Day Fifty

The last hours have been packed. Starting with the skit, Bill and I had a great time and the crowd seemed to enjoy it. I was very nervous and stuck to the script but Bill had the nerve to do some improv - at my expense of course. Two other groups sang songs, Joel and Mike Miller did an ABB version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Homeward bound" which was quite charming and had the whole room singing the chorus.
HK then passed out certificates and each of us had a chance to speak a few words. BS was the first one called and handled it quite well. Must be all that courtroom experience. I of course got a little choked up, but started with my limerick: there once was a group from Astoria, who rode ABB with euphoria. We biked many miles and shared lots of smiles and I'd go on and on but I'd bore ya.
The last day was cool and grey with predicted thunder showers. We had to get to the high school by 11:30 in order to get the police escort, and there were many rolling hills around a huge lake that took more time than many thought, and of course there was that bakery along the way that we had to swarm, so the pressure was on.
We gathered like a herd of cats and started to take pictures of each other, then, the big moment came. The police car started, followed by Silver (the two support vans were named by color) then the whole pack of us in our matching ABB jerseys. Bill borrowed a staff member's bike and rode the last three miles with all of us, which just added to my "reasons to bawl my eyes out" list.
We got the shore and most of us took off our shoes and walked our bikes into the sea. Bill dipped his mangled wheel from what was left of his bike - see above "bawling my eyes out" statement.
Rain looked imminent so BS and I, joined by Ralph, rode to the hotel. We took an unintentional detour and ended up doing a few extra miles and since the bakery had run out of goodies by the time we got there, my blood sugar was dropping rapidly.
We got to the hotel, put our bikes in Silver to take to the bike shop, ran to McD for a recovery shake (my last one!) and got to the hotel in time to see an impressive thunder shower with a deluge of water. We watched it for awhile because being from SoCal, we couldn't think of the last time we saw rain. Once again, we were lucky not to have to ride in it. The triple was not so lucky and Will and family came in looking rather grim, but pleased to be in safe.
We ran some errands by taxi which was cool because I've never done that "hey, can I say, follow that car?" and got back in time to start the social hour which started with beer brought by Mark's wife, then the San Fransisco treats and their significant others joined us in our room for wine and cheese, then BS and I took a cab to Maine for dinner.
We walked along a river which had an impressively long and consonant-filled name, and walked over the bridge to New Hampshire. We stopped for a after dinner beverage at a local hangout then called it a night.
Our hotel room was graced by flowers from PR, JR and SR, and also by a final card from GR. Thanks for the thoughts - it was quite cool coming back to see those reminders of you all in the room.
Our last load is today, then a shuttle to the airport, then home again. The real impact of this will take a while to sink in, but to you readers, I thank you for being with me and carrying me through. Wishing you all well, MA

Day Forty Nine

Another day to add to my top ten list, but I wouldn't know which ones to kick off the list in order to make room! Crossed into New Hampshire and enjoyed rolling up and downs in gorgeous forested hills. Didn't have too much traffic as today was and still is, in fact, Sunday, but started to see signs of the real world - airplanes!! Guess we're that close to Logan airport. We did 79.5 miles today - was supposed to be 88 but HK made an executive decision and checked out the route the day before and altered it, conveniently removing two big climbs, one with a 13% grade and the other with an alleged 20% section. Some of the man cubs did the big climbs anyway, since it was only 2 miles off the route, but I chose to be the obedient minion.
The Comfort Inn greeted us with iced Gatorade, water and chocolate bars, and BS and I walked over to Appleby's to get a late lunch. Now, I have to get ready for tonight. I hope I've packed enough Kleenex for the tears I'm sure to shed.
Today I realized that I'm really going to miss the simplicity of life I've had the priviledge of enjoying the last seven weeks. (seven weeks! yikes!) All I've had to do is sleep, wake, eat, ride and socialize with about 65 interesting people. I don't want this to end. I really would like to thank Dr. Ebert for giving me the time off from work, my friends and family for all their amazing support (thanks for the final card GR - you have really touched my heart) BS for sharing the last week of great riding with me, and my portable family that have made these days full of miles of smiles.
Keeping the rubber side down for one last day, MA

Day Forty Eight

I just finished writing about 6 paragraphs and then it just.....disappeared. Is that a way to reintroduce me to reality?
Since I didn't blog yesterday I'll review. We did 77 miles through the lovely hills in upper New York, around Mohawk country. I kept my eyes peeled for Daniel Day Lewis but he never showed. There were historical plaques everywhere (please no dentist jokes - although reading your comments is a crowning moment in my day!) We had a storm following us at about 8 mph and felt a few sprinkles, but never really got wet. The cloud cover did cool us down and held the humidity level to a comfortable 96% Entered the town of Troy and wandered downtown in an area that was ripe for development. The brownstone buildings had the most beautiful masonry and other than some coffee shops and art galleries, there was not much going on. We checked into the hotel and walked back down for some food, and found a great local pub (Watson and Holmes) which had the quintessential New York barkeep, complete with an attitude and a ruddy complexion. I did laundry, went for a late night swim and rehearsed the skit with Bill, who had not only memorized the thing (so much for a head injury!) but timed it in his room. This guy is taking this seriously.
Today we had a beautiful ride through the green hills of upper NY and into Vermont. The minute we crossed the Welcome sign, I swear to God, the forest became more lush, the houses more few and quaint, and labs and golden retrievers bounded joyfully through the meadows. Ok, no dogs, but you get my drift. I have been in Vermont before, and BG, even though the Fall Colors are not happening now, the beauty is still great. Truly one of the most immediately beautiful places I have ever been. It felt good to climb again- about 15 miles of up, then down into the bustling tourist town of Brattleboro, with too much quaint to handle. We ate at a bakery recommended by Jim our mechanic (who lives in Vermont), visited a local bike shop, then headed to the hotel.
It's funny being around this group. The first month we talked about our seats constantly (how bad, what treatments seemed to help) and now all we talk about is food. A bunch of us ate at the bakery so we discussed our entrees. On the 2 mile ride to the hotel some folks stopped at an ice cream shop, then when we got to the lobby we read the board (tells us what time is dinner and our entree choices) and talked about those, then hit the vending machines. Seriously. BS has already noticed how much and how quickly we eat breakfast. Gary calls breakfast "throwdown", as in, what time is throwdown tomorrow? In our skit Bill will discuss the 5 important things discussed at each route rap: breakfast time, where we can get food along the route, dinner time, where we can get good ice cream, and oh yeah, the route.
Tomorrow is another climbing day and we will enter New Hampshire, but don't worry - I'll find some maple candy before we leave this fine area. Take care, and wishing you all sweet thoughts. MA

Day Forty Six

Greetings friends and family from the warm and muggy environs of upper New York. Today we started by dodging traffic to get to breakfast, dodging traffic to get to the SAG and dodging traffic but not each other successfully for the rest of the day. Yes, another crash. Karen, one of the staff whose average speed is around 23 rode by BS, Penny and me today around mile 25. I wanted to be near greatness, and felt pretty good, so got on her wheel to the tune of 19 miles an hour. She was just toying with us, and I told her so. She picked up the pace and I couldn't quite hold on after a few miles, but wanted BS to go with, so I pulled out of the line. They were about 30 feet in front of me, and I could see this van on the wrong side of the road, stopping at each driveway. I thought it was one of those rural mail delivery persons and thought it odd that he was on the wrong side of the road, then he cut right over in front of Karen. She swerved, BS swerved and Penny hit BS's wheel. Down she went. Luckily other than a few scrapes and a sprained thumb and bruised thigh, she is ok. They were probably going over 20 mph. The van guy backed up and said "did I do something wrong?" and I said, "well, you should probably look around next time you do that". His response was "I'm delivering newspapers". I felt bad for the guy because he was not the sharpest tool in the shed, and by the way, who delivers papers at 10:00am? Ultimately all was good to go. We got back on the road and Penny had some shifting issues so we called Mike who got there and was blown away by yet another crash today. I told him we were just trying to fulfill his expectations. Derek, the youngest Miller, was pushed about three feet on his bike by a woman creeping her car forward at a turn, but luckily didn't go down.
Today we are in Little Falls and the Best Western is hosting a wine and cheese reception for our group. Did one of you tip them off about me? This is quite a treat. Thanks for your concerns about Bill, he is up and well, and back to being one of my favorite smart asses. Still won't be able to finish the ride, but seeing him at each SAG makes me glad he's ok. He's thinking of dipping his mangled rear wheel into the Atlantic, and I'll celebrate that he is here.
Only four days left. Really hard to believe. Tomorrow should be a light day, then 2 days of 5000 feet climbing and 80 plus miles. Then, the Atlantic!
Hope you all are well, looking forward to seeing, hugging and appreciating you in person soon. MA

Day Forty Five

Greetings and hope you are all safe and sound. Last night at rap HK told us that most problems happen the first and last weeks of the trip. We are riding through the New England portion of this country, complete with charming homes, small villages and many retirees. Sadly we lost one of our riders in Niagara - Richard (I called him badger boy because he always wore a Wisconsin jersey and had a badger flag on his bike when we rode through that state). Apparently he injured his knee coming into the USA and after a day of ceaseless pain, decided to end the trip. Our day started off unfortunately true to HK's word: Bill, my skit pal, was hit by a motorcycle coming out of the hotel. Jana, who has been riding with him since the second week, said he flew up in the air like a rag doll and landed hard. Thankfully he does not recall a thing. He went to the hospital and ended up with stitches and scrapes, a concussion, and the likelihood that he will not complete the ride. As we rode by we saw the blood on the ground and I cried for about 5 miles. We saw him come in as we were unloading the box, and I cried again. He is very lucky and looking overall well. A bad way for BS to start a trip and a sobering day for all of us.
I am glad that the Ramada Inn is across the street because I am in serious need of a glass of wine. We tried to keep up the cheer today - along the canal we rode for about 25 miles and I said that it was kind of creepy - Erie as it were. BS said that it was a route canal. But somehow my heart wasn't into the comedy.
We are in the hotel and safe, and I feel like crying some more. What a great vacation buddy I can be, eh? Please everyone on and off the bike, take care and be watchful (as my mother would say) of the "other idiots on the road." Love to all, MA

