Josh Cunningham's Ride

The Finale

2010-09-08T17:08:00.002-05:00

Hey All

Figured it was about time to update since I have now been off the road for almost a week. I didn't have a lot of rest time for the first couple of days off, but am starting to get back to a schedule and my body is starting to feel rested again. I ended with almost 14,500 miles pedaled on my bike with gear and a few hundred more on top of that without the gear. I also rode three ferries and hitchhiked a couple of times. Suffice it to say I travelled over 15,000 miles this year.

Once home I got my body fat and metabolism and a few other things checked. I sit at about 7% body fat (8-14 is recommended) and burn through almost 3,000 calories on a normal person's normal day.

My bike is currently in the shop being put back together to be fresh and ready for a new ride. When I dropped it off the guys asked if I've been doing some touring and when I said I just got done with a near 15,000 mile ride their eyes popped out and their jaws dropped and I just smirked.

As I rode into town last thursday I rode up the hill to Paddock Lane Elementary school and was greeted by a row of students, friends, and family, along with the newspaper, for two blocks up to the school. The students were chanting my name and waving signs to welcome me back. I then headed into the school and shared a brief bit about my trip and answered some questions before they let out school. I then did a quick interview with the paper and started my ride home. I parked my bike in the garage and left it there for a few days before I tore into it and got it to the shop.

I plan on writing a wind up of the trip, adding a few pics, and jotting a few more notes, but I want to take some time and figure it out. Hopefully I will have something in a week. Thanks to all those who supported me and prayed for me and did any other sorts of goodwill for me along the trip. I appreciate all the friends, family, friends of family, family of friends, newly acquired friends, and complete strangers who encouraged me along the way. It would definitely not have been possible without you. The magnitude of the trip is still sinking into me. I encourage you all to start or continue chasing dreams and live a life of adventure and meaning.

josh

48 Down

2010-08-30T20:32:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow marks the day I reenter Nebraska for the last couple days of my ride. My mom came and rode saturday and sunday with me. She made 90 miles the first day from Columbia to Kirksville and then we both did about 40 the next day. The winds were strong the second day and one of the roads was pretty rough and draining. I was unsure if I would quit but decided it would be most beneficial to go ahead and ride a few miles to get me back on schedule to finish and allow my mom and grandpa to get back to Nebraska. It was a good thing I did because at the edge of town there was a 50 mile detour that would have taken me into a headwind for half of it.

Upon entering Illinois I found my tire tread was peeling off the tire, much like a retreaded car tire does. I swapped out with a spare set and noticed my rear rim was once again cracked. This perplexed me since I dropped a lot of gear and have ridden nicer roads and trails since Ithaca. I also had only gone a couple thousand miles. I decided to ride to Missouri, where I would meet my mom and have her bring a spare bike for me to finish out the last week of the trip without risking too much on the rim. When I left St Louis to meet her, I decided to check out a bike shop that was en route - Wheel Sports.

They were setting up shop as I pulled up and greeted me with warm smiles and much encouragement. We talked about my trip a bit and I informed them of my rim dilemma. I had trouble reaching Trek, so I decided to take care of the rim myself if possible. The shop didn't have a rim for me but called another nearby shop, which had one in stock. The owner, Kim, drove me over to the shop. That shop gave me the rim at cost, saving me about 50% of the cost. We went back to the Wheel Sports shop and got the bike going with the new rim and tuning up everything else. Steve, the manager/mechanic and I hit it off and worked on my bike together and swapped stories of life on bikes and life in general. Before I knew it, I had spent 5 hours in the shop. I needed to get going so I could meet my mom and grandpa in Columbia so we could make Kirksville the next day.

The bike worked great and Steve and Kim were great and very encouraging in my ride. It was yet another Godwink and encouragement to why I am on this trip and to keep my morale strong to finish.

Tomorrow I get to my uncle's place in Omaha, then an aunt's in Lincoln, then home. It should be around 200 miles left. I'm anxious to have the opportunity to have a break where I won't have to get on the road within a couple of days.

I hope to update a couple more times before the end of the trip. I promise to update the map, some photos, and a wind up entry after the trip is over, so keep checking back for a while after the trip is over to find stat updates and a few more surprises.

Fire, Fire

2010-08-26T21:37:00.003-05:00

The map is updated again, except for a town or two I couldn't remember off hand. I now have less than a week to go. My final ride day is set for Thursday, where I will be riding up to Paddock Lane Elementary, greeted by the kids, who will then host a Q&A. I am excited for the end and can't believe it is so close.

Today I completed what may be my last century ride for the trip. I went 105 miles. It was a fairly level ride and about a third of it was on trails, which made it nice. The ride could've been shorter had I not take the trails, but then I would have been on busier St Louis area highways. I rode a portion of the Lewis and Clark trail again, as well as the Missouri River Trail. I crossed into Missouri where the two Great Rivers converge. I then shortly had a flat due to road debris, which was highly prevalent on the Missouri side at the beginning. It slowly went away the further into the state I rode.

Yesterday I rode about 95 miles to Carlyle Lake, the biggest lake in Illinois. I rode there from Red Hills State Park, the highest point between St Louis and Cincinnati - 900ft. The night at Red Hills ended up being free because the camp host was never on duty when I went there. I even waited for over an hour one time.

Tonight I tried to wash my clothes. I put them in the washer and then went to do other things. I came back a half hour later and found the washing machine smoking and not spinning. I wrung my clothes out and threw them in the dryer. They appeared to be rinsed, just not spun dry. I then waited for a half hour for the washer to stop smoking and borrowed a fan to air out the place. The people running the place were no help. Oh well, nothing burned down and my clothes seem to be clean enough.

MI2

2010-08-22T20:36:00.002-05:00

I am now down to three states! Less than 1,000 miles! In two days I will be in Illinois! This is crazy to think about.

The last few days have been rewarding but challenging. The hills finally started to die down today. They were quite numerous and challenging. My energy has been low, but my morale has been high, except when completely drained of energy. The weather has been quite hot, but occasionally I have had drops of rain. Last night while camping I sweated until about 4 in the morning it was so hot. It was even supposed to rain during the night, but only occasional showers came.

The last couple of days seemed to be move-in day for a few universities. I rode through a couple of towns that had some backed up streets due to college traffic. It was quite amusing to see how many of them were on their phones while driving.

The Final K

2010-08-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

I will be camping along the Virginia/West Virginia border tomorrow night if all goes well. Yesterday I crossed over skyline drive and made it to Shenandoah Valley. The ride wasn't too bad though I rode a little harder than I probably should have. The climb over skyline drive was about five miles long, though not too challenging at this point in my ride. The more challenging one was the four mile climb on the other side of the drive that I wasn't expecting. The ride today was a bit harder and more taxing on me. I had a hard time riding and that coupled with the 10-15 mph headwind, I got drained early. Hopefully I can recuperate tonight and be able to make all the climbs across West Virginia.

I am excited to be so close to the finish but am having a hard time making sure I don't push myself too hard and exhaust all the energy I need to be able to finish strong. Today I had to remind myself to slow down and not get stressed that I couldn't make it further than I did. I am still on schedule to finish before labor day, even with today's shorter ride.

While in the DC area I received a handlebar bag I had ordered. I was able to switch that out and rotate my tires, making my bike ready for the final stretch. My pedals are on the way out and while in Delaware I had one repacked, though the bushing is pretty worn still. I'm hoping they will last till the end of the trip. Everything else seems to be holding out and working good, for the most part.

48 is Looking Great

2010-08-12T06:45:00.002-05:00

I am now to state 41 and will be in 42 this evening. Currently it is storming outside, but I am hoping it will clear in another hour or two so I can make the full ride without assistance today. I am planning on getting to a suburb of DC to stay with my friend Bill. He and a couple other friends of our family just finished a coast-to-coast tour a couple of weeks ago.

After leaving Atlantic City I had a nice ride over to the coast and along the shore for quite a ways. I went through Ocean City, which was very beautiful and bicycle friendly. The day had started out foggy in places and I had to ride through some patches with low visibility, but it made parts of the ride more beautiful as I could see hills enshrouded in a mist. It had a serene yet eery feeling. I then proceeded to cut across southern New Jersey to Cape May. I was hoping to get to the ferry for the 1pm ferry so I wouldn't have to wait till 2:30. It was a 1 1/2 hr ferry ride and then I needed to find a place to stay. I arrived to the entrance at about 10 minutes till, but needed a picture of the Welcome to NJ sign. I stopped and took that and then talked to a guy in a truck who has done some touring. I then proceeded to the ticket line and purchased a ticket. I got there just in time, went outside, and boarded. I was let on right as I stepped over to the line and then they started loading cars. I tied up my bike, went to the middle deck, found a bench outside, and we were off. It was a very smooth ride and I could rarely tell I was on a boat. I researched where I could stay for the evening and got some results. Once I was off I proceeded towards Georgetown to stay for the evening.

I left the next day for northern Delaware and my warmshowers hosts of Pat and Karen. I got in mid-afternoon and Pat and I began sharing stories of the road and continued to all night long. We eventually went to bed after deciding when I would leave tomorrow.

Pat, his daughter, and her friend, all decided to join me on my way off and showed me the backroads out of town. They rode about 10 miles with me and then turned back and I was on my way. I was now in Maryland and proceeded to head towards Baltimore. There is only one place on the east side of Maryland a bicyclist can cross the bay and the Susquehanna river. I headed that way and then turned south east to highway 40 into Baltimore. Once in Baltimore I made my to some bike trails and over towards the airport. After a dead end on the google route and a detour I eventually made my place to stay. In downtown Baltimore I was greeted by a guy who seemed a little crazy and was yelling at me as he crossed the street. I couldn't make out what he was saying at first, but then I realized the voice sounded threatening, but the words were telling me to push it and keep going. As I got closer he asked if I was touring, which took me off guard because he did not act or look like he would know what that was. I said yes and he said "obscenity yeah man, looking good." This gave me a chuckle as I continued to climb past him.

A Night in the Life of a Horror Film

2010-08-08T20:40:00.002-05:00

Riding into New York for a second time the other day I was greeted by a scene straight out of a Hollywood horror film. I rode by the Harlem Valley Psychiatric Facility which was closed down, had vines growing all over it, and was the typical uninviting brick buildings. A mile down the road I found a mom and pop motel that I pulled into for the day. There was a man sitting at a picnic table out front who said he would get the manager for me. He immediately went calling for Chuckie. What a name to have near a psychiatric ward. Chuckie turned out to be a nice guy, but it just played in so well. Later that night I lost power in my room. Shortly thereafter a storm blew in with thunder and lightning immediately outside. I couldn't help but laugh at all the similarities between here and the horror films.

Needless to say, I survived the night and left in good humor the next day. That day I rode about a third or so of the day on bike trails all the way in to just north of Harlem. I then crossed the George Washington bridge into New Jersey and rode to Newark to find a place to say. I was greeted on the bridge by the New York skyline, a place I had lived near a couple years earlier. The ride that day was quite normal, except that I lost one of my wonderful Reef sandals with the internal pockets. This put a damper on the day.

I then headed down to central New Jersey and ended up staying at a campground for two nights because I had such trouble finding a place to stay. I got the last site in the grounds and I couldn't find a motel room in the area. This proved to be a great endeavor as I had a group of four families for neighbors who were quite friendly. Joe and his wife, my closest neighbors even gave me breakfast and dinner on saturday. I hung out with the gang and shared stories around the campfire that night and it made the ridiculous cost of the campsite seem less bad.

Today I rode some beautiful roads, used mostly by bikers and cyclists, most of the way to Atlantic City. The back roads of New Jersey have been a pleasant experience and a good break from the stresses of the big city on the north. Tomorrow I get to ride a ferry over to Delaware and meet state number 40 in my tour.

Ups and Downs

2010-08-04T07:10:00.002-05:00

As I swooped down into Rhode Island yesterday I was pleasantly surprised by how much it had to offer. I was not surprised to see that it had no welcome sign on the highway I rode in on, however. As I gently rode along the many hills and river lined roads and trails I was placed into a state of contentment and enjoyment that is very necessary at this stage in my journey. As I near the end of my trip it becomes more difficult to focus on each day as it comes and not desire to press on to the end.

As I left Rhode Island I was greeted by numerous more hills that rolled through the state of Connecticut. I was warned of this by some cyclists in the Boston area as I left. While the hills are not always tortuous like they once were, they are a constant workout. I was pleased to find a rail-trail I was able to use for about 15 miles. While I did have one long, gradual climb over the last half of the trail, it took out the numerous hills I would've had had I stayed on the highways. It was a crushed gravel trail, but well maintained and easy to ride. I just had to keep an eye out for washouts. The trail caused me to not even realize I was near population centers and blotted out the sounds of the passing cars, giving me an even more relaxing ride. It then spat me out on a highway, not far from a tri-city area. The trouble with this was it was 4:30 and the beginning of rush hour. I rode the sidewalk a lot more than usual and came to a bridge at the perfect time to need to take the sidewalk so as not to make too many drivers mad and to keep my calmness during riding.

I made it through town and took a back highway to another nearby town. Once out of the tri-city suburbs I was greeted by a narrow, winding, two lane road with hardly any traffic, just off the freeway but enshrouded by so many trees I barely heard the occasional semi roll by. I then made it into town and had to find a motel since campgrounds are barely existent, poorly maintained, and often overpriced out here. With a coupon I was able to get a high quality room for half price and relax in a night of luxury, wheeling my bike through their elegant, business guest tailored decor. I then relaxed for the evening and caught up on the journaling I have recently been neglecting.

Rhode Island

2010-08-03T06:56:00.003-05:00

After a wonderful, refreshing, and relaxing week in Branson, MO, I am back on the road. The time in Missouri was great and the perfect mixture of rest, relaxation, and physicality to give me rest, yet allow me to fall back into riding with no problems. I rode 80 miles into a headwind and along some hills. When I got back to Boston I was debating packing right up and leaving that afternoon and trying to get a few miles down. After thinking it over I decided that wouldn't help enough to justify doing it, so I stuck around. Bob and Emily, the people I was staying with, invited me to go sailing in their boat in the harbor. I decided to take them up on it and it was a great way to finish my breather break. We went to the harbor, hopped on, and set sail. They even allowed me to man the helm for a bit as we circumnavigated an island. The wind was perfect and we were able to average about 6 knots.

I then headed out this morning and used mostly bike paths and a few back roads to get myself into Rhode Island. This is the 49th state I have ever been to in my life and the last one other than Alaska I needed to get to before this trip started. The ride was very scenic and I could tell the break was a good thing. My energy is back and the enjoyment of just hopping on a bike and going were back. I actually rode through the Providence, RI area and got a good view of the downtown skyline on a bridge I crossed. A lot of the day was spent on trails, many of which were in this area. The trails were fairly well maintained and relatively unused. I decided I didn't need to push myself as hard as I wanted to my first day back and so rode until I was out of the metropolis and called it a day.

