It has been a week since we finished our S2SS ride and my blog says we are just leaving PA. After many request, I am playing catch up with my blog. Here goes.
Today we had our one and only ride start in the rain. I love riding in the rain. I know, a little strange. But with almost two months of sun and heat, a cool wet ride was just great. It was a bit chilly, I wore my arm and leg warmers and a vest. I felt good. Larry on the other hand started cold and never warmed up. We pulled the plug on the days ride at mile 45 of a 70 mile day. No problem for me. We had a couple good hard efforts during the day for fun and by this time in the ride my legs are way tender and staying tender.
The big stop of the day was at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethasda. Our riders were able to visit some of the men and women who are going to rehab. Great day.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Day 45 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Rain, rain and more rain. I love to ride in the rain. Really! Lots of hard riding, hills and chasing people. We got our workout today. We did have to sag for about 9 miles to lunch because of a huge crack of lightning at the top of the hill that I thought hit right beside us. Waiting 2 hours was very cold when wet, we almost cancelled the rest of the ride, but I am so glad we continued to ride.
Day 44 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Our travels took us the site of Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville. I really wish they would celebrate life instead of mourning life. That is all I have to say about that.
The ride was lots of fun. Big rain storm after dinner. More monopoly in the evening. Great fun.
The ride was lots of fun. Big rain storm after dinner. More monopoly in the evening. Great fun.
Day 43 Sea 2 Shining Sea
We were lead out of Pittsburgh the same way we came in, by police escourt. It is the only way we could have negotiated rush hour traffic. Our escourt dropped us off on a bike path running along the Monongahela River. It was a great fine crushed stone flat bike path for 30 miles. We had a water stop in West Newton then turned left and went straight up hill. These are the big hills of Pennsylvania that we have been wiating for. At least I've been waiting for them.
We had a great reception in Mount Pleasant at their war memorial, color guard and servicemen. Afterward they feed us at Leo's and Sons' Grille 31. Some of the best food of the whole trip.
With the climbs came the threat of thunderstorms. As the first rain of the trip started, I've been wanting rain I like it, so came lightning. We all got picked up and shuttled to the end of our day. We rode the hard part so we really didn't mind shuttling.
After dinner the games began.... Monopoly!! As I said before, I hang out with the interns the most. And today they invited me to play monopoly with them. I was honored. I kicked their butts.
We had a great reception in Mount Pleasant at their war memorial, color guard and servicemen. Afterward they feed us at Leo's and Sons' Grille 31. Some of the best food of the whole trip.
With the climbs came the threat of thunderstorms. As the first rain of the trip started, I've been wanting rain I like it, so came lightning. We all got picked up and shuttled to the end of our day. We rode the hard part so we really didn't mind shuttling.
After dinner the games began.... Monopoly!! As I said before, I hang out with the interns the most. And today they invited me to play monopoly with them. I was honored. I kicked their butts.
Rest Day 9
A day for laundry and a day to relax. So I went for a bike ride around downtown Pittsburgh with Paul, Nora, Jeanna, Simpson and George. Very relaxed ride around the ball parks and over the rivers.
Dinner was at Claddagh Irish Pub. They had the best fish and chips I've had in years.
Dinner was at Claddagh Irish Pub. They had the best fish and chips I've had in years.
Day 42 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Another state goes by. Honey! I'm Home!! Back in Pennsylvania. Well the wrong side of the state but Pennsylvania all the same. We entered Pa so quickly that I missed the photo op. Oh well, we are here.
Today we were treated to lunch at Eat & Park Dinner. Good food, great pie but it is not advised to show up with 40+ people and expect fast service. We waited close to an hour and a half for our food to arrive. But the peach berry pie was awesome.
After lunch we were lead into downtown Pittsburgh by police escourt. That is the best way to get to downtown because Pittsburgh can be the easiest city in the country to get lost in. Back in 1991 I got lost there several times over and over again. Crazy tunnels and hills. Our guides got us to the hotel without a problem.
Dinner was hosted by State Farm and the great people of Pittsburgh at Hofbrauhaus. The beers were flowing and headed to my room early to catch up on my blog.
Rest day tomorrow.
Today we were treated to lunch at Eat & Park Dinner. Good food, great pie but it is not advised to show up with 40+ people and expect fast service. We waited close to an hour and a half for our food to arrive. But the peach berry pie was awesome.
After lunch we were lead into downtown Pittsburgh by police escourt. That is the best way to get to downtown because Pittsburgh can be the easiest city in the country to get lost in. Back in 1991 I got lost there several times over and over again. Crazy tunnels and hills. Our guides got us to the hotel without a problem.
Dinner was hosted by State Farm and the great people of Pittsburgh at Hofbrauhaus. The beers were flowing and headed to my room early to catch up on my blog.
Rest day tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Day 41 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Another state goes by. Bye bye Ohio. Hello West Virginia.
Very good day of rolling hills and fun roads in the eastern part of Ohio before lunch. We rode highways to the a Stuebenville gas station to meet with a police escourt to get over the bridge. West Virginia might be a very nice state in the middle but on this little sliver between Ohio and Pennsylvania it is not very nice. Lots of tobacco/ liquor stores with drive ins.
Indy Crit and Day 40 Sea 2 Shining Sea
While the rest of the S2SS riders were making their way east across Ohio, a group of five of us drove three hours west to Indianapolis for a bike race. Since we left San Fransico Paul and I have been looking for a bike race to go race.
Well, he found a good one.
A flat figure eight course
The first race for us was for Hunter and James in the Cat 5 race. The field was sold out but with the magic of email and knowing the right people Paul was able to get them both into the race. This was James first race and Hunter had only done a couple training races before. They started off great. Both comfortable in the middle of the pack. By lap two Hunter was at the front pushing the pace and James was still hanging in the pack. A couple laps later Hunter had pushed the pace hard enough to get a gap of a few seconds with a two other riders. James was riding great in a chase group. Mid race Hunter won a $25.00 prime for the leader of the lap. Now with one lap to go Hunter decides to leave his two breakaway companions with a hard effort thru a corner. Sadly it had just rained a few drops right before his effort and he slide out and went down quickly. The guy in second ran right over his leg and kept on going for the win. James finished strong in his chase group.
It was so great to see these guys race so hard and have such a fantasic time. Even with the crash Hunter was smiling from ear to ear. He won money in a race where the winner only got a medal and he had his first crash at speed and he was alright. James found out how fast fast is and can do it just fine.
Paul and I raced the 40+ Masters race together. I lined up in the second row and Paul wiggled his way into the front row. Pretty funny. Needles to say this was my first race in two months and my first 40+ race in a long time so I was a little concerned if I could hold the speed. Right off the line I was able to go straight to the front and sit second wheel. Cool. I can do this. I settled to the middle of the pack where I like to be.
As in all 40+ races the testostrone levels are super high and the speed is fast and crashes follow from everyone needing to be in the front at all times. This race was no different. We had three big crashes. Each time I was able to get around with no problems. Just had to do some work to close some gaps. Each time I looked around for Paul to make sure he was still upright. To find out later he did go down slightly in one crash and had to take a free lap.
About half way thru the race my ability to close gaps started to dwindle. When I found myself at the back of the pack I just sat up and didn't fight it and dropped out. I was very happy with my race and my speed for now. Paul looked great sitting in the top 10-15. With a couple laps to go he was fighting to keep in the top 5-10 in his group. There were three riders off the front. Paul sprinted and got fifth in the field sprint which got him 8th overall. Pretty darn amazing for a 57 year old guy riding with a bunch of 40 year old. Very impressive indeed.
The premier race of the day for us all was the Tandem Race. This is why we drove all of this distance and missed riding with all the guys at S2SS. To race a tandem on a figure eight course in the middle of downtown Indianapolis in front of a great crowd was incredible.
We lined up with nine tandems including Larry and myself on one and Paul and James on another. It was just a four lap race so it started off very fast. The favorites for the race was a local tandem who won Tandem Nationals last year. They went right to the front from the gun. Another strong tandem got right on their wheel, Larry and I sat in third. Two laps in we had Paul and James on our wheel so I came around the second place tandem and kind of pushed them out wide off the front tandems wheel. This put us into second and Paul came right in to third.
With one lap to go, I came around the lead tandem and Paul came around too. Larry and I nailed it with everything we had to get a gap and Paul made the other tandem chase us down. The other tandem was not too happy with this move. With two corners to go both tandems came around Larry and I squeezing us very tight inside. My hand hit one of the cones marking the course, it came back and hit Larry's leg.
In the final sprint Paul and James held on for a photo finish to win. They even dropped their connecting chain in the sprint.
We all had so much fun!!! Larry's first race. My first Tandem Crit. And we got first and third!!!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Day 39 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today we rode from Cincinnati to Circleville Ohio, 82 miles. Since I have been dealing with my sore knee I only rode the first 48 miles. I took a couple motrin for the swelling and just took it easy at the start. We spent most of our day pacing Henry at about 14-16mph, so it was a nice easy pace. Great thing for me. It allowed my knee to spin stress free and loosen up the crap inside. It feels much better now.
We had a surprise rider join us again today. Tom from York, England who is riding around the world is back! It is so good to have him back riding with us. With all the craziness that has been going on Tom will lighten the mood for everyone. Welcome back Tom.
Tomorrow 5 of us our taking a day off from our S2SS ride and going to Indianapolis to race a criterium. Larry/ myself and Paul/ James will race a 4 lap tandem race. Paul and I will race the 40+ race and Hunter and James will race the cat 5 race. More info tomorrow night.
