Monday, August 13, 2012
Moving notice:
This blog is in the process of being moved from angelfire to here...sorry for the jumbled ness.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Mon, 24 Jul 2006
Day 36
TAZ: It's Monday, 7-24-06. We've made it Breckenridge, CO. One of the big highlights of our trip. We are taking a couple of days off here. We skipped a day off last week so we could have an extra one here. We are staying with a friend of a friend. Basil from Massanutten gave us the name and # of his friend, Dave Leopold. He and his family have more than welcomed us into their home. They are so cool. They have lived here in Breck for 6 yrs after living back east and love it here. They've been very helpful in helping us find our way around town and letting us stay here and feeding us too. They didn't even know us! Dave, Jan and their boys- David, Michael, and little Colten are an amazing family. I am on their computer right now.
Saturday we rode from Florence to Guffey, CO. It was only like 40 miles. We stopped in Canon City at a Fiddle Festival and then started the climb up. Slowly climbing we went from around 5000ft to 8000ft in Guffey. Guffey was a cool little town. It was almost a ghost town. There was a bar, a restaurant, and this place that was sort of a rustic B&B. Bill was there to welcome us. We stayed in these cool little huts. We wanted to stick around the next day and check out the museum but we knew we were going to have a long day getting to Breck. We'll go back one day.
We rode into Breck by going over Hoosier Pass ( over 11,000ft). We were fearful of the climb but it turned out to be way easier than anything we've done back east. Then coming down we didn't get nearly the high speed we did back home. The scene at the top was so amazing. We have taken so many pictures in the past few days. We can't wait to get them back to you!!
On yesterday's ride, which was a 67 miler, we saw a herd of antelope. They were mingling with some cows in a wide open field near Hartsel. We also woke up to 40 degree temps on our first day in the mountains. We put on nearly every stitch of clothing we had and still froze for the first ten miles. Then little by little we started peeling stuff off. The afternoon temps got up to the mid 80's. This was a welcome change from Kansas!
Today was similar weather. An afternoon thunder shower came while we were out exploring town. We all love this town! Everything we love to do is here! The mountains surrounding the area are beautiful! There are bikers everywhere.
TAZ: It's Monday, 7-24-06. We've made it Breckenridge, CO. One of the big highlights of our trip. We are taking a couple of days off here. We skipped a day off last week so we could have an extra one here. We are staying with a friend of a friend. Basil from Massanutten gave us the name and # of his friend, Dave Leopold. He and his family have more than welcomed us into their home. They are so cool. They have lived here in Breck for 6 yrs after living back east and love it here. They've been very helpful in helping us find our way around town and letting us stay here and feeding us too. They didn't even know us! Dave, Jan and their boys- David, Michael, and little Colten are an amazing family. I am on their computer right now.
Saturday we rode from Florence to Guffey, CO. It was only like 40 miles. We stopped in Canon City at a Fiddle Festival and then started the climb up. Slowly climbing we went from around 5000ft to 8000ft in Guffey. Guffey was a cool little town. It was almost a ghost town. There was a bar, a restaurant, and this place that was sort of a rustic B&B. Bill was there to welcome us. We stayed in these cool little huts. We wanted to stick around the next day and check out the museum but we knew we were going to have a long day getting to Breck. We'll go back one day.
We rode into Breck by going over Hoosier Pass ( over 11,000ft). We were fearful of the climb but it turned out to be way easier than anything we've done back east. Then coming down we didn't get nearly the high speed we did back home. The scene at the top was so amazing. We have taken so many pictures in the past few days. We can't wait to get them back to you!!
On yesterday's ride, which was a 67 miler, we saw a herd of antelope. They were mingling with some cows in a wide open field near Hartsel. We also woke up to 40 degree temps on our first day in the mountains. We put on nearly every stitch of clothing we had and still froze for the first ten miles. Then little by little we started peeling stuff off. The afternoon temps got up to the mid 80's. This was a welcome change from Kansas!
Today was similar weather. An afternoon thunder shower came while we were out exploring town. We all love this town! Everything we love to do is here! The mountains surrounding the area are beautiful! There are bikers everywhere.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 8:21 PM EDT
Updated: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 10:14 PM EDT
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Updated: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 10:14 PM EDT
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Thu, 20 Jul 2006
Day 32
TAZ: Well today we woke up in Eads, CO (pronounced Eeds) to something of a tailwind!! Thanks for praying for us!! We did 60 miles by 10:30 this morning. Ate lunch and now are waiting for the heat to die down a little so we can get 30 couple more in this afternoon and get to Boone, CO. Hopefully the wind will hang with us the rest of the day. Today has been flatter and more open than anything we saw in KS. This is true prairie stuff. We are around 4250ft elevation. By the weekend we should be around 9000. The towns can be seen a half hour before we reach them, or at least their grain elevator can be seen. We met some east bounders today that say we'll start to be able to see the Rockies tomorrow. We are excited about that. The air is getting drier everyday. Last night some of the courthouse lawn sprinklers came on after we put up our tents but by 4am our tents and our clothes that we had hung out were dry! We are planning an under 30 mile day tomorrow to Pueblo as a rest/tire change day. We've got some tires coming into a shop there from Brian at Serfas. Thanks Brian!
Also, if you haven't noticed we've got a new link on the main page to more photos. We are putting on as many as will fit. We may have to add another link later. Tomorrow while on our rest day we will try to make it to Walmart to get more photos to send back home. I have to admit with the heat we've not taken as many. You kind of forget the camera sometimes. We're making up for it now though!
We are all staying healthy for the most part. My age is showing a little. These flat rides have been giving my elbows, especially the right, one fits. Some kind of tendinitis something I'm sure because if I take some ibuprofen before riding it's fine. Dustin slightly strained a leg muscle playing on the diving board at one of the pools but also responds to ibuprofen. Jimmy just complains of his boney rump on this flat land and rough roads.
I want to say thanks to all of you calling us and emailing us. We've been looking forward to ducking into the libraries on these hot days. Hearing from home and about home always brings smiles.
TAZ: Well today we woke up in Eads, CO (pronounced Eeds) to something of a tailwind!! Thanks for praying for us!! We did 60 miles by 10:30 this morning. Ate lunch and now are waiting for the heat to die down a little so we can get 30 couple more in this afternoon and get to Boone, CO. Hopefully the wind will hang with us the rest of the day. Today has been flatter and more open than anything we saw in KS. This is true prairie stuff. We are around 4250ft elevation. By the weekend we should be around 9000. The towns can be seen a half hour before we reach them, or at least their grain elevator can be seen. We met some east bounders today that say we'll start to be able to see the Rockies tomorrow. We are excited about that. The air is getting drier everyday. Last night some of the courthouse lawn sprinklers came on after we put up our tents but by 4am our tents and our clothes that we had hung out were dry! We are planning an under 30 mile day tomorrow to Pueblo as a rest/tire change day. We've got some tires coming into a shop there from Brian at Serfas. Thanks Brian!