The tree covered trails and occasionally rivers and streams made for a very relaxing ride through a part of the country I continue to be nervous about due to the population density. If this continues to be the case, I could enjoy this portion a lot more than I thought, except for the expensive camp grounds and motels.

Fleeing The Scene

2010-07-23T05:21:00.002-05:00

I found out I have to change from drinking Powerade to drinking gatorade now.

After dealing with a storm on the coast with thunder, lightning, high winds, and supposed tornadoes I made my way down the coast to Boston. Getting to Boston was no major concern, though getting around proved to be a bit of a challenge. No bike paths went the direction I needed and goggles marked bike lane roads were nonexistent. Traffic wasn't all friendly and I had to do some illegal things to get through. Eventually I made it.

One driver did make it enjoyable for me. He was driving a truck beside me and started asking me questions about my trip as the light turned green. He was unconcerned with the traffic and enjoyed hearing my story. This was nice since I had just recently had a lot of trouble getting the roads I needed.

I eventually got to the house I was staying at. A little ways through the evening I pulled my Powerade bottle filled with propel out. The parents and q couple of the kids commented about how I drank Powerade and they were gatorade drinkers. They then proceeded to inform me that the wife's dad was the inventor of gatorade back in the 60s. Also that his wife suggested flavoring it. So now I need to drink gatorade over Powerade.

The Coast Is Clear

2010-07-21T15:05:00.003-05:00

After many more hills than expected, I made the coast of Maine. I am in southern Maine now, lounging comfortably in the embrace of an L-shaped rock. The breeze off the ocean brings in the soothing smell of the salt water and the comforting tones of the gentle waves lapping against the shoreline. The tide is slowly rising, allowing the beached boats in the bay behind me to soon go back out. Seagulls occasionally soar overhead. It is a peaceful and relaxing setting.

As it should be. I got the last campsite in the campground and it cost me $40 for a spot without water or electric and barely enough semi-level ground to set up my tent.

The ride into Maine was rolling as I left the white mountains and approached the coast. I have rarely had a stretch of smooth road. I slowly climbed one hill that was about a 13% grade. That is like climbing a road that is steeper than a set of bleachers for a half mile or so. Rather strenuous with 260+ pounds desirous of going the other way.

I got my first glimpse of the ocean outside of Brunswick, me, which is neat since my first glimpse in the south was at brunswick, ga.

I am headed to Boston tomorrow where I will store my bike for a week as I fly to branson, mo to join my family on vacation. It will be good to see them though it will hardly count as a break. If you know my family you know we work hard and play harder. That, along with the flights, will be taxing.

So if I don't write for a week, that's why.

Back In The Hills

2010-07-17T18:49:00.002-05:00

I'm officially in the mountains again. I went through the adirondacks and into the green range today. The grades haven't been too bad yet but I believe they are going to be with the mountains that are visible and knowing I have around two more days in them.

The bike has been performing well and so have I, though the humidity is killing me and I'm dead at the end of the day. The heat has at least dropped almost ten degrees. The wind today was at my back which made for good riding but didn't keep me very cool.

It feels weird only getting around 100 miles in a state, though that is a good portion ride through these smaller states. It's encouraging on the progress, just feels like I'm not doing a lot. I am now to the point where I will be riding across a state in one or two days each. Knowing that I have less than a month of riding left helps keep me motivated, though. I loose stamina and desire at times, though not enough to justify stopping.

The scenery around here is spectacular and majestic, even with peaks only being a couple thousand feet high. I get lost in the landscape and dream of times past and what this would've looked like to those who settled these areas over 200 years ago. I rode by a family farm that has been going for over 125 years!

I have also ridden through a lot of Amish and Quaker country. I have only seen one buggy on the road and only two families, though. Signs for sharing the roads with the buggies are all over, however.

Trouble

2010-07-14T18:49:00.002-05:00

So I was riding along in Tioga, PA and I heard a gunshot and then felt an impact. This all happened as I noticed an object in the road I couldn't see until I was upon it. I swerved and missed it with the front wheel but clipped it with the back wheel. As I hit it the gunshot sounded, the object flew across the road and my tire went flat. I walked my bike a block to the nearest parking lot to assess the damage.

As I did this three men offered their help, two of them telling me where they live and to stop by if need be. This was very encouraging since I was about 25 miles from the nearest shop.

I unloaded the bike and began to assess the damage. The rear tire was slashed about 2/3 around, along with the tube having four major holes in it. The rim had a divot, was untrue, and had a hole blew through the rim tape - which meant there was probably further damage done there. As I looked around the rim I noticed scratches but didn't want to jinx my luck by assessing if these were cracks or not. The divot needed to be sanded down to allow the tire to seat and not be cut. I pulled out my tube patching kit and took the tiny sheet of sand paper to the rim. I then got out my first aid kit and taped over the rim tape. Thanks to the disc brakes I didn't have to true the wheel right there. It wasn't good, but it was rideable. I put on a new tube and tire, did a small test ride, then loaded up and prayed for the best.

It rode okay but I remained nervous all the way to ithaca. Along the way I got two more flats. Thankfully I made it safely. Along the way I called my contact at trek, Eric, and checked about getting some assistance with a shop choice. They had one shop in town, called them up and got me in the next day. I dropped it off and less than an hour later I had a verdict. The rim was cracked and needed replaced, along with some other smaller things I knew were getting ready for work. The Bike Rack called up trek and they were going to overnight the rim and other parts. I headed back to my campsite and relaxed for the day.

Today I took my bike to the shop and left it for a few hours. When I came back I had a new rim, new cassette and chain, new tubes and tires, greased bearings, a new bottom bracket, and a new brake cable as well as a wiped down bike. This is the first major tuneup the bike has had in 12,000 miles and the shop was impressed on how good it all was. Most of that all is normal wear.

I NEED TO GIVE A BIG SHOUT OF THANKS TO TREK FOR FOOTING THE BILL AND THE BIKE RACK OF ITHACA, NY FOR THE SPEEDY SERVICE!

Sasquatch Is In The Area

2010-07-09T20:33:00.002-05:00

Last night I looked at the weather forecast and it wasn't supposed to rain until about noon today. Deciding to not do what I usually do and get my rain fly ready in case of rain, I just put it in my tent. Lo and behold that at 6 in the morning it starts to sprinkle. I decide I am simply going to throw the fly over the top since it isn't raining that bad and I will be getting up soon. Wrong choice. It began to downpour and water began to leak into the tent. Finally having enough I got out and quickly staked it down. I needed to route plan a bit so I turned on my phone and checked the weather as well and the forecast changed to rain at 6 and 7 and then 11. The majority of my stuff stayed dry and it was really only the tent that got wet, so not all was lost.

I was up and off and the beginning of my ride was great with the majority of it being or feeling downhill. I did have many rolling hills today and with the rain and temperatures the way they were I felt like I was in the Smokies in Tennessee instead of in northern Pennsylvania. It was quite beautiful and very scenic.

Shortly after beginning the day I was riding a back road and a guy on a harley rode by and asked if I was traveling cross country. I told him yeah and then he pulled into the next driveway, which happened to be his house. His name was Brian and he had moved to PA from California. He was quite interested in what I was doing and we talked a bit about my ride and route and the area. He also informed me he was going to talk to the local paper about me. We said our goodbyes and then I was off once again.

I ended up having a detour right after leaving his house. I took the route and on my way back to the original highway I was on I was met by a lady in a car who informed me she was with the local paper. Things apparently move fast out here. She pulled off at the next convenient location and interviewed and talked with me for a while.

Things were off to an interesting, yet slow traveling, start. The rest of the day wasn't filled with as much activity. It did rain off and on and occasionally I heard thunder, but I never saw lightning. Humorously, I was dryer today than I had been due to the humidity and I didn't need to drink near as much. The rain also kept me cooler at times. I ended up calling my ride a bit short due to the rain and activities of the morning. It ended up being a good thing. Shortly after I stopped the rain got worse and I met a biker who said he had seen lightning not too much earlier.

My bike's chain has been starting to skip occasionally and at the very end of my ride today it was doing it every stroke. I'm not sure what's wrong yet and hope it is just a fluke and will last at least a couple more weeks until I take another break and will have more time to take it to a shop, as well as be near a shop.

The title refers to the fact that I was informed today that I am in premiere big foot territory and there have been multiple sightings. Of course this made me keep an eye out as I rode to see any sign. None was spotted today, though I have more distance to travel in his territory.

Road Warriors

2010-07-08T16:43:00.002-05:00

I rode another near 100 mile day from Toledo to around Norwalk. I stayed at a very small campsite that had a little pond and two RVers. One of them was named Herb and he used to cycle until some circumstances in life slowed him up. We talked for awhile about biking and seeing the country. I enjoyed getting to know him and see his zest for living no matter how you have to do it.

I then headed towards Akron on yet another hot and humid day, which it had been since the 4th. Along the way a lady pulled over and informed me she was a cyclist and wondered if she could offer me anything. I said some ice would be nice and she told me how to get to her and her husbands place a few miles away. Being a cyclist she sent me on the way that had the nicest downhill. Hildegard and her husband earl gave me lunch and drinks and we talked for awhile. They offered to let me stay and seeing what time it was getting and being tempted by the air I decided to stay. Some friends of theirs came over later for dinner and cards and I had a very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon and evening.

Today remained hot and humid and began giving me more hills. The downs were nice bit some of the ups were strenuous, especially in the heat. I had to walk the tops oc the last couple.

The humidity has been so high it has felt more like I have been swimming to each destination. The headwinds have been nice because they have provided a bit of cooling and relief. Once I stop my body just drips and gains more moisture. Tomorrow it is supposed to cool off and also rain a bit.

The evenings have been nice lately because I have been given a private fireworks show every night as the fireflies flash all around me. It is a soothing site. I have also not had to use a sleeping bag due to the warmth. Tomorrow I will probably have to pit the fly back on my tent though, due to the rain forecast.

It is looking like I should be to the coast of Maine in around ten days. I also believe I only have about five weeks of riding left. This is encouraging. I am having a harder time staying strong to the goal, bit I definitely don't want to quit. I appreciate all the prayers and support and will need it the most over the next month.

One more thing...I believe that today I have had more troubling and dangerous drivers than I have had overall. I am planning my route much further in advance and am working on finding safer routes. GPS has also been getting used a lot more to find parallel roads. A few of the next states have also given me cycling maps. If anyone knows more about these areas feel free to drop a line or email and I will be open to reviewing them. I know my way to Maine. Then I will head south from Portland to providence and across to jersey. From there I know more again.

Holy Toledo

2010-07-06T13:16:00.002-05:00

I have ridden nearly 300 miles in three days since my last post. I'm now in eastern Ohio; state 30. It has been hot and humid the last few days and I have grand about 9 or so gallons of fluids.

July 4th found me in an rv park outside Jackson, mi. It ended up having a lot of friendly pros and I met and hung out with a good portion of them. Unfortunately I had a hard time sleeping even though I was exhausted.

The ride has been going well but it is hard to find words and energy to describe it at this point. I'm still enjoying it.

I tried to use a bike trail yesterday that the internet said was paved or crushed stone. I ended up riding on rough grass and dirt until I got to a different highway I could use. Finding bike trails has been touch and go out here.

Michigan

2010-07-03T07:12:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to do a quick update. I have been resting the last couple of days at my brother and sister-in-law's house and have been utterly exhausted. I rode the high speed ferry across lake Michigan and it took 2 1/2 hrs to cover 85 miles. I had never really processed how big the lakes were until riding across it and not seeing land for such a long time.

Through visiting Trek and getting on their site and facebook page I have now had offers of places to stay out east that may come in handy when I get there. Since nothing is planned out too far ahead I won't know till I get closer.

Yesterday I visited Meijer Gardens here in Grand Rapids and saw glasswork by artist Chihuly. I had heard of his work before, but seeing it in person was quite amazing. Some of the pieces were extremely detailed. Hopefully I can upload some pics later. I took them on my phone.

The weather has been great if not a little too hot. Hopefully it stays this way for awhile as I continue on. It has been nice to be able to take a break for ice cream most every day.

And now it is time to go finish packing to head on today.

Montana to Wisconsin by Pics

2010-07-03T06:34:00.005-05:00

Inside the Trek HQ

Outside Trek

The Tallest Bike in the World in Sparta, WI: America's Bicycle Capital

Along the Mississippi River at Lake Pepin

Wisconsin

The Mississippi River and Red Wing, MN

Minnesota

North Dakota

A Flooded Road in North Dakota Recently Repaired

South Dakota

Cowboy Mounted Shooting: My Former Boss in Wyoming

Wyoming: State 24!

The Missouri River Headwaters

The Continental Divide for the Last Time This Trip

Montana Majesty

Some People Can't Hold It: Montana Rest Stop

Trek Bicycle Corp.

2010-06-28T18:42:00.002-05:00

I am getting ready to take the ferry to Michigan tomorrow. I was originally going to go along the UP and then down, but decided that was more Michigan than I wanted to bike on this trip and I could also see my brother and sister in law and nieces if I took the ferry. I am staying with friends in Milwaukee tonight, which helps the expense account and allows me to catch up with them.

Today I had a wonderful tailwind and bike paths most of the day. I started out with a bike path from Sun Prairie and then a nice shoulder/bike path all the way to Waterloo: Trek Bicycle Headquarters. I rode to the facility and then changed shirts. I was wearing my only clean jersey, but it was a specialized and I felt wierd going to Trek in a Specialized jersey. I changed to one of my others and then went to take a pic of the sign and building. As I was taking the picture a lady came out and asked if I wanted her to take a pic of me in front of the sign. She then offered to get me set up on a tour of the facility. This was more than I was planning on.

I was waiting in the lobby when two men approached me and asked if "I was the guy?" I said I must be and then we introduced ourselves. One's name was Eric, and I can't remember the other one (you'll have to help if you read this...I'm horrible with names). We talked a bit about my trip and they took some pics and then Eric took me on a tour of the facility. They had a lot of nice bikes on display and then he took me to the development area of the facility. I saw the behind the scenes of development and advertising and then went on a factory tour. It was quite amazing to see. Trek has an on site gym for the employees to work out at during the winter when riding is bad. They also have an on site kitchen to which I was taken to and a chef cooked me up an omelette. We talked some more about the trip as I ate and then went back to the bike and I showed them my map of the country. We then departed. They mentioned one way for me to head to Milwaukee and GPS said another.