We had a surprise rider join us again today. Tom from York, England who is riding around the world is back! It is so good to have him back riding with us. With all the craziness that has been going on Tom will lighten the mood for everyone. Welcome back Tom.
Tomorrow 5 of us our taking a day off from our S2SS ride and going to Indianapolis to race a criterium. Larry/ myself and Paul/ James will race a 4 lap tandem race. Paul and I will race the 40+ race and Hunter and James will race the cat 5 race. More info tomorrow night.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Rest Day 8
Very very restful day. Ice, Ice, Ice! And many many blog post. I'm now done. Now time for dinner hosted by GE Aviation.
Day 38 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Well it is Day 38 of riding but not for Larry and I. We took the day off. I am dealing with my swolling knee. And we have a broken spoke on our rear wheel. But most of all we just needed an extra day off. With all of the planned activites today it was a good day to take off. We were greeted at a fire station for lunch and shuttled over an hour to a huge reception at GE Aviation.
At the hotel GE Aviation treated us to dinner and spa treatments at the hotel. I had a hair cut and a massage. Thanks again GE Aviation.
At the hotel GE Aviation treated us to dinner and spa treatments at the hotel. I had a hair cut and a massage. Thanks again GE Aviation.
Day 37 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today had the best roads in a while. Not the best surface or the best traffic but the roads actually went up and down and turned left and right. Not just arrow straight and flat like the last couple thousand miles. I can't wait to get back home to ride loops on curvy roads. Soon enough.
Because we were having so much fun on these roads we got to lunch way early. I knew we had well over an hour to wait for the last group. So like an idiot I played basketball with the staff in the church parking lot where we were having lunch. We started with a simple game of H.O.R.S.E., not good enough for me, I suggested we play 2 on 2. Not bright at all. My 46 year old rebuilt knees can't take that at all. Idiot. Now two days later I'm still icing the day lights out of my knee trying to get the swelling to go down.
After lunch my Garmin computer battery died. Rats, only getting credit for 44.5 miles of an 80 mile day stinks. Honest we rode the whole ride to Seymour. Plug in the Garmin nightly!
Because we were having so much fun on these roads we got to lunch way early. I knew we had well over an hour to wait for the last group. So like an idiot I played basketball with the staff in the church parking lot where we were having lunch. We started with a simple game of H.O.R.S.E., not good enough for me, I suggested we play 2 on 2. Not bright at all. My 46 year old rebuilt knees can't take that at all. Idiot. Now two days later I'm still icing the day lights out of my knee trying to get the swelling to go down.
After lunch my Garmin computer battery died. Rats, only getting credit for 44.5 miles of an 80 mile day stinks. Honest we rode the whole ride to Seymour. Plug in the Garmin nightly!
Day 36 Sea 2 Shining Sea
More wonderful people and food followed by more rider mayhem. Today we entered Indiana at Vincennes. This is the home town of one of our staff members Brianna. She makes our lunches everyday on the USO. Brianna's father hosted us for lunch at his car dealership. This was the best lunch for me yet. Great salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, fruit salads and chips.
Dinner was hosted by Brianna's grandparents at an Amish restaurant. The best lemon maringue pie. This ride has become all about the food. Over and over again.
Tonight I played ultimate frisbee with a bunch of the staff. Running was never something I was good at but wow that was a whole bunch of fun. Playing with a bunch of 20somethings makes me realize that I'm not 20 anymore. Ouch but FUN. I like fun.
After dinner we had a rider meeting to talk about how the ride was going for everyone. It was heated to say the least. I think the people at the pool could hear all of the yelling. I don't respond well to yelling so there were a couple times I almost walked out, but I stuck around. Alot was said but I'm not sure about what was really accomplished. (I am keeping this blog as P.C. as possible and not saying names or talking about the events in any detail. Maybe after we get to Virginia.)
Dinner was hosted by Brianna's grandparents at an Amish restaurant. The best lemon maringue pie. This ride has become all about the food. Over and over again.
Tonight I played ultimate frisbee with a bunch of the staff. Running was never something I was good at but wow that was a whole bunch of fun. Playing with a bunch of 20somethings makes me realize that I'm not 20 anymore. Ouch but FUN. I like fun.
After dinner we had a rider meeting to talk about how the ride was going for everyone. It was heated to say the least. I think the people at the pool could hear all of the yelling. I don't respond well to yelling so there were a couple times I almost walked out, but I stuck around. Alot was said but I'm not sure about what was really accomplished. (I am keeping this blog as P.C. as possible and not saying names or talking about the events in any detail. Maybe after we get to Virginia.)
Day 35 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Still going east. But today we had a great lunch in Flora, Illionis. The whole town showed up once again. It is amazing. At the start of this trip we were told how great the midwest people are. Oh so right. But I also know why I call it the waist of the country. I lost 10 pounds during the first few weeks of the ride. It has all come back and then some. Great meal after great meal is to blame. Ok, really it is up to me to push the plate away. Not happening, the food is too good.
The town of Olney pulled out all the stops. Is this a competition to see who is the nicest town with the best food? It may be. After dinner the nicest town's nicest state trooper invited a bunch of us over to his house to meet his family, do laundry and shot guns. Crazy I know, but we had so much fun. I have not shoot a gun in many many years and here I am standing looking over a corn field firing a shotgun at clay pigeons. Again way fun. Thanks again Will for a great night.
The town of Olney pulled out all the stops. Is this a competition to see who is the nicest town with the best food? It may be. After dinner the nicest town's nicest state trooper invited a bunch of us over to his house to meet his family, do laundry and shot guns. Crazy I know, but we had so much fun. I have not shoot a gun in many many years and here I am standing looking over a corn field firing a shotgun at clay pigeons. Again way fun. Thanks again Will for a great night.
Day 34 Sea 2 Shining Sea
After all that time off the bike we were excited to be back on the bike and on our way east again. We rode across the Mississippi River where we met our police escourt across the whole state of Illionis. Even with police escourt it was a good thing we were riding thru East St Louis early in the day. Not the best looking part of town. Scary even. We made it.
Not far up the road we were greeted to the real american midwest. People came out with flags waving.
It is wonderful to see all the people in these small towns come out in the heat to greet us.
It is wonderful to see all the people in these small towns come out in the heat to greet us.
4th and 5th of July Rest Days
After so many days riding in the heat at was nice to have a couple days off the bike hanging out in St Louis in the heat. The heat was still with us. Also returning for a repeat performance was my friend Jill. She flew in yesterday afternoon to hang out with all of this crazyness called S2SS. The guys love having her around. And of course I love having Jill around too.
We spent the day having lunch with a bunch of the guys and then walking down to the river and the Arch to watch the AirShow.
I have some great video of the Harrier Jet but I can't seem to figure out how to get it off of my smartphone. Again, my smartphone is much smarter then me. Go figure.
The fireworks at night were great too. The amazing part was how calm and controlled such a huge big city crowd was for the fireworks and the concert before. No nonsence at all. Cool.
The highlight for the whole St Louis stay was City Museum. I can't even come close to explan how cool this place is. Think of a guy who got a welder for his birthday and went crazy. It has some of the coolest art made from all recycled stuff built around a maze of cement and rebar. I was climbing and crawling, sliding and swinging, jumping and flipping with all the rest of the kids in this place. It is a place where you can bring your kid and lose him for the afternoon. But since I don't have kids and I'm a kid myself anyway. I lost myself in there all afternoon. Way, Way, FUN!!!
We spent the day having lunch with a bunch of the guys and then walking down to the river and the Arch to watch the AirShow.
I have some great video of the Harrier Jet but I can't seem to figure out how to get it off of my smartphone. Again, my smartphone is much smarter then me. Go figure.
The fireworks at night were great too. The amazing part was how calm and controlled such a huge big city crowd was for the fireworks and the concert before. No nonsence at all. Cool.
The highlight for the whole St Louis stay was City Museum. I can't even come close to explan how cool this place is. Think of a guy who got a welder for his birthday and went crazy. It has some of the coolest art made from all recycled stuff built around a maze of cement and rebar. I was climbing and crawling, sliding and swinging, jumping and flipping with all the rest of the kids in this place. It is a place where you can bring your kid and lose him for the afternoon. But since I don't have kids and I'm a kid myself anyway. I lost myself in there all afternoon. Way, Way, FUN!!!
Day 33 Sea 2 Shining Sea ***4th of July Parade***
This is a big day! We stayed at a hotel by the St Louis airport so we would have a short ride to the parade start instead of a 50+ mile ride that we would have had to start at before dawn. We rode 12 miles to the parade start all together as a group. That is something. We lined up 53rd out of 150 parade groups. Big parade. We got there at 8:15am for a 10:00am parade start. More hurry up and wait. Many people were on edge by the start of the parade. Not sure if it was all the waiting in the heat or just the thought of riding in a parade with 200,000 people watching. Crowds and noices can ready get to people.
With the parade rolling it started very slow, like slower then walking pace. Way slower then I was willing to ride so I started riding in circles at the end of the block. I think I was starting to make Larry sick. When we started rolling a bit I started weaving and riding more circles around our whole group. I was having fun. Paul got the great idea to do 50 meter sprints in the middle of the parade. 4 or 5 of us would line up, let the group get some distance ahead and we would sprint. I was riding in flip-flops so Larry would do all of the pedaling during our sprints and I would just hang my legs away from the pedals.