Day Forty Four

Good people, as I was sitting down to type this in, I asked BS what day it was. He said, "day one". It's all about perspective, folks.
Yesterday was just dreamy. We opted for a buffet breakfast (imagine that! buffet by choice!) and joined a tour led by Rita, a comedienne to be sure. We did the Canadian side tour, complete with walking behind the falls, seeing the falls from below on an observation deck (otherwise known as a shower stand) seeing the whirlpool around 10 miles downstream, checking out the horticultural center and amazing park, and ending with the Maid of the Mist. BS said that if he hadn't have maid the trip he would have mist it. Fits right in, doesn't he? He also talked Rita into leaving us on that side so that we could have a leisurely lunch overlooking the falls. We walked back into the USA (which had the nerve of charging us 50 cents to do so!) in time for his orientation session, then walked to Goat Island for yet another great dinner overlooking the falls from a different perspective. We were joined at dinner by other folks from the tour who were eager to meet him.
The polite eagerness turned quickly to razzing him the next morning when we stepped out in matching jerseys and bike shoes. We had another great day, 82 miles of rolling hills and greenery. BS really just left Riverside 2 days ago so all the green was impressive to him. I have been lucky enough to have seen it all along. Different people rode by and said hi, and Rich told the joke du jour which was Why are there no Wal Marts in Afghanistan? Because they are all Targets.
Got in early and was relieved to find that my strategy paid off: I was first in the laundry!!!! See, many people on their off day do things like laundry. I had a guest to entertain so didn't want to mar the day with such tasks. Gary slept 16 hours, Bob stayed in his room, Bill didn't venture out into the world until 3:30. Many different styles of rest.
I have frequently stressed that BS needs to do his own ride. Steve has already invited him to ride with him if he "loses the ball and chain". Can't believe it's the last week. Thanks for all your support, and take care, MA

Day Forty Two

Greetings from the USA!!!! It's good to be home, although the Canadians did a better job of decor on their side of the falls. We had a 75 mile day, and my excitement built as we could see the "needle" from 15 miles away. We rode through beautiful farm lands and then took some great winding roads through a high end residential area that reminded me of parts of the Redlands and Riverside areas with big homes and large shade trees. Then, as we came up on the Radisson, Sheraton and other fine hotels, around the corner were the falls!!!!! I thought I would cry but was too worried about negotiating safely around more tourists speaking more languages than I've seen in years. It was funny, there was a walkway along the falls, then as we rode towards the Freedom Bridge to get the America, there was a sign that said "tourist area". Gee, really? Is that why there was a hulk figure, wax museum and t-shirt place all next to each other, flanked by the Hard Rock cafe?
Checked into the hotel with only a minor hitch, said good by to Jana as my roommate, and gave her some Canadian bike socks as a "thank you for being such a great roommate" gift (was hard to find a card that said that) . We have route rap at 5:00 and BS should get here between 5:30 and 6:00. Tomorrow being rest day (yeah!!!!!) we will be busy seeing the falls, going on the "maid of the mist" and of course, visiting the wax museum.
Hope you all are well, and thanks again to my family and friends - I will be seeing you soon! MA

Day Forty One

Well gentle readers, yesterday was another milestone. We crossed the 3000 mile mark, we crossed into Canada, I ate some hot cross buns, I crossed my legs, watched a little la crosse, crossed my t's and dotted my i's, was a little cross at someone (please someone help!)
HK was wrong for the first time ever this trip. We left the USA with escort across the bridge (which was really cool - flashing lights, all of us in the same jersey, well, each wearing a jersey with the same pattern anyway) and the skies were dark grey with big clouds. Rain showers were predicted for both the morning and afternoon, and since we were riding for 81 miles, we were bound to get wet. As I was debating my attire he advised a rain jacket as we were certain to get pelted. MIRACULOUSLY NO! We rode into Canada and Brett said "you know, I feel like I'm in a foreign country". Not so much. Subway, Shell, all the players are here. Thankfully the route took us off the populated areas into more farm lands which looked like American but smelled far worse. Seriously. Worse.
Today was a short 65 mile day. I was joined half way by Lenny and Penny. What are the odds that I'd ride with people whose names rhyme? We rode through gorgeous farm lands, then entered a town that had the most beautiful brick colonial large homes with well manicured lawns, people out tending their flowering gardens, asking us where we're going and where we've been. It was a real treat to have a relatively short day, but since we loaded at 8:00, I don't think I got on the road before 8:20.
Yesterday I received a lovely gift - a book written by Ralph, with a lovely note. His book is about living a life with purpose and joy and there are nine rules he tries to follow. Not including, of course, the rules of cycling. Such as, never pass an ice cream store without checking it out. There was a place called Scoopies that served 2 scoops for 2 dollars, and there were all sorts of Lycra clad patrons there. I opted out, and will try to phase out the whole dessert thing before ending this trip. I figure if I go through withdrawal, being on the bike should help.
I have a date tonight with Bill, in order to go over our skit. We were going to do this at the bar in the hotel but maybe we should hold off - things funny to us after a drink may not be funny to a sober audience. But it would be a shame to miss such a well placed bar....
Tomorrow we ride to Niagara Falls!!! I have always wanted to see them and have been looking forward to this moment (not this one, the one there, that one) for as long as I can remember (which, with biker brain, is not very long). I may not enter a blog for the next two days but we'll see. Whether I do or not, know that I think of you all and thank you for your support. MA

Day Thirty Nine

Dear friends and family, another 87 miles down. Pretty close to a century if you ask my rear. We woke under threat (again) of rain and I actually felt a few drops as I approached Lake Huron, but managed to avoid a deluge. Tomorrow we may not be as lucky. Not wholly because of GR, but there is a storm predicted.
GR, a boot is a dollar or a piece of plastic wrap (like a GU wrapper) or a piece of tire tubing inserted into a tire that has been punctured. It then prevents the tube from protruding out of the tire and/or rubbing against an uneven surface in the inside and hence becoming flat soon thereafter. In the tire changing seminar HK said that one should replace the tire upon ending the ride that the boot was inserted on. The only thing he's said that I didn't heed to the letter. Apparently on the Mississippi he had a bike handling seminar to improve skills. I guess there are too many people here to do a good job, but I would love to learn more from him.
Tonight I made it into the laundry pile - so to speak. Rejoice. Awaiting a shuttle to dinner. Heard on the ride today that ABB stands for America by Buffet. Bill and I are going to do a skit the last night and I'll add that to my idea list. He asked me to do one with him about a week ago and I told him that it would really be a stretch for me, given my inherent shyness, but that this trip was all about growth so count me in. Unfortunately, the most growth I've had has been my stomach muscle, does that count?
Today was a "countdown" day for me, not for any particular reason, other than I just wanted to be off the bike. A countdown day is when I say at approximately every 5 miles, "only 65 miles left", then "only 60 miles left" etc. Was briefly distracted in the town of Yale which was gearing up for their baloney festival coming up this weekend, complete with the crowning of the baloney queen. I felt like I should have been a candidate as I am usually full of baloney, but apparently one had to live there. Bill said that Yale really had a lock on baloney (get it?) and I told him that I was quite secure that he would always come up with a worse pun (secure?) Jeff thoughtfully provided a selection of brats and baloney at the SAG; sadly there was no tofu baloney representation. I think a bunch of Californians ought to move there and teach these folks some options for their acres and acres of soy beans. By the way, in case I get a flurry of protests that I misspelled baloney, let it be said that my spell check refuses to acknowledge the proper form.
Tomorrow we go to Canada!!! They are going to close the bridge to allow us to go over en masse, because it has some wide spacers that we could crash on and they would prefer we not bleed on their soil. Then, after 2 days we come back to the USA and Niagara Falls!!!
We are staying at a new Holiday Inn Express, and let me tell you, I feel smarter already. Now if I could only invent that portable laundry system suggested by TK.......
Wishing you all a smart wrap up to the week, MA