I looked at my maps and went with yet a different way for scenery and ease. As I was riding along the highway a car pulled off and talked to me. He was very friendly and informed me I would have less of a hassle with traffic if I took a turn ahead and got onto a bike path I was parralleling. He directed me to my turn and I was off on bike trails for the next 30+ miles. This was a welcome change, though sometimes I enjoy the highway for the people you meet. The path was good and had a small fee for wheeled access. At Wales and was halloed from a couple of bikers on the road who turned to meet me. It was a couple out on a ride on a day off. He works at Trek and mentioned he saw me there earlier and then informed me that I was already on Trek's website. The link is in the articles box on the side.

The day was beautiful out and the tailwind was much appreciated. I was able to keep a nearly 20mph pace today.

My first full day's ride in Wisconsin was a bit more unpleasant. I was riding along the great river road along the MS river and I thought it would be relatively flat or rolling. It was rather hilly with big hills in many places. The shoulder was at least fairly wide. It occassionally looked like it was going to storm; which was in the forecast I had seen. That morning, however, the CG owner said they were predicting hail and tornadoes that afternoon. I figured I'd be far enough away it wouldn't matter; plus I thought he may have gotten exaggerated info. I rode on and decided to keep riding past the first state park, Merrick SP, and continue to Perrot. It would make it easier to cross the state in a shorter time. I got there and the weather was beautiful and I got a site and set up. I was a little nervous because there was no high ground in my site. I ate my meal and finished setting up and then took a brief walk around the CG. I heard the ranger talking to a family about getting to the bath houses for more protection than their tent. This got me wondering what was up. I then got back and heard a weather radio playing at the host site. It was rattling off a rather unfriendly report about tornadoes and golf ball size hail just upriver from where we were. It was also saying severe thunderstorms in our area. The host said I should grab my stuff and wait out the storm in the nature center.

I again thought this was probably a bit of an overreaction since the tornadoes and hail were north. I got back to my tent and was going to look at the radar when the first thunder and lightning started. I grabbed my stuff and headed to the center and met the host there. She was a bit more shaken up than need be and was exaggerating the reports that the weather radio was playing (it was in the room playing and I could hear what they said). The lighting was close for a while and the rain came down hard. Eventually the heart of the storm passed us. I kept an eye on the radar on my phone and could tell when the red and yellow were past. I headed back to my site and my fears were partially realized. As soon as I turned into my site my feet were in a puddle of water that encompassed my whole campsite. I waded back to my tent and thankfully found it dry inside, though with numerous pockets of water underneath from the puddle flowing through. My gear and I were able to stay dry, however. In the morning all was dry, though flood advisories were posted the night before and throughout the following day.

Oh, and I was also informed I made the front page of the Kulm, ND Messenger. It is too small to be online, but I will try and get a copy uploaded sometime.

The Mighty Mississippi

2010-06-24T16:56:00.002-05:00

I have made Wisconsin. I'm camped on the Mississippi right across from red wing shoe factory. I suprisingly have energy, though I have ridden nearly 180 miles in just the last two days. I outran a big storm yesterday and it was a beautiful day to ride today. I rode a great trail along the cannon river to red wing that had views of the river and dense woods.

I'm having a hard time balancing the freedom I've had over the last few months and a slight schedule for hospitality and a finish date. The biggest challenge now is the heat, as well as the floods. The flooding is putting me inside much like the cold did before. Right now the heat is ok because I can find places to escape the heat usually and I can carry two gallons of water.

The roads in Minnesota have been friendly, for the most part, but often quite rough. I did have a cycling map that showed traffic volume on the highways, but it's shoulder size notes were not always right.

The place I camped at last night said there was water available but when I got there it was very foul. Thankfully I had some left as well as some powerade. That lasted me until I could get back to town for some more water. Tonight they have a filter in the office that I can use to take care of it.

As I write this I just saw a tree float down the river.

The Calm Before The Storm

2010-06-21T19:20:00.002-05:00

It is amazing that I barely see a car an hour right now and soon I will be hard pressed to not see a car a minute.

The rain has been bad through the Dakotas and Minnesota lately. The ground is saturated and the farmers have had a rough go of getting much planted. I had to help shawna's dad get unstuck quite a few times. The fun part was I got to play with farm equipment.

God has been quite good to me over the course of this trip and has consistently kept me safe and provided shelter when needed. During BRAN I had shelter for a tornado watch. I had shelter again in Murdo, SD during a storm and it cost just a bit more than camping. Then he gave me shawna's family and a warning in north Dakota that kept me from floods, tornadoes and hail. How many people know someone in north dakota? And then he has my course go right by their place while a storm brews. I had also decided to change my Minnesota course before, which was good, because originally I was planning on going through and staying in Wadena, the worst hit place during this storm system.
He has continued to watch over me during storms of all types and I can't wait to see what happens as population becomes the battle instead of nature. Hopefully there is little to do, but I know he can do it. I'm doing what I can though with getting a better mirror and possibly some pepper spray. The bike continues to hold up, even with 12,000 miles on it. He has kept anything major from breaking.

Here's to the final two months.

I'm Still Alive

2010-06-20T21:25:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has taken so long to post. I've had very little reception and energy lately. I made it across South Dakota in relatively nice weather. I then went to see my friend Shawna in Kulm, nd on Wednesday and she informed me a storm was moving in the next day. As we were waiting for the news reporter so I could get in the paper I checked the weather. It said severe winds, hail, thunderstorms and potential tornadoes. Shawna and her mom invited me to the farm to stay for a couple days and I decided that was a good idea.

I then hung out and helped on the farm for a couple days. I didn't realize how bad the storms were until yesterday. I also learned there were funnel clouds on the neighboring farm.

The people in this part of the country are a lot more social. As I was riding yesterday a couple asked me over and gave me refreshments, then dinner. They also told me how to get to the campground in town. I ended up hanging out with them for six hours. The town was packed as it was their all-school reunion.

I crossed over the 10,000 mile mark today. Tomorrow I'll be in Minnesota. My body is pretty tired, but I'm anxious to continue.

Twister

2010-06-13T08:15:00.003-05:00

I am getting ready to head north from Pierre, today and decided to write before I go. I spent a couple of days here hanging out with Rambo and Sharebare, Dennis' sister and brother in law. His mom was also here and her birthday was yesterday and they threw a suprise party for her, and she was suprised. That lasted all afternoon and well into the night.

Since being on BRAN and riding to Pierre I have had three nights with tornado warnings/watches, but thankfully have had no close calls with any. I have had some good amounts of rain and hail, but have been able to be inside when it has been hailing. Now, having had a colder than normal winter everywhere, we are having a wetter than normal spring everywhere. I now have to worry about flooding and lightning. Hopefully that all passes soon.

The rides of late have had good shoulders and, until yesterday, favorable winds. Yesterday wasn't all that bad until about 15 miles south of Pierre, then a head wind kicked in. It also drizzled a little, but no major storm.

Not much else to say right now. Just anxious to move on.

PS - I have also updated my GoogleMap and have organized locales through Louisianna. I have a few more to organize and a few I still need to remember so I can add them.

BRAN

2010-06-08T16:17:00.002-05:00

I ended up pushing on from shawnee and heading to Lusk, Wy after leaving Douglas. My old boss was at a Cowboy Mounted Shooting event and I decided to hang out in the morning and watch the first couple rounds of the shoot. What CMSA is is a cowboy rides a horse through an obstacle of ten baloons with two six shooters loaded with five blanks each. They must go through the course a certain way and shoot as many balloons as fast as possible in a select order. The fastest time wins and there are men's and women's and six levels.

I then headed to Harrison, Ne, where the Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska started this year. I got there before my mom and friends, so I set up and got a brake problem checked out on my bike. It was recommended I try replacing the pads, so I took my bike back and was working on that when they arrived. While working on my bike I talked with quite a few people who had questions about my ride. There was only one option for dinner that night (and BRAN brings in about 1,000 people) so we decided to drive to Lusk and get something before the orientation.

Some riders in BRAN believe each day is a race to get in first, as well as the hour gained from the time change, so people were up and going around 4am. I started moving a couple hrs later and went and had breakfast at my grandpa's pop-up camper, then packed up and headed out. It is a different experience riding with 600+ riders. I get a lot of questions and a lot of comments. I rode this ride last year the whole way with part of my gear. I was able to talk with a few of the people I had met last year and update them on my trip.

We have now ridden three days, though I didn't yesterday because I was feeling sick and didn't want to push it. Last night we had to hang out in the high school at Hyannis until a tornado storm system moved past. Eventually we were able to go back outside and sleep. Many people just stayed inside for the night. One pop-up trailer got spun 90 degrees and cracked the windshield of their car, among other things.

The winds were strong from the front the last two days, but today it was a strong tail wind. I rode back with my mom and our friends the first day, but today I went and rode at my own pace to meet other people and just enjoy the riding. I rode 65 miles in 3 1/2 hrs.

My mom's old college roommate lives in the town we are at tonight, so we are hanging at her place for a bit to recharge electronics, wash clothes, and shower. Now it's time to go take a shower.

Jackalope Days

2010-06-04T16:53:00.002-05:00

As has become the case the last few times I stopped, all my big plans went to the wayside due to getting sick. Because I was sick my muscles weren't getting used as much, so they got stiff. As has been the case, however, my body made a recovery the day I needed to go. I was at least able to hang out with my friends and get a tuneup done on the bike. and for those of you not aware, Douglas is the home of the jackalope.

I left town today after eating lunch with some friends from Lonetree. I then proceeded to head to my friends, Brad and Heather, house. I was making extremely good time due to the wind and so I took quite a few breaks along the way. They weren't home when I got there and their dog only let me hang out so long before he decided he didn't want me in his sight. I therefore decided to hang out on the semi for a while.

A Word Of Thanks

2010-06-02T15:12:00.003-05:00

Upon reading other journals and a change in mentality throughout this ride, I wanted to start thanking and mentioning those people who have assisted me through my trip. Here is a list of people so far...

McCook, Ne = Mason = met on side of road
Idalia, Co = Football Coach = met at school
Last Chance, Co = John = pastor of methodist church
Aurora, Co = Hannah, Jim, Rachel = friend and host's of friend
Colrado Springs, Co = Larry and Sue = family friends
Dodge City, Ks = Scott and family = 2nd cousin
Wichita, Ks = Brian = friend
Tulsa, Ok = Nathan and Valerie = friends
Siloam Springs, Ar = Jon, Reid, Michel = friends
New Johnsonville, Tn = Joe = pastor of church of Christ
Dandridge, Tn = Robert = pastor of first baptist church
St Augustine, Fl = Pirate Haus Inn = hostel with great people
Ft Lauderdale, Fl = Dennis = warmshowers host
Gainesville, Fl = Jimi = friend
Tallahassee, Fl = Gene and family = warmshowers hosts
Pensacola, Fl = Richard = friend's brother
Mobile, Al = Gerry and family = friend and his family
Amite, La = Gerry = friend
Outside Natchez, Ms = Chester = met on roadside
Dallas, Tx = Pablo =friend
Fort Worth, Tx = Zack and Sarah = friends
Austin, Tx = Jason and Kim = Sister-in-laws family
Austin, Tx = Ryan = friend
Kerrville, Tx = Camp Eagle, Anthony, Craig, etc = friends and former workplace
Midland, Tx = Mike and Jody = friends
Arizona City, Az = Neil = friend
Wickenburg, Az = Wes, Emily = friends
Newport Beach, Ca = Tyler and Allison = friends
Escondido, Ca = Alexis = friend
West Hollywood, Ca = Aaron = friend
Valencia, Ca = Dave and Sheri = cousins
Hanford, Ca = Lila, Ron = great aunt and her son
Lodi, Ca = Clint, Dan and families = 2nd cousin's and family
Bend, Or = Carl and Sue = friends of 2nd cousin
Walla Walla, Wa = Dan, Allison, and family = warmshowers hosts
Missoula, Mt = Josh and KP = friends of family
Casper, Wy = Pat and Nancy = friends parents
Douglas, Wy = Mick, Cindy, Hannah = friends

and the countless others whose names I don't know or can't remember. All but a couple gave me a place to stay, along with other things, and a couple provided me meals and social time. If I have not mentioned you, feel free to let me know and I will correct it ASAP.

Thanks Again

Home Again

2010-06-01T14:51:00.002-05:00

When I left Casper I had a wonderful 20 mph tail wind and the weather was almost 40 degrees warmer and you wouldn't have known how bad yesterday was if you looked at the day. I got a couple of supplies and then booked it to Douglas at about 18mph. A normal 5-6 hr ride turned in to 3 hours. Before starting this trip I lived outside of Douglas for about 1 1/2 yrs. I still have friends in the area and have been spending time with them the last few days. I ended up getting sick yet again. This has become a trend every time I stop for any length of time. I am still recovering after a week of sickness and hope it goes away soon.

It turned out that a couple of my friends who had also moved away were coming back this weekend as well. The week has been spent seeing old friends, recovering from sickness, and working on the bike. The tires had 3500+ miles on them and pretty much no tread left. It also needed a good cleaning.

A couple days ago the weather was nice and a friend and I went out on the north platte river and kayaked for a few miles. The river is up very high and moved quite rapidly. We had a few sets of mild rapids that added to the excitement.

And that should bring everyone up to date. Sorry about the delay in writing. Reception was poor most places I stopped in Montana and Wyoming and then I got sick and didn't feel good sitting for long periods. I am in Douglas a few more days and then I head to Nebraska for a half week this weekend.

Hypothermia...Again

2010-06-01T14:44:00.002-05:00

I got up and headed on through slight rain. The forecast I found last night from the local radio station as well as the previous ones from the internet said warmer morning followed by occasional rain in the afternoon. I decided to head on. The sky slowly became foggy and was starting to concern me about visibility. I rode on to the rest area and took shelter inside to warm up and let the fog clear. I had many comments about how it wasn't a great day to ride a bike.

Eventually the fog cleared and I continued on. Soon after starting, however, cold rain and cool temperatures moved in. I began getting extremely cold and concerned about how to handle that and the traffic. I eventually made it to Powder River. Many of the towns on this 100 mile stretch of road west of Casper are not there anymore and others are just holding on. Powder River is holding on. They had a post office that I went into to get warm. The lady clerk was very friendly and cranked the heat up to help me dry out. We talked for a bit and shared some stories and she opened up a room to let me put on a dry pair of pants. It took a long time to put these on and after an hour in the heat I was still shaking pretty good. I decided to call a friend and see if they could pick me up somewhere outside of town. After some discussing we decided I would ride towards town and after he finished up some things he would head my way.

