Winds of Change

Today we "blew", big time, into Iowa. This scenario requires flexibility, reassessment, adjustment of the previous plan, then trying again. A lot like medicine by my perspective.

I was the first on the road. I started with the "wind at my back", which was most lovely. After 10-12 miles, we continued to follow our planned route and the wind were from the NE with me traveling East. Brutal as the wind stayed between 35-50 mph with gusts. Sincerely. As I've said several times, I couldn't possibly make this stuff up.

After probably another 10-12 miles of being thrashed (thank the goddess of the Wind - Alcyone, she wasn't directly beating into my face!!!), Mark wisely changed all plans. He and Ken looked and re-looked at the map, and had me change direction toward the South for the next portion of the ride. I cruised for awhile, then called it quits. For me, for no particular reason, I woke up in a "bad day". Everything hurt; just never loosened and lessened in discomfort; so I pulled a card from the deck and called it an early day. Frustrating, but that is what Thee Van is for.

Mark was the next rider due, and was just fine to jump on board early. It was about 20 miles early, as we had planned on each of us doing about 50 miles. Ken (bless him) continued to drive as I started icing myself. Again, we continued to adapt and change our route due to the unrelenting wind. Pretty darn intense.

The corn fields now are stretching from "acres" into the "miles" category; and as I stood next to one stalk, they are about 4 feet high. They were literally laying near flat on the earth due to the wind.

Mark continued to ride and weave positions and directions. I drove Ken forward over the greatest deeply rolling hills to his start point. This would be Thee Greatest route to ride (IF the wind wasn't blowing). Deep straight down with rapid straight up, over and over rolling hills. Much like a roller-coaster (Yup, I would be one of those fools that ride one for 24 hours straight as a fund-raiser). These went on for miles. You can really crank going down with the goal of not shifting down, by much, by the time you reach the top of the next (Ben, I see you packing up your bike and equipment to ride these great routes I'm finding!!!).

Ken started off perpendicular to the wind. I returned and picked up Mark at the end of his ride. Due to our shortage of riding the miles (me quiting early), Mark had initially decided he would then ride again at the end of Ken's route in order to complete the full amount necessary to reach our motel.

Mark and I delightfully stopped @ LeMars, Iowa at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Museum and Parlor while Ken was riding. How cute!! And, I decided, this was the time for a "REAL" banana split. How better to recover myself than by consumption of something cold?!? So that was my lunch. See, I really am NOT a purist with the food I eat.

We caught up with Ken and started the Freeway #3 from Hell. The entire shoulders were 4" deep in gravel. That's OK ... we can manage that. However, it seems most of Iowa HATE/DESPISE/AND REALLY DON'T CARE FOR BICYCLISTS. That would explain why the TransAmerica Bicycle Route totally avoids Iowa. Everything and everyone, from 18-wheelers through motorcyclists, not only DID NOT budge to the left what-so-ever (even if NO traffic coming the opposite direction), but they purposely veered toward the cyclist. Mark and I have experienced this before, and it just simply never gets easier. After 3 times of veering into the gravel, Ken stopped. He had enough.

We piled him and bike into the van, drove about the distance that I had aborted on, put Ken back onto the bike as there were now shoulders on the road, and off he went.

The first pic above shows the incredible changing scenery we are experiencing. The green is more a lighter emerald in varied patch-work designs due to the crop planing. The hills are moderately to sharply rolling, but short in duration. The houses and silos are sprinkled amongst all. The wind is from hell. The weather temp is perfect @ 77-80.

The second pic is Mark's answer to the people who are determined to eliminate all cyclists from the face of the earth. He thought he could drive this vehicle ahead of whoever is on their bicycle. Granted, one might call the subsequent drafting "cheating" however, arriving at our destination alive rather than amongst the road-kill would be a more positive "Happily Ever After" ending to our journey.

That's it for today. The guys are planning our route for tomorrow. The place we are staying has a manger who is a cyclist - helpful as his primary comment is, "Don't go there - Don't take that freeway - Don't travel in that direction". Next to the motel is a really large bicycle shop. We stopped in there seeking Hammer products (they don't carry any!!!), and they recommended flying to New Jersey rather than bicycling across Iowa. Hmm.m..m

We've Got Rhythm!!

"We've Got Music....Who Could Ask For Anything More...?" Remember, in my previous first college life I was a music major, so whenever given the chance, I can link most anything to a song, or jingle, or musical, or just most anything. Ask my girls. They'll groan and roll their eyes.

Yes, the three of us really now do have rhythm!! Which is desperately needed when traveling so many miles, with 3 distinct personalities, with a great amount of equipment. Factor in the daily "unknown" ... where are we going? how far? who's going first? Sprinkle with fatigue plus all-of-those-other-physical factors, and you really need patience with a great amount of rhythm.

We've finally settled into a daily "routine" in order to move us forward. The guys start packing up the van (I, of all people, cannot stand the fact the "guys" carry the heavy stuff. I believe if I'm gonna "ride with the guys, then I pull my weight with the guys". However, I am [and I suspect my body parts are] very thankful they really do most of the heavy lifting and twisting); I gather the food and ice; I add ice and water to our numerous bottles and containers. We head to breakfast. The first rider takes off. If we didn't last night, then now we get gas. (My neurosis ... I DO NOT want to run out of gas in the middle of I-have-no-idea-where-the-nearest-gas-station-is-and-how-the-hell-do-we-get-there???) By the end of the rides, we find the motel we rented last night. We start the unloading: the bikes get carried in, as does all the other equipment, luggage, coolers, food, etc. I wash and clean all the bottles and empty containers. The unpacking starts. We quickly rotate through showers and individual laundry of our daily bike gear. We figure out where "the drying" area is and hang everything that is wet up for tomorrow's use.

Then off for dinner.

Returning to the room means we do the "technie" thing: Mark and Ken discuss and plan tomorrow's route - which requires a fair amount of time. That includes weather info, wind direction and estimated gusts there-of. Once the end-point is established and divided by 3, then Ken utilizes Skype to call and speak to the motel through his computer for our reservation. How cool is that?!?!?! The last several nights our cell phones didn't work as we were in the "No Zone". Very Very Cool!! I've got to learn that one.
I'm on my computer downloading the pics taken that day, catching up on Mark's and my e-mail. I am responsible for the finances (that is a scary thought!!) so I put who-paid-what into the computer, then file the receipts into my travel file system. Finally, I'm catching you up through blogging. Ken, meanwhile, catches up via Skype or phone with his wife; and through e-mail to his kids.

Mark, meanwhile, is our totally I-really-don't-want-want-any-techie-info-or-responsibility-at-all guy. So, he deals with the TV. Usually that means the channel that continually runs old MASH shows, or tonight, is the old StarTrek stuff. Yes, the world could collapse, and as long as it isn't along our bike route, we really wouldn't have a flippin' clue. So please, as you go down, add us to your automated e-mail list so we might get-a-clue.

This is all a very different computerized vacation than I've ever done. It has become a focus for Ken and me as to "how many plug in's" there are in each room, and which Internet Connection can we find.