Day Thirty Eight

Greetings kind readers and thanks so much for the replies on the last entry! If I can recall what you wrote, (remember I'm seriously brain dead) I'll try to reply: GR, there is a guy who did the West tour last year. He said it was great but really hilly. Long days. You can always sign up for just a portion of it if you wish , You can find their itinerary on the America By Bicycle website. On the plus side, many of the hotels had wine and cheese greetings rather than cookies and water. On the down side, please refer to "really hilly". Herr Kommandant and his outstanding crew are doing that tour this September and I'll try to meet them along the way. The tradition is to bring food, of course. BG, PR and GR thanks so much for the offer of a party, and BT of course you will hear about one if it happens. Since one of the things I left at home was my planner (I pretty much knew I didn't need it here) I have no idea what I'm doing Sept. 9. AB, keep having those conversations about babies. Those are far more important than anything I'm doing. And JT thanks for all the support along the way, and for all the stories, especially the bobcat one. And keep drinking and typing.
If you all don't mind I'll replay the last three days, since this is my journal in order to distinguish one day from the next. On day thirty six I woke with the wedding jitters (oh, wait...) I woke and joined others for a delicious bagel stop breakfast before heading to the wedding. It was held in a park on the shore of Great Lake Michigan, under beautiful shade trees. The crew were in their dress T-shirts and Jeff wore a tuxedo shirt. Sondra's father had an eloquent tribute, first to his daughter, then to their union. The judge had a great spiel about marriage and love, and Jeff and Sondra each had their own vows. I had to go to the hospital for rehydration - I cried my eyes out, especially when Jeff got choked up. He started with "ten years ago I put the bottle on the shelf and started a new life with clear eyes that led me to you". Of course it wasn't all serious; when the judge asked for the rings someone said "chain rings?"
The ferry ride was actually 4 hours ("Big ship - much fun!" ) and offered diversions such as bingo, a movie, and all the stuffed pretzel varieties one could wish for. I found a room called the "quiet room/museum" and folded myself into a chair and slept. Then went for the stuffed pretzel. Then the desperate race for the laundry. More on that later.
Day Thirty Seven began with ominous reports of rain, and the grey skies concerned many of us, but ultimately the last century of this trip was 115 miles of cool beauty. Penny even said "today is better than it could have been if it hadn't been this good". Profundity at its best. HK went out early and scoped the route and took 2 miles and a hill off the ride because he found a better road. Another example of his outstanding work. Even on his days off the bike he'll try to drive alternate routes to check out better roads, and yet passes us several times a day to check on us. He knows our riding patterns so well that there's been days when I had a later start and he'll say "what are you doing back here?" or he'll see me and say "where's so and so?" I really marvel at his concern for us - he always lets us know when there's a rough spot or a poor shoulder, and given the amount of miles we've done, there have been very few "bad" roads. We rode through acres of forest, corn fields and rolling hills. Someone forgot to tell the flowers that it was summer and a drought - they were bloomin' everywhere! We are doing more turns now in order to avoid the major motorways. HK knows that even with a cue sheet and computers we are not thinking, so he marks alot of the turns for us. During rap he goes over some areas that might be tricky, and explains them saying "it should be intuitively obvious to even the most dis-interested casual observer". I am now using this phrase often: are you hungry? Well, it should be intuitively....etc. Are you tired? Well, it should be .....etc. The problem is, it takes so long to say it that people now know to avoid asking me anything.
Just finished day Thirty Eight. 75 miles that were flat and mostly country. I was joined for about 5 miles by Rich, a nice dentist from Seattle. He told me jokes the whole time, one of which I'll share. Man/beach/bottle/genie. G: I am a genie and a lawyer, so whatever wish you ask will come doubly true for all the lawyers in the world. M: I would like 10 million dollars. G: Now, you know that that means 20 million for all the lawyers, right? OK, done. M: Second wish, a real sexy sports car convertible. G: And you recall that that means 2 cars for every lawyer, right? And what would you like for your third wish? M:I always wanted to be a kidney donor. I asked him if there are any dentist jokes and he said he doesn't know any but tells his patients to "floss the teeth you want to keep" and "be true to your teeth now or they will be false to you later". Ha!
I have been hearing some of the men talking about their spouses - many have never spent more than a week away from their wives or their work. When Joel's wife came up from Chicago he set a personal record getting in that day. People are seeing the end of the ride looming and are ready for it. I'm glad they have such good marriages. Or they're tired of doing their own laundry. Yes, folks, the veneer of courtesy and consideration seen at meals and on the road vanishes as soon as we need to do laundry. The only grumblings that I've heard said against our fellow cyclists have been in the context of doing laundry. In fact, one of the things that I will suggest for ABB to include in their training booklet is to include a chapter called "the politics of laundry". Do we do laundry in order of who gets in first or who gets their laundry in first? What of the person who puts their day's jersey in the washer until they can then get their soap and the remainder of their clothes in it? Does one start their wash then go to dinner? Do we write lists? And who starts them? We tried to figure these out last night over drinks but gave up. I think bringing a sherpa along would work for me - one that can lug my bags and clean my clothes. Plus how often does one get to use the word "sherpa" in daily conversation?
I'm thinking that this week we're tired. Of trying to be nice all the time, of trying to be perky, of trying to be clever. One doesn't often spend 7 weeks with total strangers, and now I know why. By next week, however, the excitement of a goal nearly accomplished, returning home to loved ones, and the visualized end of buffet dining will re-inspire us to be our best.
Looking forward to returning home, and give your washers and dryers a hug. MA

Day Thirty Five/Six

Gentle readers, greetings. I will reveal a pattern here: when I don't post it's because of one of two reasons; problems with getting wifi or having such a good night that I postpone writing. Well, last night was one of those good nights. We had a 57 mile day yesterday but didn't get on the road till after 9:00 so although it was short it was still after noon when I got my first glimpse of Lake Michigan. It really is Great. Instead of checking into the hotel, I rode 3 miles to downtown and did a tour of the the Maritime Museum and had lunch with one of the new riders that joined us a week ago. He is doing a leg at a time (no pun intended) as many folks do. I think it's a testament to how good this company is, the fact that many riders have done sections of this before, or have done other rides with them (Mississippi, Western coast).
I rode about 10 miles of the day with Joel and Allison, a father daughter team from Chicago. He is an internist and she will start UCI medical school in the fall, so I will probably hook up with her for a ride or kayak or whatever at some time. They enjoy singing when they ride, and Allison has a beautiful voice. I even got to make requests! At one point I got kinda choked up (who, me?) thinking of what a great experience this would be to share with a child, and how cool that they were singing together, and told them that I hope they remember this joy for the rest of their lives. Just in case, I'll remember it for the rest of their lives for them.
My dear brother GR asked about the groupings on this ride. People do ride together at times, but Barbara said that this is the first group that has most of the folks riding alone. There have been some established groups since the beginning: the fast four (that have done this and other tours together), a group of about six guys that are the next fast group who occasionally ride together or in groups of two or three, the Miller family (dad, mom, Mike age 20 and Derek age 16) usually joined by Bob and Gary, the three D's (Jen, Brett, Russel from Delaware). Joel and Allison often ride with the Miller train. Jana hooked up with Bill and Jim, and says that pushing herself to keep up has made her stronger. Mark and Max (another parent child combo) ride together. Topper rides with the fast four when he's alone, but his fiancee Lois (who he met on a ride) ride together when she's here, which has been for the second leg and the current one. Personally, I take a while to warm up, ride slow the first 30 or so, and don't like to dawdle at the rest stops, so although I'm in the last third, I often get in before others. On the longer rides I ride with others, and Penny and I already have a ride date for our century tomorrow. We talk about our styles amongst ourselves, and there are many of us who won't push ourselves at all on this ride, because we don't want to blow it so close to the end. I am certainly in that group. This is not the time to do interval training or skip those recovery shakes!
After the museum I took my bike to Jim to check on the rear tire. I had booted it in Oregon and thought he should check it. He recommended changing it out, and showed folks what was left of my dollar bill boot - it looked like confetti! Good thing I hadn't used a twenty. He then fashioned a key chain for me out of bike chain, but he assumes I'll remember how to use one. (what, cars don't use those credit card keys like hotels? Those room keys have been the only keys I've used in 36 days!!)
Since I had a huge lunch I opted out of the shuttle to dinner and joined the SF ladies for some wine and cherries, then headed downstairs to the lounge to mock the surly bartender with Bill. There was a group of about 20 in the lobby watching the Tour and I made some phone calls, so all in all, it was a great night.
Today is a rest day, we load at 8:30, go to Jeff and Sondra's wedding at 10:00, and have to be at the dock at noon. We take the SSBadger to the other shore, lose an hour of time, and get to the hotel about 6:00pm. HK says that whenever Barbara asks to go on a cruise he mentions this boat ride. Any boat ride involving 3 hours where you don't see a coastline counts, in his book, as a cruise. You can even rent a room on board! We tease Jeff that he's a big honeymoon spender - taking 65 friends on a cruise.
Hard to believe only 14 days left - the countdown. Word has it that when we ride to the Atlantic Coast we get a police escort and they close some bridge so we can ride across en masse. I am already visualizing it in order to make it safely so.
Missing you all and wishing you well, MA

Day Thirty Four

Greetings good friends, and hope your Saturday is going well. We are in Fond du Lac (I'm actually fond of lakes as well) and enjoying the most perfect weather. 85 miles today (counting the errands I ran in town) and had a glorious time. I rode alone all day for the first time in awhile and the time really flew by. Rolling green hills, blue skies, large white clouds. Saw an older man mowing his lawn on a tractor, towing his grandson on a radio flyer. Looking forward to a short day tomorrow.
Despite the fact that I can be an extrovert at times, last night I was tired and wanted nothing but silence and a glass of wine. I walked away from the hotel towards the Paul Bunyon all you can eat steakhouse and found a restaurant that served a delicious hand tossed thin crust wheat pizza and a lovely Zinfandel. I reviewed my pictures and just relaxed. So much so, that I forgot to charge my bike computer when I got in, and had to navigate off the cuff today. Several riders were surprised that I didn't have 2 computers. Suspenders and a belt type of people, obviously. Thanks again to the preparation at route rap and the fine markings by HK, finding my way to the hotel was a snap. At one point he even wrote "turn right here Jan" on the road. Such personal service. I took a picture.
Colleen crashed today, trying to take off her jacket while riding. Many folks noted how risky a behavior that was. I realized that I was lucky, because I have done that myself on rides, in fact attempted it today. My glove got stuck so I tried to put my left hand back on the bars but couldn't reach so I looked like a TRex with a short left arm. I finally caved in and braked so I could safely take the thing off. I'll not try that trick again soon, especially after riding so many miles.
Roads in Wisconsin have these sophisticated names. County Road A, B, C etc. When they run out of letters they double them up. We crossed some interesting intersections. ZZ (must be a boring road), BO (what happens when 65 cyclists ride on it) and BM (not kidding). Maybe they keep the names simple so one can just marvel at the landscape. It really is beautiful here.
Right now I'm in the room with the Tour on. If anyone has some time, could you please mail Michael Rasmussen a care package? If his cheeks get any more sunken in, he'll (fill in hilarious quip here). He has the thinnest arms I've ever seen. Thank god they haven't had serious winds or he'd never be seen again.
We are at a very old Ramada Inn where a wedding party is happening soon. We already scared many of the folks in the lobby, and plan to invade the bar soon (don't worry, it's only a 57 miler tomorrow). Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I wish you well. Love to all, MA