While in the post office it had hailed and snowed and the wind shifted to a tail wind. This helped me ride almost 20 miles before he picked me up. The temperature had also dropped about 5 degrees, to 31. After piling in we drove back to town through more snow and rain. I warmed up at there house and also fell asleep for a bit, drained from the cold and exercise.

Moving Thru

2010-06-01T14:34:00.002-05:00

I woke up fairly early for an unknown reason and decided to use it to my advantage today to get to Worland before the headwinds started. It was a relaxing ride of 40 miles and relatively easy. I beat the winds to town and ended up getting a room to have a bit of a break. I ran some errands and then just took it easy.

The next day I wanted to get about halfway to Casper, about 85 miles. I headed out halfway early and made it to Thermopolis quite easily. Thermopolis is the home to the world's largest natural mineral springs, and you can smell when you are getting close. I continued through here, as I have been here before and wanted to cover ground today. There is a beautiful canyon just south of town and it was a gorgeous day to ride through it. The highway wound along the river and overlooked the train tracks on the other side. As one goes along this road you slowly descend through time as the various ages of rock are exposed. Towards the bottom one is surrounded by steep cliffs on all sides and has a small view of the sky. It played with my senses as I felt I was descending, yet the river flowed as if I was ascending. The climb out of the canyon was also not as challenging as it should have been.

I stopped in Shoshoni at a park next to the school for lunch. Graduation was going on and I had a couple of conversations with locals about my ride and the lack of anything between here and Casper. I decided to cook food here because I would most likely be roadside camping and didn't want to have a stove to deal with out there. I headed on and the wind greatly increased. A storm was moving from the east and pushing the air out in front of it. Eventually the rain hit, but the wind stopped. It was quite a mild ride with the rain, yet not too draining. I started watching for places to stay but this is high desert prairie. There isn't much there.

I eventually made it through the storm, but was becoming more exhausted and needed to camp. After miles of searching I was wore out and just headed to a fence about 50 feet from the highway and set up. Soon after another rainstorm hit. I fell asleep only to be awakened less than an hour later.

Bright flashes and loud crashes brought me out of my sleep. A great rainstorm had moved in and was directly overhead. I started to count time between flashes and thunder and made one-thou... before the crash came. It was this close for about 15 minutes and I was one of the tallest things out there. I got into lightning position for about 20 minutes until the lightning moved far enough away. I eventually fell asleep and had quite a restful night.

Wyoming: Halfway There

2010-06-01T14:22:00.002-05:00

I made it into Wyoming in relative struggle. I had a heavy headwind the whole day, which got worse over the last 25 miles. I climbed my way out of Montana for a bit under 50 miles and had a good headwind that kept me out of my saddle much of the time. I eventually started downhill, which was the trend most of the rest of the day. I took a pic by the welcome sign and then headed on. Much of Montana and Wyoming's back roads had sections just recently refinished, giving me a lot of great blacktop to ride on. This was relatively true in Wyoming. I learned that in Wyoming the roads are hired out to different contractors for small sections. The state apparently doesn't regulate how they need to be done, so there are multiple types of surfaces and rumble strips occasionally thrown into the mix.

Once at Lovell I decided to see how the weather was going to be and if I wanted to call it a night there and push on tomorrow. The report said 5mph headwinds today and 15mph headwinds tomorrow. Also, Greybull is lower in elevation by a bit. It was another 30 miles and I decided to go ahead to Greybull today and do a short ride the next day to Worland and get a motel. I pushed on and it started out uphill out of Lovell. Also, the winds were much greater than 5mph and were closer to 20mph. They also switched from headwinds to crosswinds. The best part was the 15 mile climb out of Lovell. Over the last 30 miles, 20 were uphill! The downhills were not a break since the wind blew so hard I had to pedal and with all my strength I barely stayed above 5mph. It was an exhausting day.

As I crested the hills, I got more and more frustrated. I started to yell at the tops like the world's strongest man competitors do when moving heavy things. It worked well. At the last hill I hollered out, "this has got to be the last one." And I was excited that it was. The last few miles into town, however, were gravel due to construction and I struggled a bit more to make it there.

I wheeled into the campground and got a site and then decided to set up camp, shower, and then eat. I was looking forward to A&W, but at just after 8, when I was done with my shower, it was closed (on a friday!). I headed to a different restaurant that was a little nicer and got some food and then headed back and fell asleep. Of course I forgot to cover my bike seat with a sack and it decided to dump rain that night, so I had a wet seat the next day.

The scenery today made the ride much more bearable. I was surrounded by the Absarokas and Bighorns and a few other ranges throughout the day.

Yellowstone to Rockvale

2010-05-24T22:10:00.002-05:00

I got ready and headed the five miles into town at Big Timber and got water. The truck stop was out of jugs, but they let me fill out of the fountain. I then continued on with a great tailwind all day. That seemed to be a theme in Montana and pretty much from my second day in Washington all the way to Laurel, MT. Nothing big happened today and I was again fighting clouds that surrounded me, but always seemed to hold off. I stopped at a rest area 20 miles west of Laurel and took one last break and noted the rain falling over Laurel. The wind had picked up and was probably 15+mph at my back. This blew me into Laurel, where I got wet for the last mile into town. I headed to Wal-mart to get some supplies and then to McDonalds to warm up and get a bit of energy for the last ride. The clouds slowly blew over and the sun came out for the rest of my ride. I headed south and got to a campground that I had found online.

It was only $7. I had to self register and the place looked abandoned, so I was worried if it was even open. I paid and went to set up. When setting up I noticed a guy out on a tractor mowing. He didn't come over, so I just kept to myself. I went to use the facilities and they were locked. Eventually the man got off the tractor. It took him quite a long time, but then he got in is hybrid car and drove over the tenth of a mile to where I was set up. He began to tell me his life story and how he is a physicist working on sonofusion in the Ukraine(and how it came to be in the Ukraine) and how he has worked on this concept since the late 40's. He wore glasses with one of the lenses out of the frame. We talked for a bit and he said they weren't quite open yet, though the sign said April. When he said he was leaving he said this would probably be the last I saw of him, and it was. He had opened the restroom and I went and got a shower. I went to fill up my water bottles and it reeked of minerals, so I headed the tenth of a mile to the gas station and decided to eat at the casino/restaurant that was there. It was very good. I got my water and went back and fell asleep and hardly stirred all night long.

Three Rivers To The Yellowstone River

2010-05-24T21:58:00.002-05:00

I awoke in the morning and headed to the confluence which forms the Missouri River. I took some pics and hiked around on some rock outcroppings that gave good views of the surrounding areas. The only downfall was that all the mountains had clouds over them and my view was limited. I then headed on and got sprinkled on a bit more and had one more climb before a very nice downhill, where the wind shifted to my back. I got supplies at Bozeman just before this. I was surrounded by beautiful moutains on all sides and had the Yellowstone River flowing beside me. I had found a little patch of green on google maps a days ride from the Missouri and researched it and found it had camping. I decided to try for that and got there in good time. The downfall to the place is that it had no water and though I refilled my bottles at the last place possible, I was still low and in need of more. I eventually had to opt to treat a couple of bottles out of the Yellowstone. The river is quite dirty and the water was cloudy, but after treating it, it quenched my thirst enough. Across the river was the Crazy Mountains and they stood boldly above the hills in front of them, their white peaks jutting into the sky.

John Steinbeck said something along the lines that Montana is a lot like what a kid's vision of Texas might be like after hearing a Texan talk about Texas. I agree with that. The thing about Montana is it is big in a different way and reminds you how small you are. The scale of everything is huge. I have been here before but had forgotten how amazing it truly is. Words and pictures cannot do it justice. Perhaps in a couple days I can use some of the phrases and words that went through my mind as I rode this majestic landscape, but today's weather took a lot out of me. I also need some time to continue to process the magnificence of what I had seen.

I was again the only one at the campsite tonight, though there were a couple people here for day use. As I was sitting around relaxing, a couple of kayakers paddled down the river and chanced the rapids. It was a site to see. I again slept great, which ended up being a common theme in Montana. Possible better than any state overall, so far. That could possible be due to the ability to stay up later with the light, which tends to shine till after 9 every night.

Deer Lodge to Three Forks

2010-05-24T21:50:00.003-05:00

My day from Deer Lodge was a fairly normal ride for the most part. I got up and headed to Butte and was making pretty good time. At Butte I got rained on for a couple miles. As I headed into town I could see the rain falling over town and eventually got it hit me. I headed into town and stopped at the bank and got some cash. They had a fountain pop machine so I got a glass of Mountain Dew and headed on. I had a climb out of Butte, but it wasn't as challenging as I was expecting, which made it even better. I crossed the continental divide and headed on. Clouds all around were looking ominous and I was nervous of an encroaching storm. When I got to Three Forks I found the exit I needed was closed and I had to add 6+ miles to get the next exit and backtrack to the campground. I camped at the headwaters of the Missouri River. I was the only one there other than the campground hosts. As I did my detour, rain began to fall again and I ended up getting wet, when I wouldn't have had the exit been open. This made my day 104 miles long, which was a bit much since it was beyond what I was planning, though I recovered quickly. The campground host informed me they had a couple of moose wandering the grounds and that I just needed to be aware of that. I went to bed fairly early and had a great night's sleep.

Home On The Range

2010-05-21T22:00:00.002-05:00

I'm finally in Wyoming. State 24. My last few days have exhausted me. I have had a tailwind since my second day in Washington, until today. I had a headwind that got increasingly worse and then hills. I will update on details later. I'm too exhausted right now. Let's suffice it to say I made state 24 and will be visiting friends in three days. I will give full reports on my travel as soon as I have energy, battery power, and reception.

It's All Downhill From Here

2010-05-19T19:29:00.002-05:00

Well...maybe not...but the water does all lead to the Atlantic Ocean. I crossed the continental divide for the second and final time on my trip. It occurred to me a half mile from the top that both times I crossed it I was on interstate and there was a storm to the north of me pounding the route I could have taken instead. Lo and behold I made it over relatively dry and not too worn out. That doesn't speak for the end of the day.

I had been battling ominous clouds all day and got rained on for a couple miles in Butte and another mile on a later climb, but that was pretty much it, until...I got to the turn off for the place I was planning on going to and it had a detour that made me go an extra 6+ miles out of the way. During this detour the sky decided to open up again for most of the way. This would've been avoided by having my tent up had I been to the campground when planned. This also made my ride 104 miles. A little too long for my desire. I was thirsty, tired, and hungry when I arrived and just wanted to go to bed, which I did shortly after I made dinner. I can't do the full day justice right now as I am again tired and need to turn my phone off soon so I have battery left until my next full charge.

Today was an 85+ mile day and was uphill to start, like yesterday. I had a climb out of Bozeman and then a wonderfully downhill and. A couple rolling hills followed by more downhill. I am now riding along the yellowstone river. My average speed increased by almost 4mph after the summit. I am camped at a fishing hole with camping with views of the crazy mountains and the absarokas. The river flows swiftly a few feet away and just recently a couple of kayakers paddled past.

I would love to do a more vivid description of the last two days but am in need of rest.

The Bull's End

2010-05-17T20:41:00.003-05:00

I left Missoula today. I went to pick up a couple things from the store and went I came out I had a low tire. I expected this at some point since I had rotated my tires and that's when one usually goes flat. I repaired it and took off. It took a while to get going because I had to answer a few people's questions about my ride. I finally got going and onto the interstate. This is not my preferred choice of travel but was about the only option. I headed east and took frequent breaks because I had time to kill. My planned destination was 60 miles away. I was there by 1:30. This even with breaks and more questions due to stopping at rest areas. Many people were friendly and I had very little trouble with traffic. This was partly due to the lack of traffic on Montana roads. The temperature reached the mid-80's today and was beautiful and sunny until the last 15 miles of the day. I had seen storms in the mountains all around me but thankfully that's where they stayed. I got sprinkled on a couple times and the wind picked up. This wasn't too bad since just to the east of me the sky was dark and I could see the rain coming down pretty good. The last mile was the hardest due to about 15 mph crosswinds. That last mile seemed to last forever, partly due to the wind and partly due to the fact that the exit was nearly a mile from it's mile marker. I pulled in to the campground just off the interstate and the people were friendly and gave me the discounted rate. That's good since the only other true camping option was koa. I set up and showered and then headed to the restaurant a block away to which the campground gave me a discount coupon. The food was very good but I had a hard time deciding because I was so hungry everything looked good. It is now 8 pm and the sun still has about an hour until it sets. This has taken some getting used to since arriving in Missoula.

The title refers to a restaurant I rode by on my ride today. It had pictures and all.

Missoula By Bicycle

2010-05-16T16:17:00.004-05:00

As you can see, I have been making changes on my site. Part of this is due to having the time to do it. Another part is currently having access to a computer. I have added a statistics box to allow people to see my progress a little easier. The mileage is most likely not 100% accurate. I'm using a wireless computer and I try to change the batteries regularly, but I feel that I don't always get it done in time. I have also added a link to a Google Maps map that I am working on. It is not fully up to date, not all the locations are accurate if you zoom in, and the icons are still being changed. I also plan on adding route lines to allow you to see highways I have travelled. Currently it shows you roughly my route around the country and has most of my nightly locations highlighted. I will continue to work on this as time and computer access allow, so stay tuned for updates.

FREE DAY

Yesterday I took a free day in Missoula. My hosts here had a friend who was turning 30 and planned a 30 mile bike ride, hoping for 30 riders, along which they would visit the three local breweries. He ended up getting 30 riders. I was allowed to tag along and so spent the day "resting," which was partly the case since I had very little gear attached. We started out at the birthday boy's house and rode for roughly 20 miles before coming to the first brewery. I was able to see a lot of Missoula that I would normally not have been able to see or know about. We rode some beautiful roads and had very few hills, all at a relaxing pace. We visited Big Sky, Kettle House, and Bayern and had a brief stint at each before heading to the next one. There was a lot of good socializing going on and I met a lot of neat people and many wanted to hear about my trip. The day ended by meeting back at his house and having a grilling session along with live music. Many people were Environmental Law students, since that was his field of study at the University.

Today is another free day and I spent it working on my bike and trying to relax a bit. I haven't decided yet if I am going to ride every day to Douglas, WY, or if I am going to take a free day along the way and split the trip in half. The weather has been beautiful and makes me think I might take another break if location allows.