A nightcap, then we are in bed collapsed. Next morning, it all starts again. Sounds pretty routine, but this is all pretty necessary to keep us moving forward in a sane manner.

The pics posted are the three of us after our birthday celebration dinner with my Aunt. No, Mark usually doesn't scowl ... just not a "best shot" of him; however, was the only shot, so it gets posted. This is to prove, after nearly two weeks of bike gear and no make-up, we can again "spit-shine fine".

Today we rode on Highway 44 East from White River to Freeman, S. Dakota.

Then, finally, a pic of me on the road today (just to prove I really do ride my equitable amount) as we continued to wind through South Dakota. Amazing ... this is our fourth state, however, our third time zone. Yup, the states out here really are very big in size. The "western culture" here takes me back to how I was raised. It still is legal to smoke cigs in restaurants ... isn't that an experience again!! The vastness of the lands are so dependent on the whimsy of nature; this still strikes me to the core. At times it just doesn't matter how hard one works, or if all is done right or wrong; if nature so desires all is for naught. As we start to ride through acres of corn (nothing like what we are due to see soon), there must have been a very late spring and/or really heavy rain storms in this area. Many fields were just fine. Others are still flooded with the corn only 2-3 feet high, bent over and dying; single stalks feet away from the other when you know they were planted closely like all the other fields. And these injured fields go on for acres. Heart breaking.

Ken, as I stated in previous blogs, finds this whole "country" quite entertaining and very very new to him. Today, while riding, he was so impressed with the Auction Stables he rode by. Couldn't see much, except for the massive stables set on huge acreage. He could, however, hear the melodious auctioneer doing his job with precision and clarity. Auctioneers have always been impressive to me, so it was fun to again, see what I've previously known, new "through his eyes".

Mark and Ken were dually impressed with the thickness of presentation of structured religion throughout this entire region. Remember, this is a "Red State". Everywhere are churches, religious schools (very new and large despite being in the middle of no where), billboards, signage along the roads, large newspaper ads, etc. While checking into our public motel tonight, there were many hand-outs and flyer's all over the front desk, selling their form of redemption. Really very different from our Washingtonian culture. Mark asks, "Why does God need a bill-board??" I have no answer for him.

The funny portion of my ride: in the middle of absolute nowhere I am climbing this rolling hill. There are blue spruces here and there in no particular pattern. All alone on the left side of the hill is a single spruce ... fully decorated for the holidays. I swear to you I really can't make this stuff up!!!! Silver sparkle garland ropes, ornaments ... right there ... in the middle of no where.

Made me smile.

Flat and Fast!!

We cruise across S.Dakota on Highway 44 heading mostly East. The terrain is low rolling hills with a continuous brisk wind. Colours are green to yellow with brown hills/rocks. Lots of cattle and horses. We each did 50 miles with Ken first, me next and rounding up the relay was Mark. Of course, Mark's average was 20.4; however, I was thrilled @ 18.4 mph average.

Still feeling tired and not at the top of my performance, however, this ride was a great "get back into the routine" ride. Had a wonderful "Day Off" yesterday, then dinner out for my aunt. Came home and watched Jeff Dunham's Christmas DVD. All of us laughed throughout it!! It was even more fun for me as Ken had never experienced him before. My favorite character, Peanut, Ken immediately said, "That's you, Cindy!!! That is just so you!!". Except, I don't mix Nyquil and Red Bull like he does.

Generally roads today were pretty darn well maintained. There certainly is a HUGE difference between asphalt types, that vehicles overall, don't notice. The "sparkly" asphalt should be outlawed. It looks like someone sprinkled ground glass over the full street. Makes one balancing on really skinny tires quite apprehensive and fearful due to its appearance of being broken glass. Then there are the roads that have been patched by filling in the transverse cracks with tar. These "bump" oh, about every 10-20 feet. In a car it is merely annoying. On a bike it feels like someone is hitting you and Thee bike with a baseball bat. It jars your whole body. Then every part of you starts hurting. Then you tense up, which only hurts more. Then continue on this nonsense another 5-10 miles, factor in heat/fatigue/minimal dehydration and one becomes a little bit irritable and much less than pleasantly pretty.

One can now calculate into this asphalt equation the "Rumble Strips". These vary by a MASSIVE difference, primarily state by state. The Wise States place them near the white shoulder stripe. That allows a reasonable size on the distant side for a cyclist to ride on. Remember, however, when vehicles drive the rubbish on the road is picked up by the tires and thrown laterally - onto this area. So it can still be really trashy to try and ride on.
Then you get the states where "the cook wasn't consulted for the design of the kitchen". These states (sadly, WA state is included here) place the Rumble Strip exactly in the middle of the shoulder. With this position, a cyclist really can't ride to the far side of them as there is just too much garbage, road slant, and end-of-asphalt-start-of-dirt to safely ride there. However, the only other choice is to narrowly balance between the Rumble Strip and the shoulder's white stripe. Very small territory to navigate.
Finally, is the Rumble Strip that is only in pieces. A, perhaps, 5 foot in length strip that is not continuous. Strips repeat, oh, say every 20 feet. So you end up cycling in a weave fashion in-and-out of them, trying to stay as far as possible to the right.
None of you who read this will ever ride a Freeway/Highway again and look at it the same way.

The very few vehicles we encountered were really courteous so it was a GREAT DAY!!

Tomorrow we'll continue on this Highway until ... decision has not yet been made. The guys are still hammering out the final route (depends on the wind direction) and the stop point (call me soft....I want a motel). We are tentatively shooting at a longer day - each of us riding about 70 miles. My vote is then to have 2 of us riding at the same time. The first rider will start. A few hours later the van now drops the third rider off. Van then tags back and forth, at least once if not twice, between those two riders to sag them. Then the first rider completes his distance, gets out, and the driver (who is rider two) starts riding. Van then sags between Rider #3&2, again, hopefully twice. Then rider 3 is done. Finally, rider 2 is done. Sounds good on paper.
The risk is getting the riders too far apart to be able to sag in a reasonable time.
The last time we did this was on a Freeway. I ended up with a flat and found it easier to walk into town than just wait. The guys (especially my Handsome Husband) really don't want me out too far to get to in a reasonable time in case I need anything. In this vast land of minimal vehicles and people, that could be a concern.
The other concern (Ron...WHERE are you with the weather report?!?!????) the high tomorrow is predicted @ 93 degrees F. So "fresh water upon command" just ain't gonna happen.

Thanks again to all of you, and your family members for joining in, for posting comments. They all make us smile :) !!!

Into South Dakota

Yesterday, Friday, we rode from WY into South Dakota. Generally the ride was rolling hills with the wind from our right or from behind!! Mark had the first leg taking Highway 16. I started the second leg with some climbing into Custer State Park. Ken wanted to do the final leg as he rode past Crazy Horse and then climbing up to, and past, Mount Rushmore. After reaching the top, the ominous black clouds started opening up. Ken was concerned about the slicking of the roads for the descent, and wisely, returned to the van.
If you've ever been to South Dakota, they have the most amazing summer storms. I absolutely LOVE them (as long as I am safe, and warm, and dry inside). The most intense lightening you have probably seen, with bolts that go horizontally, and yes, bolts that go upward....not just downward.
The rain I pointed out was going horizontal. Yes, I was really fatigued.....no, I wasn't hallucinating. In today's paper the wind during that storm reached 83pmh and dumped 0.9 inches in 90 minutes.