Day Thirty Three

OK, cancel the resource pooling for Minnesota and let's move to Wisconsin. Not only do they have amazing scenery, a huge rails to trails network, but they have cheese! (although I don't consider Colby very exotic). We have lots of relatives and friends meeting folks here - many bring food. They haven't seen anything quite like our group descending on food like a herd of locusts. In fact, the one thing that's improved the most in my personal arsenal is how much food I can eat, how often, in a very rapid time. I literally ate my way across the 92 miles we did today. And no, I had no desire to make it another century. Probably because today was a good news/bad news deal. The good news was that 30 of our miles were on a rails to trails path that was gorgeous and free of cars. The bad news was that one can't go as fast on crushed gravel. The good news was that there were small towns along the way that offered tempting foods to ease the weary traveler, the bad news was that there were small towns along the way that offered tempting foods to ease the weary traveler.
The Sparta-Elroy trail was great. We were greeted at the start by "Ben Riding", a man dressed like a cross between a circus ringleader and an old fashioned cyclist, riding one of those big front/small rear bikes. There were volunteers there who had a map of the US and encouraged us to put pins where we came from. We got free post cards and magnets and yes, food. The weather today was amazing - 70's, slight if any humidity, blue open skies with big fluffy clouds. There were three tunnels along the trail, the longest being 3/4 mile. We walked our bikes and had the flashlights that HK told us to have and did the usual whooping and hollering through tunnels. HK was walking in front of me in the pitch dark and Ray said "hey Mike, could you check my derailleur?" (maybe a location ha ha, but I was cracking up). Prior to the trail we rode by the largest and most beautiful community garden I've ever seen. Bordering the vegetable area and lining the road was the flower section, and I wished I had stopped to take a photo of a woman in a straw hat holding a huge bouquet. It will have to stay in my mind. If I can delete the photo of the hand scooped ice cream sandwich.
We see signs for "brats" everywhere, and I think man, I'd better avoid that area. Or send them to Minnesota to the "watch for children" areas. But then I was enlightened after reading the material on Wisconsin distributed last night. Sausage and cheese may be easier to find here than Havarti and a nice Shiraz.
Because we sampled the local wares, we got in very late. Then again, I seem to get in quite late no matter what. I slurch in, covered in road dirt, looking at the fast group clean and dressed, sitting in the lobby talking about the sights in the town that they rode by. Maybe I'll have to, say, train for this so I can actually see something in these towns beside the showers in the hotel. But after running into two guys riding self supported to California, trust me, showers are a good thing.
Hoping this reading finds you all well. MA

Day Thirty Two

Good people, we all need to pool our resources and move to Minnesota. Picture this: acres and acres of corn fields over six feet tall, deer roaming freely, then gradually entering hills of pine and cypress, clusters of huge oak down in the valley floor. Flowers everywhere: purple, yellow, blue (love those botanical names, eh?) Entering the town of Rushford (population 1000 and so clean it shined) which had a beautiful trailhead station (complete with a sculpture garden made from bike parts) to end an 11 mile 'rails to trails' bike route through incomparably beautiful lush trees, sheltering us from the heat. A 20mph wind kept the humidity down, and unfortunately made a one mile climb like Wildwood Canyon slightly more challenging because it was full on head wind, but made all the whirly gigs on peoples impeccable porches show their colors in the sparkling sun.
We crossed the Mississippi river in all its splendour and entered Wisconsin. Today was supposed to be an 89 mile day, but there was road work so we had a 6-7 mile detour. And (as I mentioned in a previous blog) many of us have our quirks. Mine was to ride an extra 5 miles to make it a century day, because how often does one do three centuries in three days? I was joined by several others, as we hatched this plan at the "Welcome to Wisconsin" sign. Once again I had the pleasure of spending the day with Penny and Donna, who gave me some great laughs. Once again we were approached by people asking where we were from and what we were doing and wishing us well. Once again during a spot when I was riding alone I had a good cry from all the beauty around me. And once again, today as in every day, I was thankful for the chance to see this beautiful country in the best way possible: with great company and good health, and on a bicycle. Today has got to be in the top 10 total bliss days.
The staff was in top form as usual, letting us know about the road work before riding up to it, having the roads marked with revised directions, and having encouraging slogans on the huge one mile climb to inspire us.
Tomorrow is a 92 mile day. And if my achilles eases up, I may try to do a fourth century. I am icing my knees as I type and took my second Ibuprofen of this whole trip (amazing, isn't it? And for the sake of honesty, I took the first one because of a wine headache!)
At rap tonight Her Kommandant urged us to maintain focus and safe habits. He said that by now we know we're going to make it, and we're getting excited about the finish, and that we can't get sloppy. He started to prepare us for the details of our last weeks, and the reality of how much time has gone by really hit. Bittersweet.
I got another card from my brother whose timing thus far has been perfect, and I enjoyed reading private and blog responses from friends and family. Thanks so much for being there. I wish you all moments of joy like I had today. MA

Day Thirty One

Hello gentle readers and hope this finds you well. Since my last entry involved correcting false data (call me Jason Blair) I start this one with yet another correction, albeit far less serious. Donna's partner worked for a breast cancer outreach organization (not Cliff bar) and the reason Cliff was there was to see the non profit group that would receive 1% of the profits from their new bar for women, which really was named after the dog. Which was also Donna's dog. This journalism stuff is really tough.
Yesterday we rode 103 miles through acres and acres of corn fields. Oddly enough, there are signs everywhere that say "watch for children". What children, children of the corn? Or maybe, they want folks to watch for children then sweep them up for servitude because otherwise, I have only seen 2 kids under 20 in Minnesota so far. I don't know how these people can take care of all these crops - you can actually see the curvature of the earth before you see another silo or farmhouse. However, I find it beautiful and peaceful. Every 12 miles or so was a small town, one of which was Benton (I think - I'm not going to check the cue sheet to verify, so I may have to correct this one later). Anyway, I was laughing because everything was Benton Valley this or that. But they abbreviated it to "BV". So there was BV motors and BV bank etc. If any of my work friends are reading this, they will know why I was laughing.
Lots of people have cute carvings or wagons or sculptures on their well manicured acres, but I have yet to decide to stop and take photos. Just wanted to "git er done".
Last night I dreaded today - another century. After a late start, and realizing that I had packed my bike computer into my luggage (on one of the few days that had lots of turns to navigate) I didn't think it would go well, but it was a great day. More corn fields, soy fields, stopped at a cafe for lunch and chatted with locals, stopped at a bike store and received the "cross country discount", watched the Tour in an air conditioned room after a hot shower - can't get better than this! Penny rode with me today and asked if my expectations of this trip had been met so far. I asked her if she wanted the short answer or the long answer and she said "well, we've got about 70 miles to kill, so go with the long one!" We discussed our preparations, (in my case, far less than most) our goals (to finish and feel good) and lots more. One of the reasons today went so well was because of her good company.
By the way, we have a celebrity in our midst. One of the guys, Gary, a funny guy from Wisconsin, was a finalist on the golf channel's contest for a new invention pertinent to the game. If you tune in, they have been using a clip with him to advertise the show. It's like an "American Idol" for golf gizmos. His story is interesting: he did two rides of about 30 miles prior to this ride. He has just always wanted to do this. His friends said, "why don't you ride across Wisconsin and see if you can do it?" but he said that was not what he wanted to do. He went through some seat issues (haven't we all) but is doing really well.
Big Mike (he of cracked rim issues earlier) has now cracked his custom titanium frame. His bike shop sent his mountain bike so he's on that today, and happy to be riding again.
Tomorrow is 89 miles. Longer than I'd like, but if all goes well, I'll be in a little sooner than today.
Reading your responses and e-mails on my "private line" I realize how much I miss you all. These last few weeks will probably go quickly, and I look forward to being home again, although this 'portable family' I have now has been a real gift. Hope you are all well, MA

Emergency Broadcast

As I was walking towards maintenance today, HK told me that he had been reading my blog (gulp!). He asked me to correct a statement that I must have mis-heard: he has never, at any time, personally ridden on the white line of the Interstate. He has always ridden on, and advised us to ride well within the shoulder, because of the safety issue. May the jury please disregard my incorrect prior statement. Now HK, can I have my bike back?

Day Twenty Nine

Another great day in the saddle. Jana and I opted out of the hotel breakfast and hoofed it to Mickey D's for grub. Started riding around 7:00 and had a beautiful easy recovery ride. To answer GR, it wasn't hard getting on the bike after the rest day. It was hard getting out of bed after the Pinot Noir that Rich and I shared at dinner. Brain death is truly rampant: nine of us had dinner last night and the poor waitress stood there holding our plates because no one could remember what they ordered. And we had no route sheet to cue us.
After a lovely 9 mile bike trail out of Sioux Falls, we rode by the odoriferous slaughter yards and train tracks and entered Minnesota! I had an immediate urge to talk with an accent and go ice fishing. I could tell that the state marker was coming up because there was a line of cyclists standing there for pictures. Either that or it was a buffet.
We rode through endless corn fields and soy fields and it was really great to see few buildings again. We encountered a few detours and as usual, HK and the crew were on top of things. At one point we were given an option: ride 6 miles on packed dirt or ride on the road for what turned out to be 10 extra miles. So today's 70 mile day turned out to be 81, but with yet another recovery stop at the DQ, all ended well.
Cheers once again to the crew. Even HK had to sacrifice a testosterone battle with Daco to ride the detour and mark the way for us. I noticed that the "AB" markers are getting bigger. Obviously he knows that none of us can think for ourselves at this point. I wonder if they will schedule a rematch. HK says that it's a win-win situation: if Daco beats him, it's because HK is 60 years old. If Daco wins, it's because he's had a month of training for it!
I'm going to visit Jim the maintenance guru today - I think I need to replace my chain. Although no one's been yanking it so far. Speaking of which, Jana and I have a policy: what's said in room (insert the day's room number here) stays in room ( ). And we really haven't had to employ that policy at all. People have really been great.
I hope that you dear readers are having equally good experiences. Take care, MA