The Road From Walla Walla by Pics

2010-05-15T11:46:00.004-05:00

The visitor's center at Lolo Pass, elev 5235
Downhill into Montana
The yellow sign is a very favorable sign
James, the cyclist I met headed east

The Lochsa Lodge
Our rustic cabin in the woods
Riding along the Lochsa River
The view from my tent along the Lochsa River
Riding the Clearwater River
Kamiah (cam-ee-eye) city park stage along highway 12 on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation
An earlier view along the Clearwater River just east of Lewiston, ID
Idaho, along the Snake River
The pass before an incredible downhill with speeds nearing 50mph
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park along the Touchet River in Washington, just behind my campsite

You Have A Big Climb Coming Up

2010-05-14T18:09:00.003-05:00

Those were the words I constantly heard all the way up to Lolo Pass. The truth is - it wasn't that bad. A mere 1,600 feet over 13 miles. Not much compared to the other climbs on my ride.

Last night was a peaceful sleep in a peaceful location. I awoke somewhat early and was soon packed and ready to go. I left around 8 and met a couple of British cyclists coming down. They started on mountain time and therefore made it over a bit before me. I was still probably the first headed east.

I forgot to fill my water before I left so I was on empty to start the day. I didn't want to turn around after I realized it because that was more climbing. I therefore resolved that once I found an accessible spot on the river I would fill up and use my chlorine drops. I only filled one bottle. That got me to the visitors center at the pass where I was able to fill up a couple more.

At the center I talked with a young couple with a 1 1/2 yr old girl named charlotte. She was entertaining and the couple was curious about the cyclists they see on the road and what their stories are.

I soon headed on and had a great initial 4 mile downhill that allowed me to get to almost 40mph. Then it was a very mild ride all the way to missoula. I stopped for a break in Lolo and a girl was looking at me with a grin so I said hi and she giggled and said she liked my sunglasses. They had my mirror attachment on. I got to missoula and called the people I was staying with and then headed there. I got the tour, cleaned up, and then have just been relaxing and sharing stories. I'm gonna stay here for a couple days and then start a six day ride across big sky country to my midway state.

Cruisin' On Highway 12

2010-05-13T21:03:00.002-05:00

I have wifi tonight, though I haven't had phone reception for the last couple days. As I mentioned last post, I have company for the portion of the trip from Washington to Missoula. We have shared campsites every night and tonight the last three campgrounds were closed and the next open one was two miles out of the way. We considered going there or finding a place in the woods. We were at a resort type area that had little camping cabins and decided, just for fun, to see what the rates were. It turned out to be fairly affordable, had two beds, and a restaurant on site so we decided to stay. I just finished up having a great bison burger and salad and fries. It is in a lodge of golden pine logs with a beautiful gas fireplace in the center of the room and game mounts and rugs decorating the walls. We are surrounded by forest and far enough from the highway to hear not a sound. The staff is very friendly and welcoming of our cycling tales and metabolism.

Yesterday I decided I was going to have a long ride day to try and make the next couple of days shorter, since we would be going over Lolo Pass. The ride was a pleasant winding road next to the Clearwater River and didn't have as much traffic as usual. The shoulder was sporadic and nonexistent at times, but averaged out to a foot or two wide most of the day. The traffic was generally friendly. Shorly after the day started the layers came off. For part of the day I was even able to ride without a shirt. Most of the ride was across the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. This followed much of the Lewis and Clark trail and had waypoints along the way.

The campground last night was amazing. We were the only ones there and it only cost $5 total. We were camped on an embankment over the middle fork of the Clearwater and the stream drowned the sound of the traffic throughout the night. There was a glorious white sand beach at the foot of five steps leading down to the river right next to the tent. I ate my meal here with the sound of the mild rapids and the quiet washing of the waves from the eddy washing onto the beach. The last of the suns rays cast down and kept me warm before the heat was lost behind the pines to the west. My tent was set upon a luxuriant bed of pine needles which added to the comfort of my sleeping pad. Between that and the soothing sounds of the river, it was one of my most restful nights sleep. Over the 101 miles ridden this day we only gained 600 ft in elevation.

Today the ride continued along the river. We changed to the Lochsa river and soon began seeing rapids, which a small number of people were shooting today. Later along in the day I came upon a couple in a van that asked me about my trip. The driver was getting ready to do a cross country trip this July. They informed me that there were hot springs down the trail we were by. They told me it would be a great side trip and since it was 1:30 and I only had ten more miles to go, I decided to give it a try. I found them and stayed for about 20 minutes then headed back. It was real restful and relaxed my legs. There was no one around and it was picturesque, having a pool surrounded by rocks with beautiful pine and spruce surrounding the hill sides and a rolling mountain stream sounding peacefully in the background.

I soon returned to the road and began riding again. A trucker shortly passed me and pulled off at the next pullout. He got out and started checking his truck and then waved when I went by. I nodded back and continued on for a few yards when a thought struck me and I turned back. The truck was white pulling a tanker trailer and had NORCO on the side. This was the type of truck the brother of the family I stayed in Bend with drove. I met him one night when he came for a visit. It turned out it was him. We talked for a bit and he took my pic by his truck. He offered to take me over the pass, but I declined for a few reasons, one of which being James coming along behind me.

The weather has been in the 70s and the sun has been shining and very little wind has been blowing. It couldn't be more perfect for summiting a pass. I believe I will probably be the first cyclist to do the pass this year. We are a bit early for the season, so many things are closed and potable water isn't prevalent. I believe I have figured my route across Montana and Wyoming now, so it should be a pleasant trip to Douglas.

Company

2010-05-11T19:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon another cyclist strolled in to the campground to check it out and took a break and decided to stay. Turns out we were riding the same direction and decided to ride together today. He is on a loop from Chicago to san Diego and back and is currently on his way back.

The ride today was great, with a 15mph tail wind and a great 5 mi downhill that got speeds upwards of 45 mph. The day was sunny and the company nice. We got to clarkston, wa and went to the visitors center and they were very helpful. They had Idaho and Montana maps and gave us campground guides for hwy 12.

Not much else to post right now.

Exploration

2010-05-10T15:14:00.002-05:00

I am working my way back across the union and am camping at a place where Lewis and Clark went through on their return journey. I am leaning against a downed tree along the Touchet river in southeastern Washington state.

Across the river are ferns of every color of green. This is a swift flowing river right now that has places of rapids that make a smooth gurgling sound. Birds of all types are singing before the impending rainstorm comes. The sky is an ash gray and resembles smoke from a wet fire slowly flowing overhead. Sparrows dart all around me and over my head then skim the waters surface and swiftly and gracefully dart above a felled tree in the water.

Earlier a hummingbird fluttered under my tarp and sounded like a giant bee before I realized what was there. It then perched on a branch and tried to look in every direction at once - natures ADD animal. Robins walked the ground near me and all seems oblivious to my presence.

From this location I can't make out the sounds of the highway. The long blast from the semi that went by me as I turned in here seems ages ago. I can visualize Lewis and Clark and their group exploring this unknown frontier. They hear the same sounds I do and have seen many of the same trees I have. I had similar visions at the Deschutes river - the last river crossing of the Oregon trail. A trail that was heavily used merely 150 years ago on wagons and livestock, without the amenities of graded roads, a/c, and rv's.

It reminds me that it was the toils of those people and their vision of things greater than themselves that made our nation what it is and gave them the character admired by so many. I often feel it is the lack of similar toils that make us nowadays not so stubborn or interested in the forming of our still young nation and the lack of commitment in so many realms, including family.

An experience like mine will undeniably build character in the one who partakes it. I'm not saying mine is the only type of experience that will do this. Working in outdoor leadership I see it all the time when people are challenged and pushed outside their comfort zones. I hope I never become so comfortable I grow stagnate. Ok...enough philosophy.

The ride today was short and through picturesque rolling hills with beautiful white clouds and blue skies. Behind me, however, a storm was brewing and those skies eventually grew gray. The wonderful part about that was the tailwind I had. It made the ride a lot faster than I had originally planned.

My time in Walla Walla was enjoyable and I had a great time getting to know my hosts and share stories of the road. They did a mom, dad, daughter, son tour on two tandem bikes across the northern US a couple of years ago and had a great time. They showed me a slide show the dad had put together and it was great. I am currently filled with a renewed energy to continue on and can only hope and pray it stays and gets me through the next few mountain passes I have before the plains.

The Wizard Of Oz

2010-05-09T11:35:00.002-05:00

So last night I arrived to Walla Walla and waited for my warm showers hosts to get back from their sons baseball game. They arrived back and we talked for a bit as supper was being made and then I was offered the chance to go to the high school play of The Wizard Of Oz. It was supposed to be really good and a production company from Las Vegas had apparently helped them make flying monkeys. The school is around 1,800 students in a town of around 30,000 people. I decided I would go.

We got there right as the house lights were turned down and the show soon began. Dorothy came on stage followed by Toto, of which they actually used a live dog when able. Sometimes he was getting held too much or thrown around and they used a stuff dog that highly resembled him. They did very good at switching him back and forth during the scenes so one could hardly keep track of the real dog or the stuffed one.

Pretty soon the tornado hit and the next thing you know a model house is flying around on stage and a projector is showing twisters and flying debris in the background. Then the house lands on the witch and the next thing you know Glinda is flying in her bubble from stage left and slowly soars down to the ground. Then here comes the wicked witch flying on her broomstick above the stage from stage right and she soars to the ground, makes her speech, then flies away.

Later on three monkeys fly in and then one carries of Toto, the tin man is in the air, and Dorothy gets flown away.

It was quite the production. The wardrobe was very well done and the acting was really good. They have quite a lot of talent in the vocals area. For a high school production it was amazing. The use of technology was minimal but well used with a projector instead of changing backdrops. It also allowed the crystal ball scenes to be played out with their actors in dream sequences. The only drawback was they used a mic system and it was a bit loud. I was quite impressed.

I am taking a free day today to rest and make any repairs necessary before making a push to Missoula, MT for another rest day. In less than a month I will be back in Nebraska, though only for a handful of days. Then it's only three more months of this journey. I feel it's going to go too fast and not fast enough all at the same time.

Vegas Pics

2010-05-09T11:27:00.005-05:00

Viewing Red Rocks Outside Las Vegas

The Belagio Fountains...To The Tune Of The Pink Panther The First Time

The Grounds Of The Condo We Stayed In

Hoover Dam And The New Bypass Bridge To Be Completed This Fall

Pics...Finally

2010-05-09T11:03:00.014-05:00

The Rest of California, Oregon, and Washington by Pictures...

Oregon...Finally

Washington

In Case You Can't Read...Perhaps Visual Aides Will Help

UhOh...No Snow Tires Or Tire Chains...Made It Through The Snow Anyway

One Of The Slightly Below Average Redwoods. Many Were Wider, Just Couldn't Get A Picture

Riding Through The Drive-Thru Tree.

Apparently, The Wind Usually Blows Here. Yes, I Was Heading The Wrong Way. Trees At Fort Bragg, CA.

Some Help For The Winter. Grew This Out A Couple Times And Shaved It A Bit Early Both Times. Hopefully Won't Need It For A While.

A Giant Sequoia Fallen And Hollowed Out. No Problem Walking Through. Wider Than The Redwoods And Still Tall, Though Not As Tall. Branches The Size Of Regular Tree Trunks.

Another Wine Country

2010-05-08T18:22:00.002-05:00

I tried to sleep in today but the 4 and 5 am fisherman decided to wake me up. I laid around a while and then got ready to go around 9. As I was leaving town I got a flat due to multiple thorns going into my rear tire. I fixed it and continued to move and soon I was riding along the Columbia river. Shortly after entering Washington again I got a tail wind that lasted until most of the way to Walla Walla. It was a pretty average day and this part of Washington has a lot of wineries, though I didn't see many vineyards.

I'm staying at a warm showers host house tonight and it was built in 1908 and is on the historic homes register.

I added a side tab that allows you to access the Bend article and will soon attach the two articles from my hometown paper as well.

Washington..No. Wait...Oregon?

2010-05-07T21:03:00.002-05:00

I wanted to get an early start today because I wasn't sure what the day held, where I was staying, and I figured the wind might pick up. 8am was the early start. I had breakfast and moved on, then a couple miles later had second breakfast. I then crossed the Columbia and rode highway 14 to the next interstate. I started out with good time for the first three hours but then the wind hit. When I started only a couple wind turbines were going but their easterly direction worried me. Sure enough, by 11am every turbine in sight was going strong and the river was white capping. I was still able to go strong but it was exhausting and drained the water. I went through a gallon of water, a cup of Orange juice, and a liter of propel and was thirsty when I arrived. I still managed to pedal 91 miles, which was good due to a camping location.

The town of Plymouth lies near the interstate and does have a campground but I needed water and wasnt sure if they had any and I was close enough I wanted to make sure I could cross on the interstate. It was a good thing. I was allowed on the interstate for a half mile and then was forced to exit. The tunnel under the freeway was blocked and I was forced to do a loop through Plymouth. I decided I should try hitch hiking to see if I could get a ride. I waited for five minutes and five trucks and then someone pulled over. His name was jerry and he would be glad to help. He said there was a walking bridge on the other side bit he didn't know if bikes were allowed. He dropped me off at the first exit and I proceeded to the marina and rv park. Thankfully they let tents camp there to. I was able to take a shower, of which I was dearly in need, due to three days hard riding without one. Tomorrow is Walla Walla and a warm showers host.

Chillin' By The Deschutes

2010-05-06T16:30:00.004-05:00

I woke up to a tent covered in frost and toes that I still couldn't feel. One of my Windows was frosted over. Thankfully the wind died down overnight and the snow stopped. I got up and when I put my riding shoes on, which had been out all night, I was greeted with a surprise. The sun that was shining had warmed them up and they were quite toasty. I proceeded to pack, to one last quick look around town, then headed on. The ride was generally downhill, though I had some decent climbs as well. I made good time as well and was excited to see the wind turbines were not going very much.

Outside of Biggs I had a nice 4 mile downhill coast to the river. I stocked up on water at the gas station and proceeded to the state park. It is $12 cheaper to camp in the Oregon state park than the one across the river in Washington. The only drawback is I have some backtracking to do tomorrow. The great part is the sun has finally come out and I am sitting in the sun getting some color back in my skin and listening to the Deschutes river flow by right next to my campsite.

Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh-Shaniko

2010-05-05T20:02:00.002-05:00

It's freezing outside and I have ridden through sleet and snow almost all day. I am sitting in the public restroom of a town of 27 people to stay warm for a bit. I am camped next to the stables with the permission of the mayor who happened to drive by the gas station as I asked if there was a place to camp. This town of Shaniko, OR has had a rich history, starting with a big part in the wool industry. It was located at the end of the line (railroad). Now it is in the cattle industry. It's a registered ghost town today, though people live here.

I left Bend today a celebrity. I had a photographer take pics of me as I left town for a photo and caption in the local paper. I hope to get a link to it soon. I delayed my departure from bend due to getting sick, so left today. I hope to be just across the river from Washington tomorrow.