We arrived at my uncle and aunts safely and had a great evening: real food, played with our computers and Google Earth maps with them, then into a real bed with probably the most luxurious sheets I have ever slept on. Awoke at our usual 0530; rolled over and went back to sleep. Sigh.

Today Ken and I each had a massage, then all 3 of us vacuumed out the van - wasn't that a mess; then cleaned and oiled our bikes!! Amazing how dirty they get hanging on the back of the van during a rainstorm like that.

Mark and Ken tentatively mapped out our routes for the remainder of the trip. We are hoping for another day off in 1 week. No idea what we'll run into over the Fourth of July....we'll see. We still are shooting for arriving @ Atlantic City around 7/14-15th so we can spend one or two days with our youngest daughter who lives in NYCity.



Here are a few more pics. To prove I do ride, and to give you a "view from here", the top is me on my bike. Then Mark caught a pic of me right after exchanging water bottles with Ken as he rode by. Several miles later, Mark is waiting along the road to again give Ken fresh water. The bottom pic is when I yelled to Ken, "Stop. I mean it, Stop!!! Now look over your left shoulder!!" He was so focused on climbing the hill, he almost missed what was at the top. Then the cops came by and told us to move on!!

We are on our way out to dinner at a fancy restaurant to celebrate Zona's 80th birthday!! Tomorrow we head toward WhiteRiver, S. Dak along Highway 44.

Catch up with you then!!

Hot as Hell

Yes, that is precisely what it is. As Ken finished his ride this afternoon, the temp was 94F. It was his first time ever riding an extended period in heat like this. Not a surprise, he did great. We took the winding highway from Sheridan into Moorcraft. Really small town.

Tomorrow is our last ride then a DAY OFF!! We'll ride into Rapid City, S Dak to spend a full day with the bestest Aunt & Uncle ever!! And celebrate her 80th Birthday while we are there!! Since we are all getting a bit tired, and looking forward to doing laundry, and just not riding a day, this will be a double treat. Then back on the road Sunday.

Since this is a really little town, with little to no InterNet access, I'm sitting in the baking van with a million flys around/on me. So, I'll leave you with these thoughts:

While riding on your bike for many hours and many miles, you start to think odd things. Add to that equation heat, minimal dehydration, lowering blood glucose levels, and thoughts oft times become actually strange to weird.

Ponder This:

**On our 2009 Road Atlas (what a great purchase!!) each state has its own page. The page has the state map, state flag, and other trivial facts listed. Each State Motto is also included. Very interesting as most of the mottos are related to a geographical structure, plant, animal, etc. Wyoming is called the “Equality State”. Call me confused…isn’t this where, a few years ago, they roped a man to a fence in a field after beating him and left him to die. Because he was gay??

**When it is pouring rain, do you get less wet if you ride faster?

**A UPS truck pulled out directly in front of Mark. The driver was talking on the cell phone and didn’t look to the right. Mark yelled loudly, “#??#**@#” which caught the driver’s attention. He slammed on the brakes, Mark swerved, and life continues. They would have been deep pockets, had he struck Mark. However, I own stock in UPS. Would that be considered a “conflict of interest”???

**While riding up a steep pass with a minimal-if-any shoulder, a white van pulled up directly next to me, without slowing down, and the side extended mirror nearly brushing my shoulder. In the brief second it took to pass me, I noticed the writing on the side of the van: Save a Life – Donate Blood. Is that a new method they have of getting donations? And if I needed a transfusion due to multiple injuries, wouldn’t that auto-transfusion negate the donation they took from me??

**Mark and I are driving in the Van to catch up with Ken. We are on a typical flat stretch of freeway: 2 lanes each way with the standard meridian between the two. On each side is a Rest Area with the typical flag poles, each with the National and the State flag flying high. The left side rest area flags are extended out, flapping, at 90 degree angles from the flag pole. This side, however, the flags hang totally down along the pole, without a ruffle. Do they heavily starch some flags and not the others???? Does the wind skip over certain roadways and not others????

**Certain city roads have “Bicycle Lanes” that parallel the car lanes. Yes, you’ve probably all seen them. Why do they taper and suddenly just disappear?? When you are riding on one of these, how do you also taper and disapapear???

**If a large animal, say, an elk or buffalo, jumped out in front of me (yes, it is possible. We are in Yellowstone), would it be a higher or lower resistance of impact than, say, driving into the side of a moving SUV???

New Trials

A day of trials and much experience with new found knowledge. We rode from Cody, WY to Sheridan, WY over the Bighorn pass. And I asked the guys to take a pic of me to download. Ken did on his camera, and as I transferred it onto my computer, it says it is "contaminated". So we'll work on that in the near future, Patty.

Ken rode first: 67 Miles. The first 60 was fun. The last seven errupted into a gift from Hades. In fact, I drove back thinking he made a wrong turn when he was way overdue to arrive at the meeting place. Yes, dear Ken our friend, Mark and I have been there manymanymany times. Despite our best laid plans, calculations and guesstimations, we too have "hit the wall". He met his mileage goal, however, so I poured him into the van with the goal of catching up with Mark.

I had dropped Mark off at Shell, WY. (Sincerely, the nicest people we have met all through WY with the best food and the greatest waitresses). His assignment was to ride to the top of Granite Pass - over 9,053 feet. He was spry and animated when I dropped him off. At that time, he was gearing up to the music of Jethro Tull at really high decibels. Way too much energy, I thought. Then Ken and I passed him, checked on his water, at the halfway mark. Still doing pretty darn good and retaining a sense of humour.
Ken then drove me to the top of the pass, where I started my 57 mile ride.
Mark, in the meantime, found things became ugly and uglier. See, although he never rode in his smallest gear, he was never able to really accelerate. (Imagine, 7-10% grade and can't accelerate. I don't get it.) It took him 2.5 hours to climb this mountain pass. As Ken and I drove to the top for my starting point, we did say with each corner we rounded, "This should be the top. Oh, it isn't. I am SOOOO..oo..o glad it is Mark and not us riding this course!!"
Mark said it got really ugly the last 30 minutes as he ran out of water, didn't want to taste another Hammer Gel supplement, and then just where the hell am I???? Maybe Ken and Mark share the same gift-bearer.
Ken caught him at the top, got a great pic, and off they went after me.

