In Memorium

Before leaving for THE RIDE, I was inspired by the life of Patrick Tillman. I read "Where Men Win Glory", by one of my favorite authors Jon Krakauer and a book written by Mary Tillman, Pat's mother. While I disagree with their political analysis of world events at that time, Krakauer's depiction of Tillman's life was inspiring. Pat knew how to squeeze the most out of his short life and had a strong commitment to our country, so much so that he abandoned the NFL to serve in the Army Rangers. He wanted to be treated the same as every other soldier, even though he had amassed impressive credentials before enlisting. He died a tragic death from 'friendly fire'...he is a hero in my eyes.

This morning I rode up to the Veterans Cemetery, as I do every Memorial Day, to visit my father-in-law. He served in the Air Force during WWII and like so many of his generation, married in the 1940's, started a family and built a life. His youngest daughter is my wonderful wife. Elmer, thank you for serving this blessed nation. You were an honorable man.

I urge you to read about the founding of this great nation, turn off your TV and educate yourself about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Federalist writings. You will then begin to understand freedom, the price it cost and how much of it has eroded. Today especially, I want to thank the soldiers who died in defense of our country. Thank you.

Icing On The Cake

 
 
 
 

After finishing at the border, we dropped Tim off in San Diego and Rich drove south to visit his cousin in Oceanside. My family plus Ron went to downtown L.A. to watch stage 7, the individual time trial, at the Tour Of California. This was a great way to wrap up our personal tour of California...and Washington and Oregon. The yellow jersey wearer, Michael Rogers, was the eventual winner. Afterward, we drove away from the mayhem that is Southern California and camped in a rest stop parking lot near Bakersfield. We arrived in Medford Sunday night and were glad to be home.

For three weeks I didn't watch TV or listen to the radio. I didn't hear Obama is fixing everything or that he is ruining everything (not so easy to fix that pesky oil spill in the Gulf, is it? Too much bureaucracy). I talked to perfect strangers and saw people, good hard-working people, who live their lives without caring what goes on in Washington D.C. and it was refreshing. I think a man or woman is more successful the less they look to self-serving politicians. I plan on ignoring them as much as possible (of course I will still vote).

This RIDE was everything I expected and more. I knew it would be difficult due to weather and the daily expectation of riding 100 miles. I had one friend who told me it was impossible to take the route we planned in May...but we did. There was not one day where I didn't want to try. There was not one day I wanted to throw my bicycle in the garbage. And even now I wish I could have kept riding to Florida or Maine. Before I started, I wondered if I could actually do this and I learned that I could.

This experience revealed and reinforced some important things for me. It was very cleansing to see the creation roll by at 15-20mph. You hear the snow melt roaring by in a stream. You feel and hear the wind. Your own muscles propel you down the road. You smell the airborne scents from the forests to the ocean. This is how I know I'm alive! The simplicity of it all was therapeutic. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat...even that Monday we were sandblasted or the Wednesday in the snow. What's your dream? What are you waiting for? You are never too old to try....

Good Times, Bad Times, You Know I've Had My Share...

 

 

 

 

Leaving Newport Beach, the four of us are all smiles knowing we have one final day. Heading south on the Pacific Coast Highway we admire the most beautiful scenes of our trip. The lanes are marked for cyclists, the pavement is good, the beach towns are unique (unlike the Costco/ Starbucks/ etc. model you see all over here), the ocean views and the affluence all made for this finale to be satisfying. We met up with Edgar & Pat, friends of Ron, in Dana Point and while riding through San Onofre State Park, Ron made a U-turn right in front of a BMW...one second later, he would have a bumper tattoo or worse. Praying each day before leaving paid off.

