After my return to Warrenton, Virginia, reality set in and I realized that I had a very small window of opportunity left to complete the coast to coast segment of my trip. A quick check of the calendar revealed to me that the Highland volleyball season and teacher workdays were upon me. I jumped back on the bicycle Friday, August 15, and headed South. On Saturday, August 16, I eased the front tire into the salty waters. Lise met me there and after a celebratory meal, we headed home.
Thanks again to all of you that have supported my adventure and supplied lots of needed encouragement.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Many Thanks
Welcome Home
Security Escorts
Pictured are two of my escorts into Warrenton. Chris Giglio and Jim Bounds met me on the route into Warrenton. Larry Byvik also accompanied me to the finish. Also pictured is David Norden who is a good friend and official representative for the Town of Warrenton. I may actually get a "key" to the town!!!
Pedaling the Skyline Drive
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Warrenton to Warrenton
Two miles inland from the coast of Oregon, where I began my journey, is the town of Warrenton, Oregon. I had a photo taken in anticipation of having another photo-opt at the Warrenton, Virginia post office upon the completion of my trip.
On Friday, the final segment of my route will take me from the Skyline Drive, down Thornton Gap, into Sperryville and East on 211 into Warrenton. After lunch in Sperryville, I will most likely get to the Warrenton PO around 4:00 and then pedal over to Highland School to meet with Lise to catch a ride home. At some point in time, I will complete the coast to coast connection to the Eastern Shore.
See you Friday!!!!!
On Friday, the final segment of my route will take me from the Skyline Drive, down Thornton Gap, into Sperryville and East on 211 into Warrenton. After lunch in Sperryville, I will most likely get to the Warrenton PO around 4:00 and then pedal over to Highland School to meet with Lise to catch a ride home. At some point in time, I will complete the coast to coast connection to the Eastern Shore.
See you Friday!!!!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
A Welcome Site
Lise met me at the Virginia border during her return trip from North Carolina, after visiting a friend. We spent the night at the lovely Oaks Motel. It was the finest motel in Rosedale, Virginia. Unfortunately, during the daily thundershower, the rain swelled the door shut, trapping Lise inside. Her quick instincts prompted her to crawl OUT THE WINDOW!
A Welcome Site Too
Last Encounter
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Country Road Take Me Home!
If all continues to go well, and after a few stops along the way to visit my Mother and some friends, I plan to pedal Route 211 East into Warrenton on the afternoon of Friday, August 8. I look forward to seeing my family and friends who have been so supportive of my adventure and sharing my stories and reponding to your blog messages.
Oh Kentucky Hills
Since entering Kentucky on Wednesday, July 23, we have covered over 430 miles of hills and mountains in the past six days! The scenery has been beautiful,, but the terrain is very difficult. One more day in Kentucky and we plan to enter VIRGINIA on Wednesday evening July 30, at Breaks Interstate Park !!!!!!
Unbridled Spirit and Unleashed Dogs
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Riding the Levee
Land of Lincoln and Popeye
OnMonday, July 21, I entered the State of Illinois and the town of Chester. Illinois is known for the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, but Chester is known for the creation of the character Popeye!
The Mississippi River was crossed via a lenghty steel bridge, followed by a climb to the town Courthouse overlooking the river basin. I was awakened during the night by a wind storm and subsequent downpouring of rain.
The Mississippi River was crossed via a lenghty steel bridge, followed by a climb to the town Courthouse overlooking the river basin. I was awakened during the night by a wind storm and subsequent downpouring of rain.
Welcome relief from the heat
Monday, July 21, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Hills, Heat and Humidity
Kudos to Kansas / Show Me Something Missouri
On Wednesday, July 16, we departed Kansas and entered Missouri. The small towns of Kansas were very accomodating and each had a community park for camping. Most had a town swimming pool which offered us free use of the showers and the pool. I personally liked Kansas because it has TREES and GRASS, much like home.
The Wizards of Oz meet Humpty Dumpty
On Hwy 39, outside of Walnut, Kansas, the Eastbound Express derailed. We were in our pace line, alternating lead, to counter the Kansas wind. There was an unexpected stop, followed by a convergence of all the laws of physics and the universe, especially the BIG BANG theory! Numbers 4 and 5 in line, Asta and I paid the greatest penalty. Fortunately, our injuries are treatable with a 10# bag of ice, a bottle of Advil and a tube of Neosporine. Our equipement survived, less a little paint and a mirror. The actual event must have looked pretty severe to the oncoming motorist because it prompted a few pre-mature 911 calls.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Oz 2008
My trip across Kansas has been highlighted by new found companions. From the left is Blair, Mark, John and Asta. Blair and Asta are sisters. They began their journey in San Francisco. I met them at Fort Larned on Saturday, July 12. Mark and John started their trip in Arizona. I met them previously in Bazine. We are all Virginia bound!
My Good Friend Baxter
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Hello Dorothy
We are all WINNERS!
On Wednesday, July 9, on my way to Eads, Colorado, I met Jerry and Lynn Lisenby. They are westbound on the Trans-Am route. Jerry mentioned that I could tell my friends that I had met the biggest loser. I thought that was a rather negative comment, since we were out here every day accomplishing personal goals! It turns out that he was a contestant on last season's television show, "The Biggest Loser", and had in fact lost 110 pounds.
And you think I've lost weight!
And you think I've lost weight!