I started on a really good downhill and was thinking this was going to be a GREAT ride for me. I have these really big gears on my bike, that most people shake their heads and urge me to replace. For those bike-in-the-know-people out there: 2 chain wheels on my front crank: 54 & 36 teeth. The back 9 gears on the FreeWheel, the smallest being 11 teeth. So see, I really can push it on the flats and downhills (really sucks going up hill, however....again, Mark & Ken = Tetons, Mark = Bighorns. There is a reason to our madness!!).
So after a few rollers, and a climb up the next pass, I reached the top. Ready to screech down the unknown backside with the goal of breaking my PR of 58mph. I suspect Mark has bargained and probably sold his soul to the Goddess of Rehab. See, on this trip, every hill I am to descend it is to be under construction. And so was this for the first 5 miles. Also, the Highways here are paved in red (look around at the soil and rock formations), that was interesting to ride as it really distorts what you think you will/not go over, what depth, etc. Once you get use to gray, it is really hard to quickly change your perspective.
Then I started on really rough, partially under construction, 11 miles downhill of THEE most technical course I have ever been on. I have been riding/racing 25 years. This was, sincerely, an amazing course. The multiple "s" after "s" with a "u" after "opposite direction-s & u" curves wound and dropped for 11 miles. Speed limits for vehicles were posted between 25-30 mph. There was no "smooth" pavement; again, think construction. The sides of the road, some of them with guardrails, some not, dropped miles down into the valley. I strongly support any "cyclist" that wants a strong technical ride to do this route. Amazing. I don't believe I have ever had my hands on my brakes going downhill, let alone actually gently tapping & using them, for more than a moment or two. This was the actual full 11 miles. I am so thankful for those weekly+ trips to the gym all winter long to lift weights and strengthen myself.
For those not involved in cycling, this means you (at least I do) ride in a crouched position with butt just off the saddle (reduces vibrations) and weight distributed between my forearms/hands and my crouched legs. Simple sounding. Really exhausting. Can't drink fluids as I was lightly tapping my brakes the entire time down (I NEVER would have thought I would EVER slow my bike going down a hill!!).
The "U" and "S" curves means as you lean into a left curve you extend your right leg fully placing all your weight onto the right leg for balance. And, as all cyclists know, the faster downhill you go, the more your eyes water. And ... there are cars behind me. And ... I can't "stay in my lane" as there are no lanes, the asphalt is crap with washboarding, holes, gravel and god-only-knows-what-else. I suspect I had an episode of oxygen deprivation during birth...god I love this stuff!!

Let's complicate the recipe: There I am, poised, fatigued, not-blinking as I really don't want to miss a darn thing in the road, careening down this mountain side. A wasp now flips under the front of my helmet and slides between my glasses and my eyes. Sincerely. I could not make this stuff up. A religious experience is about to quickly occur. OMGpleaseletitgetoutpleasepleaseplaseJeezusKristepleasegetitout.... See, I had this happen one other time, much slower rate, flat terrain. Reached up, lifted my glasses, and out it flew. That arm/hand activity is not going to happen at this moment of time.

I blinked ... it was crawling up the inside of my glasses. I blinked and really shook my head again. Must have knocked it down as it is now again crawling up the same space of my glasses. Many soft religious verbal mantras continue. I took a really deep breath, shook my head again. Then slowly (remember the balance-vs-speed ratio going on here) lightly tipped my glasses with my right hand. Off he flew. OK ... now breath out.

Only one car passed me during this downhill course. As it passed (why would you pass someone, even a cyclist, in these conditions????) I quickly looked at my speedometer. I was going 31mph and this was a 30mph zone. I don't get it.

Then as I was nearing the very bottom of the hill, there was a brand new brush fire on the left of the road. I stopped at the tavern (those beers were certainly tempting), reported it, then off to Sheridan I rode.

I was pleased with my ride, despite the breath taking views & what-ever-else I just experienced. My average was 20.8mph over 58 miles. I'll be the first to admit a large percentage was downhill. Again, it was quite the memorable experience. I would love to hear from any of you who takes the challenge of THAT downhill...even without the construction and wasps.

We had a great Mexican dinner with a pitcher of marquitas. Really good!! Tomorrow, off to just past Gillette by 25 miles.

More pics tomorrow!! Thanks again for your posts!!

Let This Work

Here are the pics that didn't publish, but said they were going to, on my previous blog.


Sigh....

The Beauty of Tetons & Yellowstone

Look at these Great Pics!! I figured out, without hiring a private tutor, how to bring more than one pic at a time onto the Blog. Doesn't that look great!! Stunning scenery. Pics just don't do the reality justice!!
Yes, there really was snow in parts.

I started the ride and simply, was just really tired. And most everything was hurting, so I only rode an hour or so. That was also after taking directions from the hotel front desk, that sent me careening over gravel and rocky roads.
Ken had a great ride of over 70 miles!! He was psyched!! Started in Yellowstone, looped around several lakes, over Fishing Bridge, and then up toward Sylvan Pass. I had to make him stop in order for us to catch up with Mark before Mark reached Cody!!!
Ken's great adventure was riding past a grizzley bear, sincerely. As I drove Mark over the pass, all the traffic was stopped as a grizzley was on the side of the hill, within 500 yds of the road, eating and tearing apart something for his dinner. During my return drive to find Ken after dropping off Mark, the park rangers had made it there and was trying to keep traffic moving and minimize the number of people out of their vehicles. Interesting, they also brought an ambulance and had it parked there. Hmm.m... What was being planned and for whom?? The bear was now sleeping in the sun.
I caught up with Ken who still wanted to keep riding (3 hours just wasn't enough for him yet!!). I then drove back to the top of the pass, easily riding through the bear scene. The bear was now rolling in the grasses in the sun. The rangers had further parted the crowds, again, to attempt to keep them away from the road. They stopped Ken, however, as they told him they were concerned the bear would chase after him. Personally, if I was the bear, I so would have gone after those numerous small children. Easy catch by my thought. Back to the story... so it took 2 rangers to escort Ken through the few hundred yards behind the parked vehicles. Then they allowed him to get back on the bike.
No word yet on the bear.


Had a great dinner in Cody @ Bubba's BBQ. I strongly urged Ken to buy on of those souvenier caps, grow a beer belly, and life would be just fine. I'm sure Jane would welcome him home again. She may never allow Mark or me near Ken, however, she would welcome Ken home.

With hopes, again, I think I linked the Google Map sites to the far right side of the Blog home page. No guarantee. I emailed a "help" site, and that is what they advised to do. (Thanks Ann, for letting me know it still isn't working).

Tomorrow our nighttime reservation is in Sheridan, WY; so, we are planning to ride there. Ken will ride first, then Mark, and I'll wrap it up. As much as we've groaned having to put on additional clothing due to the cool weather, we will wish for that tomorrow. We'll jump from a high of 68 today and snow along the roads, to high of 88 as we ride Wyoming. Mark loves the heat. Good for him. I'm OK having dental work without anesthesia. I've never suggested he do that.

One of the amusing daily interactions amongst us is Mark's comparisons and memories of his previous bike-ride across America. He did it with his brother Duane in 1983, however, they carried everything and mostly slept out every night. Mark has an incredible memory and recall of so many previous experiences...really is very fun. We are doing this WAY soft compared to the last trip.

I'll catch up with you tomorrow!!

The Colours!!!