My back is doing better due to a massage in Bend, though it is still sensitive. Hopefully I can get another one soon and clear it up. I hope to be in Montana in a week and a half. Hopefully I will only have to deal with snow one or two times more before it warms up.

Still cold so I'm gonna go get in my sleeping bag.

Bend

2010-05-03T22:36:00.002-05:00

Not much to update. Didn't get access to a computer to upload pics but hope to this weekend in Walla Walla.

Serenity

2010-05-02T13:26:00.002-05:00

The ride yesterday had a couple of short and steep climbs and then a gradual climb the rest of the day. It was one of those roads that looks flat in a car but is a constant climb. It was at least a peaceful ride with a wide shoulder. The drivers were some of the best this whole trip; even the RVers, the predominantly poorest drivers of the trip. Just about every driver got over if it was possible and gave me plenty of room. The nest and worst part of the ride was the wind: it blew from every direction for varying lengths of time, which meant I occasionally had a tailwind.

Today I'm on my way to Bend. I'm ahead of schedule so I stopped for lunch and a break. The ride so far has been great and is predominately downhill. It goes through forest most all the time and occasionally gives glimpses of the Cascades. I decided to listen to Celtic and classical music today since it fits well with the landscape. My imagination has been going today and I have imagined frontiersmen and native Americans running through the woods and one song made me envision an old time barn raising like in seven brides for seven brothers.

It feels good to have another mountain range behind me. My legs can really feel it. They haven't been worked this hard in awhile. I think I might've pulled a stomach muscle as well. With that and my back I look a pretty funny and sad site only being able to position my upper body a couple of ways.

Winter Wonderland...In Spring!

2010-04-30T19:24:00.002-05:00

I started off from Ashland a little before 9 and there was still cloud coverage on the peaks. The forecast said it was supposed to clear up, so I went ahead. Shortly out of town I had a 3,000 ft vertical climb over 4 miles. About q mile into the climb I started riding through a drizzling snow which soon became flurries. Shortly after that was a really good snow of the real fluffy type that looks like a postcard.

I eventually made the first summit and the sun started coming out as I went down the back side. As the sun came out the snow on the trees started falling off and the road began to steam from the temperature range.

Once the sun came out it stayed out and i made two more summits. Overall the road wasnt used that much which made for relaxing riding. The only challenging part was riding with severe cotton mouth due to the pills I have been taking for my back. Other than that it was a great day to ride.

Black Ice

2010-04-29T14:39:00.003-05:00

I rode out this morning with my back hurting a bit and the forecast not looking well. I rode south 20 miles to where I was to catch an east bound highway and looked to the mountains and was still unable to see peaks and saw snow just a little ways above town. Since I had a 3,000 foot climb today, this concerned me. I checked the weather again for a couple of towns I was to go through and one predicted snow and temps not above freezing. I decided to not risk it and decided to stay in Ashland for a day. When I checked in I found out there was black ice where I was headed, so it was good I stopped.

Ashland is a very neat town and big into performing arts. They have three stages going daily and currently have a Shakespeare festival going on. The downtown has a neat feel to it and is historic and looks it, though well kept up.

Snow Again?

2010-04-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

I arrived in Oregon a couple days ago and found a campground for the night after a day of cool rain. When I woke up in the morning, however, I had a good layer of snow on my tent.

I put on some different warm clothes since those from the day before were soaked. I then put plastic bags on my head and feet to try and stay warmer and a little dryer. It worked, though I looked a little funny. My summit for the day was a little over 1600 ft, which means I was lower than that to get snow. During the day it got a little warmer and dryer. When I got to the place I was staying for the night I heard they had hail earlier in the day and I experienced some sleet. This all at the end of April and not up in the mountains.

As I rode today I couldn't see many of the peaks due to cloud cover. This made me glad I switched my route so I didn't have to ride in that for two days.

RV There Yet

2010-04-27T19:02:00.002-05:00

I made it into Oregon today. It rained most of the time. I took my time getting ready because I knew it was a short day and decided it would be better to ride in rain when it was warmer.

The rain was light and there wasn't much wind, so it wasn't that bad to ride in until I got just south of Oregon. I pulled into a rest area fairly warm, but when I left the temperature dropped. I rode through a tunnel that warmed me up but when I left it I shivered for quite some time. I then warmed up again and found a place to camp, but no one was around to help me at the first place I stopped, so I rode a few more miles and found a place that said it had tent camping. By this time I was frozen and shivering again and when I went to fill out the card it was hard to write.

A couple of times while riding today the sun did appear and it was refreshing. It was barely drizzling when I set up my tent during one of these sun showings. Shortly after it started to rain again and is continuing to do so.

I had to replan my route for the next few days due to weather (snow) and my back. I have decided to go on the south side of the cascades instead of thru the middle. This will make for slightly longer days, but shouldn't add any.

On To Number 20

2010-04-26T16:42:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow I will enter state 20. I have been in California a long time and it will be good to move on. I have ridden the state east to west and almost completely south to north. I have seen desert, mountains, ocean, and giant trees.

A few days ago my back started hurting and I ended up staying two nights in Eureka and going to the doctor. I got prescribed pain killers and muscle relaxants. It's kind of hard to ride long distances with those in your system.

Once leaving Eureka I soon entered redwood country. I was soon riding past trees that were bigger than my bike. I also rode through the drive thru tree.

I have finally started seeing other routers again, but that will probably stop for a while again since I'm leaving the ACA routes.

Cruising the 101

2010-04-22T18:35:00.003-05:00

Got up early and headed up the coast. Figured I would have some strong headwinds, which I did occasionally. I had a short coastal ride and then I entered the redwoods again. Saw at least 7 other tourers today. Talked with some of them and hung out with one couple for a while by the entrance to the drive thru tree. They were from Vancouver.

I rode through the tree and then headed on and had some strong headwinds. I am camped in a grocers of redwoods tonight and took a picture by one that was wider than my bike and it wasn't even the thickest one.

The post has to be short tonight because I'm low on battery power and my solar charger hasn't been getting enough sun. More exploits and pics to come.

Swell

2010-04-21T17:54:00.002-05:00

I decided to stay put today. I woke up early and it was nice but the forecast said wind and showers today. I laid around for a bit and the wind did pick up. I hung out in my tent for awhile and then got the brilliant idea to walk to town 3 miles away. The wind was at my back and it was a breezy walk in. I watched the surf hit above 10 ft waves in places. Seals and sea lions were also in the tide pools.

Now I get to walk back into the wind.

Back to the Coast

2010-04-20T15:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had some nice climbing to do right out of town. I waited for the fog to let up and then had around a thousand feet vertical climb. After the initial climb turf was continual rolling hills with occasional steep grades up or down. It was a beautiful ride through mountains and meadows and eventually went through a redwood forest. After the forest came the coast.

Some of the redwoods were thicker than my bike was long. Once I got to the coast I had some more rolling hills. This part of the PCH doesn't often get to sea level due to the numerous cliffs. It is very beautiful, however, and very majestic.

I rode north for a few miles and then entered a state park for the night. The great thing about many of the state parks on the coast is that they have hike/bike rates. I went and set up, preparing for the storm that was to start that night.

The storm did hit and rained quite a bit, but was done by 10am. I got an updated weather report from a diver and decided to move up the coast a little ways. This ended up being about 15 miles, but I didn't want to push the 45 to the next marked site. Perhaps there are other places, but I wasn't sure. I also decided this would let my stuff dry out.

The say the wind is supposed to get pretty bad tomorrow. I may have to stay for a day or two. It was said there would be rain all day today and I'm standing in sunshine. I hope to ride tomorrow, but the weather has the final say.

Making the Grade

2010-04-18T17:51:00.002-05:00

I got off today with a cold shower. For some reason the room had none for about an hour. Once I got started, though, it was a pretty good ride. I climbed out of Napa Valley and then went down to Sonoma Valley. Overall all it was 350 feet elevation gain.

Some of the winery estates were amazing. When I got outside of Santa Rosa I ran into a group of riders out for a ride. They showed me some backroads and trails. They led me through some scenic areas and gave me some good company for a while.

Once I got through town it was a good rolling highway all the way to Cloverdale. Tomorrow I head back out to the coast.

1 Corinthians 1:8a - Jesus will keep you strong until the end...

Walking

2010-04-18T09:58:00.002-05:00

I haven't written for a couple days due to exhaustion. My body is fully tired and my muscles wore out. My legs feel funny when I walk and they've buckled a few times.

The ride to Napa was good: fairly level and decent shoulder most of the way. There was some construction and I did a detour that ended up a few miles gravel but was less stressful than the highway. It was all downhill from the Napa county line.

Yesterday I relaxed and also toured downtown a bit. Downtown is very scenic here. I was surprised to learn that only 9% of Napa county is vineyards. Around here they even surround the golf course, which is named after wine.

1 Corinthians 16:13,14 - Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong. Do everything in love.

Happy Tax Day

2010-04-16T00:35:00.002-05:00

My dad finished up his busy season today, as he is a cpa, and tomorrow he is usually sick: on my birthday. My horse turned five yesterday.

Last night I was the only person at my campground and it was quite peaceful. The only problem was the stray cat partway thru the night that decided to go into a shower stall and bawl for a while. It was quite annoying and a little disturbing with the echoing sound that accompanied it.

I left later this morning so I would not get to my cousins house too early. Partway there I was still feeling a little weird, which happened since I woke up, so I stopped and got a bit to eat. From Escalon on I had wide shoulders.

As I rode the scenery went from orchards to dairy farms. I was in a relaxed mood at that time and started singing. I don't know if I was really good or really bad bit every cow I went by stopped what it was doing and watched me.

I arrived at around 4:30 and talked for awhile then my other cousins arrived and we had dinner.

My other cousins wife is from the Napa area and is a cyclist, so she gave me pointers on my next couple of days.

Ecclesiastes 11:8 - People ought to enjoy every day of their lives, no matter how long they live.

A New Day

2010-04-14T21:46:00.002-05:00

Today was an average day. I woke up early due to the sun and got off a little ahead of schedule. I got a good night's sleep last night since the sun allowed me to be up later

I headed along my predetermined route and only needed gps for a couple of roads. I had to take a few county roads that were paved, just a little far from anything. Many were quite rough and my backside can feel it as well. The ride was mostly level or downhill and the morning kept the mountains in view.

I made it to another state park and am the only one camping.right now, though it had a lot of day users. That allowed me to have the only place with electricity.

I'm staying with more relatives tomorrow and then celebrating my birthday this weekend in napa.

Psalm 4:8 - I go to bed and sleep in peace,
because, Lord, only you keep me safe.

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

2010-04-13T17:16:00.002-05:00

So I am finally off and moving again and made a nice 60 mile ride today. I headed up to Fresno and had to search around a bit for my route. I eventually found it. There was some trouble due to the windiness of the road and streets with similar names. I finally got to the north side of town and the access road stopped and there wasnt really an alternative to the freeway. When that happens they are supposed to allow you to ride on the freeway. Fresno, however, would not. After searching on gps for a while I found a route that worked and made it to the site at a decent time.

It was a pretty level ride today with only a few hills at the end. The sky was clear and a nice cool breeze was blowing. At times you could see the mountains to the east.

It feels good to he on the road again. My body is handling it well and enjoying the physicality. My breaks have proven valuable. Only five more days of riding and I will be on the coast again.

Psalm 16:3 - depend on the Lord in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

A Day With Kings

2010-04-12T14:09:00.002-05:00

On Saturday my cousins took me up to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks to see the canyon and the trees. We saw the Sherman and Grant groves of Sequoias and also overlooked Kings Canyon. It was in the 50's and had about 5-6 feet of snow and felt great. I didn't need a coat and it was a relief from the heat in the valley. I was, however, glad I didn't have to ride through it at that temperature, because then it would have been a little cold on the downhills with the cold off the snow.

We spent the whole day there and I got worried. I have been seeing so much of this country and have taken in so many sites over the last few months, and when I saw the beauty of the parks, it had no effect on me and it worried me. I usually am in awe of all the great wonders and the natural areas of our world, but I couldn't have cared less about visiting the parks on that day. I got concerned that maybe my mind and eyes have taken in more sights than they can handle in this amount of time. John Steinbeck experienced this same phenomenon when he took his dog Charlie across the country back in the 60's. I pray that this is not the case and that I can appreciate all that I will encounter over the next 4 1/2 months.

While at the park I ended up getting a migraine and it bothered me for that day and most of the next. Thankfully I was set up in a house and also was not having to travel. I am heading on my way again tomorrow and am not planning on having too many long breaks until I get to Wyoming, or possibly Montana. I hope to take on average a day a week off to rest my body, but for the most part continue to press on. It is getting to the time of year where I will be able to travel a little easier in the north and also about when I need to push across the country. I am still planning on riding the first couple days of BRAN in Nebraska starting June 6th, so I am looking forward to killing a few of my extra days in Douglas, WY with friends I gained while I worked in the area the last year and a half before this trip.

It has been good to take a break for a while and has given my body a chance to rebuild its strength and energy. It has also given me time to focus on my thoughts and also about what all I have experienced so far. This has been refreshing, but challenging for me, as I am a person who likes to move and experience things. Thankfully, that all starts again tomorrow.

Easter Break

2010-04-03T12:31:00.002-05:00

So I am finally posting again. I am in front of a computer and it should be a little better post. I ended up leaving Hollywood on Thursday midmorning. I was a little nervous about riding Laurel Canyon Drive because that road leads up to Mulholland Drive, the road where the Hollywood sign is at. Laurel Canyon is a winding and steep road that I new of due to my tour leading days out here. I was still sick when I left, which made me more nervous about getting up the hill. It turned out not being as bad as I though. Once I got over I had a nice downhill to the 101. After I crossed the 101 into North Hollywood, there were bike lanes pretty much all the way to the 5. I had another hill just before the 5 and it was much worse than Laurel Canyon. I ended up walking a bit of it because my body was wore out from being sick and I had no energy.

The route I chose from the 5 had one hill and then it was pretty flat all the way to my cousins house near Santa Clarita. This was encouraging since pretty much everything around there is hills.

I was only planning on staying with my cousins a couple of nights, but they talked me into staying until Monday morning. I played with their two kids and talked with them about many different things. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time. Their two year old, Bryce, was quite shy when I got there, but on the second day he opened up. He doesn't talk much and has only a few recognizable words. When he got tucked in the second night he was asked if he had a good day and he said, "josh," after a fashion. When his first grade sister, Kate, was tucked in the first night she was trying to figure out if I was homeless or not, and was told "sort of, but not really..." She also asked if I was married and then prayed for me to find a good, godly wife.