Day Twenty Eight

To recap yesterday, we rode 75 miles of lovely corn and soy fields before arriving in Sioux Fall, SD. Population 124,000. It was very strange to be in such a big town. Three of us went straight to a sporting goods store to restock. Lenny had 2 flats on the ride so he bought me 2 CO2 cartridges and a tube. I bought yet another pair of bike shorts. Probably every one of us has had seat issues, and some of us have had to take a day off because of it. I've tried so many different treatments I'm thinking of flying to Lourdes. And after being with these people for a month, one doesn't think twice about asking 'hey, how's your butt?" One of the bike area guys asked us about our trip and gave us free Luna bars left over from a ride that shop had sponsored earlier this month. Little trivia for ya'll: Donna, who lives in the Bay Area, has a partner who worked for Cliff bar. Some of the queso grandes were walking around the office and met Luna, a golden retriever that lived in Donna's partner's office. (apparently Cliff is a great place to work: gym, showers, bring pets, community service counts for work hours etc). At the time they were thinking of a new line of bars for women, and days after meeting the dog came up with the name Luna. I guess they didn't put a picture of the dog on it so as not to confuse the public.
Last night we had to walk through a mall (well, we didn't have to walk through it, but it had air conditioning) in order to get to the trough, uh, dinner. It felt very wierd to be around that much activity after the small Western towns. A group of us stopped on the way to dinner and had drinks and toasted to having three weeks left. Which led to discussions as to how many people have had to sag for any reason (12 by estimate) and how many have to do "efi" (every f------ inch). When we were in the Tetons and had the Dept of Transportation drive us over the unpaved area, apparently that drove some people nuts. Interesting, how our quirks surface. John said that in 4 miles we will be at 2000 miles, and I really don't care that 6 of them were in a truck. I just wish I took a picture of us as Ralph did, because it looked pretty funny.
Today is rest day and has been great. I walked to a laundromat about a mile away and knew half the people in it! They had a TV so we watched Rasmussen win the 2nd day in the Alps. I have a massage coming up, there's a Barnes and Noble near by, and I have a great book I'm reading, so life is very good.
Talking to BS on the phone yesterday we realized that he will be here in two weeks, which now seems like it's going to come up fast. We have two back to back centuries next week, and a wedding to attend. Lots to look forward to.
I hope this finds you all well, and, since this is a rest day, rested. MA

Day Twenty Six

Greetings gentle readers, and welcome back! Actually, it was me that was gone for a day due to technical difficulties, but all is well.
Day twenty five was quite special - we hit our halfway point, both in days of the ride and mileage! The staff put white writing on the ground at the mileage marker and there was a line of us getting our pictures taken by it. It was a long day, 87 miles, and many of us had a rough start, in part because of the time change, in part because it was after the 117 miler. We had dark foreboding skies, a prediction of rain, and cool breezes that turned into challenging head winds for 20 miles. But, as seems to be a pattern, both the day and our attitudes changed, and all ended well in the town of Chamberlain. We followed the Missouri river for much of the day, and had lots of eye candy.
Day twenty six has been a beautiful 74 mile day, lots of us feeling lucky we have a "light" day. Today, though, also brought us our first exposure to humidity and heat but it only got into the high 80's so we're still pretty lucky. We are in Mitchell SD, and of course rode straight to the world famous Corn Palace, a place that has murals made from corn and corn products on the outside walls. It was a-maizing. You really had to keep your ears open to hear all the lore. Much of the lore had kernels of truth. (these, and more groaners courtesy of Bill). I was too brain dead to join in on the puns at lunch, but not too tired to reach over and slap him.
Greeting me at the Best Western was a very thoughtful and funny card sent by my brother George. He has been really supportive through this trip, and I look forward to visiting him and riding with him. He and his sons went to virginia to see my nephew get installed as commander at the base, and it sounds like quite a travel ordeal. But it was probably also a great time. I thought of George in the tiny two block town of Chamberlain. There was a coffee shop/wine bar that had a surprisingly good wine selection. A group of us went there, and I ordered a glass of Smoking Loon Cab. I had seen their wine corks before, which have "wooo woooo" etched on them. But this one had "woooo wooooo cough" on it (smoking loon's cough - clever!) So I saved it. Thank god it doesn't weigh too much.
For a Friday the 13th all has been well. I am very thankful for the others on this trip, for the support of my family and friends, and for having the time to do this wonderful trip.
I hope this finds you all healthy and happy. MA

Day T.wenty Four

Today started bright and early with loading at 5:15, breakfast at 5:30. As usual, many folks were there even earlier than that. Ironically enough, many of them are the fastest riders. Glad to give them an early start! That leaves the road clear for us slow pokes.
Which leads me to a subject that I had been asked: am I a different rider than when I started? Well, I am not. Not stronger, not faster, but also not out of the game. I approach each day with cautious optimism, and never take this body or the day for granted. We have too much riding ahead of us for me to push myself, and quite frankly, I've not been known to do that too often, so if anything, my stamina has increased, but my style has stayed the same. Two people have already noted that I am "steady" which I think is a polite way of saying "slow", and one person told me my legs were like a metronome. I'm hoping he meant that my cadence was even, but it could mean that my knees are clicking loudly.
I am glad for finishing today's 117 miles, glad that it only got to the high 80's, and glad that we only have three more centuries ahead. Lenny told me that two years ago 4 people had to go to the ER because of heat exhaustion (it was 110 degrees). Some guys at the DQ said that there were temps of 103 a few days ago, so today we got lucky. Barbara told Jan that a good recovery drink is a chocolate milk: good carbs, fats and protein. So my new training regimen includes stopping at the Dairy Queen for a chocolate shake after the ride. I seem to now also require recovery from showers, laundry and any walk longer than 100 feet, but all in the name of training, you know.
Which brings me to another subject in folks' e-mails to me: have I lost weight? Well, thanks in part to my recovery regimen, in part to eating foods I never eat at home, the answer is......no. My roommate, on the other hand, has lost 15 pounds. 20, if you count her removing the huge case she was carrying around on her seat post. Most of us look different than when we started, and Daco tells me that soon we will be all legs with no upper body or brain, but things have just shifted. I do plan on rethinking my eating soon to avoid weight gain, but that would require thought (see above no brain comment).
We are in the Capital of South Dakota and in a new time zone. We rode through beautiful wheat and corn fields under wide open blue skies. And through the town of Phillip, which reminds me to remind my family in Virginia to congratulate him for me. I don't think the post card I sent a few days ago will make it in time.
Thanks to the good weather, we never became "surly" as HK said the last group did, under duress of heat and wind. On the contrary, this group gave me some good laughs at each SAG which made it easier to pedal on. We are playing a poker game with cards to pick up at each SAG, whoever has the best hand wins the kitty. Won't be me, but it was fun trying.
Hope all is well with you, good readers, and take care. MA

Day Twenty Three

Today was only a mere 57 miles so we got to sleep in till 6:00! Last night on the walk back from dinner I stopped at a jeweler and bought some Black Hills Gold earrings, which made me realize that I won't likely be bringing home gifts for my friends and family this trip. A pair of earrings, I figured, wouldn't add too much weight. But as for all of you, so sorry.
We started out with hills that went up, down, up, down like saw tooths. After 23 miles we were turned onto the interstate, and that was pretty scary, thanks again to wind. The shoulder was planned poorly - 6 inches to the right of the white line was the rumble strip, leaving us with a mere 10 inches of area on the far right - next to a drop off. With some gusty crosswinds, there were some scary moments. My shoulders were up by my ears with tension. At mile 44 was a rest stop where we all .....rested....and compared stories. But then, the shoulder widened, the winds became tailwinds, and the final miles were sweet.
Into the town of Wall, made famous by Wall Drug, something all the midwestern folks knew about, but apparently the lore hasn't crossed the California border. Seems that a man, wife and son moved here to stake out a living with a drug store. The depression hit, and they almost lost their business. Since this whole area is built on hot springs (even in the hotel, you can't get cold water. Seriously.) the wife suggested that they advertise giving out ice water to passers by. Lo and behold, the business boomed and now Wall Drug is the biggest drug store in the world. More impressive, there are more types of kitch than anywhere I've ever seen. Mixed in with the kitch are some nicer things such as weapons and boots, a great Western book store, but also some real junk. Right now the town of Wall (population 300) is celebrating their centennial, so there was a time capsule opening (when we had route rap) and a rodeo (when I'll be in bed). I did manage a visit to the national Grasslands Interpretive Center and found out that there really are some great taxidermists out there, and learned that the ferret is going to be re-introduced to the wild. "wild, this is ferret. Ferret, this is wild".
Tomorrow, we have been warned, will be a tough 117 with full on head winds for at least 20 miles. Good reason to walk back to Wall and grab some late night ice cream.
Hoping you all are well, take care, MA

Day Twenty Two

Dear readers, DW said that I would go on this ride and fall madly in love and never return to Riverside. She was half right - I am in love with the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The day started with Jana opening the door and saying "it's raining". When I tried to get my creaky butt out of bed I realized that today was the first day I just didn't feel like riding. But after riding 1.5 miles to breakfast, I got on the road. And was rewarded by some of the best 75 miles I've ever seen. We rode through a buffalo preserve and saw lots of mamas and babies. Saw elk, pronghorn, lots of adorable prarie dogs and I think an eagle. (yet another animal lesson- apparently the deer and the antelope don't play, it's the deer and the pronghorn, but that doesn't sound as good.)
We then began our 6000 foot climbing day in the Black Hills National Forest, and I actually cried as I absorbed the natural beauty around me - lush forests, a strong smell of pine, huge black stone formations pointing toward the blue sky. (the rain stopped by the time we hit the road - yet another gift.)
Got to the Mt. Rushmore monument, and had another crying jag, not so much from the beauty of it (it is impressive, but not a natural thing of beauty), but from the realization that seeing it was one of the big three reasons for doing this ride (the other two being Niagra Falls and the Great Lakes). There was an Indian group playing live cool music, so I bought their CD as a momento. I wore my ABB jersey (red white and blue) and had conversations with many of the people who were there. Most said things along the line of "man, I just got tired walking from the parking lot to here!"
There was more climbing out of the park, then some hairy descents with crosswinds (yay, my favorite). I'm going to look like Popeye with all the braking I do! Safely in my room, I feel clean and happy. I hope you all are too. Happy, that is. but clean is good too. Take care, MA