Also, if you haven't noticed we've got a new link on the main page to more photos. We are putting on as many as will fit. We may have to add another link later. Tomorrow while on our rest day we will try to make it to Walmart to get more photos to send back home. I have to admit with the heat we've not taken as many. You kind of forget the camera sometimes. We're making up for it now though!
We are all staying healthy for the most part. My age is showing a little. These flat rides have been giving my elbows, especially the right, one fits. Some kind of tendinitis something I'm sure because if I take some ibuprofen before riding it's fine. Dustin slightly strained a leg muscle playing on the diving board at one of the pools but also responds to ibuprofen. Jimmy just complains of his boney rump on this flat land and rough roads.
I want to say thanks to all of you calling us and emailing us. We've been looking forward to ducking into the libraries on these hot days. Hearing from home and about home always brings smiles.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 4:52 PM EDT
Updated: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:27 PM EDT
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Updated: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:27 PM EDT
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Wed, 19 Jul 2006
ClICK ON "More Photos" ON THE MAIN PAGE TO SEE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 10:15 PM EDT
Updated: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 11:01 PM EDT
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Updated: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 11:01 PM EDT
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Day 31
Dustin: After waking up from a 15 hour sleep we decided that the eastward winds were not going to stop. So, we woke up and hit the road. Not having a good breakfast this morning really made me suffer throughout the day. Battling ferocious headwinds all day was another task that we had to over come. During our 50 mile ride we saw our first prairie dogs, jack rabbits, and past the Welcome to Colorado sign!!!! Only 56 miles for today but with the wind 56 miles feels like a great accomplishment. Its tough to find internet in these small towns but your emails keep us pedaling!
To my little cousin Sammy-
Hey bud,
Hope that you are having an awesome summer. I have now gone through 6 states and only a few more to go. Tell the family I said hello and maybe we can come to Pa when I get back home!
Dustin: After waking up from a 15 hour sleep we decided that the eastward winds were not going to stop. So, we woke up and hit the road. Not having a good breakfast this morning really made me suffer throughout the day. Battling ferocious headwinds all day was another task that we had to over come. During our 50 mile ride we saw our first prairie dogs, jack rabbits, and past the Welcome to Colorado sign!!!! Only 56 miles for today but with the wind 56 miles feels like a great accomplishment. Its tough to find internet in these small towns but your emails keep us pedaling!
To my little cousin Sammy-
Hey bud,
Hope that you are having an awesome summer. I have now gone through 6 states and only a few more to go. Tell the family I said hello and maybe we can come to Pa when I get back home!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 6:28 PM EDT
Updated: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 10:17 PM EDT
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Updated: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 10:17 PM EDT
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Tue, 18 Jul 2006
Day 30
Jimmy: Mile 1,935
As Taz said pedaling through the crazy heat and head-winds of Kansas began to get discouraging, so we spent a relaxing day at the Dighton pool, hanging out with our trail friend Meghan from Wales and napping in the shade under a pavilion. Around 3 AM this morning we jumped on our bikes with headlamps strapped to our helmets and hit the road in the dark. We crossed into our second new time zone and pushed on to Tribune, our last Kansas town before we will cross the CO border. We wanted to reach CO today but as other bikers on the trail have admitted Kansas, though flat, is not as easy as you may think. So with over 50 miles to the next town and just short of the CO line we will catch up on some rest and continue with our ‘headlamp’ adventures!
We are excited to cross the emptiness of eastern CO and see the Rocky Mountains. To us, it means cooler temperatures, hills that will get our sore behinds up off the saddle, and yet more of our country's landscape and people to experience.
PS. We saw a US map in a gas station this morning...MAN we have covered some ground!
Jimmy: Mile 1,935
As Taz said pedaling through the crazy heat and head-winds of Kansas began to get discouraging, so we spent a relaxing day at the Dighton pool, hanging out with our trail friend Meghan from Wales and napping in the shade under a pavilion. Around 3 AM this morning we jumped on our bikes with headlamps strapped to our helmets and hit the road in the dark. We crossed into our second new time zone and pushed on to Tribune, our last Kansas town before we will cross the CO border. We wanted to reach CO today but as other bikers on the trail have admitted Kansas, though flat, is not as easy as you may think. So with over 50 miles to the next town and just short of the CO line we will catch up on some rest and continue with our ‘headlamp’ adventures!
We are excited to cross the emptiness of eastern CO and see the Rocky Mountains. To us, it means cooler temperatures, hills that will get our sore behinds up off the saddle, and yet more of our country's landscape and people to experience.
PS. We saw a US map in a gas station this morning...MAN we have covered some ground!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 12:02 PM EDT
Updated: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 9:49 PM EDT
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Updated: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 9:49 PM EDT
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Mon, 17 Jul 2006
Day 29
Taz: Today we are spending the day in Dighton, KS. We rode 32 miles this morning in hard, hot winds. We are going to try something new today. If it works we'll tell you all about it in the next blog.
The 105 degree heat and the wind has slowed our progress getting to Colorado, but we are still chipping away at it. Someone told us that we are going to run into 60 degree highs next week in the mtns. We are looking forward to seeing some new wildlife too. Yesterday we saw a couple of badgers, the hawks are getting bigger, and today we are pretty sure we saw a mule deer out in this thicket on the plains.
Yesterday we met a woman that we've been "chasing" since before the trip started. The "Princess of Whales", Meagan. She is very interesting and we enjoyed talking to her. We chatted while sipping on milkshakes in Ness City, KS yesterday.
Our buddy Preacher Bill is now a couple days behind us but still hanging in there. We check on him almost nightly and give him the scoop on what's ahead for him.
The other guy we met back at the KY/VA border, Ian is still on the trail as far as we know. We've heard from him once or twice on email. We left some signs to him cheering him on. Since we left the truck it's been harder to do. We left one for Bill and Ian the other day in the middle of a 40 mile stretch of nothing. Bill said he saw it. We have each other for moral support. These guys are all alone doing this trip. Now, THAT takes guts.
Well, we are going to hit the pool for a few hours---stay tuned for more adventures.
Taz: Today we are spending the day in Dighton, KS. We rode 32 miles this morning in hard, hot winds. We are going to try something new today. If it works we'll tell you all about it in the next blog.
The 105 degree heat and the wind has slowed our progress getting to Colorado, but we are still chipping away at it. Someone told us that we are going to run into 60 degree highs next week in the mtns. We are looking forward to seeing some new wildlife too. Yesterday we saw a couple of badgers, the hawks are getting bigger, and today we are pretty sure we saw a mule deer out in this thicket on the plains.