On Monday my cousin drove me over the grapevine (a mountain pass) so I wouldn't have to ride back roads or on the interstate (if it was allowed, which we couldn't find out). She took me over and dropped me off a few miles south of Bakersfield, a little worried since it was the middle of nowhere. When I got ready to leave, Bryce, who had been asleep in the back seat, started throwing a fit. He eventually calmed down enough and watched me ride off before they headed back home. I rode into Bakersfield and got settled for the night, then went around town and looked around. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace is in town, but it was closed.

The next day I rode to Hanford to where my great aunt Lila lives. She had contacted me a while ago and said I was welcome at her place. It was one of the reasons I chose to go through the valley instead of along the coast. A free place and less hills. I fought wind and pushed to beat storm clouds the whole way. About twenty miles away I was exhausted. I eventually made it in. It was a fairly flat ride, but very windy and wet (where the wind was blowing fertilizer).

A couple days before I arrived, my aunt said they were leaving a day after I arrived, but I was welcomed to stay as long as I wanted. I decided with all the free time I had right now, and the fact that there were storms north of here predicted for a few days, that staying would be a good rest and allow me to be near a church for Easter.

I am now relaxing and continuing to figure out how I am proceeding from here. It is restful, but also challenging for me to sit still and not allow myself to try and get settled in. That's part of what this trip is supposed to help me with - being okay not working when I have free time. I am excited to keep moving and am anxious to be done, but want to be done once I have completed the ride through 48 states.

Anyways...I am safe and getting rested and my health is improving.

The Prius Will Save California

2010-03-23T17:45:00.003-05:00

That's the impression I got for peoples mindset as I rode today. It seemed like every fourth car was a Prius. They say most trends start here, and I can see why. I feel many of these people got them just to join the bandwagon. Now, it isn't a bad thing when it is environmentally friendly, but as a country artist I like says, "I was green before green was a thing." It only really bothers me because when green isn't the thing, many of these people will probably switch back to their non-green ways.

Now that I'm done ranting, let's talk of the trip. I finally got pretty much over being sick yesterday. I decided to go for a short unloaded ride and ended up having my legs cramp up on me. I was secretly expecting this, but hoping it wouldn't happen. I got back and popped some vitamin and potassium pills and rubbed icy hot on, then relaxed and stretched for a while. Then I took a long, hot shower and stretched some more. I recovered fairly quickly, though I stretched a lot again this morning.

I took off and headed up the pch and started getting mild cramping. I prayed and messed with the gears some and fought cramping for quite a ways, and it eventually subsided.

I followed the pch to redondo beach where there was a sign that told me to turn for the bike route. I followed it and eventually found a road, but once I left the pch it was a series of too early or wrong turns. I finally got back on track after a couple miles.

I rode through el segundo, which is where I lived when I was out here working as a tour guide. It is the gateway to LAX. Shortly after el segundo I joined back up with the pch. A few more miles and I was to Venice. At Venice I turned towards Hollywood and another friends place. After some wrong turns, due to my lack of sticking to directions, I made it to his place.

I faced a fear that was bothering me from living out here. Knowing how the roads and drivers can be, I was a little nervous about riding out here. So far it has gone well. Only one more riding day and I should be out of trouble.

I get to stay here for a couple days and then head to my cousins by six flags magic mountain. Then bakersfield and up the valley to fresno and then I have to figure things out again.

SICK

2010-03-17T20:43:00.002-05:00

It's finally happened. I'm sick. I have a throbbing head, a sore throat and the start of an upset stomach. Don't know how long it's going to last or what's going to come of it. Right now I won't be able to ride, which I have time to kill, but it could do more damage as time goes on.

Pics at Last

2010-03-17T00:18:00.005-05:00

The Pacific Ocean

On Top of the Climb Out of Palm Springs

California

First Mormon Temple in Utah - St. George, UT

Looking Out Near St. George - - - Snow Canyon

Utah - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Nevada

Road to Hoover Dam - - - - - Road to Ruidoso From Roswell

Arizona - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - New Mexico

Welcome to Orange County

2010-03-11T19:35:00.002-06:00

That's right. For you music fans; the home of gwen stefani and no doubt. For Christian music fans; the oc supertones. And for tv fans; real housewives and the oc.

I arrived earlier then expected, as I was supposed to get here tomorrow. I got up and off by 7:30 and had some rolling terrain and finally summited at 5,000 ft. I then had a 3,000 ft descent. I was planning on stopping at Hemet, the town at the bottom of the descent, but it was before noon. I met some ladies here and they strongly advised me to move on. After getting me a couple pieces of cherry pie at McDonald's they informed me the gangs in town had attempted to kill policemen three times in the last couple weeks. A car bomb, a house bomb, and a triggered gun. I talked to my friend Tyler, from Newport, and he said he would get me wherever I was after work. I figured I could at least get to the next town 25 mi away. I also got there relatively quickly and decided to get as close to the coast as I could.

I had another 1,000 ft climb out of town over about ten miles, but them 20 miles of mostly downhill (3,000 ft). I ended up getting to the coast before five and doing over 100 miles. I got a pic at the ocean and then headed to a place to hang out and wait for my friend Tyler to pick me up in his truck.

Riding in a Windy Wonderland

2010-03-10T16:08:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to start out by saying pictures are coming in a couple days - once I can use my friends computer in LA.

Now, today was a short 26 mile day. It was supposed to be 30 miles longer, but the wind advisory apparently got extended and it became unsafe to ride.

I started with a nice leisurely ride across town. I then turned south and began a 16 mile climb of around 5,000 elevation gain. I stopped at a visitors center before leaving town and met quite a few people who were interested in my trip. It was quite encouraging. I actually used to live in the same town as one of them, here in LA. Their reactions to the road ahead as well as all the wonderful signs -- steep grades and sharp curves ahead - turn off a/c to avoid overheating -- made me wary of the road ahead. Especially after all my climbing the last few days. Turns out my rest day helped a little.

I began the climb from the visitor center and kept a pretty steady pace. There was a Vista about 8 miles up and I stopped to see what I had accomplished so far. (picture soon) I ended up meeting some people from Lincoln, ne. Small world. I then continued on and came to a construction zone.

It was down to one lane for tarring so I was able to ride pretty much all through it in my own lane. This became necessary towards the end of the section. The winds had slowly been picking up and now they were to where they blew me all over the road. I eventually had to walk for safety sake. At one point I was riding and the wind started blowing me backwards while I was still pedaling. I got off and held the brakes and leaned over while standing still to let it pass and it nearly blew my sunglasses off. Once it let up I stored my sunglasses and walked for quite a while. I tried to hitchike but no one had the right vehicle or would stop at the time. I pushed a bit farther and got to a forest service campground. I decided i would stay here for everyone's sake and hopefully have less troubles with the wind tomorrow.

Back to the Future

2010-03-09T17:46:00.002-06:00

I left Vegas about a week ago and haven't had reception any night I stopped to camp. I have ridden along the edge of death valley and through the mojave desert. I had mountain passes everyday and each day started with a climb. It was very scenic.

I camped along the road north of Joshua tree the other day. It was raining most of the day, which wasn't in the forecast. Windchill was in the upper thirty's. It was fr-fr-fr-frigid. It stopped for a bit while I set up my tent but then started again. It also started thundering. I was camped near a military training ground and I'm pretty sure some of the thunder was actually bombs going off.

As I rode around Joshua tree I realized the highway should not be ridden by bicycle. Many of the drivers would rather risk missing me by inches or less than get into the completely unoccupied lane next to them. It was very nerve racking.

As I rounded the park into palm springs the wind picked up and was blowing me off my bike. I knew it would be somewhat windy as palm springs has a huge wind farm, which I rode through.

When I got to town I found there was a wind advisory for the next couple of days. I was in need of a break anyway, so I decided to take one and avoid the wind and let my body rest.

My body is sore and some minor injuries are starting to show up. None of them are serious yet, but it makes me cautious.

From Red Rocks of Nevada to Red Rocks of Utah and Back Again

2010-03-01T19:47:00.001-06:00

I rode towards Utah leaving Vegas via the racetrack and nellis air force base. With the cars running and jets continually taking off it was quite deafening. Once past the noise I had to ride interstate all the way to st George, Utah. There were only a couple exits on the way to mesquite and they offered no camping place. I decided I would have to find a place in mesquite.

There were no camping places in town and many rooms were booked full due to NASCAR. I went to a place that had a flashing sign on the interstate that said they had rooms available. I went in and asked and they said they didn't rent rooms out till their sister hotel was full. That place only had $100 rooms left. After a few interesting circumstances I ended up getting a room at the first place I checked for a lot less than the other place. It was very frustrating and laughable. The room had no artwork, the tv was unplugged, and the bathtub had some rust by the overflow. I've stayed in worse, however, and it saved me a bunch.

The next day I rode to Utah and discovered snow canyon. This was a very neat place with climbing and hiking. It was also a lot cheaper than Zion and since I've already seen Zion, it was a good tradeoff. I also met a group of students from Westminster university on a climbing trip. We hung out for a while and shared stories.

It was raining when I got to the campground, so I set my tarp up over the table. When the college group got back they were inspired and backed their tahoe and minivan together and worked on setting a tarp up between them. After a few attempts and a couple tarps they got it working. It was an amusing struggle.

The next day I did a couple of hikes. One took me to the top of an extinct volcano. I then headed into st George and visited some Mormon sites. The first temple constructed in Utah is located here. Brigham Young also had a winter home here.

Today I retraced my route to mesquite. Tomorrow I head back to Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas

2010-02-26T01:08:00.002-06:00

So I made it into Vegas last Friday. I had to take my time from Hoover dam so I would be to the condo at check in time and not earlier. I made it and the guard at the gate enjoyed my arrival on a bike. So much so he remembered me when I walked back from the grocery store with full hands and opened the gate for me without my id. The check in people also remembered me and acknowledged me whenever they saw me.

My mom flew in later that night and when the shuttle brought her out the driver was worried about letting her out when there was a questionable character waiting out front. I had long hair and a full beard and looked homeless. She had to explain I was her son.

We spent a lot of time relaxing and also checked out the strip some. We saw David Copperfield and Bill Engvall. They were both very good. We also saw all the water shows and Fremont Street. We rented a car one day and I showed my mom Hoover Dam and Red Rocks. I hadn't driven in a couple of months and it took a bit to get used to.

We spent some time on the slots with money our resort gave us and won some money and a hat. We also won some before the Engvall show.

It's crazy seeing how much this place has changed in just the last couple of years since I was last here. We ended up staying off strip at a condo associated with my parents timeshare and had shuttle service to the strip every hour for free.

The strip got shut down for a while tonight due to the NASCAR trucks parading through town before their race this weekend.

I am headed to Utah tomorrow and then back across Nevada to California.

93, the Dam, and Me

2010-02-18T16:46:00.002-06:00

Gold Rush Days was an experience to be sure. Enjoyed being able to see old friends and meeting new people. Nearly everyone I talked to that heard my plans for hwy 93 to kingman strongly discouraged me from taking that way. I still decided to go, however, since I have heard that before.

There were some places with no shoulder but traffic was light enough that most everyone got over. Some didn't, but you can get worse drivers with excellent shoulders. I decided to push a little my first day back and get as much of this bad road behind me as I could. I continued past Wikieup and went for a while before it was getting late enough to camp and I found a place decent enough to hide me in this desert. I found a mound of sand with big enough bushes that one had to be pretty much on top of me to see me. Traffic also died during the night.

Riding up the hwy again the next day confirmed I had found the best spot to hide. In 20 mi I was at the interstate and back in familiar territory from my days as a tour leader. I got to kingman fairly early and stopped for lunch. I didn't feel well the night before and thought some food would do me good. I then proceeded to a budget motel which cost the same as the KOA in town.

Headed to Hoover dam today with a migraine I woke up with. My meds weren't helping yet I pushed on. 20 mi from Hoover dam there is road construction for the new bridge. I had a slow leak in my rear tire so I aired it up, hoping it would get me to the dam. I made it 9 miles and had to air it up again. I aired it up two more times til just less than five miles away I switched it out.

I got to the dam and people are even dumber there than the last few times I visited, due to the new bridge. I had a guy not even look and step into the road right in front of me and I couldn't stop fast enough and had to swerve into traffic. A car just missed me. I decided pictures were out of the question due to this and other incidents, so I continued on. I crossed the dam at 6,000 miles.

As I went up the hill on the other side I had a few people cheer me on out their windows. I crested the hill and coasted to the visitor center for lake mead. I am now camping by the lake and will ride a short distance to Vegas tomorrow.

Gold Rush Days

2010-02-13T21:02:00.002-06:00

So, apparently Gold Rush Days in Wickenburg, AZ is a big deal. Thousands of people converge upon this small locale every year for some good ole western fun. It just so happened that it is going on while I'm here.

I rode up from Phoenix today, after having stayed in a hostel last night. It was a fairly easy ride. After getting to town I met up with a couple of friends from Wyoming who live down here. We hung out for a bit and then I got taken to where I was going to stay.

Yesterday I took an easy day and rode across Tempe to ASU and then waited to meet up with my friend Neil, who lives in the area. We went back to his place and talked about the college days and caught up with each other.

As I was packing that morning the guys next to me, twin brothers from Michigan, started talking with me. They were members of the navy crew that picked up Apollo 11. They met Richard Nixon on that outing. We shared travel stories for a while and then went our separate ways.

The weather is finally starting to warm up and I was in shorts and a tank top today. I was able to just wear a shirt and no jacket yesterday evening. I am still having trouble staying warm, but that helps.

I have been eating in sit down restaurants a bit lately to help warm me up and be halfway nutritious and OT irks me that when a place gets a lone male they try to get them to go to the bar or else shove them in the most hidden corner by themselves. I also tend to get pretty poor service and usually neglected for long periods of time. If this is how soloists get treated it is no wonder there is so much depression and suicide and also obesity since home and fast food places are the only places one can oftentimes feel accepted. Anyways, enough of that.

Time to enjoy Gold Rush Days and then off to Vegas.

Cactus, Cactus Everywhere

2010-02-10T18:14:00.002-06:00

I couldn't sleep in this morning even though I wanted to and had the time. I ended up leaving earlier than desired. I had a climb outside of town for about 1,000 vetocal feet and then it was all downhill to Tempe. Half the trip at 6-7% downgrade as well as other percentages isn't a bad day. It was also only fifty miles. I made Apache Junction before one and went to the KOA. I wasn't wanting to go to KOAs on this trip, but you do what you have to. I set up and shortly after it started to drizzle.

I spent some time in my tent reading and relaxing, then showered and ate dinner.