Here is the warmth and the colours. The green is different from the sultry green of the coast. This is the rolling farming fields that bring me back to Ireland, green, warmth. The bright blues and whites really are different here. As is the night-time sky. No, Spokane does not have stars. Here exists the vast above that shimmers and twinkles; that you reach your arm above and touch.

The wind really does talk to you here as it weaves amongst the trees. Trust me ... very different from "wind" of the city, or the other states. The birds chirp and fly by you....it really is closer here. The earth wraps around and holds you. Even as you travel. Even as you defy the gravity and sun and wind.

It really is very different here. You can take in a deep breath.

Another pic

Here's my Handsome Husband, grinding up the Tetons!! Yes, it is a Grind!!

One At A Time

I know there are ways to add several pics to one blog...I haven't a clue. If you know, feel free to guide me in this process.

Hooray!!! Here is Ken at the top of the Tetons!!!!

What a Great Day it was!! Today we rode from Idaho Falls (around 0800) to Teton Village in Jackson, WY.

It was reallyreallyreally cold and windy. I was the first rider. It was one of those days I really wanted to whine. I was thinking things like: most of me is really tight and sore; I really don't want to bundle up in all of these clothes; it is just generally a really crappy weather day. On the other hand, the weather could be WAY worse (after all, it wasn't snowing). And my choices were (1) feel whiny and spend the rest of the day in the van, or (2) feel whiny and spend the rest of the next few hours riding on my bike, which was what we are here for, and the spinning will loosen my back and hips and knees .... So, I bundled and off I went.
Within 10" I was on a 2 lane Highway following behind a Combine that took all of the lane, plus the entire shoulder, and onto the dirt drop-off. Hmmmm.m.m... Now what do I do??? I was following off of his right shoulder, drafting off of his bulk, moving between 21-23 mph in an easy spinning mode. I could just stay here. OR, I could really suck it up and sprint to pass him (I never was good at sprints, hence, the IronMan), weaving amongst the oncoming traffic that isn't expecting me, and the traffic behind me that doesn't expect me to pass that may get really frustrated with me; then when I get past him I would have to maintain 23 mph so that he won't get upset and/or mad at me slowing him down. Keeping that pace when you are in front breaking the wind, factor in a bit of fatigue ... Hmm..m..... really, not much of a choice. So I smiled and waved at him in his rear-view mirror, thumb-down hand signal so he knew I was staying just far enough behind so he could keep an eye on me, and close enough to keep me in his drag. This lasted for the next 32 miles!! Hooray for me!!

I pedaled on another 2 hours on a rolling, windy course, however, the wind was primarily from my right and back.

New adventure for me: Near the top of one of the many mountains, traffic was backed up for 25-30 minutes. I, of course, rode to the top and stopped. There I chatted with the workers, who wanted to throw me and my bike into the back of the lead truck in order to get to the end of the 5-ish miles. It was all newly paved, so I asked if I could just continue to ride it, being off to the side, not veering into traffic. They wanted to know just how fast I could keep up since she would ride 20-45 mph. All I answered, was my PR was 58mph. They agreed that would be fast enough (I didn't tell them that was tearing down the Tetons many years ago) and said, "Fine". So off we went. Actually pretty exciting to ride on totally new asphalt on a wide open road with only one way traffic.

Then we switched at Swan Valley. I drove Thee van and Mark and Ken took off for the Tetons. The first mountain climb took them a full one hour to climb. That was the warm up. The next mountain was Teton Pass, with 6+ miles @ 10% grade. Pretty intense and I was really glad I was in the van supporting them. That meant driving past them, finding somewhere on this narrow 2 lane winding mountain climb to pull over, standing alongside to pass off water or food supplements, catching thrown empty bottles and clothing being shed.
Fun watching Mark transition through this ride (of course, I'm married to the man.....). First he removes his sun glasses (cool outside - high of 58; steamy inside the glasses due to intense sweating). Then he tossed off his "sleeves". A wonderful creation. Spandex sleeves that starts at your wrists and ends just below the armpits. Really tight and really warm. You roll them down as you warm up, then can remove them when hot. Finally, he unzips his riding top and is pouring sweat. Yes, this is a grinding uphill climb.

Ken is on his tail and grinding hard. Kudos to him!!! A big success as he has not done anything quite like this before. I have a great pic of him at the top, but for whatever reason, right now, my camera and computer won't talk......maybe tomorrow.

Then at the top, incredible view. Absolutely!!! Then the screaming downhill portion!! Ken said he preferred to live after today, and Mark was having minor mechanical difficulties, so Ken touched 45mph, and Mark went 50.9. The wimps.....sigh.....I so love those throw-your-body-off-of-a-side-of-a-mountain-and-screech-downward-as-fast-as-possible moments. Of course, I am the most crippled of the three of us. Maybe there is a connection....?

Quite the celebration at the bottom!! Great day!! Now a really expensive night for hotel & food since we are in gasp the Teton Village @ Jackson, WY. Yes, big sky & big mountains come at a big price. However, for all of those who really know me and work with me, sit down now. You won't believe this!!
I ate a real hamburger tonight!! Yup, real beef!! The beef here really is very different from the rest of the world, and me, being from Montana, said, "For old times sake!!". So far, it's staying down; I'm still in one piece; the earth hasn't stopped rotating!! Life goes on!!!

The pic attached here is from our very first day of riding. It is a great pic, so double click on it to see it more closely. Ken is carrying his bike, and Mark is walking behind him toward the ocean. Ken ceremoniously dipped the tires of his bike into the ocean, and will do so again when we reach the Atlanta Ocean. My camera died at that very moment. Fortunatly, and amazinginly, I remembered I had a cell phone, which took pictures. Who wuda thunk?? So I did. Haven't a clue what to do with it in the phone, but I'll figure that out in a few months after we are home again.

These little things that really make life worth living!

Thank you-Thank you-Thank you to ALL of you posting comments to us!! It really spurs us on. The evenings as we unwind and do the "computer thing", (including finding a motel for the next night) we find great delight as I bring up the blog and say, "We have .... comments!!!". Then read them aloud. All smile.

Another Day Down

Another Day is Done!! And we are sitting here in the bar, eating dinner and having beers!! Yes, we really did ride!!

This morning Mark started the ride beating into the wind. Fortunately, after an hour, it then blew into his back and pushed him along.

Then Cindy started. Generally an OK ride. Yesterday beat her up a bit; however, yesterday's average for her was 17.1 mph for 71 miles. Really good for her!! Until the end.
Let us back up. As Mark was helping Cindy get her bike ready, a-ha!! The back tire was flat. Not a big deal as Mark, with the speed of SuperCyclistBoy, changed it. He mentioned during that procedure, "Hm..m... Tonight we should change the whole tire as it appears just a bit worn".
So off Cindy goes for the 71 miles. Generally, a very good ride for her. Love that FreeWay riding!! Actually very safe once you just focus on a forward point, totally ignore semi's brushing by you at 70+ mph, ignore the Rumble Strip staying far to the right of it, weaving amongst the garbage (amazing what people throw out onto the Freeways!!). Why is it safe?? Because it has a clearly marked and measurable shoulder!!
Until the very end (she was suppose to go 75 miles). The back tire blew out.