Yesterday we met a woman that we've been "chasing" since before the trip started. The "Princess of Whales", Meagan. She is very interesting and we enjoyed talking to her. We chatted while sipping on milkshakes in Ness City, KS yesterday.
Our buddy Preacher Bill is now a couple days behind us but still hanging in there. We check on him almost nightly and give him the scoop on what's ahead for him.
The other guy we met back at the KY/VA border, Ian is still on the trail as far as we know. We've heard from him once or twice on email. We left some signs to him cheering him on. Since we left the truck it's been harder to do. We left one for Bill and Ian the other day in the middle of a 40 mile stretch of nothing. Bill said he saw it. We have each other for moral support. These guys are all alone doing this trip. Now, THAT takes guts.
Well, we are going to hit the pool for a few hours---stay tuned for more adventures.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 12:56 PM EDT
Updated: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 10:04 PM EDT
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Updated: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 10:04 PM EDT
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Sat, 15 Jul 2006
Day 26
From All of Us: Killer heat, mega long straights and not a dang thing to look at----Go Kansas! The people are cool though. Everyone is very interested in where we are from and where we are going.
Bad breakfast at the 54 Truck Stop Diner this morning shortened today's ride to 80 miles. We are still hopeful to finish this state in the next three days.
We've experienced yet another act of generosity as tonight we are staying at the Newton Fire Station. Inside out of the heat. We heard about these guys from a eastbound cyclist. They are awesome. A paid fire dept. Showers with their clean towels, a room all to ourselves, and pads to sleep on.
We went through the Flint "Hills" today. We wouldn't have know that's where we were except for the sign. The hills weren't much. Today we went 20 miles and only saw 3 cars. We are stating to hit 40 and 50 mile stretches with no access to food or water.
If you don't hear from us for a few days it's because we have our heads down pedaling through this vast nothingness immense heat!
From All of Us: Killer heat, mega long straights and not a dang thing to look at----Go Kansas! The people are cool though. Everyone is very interested in where we are from and where we are going.
Bad breakfast at the 54 Truck Stop Diner this morning shortened today's ride to 80 miles. We are still hopeful to finish this state in the next three days.
We've experienced yet another act of generosity as tonight we are staying at the Newton Fire Station. Inside out of the heat. We heard about these guys from a eastbound cyclist. They are awesome. A paid fire dept. Showers with their clean towels, a room all to ourselves, and pads to sleep on.
We went through the Flint "Hills" today. We wouldn't have know that's where we were except for the sign. The hills weren't much. Today we went 20 miles and only saw 3 cars. We are stating to hit 40 and 50 mile stretches with no access to food or water.
If you don't hear from us for a few days it's because we have our heads down pedaling through this vast nothingness immense heat!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 12:05 AM EDT
Updated: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:52 PM EDT
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Updated: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:52 PM EDT
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Thu, 13 Jul 2006
Day 25
Mile 1,579
Jimmy: After a sleepless night in 95 degree Kansas humidity, we pedaled 120 miles to Eureka and got our very first hotel room. A day off in Pittsburg on the eastern border and talking with some East bound bikers that are finishing their bout with Kansas convinced us to get on the road tomorrow before daybreak to beat the heat and pedal through this flat state in the next 4 days.
Traveling East to West, we’ll climb 4,000 vertical feet before we hit the Colorado border. We’re counting down the miles to our stop in Breckenridge for some much needed playtime, bike maintenance, and relaxation in weather below triple digits.
Corey (alias, Forest Gump)--Keep running!
Marcel--Don’t bother, you’re too slow!
PRAY FOR THOSE TAIL WINDS!
Mile 1,579
Jimmy: After a sleepless night in 95 degree Kansas humidity, we pedaled 120 miles to Eureka and got our very first hotel room. A day off in Pittsburg on the eastern border and talking with some East bound bikers that are finishing their bout with Kansas convinced us to get on the road tomorrow before daybreak to beat the heat and pedal through this flat state in the next 4 days.
Traveling East to West, we’ll climb 4,000 vertical feet before we hit the Colorado border. We’re counting down the miles to our stop in Breckenridge for some much needed playtime, bike maintenance, and relaxation in weather below triple digits.
Corey (alias, Forest Gump)--Keep running!
Marcel--Don’t bother, you’re too slow!
PRAY FOR THOSE TAIL WINDS!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 11:23 PM EDT
Updated: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 11:38 PM EDT
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Updated: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 11:38 PM EDT
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Tue, 11 Jul 2006
Day 23
Taz:
Hmmmm . . . so much has happened in the past couple of days. The biggest news is that we crossed over into Kansas today! We're in Pittsburg, a town of 19,000 for tonight and tomorrow. We are catching up on laundry and maintenance and such.
Okay, now let me back up a little. We woke in Marshfield, MO yesterday morning to heavy rain and storms. We were dry though under a city park pavilion sleeping on tables because we knew it was coming. We waited for it to pass but it wasn't going to happen. We went to breakfast and the library to kill time and wait for it to ease up. Finally, it did seem to ease up so we took off and tried to make it to Walnut Grove Post Office before it closed to pick up a package. On the way, the sky opened up on us again. Right on top of us. Lightening so close it scared us big time. One strike was 30 to 50 feet away. All I could think about was the last thing Jim said to me - "keep my boys safe." There was nothing around and nowhere to go but on. We ended up riding out of the storm safely.
Walnut Grove was 40 miles into our 60 mile day. We busted butt to get to the post office figuring the earliest it would close would be 4 PM. NOT! They closed at 3:30 and we got there at 3:40. Well, everything happens for a reason. After much debate we ended up seeing if we could camp for the night (this town was not shown on the map as one to camp in). The town of 500 rolled out the red carpet and let us stay indoors at a church fellowship hall. It had a great shower. I think it was the quietest night's rest yet!
Then one thing led to another. While Jimmy was dealing with the Campmor package arrival, we ran into a local that told us a bridge was out on our route and the detour would add 20 miles to our ride. Coupled with the late start of the day we had no intentions of doing a 100 mile day. Don't forget we've got those plastic bags on our bikes now! Jim (our S.A.G. man), where are you?! Just kidding. The reroute had us going 70 miles through somewhat flatter country, enroute to the much flatter Missouri/Kansas border.
But, wait! What about our buddy, Preacher Bill? He's a town behind us and needs to know about the detour! Spending all the time we did in Walnut Grove, we ended up getting to be buddies with the policeman on duty. We told him about Bill and he said he would track him down and give him directions. Not only did he do that but he came out west of town and told us he had found Bill! As of tonight, Bill is still a town behind us but says he's going to do a short day tomorrow and then hang here with us tomorrow night.