The whole way to town I saw numerous saguaro cactus as well as numerous other cacti. You know you are in the desert when you look at one small patch of ground and see more than five types of cactus.

I am now sitting near the pool and getting that wonderful view that greets you at so many retirement locations...an overweight elderly man in a speedo that is barely visible. Why???

The weather is to start warming up and stay nice all the way to Vegas. I also get to see comedian Bill Engvall while there. I enjoy his humor and it will be a great break. My mom is also coming to Vegas to see me and warm up once again. I am feeling rejuvinated towards finishing this trip again and have studied the map a bit and it seems I am nearly halfway on mileage. This is exciting and yet hard to believe, even though I have been traveling for over five months.

This is Horse Country

2010-02-09T11:39:00.002-06:00

As I rode through the hills and mountains yesterday I was desirous to have my horse with me. The country around here is so much like it was at the time of the "Wild West" and the westward expansion, with some added roads and fences. It is so open and pristine. I was anxious to set out a-horseback and see the country in a different way than I have been of late. There have been other times on this trip where I have ridden in an area and smelled livestock a few miles ahead of me. It made me miss my time in Wyoming and everywhere else I have worked and lived around livestock. This makes me anxious to continue on and explore before we take away all we have left of the wilderness, but also makes me want to stop and go home so I can spend time with my horse.

Anyway, as I was riding along I slowly started seeing sporadic saquaro cactus along the road. This rejuvinated me because it means I am getting close to the desert and hopefully some warmer weather. Also, perhaps, less snow visible around me for such long lengths of time. I made an 80 mile ride yesterday, something I haven't really done in quite a while. It was exhausting, but also refreshing. It was overcast and cool and windy most of the day yesterday. I am usually pretty good about weather and can stay warm pretty easily. I usually loan out any gear I have to others to stay warm, because I rarely need it. However, as of late, I have been having a hard time staying warm when it is in the 50's and I'm layered up. I don't know what is wrong, but it is discouraging at times because I need to seek interior shelter more than I had desired when I planned this trip.

While I was riding yesterday, I got some free massages due to rumble strips on the side of the road. I also got some acupuncture I wasn't expecting when I couldn't get onto the road and thornbushes were out over the shoulder. It wasn't always the most comfortable, but it did keep me awake.

My next couple of weeks are going to be slow, which should help get my energy back, but also get me used to not pushing so hard. That is both good and bad. I will take the breaks, though, knowing once late spring comes I will probably take very few to wrap up the trip before it gets cold again.

Winter or Wind-ter?

2010-02-07T20:00:00.002-06:00

After my run in with the snow, and the fact that my body was exhausted, I ended up staying an extra day in Las Cruces and half of that was spent sleeping. It warmed up a bit the next day and I headed down the interstate. There is a designated cycling route north of the interstate, but I knew it spent a lot of its time in the mountains. I'd hoped the interstate avoided this...it did. I had two flats and a slow leak on my way to Deming.

I made it in and fixed what needed fixed. The next day I headed to Lordsburg and hoped to camp. It was going to be thirty bucks on a gravel lot. It was a bit more for a room and breakfast, so I did that. I crossed the continental divide on my way to Lordsburg, but it hasn't all been downhill since then.

I crossed into Arizona today. It was supposed to rain, but I figured I could make it. I got to Duncan and it was windy and rainy and the clouds weren't pretty. I stopped and checked the weather and saw a winter advisory that wasn't there earlier. I called home to see if there was anything they could see. I was going to have a mountain pass and forty miles to go. I ended up waiting about an hour and then layered up and took off. I continued to pray for it to clear up. As I climbed the rain slowed and then stopped. I had a slow leak so I stopped and fixed it. I then proceeded on and eventually cleared the pass. The rain was all around me but God kept it off me. I got to town and found a place to stay.

I am slowly getting my energy and drive for this trip back. The rain hurts, but God keeping it away helps. I have about two weeks till Vegas and then get a week of rest. It has been nearly six months since I started this trip. I have about one more pass before Tempe and then I should be away from the snow and freezing weather for a while.

Into the Abyss

2010-02-03T21:12:00.002-06:00

The prediction for weather today was a little rain and mid-40s. I have ridden in cold and wet before so I figured I could handle it. I headed out around eight. It was raining and in the mid-40s as I headed towards Las Cruces. There was to be a pass a little below 6,000 feet and the snow wasn't supposed to be below 7,000. As I climbed the pass I headed up to where the clouds met the road and as I got there I was met with a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Though there were three lanes heading my direction and only a little shoulder, many cars decided not to get over and I got pushed into the slush a couple times. I had to ride my brakes half the way down due to the snow. I was also frozen for the next 7 miles or so. It was in the upper 20s at the pass. I got into Las Cruces still mildly hypothermic and shaking. I stopped to get directions to a motel I had a discount to and headed there. By the time I got there I was moderately thawed out. I have a couple more passes and then I should be into the desert by Phoenix. Hopefully it warms up again.

Forrest Gump

2010-02-02T15:24:00.002-06:00

Last night I was very exhausted after my incredible ride. The place I stayed was very scenic and the 12,000 ft ski mtn was visible from the lot. Ruidoso seems like a neat destination, though I had very little time to explore.

This morning I tried to leave late because I had a short ride, I was tired, and I knew it would be cold. I left a little before ten and the roads were still icy. It is quite a challenge to control a loaded bike on ice and hills. Especially when the traffic doesn't want you on their road. At one point I was following this car and it went over a pothole about three ft wide and 6-10 in deep. I barely saw it and I was there. I hit my brakes and the ice didn't let me stop, but I could turn the front wheel to miss. My back wheel, however, entered in. I popped it out and continued on, dodging ice and snow piles all the way out of town.

Upon leaving town I had a 600 ft elevation gain followed by 3,000 ft of vertical drop over about 20 mi. It was cold but the scenery was beautiful and it spilled me out to a warmer valley.

I then headed south to Alamogordo. Five mi north of town I met a guy around my age running with a camelback. He asked if I was cross-country and then informed me he was too. He was going from huntington beach to Georgia and hoped to be done a couple months from now. We didn't talk long, so I don't know if he has a SAG team or how he's doing it exactly, but that's a bit more Forrest than a bike ride, though I'm going across more times.

UFOs and Snow

2010-02-01T20:48:00.002-06:00

I took some time in Carlsbad to relax and let the first storm pass. On Friday the passes were still hazardous to severe driving conditions. Having driven hwy 82 a couple years ago I knew it was narrow. I also decided due to having driven it before I would go to Roswell and see if I could see any aliens. That also gave me motel options everyday if need be.

I left for Roswell on Saturday and had no major happenings. I got to town and went to the visitors center. I got some good info there and also a discount motel guide. I stayed the night and then went to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It was an interesting place and makes one wonder what was happening in the area at the time. Whether it was a UFO or some military thing, who knows.

Today I rode to Ruidoso. About 15 miles out of town I ran into a mild headwind. It wouldn't have been so bad except for the 75 mi day and the 4,000ft elevation gain. I got to town around five and checked in to a motel. There is a ski mountain in view and snow along the street. There is also a storm moving in in a couple days. I plan on getting out of here tomorrow.

Riding in a Winter Wonderland

2010-01-28T15:20:00.003-06:00

I left Midland on Monday and headed down the interstate. I have lately been riding 50-80 mile stretches where there is no human habitation and only the occassonal car. After one and a half days of riding down the interstate I turned north at pecos. I met a local who has also done some ridng and he warned me against going to el paso. Said I'd be better off going through new Mexico both for the population and the border safety.

I made it to red bluff reservoir and camped for the night. I was planning to go to the guadalupes, but after checking the weather I decided to go to Carlsbad. There was a winter weather advisory with hail, snow, and cold. I got to Carlsbad and last night and today it has rained and snowed since the middle of the night. Hopefully it will clear up soon. I have a mountain pass a day from here.

I have been slowly getting back into the groove. The bike has been holding up well and there have been no major problems. I have worn through some gear and other gear is on it's way out. I have been on the road for five months and over 5,000 miles. The other day it was so windy I had to dodge tumbleweeds as I rode along. The wind has since let up to single digits or a little harder.

Goodbye Hills, Hello Headwinds

2010-01-21T20:34:00.003-06:00

Once leaving sonora I rode on the interstate for 30 miles. I then turned northwest and went through 50 miles of nothingness; not even a sign of a house. I was headed towards Big Lake, which showed up on the map as a little town with a decent sized lake south of it. I was thinking about camping, but there is nothing between Big Lake and Midland. Also, there were a lot of dead deer, roadside shrines, and numerous empty bottles.

I stayed at the Deerfield Inn. I am still in a slump, but anxious to continue. As I left Sonora I slowly left the hill country. Also, when I got to Big Lake there was no big lake or even a pond, or any sign of water for that matter. I am now in the part of Texas that has about three towns per county and the counties are huge.

I left Big Lake the next day ant the sun very soon came out. I also started with a tailwind that eventually picked up and then turned to a crosswind and then a 35 mph headwind. I rode for seven miles into the headwind and then stopped for a break. As I was resting a trucker pulled up. It was so windy I didn't even hear him.

He let me know the wind wasn't going to die anytime soon and wondered if I would take a ride. I put my gear in the cab and we strapped my bike under the trailer. It was less than 15 miles to town and then we ate at Whataburger. After eating I headed across town to my friends mike and jody's place.

A few years ago mike and jody adopted seven black kids. Last time I was here the kids were gone, so I got to meet them all this time. They are quite a crew. I am staying here for a couple days and then heading on.

On The Road Again

2010-01-18T17:42:00.002-06:00

I finally got taken off again. After riding eight miles up a road made mostly of wet caliche, I started my trek. At the end of the road I had to clean out packed caliche from my fender. It was so thick and packed it took a lot of work to cycle uphill. I even had to walk at one point.

After nearly three weeks at camp and the many new friends I made and old ones I visited, it was very hard to leave. My friend Debbie gave me a solar charger she wasn't using, so I listened to my ipod without worry of it dying. This helped a bit with the challenge of leaving. I rode west and was aiming to get south of sonora by a little before dark. I made it a little after three and was still struggling with leaving camp behind me, so I headed on to town. I decided to splurge on a motel since I haven't spent much over the last month.

On my way to town I was passed by the retreat group that was at camp this weekend.

I am beginning to wonder how long this trip will continue. I am still enjoying it but stopping for awhile is a challenge for me. A vegabonds life is taking its toll. An author I respect, peter Jenkins, once said that knowing when to end a trip is an artform. This doesn't mean I am calling it off. As of right now I still want to continue with the initial proposed trip. all I know is that the next few days may be tough riding mentally.

I have a couple of days and then I am visiting some more friends. After that I head on to the next most desolate part of my trip as far as friends go. I don't know of anyone until central Arizona.

Delay and Delight

2010-01-12T11:43:00.002-06:00

Some of you may be wondering why I am not riding right now. I thought I would give you a couple reasons:
1) my bike is waiting on a new part to get in so the gearing works properly

2) I have until the end of may before I can ride through yellowstone national park

3) the weather is a little cool and wet right now

4) i'm also enjoying myself very much right now and fellowshipping and ministering in many amazing ways and having a hard time moving on

I am anxious to continue my journey, but am enjoying my time and have a few weeks to kill over the next few months before I can continue east. I am getting filled spiritually and revived physically out here. My plan is to move on this wekend if my bike is ready. Until then I am going to enjoy where I am at and take in the fact that I am stationary for more than a couple days.

A Princess, A Frog, And An Eagle

2010-01-06T18:39:00.003-06:00

I went to church on Sunday to the united Methodist church's contemporary service. It was good and talked about how it only takes a spark to start a fire, but you need kindling and tender to keep it going. Afterwards my friends from camp and I ate at a Chinese restaraunt with poor service. Four of us then went to see the matinée of The Princess and the Frog. It was very good and classic Disney, though it seemed a bit dark at times for kids.

I have been helping out doing various projects at camp while I am here to help camp out and also pay room and board. This place has changed a lot yet stayed the same since I worked here. It is encouraging to see all the improvements and how God is blessing and encouraging this ministry.

Today I took a bike ride. I haven't ridden a mountain bike in a while. I also haven't ridden without gear, without clipless pedals, and on Texas soil in a long time. I got one of camps bikes fixed up and took off on an easier trail to get back into the groove. As I rode I improved and eventually was better than when I was last here. My increased muscles as well as my constant connection to a bike have no doubt helped. I road about eight miles of mixed intermediate to advanced routes.

I am still deciding my next moves. Yellowstone entrances won't be opened until late may and from what I have looked at so far, neither will the mountain passes in Idaho. I plan on researching more and seeing my options, but this next leg is going to be a lot of free time to hang out.

Until next time, enjoy.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T11:14:00.002-06:00

It's a brand new year and my journey is a third over. I have gone just under 5000 miles, across 14 states, and traveled for 4 months. It is still an adventure everyday, though at times I'm ready for it to be done. I am anxious for the next leg and will be excited when I am over halfway and on the downward slope. The journey so far has been challenging, yet rewarding. I have fought injury, sickness, loneliness, and tiredness to name a few things. I have also met many new people, many new places, seen some old friends, and accomplished something most won't do in a lifetime.

I have been blessed in many ways. I have seen and experienced others faiths, been given energy when none was left, seen many of God's wonderful creations, encouraged others in many ways, and am living a travelers life.

This new year has a lot to offer and I am anxious to see what God brings my way. I am more devoted than ever to finish this trip, though I am ready to start a long-term career. I am glad to have the opportunity to see so much and am anxious to share with others. I pray my body and commitment level hold up and that God continues to encourage and bless me and bless others through me.

Looking forward to a great 2010! Happy New Year!

Camp Eagle

2009-12-30T19:39:00.003-06:00

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.

Florida to Texas by Pics

2009-12-26T18:51:00.007-06:00

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.

my guide in the Gator by the boat

Everglades in the Everglades

White Christmas

2009-12-26T11:14:00.002-06:00

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?

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.

Keep Austin Wierd

2009-12-20T10:03:00.002-06:00

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.

ATTN: This Is The FWPD

2009-12-13T22:10:00.002-06:00

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.

The Longest State

2009-12-09T17:54:00.003-06:00

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.

Hello Texas

2009-12-06T18:34:00.003-06:00

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.

It's Snowing

2009-12-04T16:24:00.004-06:00

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.

The End of Florida

2009-11-24T12:42:00.002-06:00

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.

On The Road Again

2009-11-20T15:37:00.002-06:00

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.

Pain, Pain, Go Away

2009-11-17T14:00:00.002-06:00

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.

Knives in the Legs

2009-11-15T20:59:00.002-06:00

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.