Day Twenty One

Dear readers, today is the three week mark! Time really has pedaled on. I had about three hours of sleep last night. There was a wedding party going on. Hey, has it been that crazy in your neck of the woods? Apparently scads of people thought that getting married on 7-7-07 would be really cool, or lucky. So the headline in Casper was that the whole town's florists, hairdressers and caterers were working overtime. Even Lusk (pop 1300) was hoppin. As a result, I was less than rested prior to our 94 mile day. The first 60 were allegedly downhill but with the winds, you'd never know it. We crossed into South Dakota and immediately lost our lovely shoulder, which made for some interesting moments. Nothing like riding on a two lane highway with 2 cars coming at you, one trying to pass a RV, getting into what was once your space. When the trucks would come from the opposite direction I had to hunker down and brake to prevent the inevitable shimmy. Scary.
Saw the Black Hills of Dakota. They were named that by the Indians who thought that the conifers looked black against the hills. And they do. However, they are also black because they are currently on fire, so we rode through a very surreal 10 miles that was smoky and dark. Followed by cross winds that were scary and upredictable, followed by rain. Which I missed by about 5 minutes. I was very glad to get to the hotel safely.
We had two long climbs up the Black Hills today, and lo and behold, there was Karen waiting for us at the summit with ice water. A sight for sore thighs.
My day was also thrown off by a late start - didn't get on the road until 7:15. Can you imagine, that being late?!?
Many of my family are going to Virginia to view my nephew's induction as commandant of Norfolk Marine Base. I am with you all in spirit, and hope that you all celebrate your time with family. Send Phil my love. And tell him if he needs any organizational tips, to give Herr Kommandant a call.
Take care, all. MA

Day Twenty

Gentle readers, today I had a guardian angel. Penny, a very cool lady from Marin, rode with me all 106 miles. The views were more interesting (than the day before, not more interesting than Penny) and having companionship gave me a much needed boost. Especially considering that it was 93 degrees by 10:00am. Along this ride there have been many angels, some who rode a mile, or 5 or 50 with me. Thanks to Jana, Bill, Jim, Ralph, Joel, Allison, Lenny, Jan, Jan, Debbie, Jean , Donna and the occasional Miller Train who always manage to make me smile. Even brief company is helpful.
We said goodby to our British couple who joined us for the last leg. In his goodbye speech Roger noted that we had taught them how to communicate more effectively on the bike, noting that it was easier to say "car back" than to say "darling, there is a bloody lorry coming up on our left from the rear". Naomi, his girlfriend, is an event planner and gave big cred to our crew.
HK and his crew are the bomb. Their organization is really remarkable, and they are very visible throughout the day. In orientation we were taught that to signal "ok" as they pass we hold our arm out to the side. In Oregon the utility truck of choice was a van, so in the early days I let some plumbers, a carpet cleaner and a pool boy know I was ok. The signal for "need help" is to pat our helmet on top. So far, my hand has not had to touch my helmet. But if I had to, they would be there. Really, they are more fantastic than I will ever be able to express.
Penny and I were joined for about 10 miles by a guy from Santa Barbara who was in Casper for his 40th class reunion. He looked far younger, but then again, he lives in Santa Barbara. He pointed out some interesting stuff: that Wyoming is the coal capitol of the USA, over there is Mt. Laramie, and the badlands we rode through were volcanic pumice.
Good news/bad news. Tomorrow is 92 miles but the temp will only be 85 degrees. Because of some coolling headwinds. We'll see.
I wish you all a guardian angel in your time(s) of need. Take care, MA

Day Eighteen

Hello all, and thanks to libations, you may get a cheery update on today's ride rather than the truth. I can see you all scanning the time and thinking, dude, it's early to tie one on. No, it is not. Not after leaving a perfectly good hotel bed at 4:30 to hit the road at 5:30, not after riding alone and having everyone pass me for the first 30 miles, not after riding alone until mile 70, not after seeing nothing on either side of the highway for 110 miles, not after being warned of thunder showers (and experiencing one last night - see below) and not after having the 95 degree heat sink in. On a 120 mile day. On day nine of riding. With the jacuzzi out of order at the hotel. Just sayin.
OK, so the reality is hitting. Can you tell? I hooked up with a few folks near the end, and we all decided that we should get some beer. As luck would have it, the Holiday Inn we're staying in has a "lounge". So we had peanuts and beer and eventually about 10 of us commiserated over beer. On the up side, there is a masseuse that will come to the hotel tomorrow, so that errand is taken care of. I will need to do some bills and cards, but other than that, I'm sleepin.
About 8 people sagged in today. The heat and head winds got to folks. The good news is that the next leg is rumored to be only 7 days of riding before a rest day. The bad news is that the first day is a century.
I have a weird rash on my legs - I think it's from not wearing sunscreen for this long. (no, it's not a sunburn - I am not that brain dead). And I'm having some more seat issues. But other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the show?
Speaking of brain dead, boy are we. There was a place to stop at mile 91 (a little store, where even the live in lab was complaining of the heat) and Will came in and asked Bob and I a question. I couldn't answer it, and Bob said, "you know, we'd really like to talk to you but we don't understand what you said". Thank God for the people on this ride. Their sense of humor literally helped me finish today. Laughter truly is good medicine.
So, about the thunder showers. At route rap (Marv won the award for best decorated bike) HK said there was a 40%chance of thundershowers today. He then read from the whatever it whosits instructions for what to do in case of. Dinner was a mile away, so we were shuttled there. Donna and I decided to walk back, and lo and behold: there were lightening bolts on the horizon, and as we were walking, all at the once the stifling air became cool. It became dark and very quiet. Then, winds started out of nowhere. This was in the 10 minutes we walked. Then, large water drops, and the lightening and thunder were literally over our heads. Donna said she was glad I was taller than her (you know, it would strike me first), but I was scared out of my mind. Luckily, Jim was coming back from the hotel and pulled over, honking at us to get in the van. I have never seen "weather" come in so fast, and with little warning. I was covered in road dirt from the few minutes of wind storm. Thank God we didn't have to experience that on our bikes. The Miller Train told me that when they did the San Fransisco trip to Salt Lake last year they were caught in one, and had to hunker down on the road, holding on to each other for dear life.
Today tested my mind more than anything else. I am glad I survived. Thank you all for your comments, I miss you and appreciate you. Take care, MA

Day Seventeen

Yesterday at rap HK thanked us for being the group with the best attitude in all of the 41 groups he's taken. (He probably tells everyone that). Really, we are all gelling very well together, and today was no exception.
Breakfast began at 6:00 and we overwhelmed the crew. They had the poor idea of giving us choices, which slowed things down a bit. We all (now) prefer buffets. So, a late start at 7:15 for an 80 mile "rolling recovery day". SAG 1 had us all in our Fourth of July finery: Marv, I think, did a great job with his recumbent, so I took a photo. Three of the girls bought those "cat in the hat" hats and fixed them to their helmets, along with white feather boas. I simply put bows on my bike and hair, but Jana had bought me blue beads so I wore those. Got lots of comments about Mardi Gras.
The ride was a relatively flat ride, with the early 40 being in beautiful red rock canyons. I took a fair amount of pictures, one of some shoshone ponies with a canyon mesa in the background. (Well, they could have been horses, but that doesn't rhyme with shoshone)
Alan had to sag in today - he felt like he had altitude sickness, and described it: slight GI upset, anorexia, malaise, cephalgia. (he's a doctor). I said, so you feel a little poopy? And everyone got it.
I stopped in town for lunch at the local Safeway - I like simple food - and interviewed a Arapaho Indian woman briefly. She talked incessantly (and with great stories, albeit redundant - she must've been 85) while I ate my lunch, then pull out the recorder and bam! Stage fright. "My name is Hazel and I'm Arapaho. That's all".
Got to the hotel and two great surprises: a fax from my bro (complete with Stephanie artwork) and a hilarious Mt. Rushmore e-card from BS. Great ways to celebrate the fourth.
Actually got in some pool time, jacuzzi time and laundry. I'm thinking a nap sounds good because we have 120 miles tomorrow (gulp). Hope you are all having a good day off with friends and family. Love to you all, MA

Day Sixteen

Wow, thanks to all who have been writing in! this blog stuff is not only a personal journal and way for my oh-so-feeble mind to review the ride after the fact, but a great way to hear from you all. My heartfelt thanks.
I'm sitting here in Dubois Wyoming, listening to saloon style piano music in a room without air conditioning. If this computer wasn't in front of me I'd have to go get me a whiskey and play some cards.
Today was a GORGEOUS day. Left Jackson Hole at 6:30, with chill in the air. Rode through Teton National Park and stopped to take many pictures. Climbed up and over Teton summit, then had highway repairs halt our travel. The descent was deemed too dangerous by HK, so he had to shuttle all of us in groups of 7 and 10 the 8 mile road down. I asked him what his speed was in the van and he said "50", so my new personal best downhill speed is duly noted. Just sayin.
Since we were hanging around on the top of the Continental Divide, I took advantage of the time and made some calls. "So, I'm here on the Continental divide. What are you doing?". It was a beautiful place to kill time. On the way up we saw deer and bison and so much green in so many shades. With a little creek always in the distance. Then, after the road was paved again, we descended into a red rock canyon. I was going to take pictures, but there was a vicious headwind so we actually had to work all 15 miles into town.
Gotta go - there is a bike decorating contest and I have lots of shwag to put on it. My original idea was to cut up a sheet and use Jana's zinc oxide for face paint, but I couldn't figure out how to carry a green torch for 30 miles (contest at SAG 1), so I'll have to settle for ribbons and braids.
Speaking of which - belated thanks to BG, AB and DF for their great gift basket before the ride. I am the only person (that I know of) who came with quarters for laundry. I have used the soap, ben gay and power bar. Had I known about the contest, I would have brought the Fourth of July wind sock, but alas. Speaking of which, Ralph and I rode into Dubois together today and thank god for that because he's 6'4" at least so a good person to draft from. We noted that there was the "wind river", the "wind taxidermy" and the "wind realty" all in a three block area, so I'm thinking that today's breezes were not an anomaly. Call me Sherlock.
Are any of you out there curious about what these 65 folks do? Well, there are several doctors, several lawyers, a few nurses, two pilots, a few contractors, many retired, some bankers, a couple teachers, a respiratory therapist, an occupational therapist, four students, a househusband and a housewife (not married to each other, of course) and a realtor. There is also a new addition to our group who is a test driver for BMW (and rides like one) but I told him that doesn't count as a real job.
Hope all of you are healthy and happy. Thanks for being there. MA