We've got 1442 miles under our belts now. We are still laughing and having a great time. Sometimes Jimmy and Dusty get to laughing so hard they can't ride and have to stop riding to hold their bellies. They like to have these insane races up the rollers (hills) shouting crazy speeds they are trying to hold as they go up. They also like to sing a lot but only know half the words to most of the songs, and laugh more when they realize this.
Our first week without the truck and we don't think we've lost any weight which was one of our biggest fears - being hungry. I think we've settled into a routine finding a big meal as soon as we hit our evening town and snacking later. Water hasn't been an issue until today when it got a lot hotter. With our tools we were able to turn the water on at a church. We are getting there! WE ARE IN KANSAS!
Taz:
Hmmmm . . . so much has happened in the past couple of days. The biggest news is that we crossed over into Kansas today! We're in Pittsburg, a town of 19,000 for tonight and tomorrow. We are catching up on laundry and maintenance and such.
Okay, now let me back up a little. We woke in Marshfield, MO yesterday morning to heavy rain and storms. We were dry though under a city park pavilion sleeping on tables because we knew it was coming. We waited for it to pass but it wasn't going to happen. We went to breakfast and the library to kill time and wait for it to ease up. Finally, it did seem to ease up so we took off and tried to make it to Walnut Grove Post Office before it closed to pick up a package. On the way, the sky opened up on us again. Right on top of us. Lightening so close it scared us big time. One strike was 30 to 50 feet away. All I could think about was the last thing Jim said to me - "keep my boys safe." There was nothing around and nowhere to go but on. We ended up riding out of the storm safely.
Walnut Grove was 40 miles into our 60 mile day. We busted butt to get to the post office figuring the earliest it would close would be 4 PM. NOT! They closed at 3:30 and we got there at 3:40. Well, everything happens for a reason. After much debate we ended up seeing if we could camp for the night (this town was not shown on the map as one to camp in). The town of 500 rolled out the red carpet and let us stay indoors at a church fellowship hall. It had a great shower. I think it was the quietest night's rest yet!
Then one thing led to another. While Jimmy was dealing with the Campmor package arrival, we ran into a local that told us a bridge was out on our route and the detour would add 20 miles to our ride. Coupled with the late start of the day we had no intentions of doing a 100 mile day. Don't forget we've got those plastic bags on our bikes now! Jim (our S.A.G. man), where are you?! Just kidding. The reroute had us going 70 miles through somewhat flatter country, enroute to the much flatter Missouri/Kansas border.
But, wait! What about our buddy, Preacher Bill? He's a town behind us and needs to know about the detour! Spending all the time we did in Walnut Grove, we ended up getting to be buddies with the policeman on duty. We told him about Bill and he said he would track him down and give him directions. Not only did he do that but he came out west of town and told us he had found Bill! As of tonight, Bill is still a town behind us but says he's going to do a short day tomorrow and then hang here with us tomorrow night.
We've got 1442 miles under our belts now. We are still laughing and having a great time. Sometimes Jimmy and Dusty get to laughing so hard they can't ride and have to stop riding to hold their bellies. They like to have these insane races up the rollers (hills) shouting crazy speeds they are trying to hold as they go up. They also like to sing a lot but only know half the words to most of the songs, and laugh more when they realize this.
Our first week without the truck and we don't think we've lost any weight which was one of our biggest fears - being hungry. I think we've settled into a routine finding a big meal as soon as we hit our evening town and snacking later. Water hasn't been an issue until today when it got a lot hotter. With our tools we were able to turn the water on at a church. We are getting there! WE ARE IN KANSAS!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 11:17 PM EDT
Updated: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:07 AM EDT
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Updated: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:07 AM EDT
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Sun, 9 Jul 2006
Day 21
Dustin:
We survived going through the "bad" part of Missouri, but it didn't seem as "bad" as we had been told. Taz, Bill, Jimmy and I pedaled our way through with no problems at all. Once we got to Ellington, the people were extremely nice. While sitting at an intersection looking at the map to find camp, about a dozen people waved at us. One gave us directions to the park and one of the other guys said come camp in his back yard. Hall's buffet was delicious even though the regulars didn't care for the bike attire. With such a good dinner waking up early the next morning wasn't really part of mine and Jimmy's plan, but finally we were up and ready to go. Leaving town also meant leaving Bill. The hills ahead were too big for him to go the pace we were doing. With our final goodbyes said, we pulled away and another new day had begun. It's awesome to talk to the east bounders along the way. Sharing random stories and finding out the "good" places to stay is usually the highlight of our conversation. Today (7/9) I saw and caught my very first armadillo! With Taz and Jimmy chanting for me to pick it up, I finally got enough nerve to do so. Scared to death (yeah, both me and the armadillo), I grabbed it by the tail just long enough for the picture and then put it back on the ground. It then retreated to the log which was its home.
Sitting down at the dinner table at a local restaurant in Marshfield, MO, talking to the people who were drilling us with questions about the trip, I noticed two people walking in and sitting down at the booth behind us. They did not look at us but I was staring at them for some reason. Finished off the conversation with the people, I see the people in the booth behind us ordering the best desserts and just sitting there and talking. When they were done, they got up and left. We didn't think anything of it. Then when we went to pay the waitress, she told us that us that the people behind us paid for our food. We just couldn't get over the fact that they were that kind. They didn't even know what we had ordered or how much it cost and they generously paid for our meal. I guess that is what you call a random act of kindness and we'll surely be able to pass that on down the line.
Dustin:
We survived going through the "bad" part of Missouri, but it didn't seem as "bad" as we had been told. Taz, Bill, Jimmy and I pedaled our way through with no problems at all. Once we got to Ellington, the people were extremely nice. While sitting at an intersection looking at the map to find camp, about a dozen people waved at us. One gave us directions to the park and one of the other guys said come camp in his back yard. Hall's buffet was delicious even though the regulars didn't care for the bike attire. With such a good dinner waking up early the next morning wasn't really part of mine and Jimmy's plan, but finally we were up and ready to go. Leaving town also meant leaving Bill. The hills ahead were too big for him to go the pace we were doing. With our final goodbyes said, we pulled away and another new day had begun. It's awesome to talk to the east bounders along the way. Sharing random stories and finding out the "good" places to stay is usually the highlight of our conversation. Today (7/9) I saw and caught my very first armadillo! With Taz and Jimmy chanting for me to pick it up, I finally got enough nerve to do so. Scared to death (yeah, both me and the armadillo), I grabbed it by the tail just long enough for the picture and then put it back on the ground. It then retreated to the log which was its home.