Thee problem with this scenario: Cindy is a bit tired, a bit punchy, a bit shaky with low brain cell functioning. She has been riding 4 hours straight (never getting off of Thee bike). So standing off the sloping side of the rode, with multiple 18-wheelers racing by, she removed the back (cyclists appreciate the difference between 'back' -vs- 'front' tire) wheel. Yes, took WAY more time than most novice anything. Now totally covered with bike grease. Still a bit shaky, punchy, low blood sugar, and actually needing to find a bathroom.
Part of the process before putting the wheel/tire/tube back onto the bike, is being sure that whatever caused the flat is no longer in the tire. Sigh. Multiple finite glass shards that just wouldn't be removed.
OK...Plan B: call for Thee Van to come to her aid (Picture Thee knight in shining armour). Sigh. They were another 1+ hour away. Damn.
Put the wheel back onto the bike without the tube, and start walking the remaining 2 miles into Burley, ID. Amazing ... no cops; no one stopped to offer assistance. I have been there now over an hour.
Finally, within 1/4 mile of the off ramp, a very nice man who just competed in a Triathlon, was driving home from the race in a truck. He tossed my bike into the back, I dragged my sorry-body into the cab, and he drove me to the Motel.
Life is fine again. The guys showed up, Mark changed-within-a-few-minutes the full back tire/tube, and I am ready for tomorrow again.
Today's adventure after Mark endured the wind, and I generally did just fine (I am getting tired with upper/lower body cramps: where is my favorite chiropractor Brian???? And my favorite massage therapist Jim????)
Ken jumped on his bike as the last leg of today's ride, raring to go, high energy, skies look good!! For another 30 minutes. Yes, the Caribbean skies with all their FireMen shooting their hoses directly down onto the earth opened up!! What a great experience for him. Ask him about that sometime.
So, again, we are now back in the hotel bar eating, having a few beers, planning tomorrow's trip and will be seeking our motel room in a few minutes.

I again tried with Google to follow our travels through their maps. Please link on the below Link and see if it makes any sense. It didn't break it up from day to day, however, the total route is there. Hopefully, for those of you who are so inclined "To Know", you might find the recorded route interesting.
Oh, we won't be riding through Sturgis.


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No Better Than This

Quick Really Special Gets No Better Than This Experiences thought I would share with you:

**Ken's son Tom drove up to have breakfast with us 2 days ago while we were at Sisters. How sweet was that. He & family were on vacation about 80 miles away. He rose with the sun, drove up to Sisters, had breakfast, met the two idiots who convinced his sane Dad into this scheme, and then returned. Very Cool!!

**Riding in the incredible sultry Can-It-Get-Any-Deeper-Green Forest, I looked down below the shoulder I was on. There a large pair of Doe Eyes (literally) locked on mine, and followed me as I quietly rode by. Her baby deer (yes, I know it is called a fawn) was nursing. No better than that.

**Ken was cruising along, no cars around him. A hawk pulled up at his head level, about 20 yards to his right. Flew along with him a couple of 100 yards, then flew off. Got to be a good sign.

**I'm rolling through country roads in the beating down rain (not the worse, but still a dominant presence). Next to the road standing under a tree for protection, was a horse and her baby (yes, I know it's called a colt). She looked a bit wide eyed, nuzzled baby to the other side putting herself between us. Must have been the thought if a human is on a bike in this weather, must not be good....

**Riding in the van with my husband, driving to catch up with Ken. Crank up that CD with Best of Queen: Bicycle, Bicycle. I want to ride my Bicycle, Bicycle .... (now you'll have that tune locked into your brains throughout the rest of this day. Great tune!!)

Enjoy your day. We hope to.

Yesterday

Sorry I missed catching you up yesterday. The lovely B&B we stayed at last night didn't have InterNet service. Actually a great excuse for me as I was really tired by the evening.

Here is a GREAT pic of Mark. Yes, it was taken today and not yesterday as my story proceeds. Give me Grief....I am sooo.ooo.o....o.....o not a techie!! I am sitting here really tired, had a great dinner, and am drinking Gin in grapefruit juice as Ken & Mark plot tomorrow's adventures. I tried attaching this pic on the next blog, and vice-verse. Oh well. If I hadn't told you that, you really wouldn't have known. Back to the start ... isn't this a GREAT pic of Mark???

Thursday: Mark started the ride from Sister, OR while Ken and I drove the van to Mitchell, OR; which is where Ken started to ride. I then drove back and caught up with Mark. He had a great ride with the light wind at his back, rolling roads. Averaged 18 mph!! He believes, even though Eugene is known as the "bicycle friendliest town in the US", his experience wasn't totally supportive of that notion.

He almost became a Mailbox ornament: One long stretch had no shoulder what-so-ever. They instead, built groups of mailboxes on the edge of the road ... in the narrow path a bicycle is clinging to so not to fall off into the ditch. Sure enough, one brief look down to check for glass on the road, look up again, and WHAM, there are the mailboxes. Again, Mark is incredibly skilled in his technical agility and jumped, or flew, or what-ever around them. A heart engaging event. Nope, no caffien needed.

In Prinville Mark and I met up, and switched ... he took over the van and I started to ride.

Now let me explain how we decide where we ride. Put me in a paper sack, shake it, and I sincerely can't find my way out. So directions, maps and planning are not my strongest sskill. So Mark and Ken do the planning, and I smile and say, "OK".

So I knew today they had assigned me "Thee mountain" to climb for the day. Again, that is OK with me as they assured me numerous times what a great downhill I'll have in return for the climb. They know I love screeching down the side of really steep mountains, so, this plan sounds good.

I am now driving the van over Thee Mountain to get Ken to Mitchell. Yup, we remark on the climb: how steep, no shoulder, narrow winding 2 lanes (have I heard this before??) but incredible scenery. Now we reach the top and start down. I remark what great pavement!! They've done a great job keeping this mountain pass fixed and paved. Yup, wide shoulder. Look at that pitch!! I'll bet I can get 45-50 MPH down this puppy!! Yes, I am excited!!

Then we round the corner and there are florescent orange cones, flashing digital reader boards, men in reflective tape. Uh-huh. The entire downside is single lane, more dust than one could ever imagine, 4-6" deep gravel. That's how they keep the road in such good repair. They repair it!! Who would have thunk??

So, it is now nearly an hour to get down that hill; make it to Mitchell, drop off Ken. Then, turn around and make it back up through the construction again. Back into Prinville where Mark is waiting. His first comment as he is removing my bike, Ruby', to put his on the rack...."Cindy, how come your bike is so dusty???".

"Mark, we have to talk."

(Poor Ruby'!! I had to totally clean & wipe her down that evening!! the outer side of both the front and back wheel are totally gorged and chipped due to driving through the gravel 3 times!!! Her gears were totally gray [dust!! Should be shiny silver], all gears mucked with dust and grit!! All bike parts that were originally black, not so much....)

We agreed I would ride. He would then meet me at the top of the construction project, as he would drive ahead, and we would re-evaluate, and decide then.