Day Fifteen

I'm sitting in the lobby listening to the "big dogs" talk about their epic descents today off Teton summit. Ralph reports that the helmet cam was in action. His blog is http://whereisanto.blogspot.com I recommend it highly, because he is a skilled photographer and a nice guy.
Ok, so now that he's gone......today was really hard but worth every bit. Started the day with 20 mph head winds (yeah, I know, it was bound to happen) and rode with some folks for about 10 miles but found that, as usual, I am not a fast starter. So the remaining 30 were alone. Surrounded by wheat fields that were so soft and pretty blowing in the wind that I wanted to run my hand over their shiny tufts. This part of the ride was beautiful because it was so vast, and such a contrast with wheat fields rising into mountain foothills.
The highway sign said "Jackson 110 miles" and I thought that HK made grievous error, but found that we took a steeper detour into the summits, which limited our overall miles to 88. I don't have my cheat sheet with me, but the Teton summit was around 8,700 feet, and they didn't have the courtesy to put up a sign!!! There was, however, a sign that welcomed us saying "over yonder is Jackson" wich looked over the spectacular view that we were going to descend into over 5 miles. The climb up was 7 miles of 10% grade, and the descent was 5 miles of 10%. Saddly, one of the man cubs crashed going into the curve, but he's amazingly well. Boys, it seems, do bounce. I had approached him earlier to tutor me with some computer issues, but think I should wait a day or two out of courtesy. Late entry: he just ran, yes ran, into the lobby with his dad, and stopped by to "show me" how to add pictures to my blog. And he was leaning over and stuff. He can move like that, and I can't retain how to add pictures. Amazing, the ravages and benefits of age.
The injury tally is rising. I don't think I've kept you all all abreast, but so far, the triple family has had an achilles injury on the part of the wife since day one, so dad has been riding solo often. Dave, the ranger, had to leave because his back was talking to him and a local doctor took X-rays and told him not to ride. He flew home and is planning on re-joining us in Sioux Falls. Colleen, a fast rider, crashed on RR tracks, Gary fell over at a light, and John slid from gravel. There have also been many sits bone pains and saddle sores.
It was a very hot day today - high 80's and into the low 90's. Tomorrow we also do 88 miles and scale a peak but the overall climbing is around 4000 which is less than today. Hopefully I'll stay ahead of the flies on the uphills tomorrow - I found that going 3.9 miles per hour (my low speed record) was quite suitable for flies to land on me for fun. I'm sure that the previous 70 miles made me ripe for landing.
Wishing you all well, and take care, MA

Day Fourteen

Gentle readers, for a short day this has been a looooong day. Hard to believe that six months of the year are behind us. Equally hard to consider this two weeks into seven. Garsh, I'm going to be away from home for quite some time. Thanks to hearing the voice of TK today, I'm feeling less homesick, and I'm told that the views the next two days will keep me plenty occupied.
Today was a 40 mile ride that was scheduled to be 32. Keeping with my new tradition of taking unintentional detours on short days. The ride took us along the Snake River, a huge gorgeous river, and since today was Sunday, there were very cool looking fly fishermen to watch demonstrate their art. There were also many foals to swoon over as I rode by. Now, at the rest stop, I called them "ponies" but was quickly told that ponies are not horses, and that baby horses are called foals. I stand corrected. Boy, I'm learning so much on this trip! Plus I have the whole "drive train" thing nailed. We got into town and overwhelmed a microbrewery with our hungry stomachs, then got into the hotel. The masseuse was there, as promised, and she worked my quads exquisitely. I have pain where I didn't know I had muscles. I figured getting a good rub down before the big climbing day was a good move. Oh, and BS, don't worry. There will be plenty of climbing waiting for you that last week on the East Coast.
The rooms just got done being cleaned, and Jana and I have 20 minutes to shower and get to route rap. I took my bike to Jim (mechanic) to check my brakes before the big descents, and to check my headset. All is well. At least with the bike.
There is a meandering walkway along the river facing the huge Mormon temple across the way. This may be the night for a good stroll after dinner. I will have you all in my heart and thank you for being with me. Special thanks to GR for being so supportive. You have been an unexpected joy to read. Take care, MA

Day Thirteen

Gentle readers, I thank you for your good wishes and kind words. Also, thank you for your offerings to the bicycle gods. They listened and graced us with 110 MILES WITH A TAILWIND THE WHOLE WAY!!!!! It took me 5 hours to do 85 miles. Alone. As I smugly thought to myself as a few pace lines flew by "well, anyone can draft across the country, right?" Then I encountered two wizened men riding self supported with their paniers into the head wind and felt less smug. It is good to be humbled. Thought it may come in handy to have the contraband with me, but since I forgot to charge the iPod, I heard 4 notes of a song, then sung it for the last 30 miles.
HK had said that the initial 40 miles were "desolate", where someone put a road down for who knows what reason. True, but I found it to be lovely. Crops, highland grasses, potato fields (Blackfoot, the town we are now in, is the potato capital of the world). Then, more miles of fields flanked by mountains in the far ranges (sorry about that one). I'll be more sorry when climbing over one of the ranges because I think they are the Tetons.
I learned a lesson from Deb (the desert fox is my nickname for her: late 50's, fast rider, teaches water aerobics, cool lady). I called ahead to our hotel for tomorrow (since it is a short 40 before the climb into Jackson Hole) and arranged for a masseuse to await our arrival. How cool is that? Life is too good. Some of us were saying that things are too good and we're all holding our breath. Which makes the riding even more challenging.
Idaho so far is beautiful. It is really refreshing to ride where there is very little but nature around you. I wish you were all here. But then we'd have a longer line for the masseuse. Take care, all. MA

Day Twelve

Had a great quick day today - the van didn't have to be loaded until 8:30 and I found I didn't want to wait around, so I loaded and left early. thanks to a perfect tailwind I was the first one in at the SAG, and even took a picture of the sign in sheet to prove it! I consider it a stage wind.
Did a total of 46 miles today and stopped in town to buy two new pairs of shorts. Don't ask.
Thanks, BT for the tweezer tip. We learned that, and many other things, in our "how to change a tire" seminar today. Now, in addition to having a good tool, my eyebrows will remain plucked. I also had left out some stories from yesterday's ride that I will entertain now. Because today was me riding alone, then doing laundry, and there just isn't enough material there. (material, get it?)
I rode with Jeff, one of our crew, for a short time. He calls himself a "heat seeking missile" and tends to chase whoever is in front. And boy, can he take off. As a result, he wears himself out. So he thanked me for riding so slowly (gee, uh, thanks). Turns out he started riding as a result of a girl telling him about the AIDS ride. And it changed his life. We shared stories of our respective rides, and even cried a little, and celebrated the experience. He will be getting married on this trip - on the Great Lakes, to a woman who will then join us as crew. They met on a bike tour. How womantic.
I had time before route rap, and was craving wine and mushrooms. I walked a block or so to an Italian place, and lo and behold, guess what they had? The bartender was a real cute kid - 22 - youngest of 6, and I interviewed him on the digital recorder. When I first told him about biking, he thought I meant motorized, though he later said I didn't look like a Harley girl. Once he heard it was a bicycle, he got all excited and told anyone who would listen, and said that he would do this too one day. He is a triathlete, and was really interested in doing this.
Today I got a HUGE complement. Before the tire seminar Mike pulled me aside and asked if I would be interested in being a tour guide for the company. He said that I had the "right stuff". I said, "even with my stupid jokes?", and he said the jokes were a good part of the package. I told him about my work situation, and he said that he'd put my name in as a possibility for some of the shorter tours. His company would want longer chunks of time, ie I couldn't be crew for a week at a time, so it probably won't happen, but it sure felt great to be asked.
So, I hope you all are well. Tomorrow is a century day, so I will be worked, but so far, so good. Jeff had asked if I felt like I was getting stronger or feeling run down, and I told him neither. He said that was the right place to be. And I agree. Take care, all. MA

Day Eleven

Today was a long and hot ride, which made me grateful that I ride in Riverside. It was actually tolerable and dry. Some of the San Fransiscans probably had it rough. We did pass through the town of Bliss (good job, BT) and of course I had to take a picture of the moment, because we all should record our moments of bliss.
We had breakfast at 5:30, loaded the truck at 6:00, and hit the road. It was good to get started early, and as usual, many people passed me and chatted. There is one group of six guys who really crank out each day, but they slowed down and after a 1,2,3, sang "all day, all night, Marianne" to me. Very sweet. Serenade in Lycra.
At one point I was lost in a reverie (but riding well on the shoulder) when a huge gas truck came up behind me and honked several times. I felt like one of those cartoon characters whose heart leaps out of their chest, then back in. He then pulled up next to me and said "hey, I grew up in Riverside!!!" (I was wearing the RBC jersey). I said great, next time don't scare the s--- out of me, ok?
Rode 97 miles, and across the Snake River gorge. Confirming, in my mind, that Evil Knevil is out of his gourd. The view, however, was beautiful.
Thought about some of you today - CZ planning her wedding, DS riding down the coast. By the way, Mike (HK) has his own blog which also has pictures uploaded. bamacyclist.com If I ever catch up to young Max, I'll ask him to tutor me to upload mine, but he's always too far ahead. Today I took several shots, but still far fewer than is typical for me. I don't, however, have a "road kill collective" that young Mike has. He claims several deer, skunk, cats, a crow and many others. (there are many Mikes on this trip. There's one guy who is 7'1" who I call "tiny" but his real name is "big Mike". He had to SAG today because he broke a rim. )
Thanks to those writing in. I really appreciate the support, and carry you all in my mind. Take care and ride safe. MA

Day Ten

Today started with a glorious breakfast marred only by what Bob told me: nine days of riding, 700 miles and 20,000 feet of climbing on our next leg. I told him I focus on the small steps, like getting that freshly made waffle up ahead.
We took a lovely little bike path through a beautiful area of Boise then got on I84. Herr K says that he likes to ride on the white line of the shoulder and use the semi's draft to help him along. I rode two feet from the white line and was almost helped along under their tires. They really whoosh by and often suck you toward them. Derek told me he saw some mud flaps that said "Looking for your cat? Look under these tires".
We got to the Best Western and jumped into their pond like pool (complete with waterfall). They had water, chips and apples chilled and waiting for us. This is livin. Today should have only been 50 miles but 6 of us decided to make a wrong turn and hence added an additional 5. We decided to only get lost on short days and not one of us should get lost on centuries.
Herr K is having a "how to service your drive train" seminar shortly. I plan to go and learn something - like what is a drive train.
I also learned that "steel belted radials" means that there are steel wires embedded in tires, and even teeny tiny little wisps o' truck tire will give you a flat. We have been advised to check our tires after each stop, and check for little wires sticking out of the tire. Many of us suffered flats today on the Interstate. So I'm learning stuff all the time. Maybe I'll also learn what "rack and pinion steering" means.
Hope all is well with all of you, MA

Day Nine

Today is rest day. I just had the massage of a lifetime. 'nuff said.