Sitting down at the dinner table at a local restaurant in Marshfield, MO, talking to the people who were drilling us with questions about the trip, I noticed two people walking in and sitting down at the booth behind us. They did not look at us but I was staring at them for some reason. Finished off the conversation with the people, I see the people in the booth behind us ordering the best desserts and just sitting there and talking. When they were done, they got up and left. We didn't think anything of it. Then when we went to pay the waitress, she told us that us that the people behind us paid for our food. We just couldn't get over the fact that they were that kind. They didn't even know what we had ordered or how much it cost and they generously paid for our meal. I guess that is what you call a random act of kindness and we'll surely be able to pass that on down the line.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 10:07 PM EDT
Updated: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:58 PM EDT
Updated: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 11:58 PM EDT
Sun, 20 Aug 2006
The End
TAZ, Jimmy and Dusty: Our last blog entry. Why? Because
WE DID IT!
We finished our big ride yesterday by passing through Astoria on our way to the Pacific Ocean. Pedaling 3978.8 miles in 61 days our worn tires came to a rest in the sandy beaches of Seaside, OR. Now in our home away from home at Jesse and Taisha's house in Vancouver, WA we are boxing bikes and preparing to come home.
The endless support, thoughts and prayers along our cross-country trek was truly fuel for our fire. Daily hardships including, but not limited to, HEAT, WIND, RAIN, physical/emotional strain and unpredictable obstacles were overcome with perseverance and help from all of you. We thank each of you as we look forward to sharing stories of our journey at our return home. No picture, blog, or conversation can do justice to the emotions, physical strain, and events we have experienced...however this bitter sweet moment has us bursting with excitement to see those we love and the things that were once so familiar as well as sad that such a wonderful chapter has come to a close. As each of us stared towards the Pacific Ocean at a statue marked, "The Trails End," we knew that we had accomplished a feat of a lifetime. Standing in awe, our team of three now plans to return East, a direction we've not steered towards for two months. The memories, friendships, and character that was built from the experiences on our great Country's roadways are something that we will have forever.
"It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."
-Corrie Green
TAZ, Jimmy and Dusty: Our last blog entry. Why? Because
WE DID IT!
We finished our big ride yesterday by passing through Astoria on our way to the Pacific Ocean. Pedaling 3978.8 miles in 61 days our worn tires came to a rest in the sandy beaches of Seaside, OR. Now in our home away from home at Jesse and Taisha's house in Vancouver, WA we are boxing bikes and preparing to come home.
The endless support, thoughts and prayers along our cross-country trek was truly fuel for our fire. Daily hardships including, but not limited to, HEAT, WIND, RAIN, physical/emotional strain and unpredictable obstacles were overcome with perseverance and help from all of you. We thank each of you as we look forward to sharing stories of our journey at our return home. No picture, blog, or conversation can do justice to the emotions, physical strain, and events we have experienced...however this bitter sweet moment has us bursting with excitement to see those we love and the things that were once so familiar as well as sad that such a wonderful chapter has come to a close. As each of us stared towards the Pacific Ocean at a statue marked, "The Trails End," we knew that we had accomplished a feat of a lifetime. Standing in awe, our team of three now plans to return East, a direction we've not steered towards for two months. The memories, friendships, and character that was built from the experiences on our great Country's roadways are something that we will have forever.
"It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."
-Corrie Green
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Posted by mtnbikertaz at 2:58 AM EDT
Updated: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 12:41 PM EDT
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Updated: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 12:41 PM EDT
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Mon, 14 Aug 2006
Day 57
TAZ: Well, today we are forced to do a shorter day of 50ish miles. Forced to find a shower or a river or something to get clean in. Our next option is at 103 miles. No one wants to ride that far on dirty clothes and road grimed bodies. So right now we are at our 1/2 way point for the day in Umatilla, WA.
I know it's been a while since we left Missoula but I wanted to go back and thank Adam for letting us camp out in his back yard the second night we were in town. He was cool. We met him in Taco DelSol while we were scarfing down dinner. He's done some touring himself and wishes to do more. You've got our info Adam!
Crossing into Idaho at Lolo Pass and a new time zone was exciting as was riding down the canyons that lead us to Clarskton, WA. We rode along rivers for two days and today we have switched rivers and we are now along the Columbia until we finish.
I'm looking forward to a real pillow. My sweatshirt all balled up is great, but the real deal is better! We have so many pictures! We are going to put them on a slide show with music. It's going to be awesome! It's more awesome if you have been there, so all of you that have been saying you want to do this some day need to get out there and do it. Even if it is not on a bike, get out there!
TAZ: Well, today we are forced to do a shorter day of 50ish miles. Forced to find a shower or a river or something to get clean in. Our next option is at 103 miles. No one wants to ride that far on dirty clothes and road grimed bodies. So right now we are at our 1/2 way point for the day in Umatilla, WA.
I know it's been a while since we left Missoula but I wanted to go back and thank Adam for letting us camp out in his back yard the second night we were in town. He was cool. We met him in Taco DelSol while we were scarfing down dinner. He's done some touring himself and wishes to do more. You've got our info Adam!
Crossing into Idaho at Lolo Pass and a new time zone was exciting as was riding down the canyons that lead us to Clarskton, WA. We rode along rivers for two days and today we have switched rivers and we are now along the Columbia until we finish.
I'm looking forward to a real pillow. My sweatshirt all balled up is great, but the real deal is better! We have so many pictures! We are going to put them on a slide show with music. It's going to be awesome! It's more awesome if you have been there, so all of you that have been saying you want to do this some day need to get out there and do it. Even if it is not on a bike, get out there!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 2:26 PM EDT
Updated: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:39 PM EDT
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Updated: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:39 PM EDT
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Sunday, August 13th
Day 56ish
Knock the Wind Out of My Sail!
Jimmy: At 100 miles into today’s ride,we sat in the saddle only 5 hours 15 minutes, pedaled 3 major climbs and enjoyed views of endless wheat fields. With all of our bags taking a ride in Mike’s mustang (a friend of Jesse and Taisha), we took a 117-mile chunk out of our Washington trail. As the wind whipped up dust devils on top of dry fields, we pedaled at an average of 18 mph, dodging winds and rolling along Route 12’s beautiful terrain. Following the Lewis and Clark trail, Dusty, Taz and I clung tightly to the tandem which, between gravity and its 2-horsepower team, kept us moving at a grueling rate. We’d ride 5 wide, talking and enjoying our now lighter bikes, then crest a hill causing gears to drop to the smallest crank and we’d all be single file again. Lined up in this fashion the wind filled our ears and dried sweat to our sun beaten skin and the miles flew by! The miles go by too quick now; as I watch them flip by today I couldn’t help but think how near the end is. With a dollar bill and electrical tape keeping my front tire in working order, I watched as it coast only inches from my pedaling companions. 3,631 miles from home, we not only ride in sync but ride as one. With the sun setting westward in front of us, I watch our graceful line of bikes make way down Washington roads. Fierce headwinds turned our last 17 miles into our worst in days. A lumpy campsite, a Columbia River too gross to stick a big toe in, and mosquitoes that can bight through clothing, we raced to set up our screened tents. An unhappy ending to an epic day, our trail friend Preacher Bill would say, “It’s all good.” Pedaling down the home stretch I am overwhelmed with memories I can’t begin to keep track of. Sharing some with you, burying others deep in our journals, our cross-country journey slowly rolls to a close. A sticker on the top tube of my bike reads, “I ride, therefore I TransAm”.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 12:57 AM EDT
Updated: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:52 PM EDT
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Updated: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:52 PM EDT
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Fri, 11 Aug 2006
Day 54
Dustin: Coming towards the end of the trip has taken a bigger toll on me than I had thought... When starting this journey I was thinking this is great but then I did not see the end as near. Now that it is at my doorstep I realize that this was more than a trip it was an eye opening experience that would bring me into the REAL world! And something that I would remember for the rest of my life. With one week left and 500ish miles to go it has finally sunk that I am in IDAHO by way of bicycle! We are crazy! But this is the journey of a lifetime and I am sure that there is more to come.