Sunrise over Southeastern Colorado
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
This is Guffey, Colorado !!
The Town of Guffey, Colorado, is the home of John and Colleen, and their cat, who just happens to be the official Mayor. The cat's name is Monster and his story has been published in several tabloids and various media. John will share those with you when you arrive and sit down awhile to discuss life as it was in the 60's. Guffey is a favorite stop for many cyclists, both pedal powered and motorized. The accomodations are simple and very affordable. They include a bona-fide outdoor privy, a shower constructed of garden hose, shower head and cast iron tub with one side carved out, so you do not have to step over! A sleeping shed, complete with a bed on hinges and chains, which lowers from a side wall. And a chain, which is attached to the outside wall, but also attaches to a hook on the inside of the door, to keep the bears from opening you door at night. Now, since the chain is attached to the outside, that means the door does not completely close. But, John advises, " the space is too small for a bear to get through".
Guffey was a great experience and worth the one mile climb, off route! You must see the collection of photos when I return.
Guffey was a great experience and worth the one mile climb, off route! You must see the collection of photos when I return.
All Things Flowing Toward the Atlantic!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!
I was welcomed into Colorado on Wednesday afternoon, July 2, by an afternoon thunderstorm / windstorm. I found shelter in a town Post Office for two hours while it passed. I then pedaled onto my destination of Walden, CO to find every hotel and motel posting NO VACANCY. With the help of some local networking, I landed at the home of Tom & Doris. They offered me their living room sleepsofa. That was a better draw than the stranded motorcyclist received. He got a bed in a bedroom, but it was filled with perfumed dolls that chimed, on the hour, throughout the night!
What a difference a day makes!
Quiet little Lander, Wyoming
On Sunday afternoon, Sunday, June 29, I pedaled into the quiet little Wyoming town of Lander. I collapsed under a shade tree and entertained the locals with an afternoon of snoring, before setting up my tent. I pedaled over to the local pool and shower, then ate dinner and returned around 8:00 p.m. for a quiet evening and early bedtime. However, about 50 yards from my tent was Lander's version of the Grateful Dead! They actually sounded O.K., although I did leave my hearing aids at home.
The GRAND Tetons!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Man vs Wild
Just Another Day in Paradise
Tour de Lise
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Old Faithful Right on Schedule
Oh Give Me A Home.....
Where the Buffalo Roam .......
Lise and I were pedaling through Yellowstone National Park and came upon a three mile vehicle back-up. We advanced past at least five hundred cars and campers until we caught up with the Park Service and the source of the problem. This herd of buffalo decided to parade down the middle of the road! Dad, Mom and the kids, out for a stroll. I swear I saw a couple of them smerking! Eventually, Lise and I had to pass through the herd as they split to both shoulders of the road. Those were a few anxious and vulnerable moments.
Lise and I were pedaling through Yellowstone National Park and came upon a three mile vehicle back-up. We advanced past at least five hundred cars and campers until we caught up with the Park Service and the source of the problem. This herd of buffalo decided to parade down the middle of the road! Dad, Mom and the kids, out for a stroll. I swear I saw a couple of them smerking! Eventually, Lise and I had to pass through the herd as they split to both shoulders of the road. Those were a few anxious and vulnerable moments.
The Plains connection in Montana
Monday, June 23, 2008
West Yellowstone's Finest!
Along the West Yellowstone strip, next to the Conoco Gas Station, lies one of West Yellowstone's finest motels, the Ho-Hum. It's owner, Bernadette, aka "Bernie" is a legend in this area. She is a no-nonsense lady! When I inquired a second time about the direction that I should follow to my quarters, she responded very matter-of-factly, " the way I pointed!" The Ho-Hum boasts the fact that they recently installed electric baseboard heat in some of their newer units! I had the corner room, next to the street and sidewalk, Room # 0 (zero).
Last Segment to Wyoming
Saturday, June 21, I pedaled the 60 mile segment from Cameron, Montana to West Yellowstone, where I am to meet Lise on Sunday. It was a long, uphill ride against a strong head wind. The first headwind that I have had to deal with thus far in my journey. The scenery however was beautiful along the Madison River and Hebgen Lake.
Friday, June 20, 2008
West Yellowstone Here I Come
Hail to the Chief
"Oh by the way, watch out for the bear!"
This was an interesting evening on Tuesday, June 17, in Sula, Montana. I planned my stop in Sula because my map indicated food, motel and camping. Sula is a one-stop has it all kind of town. I arrived at 5:10 p.m. to understand that they DO have a restaurant, it's just not open right now! We do however have a microwave and some hot pockets!
" Would you like a tent site or a cabin?" "Oh, by the way, we do have a bear that visits the dumpster every night." " I'll take a cabin!"
By the way, the bear did not miss his nightly round.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
BIG SKY COUNTRY
Monday, June 16, 2008
Have a Nice Day!
In the valley below, U.S. calvary were ambushed and killed by the Nez Perce Indians and Chief White Bird. The climb out of the valley almost did me in as well. It was the hardest ascent for me thus far. It was on Old Highway 95, in Idaho, and involved a stretch of approximately ten miles and 20 - 25 switchback curves. It took me over two hours to climb. Unfortunately, I pushed a little extra this day and approached the base at mile 90, with twenty to go to my next stop in Grangeville, Idaho. A total of 110.5 miles this day! A new single day record!
Halfway to Hell ( Canyon)
Highway Engineering
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