Our route took us through Camp Pendleton where you see signs such as 'TANK CROSSING' or 'ARTILLERY RANGE 127'. A large group of soldiers were training as we rolled by. Leaving this area, the ride continues through the beach towns of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas and more. This is the BEST place to ride, the best. So much so, a cousin of Rich's flew down from Vancouver BC with three friends to ride in and around San Diego for a week. Their trip overlapped with ours and we hung out briefly in Cardiff-By-The-Sea to share stories and refuel. Griffin and I played in the ocean and the water felt great. If I were you, I'd make plans to go to Encinitas...nice size, great shops and restaurants, and excellent beaches.

Well, Ron reminded us we had to get back to work, so we said goodbye to everyone and the four of us rode through Torrey Pines and LaJolla. Just beautiful! It is now afternoon and traffic is picking up. This poor guy in a white Ferrari had to weave around potholes, but we rolled up behind him at a stoplight to admire the V-12 and hear the music when the light turned green...couldn't keep up with him though. Nearing San Diego, my bladder was about to burst and I spotted a guy moving. Yeah, I asked him if I could use his bathroom. He said, "Anything for a fellow cyclist"; boy was I lucky. At Mission Beach, I chatted with Thomas, a homeless guy, and he rides 20 miles a day. Coming into San Diego, our fortunes changed and things got tense...narrow expressways, cyclists and Friday @ 4:00 is not a good combination. We picked our way south and in the barrio, learned we couldn't proceed on our intended route. But, we got great assistance and directions from the locals...I'd like to thank them. The last 15 miles were difficult for me but at one point, I began to realize I was seeing Mexico. With a tear in my eye, I could see the border fence and U.S. Border Patrol vehicles (they see you long before you see them). The four of us rode 107 miles today and finished the journey together. 1577.3 miles total. WOW!!!!!!!!!

I will post more photos and wrap this blog up in the days to come. So check back in the next few days....

We Made It!

 

We made it! I'm tired, so I'll tell you about it tomorrow. You don't want to miss it.

A Mysterious Reappearance

 
 
 
 

Ron, Tim & I left Fontana around 8 under sunny skies with less smog than the night before. Riding in this L.A./ Orange County basin is not as horrid as I expected. We safely navigated through four cities on boulevards, some with bike lanes, and saw industrial complexes, cow pastures and everything in between. About 30 miles later, we connected to a bike path in Corona that follows the Santa Ana 'river' which is really an aqueduct for storm runoff. Coming into the city of Orange, I could see the 'A' in front of Angel stadium. Ron took us down memory lane for a lunchstop at Poncho's Burrito's and it was delicious...someday I'm going back. He guided us through the town and this is another place to visit when in the area...but do it on foot.

In the first photo, I am exhausted and Tim looks perky...but I recovered in a matter of seconds. The bike path along the river is an excellent way to travel in this area; no lights, no traffic and it's long (40 miles). It runs out at Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, in the posh town of Newport Beach. Just beautiful! And yes, the residents have more than their fair share of snobbery, but let's face it, you can find that anywhere. I loved the setting, the homes, the shops, the cars (Ferrari dealer nearby) and more. Coming back here too. 67 miles on the day. We are on track to finish Friday.

At 1:15 A.M. a mystery man slunk into the trailer...Rich is BACK!

You Can Taste the Air!

 
 
 
 

Today was interesting. Ron, Tim & I left California City around 7:30 and headed toward Mojave. Yesterday and today have been the first days I have really perspired in the 16 days of THE RIDE. The temp was perhaps 88 and I understand it could easily be 100, so we got through the desert quite well sans the windy day on Monday. Passing through Mojave, a train was heading East like us and going 25. Ron revved it up and we actually passed it and continued pulling away. We're working on posting it on YouTube and I'll provide a link for you. Ron thinks it's the coolest thing ever and my wife wonders if anyone will care. You decide. But I think it was so motivating to start a long day with some serious speed.