The ride up was beautiful. Rolling country hills I was able to fly over (kept average 18-26mph). then started the ascent on a perfect weathered day. OK...who knows what the great little birds name is that are about the size of a Robin, pitch black with flame red marks on their wings, and a "chirping" sound? So incredibly startling and beautiful!!

Remember what part of the country this is. Should make a contest of this.

Generally the ride was safe, OK, except for one jerk...brings back memories.....

Many years ago I would ride from Spokane to Deer Lake. Occasionally someone really intense on getting nowhere fast, would pass the car in front of them. OK, you say, I've done that.

Now, imagine you aren't paying attention as you are passing that car, and, because you are going way too fast, you pull over to the left, just a bit more, in order to freely pass that car (again, poor terminology. You aren't "passing". You are #!$?## getting around the @##! jerk). Yes, you now have crossed the OPPOSING shoulder strip. Uh-huh...right where I am riding my bike, in the opposite direction, grinding up Thee Mountain.

I 'get' sitting in a hot vehicle, having to stop for construction, is rough. And yes, you are a really important person that one or two additional minutes in your life is vital to the rotation of the earth. I 'get' that. However, choosing to pass during a brief "pass zone" down the mountain directly into my minimal "shoulder" and my bike, just isn't cool. I'm sure somewhere I said that, in my "YOU ##!!*!//#@$$$!" that I violently screamed. I sincerely believe you all heard that in Spokane. Just probably couldn't quite make out the exact verbage. You probably thought it was the vehicle next to you with the volume up a bit too loud. My option to avoid demise (for me), you need to understand, was Thee no shoulder dropping off Thee side of Thee mountain. More than a few feet down. Again, picture picturesque, gorgeous, too far down to see Thee bottom.

With that stimulating effect, better than a quad espresso, I easily made it to the top. Mark pointed out it would be really unfair to my lungs, and Dr. Sam J, if I choose to attempt the ride down the mountain, barely able to see due to dust. Skip the discussion about breathing.

Ya' know Sam, Mark and you are right.

So I drove down with Mark.

Ken had quite the cultural experience that night at our B&B, and at the one-of-three town restaurants, but the other two were closed for the evening (it was, after all, 6:00). FYI - The ONE gasoline station closed at 5:00; and the Mini-Mart closed at 8:00.

Back to the restaurant ... it had various animal heads, skins, etc hanging from the walls; the local were standing at the bar with their cowboy hats on; main component of each menu item was Red Meat. Can't help but smile and shake my head. I was raised in Montana, so here, I'm just "back home". So fun.

Ken, on the other hand, found it totally amazing. What vacations are made of!!!

Back we go to the ranch, yes, it really was. Talked about cow herds, pigs, water rights, salmon, etc. Played pool in their game room. This morning had a really great breakfast. And off we were again.

You'll just have to wait for the next blog. I would love to do so now...I'm just really tired. You'll understand why.....

Couldn't be prettier!!

What a great first day it was!! The weather was most cooperative and provided us a temperature in the high 60's to low 70's. No wind until later in the afternoon (when I started my portion of the ride. Duh.)

Ken rode first from Florence up through the absolutely beautiful mountain drive. That great Oregon coast of deep, lush greenery with a river right next to the entire route.

Mark flew next on a really flat course from Low Pass, through Eugene, and then stopped @ Blue River. And no wind for him!! He totaled 71.85 miles with an average pace of 18.0. Good for you, Mark!!

Then it was my turn. And this was a major kink in our plans that we have to work out ... no, not having me there..... Due to the time it took, Ken and me getting lost in Eugene (who would have thought, someone in the world as directionally challenged as me, together, trying to lead each other) taking the scenic, not direct route. My route was constant uphill, yes wtih a new onset wind, through the Mountain Pass into Sister, ID. Again, absolutely gorgeous and breath-taking. In part due to the minimal shoulder, narrow and winding 2 lane road wtih semi's and large trailer/RV's pulling boats. Uh-huh. Breath taking.

Must run, darn, as I have much to share. This wireless connection per motel didn't work last night. It is 0530 and the guys are rustling about, we don't have a motel for tonight (big motorcycle convention for the next 4 days in the little towns of the area), and there is packing to do!!

Success!!!

Sunday was a REALLY good day!! The guys made it to TriCities and were able to rent the van we wanted. For about $700.00 cheaper than if we had rented it in Spokane!! They drove it back, took it in as it needed an oil change (why??? Yes, that is deductible when we turn it back in, but why isn't that part of "standard rental"?), found the appropriate bike rack @ REI, and we are now moving forward.

Monday we hooked the bikes up to the van and, wisely, went out for several "test drives". Thank the heavens above and below we did that!! The first, and then the next several bumps we hit would partially drop down a bike, or the top straps would come unhooked, etc etc. Much ado about really important items!! After lots of adjusting and tightening, nearly 3 hours of time, and moving forward, bikes were secured. Note the pic of Ken and Mark adjusting, changing and making things all correct. (For those of you who don't know this "Blog" stuff, if you place the pointer over the pic and click, it suddently becomes large enough you can see it!!!)

As we loaded the bikes, I checked my odometer. I did it!! 1,029.3 miles, just on Ruby!!

Then we packed 90% of our stuff. Sure am glad I'm not hauling all that on my bike!! I'd develop the strength of SuperWoman just pedaling out of the driveway. No idea how I would manage a turn or sharp curve. Again, this is a full months worth of necessary items.

After working my last shift @ work last evening, Mark and I sat making last minute plans and speculations while drinking our last bottle of my favorite wine: Muscat Carnelli - tragically, no longer made by Arbor Crest. One of the many musings I asked Mark, was "What if we don't make the coast by the 30 days?". Mark, in his wisdom, replied, "It wouldn't matter. All that is important, is that we really tried." My reply was, that if Donald Trump or Bill Gates heard that, he would be automactially be "You're Fired", as that is not the spirit of a true successful entrapeuner. To which Mark replied, "Cindy, anyone who hires jets and limosines to get around, has no idea what riding a bicycle this far is about". Hmm.m.m....

One of Mark's jobs was to choose the music: CD's the three of us would listen to in the van over the next month. What a mistake that was to assign it to him!! How much Jethro Tull, Warren Zebbon, and Beatles can you listen to?!?! So admist our cajoling and bartering, and finally "Yes, we really are taking more than these", more were taken. I added more of a balance including classical (my first life love & college scholarship), Celtic and western. Poor Ken, he didn't bring a single CD, however, he does have an I-Pod to save him.!

Today as we drove the 9 hours to Florence, OR, the three of us primarily focused on who, what, how, when and in what order do we mesh together in this van. Quite the organization. I was raised knowing that "comfort" during a long trip meant you could have "air" (roll down your window) without the other car occupants screaming at you as it was "too much for them". The epitome of a "good trip", was Mom never "pulled over this car to make you both be quiet". Yup, that was a really good trip!!

Well, haven't vehicles come a ways since then.... We have a Chrysler Mini-Van that is most amazing. It has buttons and switches and items I am just too afraid to even touch. I was able to drive the thing, my own air flow to manage my internal thermoregulation that has, for the last few years, been taken over and totally controlled by Sybil, without the guys even noticing my on/off/high/low air changes. They each have their own controls, that really do work!! Who would have thunk??

