Sarah's Web Log

Day 50- 55.6 miles (T=3618.4) into Portsmith, NH

2006-08-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

It is true, I made it coast to coast. Along with 44 other riders. We all helped each other along this tremendous journey and it was difficult to leave. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I headed to the beach today and was greeted by my ever so supportive parents. The comments along the way and the staff and riders that were there made the trip a success.

Last night I was priveledged enough to win the raffle that showed our route each day. That map traveled with us and was signed by all at the end. Believe me it will have a good frame and home and will be viewed by many throughout the years.

Combined, we consumed 2000 pounds of bananas, had over 150 flat tires and lord knows how many ice cream cones and pie. We each climbed over 110,000 feet (that is not a typo) and cycled over 3600 miles. We followed the map as each days ride brought us closer to the opposite coast. We shared smiles and sweat, tears and glory. We created a family out of strangers while our families and friends were afar. And best of all, the goal set at the start of this ride for $20,000 was surpassed by a few dollars putting the total raised for SPLORE participant scholarships at $55,000!!!!
Many thanks to The Raymond Family Foundation who matched many of our raised dollars and to all the other people who have helped make a difference for so many others.

It was worth the trip.

Day 49- 87.8 miles (T=3562.8) into Manchester, NH

2006-08-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought one of the biggest climbing days would be today. We climbed approximately the same amount as our days of climbing multiple passes in WY. Over 5800 feet today with all of the ups and downs including some truly steep ones at 13% and 16%. The day was gorgeous again though and although the legs are more tired then they have been in quite some time, knowing tomorrow is the last day of the ride makes it very tolerable. The best part, I am not sick of my bike!

Day 48- 82.6 miles (T=3475) into Brattleboro, VT

2006-08-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

Yikes, a huge tire blowout today, but that being the only glich in a perfectly gorgeous day is very acceptable. The weather is better and the hills are back.

Day 47- 84.6 miles (T=3392.4) into Troy, NY

2006-08-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

I awoke to pouring rain, starting riding in clouds and drizzle and ended in perfect weather to go have a fabulous dinner with my brother's in-laws at their lake home in the Adirondack Mountains. Lesley(wife), Phil(brother) and I even had a chance to head out on the lake, take a swim and I got to show off my great biker tan -egads!

Day 46- 82.8 miles (T=3308.8) into Little Falls, NY

2006-08-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

It was a fast ride into town to avoid unruly weather. Hot and drizzly, much better than the last two days and in before 1:00 to the cute, old town of Little Falls. We rode along the Erie Canal for most of the day and I passed a few signs that reminded me of home (Glen Ridge folks should click on the motel sign for a closer look). There are many old brick buildings and early farms here and a plethora of flowers along the road side. Unfortunately one of our riders fell and broke his clavicle bone today and has to leave the ride for surgery:( We're very sad to see Kent go. We also passed the smallest church in the states, it seats 2 people, a little tricky to get to as well.

Day 45- 97.2 miles (T=3226) into Liverpool, NY

2006-08-02T12:37:00.000-07:00

I had a great HOME MADE meal last night with family that live in the area. It was a great reunion although one member fell asleep quite early. Then today we went through a town that most people in Utah will recognize. One fact you may not know though is that it is supposedly the only place in the United States that has an intersection with a church on all four corners (note the steeples above). Then Dave, a rider from an earlier section showed up with his wife Jill to feed us cheesecake!
What a fun day. Finally it ended with an excellent lunch in town and then a sprint to the hotel to beat the incoming thunderstorm which will hopefully cool things down a bit.

Day 44- 84.6 miles (T=3128.8) into Henrietta, NY

2006-08-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Well, as we set out on our final week the temperatures are once again at a record high where we are cycling. What does that mean here? 97 degrees with a heat index of 108 degrees due to humidity. So, we were soaked about 10 minutes into the ride.
The good news is that Alex J. former SPLORE employee joined me for the ride today and will be back again tomorrow despite the heat! What a support that is! He rode about 115 miles in the heat today and says he's coming back for more. Wow! He also got this action shot, stating that there were not enough on the site. Enjoy!

Day 43 -rest day in Niagara Falls, NY

2006-07-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous! I walked on a path at the base of the falls and think that the guys who build that every spring are crazier than those of us riding across the country.

Day 42- 73.7 miles (T=3044.2) into Niagara Falls, NY

2006-07-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

You read it right, over 3000 miles. Now we are back into the USA for our final rest day of the ride. It's quite a view from everywhere around here and when the heat is overwhelming you can just go stand under the mist of the falls.