PS We crossed into the last time zone yesterday--so we are now 3hrs behind everyone at home!
Dustin: Coming towards the end of the trip has taken a bigger toll on me than I had thought... When starting this journey I was thinking this is great but then I did not see the end as near. Now that it is at my doorstep I realize that this was more than a trip it was an eye opening experience that would bring me into the REAL world! And something that I would remember for the rest of my life. With one week left and 500ish miles to go it has finally sunk that I am in IDAHO by way of bicycle! We are crazy! But this is the journey of a lifetime and I am sure that there is more to come.
PS We crossed into the last time zone yesterday--so we are now 3hrs behind everyone at home!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 7:08 PM EDT
Updated: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 7:17 PM EDT
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Updated: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 7:17 PM EDT
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Wed, 9 Aug 2006
Day 51 ish Losing track unless I look at my Journal!
*3275 Miles done about 630 to go
*3 states to go
*54 mph - our new high speed coming off Big Hole Pass, MT
*Flat tires? We've lost track, Shoulders are great to ride on here out west, but they are covered with bits of tire trash and glass. The # is somewhere between 15 and 20.
TAZ: We are now in Missoula, MT. We rode 118 MT mtn miles to get here last night. (Was supposed to be about 130 mi but we found a short cut.) We wanted to get here to get to a bike shop for new tires and to check out the Adventure Headquarters. They are the people who make the maps we use. There is sort of a bike museum here too. There was no camping avail. in this town so after we searched a long time over our 10pm dinner we ended up ( all 5 of us) in a small motel room.
We have been on the road long enough now that we are seeing changes in all of us. I can't believe how much Dusty has grown as a cyclist. He shifts without thinking, and does it when he should, when everyone else is shifting. And strong! Both Jimmy and Dusty have gotten so strong. We all have but they are soooo Strong. The only way for me to keep up with them is to stay tucked behind one of them. Then when we hit the long climbs they just disappear. Jimmy loves the climbs, especially the tall, steep ones.
I've had tons of time to think about what I want to do with the rest of my life. What you say? There are several possibilites. I'll tell you this: I like Colorado a lot, but my favorite state for scenery over all has been Montana. The rest of what is in store for me, you'll just have to wait and see. This trip is one of my biggest dreams come true, but I've learned that I can make any of my dreams come true. Hard work, sacrifice, and just plain wanting it and you CAN make ANYTHING happen!
Now, for the rest of the trip we've decided to go the route of Lewis and Clark trail to the coast. We heard about this from someone on the trail and are looking forward to this adventure. We picked up the maps here today and will move on tonight. The five of us now.
Well, time to sign off, got to go get those tires and check chains and avoid a storm and find food and hit the post office, and get photos developed at Walmart to send back to you guys!!!
*3275 Miles done about 630 to go
*3 states to go
*54 mph - our new high speed coming off Big Hole Pass, MT
*Flat tires? We've lost track, Shoulders are great to ride on here out west, but they are covered with bits of tire trash and glass. The # is somewhere between 15 and 20.
TAZ: We are now in Missoula, MT. We rode 118 MT mtn miles to get here last night. (Was supposed to be about 130 mi but we found a short cut.) We wanted to get here to get to a bike shop for new tires and to check out the Adventure Headquarters. They are the people who make the maps we use. There is sort of a bike museum here too. There was no camping avail. in this town so after we searched a long time over our 10pm dinner we ended up ( all 5 of us) in a small motel room.
We have been on the road long enough now that we are seeing changes in all of us. I can't believe how much Dusty has grown as a cyclist. He shifts without thinking, and does it when he should, when everyone else is shifting. And strong! Both Jimmy and Dusty have gotten so strong. We all have but they are soooo Strong. The only way for me to keep up with them is to stay tucked behind one of them. Then when we hit the long climbs they just disappear. Jimmy loves the climbs, especially the tall, steep ones.
I've had tons of time to think about what I want to do with the rest of my life. What you say? There are several possibilites. I'll tell you this: I like Colorado a lot, but my favorite state for scenery over all has been Montana. The rest of what is in store for me, you'll just have to wait and see. This trip is one of my biggest dreams come true, but I've learned that I can make any of my dreams come true. Hard work, sacrifice, and just plain wanting it and you CAN make ANYTHING happen!
Now, for the rest of the trip we've decided to go the route of Lewis and Clark trail to the coast. We heard about this from someone on the trail and are looking forward to this adventure. We picked up the maps here today and will move on tonight. The five of us now.
Well, time to sign off, got to go get those tires and check chains and avoid a storm and find food and hit the post office, and get photos developed at Walmart to send back to you guys!!!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 4:57 PM EDT
Updated: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 9:33 PM EDT
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Updated: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 9:33 PM EDT
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Mon, 7 Aug 2006
Day 48
ODO 3,079 MILES
Jimmy:
FLAT TIRES AND CELL SERVICE?
It has been really hard to keep up with the web site as northern Wyoming and Montana offer little cell service. So here is my best effort at a quick catch-up. Seems so long ago now, but Wyoming landscape which started so bleak transformed into magnificent colors, cliffs, and formations stunning us all. Captured by the mysterious colors, beautiful views, and giant skies we climbed the 9,600 foot ascent of Togwotee Pass uncovering the great Teton Mountains! My words can do no justice in describing another mile of our past few days. Bicycling through the immense Tetons, breathtaking views in Yellowstone National Park, natural wonders like Old Faithful and Morning Glory, and now the endless mountains and streams of Montana have brought countless memories I can’t begin to describe. As you now know with the addition of our tandem friends, all five of us continue to pedal with the same energy and excitement we contained at the peak of Massanutten back in June. Mechanical problems seem to pop up daily slowing our cross country stride, but not discouraging us one bit. With a patched tube in my rear tire I carry two already popped tubes as spares. These roads show us unbelievable views and wildlife but also bring flat tires and other assorted mechanical problems. No cell service, showers in COLD western streams, meals in small town saloons and conversation with strangers continue to uncover all we seek on this awesome journey. On our tired bikes we plop road worn bodies on our saddles every morning, wondering what is to come and glowing about what has passed.
