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.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
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.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Day 7 Sea 2 Shining Sea
In all of my years of riding, I've never had such a tailwind like today. We rode from Carson City to Fallon Nevada which is pretty much perfectly in a northeast direction. We had a perfect 20-30mph tailwind coming from the southwest. We rode 63 miles in just over 2 hours 40 minutes and I'm not in the least bit sore. We rode so fast that we sat at lunch for over an hour so I had to cut my ride data into part 1 and part 2 again.
and
After our ride, we got a tour of the control tower at Fallon Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center. This is where Top Gun happens. Very cool indeed. (I have a cool picture on my phone that I posted on my Facebook page. Check it out there. I can't figure out how to get it on my blog.)
Then we went to the 9/11 Memorial in Fallon to show our respect and take pictures.
Tonight we ate a great chicken dinner with salad at the hotel. I can't thank our support staff enough for all of their hard work.
Tomorrow we ride our first century so early to bed.
and
After our ride, we got a tour of the control tower at Fallon Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center. This is where Top Gun happens. Very cool indeed. (I have a cool picture on my phone that I posted on my Facebook page. Check it out there. I can't figure out how to get it on my blog.)
Then we went to the 9/11 Memorial in Fallon to show our respect and take pictures.
Tonight we ate a great chicken dinner with salad at the hotel. I can't thank our support staff enough for all of their hard work.
Tomorrow we ride our first century so early to bed.
Day 6 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Today we had the extremes of slow to fast. We got a late start because of a charity bike ride going around Lake Tahoe, luckily they were going the opposite direction. Just after the first few miles we already had two flats as a group. Then we crossed our first state line, YEA. Only 13 more to go. We all stopped so my friends LaVerne and William could take our pictures. ( I'll post that picture when I get it)
As we rode around the southeast side of Lake Tahoe we passed a caravan of covered wagons.
Then we rode thru a tunnel. Then we started to climb. Todays climb was much shorter, Larry and I decided to hang with John all the way up and meet everyone else at the top for lunch. It was a very slow climb but it was great to be with John as he made it to the top strong. Great job John!
After lunch all we had was a very fast and long descent to Carson City. Larry and I hit 61.1 mph!!!!! That was way FUN.
Then we rode thru a tunnel. Then we started to climb. Todays climb was much shorter, Larry and I decided to hang with John all the way up and meet everyone else at the top for lunch. It was a very slow climb but it was great to be with John as he made it to the top strong. Great job John!
After lunch all we had was a very fast and long descent to Carson City. Larry and I hit 61.1 mph!!!!! That was way FUN.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Rest Day
What a beautiful place to spend our first well earned rest day. We are at Camp Richardson on South Lake Tahoe. Last night we had a nice pizza dinner out on the back patio followed by everyone relaxing with a few beers late into the night.
Today a bunch of us had breakfast it the general store at Camp Richardson. I had the biggest breakfast burrito, it was as big as my head. We spent the rest of the morning working on bikes, changing tires and swapping out Larrys seat. And of course walking along to shore of this big blue pond called Lake Tahoe.
We all loaded up in the bubble buses to take a tour of the lake on The Tahoe Queen. This was a very beautiful but very long paddle boat ride out to Emerald Bay. This also turned out to be a very loud 3 hour tour.
Larry gave me the night off so I could go to dinner with my friends Laverne and William, who flew out from Pennsylvania for a week of vacation. We had an incredible sushi dinner and I even had a big ice cream chocolate chip cookie sandwich for desert.
I can't wait to get back on the bike tomorrow to ride all of this food off.
pictures to follow...
Today a bunch of us had breakfast it the general store at Camp Richardson. I had the biggest breakfast burrito, it was as big as my head. We spent the rest of the morning working on bikes, changing tires and swapping out Larrys seat. And of course walking along to shore of this big blue pond called Lake Tahoe.
We all loaded up in the bubble buses to take a tour of the lake on The Tahoe Queen. This was a very beautiful but very long paddle boat ride out to Emerald Bay. This also turned out to be a very loud 3 hour tour.
Larry gave me the night off so I could go to dinner with my friends Laverne and William, who flew out from Pennsylvania for a week of vacation. We had an incredible sushi dinner and I even had a big ice cream chocolate chip cookie sandwich for desert.
I can't wait to get back on the bike tomorrow to ride all of this food off.
pictures to follow...
Friday, June 1, 2012
Day 4 & 5 Sea 2 Shining Sea
Yesterday was nothing short of an epic day on a bike. 52miles at 9.4avg and over 7700ft of climbing. The tandems started riding an hour after the rest of the group to try to allow the main group to ride a more leisurely controlled pace. Since was only the tandems who stayed back it didn't quite work out to slow the front down so we took the opportunity to stretch our legs and hammer a bit. We caught the guys in the front in a little more then an hour twenty. Larry is really a turbo/ deisel back there just making our bike fly along. I'm just hanging on and steering.
The rest of the way we rode with rider after rider, pushing, cheering and just being there for them so they could ride as far as they wanted for the day. The steady steepness of the climb was just unrelenting.
After lunch we rode with a group of 6-7 riders just keeping each other company and telling stories try to make the pain of the hills go away. I can't even to begin to explain what an honor and pleasure it is to ride with these people. The stories of their life experiences to get to where they are now will bring a tear to your eyes even while climbing some of the most beautiful roads in the country. Sunglasses are great for masking the tears.
We were rewarded with a fast downhill to our cabins for the night at Kit Carson Lodge on Silver Lake. They were kind enough to open their lodge just for us. They were not planning on opening for the season for a couple weeks. We had a great pasta and chichen parm dinner, which was excellent.
After dinner a handful of us spent the evening kayaking and watching our crazy surport staff jump off the high rocks into the lake. And of course a fire pit was there to warm us all back up. Just an amazing day!!
Day 5
Today we had two good climbs followed by the real reward for all of our climbing, a 56mph descent down to Lake Tahoe.
The rest of the way we rode with rider after rider, pushing, cheering and just being there for them so they could ride as far as they wanted for the day. The steady steepness of the climb was just unrelenting.
After lunch we rode with a group of 6-7 riders just keeping each other company and telling stories try to make the pain of the hills go away. I can't even to begin to explain what an honor and pleasure it is to ride with these people. The stories of their life experiences to get to where they are now will bring a tear to your eyes even while climbing some of the most beautiful roads in the country. Sunglasses are great for masking the tears.
We were rewarded with a fast downhill to our cabins for the night at Kit Carson Lodge on Silver Lake. They were kind enough to open their lodge just for us. They were not planning on opening for the season for a couple weeks. We had a great pasta and chichen parm dinner, which was excellent.
After dinner a handful of us spent the evening kayaking and watching our crazy surport staff jump off the high rocks into the lake. And of course a fire pit was there to warm us all back up. Just an amazing day!!
Day 5
Today we had two good climbs followed by the real reward for all of our climbing, a 56mph descent down to Lake Tahoe.
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