We were playing with everyone on the sides of the parade and everyone in the parade. We were even trying to get into the Shriner scooter bike figure 8 loops. They had some crazy patern so I kind of messed that up. We were having so much fun. I think I may even have seen the other tandem having fun. Now that is crazy.
With the parade rolling it started very slow, like slower then walking pace. Way slower then I was willing to ride so I started riding in circles at the end of the block. I think I was starting to make Larry sick. When we started rolling a bit I started weaving and riding more circles around our whole group. I was having fun. Paul got the great idea to do 50 meter sprints in the middle of the parade. 4 or 5 of us would line up, let the group get some distance ahead and we would sprint. I was riding in flip-flops so Larry would do all of the pedaling during our sprints and I would just hang my legs away from the pedals.
We were playing with everyone on the sides of the parade and everyone in the parade. We were even trying to get into the Shriner scooter bike figure 8 loops. They had some crazy patern so I kind of messed that up. We were having so much fun. I think I may even have seen the other tandem having fun. Now that is crazy.
Day 32 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Again it has been a long time between blog updates so now I'm sitting my hotel room in Cincinnati Ohio on a rest day trying to remember all the rides and experiences we've had over the last 10 days. Well here goes.
The name of the game on this day was hurry up and wait. It took us over eight hours to finish a three hour ride. And hurry up we did. We raced a 10k time trial in the beginning of the day. Paul found this perfectly flat section of road with darn near no traffic at all for all of us to race on. We started in one minute intervals with the slowest starting first and the fastest starting last, just like in the tour. Larry and I started last. Let the trash talking begin. Joe was our minute man and Hunter was our two minute man. Larry and I told them both to watch out behind them because we were going to catch them. Not likely.
Larry and I went out at very stead fast pace trying not to go too hard in the beginning. We started out at 27mph and settled in at 29mph in the middle and picked it up to 31mph at the end. The finish line came up way faster then we thought. We almost caught Joe at the end. We finished in 11:52 something like 30.5 mph average speed. Wow, we are very happy with that. All most all of us competed in the time trial. At was way fun. We hope to do another race before the end of our trip.
From there we rode in small groups having fun and playing games all the way to lunch where we hung out waiting for the rest of the group. but that was not the big wait for the day. That came at the edge of the town of Hermann. We sat in the parking lot of a gas station for well over two hours just waiting for time to past so we could ride into town with a police escourt over a bridge into Hermann with townspeople waving flags all the way down the main street in town. Well worth it.
They treated us to a great dinner of pork roast with all the fixings. It was in their local winery. But no wine was had. Strange? Not that I cared.
After dinner we loaded up all of our bikes for an hour and a half drive into St Louis airport hotel. I got to drive one of the bubble buses. It made my day. I like to drive.
The name of the game on this day was hurry up and wait. It took us over eight hours to finish a three hour ride. And hurry up we did. We raced a 10k time trial in the beginning of the day. Paul found this perfectly flat section of road with darn near no traffic at all for all of us to race on. We started in one minute intervals with the slowest starting first and the fastest starting last, just like in the tour. Larry and I started last. Let the trash talking begin. Joe was our minute man and Hunter was our two minute man. Larry and I told them both to watch out behind them because we were going to catch them. Not likely.
Larry and I went out at very stead fast pace trying not to go too hard in the beginning. We started out at 27mph and settled in at 29mph in the middle and picked it up to 31mph at the end. The finish line came up way faster then we thought. We almost caught Joe at the end. We finished in 11:52 something like 30.5 mph average speed. Wow, we are very happy with that. All most all of us competed in the time trial. At was way fun. We hope to do another race before the end of our trip.
From there we rode in small groups having fun and playing games all the way to lunch where we hung out waiting for the rest of the group. but that was not the big wait for the day. That came at the edge of the town of Hermann. We sat in the parking lot of a gas station for well over two hours just waiting for time to past so we could ride into town with a police escourt over a bridge into Hermann with townspeople waving flags all the way down the main street in town. Well worth it.
They treated us to a great dinner of pork roast with all the fixings. It was in their local winery. But no wine was had. Strange? Not that I cared.
After dinner we loaded up all of our bikes for an hour and a half drive into St Louis airport hotel. I got to drive one of the bubble buses. It made my day. I like to drive.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Day 31 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Funny how a 67 mile ride can become an easy day. After all the miles that we have done over the last month anything less than a century is easy.
In spite of more drama on the road we had a great day. I don't feel like writing anymore about that.
In spite of more drama on the road we had a great day. I don't feel like writing anymore about that.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Day 30 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Great day of riding on the best roads so far of the trip. Yesterday we ended on 15 miles of the crappyist road, so having good roads were much appraicated. We had a great group to ride with Paul, James, Jeffery and Larry and myself. Western Kansas is rolling, not bone ass flat like eastern Kansas. ( I think some of the state line are in the wrong places. Denver is in Kansas because it is flat and no one told the people of Denver. And western Kansas is actually in Missouri because the flatness ends and the rolling hills have begun. Anyway....) We had lots of fun with the rolling hills, it took away the bordum of the flatness. Maybe someday soon the roads will start to turn some, so we don't have to see where we are going to be a half hour away.
Today was a nice long ride of 102 miles. Another century and another state line in the books. I can't tell you how excited I am to see Kansas go into the rearview mirror. We broke the bike ride into nice bite size sections for our own sanity. First water stop, second water stop, first lunch, water stop, second lunch, water, water, water. You get the idea. We drink alot of water. With all that water comes a lot of pee breaks with those water stops. The miles just flow by today. Before we knew it we were in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Today was a nice long ride of 102 miles. Another century and another state line in the books. I can't tell you how excited I am to see Kansas go into the rearview mirror. We broke the bike ride into nice bite size sections for our own sanity. First water stop, second water stop, first lunch, water stop, second lunch, water, water, water. You get the idea. We drink alot of water. With all that water comes a lot of pee breaks with those water stops. The miles just flow by today. Before we knew it we were in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Day 29 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Slated as an easier day, it was still tough in the end because of the heat. We rode 70 miles, which is much less then the big days of the last week. We started with a police escourt out of Emporia, so we were riding at controlled easy pace. At the town line the escourt stopped and the riding began. Larry and I began with the plan to ride our own ride so we could start working on doing some intervals. We rolled out with the fast group just sitting on the back of the pack. At about 10 miles Larry and I got a flat. Hunter stopped to help us with it. The others didn't wait, not surprised at all.
By the time we changed the tire we were passed by the B group too. We rode with the B group for a while until we warmed up again. Then we started doing our first set of interval training. We did 4 three minute intervals. Not bad for our first try. I've never been one to have any kind of training program, I just ride and have fun. So this is new to me. I've been around long enough to know something about training but I am definity looking for downside help with setting up a program that will work for both Larry and myself.
By the time we changed the tire we were passed by the B group too. We rode with the B group for a while until we warmed up again. Then we started doing our first set of interval training. We did 4 three minute intervals. Not bad for our first try. I've never been one to have any kind of training program, I just ride and have fun. So this is new to me. I've been around long enough to know something about training but I am definity looking for downside help with setting up a program that will work for both Larry and myself.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Day 28 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today was another planned century in 100+ degree heat. Ugh... We started with a great breakfast provided to us by the American Legion of Hucthinson, Kansas. We got a later start then was scheduled because of breakfast but well worth it. We also got escourted out of town by the American Legion Road Guard motorcyle group. Very cool indeed.
Larry and I rode out with Paul and James who were riding our spare tandem. That was a lot of fun. Those guys are just fun to be around. Always having fun. I like fun. We were trading off turns at the front every mile like clock work. When we were riding thru the town of Newton we were met by more Road Guard motorcycles. They led us to the State Farm office in Newton where we were treated to a very good fruit salad medley. We had know idea we even had this stop, we thought we were just riding straight to lunch. I loved this stop. We sat and hung out with the fine folks of Newton for about an hour waiting for the rest of the group.
With such a long stop and all the long hot miles already this week Larry decided to pull the plug on todays ride at 35 miles. He is human. I thought that it was a very smart move. Take a break, recover and come back stronger the next day. Thanks Larry.
Larry spent the rest of the day helping Danelle with water stops for the fast group and I drove the bubble bus with Hunter and Alex. I had a great day helping everyone else. And again we had more riders completing their first century. Congrats to Brianna and Andrew.
Larry and I rode out with Paul and James who were riding our spare tandem. That was a lot of fun. Those guys are just fun to be around. Always having fun. I like fun. We were trading off turns at the front every mile like clock work. When we were riding thru the town of Newton we were met by more Road Guard motorcycles. They led us to the State Farm office in Newton where we were treated to a very good fruit salad medley. We had know idea we even had this stop, we thought we were just riding straight to lunch. I loved this stop. We sat and hung out with the fine folks of Newton for about an hour waiting for the rest of the group.
With such a long stop and all the long hot miles already this week Larry decided to pull the plug on todays ride at 35 miles. He is human. I thought that it was a very smart move. Take a break, recover and come back stronger the next day. Thanks Larry.
Larry spent the rest of the day helping Danelle with water stops for the fast group and I drove the bubble bus with Hunter and Alex. I had a great day helping everyone else. And again we had more riders completing their first century. Congrats to Brianna and Andrew.
Day 27 Sea 2 Shinig Sea
Today was an Incredible Day!! Because it was such a long day I planned to split the day with Hunter. It worked out great. I rode the first 76 miles and Hunter rode the last 44 miles to the end. This give Larry 120 miles!!!!