ODO 3,079 MILES
Jimmy:
FLAT TIRES AND CELL SERVICE?
It has been really hard to keep up with the web site as northern Wyoming and Montana offer little cell service. So here is my best effort at a quick catch-up. Seems so long ago now, but Wyoming landscape which started so bleak transformed into magnificent colors, cliffs, and formations stunning us all. Captured by the mysterious colors, beautiful views, and giant skies we climbed the 9,600 foot ascent of Togwotee Pass uncovering the great Teton Mountains! My words can do no justice in describing another mile of our past few days. Bicycling through the immense Tetons, breathtaking views in Yellowstone National Park, natural wonders like Old Faithful and Morning Glory, and now the endless mountains and streams of Montana have brought countless memories I can’t begin to describe. As you now know with the addition of our tandem friends, all five of us continue to pedal with the same energy and excitement we contained at the peak of Massanutten back in June. Mechanical problems seem to pop up daily slowing our cross country stride, but not discouraging us one bit. With a patched tube in my rear tire I carry two already popped tubes as spares. These roads show us unbelievable views and wildlife but also bring flat tires and other assorted mechanical problems. No cell service, showers in COLD western streams, meals in small town saloons and conversation with strangers continue to uncover all we seek on this awesome journey. On our tired bikes we plop road worn bodies on our saddles every morning, wondering what is to come and glowing about what has passed.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 1:33 AM EDT
Updated: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 8:29 PM EDT
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Updated: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 8:29 PM EDT
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Tue, 1 Aug 2006
Day 43
TAZ: We are in Lander WY. Today is our second full day here. We've hooked up with Jesse and Taisha and they've got some wheel probs. We are waiting on parts to arrive from ECBA (the shop where I work) so we can fix them up. They broke three spokes within 20 miles and had broken more the day before. After some investigating and talking with Les (my boss) we've decided that the wheel they built in KS was built incorrectly, so we are going to rebuild it here. Lander's population of 5600 and elevation of 6800ft is better than a whole lot of others we could have been stuck in. Even though the shop in this town couldn't help us at all, at least there is a shop.
So the "team" has grown. It is quite a parade as we go through town. We have like 1500 miles to go. It seems like so little compared to what we've already done. Dusty and I were talking the other day while riding. We think it's hard to believe we are seeing the things we are seeing. They can't be real, we can't be seeing this stuff! We are on our bikes! How could this be real? We've ridden our bikes right into another world! Sometimes what we're seeing looks like a picture in a book or a movie. Boy it's a long way between towns (50+ miles)!
Here in the next couple of days we will be getting into the Teton Mtns. More to look at! Once we get to Missoula MT we are thinking of taking the Lewis and Clark Trail the rest of the way over to the coast. It supposedly cuts a couple of days off and has even better scenery. For now I think I'll go hang out at the camping store and wait for UPS to arrive with bicycle parts! Later!
TAZ: We are in Lander WY. Today is our second full day here. We've hooked up with Jesse and Taisha and they've got some wheel probs. We are waiting on parts to arrive from ECBA (the shop where I work) so we can fix them up. They broke three spokes within 20 miles and had broken more the day before. After some investigating and talking with Les (my boss) we've decided that the wheel they built in KS was built incorrectly, so we are going to rebuild it here. Lander's population of 5600 and elevation of 6800ft is better than a whole lot of others we could have been stuck in. Even though the shop in this town couldn't help us at all, at least there is a shop.
So the "team" has grown. It is quite a parade as we go through town. We have like 1500 miles to go. It seems like so little compared to what we've already done. Dusty and I were talking the other day while riding. We think it's hard to believe we are seeing the things we are seeing. They can't be real, we can't be seeing this stuff! We are on our bikes! How could this be real? We've ridden our bikes right into another world! Sometimes what we're seeing looks like a picture in a book or a movie. Boy it's a long way between towns (50+ miles)!
Here in the next couple of days we will be getting into the Teton Mtns. More to look at! Once we get to Missoula MT we are thinking of taking the Lewis and Clark Trail the rest of the way over to the coast. It supposedly cuts a couple of days off and has even better scenery. For now I think I'll go hang out at the camping store and wait for UPS to arrive with bicycle parts! Later!
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 2:23 PM EDT
Updated: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 9:49 PM EDT
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Updated: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 9:49 PM EDT
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Mon, 31 Jul 2006
-Dustin
We have made it to Wyoming! Only 3 more states to go till we reach the West coast. We have made some new friends along the trail! Jesse and Taisha caught up to us in Walden and we have been together ever since! They are a happily married young couple as Bill would say. Traveling with these two make the "pack" look so much bigger especially since they are on a tandem (two seated bike). We now have other people to camp with ride with and talk to! The weather in Wyoming is great without humidity it makes for mostly mild days and cool nights. Although the sprinklers seem to get in the way sometimes... The terrain is still changing but it makes the day go by quicker. When you have amazing mountains with red rock and vast plains all in the same mile its really hard to keep pedaling because there is so much to see. Only a few more days in Wyoming then we are headed to Montana. I really don't know what to expect but I am sure that it will add to this great adventure. I would like to thank all of you who read these blogs and respond. Your support really keeps our spirits up and gets us through the tough times. Seven down three to go!!!
Check out Jesse and Taisha: www.jessandtaish.blogspot.com
We have made it to Wyoming! Only 3 more states to go till we reach the West coast. We have made some new friends along the trail! Jesse and Taisha caught up to us in Walden and we have been together ever since! They are a happily married young couple as Bill would say. Traveling with these two make the "pack" look so much bigger especially since they are on a tandem (two seated bike). We now have other people to camp with ride with and talk to! The weather in Wyoming is great without humidity it makes for mostly mild days and cool nights. Although the sprinklers seem to get in the way sometimes... The terrain is still changing but it makes the day go by quicker. When you have amazing mountains with red rock and vast plains all in the same mile its really hard to keep pedaling because there is so much to see. Only a few more days in Wyoming then we are headed to Montana. I really don't know what to expect but I am sure that it will add to this great adventure. I would like to thank all of you who read these blogs and respond. Your support really keeps our spirits up and gets us through the tough times. Seven down three to go!!!
