Man vs Wild

Check out the biker tan line! While in Jackson Hole, Lise and I teamed up with our god-child Gray Hamlin for a raft trip down the Snake River. Gray is a river guide for Mad River Rafters and he gave us a wild ride down the river, including a tasty dinner of steak and trout.

Just Another Day in Paradise

The morinings were very chilly, but the sky was crytal clear and the views were spectacular on our travel through Grand Teton National Park.

Tour de Lise

Over three Continental Divides, at 8000'. Four days of riding through Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, over 140 miles! A new personal best of distance pedaled, 42 miles! All on a rental bicycle! Go Lise!

Old Faithful Right on Schedule

Lise and I left West Yellowstone on Sunday, June 22 around 11:00 a.m. and pedaled the 31 miles to Old Faithful, just in time to witness the afternoon geyser. Our lodging for the night was a cabin adjacent to Old Faithful.

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.

The Plains connection in Montana

On Sunday, June 22, I was met in West Yellowstone by Lise and Gray Hamlin, our god-child, and our friends from The Plains, who now reside in Montana, the Stickleys. Pictured are Devon, Dennis, Carole and our former neighborly dog friend Bailey.

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.

West Yellowstone Here I Come

Friday, June 20, 2008
I just completed my last major climb on my way to West Yellowstone to meet Lise. I visited the old west town of Virginia City and then climbed out of the valley, to about 7100'. Tommorow, Saturday, June 21, I will finish the 60 miles to West Yellowstone.

Hail to the Chief

Wednesday, June 18. Over Chief Joseph Pass, my highest summit thus far, 7241 feet elevation! It is also the first venture over the Continental Divide.

"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.

BIG SKY COUNTRY

After a climb over Lolo Pass, I entered the State of Montana, on Monday, June 16,2008. I also surpassed the 1000th mile pedaled on this section! I'm already 1/4 the way home! Only 3000 more miles to go!

Have a Nice Day!

I was greeted on the 70 mile stretch along the Lochsa River on my way to Lolo Pass with these words of encouragement! Only 56 miles and 5200' elevation from Montana!!!

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!

This is my buddy "Jimmy" and his 12 lb. salmon! He and a couple hundred of his salmon fishing buddies lined the shoulder and the Salmon River as I passed through Riggins, Idaho. Jimmy offered to sell me his catch, but I just couldn't handle the extra weight.

I - DA - HO and proud of it!

Nothing against Oregon. It is a beautiful state! But is sure is nice to enter another one!

Halfway to Hell ( Canyon)

I shared the ride with my new friend Lucas for two days. It was nice to have someone to share the sites with. At this point we were in the town of Halfway, halfway to Hell's Canyon.

Highway Engineering

I am not an engineer,but ....
It appears from my trans-america bicycling
eperience that regardlesss of the mileage approaching
a mountain, the last six miles are vertical, at about a
7% grade!

On Wednesday, June 11, the skies began to clear. Another day and another summit!

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This was the view outside my hotel window on Tuesday, June 10, in Baker City, Oregon. Most of the roads above 3000' were being plowed. I opted to stay another day in Baker City. The Tulane trio continued eastward. I will be anxious to hear their stories.

Day of Rest

I doubled up on distance during the break in the weather, covering 95, 87 and 69 miles in consecutive days. I caught up with the guys from Tulane University that I met back on day four 0n my way to Eugene. Pictured with me are (from the left) Jake, Andy, Chris and Luke. We all rested at the Super 8 in Baker City, Oregon. I spent an extra day for recovery and to wait out the snow! After all,it is only the 10th of June!
The Tulane Trio took off this morning regardless.
Luke is still here at the Super 8.

Luke "The Piano Man" Kirby

I met up with Luke in Prairie City on Sunday, June 8. Luke is a musician and pianist from Spokane, Washington. He too is on his way to Virginia via the Trans-America trail. We have been traveling at the same pace for the past few days. We plan to attack the mountains of Idaho together.

Over The Top

Success is measured in passage over summits. Thus far:
Santiam Pass 4817 feet
Ochoco Pass 4720 feet
Keyes Creek Pass 4357 feet
Triple Threat: These 3 in one day
Dixie Pass 5277 feet
Tipton Pass 5124 feet
Sumpter Pass 5082 feet

More and higher to come!

The Ladies of Apostolic Christian Church

I found brief shelter along the climb over Santiam Pass in the cold and snow. I was greeted by these young ladies from the Apostolic Christian Church. Apparently I looked very cold and miserable. They were very comforting and encouraged my progress. They were there to see the waterfalls on this beautiful Oregon day!

SUNSHINE !!!!!!

So that is what we crossed!? The first day of sunshine, June 7. I look over my shoulder to see the Cascades in the background as I pedal East. On this first sunny day, I managed 95 total miles.

Crossing Santiam Pass, Oregon

I met Bryan and Molly east of Eugene, headed toward our first major 5000'+ crossing, Santiam Pass, Oregon. They are from Portland and are also headed East to Virginia, via a side trip through Canada and the Atlantic Coast! At the summit it was 29 degrees and blowing snow. On the descent I completely lost my rear brake pads due to the grit and water solution. Molly and Bryan stopped on the other side of the mountain at a family cabin. I hope to cross paths with them again.

Trans-Am Veterans

The moment I saw Andy and Dave ride into camp I knew these boys weren't rookies! These two "Brits" began their cross country journey in Virginia, in April. They are only three days from completing their task. It was a miserably cold and rainy day. We "rookies" were huddled inside the lodge lamenting over our harsh ride. These two rolled in wearing shorts and dripping wet shoes, oblivious to the elements. It was a pleasure to have met and conversed with them.

Some of you have inquired about my equipment. This is my tag-along friend Bob, alias "Wilson", Trailer. He follows me everywhere I go. Just like me, Bob has lost some weight along the way. Thanks to Connie Wonham and UPS, he shed a few pounds in Eugene. Bob and I often have conversations during our travels. He is a burden on the upgrade, but loves to push me down the other side.

Oh thank heaven

After five days of riding in the rain and snow, I thanked the Lord for Lise, Motel 6's and Desitin ointment, in that order! This is my room, attempting to dry everything I brought.

My visit with the Wonhams

Connie and Harry Wonham on the deck of their beautiful home overlooking the city of Eugene. Unfortunately, I did not get their children Emory, Grant or Walker in the photo. Of course, I did get the dogs!
Connie saved my life by taking me to the local bicycle shop to purchase more suitable biking clothing for this unusual Oregon weather.
For those of you who do not know, the Wonhams spent some of their time in Fauquier County before locating to Eugene.

Leaving the Pacific Coast

After three days of climbing along the Pacific Range I headed to Eugene, Oregon to see my good friends the Wonhams.

The climbs along the Pacific Range have been tough during days one and two, but the views have been spectacular. The route is scenic, but after two days and 130 miles, I am only 5 miles East!

I have labeled this trip " Warrenton to Warrenton". Warrenton, Oregon is two miles off the coast of the Pacific from my starting point. There is a Warrenton High School here with a sign that reads " Home of the Warriors". How cool is that!

Sunday morning, June 1. The beginning and ceremonial "rear tire dip" in the Pacific Ocean!