color of my gear, because safety yellow is cheap!
On a different note, I had a burr in my town shorts when I put them on. Thankfully it was only one and it was on my side.
Atwood has a beautiful lake and park and as I rolled in I was greeted by a field of sunflowers that reflected the color of my gear, because safety yellow is cheap!
On a different note, I had a burr in my town shorts when I put them on. Thankfully it was only one and it was on my side.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The tortoise loses
I am now in McCook, Ne. The last couple of days went pretty well and I had free camping in the last two towns. I ended up getting a flat today and I still don't know why. I went to put my spare on and then it blew. Then I thought my pump was bad, as it is starting to be. Figured my first flat was only a slow leak so I put that on and figured I could walk to McCook and fill it up as needed. I made about two miles that way and pumped twice. I still had eight miles to go and was stopped to put more air in when a guy named mason came out from behind his house and asked if he could help. He wound up giving me a ride and dropped me off at the campground and told me to look up his sister in Kansas and I could get some water. Go figure you ask God to stretch you on a trip and he let's you meet such amazing people who will help out strangers. Even crazy ones on bikes! So now I am off to fix my bike. Amazingly the walmart in town had the right rube and more than one.
Oh, and with the title, the first of these two days was filled with countless turtle roadkill. So the hare wins.
Oh, and with the title, the first of these two days was filled with countless turtle roadkill. So the hare wins.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Hills and sunflowers
I made it to Red Cloud today. As the title suggest, this was a day with a decent amount of hills and both wild and cultivated sunflowers. There were about five golden fields and numerous stands along the way. I am now riding the first half of BRAN in reverse. This was another 57 mile day and my seat is needing a couple days to get used to it. Red Cloud is the home of the Willa Cather SHS. Everything in town is pretty much named after her. This is a neat little town, but all the cool little shops are pretty much closed down or close early. It is amazing to see how much even these small towns seem to get affected by the economy after surviving through so much already.
The bike and gear held together great again today. It was another late start but gave me a chance to sleep in, practice breaking camp, and have some pesonal time with God before the road and all the random songs that go through one's head. A routine I wouldn't mind keeping.
The bike and gear held together great again today. It was another late start but gave me a chance to sleep in, practice breaking camp, and have some pesonal time with God before the road and all the random songs that go through one's head. A routine I wouldn't mind keeping.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
First day down
I am now in Hebron, NE. I rode 56.5 miles today and spent most of the day getting used to my gear. They have a little camping park here with lots of shade and a decent bathhouse. Hebron is also home to the world's largest swing. It is a giant porch swing 32 ft long. I am sitting on it as I write this. I had no major problems today, which is a good start to my trip. One thing I learned today is that the smaller the map, the longer it takes to get across a state. I have not spoken to anyone yet today, but this part of Nebraska is sparsely populated and I have only gone through three towns. The ride was very peaceful and the people friendly except for one trucker. I have yet to understand why certain drivers and train engineers find it so funny to honk their horns and try to make a rider go in the ditch. If I am loaded down for a trip, I probably have at least a slight immunity to jumping whenever this happens.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Slight Change of Plans
I went to school today at 8:45 for a Q&A with kindergarten through fifth graders. I told them a little about my trip and what all it would entail, showed them some of my gear and my bike fully loaded, and then allowed them to ask some questions. It was a good time. The principal also had the local newspaper come out and do a little piece on me.
The weather ended up being somewhat nasty this morning and was predicted to be all day along my intended route, so I held off a day. I got more things organized around here and then prepared myself for the ride ahead. I weighed my gear last night and with food it weighed in at around 90 lbs. That is quite a load, but there is about 20+ lbs of food that will fluctuate throughout the trip and hopefully be less in the future. I have a few luxuries along that may have to be trimmed back if necessary.
I will be posting from my IPOD touch, so I will not be able to upload pictures unless I am at a computer that will allow me. Therefore, I am going to develop my pictures and have one of my brothers post them on a separate website. I will post a link on my page once that is up and running. For now, here are pics of my intended route (roughly), my bike unloaded, and my bike loaded.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Final prep
I am now in the final stages of preparation for my ride. I am finishing packing food and the last of the gear. I am also currently experimenting with an iPod touch to see about taking that instead of a computer. Pictures of the route and gear will follow soon.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Ride
I am preparing to embark on a journey around our great country. I will be visiting the 48 continental United States by bicycle over the next year. I cycled on Hawaii a little this May, so by the end I will have ridden in 49 of the 50 United States. I will be starting next Wednesday at 8:45 am at Paddock Lane Elementary School in Beatrice, Ne. I worked at this school a couple of years ago and they decided to throw me a farewell party. Some of the students will be tracking my progress as a geography project.
Once I leave the school I will head to Denver and the second state in my ride. From there it will be southeast to Florida and hopefully a moderately nice winter along the south. I will then head up the west coast and back east over spring and summer, and then back to Nebraska from New England in the fall of next year. That is the plan. Next is the execution. I am taking this trip in faith as the people in Hebrews 11 were recognized for.
the bike
The bicycle I will be taking (or that will be taking me) on this trip is a Trek 7.5 fx hybrid that I have outfitted for touring. It has an aluminum frame and manual disc brakes (which should make for better stopping with all my gear). It has a Surly front rack and an Axiom rear rack, both of which can hold up to 75 lbs (150 lbs overall), which I hope to never have. It has Armadillo tires and SPD clipless pedals. It is also outfitted with fenders to keep me a little cleaner as I ride. There are also Profile Design bar ends, a Trek incite 9i wireless computer, a dolce ti saddle, and four bottle cages. Most of the components on this bike, as well as the bike, were purchase at The Bike Rack in Lincoln or Omaha.
the gear
the gear list is a long one, with only a few luxuries afforded. Here's the list:
Kitchen
msr whisperlite stove, 2 msr fuel bottles, lighter, matches, pot, pot grip, pan, spatula, flipper, can opener, 6 liter msr dromedary bag, spice kit, lexan plate, fork, measuring cup, mug, dish towel
Camping
cabela's xpg 2-man tent, wiggy's 35 degree bag with nylon liner, thermarest prolite 3 regular sleeping pad, ground sheet, petzl myobelt 5 headlamp, rope, pea cord, msr trekker wing tarp, 2 petzl charlet trekking poles, amazon backpackers hammock, webbing and carabiners
Cycling Clothing
2 cycling jerseys, 2 pr cycling shorts, overshorts, canary rain jacket, froggtogg rain pants, 2 pr cycling socks, cycling leggings (fleece lined), 2 bandannas, specialized helmet, fleece gloves, beanie, marmot medium weight long undershirt, 2 rei reflective bands, lake mtb cycling shoes
Regular Clothing
rei jacket, jeans, belt, smartwool socks, western shirt, 2 tee shirts, swim suit, teva flips, columbia hat, sierra designs down booties, x-men fleece vest(thrift store purchase, awesome), leather work gloves, long socks, mosquito headnet
Accessories
first aid kit, batteries, portable radio, macbook, ipod, phone, sony cybershot digital camera, knife sharpener, bible, reading books, journal, sunglasses, sewing kit, brunton data center, playing cards, harmonica
Toiletries
pack towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, aftershave, beard trimmer, shampoo, soap, contact solution, contact lenses, contacts case, lotion, deodorant, glasses and case
Bike Accessories
cat eye headlight, taillight, helmet taillight, 5 water bottles, bike stand, bike lock, extra cables, gerber multi-tool, spare tubes, spare spokes, zip ties, repair kit, duct tape, lube, gorilla glue, pump, rags, spare bolts, patch kit, mirror, chamois butter
In just a few short days, the journey begins...
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