Since I've been struggling with the heat and the distince lately, I thought it would be best to share my riding duties on the long days. Larry is just super human, somehow he is as strong at the beginning of the day as he is at the end of the day, amazing. We started out riding with our fast group. At 52 miles we had a quick lunch and as we were just about to leave Glenn came riding in. Wow, he was just a couple minutes behind us while riding my himself after 52 miles. Very impressive. After a little discussion the group choose to have Glenn join us to the end. As we rode out I told Glenn we would all ride his pace (which of course was just a half mph slower than us). This lasted about two miles before the other tandem started to ride away. I yelled for them to slow down a bit. They did for a couple pedal strokes and then they sped up and were gone. No surprise there. Larry and I rode with Glenn for the next 24 miles until Hunter was able to catch up in the van to releave me from my riding duties for the day.
For the rest of the day I helped Danelle with water stops for the fast group. Larry and Hunter kept a very steady fast pace and the other tandem and Joe rode with Glenn. Joe did a great job keeping Glenn motivated to complete his first century. They laughed and joked their way in for a huge century of a 120 miles in 100+ degree heat. Great job Glenn. I don't think the other tandem had such a good day.
The day took on more incredible turn when so many people went above and beyond by completely their first century on our longest planned day of the trip. Congrats to Henry, Jonathan, Bill(on a handcycle), Jeff, Jena, and Razz.
Since I've been struggling with the heat and the distince lately, I thought it would be best to share my riding duties on the long days. Larry is just super human, somehow he is as strong at the beginning of the day as he is at the end of the day, amazing. We started out riding with our fast group. At 52 miles we had a quick lunch and as we were just about to leave Glenn came riding in. Wow, he was just a couple minutes behind us while riding my himself after 52 miles. Very impressive. After a little discussion the group choose to have Glenn join us to the end. As we rode out I told Glenn we would all ride his pace (which of course was just a half mph slower than us). This lasted about two miles before the other tandem started to ride away. I yelled for them to slow down a bit. They did for a couple pedal strokes and then they sped up and were gone. No surprise there. Larry and I rode with Glenn for the next 24 miles until Hunter was able to catch up in the van to releave me from my riding duties for the day.
For the rest of the day I helped Danelle with water stops for the fast group. Larry and Hunter kept a very steady fast pace and the other tandem and Joe rode with Glenn. Joe did a great job keeping Glenn motivated to complete his first century. They laughed and joked their way in for a huge century of a 120 miles in 100+ degree heat. Great job Glenn. I don't think the other tandem had such a good day.
The day took on more incredible turn when so many people went above and beyond by completely their first century on our longest planned day of the trip. Congrats to Henry, Jonathan, Bill(on a handcycle), Jeff, Jena, and Razz.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Rest Day 5
Laundry followed by lots of typing. Rider meeting at 4pm. Dinner at 6:30pm at the VFW of Dodge City, Kansas.
Day 26 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Not my best day. Planned 104 miles, I rode 55 miles and climbed off at lunch. Much more to the story but for another time.
We had a very nice welcome by the people of Dodge City Kansas.
We had a very nice welcome by the people of Dodge City Kansas.
Day 25 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today was more of the same but with a different dynamic. Left at the same time, same distance(more or less), same hot as hell temperture and same people plus one, Paul our road captain. Yesterday was rode very well as a group but today with Paul added to the group it went way wrong. I am a very big fan of Paul, but the other tandem captain is not. The ride rode more like a race instead of like a ride because of the power struggle in our group. I will say it in a word, bullshit.
We still made good time to lunch and ate a fast lunch and got to the hotel way early but it was not a fun ride at all. This crap needs to stop.
oh, by the way we entered a new state- Kansas
We still made good time to lunch and ate a fast lunch and got to the hotel way early but it was not a fun ride at all. This crap needs to stop.
oh, by the way we entered a new state- Kansas
Day 24 Sea 2 Shining Sea
The hills are gone. Let the heat begin. I mean, really let the hot heat from a blast furnace begin. We are riding into 110+degrees of the dryest heat I've ever riding in.
Because of the impending heat the fast group left at 7am instead of our normal 8am. We turned up the speed early because it was only 85 degrees at 8am. We were averaging close to 25mph for the first couple hours. We ate a very quick lunch and brought the speed down just a bit all the way to the hotel in Las Animas Colorado. We arrived at the hotel before noon after 87 miles with average speed of 22.4mph. Nice.
We waited by the pool and in our rooms until 4pm before the rest of the group got to the hotel. It was well over 100 degrees from noon on. What an incredible hard day for the other groups.
Because of the impending heat the fast group left at 7am instead of our normal 8am. We turned up the speed early because it was only 85 degrees at 8am. We were averaging close to 25mph for the first couple hours. We ate a very quick lunch and brought the speed down just a bit all the way to the hotel in Las Animas Colorado. We arrived at the hotel before noon after 87 miles with average speed of 22.4mph. Nice.
We waited by the pool and in our rooms until 4pm before the rest of the group got to the hotel. It was well over 100 degrees from noon on. What an incredible hard day for the other groups.
Day 23 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today had a couple big surprises. First off Caroline was joining us all the way to Pueblo Colorado. Paul had set her up on one of our spare bikes. Very cool.
Second, we didn't start riding until 10am because we were being treated to lunch at Fort Carson by the USO. They had a great welcome for us and great meal planned. They pulled out all of the stops by having enterainment too. We watched a wonderful performance by a Polynesian dance troop. Even with the temperature rising on the USO patio we all had a great time. As we left the USO we noticed smoke coming from the mountains above our hotel. A new forrest fire?
We left with the idea of just 40 miles to Pueblo and our hotel. The third surprise was it was not a flat 40 but a hilly 60 miles. Larry and I didn't ride with the fast group today so we could ride with my friend Caroline. I loved riding with Caroline but the slowness of the group was really hard on Larry. Once we got off the rolling back road going south we got on Route 50 going EAST. We better get use to this road. We will be on this road and this road only for the next couple hundred miles, ouch.
After dinner I drove Caroline back up to Colorado Springs. We could see the flames from the forrest fire in the hill by Garden of the Gods. We were there just that morning walking around before our ride. Kind of scary.
Second, we didn't start riding until 10am because we were being treated to lunch at Fort Carson by the USO. They had a great welcome for us and great meal planned. They pulled out all of the stops by having enterainment too. We watched a wonderful performance by a Polynesian dance troop. Even with the temperature rising on the USO patio we all had a great time. As we left the USO we noticed smoke coming from the mountains above our hotel. A new forrest fire?
We left with the idea of just 40 miles to Pueblo and our hotel. The third surprise was it was not a flat 40 but a hilly 60 miles. Larry and I didn't ride with the fast group today so we could ride with my friend Caroline. I loved riding with Caroline but the slowness of the group was really hard on Larry. Once we got off the rolling back road going south we got on Route 50 going EAST. We better get use to this road. We will be on this road and this road only for the next couple hundred miles, ouch.
After dinner I drove Caroline back up to Colorado Springs. We could see the flames from the forrest fire in the hill by Garden of the Gods. We were there just that morning walking around before our ride. Kind of scary.
Day 22 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today we rode from Denver to Colorado Springs. Tough winds and rolling hills. We were riding like we could not get out of our own way. We had to pedal going down hill and still could barely break 35mph. For such an easy day on paper this turned out to be a very hard day. One of the reasons was we didn't get our first water stop until 25 miles and by that time we were hard pressed to get enough liquids in us to get caught up.
When we got to lunch we waited about an hour and forty five minutes for the rest of the group before leaving for the Air Force Academy. There we were escourted to the B-52 Bomber for pictures and a quick ride across the base. There was a lot of hurry up and wait. And a lot of very tired people when we finially got to our hotel on Garden of the Gods Road.
I was very pleased to find out my friend Caroline was going to meet me at the hotel. We had dinner together and again hung out and chatted. I was also able to intruduce Caroline to my new friends and she was able to help my friend Sabrina with a nagging injury. Caroline is amazing at finding what ails you and getting you to help yourself with stretching and exercise. Thanks Caroline.
When we got to lunch we waited about an hour and forty five minutes for the rest of the group before leaving for the Air Force Academy. There we were escourted to the B-52 Bomber for pictures and a quick ride across the base. There was a lot of hurry up and wait. And a lot of very tired people when we finially got to our hotel on Garden of the Gods Road.
I was very pleased to find out my friend Caroline was going to meet me at the hotel. We had dinner together and again hung out and chatted. I was also able to intruduce Caroline to my new friends and she was able to help my friend Sabrina with a nagging injury. Caroline is amazing at finding what ails you and getting you to help yourself with stretching and exercise. Thanks Caroline.
Rest Day 4
A day off in Denver!! It is great to have friends!!! My friends Jill, Caroline, Kim and Jim came to visit today. We went out to lunch and dinner and just hung out and talked. I love hanging out with my friends. The only other thing I did was load the tandem up with laundry and ride 2 miles to the local coin-op laundramat. We had internet but I was way too busy to update my blog. It was a great day.
Day 21 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Because of too much fun and crappy internet I will be playing catch up with my blog today on our rest day in Dodge City, Kansas. I hope I can get all the info out and all the pictures and videos uploaded.
Ok, here we go. So, since we climbed up Vail Pass yesterday, we shuttled to the top of Vail Pass and started with a nice easy bike path descent from 10,666ft to 8,753ft over 16.5 miles. This was not the type of descent to get up to high speeds like I like to do. This descent was a lot of braking and tight bike paths while staying with the group. We rolled thru the town of Frisco which is at the foot of Breckenridge and past Lake Frisco along a dam that seemed to hang over a valley town but because of the road being above us we really couldn't see that town. Sometimes we do fly past some incredible places a bit too fast. Someday I am going to back there and really look around.