Our first break was in Lancaster at Starbucks (sorry Lance) where Tim temporarily withdrew. Ron & I found a nice bike path in Palmdale that got us off a busy highway and I photo'd a lone fishing boat in the weeds. I don't know the significance of it, but it's my blog and you're reading it. It wasn't long and we were heading east up a gentle grade with a strong tailwind and we were cruising 18-20mph climbing to 4300' where we actually got to ride the descent that Friday's stage of the Tour of California will be ripping down. I finally busted 50 on this trip...51.7mph (not my fastest since I've been riding) and I'll bet the pro racers will exceed 65. I wish could be there to see that. Tim joined us at the 15 & 138 to descend into Fontana and we quickly realized we were on historic Route 66! The road surface was sure historic.

Because we couldn't ride on the freeway, we meandered to the city on backroads and I don't know what Ron said to the llama, but he was spitting mad. Tim accumulated 71 miles and Ron & I racked up 124.I knew it was going to be like this... the air tastes dirty.

What a Difference a Day Makes

 
 
 
 

After the debacle of yesterday, we decided to get an earlier start to beat the winds. At 7:00, Ron & I left under calm, sunny conditions and promptly cranked it up to 22mph. As per Dr. Ron Laverty's instructions, Tim left ahead of us to begin physical therapy on his knee. It took us around 12 miles to reel him in and he put in 25 successful miles at a brisk pace, furthering his hope to ride as much of these last 3 stages as possible.

At the 52 mile break, we had an average speed of just over 20mph, even with a slighly increasing headwind. There isn't much to report about the terrain, because it is mile after mile of desert. We were awestruck by the geologic formations in Red Rock Canyon (photo 3), but then it was quickly back to flat desert. I began to fade after 85 miles, but when I took this picture of Ron, he looks as spry as ever. If you ever want to bicycle across the country, here is a tip. Hire this guy...he is like a sherpa for mountaineers. He loves riding, he works hard and he encourages you along the way that you can make it.

We are camping in a forgotten RV park by the California City Airport. Average speed for the day was 17.9mph with a crosswind for a total of 106 miles and I am tired. But we are dropping into the L.A. gnarliness tomorrow and on track to finish Friday night. I think I might be able to do this...after yesterday, I wasn't so sure.

High Winds + iPod= Bad Karaoke

 

 

 

 

What a crazy ride today! We left around 9:00 wearing just a jersey and shorts with a 15mph headwind and within 10 miles, I was frustrated with our progress(or lack thereof). I watched our average speed steadily drop from 15mph to 11.8 over the course of almost five hours of riding and once again, Ron must have rode at the front 90% of the time, but 'drafting' in these conditions is nearly futile. By the time we rolled into camp, the winds were 30mph with gusts over 45. It was not the worst day I've had cycling, but it was the toughest 55 miles Ron & I have ever ridden for sure.

Now I do NOT advocate this, but we took our iPods after the first break because of the howling winds. Even with the volume maxed out, I could still hear that awful sound over The Who. I started singing the lyrics I knew and it probably sounded horrible, but it made the ride more tolerable.

Leaving Independence, Ron & I found out what sandblasting feels like. Grinding along at 8mph in a 39x25 gear, we could see a cloud of grit and dust coming right at us and within seconds I couldn't breathe or see Ron so I stopped until it passed. He asked if we should turn around rather than put ourselves in peril, but I was more determined than ever to just go 15 more miles to Lone Pine. The construction zone turned out to be a huge benefit in that we had a whole partitioned lane to ourselves. Man, that sand in the face still hurts as I'm writing this.

A big thank you is in order to Russ & Rene Rickert. We are camping in Boulders RV park and it is everything you said it would be. The hot tub repaired some of my aching body. Jim Wright and company, can you pray for us over the next 2 days through the desrt? I am not sure I can take another day of these winds.