Day Eight

Today was as promised - 65 miles of beautiful riding with "those pesky North westerlies" as John said. He was kidding, of course. We always thank the wind gods when they blow at our backs. We went through a time zone and a new state - a measure of distance to be sure. Saw beautiful agricultural areas but will suggest that the farmers label their crops for those of us unfamiliar with their product. So far I recognized onion, corn, wheat, beets and alfalfa. Maybe soybeans.
ABB took us around (and up into ) Boise so we rode through beautiful homes in the hills. There was a deer crossing sign about 5 miles from the Capitol. How often do you see that?!?! Mark informed me that in downtown Chicago there was a coyote in a Quizno's so a deer near the state center was no big deal to him. I wonder what the coyote ordered.
Prior to going to the hotel I thought I would look for a renowned bike shop to replace some gear, and decided to do it without asking for directions. Good thing I was on a bike. I rode an extra 5 miles but found the downtown area quite cool, kinda like Portland. Finally asked someone where the place was, and it was two blocks from the hotel.
Tomorrow is rest day but a few people want to ride and got some suggestions from the bike shop. I had some suggestions also but kept them to myself. Tomorrow will be massage, laundry and school day.
Thinking about my friend JH who is riding across Virginia right now. His encouragement and great training ideas (hey, let's do the Eastern Sierra Double!) have helped get me here. Thanks and hope you are having a good ride.
Thanks to all who have shared comments on the site. It keeps you with me.
Take care, MA

Day Seven

Today was the best day so far, for me. I woke feeling like a creaky old lady but had a suhweeeeet 83 mile ride, 30 miles of downhill with a tailwind. We all got in early, and I had time to go to Wal Mart and buy contraband. It seems that one of the man cubs has a speaker set for his iPod so he doesn't wear earphones. Lenny and I stopped at Radio Shack and looked, and they had speakers the size of my bike seat available. Not subtle enough. So we went to the local village destroyer, er, Wal Mart, and found a case with built in speakers. Now that 10 mile 7% climb in the Tetons will be tolerable.
My attitude is better today, probably because the day went so well. I also met some new folks, like Dave who is a retired Forest Ranger (was in Anza Borrego for 15 years), and Lenny, a retired respiratory therapist. It helped pass the time, to ride with others. This has been a huge growth experience for many of us. About a dozen never rode a century before now. Many have never done a bike tour. And I have never had just one glass of wine with dinner.
This is not, however, a bike tour. In the orientation session one woman asked "do you list museums and things to do on the trip?". Herr Kommandant said "this ain't no bike tour and I'm not a tour guide. This is a ride". And he's right. This is one long day after the other with food breaks built in. My routine is getting established and it includes wiping down and lubing my bike each day. I think my bike thinks it found a newer, better owner.
Tomorrow is "an embarassment" as HK calls it. Short day, 60 miles, usually with a tail wind, into Boise. One lady already checked out a massage place in town so my roommate and I are getting massages on our day off.
I guess I haven't mentioned Jana yet. She is an Everglades scientist (from Florida :) ) and is doing this because she will be 50 in September. We do very well together, and we have our routine down. It includes a "recovery trick" I use. I say we're the ice hens. Yup, when we get in we sit on bags of ice to ease the pain. Maybe if we're lucky we'll hatch some Dove bars. Or something.
Tomorrow we say good bye to 5 people and bring on some new ones. So far, this has been great, but again, I've had a good day.
More thoughts of folks; GR and family in Europe, PL watching my cats, DF going to China. I carry you all with me.
Take care, MA

Days five and six

Haven't signed on in awhile - I was too busy being resuscitated. Day five was a huge scary monster looming over all our heads. 117 miles, 5000 feet of climbing, two mountain summits. We were less rambunctious during breakfast and the slow ones were encouraged to leave by 6:00 am to avoid the heat. I thought I'd join them :) Turned out to be a beautiful day, great ride and glad to get it over with. Mike had suggested a place in the very small town of Mt. Vernon to have a chocolate shake, so a bunch of us sweated all over their ice cream counter. They knew we were coming and had pitchers of ice water waiting. That night a few of us went to the local watering hole and met some nice forestry "hot shots" (guys who jump into fire. To fight it, of course) I got one on my recorder talking about all the places he's lived in the USA. Little piece of Americana there.
Several of us are doing blogs. One guy, Ralph, who rides with a helmet camera, names his days after things about the ride, ie Dokko out of the saddle (Dokko is an incredibly fast friendly Netherlander. First one in typically helps with the luggage, and he has done it every day. I tell him there's no incentive to be so fast, but that's just the way he rides. He loves my RBC bicycle jersey because it has the colors of his country's flag. I told him I brought it just for him). Ralph tried to keep up with him (day one only) but at the slightest hint of an incline Dokko was out of the saddle humping up the climb. In that spirit, I will name today "the quaint little town of Baker city". They are having a bike race in town, so it was all blocked off and folks had their American flags (no kidding) and their coolers and chairs and were cheering the riders doing the criterion. At the hotel there is a sign welcoming the racers and America by bicycle. Oddly, the two groups are easy to tell apart.
Today was 80 miles with three summits, forests, descending into canyons with rivers, then a long flat (headwind) ride into town. As I pulled into the hotel one of the riders cheerfully said "6 down, 46 to go!". I wanted to slap her. I simply can't look that far ahead. I literally go from SAG to SAG as my goal. Call me short term thinker, but if I even thought about the whole day in one piece I would begin to weep.
I don't know if it's possible for those who write in to view what others write, but check out what my niece Aleta wrote after the last blog. Funny. Your responses help me alot. I think of friends and family all day - thought about Cole skiing at MT. Hood as I rode by there, KR in Ghana, BS in San Fransisco, SL going for an interview, AB with her new babies, TK in Carlsbad, everyone getting a heat wave in Riverside. It's hard to believe I'm going to be gone for so long. Hopefully this first chunk of time will be the toughest to get through.
Luckily, the countryside is very beautiful, and biking through new areas keeps me going. Yes, I still moo at cows, but in Oregon they moo back. And note to California cows - Oregon cows have it going on. Much happier.
Well, got to go to dinner and get the route rap for tomorrow. Take care, MA

Days three and four

While staying at the Kah-wee-nah resort and casino, I was unable to access the Internet, so I have to recall two days of riding for this entry. A challenge even for someone up to it. Apparently their nation is not sovereign enough to get wifi. They can barely muster up staff - the "ambassador-trainee" at the desk was a good intentioned soul, but Ernst and i had to walk him through the registration. We rode through three distinct zones yesterday - forest, chaparral, and desert mesa. four, actually. There was also the "free range" zone, where two feisty dogs took after a few of us, myself included. It has been awhile since I've been chased by a dog, so along with yelling as best I could, and trying to keep him out from under my front wheel, I drifted into the oncoming lane. Bad idea. Luckily I survived both the dog and the aware truck driver who swerved to avoid hitting me. I pulled over and called Mike to let him warn those behind me and later at dinner compared dog avoidance strategies with others. one guy says if you yell "off the couch" it confuses them and they stop. But what if it's an outdoor dog?
The casino was an interesting place, in the middle of nowhere, nestled in a beautiful canyon. Our group was separated; one group staying at the main lodge, the rest of us "the village people" staying at the rooms adjacent to a tee pee village. Girard, the Norwegian man, was concerned that he would have to stay in a tee pee, and I advised him that no trip across America would be complete without it. he preferred air conditioning. Imagine.
Today reality hit, in more ways than one. leaving the casino at 7:00, i found myself riding alone in a short time. Although the country was beautiful with high desert scenery and the Three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson in view, the road stretched before me like a long shiny ribbon. That's when I adopted the strategy suggested by BT who thought if I write a playlist of songs I can't listen to with my iPod, at least I can sing to myself. Unless a tune like "it's a small world after all" gets stuck in my head. So thank you, BT, that's exactly what I sung for 8 miles or so. No wonder I rode alone.
The digital recorder is interesting now, but may fall by the wayside as these days continue. I have also been informed by experienced others that the blog will end around day 10 as I get tired of doing it. We'll see. So far, the recorder has some interesting effects. People who in conversation are quite dry and witty, become journalists from Darfur when speaking into the mike. I heard elevation, distance, weather and fitness info, all with very straight faces. I have only interviewed one shop owner (a bike shop) but plan on recording sounds along the way, like me whining. I mean, like birds and stuff.
Tomorrow is 117 miles of desert with apparently 5000 feet of climbing. Those of us who partake in the occasional cocktail have sworn off for tonight - in fact, I'm about to meet them in the bar to remind them of that training tip.
That's all I can think of for now, other than that Oregon is a beautiful place. Oh, and I have yet to see a single pot hole. There was a butcher's knife in the shoulder that many of us commented on, and I'm sure there's a story there, but as far as road conditions, Oregon can't be beat. Yet.
Take care, MA