From here it was time to go up and up and up to our highest and last big climb of our trip across the country. Over the next 9 miles and over one and half hour we climbed over 2000 ft up to 12,000ft to the top of Loveland Pass. Larry and I knew this was going to be a big deal to accomplish on a tandem. We set our own pace, didn't try to keep up with anyone and didn't try to catch anyone. We took three breaks at 3 miles, 5 miles and 7 miles. This allowed us to give our butts a rest and gave me time to take some pictures. Near the top we all gathered at the USO rv for lunch so we could ride the last half mile to 12,000ft together.
The descent from here was fun, but bittersweet. We knew this is the last day for long descents. From the top we had beautiful hairpin turns and long steep straights. I kept it way under control and we still hit 60mph. After the first big descent we entered a series of bike paths that kept us off of the interstate. This lead us thru some really cool old towns like Silverthorne, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Hidden Valley and ended in Morriston. Again I need to go back for a better look. It was not all down hill from the top of Loveland Pass. We did have to climb a very cruel Floyd Hill just to remind us that we were still in Colorado. To stay in the group I had to ride the brakes for the last 20 miles. I will go back there again. Promise.
Ok, here we go. So, since we climbed up Vail Pass yesterday, we shuttled to the top of Vail Pass and started with a nice easy bike path descent from 10,666ft to 8,753ft over 16.5 miles. This was not the type of descent to get up to high speeds like I like to do. This descent was a lot of braking and tight bike paths while staying with the group. We rolled thru the town of Frisco which is at the foot of Breckenridge and past Lake Frisco along a dam that seemed to hang over a valley town but because of the road being above us we really couldn't see that town. Sometimes we do fly past some incredible places a bit too fast. Someday I am going to back there and really look around.
From here it was time to go up and up and up to our highest and last big climb of our trip across the country. Over the next 9 miles and over one and half hour we climbed over 2000 ft up to 12,000ft to the top of Loveland Pass. Larry and I knew this was going to be a big deal to accomplish on a tandem. We set our own pace, didn't try to keep up with anyone and didn't try to catch anyone. We took three breaks at 3 miles, 5 miles and 7 miles. This allowed us to give our butts a rest and gave me time to take some pictures. Near the top we all gathered at the USO rv for lunch so we could ride the last half mile to 12,000ft together.
The descent from here was fun, but bittersweet. We knew this is the last day for long descents. From the top we had beautiful hairpin turns and long steep straights. I kept it way under control and we still hit 60mph. After the first big descent we entered a series of bike paths that kept us off of the interstate. This lead us thru some really cool old towns like Silverthorne, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Hidden Valley and ended in Morriston. Again I need to go back for a better look. It was not all down hill from the top of Loveland Pass. We did have to climb a very cruel Floyd Hill just to remind us that we were still in Colorado. To stay in the group I had to ride the brakes for the last 20 miles. I will go back there again. Promise.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Day 20 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today, we left Glenwood Springs riding the most beautiful
bike path that I’ve ever been on. We rode down Glenwood Canyon with I70 on our
left and the Colorado River on our right with tall canyon walls all around us
and railroad tracks hugging the canyon walls. The path weaved in and out, up
and down thru tunnels and bridges under I70. The river was crystal clean when
calm and raging roaring white capped rapids when the canyon walls came in
tighter. Most of the time you completely forgot the highway was even near you
at all. Simply spectacular, picture perfect day, taking in all the wonderful
scenes around us. It was 20 miles of the most peaceful riding one could ever be
on.
The rest of the day was a gentle steady up hill to Vail.
Nothing too hard at all, just a long day in the saddle. Because tomorrows ride
to Denver is scheduled for two mountain passes and over 125 miles, it was
decided to tackle the first mountain pass after we arrived in Vail today. Very
good choice.
The 16 mile ride up Vail Pass at 10,666ft took us every bit
of two hours. I’m not much of a climber (I may have said that before) but the
feeling of accomplishment when you reach the top of such a huge climb is
overwhelming. We had some friendly trash
talking going on the last part of the climb. Larry and I were just riding along
(JRA) when we were passed and goaded by Frank and Mike. So Larry and I found it
necessary to get out of the saddle and sprint with all of our might. Not the
smartest thing to do at 10,000ft. We got a huge gap but it took several minutes
for our breathing and heart rate to come down.
I always love playing games on bikes.
At the top we told some pictures, loaded into the bubble bus and went
back to the hotel for some well earned dinner.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Day 19 Sea 2 Shining Sea
After such a great day yesterday, I thought it couldn't be topped. Well, I was wrong.
Todays bike ride was just a bike ride. We had to shuttle the first 15 miles because of road construction, the road wasn't even there, it was the right decision. We did miss the best roads of the ride but safety first. Anyway, the rest of the was a 20 mile downhill with a crazy headwind into the town of Rifle. Followed by rollers on Rt 6 that parralels I70. Than we had to ride I70 for 6 miles to Glenwood Springs. Total of 52 miles.
Parker, Rob and Andrew racing up a climbing wall
Abby after her bungee jump
Rachel after her bungee jump
Rob and Henry on the Swing
Rob and Parker trying to look bored
Rob, Parker, Joe and Henry ( they tried to get me to go, NO WAY)
We are staying at a really nice hotel, Courtyard Marriott. We were treated to pizza in the lobby as soon as we arrived at the hotel. I got to take a nice two hour nap, bonus! And we all got together to go to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. We had such a blast!! The great folks there treated us to very good dinner and a pass to all the ride we wanted to ride plus a tour of the caverns.
Todays bike ride was just a bike ride. We had to shuttle the first 15 miles because of road construction, the road wasn't even there, it was the right decision. We did miss the best roads of the ride but safety first. Anyway, the rest of the was a 20 mile downhill with a crazy headwind into the town of Rifle. Followed by rollers on Rt 6 that parralels I70. Than we had to ride I70 for 6 miles to Glenwood Springs. Total of 52 miles.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Day 18 Sea 2 Shining
All of the days are starting to run together now but, this had to be one of the best days so far. We had a fun easy ride of 60 miles down rolling hills following a river to Meeker.
The ride started with the faster group starting a half hour after the comfort group. That is my favorite way to start because we can catch them by lunch and not wait at lunch all day. I may have said that before. Anyway.... We were rolling today just having fun and enjoying the beautiful Colorado landscape. Did I mention we entered our forth state yesterday. We did. Another state in our rear view mirror. Nice. But I do love Utah. And Colorado is great too.
Right before we got to lunch we caught most everyone. And we caught James who decided to spent the whole day riding the handcycle all 60 miles. He was doing great. We left him with Seth and said we will see you at lunch. While we were at lunch Paul got a call on the radio that James had crashed. We all waited nervously for more information. About ten minutes later James arrived in the sag truck. Jumped out all scrapped up and bloody. At turned out he got into a high speed wobble at 40mph and lost it and flipped the handcycle over and over and over. They said he rolled something like four times. He has cuts on both legs, both elbows and all over his back. (Bet he is sleeping on his stomach tonite) Hunter had to replace the crankset so James could finish the ride into Meeker. That is one tough kid!!!
When we arrived in Meeker we were greeted by some Vietnam Veterans and a some wonderful people of Meeker. For the third night of the trip and the second night in a row I had a beer. Believe it or not, it just felt good to sit and enjoy a beer in the company of such incredible people.
We had arrived way before our scheduled dinner so a whole bunch of us went down to the White River and went swimming. Floating down some cold water rapids felt so good. I loved it.
For dinner we were treated to a special meal by the Womens Auxillary of Meeker. Great food and great company. I even had strawberry rhubarb pie. One of my favorites.
The ride started with the faster group starting a half hour after the comfort group. That is my favorite way to start because we can catch them by lunch and not wait at lunch all day. I may have said that before. Anyway.... We were rolling today just having fun and enjoying the beautiful Colorado landscape. Did I mention we entered our forth state yesterday. We did. Another state in our rear view mirror. Nice. But I do love Utah. And Colorado is great too.
Right before we got to lunch we caught most everyone. And we caught James who decided to spent the whole day riding the handcycle all 60 miles. He was doing great. We left him with Seth and said we will see you at lunch. While we were at lunch Paul got a call on the radio that James had crashed. We all waited nervously for more information. About ten minutes later James arrived in the sag truck. Jumped out all scrapped up and bloody. At turned out he got into a high speed wobble at 40mph and lost it and flipped the handcycle over and over and over. They said he rolled something like four times. He has cuts on both legs, both elbows and all over his back. (Bet he is sleeping on his stomach tonite) Hunter had to replace the crankset so James could finish the ride into Meeker. That is one tough kid!!!
When we arrived in Meeker we were greeted by some Vietnam Veterans and a some wonderful people of Meeker. For the third night of the trip and the second night in a row I had a beer. Believe it or not, it just felt good to sit and enjoy a beer in the company of such incredible people.
We had arrived way before our scheduled dinner so a whole bunch of us went down to the White River and went swimming. Floating down some cold water rapids felt so good. I loved it.
For dinner we were treated to a special meal by the Womens Auxillary of Meeker. Great food and great company. I even had strawberry rhubarb pie. One of my favorites.