Tonight we are reorganizing our recent organization of the organized items we had just organized. Back to that "30 days of stuff" that is all together. In one really small van. With three adult bodies also in it. This stuff simply needs to be in smaller factions.

During/after dinner we reviewed maps and routes, discussed who will ride when and who will drive. tomorrow. Now, from our hotel, just where is the ocean?? We HAVE to start there with the traditional "bike tire in the ocean and corresponding picture for memories sake"....

We'll send it on to you tomorrow.

Thee Odds & Ends

Counting down the last days to work. We leave in 3 days!!! Tomorrow Mark and Ken travel to TriCities to rent Thee van, then back to Spokane and find a bike carrier that will attach to it. Monday we'll pack it all up. I'll finish all the plants, watering, instructions for the house/plant sitter, clean out the refrigerator (wouldn't that be a pleasant one to come back to having forgot to empty!!), one final massage treatment. I've never packed for a full month before, so this really is unique. I keep reminding myself "you can do laundry along the way; you don't have to take the kitchen sink....".

And now I am gearing into my "travel mode", which Mark just shakes his head at. I've never been a great sleeper to start with, but I minimally sleep whenever we travel. Not unusual for me to catch 2-3 hours and call it good. However, most trips are less than 2 weeks. We'll see how pretty I am at the 3-4 week stage, and how much the guys still like me, and howreallyreallyfast I cantalkand typebythe endof thetrip because sleep deprivation and the excitementand all.... Fortunately, hard and prolonged excercise day after day does fatigue me a bit more than just the routine of daily life.



We are narrowing down the number of boxes and items we'll be taking. One box for food stuff items. Yes, when you ride that far that many days, you do get a bit particular about what crosses your palate as you are hunched over those handle bars for many hours at a time. I prefer liquid Hammer Nutritional supplements as I get way too queasy to eat solid food when riding. (Yes Karen, I know, you just can't understand how anyone could like doing something so much that it meant you couldn't eat real food). Many BoraBora bars; a large container of oats with nuts, cinnamon and raisins; various spices for breakfast foods; teas and coffee (caffeine is my drug of choice); and this and that. Another box contains books, CME (continued medical education) CD's and journals, and CD's for the radio. This is Thee Entertainment Source for the month. Whoever is the driver of the van can access to prevent boredom. I said if the van has a DVD player, I'll rip it out and toss it aside. Ken immediately offered to ride in the back of the van if it does. Don't you smile just reading this??



One small suitcase for each. A duffel bag with all the bike gear we'll need for the month. Remember, items are easily showered/washed on a daily basis, so you really don't need "multiples" of anything. Box of water bottles and Gel flasks (think nutrition again). Cooler with my large reusable ice bag (there is heaven on earth!!) and for cooling all necessary other items. Another cooler just for liquids.



Pillows and sleeping bags. We mapped and calculated our presumed trip from Florence, OR to Rapid City, S. Dakota the other night. Really good chance, since city populations become a bit sparse through the Wyoming area, that we may end up spending one night camping in the van. Thus the need for that equipment. My thought, is if you have the stuff available, you will never need to use it.



Fold up cloth chair, one umbrella, flashlight and binoculars. Hm.m.m... I do believe that is about it. Few more lists of lists to check everything off and we'll be off!!



I attempted the Google map thing again today since some of the feedback I received said no maps were connecting. I drew (attempted) another of my favorite routes on the west plains. I've rode this course several times over the last few weeks. It's a nice blend of hills, fast down hills, flats that I love to crank on (if the wind is being kind). It takes me about 2 hours, so it's a short course. Struggled with the map creation, however. Found it worked better if I clicked on "walking" instead of "car". Well, that makes sense, however, most folks don't randomly go out for the evening stroll of 40-some miles. I least, I don't think so. However, that did allow me to map on "non-drivable routes", so more realistic for my use. On the down side, the map again automatically started to "do it's own thing" creating multiple around-the-same-blocks nonsense that it did a few weeks ago when I tried this.



Well, here it is and hopefully it'll all work. I called this route "Phil's course", however, Google automatically added into the name some rubbish between the words "Phil" and" 's course". I'll just be persistant and keep at this endeavor. Click on it and see what you get.



http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=W+Clarke+Ave&daddr=N+Government+Way+to:W+Trails+Rd+to:W+Trails+Rd+to:W+Deno+Rd+to:W+Craig+Rd+to:N+Rambo+Rd+to:N+Garfield+Rd+to:N+Riverside+State+Park+Dr+to:W+Davenport+to:Unknown+road+to:N+Riverside+State+Park+Dr&geocode=FR411wIdbgwA-Q%3BFUxq1wIdBnf_-A%3BFQyh1wIdkib_-A%3BFaZ61wId9Jv--A%3BFStq1wIdU4L9-A%3BFYaG1wIdQC79-A%3BFZI32AIdcyz9-A%3BFTV72AId1__9-A%3BFdlo2AId1tH--A%3BFX5M2AIdtuP--A%3BFZzP1wIdThT_-A%3BFfSp1wIdbhz_-A&hl=en&mra=ls&via=8,9&dirflg=w&sll=47.72899,-117.516546&sspn=0.054615,0.154495&ie=UTF8&z=12

Ready ... But Not Thee Van

My beautiful Ruby (pronounced Roo bay' [I believe that is in part due to her French genetics]) is shining, bell attached, large gears cleansed and oiled, and raring to go. Unfortunately, she may be the only travel vehicle we have. Who would have thought renting a van would be so difficult??

Let me review these past few days:
As in a previous blog, Ken and Mark choose a "hoped to get van" at the rental, then checked out @ REI bike carriers a few weeks ago. Then time past without our noticing. A few days ago we went on-line to rent thee vehicle, and alas, every van in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area is rented!!! Of course, who would have thought?!?!???? Probably the organizers of IronMan and Hoop Fest, which occurs in the middle of our trip, would have. So, now what do we do? Well, extend our geographical area! Many Internet searches and telephone calls later, found one in Tri Cities. However, depending on who with what type of accent that I couldn't understand, and if it was the National Phone Number, or if it was the Local Phone Number, then every question I asked brought forth a different answer. Same van ... same days of rental ... prices varied by over $1,000.00. I don't know why I'm feeling a bit stressed and/or overwhelmed.

2 days later we have a van rented in Tri Cities, not really sure how much; they are adamant without "any additional fees for any additional drivers as long as they are over 25 y/o"; and it can be delivered in the end in Spokane - again, no additional fees.

Mark and Ken will now drive 2 days earlier down there and drive it back (I will be working). After arriving in Spokane, will then find and purchase a bike rack to attach to it.

However, if at the time of purchase they start tacking on additional fees, then we'll just take our truck, or ride the entire way dragging a carriage with all our stuff, or maybe walk.....know anyone with a mini-van they don't need for the next 6 weeks? We'll rent it from them for the (initial) $2,500.00.