Not Really Downhill Afterall

 
 
 
 

We camped last night at the base of Tioga Pass, the north entrance to Yosemite. Just a beautiful setting with a creek roaring from snowmelt. Ron & I rolled out at 7000' and promptly were ascending again, this time to the last pass over 8000'. It's kind of a tough way to start the day, but you just do it. As you can see from the photos lately, the landscape is majestic and a great place to ride. Now, I'm not gonna lie to you, it was hard work, but rewarding all the same.

We met up with my family and Tim in Mammoth Lakes and had a delicious sandwich at a bakery, then strolled around a little. The town is in between ski season and summer recreation, so things were a little quiet. Ron & I descended for the next 45 minutes or so and the scenery changed before our eyes. Evidence of spring was everywhere, this cute lamb, trees are leafed out and the wind is blustery. Today was supposed to be something of a recovery day; even so, we rode 81 miles.

Dad found an oasis in this dry region of California...Keough Hot Springs. Griffin and I paid $14 and spent 2-1/2 hours in the pool and hot pool...refreshing! But Tim found the real deal a short distance away and it was free; smart guy. The place is kind of funky and a step back in time. If your ever in the neighborhood, check it out. This was the perfect finish to the day.

Downhill the Second

 
 
 
 

It's Downhill From Here!

 

 

 

 

Leaving Minden, Ron & I stumbled upon a fun run the community organized. It was great to see families and friends celebrating a run in memory of someone special. A girl of 4 or younger was running to the finish line and everyone was cheering her on. She was adorable, smiling and sweating as her mom hugged her when she completed the one-mile run and I teared up. It made me think of Christ greeting us at the finish line...now that's LOVE.

The day was perfect for cycling. It wasn't long and we entered California once again and admired Topaz Lake as we descended a twisty road. Tim had to buggywhip Ron for some reason...maybe he drank Tim's coffee. Right after one of our climbs, my cyclocomputer showed 1000 miles traveled...a milestone for both of us! There were three passes to conquer and the highest was Conway Summit @ 8138'. I obviously punished Ron with my speed, because he collapsed in the snow.

The mountains here are big and close. They are amazing to ride over, through and around. Just look at the sky. It was a hard day, but an epic one. This stage has been in the back of my mind as the toughest one...and I did it! 93 miles.

Worst Place to Ride-Carson City!

 
 
 
 

I found out we camped in Nevada last night and you can actually throw a rock to California from our trailer, so that matter is settled. Ron & I rode the 18 miles to Reno to join Rich, Tim, Dad, Karen & Griffin at the National Auto Museum for a change of pace. Tim drove away too fast and left me stranded in the roaring 20's. If you are in the neighborhood, pay the measly $10. and visit this museum. It is very well done and if you bring a man over 70, he will tell you about Petey and his first Ford or Stinky McGoo and how he crashed this or that Dodge. I love the sense of nostalgia old cars can generate. And I just had to include this photo of a '53 Corvette and the toy version...my favorite Corvette model.

We ate lunch at In'N'Out Burger and parted ways with Rich. Dad dropped him off at the airport so now we are down to six in the trailer. Rich is quick to make friends and the guys miss him already. He rode an average of 54 miles a day at our pace...not too shabby for a recreational rider!

Ron & I continued migrating south and rode on an expressway, a county road and a freeway offramp where Ron exceeded 50mph and I had to settle for 46.6. This put us back on 395 through Carson City wherein we encountered the WORST riding of the trip. No bike lanes and cars passing you with that mashing the throttle in anger like, "I hate bicycle riders and they don't belong on any paved rode because I want to get to the next stoplight before they do". Then we see them at the stoplight and it's ALWAYS a guy in his 30's--50's who doesn't like what he sees in the mirror. Every time. This happened 5 times in Carson City and once in Minden. When some washed up guy almost hit me, Ron caught him, followed him into a gas station and gave him firm instructions on how to drive safely around cyclists. I reinforced it and we left. The idiot knew he was wrong and had no words of brilliance. Don't bother riding a road bike here..it sucks.

Oh yeah; we stopped at the state capital and were impressed.