Day 17 Sea 2 Shining
Starting out on Rt 40 in Roosevelt was just the same joy as it was when we rode in. No joy at all. Stupid rumbel strips on the white line, heavy truck traffic, the same nasty drivers and no room for safety. The big bad stupid road lasted about ten miles until the traffic thinned out a bit. We stayed on Rt 40 well past lunch until we reached Colorado and the town of Dinosaur.
Since we all left Roosevelt together, it was just a matter of time before the faster riders set off at our faster pace and just blow past the others. With a couple of climbs we were miles ahead of the rest. We decided to continue on til lunch and wait there for everyone else to arrive. We sat at lunch for well over an hour. So when we finally got back on our bikes it was like starting a new ride. An 80 mile ride became a 30 mile ride after lunch. We still picked up the pace for the second ride and had lots of fun. The last 10 miles was almost all downhill into Rangley.
The folks at our hotel Blue Moutain Inn in Rangley were so friendly, helpful and wonderful. We ate right there at the Inn next to the swimming pool and hot tub using their bbq. Our support staff made a great meal of steak, chicken, a huge salad and even desserts. I can't thank our support staff enough for their hard work and attention to detail. They don't miss a thing. It was a wonderful night.
Since we all left Roosevelt together, it was just a matter of time before the faster riders set off at our faster pace and just blow past the others. With a couple of climbs we were miles ahead of the rest. We decided to continue on til lunch and wait there for everyone else to arrive. We sat at lunch for well over an hour. So when we finally got back on our bikes it was like starting a new ride. An 80 mile ride became a 30 mile ride after lunch. We still picked up the pace for the second ride and had lots of fun. The last 10 miles was almost all downhill into Rangley.
The folks at our hotel Blue Moutain Inn in Rangley were so friendly, helpful and wonderful. We ate right there at the Inn next to the swimming pool and hot tub using their bbq. Our support staff made a great meal of steak, chicken, a huge salad and even desserts. I can't thank our support staff enough for their hard work and attention to detail. They don't miss a thing. It was a wonderful night.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Day 16 Sea 2 Shining
How do you leave a place where you are royalty? You leave with a tear in your eye and roll down hill fast to start a day that will bring you 115 miles away from paradise. Really after 115 miles we couldn't be much farther from paradise.
We had a great day on the road but now we are in a one horse town where the horse wishes he could get lost. We are staying at the polar opposite of where we were last night. We ate at a tasteless mexican diner where even the water had more taste than the food. Sad but true.
But the ride... that was fun. We were so happy to have Jill start the ride with us for the first 15 miles. Everybody loved her and are very sad she was not able to ride all the way to Denver with us. We all hope she can meet us soon again along our trip.
After Jill said good bye, we started a very tough 20 mile climb up to 9,485 feet. Our new high point so far for the trip. The last 8 miles of the climb really kicked both Larry and my butts. We even had to stop on the climb to check if the tires were going flat. They were not, we just went flat. But the rewards.... oh the rewards... a twisty, turny, 61 mph, descent thru the most beautiful canyon that lasted for almost 40 miles. Yes, 40 miles. For most of it we even had a tailwind. When we got on route 40 the fun part became work. We had to deal with a tough headwind and really bad traffic. Traffic usually is not a problem but these folks just did not want us on their roads. We've had great reception every where else before we meet these folks. I'm trying to be nice. It is hard. Anyway, we rode over 115 miles but my Garmin battery died with a few miles to go. It is charging right now.
We had a great day on the road but now we are in a one horse town where the horse wishes he could get lost. We are staying at the polar opposite of where we were last night. We ate at a tasteless mexican diner where even the water had more taste than the food. Sad but true.
But the ride... that was fun. We were so happy to have Jill start the ride with us for the first 15 miles. Everybody loved her and are very sad she was not able to ride all the way to Denver with us. We all hope she can meet us soon again along our trip.
After Jill said good bye, we started a very tough 20 mile climb up to 9,485 feet. Our new high point so far for the trip. The last 8 miles of the climb really kicked both Larry and my butts. We even had to stop on the climb to check if the tires were going flat. They were not, we just went flat. But the rewards.... oh the rewards... a twisty, turny, 61 mph, descent thru the most beautiful canyon that lasted for almost 40 miles. Yes, 40 miles. For most of it we even had a tailwind. When we got on route 40 the fun part became work. We had to deal with a tough headwind and really bad traffic. Traffic usually is not a problem but these folks just did not want us on their roads. We've had great reception every where else before we meet these folks. I'm trying to be nice. It is hard. Anyway, we rode over 115 miles but my Garmin battery died with a few miles to go. It is charging right now.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Day 15 Sea 2 Shining
This is a day I've been looking forward to since the very beginning. Riding from Salt Lake City to Park City! I have done this ride a dozen times before. This is my old stumping ground. It is great to be on climbs where I know what is coming up next and know what kind of effort it takes to climb fast and not blow up. And to top it off, my friend Jill was going to join us on our ride today!!
We started at a slow pace thru town to keep the group together until we got to Hogle Zoo. This is where the climb starts up Emigration Canyon. I am not much of a climber but I've always liked this climb because it has the perfect pitch for me to hold a nice hard tempo and still be able to power up the final steep pitch to the top at This is the Place Park. Of course this is the first time I've ridden this climb on a tandem, but Larry and I just flew up this great climb. We had a blast.
After a fun descent, we had to climb up to Parley Summit on I80 with all the traffic you would expect from an interstate and a very steep 12 percent grade. Not my favorite part of the climb but still not that bad. Again with a fun descent to Kimball Junction then an up and down, mostly up, ride to Park City. When we got to town we had to wait for the whole group to arrive so we could ride up Main Street and up the Deer Valley together. It was fun to ride with all the people in town watching us and people taken pictures.
Soon we arrived at our hotel for the night. Heck, hotel? More like a palace. We are staying at St-Regis-Deer-Valley-Resort , HOLY CRAP!!! I've watched this place being built when I lived in Park City 14 years ago. I also watched when they bulldozed one of the best mountain bike trails in the world called spincycle. I guess I have to say it was worth losing that trail for such an incredible place. We were treated like kings and queens. I really mean it. We wanted for nothing. There are butlers and waite staff that will do anything for you at any time. Of course dinner and breakfast was first class. Somehow our stay here for all forty of us was donated. Wow!!
We started at a slow pace thru town to keep the group together until we got to Hogle Zoo. This is where the climb starts up Emigration Canyon. I am not much of a climber but I've always liked this climb because it has the perfect pitch for me to hold a nice hard tempo and still be able to power up the final steep pitch to the top at This is the Place Park. Of course this is the first time I've ridden this climb on a tandem, but Larry and I just flew up this great climb. We had a blast.
After a fun descent, we had to climb up to Parley Summit on I80 with all the traffic you would expect from an interstate and a very steep 12 percent grade. Not my favorite part of the climb but still not that bad. Again with a fun descent to Kimball Junction then an up and down, mostly up, ride to Park City. When we got to town we had to wait for the whole group to arrive so we could ride up Main Street and up the Deer Valley together. It was fun to ride with all the people in town watching us and people taken pictures.
Soon we arrived at our hotel for the night. Heck, hotel? More like a palace. We are staying at St-Regis-Deer-Valley-Resort , HOLY CRAP!!! I've watched this place being built when I lived in Park City 14 years ago. I also watched when they bulldozed one of the best mountain bike trails in the world called spincycle. I guess I have to say it was worth losing that trail for such an incredible place. We were treated like kings and queens. I really mean it. We wanted for nothing. There are butlers and waite staff that will do anything for you at any time. Of course dinner and breakfast was first class. Somehow our stay here for all forty of us was donated. Wow!!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Rest Day 3
Today we had a rest day in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is so great to be in a city I know so well, since I've lived in Park City years ago and I've had many overnights here while working for Southwest Airlines.
I started my day with a great breakfast at our hotel. Followed by updating my blog and catching up on phone calls back home. At lunch time I went for a walk with Sabrina to help her find a bike shop. We didn't make it but a few feet from the hotel when we spotted a street vendor selling tacos and burritos. They looked so good, we bought ours and went back to the hotel to enjoy our finds. Everyone in the lobby was jealous. Later they all went to get their own.
After our tasty lunch, Sabrina and I set out to find a bike shop with in walking distance. I've forgotten how long Salt Lakes blocks are and how hilly it can get. We walked up to Watsatch Touring and to Salt Lake Bicycle Company. Sabrina was able to get exactly what she was looking for at each store. We walked about 3 miles easy.
For the evening, we had another sponsor dinner planned at a steak place near by. I decided to spend the night going to one of my favorite places in town Brewvies with my best friend Jill. We went to see Hunger Games. We had a great time, we always do, but the movie was very mediocre at best. And yes I did read the book first and thought the book missed the point too. Maybe someday I will write a better book.
I started my day with a great breakfast at our hotel. Followed by updating my blog and catching up on phone calls back home. At lunch time I went for a walk with Sabrina to help her find a bike shop. We didn't make it but a few feet from the hotel when we spotted a street vendor selling tacos and burritos. They looked so good, we bought ours and went back to the hotel to enjoy our finds. Everyone in the lobby was jealous. Later they all went to get their own.
After our tasty lunch, Sabrina and I set out to find a bike shop with in walking distance. I've forgotten how long Salt Lakes blocks are and how hilly it can get. We walked up to Watsatch Touring and to Salt Lake Bicycle Company. Sabrina was able to get exactly what she was looking for at each store. We walked about 3 miles easy.