Check out Jesse and Taisha: www.jessandtaish.blogspot.com
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 4:13 PM EDT
Updated: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:25 PM EDT
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Updated: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:25 PM EDT
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Fri, 28 Jul 2006
Day 39
Jimmy; 2,414 miles
Getting on the bike Wednesday morning was tough after a luxurious stay at the Leopold’s. The comfort of great home cooked meals and even better company was a nice break from our rugged journey. They gave us the inside scoop on Breckenridge (9,600 ft.) as we all fell in love with this beautiful homey ski town. Wednesday morning thoughts of survival back on the trail and pressing on towards Wyoming filled our minds, Taz’s buds Bob and Anna came to our rescue! In their sweet pimped out motor home van they wanted to carry our bags for a day and share the adventure! Our bellies filled with Bob and Anna’s fine cooking, we retreated to their intricate hand designed van, which housed our evening pow wow. Parked next to the Colorado River, trickling down the steep canyons, I dove into the bone chilling waters for a quick bath and realized our Sag support would soon be yet another great memory on our journey. Today it was the three of us again; bags, tents and bikes. As we fell into stride surrounded by Colorado’s enormous cliffs we dreamed of Breck, recalled laughs with Bob and Anna and were again alone on the road. Camped at a nice park in Walden (8,200 ft) for the night we will pedal into the vast and unknowing Wyoming tomorrow morning. Our break could not have been more enjoyable, but now we bike. After all…biking is what we do.
Jimmy; 2,414 miles
Getting on the bike Wednesday morning was tough after a luxurious stay at the Leopold’s. The comfort of great home cooked meals and even better company was a nice break from our rugged journey. They gave us the inside scoop on Breckenridge (9,600 ft.) as we all fell in love with this beautiful homey ski town. Wednesday morning thoughts of survival back on the trail and pressing on towards Wyoming filled our minds, Taz’s buds Bob and Anna came to our rescue! In their sweet pimped out motor home van they wanted to carry our bags for a day and share the adventure! Our bellies filled with Bob and Anna’s fine cooking, we retreated to their intricate hand designed van, which housed our evening pow wow. Parked next to the Colorado River, trickling down the steep canyons, I dove into the bone chilling waters for a quick bath and realized our Sag support would soon be yet another great memory on our journey. Today it was the three of us again; bags, tents and bikes. As we fell into stride surrounded by Colorado’s enormous cliffs we dreamed of Breck, recalled laughs with Bob and Anna and were again alone on the road. Camped at a nice park in Walden (8,200 ft) for the night we will pedal into the vast and unknowing Wyoming tomorrow morning. Our break could not have been more enjoyable, but now we bike. After all…biking is what we do.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 12:48 AM EDT
Updated: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:25 PM EDT
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Updated: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:25 PM EDT
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Tue, 25 Jul 2006
Day 37
TAZ: I couldn't sleep last night I was so excited just to be in Breckenridge. I love this place. It is just one big playground! Like Massanutten and Harrisonburg but much, much bigger. But tomorrow we leave. We were hoping to get a package in from home with chains and brake pads in it so we could do some routine maint. here in Breck but the package has not shown up yet.
In the morning we are meeting with Bob and Anna Carts. They are friends from Northern VA that happen to be out here on vacation in their RV. They have offered to carry our bags for a day and camp out with us. It's really cool they are out here right now and even cooler that they willing to do that for us!
We are starting to head NW now up towards Wyoming. There doesn't look like there are many libraries for a while so we may be back to phoning in the blogs. As we continue through the Rockies we will surely be amazed by more and more beauty. Yet everyone around here tells us that OR is more beautiful. We wonder how?
TAZ: I couldn't sleep last night I was so excited just to be in Breckenridge. I love this place. It is just one big playground! Like Massanutten and Harrisonburg but much, much bigger. But tomorrow we leave. We were hoping to get a package in from home with chains and brake pads in it so we could do some routine maint. here in Breck but the package has not shown up yet.
In the morning we are meeting with Bob and Anna Carts. They are friends from Northern VA that happen to be out here on vacation in their RV. They have offered to carry our bags for a day and camp out with us. It's really cool they are out here right now and even cooler that they willing to do that for us!
We are starting to head NW now up towards Wyoming. There doesn't look like there are many libraries for a while so we may be back to phoning in the blogs. As we continue through the Rockies we will surely be amazed by more and more beauty. Yet everyone around here tells us that OR is more beautiful. We wonder how?
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Fri, 16 Jun 2006
Two Days To Go
Well, the truck capis on and as about as good as it's going to get. The modified clamps worked well. Thanks Bob. Also thanks to Biskit for the use of the cap.
Got a lot of the last minute details taken care of today. A few little things yet like SPOKES! Yes, you always carry extra spokes on a trip like this just - in- case. I measured all of them a long time ago but have not picked them up yet!!
Also, thank you to my good friend Buddy Drone for changing the oil on my truck and giving it the once over before the trip.
Well, the truck capis on and as about as good as it's going to get. The modified clamps worked well. Thanks Bob. Also thanks to Biskit for the use of the cap.
Got a lot of the last minute details taken care of today. A few little things yet like SPOKES! Yes, you always carry extra spokes on a trip like this just - in- case. I measured all of them a long time ago but have not picked them up yet!!
Also, thank you to my good friend Buddy Drone for changing the oil on my truck and giving it the once over before the trip.
Posted by mtnbikertaz at 11:06 PM EDT
Updated: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 12:10 PM EDT
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Updated: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 12:10 PM EDT
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Wed, 14 Jun 2006
Another milestone for Dusty!
Tonight on the last club before our "big" rideDusty did something I've never seen him do before. He reached down, grabbed his water bottle,took a swig and put it back in it's holder just like a pro. This sounds like a simple act, but not so for a novice road biker. The bike feels squirrelly and most do not want to let go of the bar to reach down. This is a goooood thing. He WILL need to drink on this trip!
The ride was good. This would be Jimmy's last Valley road ride other than to leave the valley. He is staying out west after the trip for those that don't know that yet. There were about 15 or so people there. We got rained on and waited out a storm on the porch of a funeral pallor out in the sticks. Everyone was wishing us well on our trip and genuinely excited for us. We'll be thinking of you all! Special thanks to Mashall Hammond, he knows why.
Tonight on the last club before our "big" rideDusty did something I've never seen him do before. He reached down, grabbed his water bottle,took a swig and put it back in it's holder just like a pro. This sounds like a simple act, but not so for a novice road biker. The bike feels squirrelly and most do not want to let go of the bar to reach down. This is a goooood thing. He WILL need to drink on this trip!
The ride was good. This would be Jimmy's last Valley road ride other than to leave the valley. He is staying out west after the trip for those that don't know that yet. There were about 15 or so people there. We got rained on and waited out a storm on the porch of a funeral pallor out in the sticks. Everyone was wishing us well on our trip and genuinely excited for us. We'll be thinking of you all! Special thanks to Mashall Hammond, he knows why.
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