For the evening, we had another sponsor dinner planned at a steak place near by. I decided to spend the night going to one of my favorite places in town Brewvies with my best friend Jill. We went to see Hunger Games. We had a great time, we always do, but the movie was very mediocre at best. And yes I did read the book first and thought the book missed the point too. Maybe someday I will write a better book.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Day 14 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Joe showed up at breakfast with his right hand all wrapped up from the doctor. Turns out he does has a fracture to his thumb. They said it is going to be best for Joe to get an operation on his thumb on our rest day tomorrow. But that is tomorrow, today Joe is riding with us! He is one tough guy!!
Todays ride is broken into two parts again because we needed to shuttle 25 miles around construction to stay on time for our planned festivities in Salt Lake City. The first ride was to a Vererans Center in Provo where we hung out for an hour waiting for our shuttle ride to a Walwart parking lot where we had lunch and waited to start our 30 mile ride to Peace Park to hang around before going to downtown Salt Lake City. Hurry up and wait.
We had an amazing welcome into Salt Lake City and Gateway Plaza by The Adaptive Sports Expo. There was even a stage and live music. Nice.
Larry and I have been having all kinds of issues with our tandem this week. From a warped rotor on our disc brake, too a new chain and now we need a new cassette. On our ride from lunch to Peace Park we were riding with a badly skipping chain and just a front brake since we just pulled the rear brake off. Brakes are over rated. Our bike can't wait for a rest day rebuild.
Our dinner was the best so far, easy. We ate at Thaifoon Taste of Asia . Wow, what a great meal and a great time with great people.
To top off the night, Glenn had a radio interview here somewhere and was able to get us into the Nickleback concert at the old Delta center( not sure what it is called now). Twenty five of us went to the concert. Very cool indeed. I only lasted about 12 minutes before by ears had had enough from very load music that I just didn't understand.
Todays ride is broken into two parts again because we needed to shuttle 25 miles around construction to stay on time for our planned festivities in Salt Lake City. The first ride was to a Vererans Center in Provo where we hung out for an hour waiting for our shuttle ride to a Walwart parking lot where we had lunch and waited to start our 30 mile ride to Peace Park to hang around before going to downtown Salt Lake City. Hurry up and wait.
We had an amazing welcome into Salt Lake City and Gateway Plaza by The Adaptive Sports Expo. There was even a stage and live music. Nice.
Larry and I have been having all kinds of issues with our tandem this week. From a warped rotor on our disc brake, too a new chain and now we need a new cassette. On our ride from lunch to Peace Park we were riding with a badly skipping chain and just a front brake since we just pulled the rear brake off. Brakes are over rated. Our bike can't wait for a rest day rebuild.
Our dinner was the best so far, easy. We ate at Thaifoon Taste of Asia . Wow, what a great meal and a great time with great people.
To top off the night, Glenn had a radio interview here somewhere and was able to get us into the Nickleback concert at the old Delta center( not sure what it is called now). Twenty five of us went to the concert. Very cool indeed. I only lasted about 12 minutes before by ears had had enough from very load music that I just didn't understand.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Day 13 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Still getting miles, miles and more miles. But today I took a little break after a steady climb for 48 miles. I shuttled in the last 30 miles with a slightly sore back. No big deal.
We left Delta and started just a gentle climb on another very staight road. It was the two tandems, Joe and Hunter. Larry and I thought we were rolling out at a steady pace and I was looking over our shoulder to see a helmet on our wheel, thinking we were all together. Until I looked over that first helmet to see a half mile gap to the rest of our group. Oops! It would have been nice to know we broke up the group right out of the gate. We sat up and waited to the rest so we could share the work.
The comfort group left the hotel a half hour before us. Usually it takes us a little over an hour to catch them. Not today. Was it the straight gradually slope, the long days beating us down or is the comfort group just getting that much stronger? Not sure of the real reason but it took well over two hours for us to catch them. We caught them at a water stop.
As soon as we got to the water stop the comfort group pushed off. We filled all water bottles, grabbed a quick snack and set off to catch them to good. Well, so much for that thought. A few minutes after we left the water stop we had a mishap. Larry and I were following Hunter with the other tandem on our wheel and Joe on their wheel. Hunter was trying to adjust his speed to ours and I was trying to adjust to his when I bumped into Hunter. No big deal for us, but the chain reaction caused Joe to overlap wheel and he went down. Joe was back up in seconds with some road rash on his knee and on his right palm. Gloves? What gloves? We were back on the road.
When we arrived at lunch the surport staff checked out Joe and cleaned his wounds. I got myself some food and when I turned around they had Joe laying down wrapped up in therma blanket and bandages like a mummy. Joe had injured his right thumb but didn't know to what extend. All Joe wanted to do was continue riding. After some coaxing he was allow to ride.
It the same time I was trying to stretch out my low back. All of these long days in to the wind and countersteering for the movement on the back of the tandem has caught up to me. I have not been keeping up with my yoga as much as I should be. So I climbed into the big truck to stretch out some. Hunter came to me and asked if I wanted him to drive the tandem for the rest of day and I could ride his bike. Sounded good to me but I was just going to take the shuttle and not get messed up more by riding his bike that didn't fit me. So I shuttled the last 30 miles.
When we arrived in Payson Utah we were escorted in by Police and Fire trucks to the State Farm office where they had a nice reception for us. I was greeted by my very good friend from high school Jennifer Hopkins Asplund and three of her four kids, Maggie, Ellie and Griffin. It was so great to have them take time out of their day to visit us. Thank you very much.
After a much needed shower Larry, Hunter, Paul and I went to Massage Envy for massages. Then we went to Texas Roadhouse for a good steak dinner. I will be better for tomorrow. Joe went to get his hand checked out. We will see how Joe is in the morning.
We left Delta and started just a gentle climb on another very staight road. It was the two tandems, Joe and Hunter. Larry and I thought we were rolling out at a steady pace and I was looking over our shoulder to see a helmet on our wheel, thinking we were all together. Until I looked over that first helmet to see a half mile gap to the rest of our group. Oops! It would have been nice to know we broke up the group right out of the gate. We sat up and waited to the rest so we could share the work.
The comfort group left the hotel a half hour before us. Usually it takes us a little over an hour to catch them. Not today. Was it the straight gradually slope, the long days beating us down or is the comfort group just getting that much stronger? Not sure of the real reason but it took well over two hours for us to catch them. We caught them at a water stop.
As soon as we got to the water stop the comfort group pushed off. We filled all water bottles, grabbed a quick snack and set off to catch them to good. Well, so much for that thought. A few minutes after we left the water stop we had a mishap. Larry and I were following Hunter with the other tandem on our wheel and Joe on their wheel. Hunter was trying to adjust his speed to ours and I was trying to adjust to his when I bumped into Hunter. No big deal for us, but the chain reaction caused Joe to overlap wheel and he went down. Joe was back up in seconds with some road rash on his knee and on his right palm. Gloves? What gloves? We were back on the road.
When we arrived at lunch the surport staff checked out Joe and cleaned his wounds. I got myself some food and when I turned around they had Joe laying down wrapped up in therma blanket and bandages like a mummy. Joe had injured his right thumb but didn't know to what extend. All Joe wanted to do was continue riding. After some coaxing he was allow to ride.
It the same time I was trying to stretch out my low back. All of these long days in to the wind and countersteering for the movement on the back of the tandem has caught up to me. I have not been keeping up with my yoga as much as I should be. So I climbed into the big truck to stretch out some. Hunter came to me and asked if I wanted him to drive the tandem for the rest of day and I could ride his bike. Sounded good to me but I was just going to take the shuttle and not get messed up more by riding his bike that didn't fit me. So I shuttled the last 30 miles.
When we arrived in Payson Utah we were escorted in by Police and Fire trucks to the State Farm office where they had a nice reception for us. I was greeted by my very good friend from high school Jennifer Hopkins Asplund and three of her four kids, Maggie, Ellie and Griffin. It was so great to have them take time out of their day to visit us. Thank you very much.
After a much needed shower Larry, Hunter, Paul and I went to Massage Envy for massages. Then we went to Texas Roadhouse for a good steak dinner. I will be better for tomorrow. Joe went to get his hand checked out. We will see how Joe is in the morning.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Day 12 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today we rode from the state line of Nevada/Utah to Delta, Utah in a straight line, I think. Just two small climbs and a whole bunch of false flats and head wind for 90 miles to Delta. And yes, we had more flats. I think we are up to six flats in twelve days. What the heck is going on? I rode for over 3000 miles before this trip without any flats. We are getting new new tires in Salt Lake City when we get there in a couple days.
We had a great cookout by the hotel pool afterward.
We had a great cookout by the hotel pool afterward.
Day 11 Sea 2 Shining Sea
I'm updating Day 11 from Delta, Utah, which is the end of Day 12. Because last night we stayed at the Border Line Inn in Baker, Nevada, which is right at the state line on Nevada and Utah. That is in the middle of nowhere. No internet, no phone reception, nothing. Just a Motel, a dinner and of course a casino.
Yesterdays ride was a pretty easy 60 miles because of just two nice climbs and two wonderful descents, 58+mph. Larry and I have been having more than our share of flats since we left San Fransisco. We picked up a screw in our rear tire on Day 3 so we have been switching between our good tires to a new heavy set of tires that we use for descending for the safety. Problem with these tires are they are as slow as snot. I figured out why they are so much slower while climbing the second hill. The front tire is just too tall and hits the fork crown with every rotation. I thought I heard something during our first descent. So while starting our second climb I pulled over next to our supply truck to change our front tire. Now we can climb better.
At the top of the last climb Larry and I met up with Joe. The three of us had a great time during the final 10 mile descent into Baker even with the crazy cross winds. By the time we were getting ready for dinner the wind had picked up to 50mph gust. Wild winds!
After dinner, since there was absolutely nothing else to do, Paul Curley showed us a movie of his world trip with World Team Sports in 1995. This movie was the most inspirational thing I've ever seen. It makes this ride across the USA make sense and makes it look so incredibly small. Here is the World Ride trailer. I am still trying to find the whole movie to post here.
When we got back to the room our rear tire was flat. Dam!!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Rest Day 2
For the past two days we have had the pleasure of riding and hanging out with Tom Riley from York, England. He is riding around the World. He is nine months into his journey and has about seven months to go. He has already been thru Europe, Central Asia, China and Japan. Landing in San Fransisco and starting his ride across the USA the day after we started our trip across the USA. For the past two days Tom's touring bike has been hanging into our big truck and Tom has been riding one of our light fast Trek spare bikes. I hope we didn't ruin him from riding this
A Dawes touring bike which weighs over 100 pounds. After a long night out with all the youngsters of our crew Tom headed out toward Utah with I hope a big tailwind at his back and a safe journey to the other side of the US and great trip up West Africa back home to England. Hope to see you soon.
In the afternoon, our title sponsor State Farm had a very nice dinner for us and treated us on a tour on a steam train up to a copper mine. Here are some pictures.
pictures failed! i will post pictures when i get better internet
In the afternoon, our title sponsor State Farm had a very nice dinner for us and treated us on a tour on a steam train up to a copper mine. Here are some pictures.
pictures failed! i will post pictures when i get better internet
Friday, June 8, 2012
Day 10 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today we had the pleasure of riding all day with the one and only Paul Curley, our fearless road captain. We left Eureka Nevada by continuing our climb again from the day before, this is the second day in a row we started by finishing a climb. We, being the 'fast' group left a half hour after the 'comfort' group, stayed together slowly reeling in the 'comfort' group. We kept it under control for the climbs, meaning they went slow enough to keep the tandems in the group and on the down hill the tandems went to the front for a little more speed. It was quite fun. We caught them at a water stop at about 21 miles. Great job 'comfort' group, they were moving. We continued our steady pace all the way to lunch.
After lunch the real fun began. It was just five of us, Paul, Hunter, Joe, Larry and I(on the tandem) and Tom(our world traveller). Paul came up with a great idea of having all of the single bikes in our group take turns helping Larry and I up the hills and Larry and I would pick up the pace and fly down the hills. And fly we did. Where as Larry and I would normally climb at 8-9mph, they had us climbing at 11-12mph. They were getting a good workout pushing and learn new skills from Paul and we were getting a bit of help on my least favorite thing to do, climb. When we hit the top of the hill Larry and I would put our 400+ pounds to good use. One thing I can do well is go fast on descents and keep the speed up on the flats. On the final climb we had Seth in our sights cranking up the hill on his handcycle, he was not getting closer fast at all. Seth is the real deal, he can keep a super hard pace all day long. We caught him at the top of the hill only because he stopped to wait for us. On the downhill Seth also jumped on the train behind the tandem and enjoyed the draft. It was an absolute blast pulling all these guys into Ely to end our 10th day of riding.
After lunch the real fun began. It was just five of us, Paul, Hunter, Joe, Larry and I(on the tandem) and Tom(our world traveller). Paul came up with a great idea of having all of the single bikes in our group take turns helping Larry and I up the hills and Larry and I would pick up the pace and fly down the hills. And fly we did. Where as Larry and I would normally climb at 8-9mph, they had us climbing at 11-12mph. They were getting a good workout pushing and learn new skills from Paul and we were getting a bit of help on my least favorite thing to do, climb. When we hit the top of the hill Larry and I would put our 400+ pounds to good use. One thing I can do well is go fast on descents and keep the speed up on the flats. On the final climb we had Seth in our sights cranking up the hill on his handcycle, he was not getting closer fast at all. Seth is the real deal, he can keep a super hard pace all day long. We caught him at the top of the hill only because he stopped to wait for us. On the downhill Seth also jumped on the train behind the tandem and enjoyed the draft. It was an absolute blast pulling all these guys into Ely to end our 10th day of riding.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Day 9 Sea 2 Shining Sea
After such an amazing day yesterday I didn't think it could be topped. It was topped today.
Tom joined us all for our 70 mile from Austin to Eureka. Still in Nevada. Our road captain Paul insisted Tom put his touring bike with panniers (over 100 pounds) in the truck and ride one of our spare bikes. Tom couldn't refuse. We started by finishing the climb past Austin up 4 more miles. After we came down to the bottom on the hill we were on the straightist roads I've ever been on. You can see where you are going to be 30 minutes later. Larry and I rode hard for the first 37 miles until we got to lunch. Again another great lunch served by the amazing girls in the USO rv.
Larry and I almost left just before the main group arrived but we hung out to see them in. This turned a bike ride into a day that will never be forgotten.
Paul had been riding his handcycle for the first half of the ride and was completely exhausted so he wanted us to take turns riding the handcycle the rest of the way in. Interesting idea, none of us have ever riding a handcycle before but we were all game. They decided wach would ride for 10k each (6 miles). Tom took his turn and Paul rode his bike. We all rode as a group watching Tom enjoying his time riding something completely different from what he has been riding for the past 9 months.
After his 10k, it was my turn. Tom took over the tandem riding with Larry. They took off at top speed having an absolute blast. I've never been on a handcycle for more than a quick turn in a parking lot during my bike shop days. This was so much fun and very hard work with my little bird arms.
Next on the handcycle was Larry. YES, Larry!!
Did I ever mention that Larry is blind?
I rode behind Larry with Paul on the tandem. I just treated it like skiing but easier. The road was straight and had rumblestrips on the white line. All I had to do was tell Larry 'a little to the left , a little to the right' as we rode along. It worked out great. Larry being as fearless as he is, he picked up the pace quite quickly. We were going 20mph. Larry was going as straight as an arrow.
This may be the first time for a blind handcyclist ever. It was such a great experience for everyone there.
Tom joined us all for our 70 mile from Austin to Eureka. Still in Nevada. Our road captain Paul insisted Tom put his touring bike with panniers (over 100 pounds) in the truck and ride one of our spare bikes. Tom couldn't refuse. We started by finishing the climb past Austin up 4 more miles. After we came down to the bottom on the hill we were on the straightist roads I've ever been on. You can see where you are going to be 30 minutes later. Larry and I rode hard for the first 37 miles until we got to lunch. Again another great lunch served by the amazing girls in the USO rv.
Larry and I almost left just before the main group arrived but we hung out to see them in. This turned a bike ride into a day that will never be forgotten.
Paul had been riding his handcycle for the first half of the ride and was completely exhausted so he wanted us to take turns riding the handcycle the rest of the way in. Interesting idea, none of us have ever riding a handcycle before but we were all game. They decided wach would ride for 10k each (6 miles). Tom took his turn and Paul rode his bike. We all rode as a group watching Tom enjoying his time riding something completely different from what he has been riding for the past 9 months.
After his 10k, it was my turn. Tom took over the tandem riding with Larry. They took off at top speed having an absolute blast. I've never been on a handcycle for more than a quick turn in a parking lot during my bike shop days. This was so much fun and very hard work with my little bird arms.
Next on the handcycle was Larry. YES, Larry!!
Did I ever mention that Larry is blind?
I rode behind Larry with Paul on the tandem. I just treated it like skiing but easier. The road was straight and had rumblestrips on the white line. All I had to do was tell Larry 'a little to the left , a little to the right' as we rode along. It worked out great. Larry being as fearless as he is, he picked up the pace quite quickly. We were going 20mph. Larry was going as straight as an arrow.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Day 8 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Well, lets start with our longest day so far. We rode 111 miles across a very desolete section of Nevada. The next couple days will be pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The distances between towns is exactly how long our days are. It started with a slight descent for the first 25 miles and a steady climb for the next 73 miles followed by a 10 mile descent, ending with a very cruel 3 mile steep climb to our hotel. We did our best to pace ourselves to finish strong and not go out too fast in the beginning. But we were rolling at 26mph during the first hour. We needed to back it down a bit if we didn't want to wear out well before the finish. So we started climbing at a more controlled pace.
After another great lunch previded by our amazing surport crew, Larry and I continued at a good pace. Midway up our last big climb I saw a cyclist in the distance riding with a full set of panniers. When we caught him we slowed to say hi, the best move we could have ever made. His name is Tom Riley and he is riding around the world. THE WORLD!!! He is 12,000 miles into his journey and started riding out of San Fransisco a day after we started. Tom is riding for a cause called Around the World for Water. At the top of the hill we stopped to take a picture
To add to the experience, during our descent we passed the 100 mile mark. This is Larry's first century! We hit the century mark at 5 hours and 30 minutes. That is a great time for such a hilly hard ride. Way to go Larry!!
But this ride is 111 miles long. The last 5 miles hurt like hell. Straight up to the town of Austin. Lots of pain for the end of such a great day. We got to our room and could not get showered fast enough so we could eat everything in site.
Tom showed up in Austin as we were leaving for dinner. We invited him to stay with us since he had planned to riding up the road to camp. We insisted he stay with us, take a shower and join us for dinner. Great plan. He stayed and everyone loved to hear his stories of traveling around the world.
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