Day 41- 67.3 miles (T=2970.5) into Brantford, Ontario

2006-07-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, humidity like you wouldn't believe with the bright hot sun trying to burn through it all day. This made for beautiful scenery all day but also a hot and sweaty ride. The perfect excuse for more ice cream. I am convinced that most people are on this ride so that they can eat as many desserts per day as possible without gaining weight. I mean the most common running joke is that this is America by Buffet rather than America by Bicycle. We are the the most slim people in all of these places, but are eating as much and often times more than everyone else. As for the vending machines here in Canada, they are of another breed (See above). The final meal of today was a treat though as my aunt and uncle drove down from Toronto and kindly treated me to a great meal and great company. Thank you Jim and Sandy!

Day 40- 83.6 miles (T=2903.2) into London, Ontario

2006-07-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right I am in Canada. We assembled this morning and had an escort over the bridge that crosses Lake Huron and the River St. Claire. Donning our America by Bicycle jerseys we flowed up and over the bridge and into another country. So far Canada has been the flatest part of our journey. It is still hot and humid but at least there was a breeze today. Neck pain has made it a little more difficult to ride the last two days, but fresh picked blueberries, home made ice cream and singing along the way helped to forget about it for awhile, well that and drugs.

Day 39- 89.3 miles (T=2819.6) into Port Huron, MI

2006-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Another hot, humid, cloudy and muggy day in Michigan. It is fairly flat here and the mental game is on. It is difficult to stay motivated through some of these miles although small eateries along the way where we get to meet locals and eat local homemade cuisine are fun. Here we are at Bud's, 10:30 am eating apple pie and giant sandwichs, what ever keeps your motor running and a lot of it! For some, after the ride Dairy Queen runs are essential, for others it is just a brew.

Day 38- 75.2 miles (T=2730.3) into Birch Run, MI

2006-07-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

We avoided most of the rain today and just rode in clouds and humidity. Tricia P., member of the SPLORE board rode with me for part of the day after driving two hours through thunder and lightening. It was such a pleasure to have the support. Thank you Tricia. Now, look on the map to see where we are!!

Day 37-118 miles (T=2655.1) into Mt. Pleasant, MI

2006-07-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day. It started with clouds and rain and remained that way most of the day, but it was beautiful and warm and the rain stopped in the afternoon long enough for us to clean our bikes off for tomorrow. There were few cars and after the rest day my legs felt better than in a long time.

Day 36- 9.1 miles (T=2537.1) Ferry ride to Ludington, MI

2006-07-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Today was officially a rest day. We rode to the ferry and saw a man catch a seagull instead of a salmon while waiting for the boat. He and a fellow fisherman were able to release it unharmed. Then we boarded the S.S. Badger (the only steam ship on the great lakes) and headed for Michigan. The Captain said it was the roughest crossing of the year but we made our own fun trying to balance on one leg and all made it across without getting ill. After a great dinner in Eastern Standard Time it is back to the routine.

Day 35 - 58.4 miles (T=2528) into Manitowoc, WI

2006-07-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

A completely perfect riding day. The best part of today was seeing the Amish buggies on their way to church. All horse drawn and full of families in their black and white church clothes, bonnets and hats included. Sarah W. had her last day so we decorated with tatt's and she went out with a bang wearing her new cheesy boobs (get ready for next years MS 150 wine and cheeser's). Hey all, if you haven't seen the picture of the dragonfly on day 32 look back a few days and tell me what you think!

Day 34- 85.5 miles (T=2469.6) into Fond Du Lac, WI

2006-07-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day. Sarah W, continues to have amazing energy and enthusiasm. The legs are suffering as we near our next rest day but all is good and enjoyable.

Day 33- 97.7 miles (T=2384.1) into WI. Dells, WI

2006-07-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

What a treat. Today Sarah W., a great friend from Salt Lake, joined the ride for the next 3 days. Her energy helped carried us tired regulars throgh a wonderful day. We traveled on the Elroy Sparta Trail which is an old rail line converted to bike trail. The trail has three limestone tunnels to travel through which require flashlights and walking of the bikes. There were many people along the trail and one guy who grew up here used to get candy bars at 3:00 everyday as the conductor threw them out the window to him as the train passed by. Today he has a small shed where he sells flashlights and candy bars to the cyclists as they pass on through. Very cool. Then of course there was the obligatory pie/ice cream stop for the day. Finally the day was topped off with a visit from Christie M. in the evening who hung out and bought us treats to help carry us through. Thanks for the support winner!

Day 32- 90.6 miles (T=2286.4) into La Crosse, WI

2006-07-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Another state already! Today was a very misty and humid day after yesterday's storms, but a gorgeous ride with some lovely Lutheran and Methodist churches amid the rolling hill farms. Idyllic mid-west. Ahh. The only difficulty today were some loose dogs who thought cyclists might taste yummy. Don't fret, no injuries.

Day 31- The Sky

2006-07-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

These photos are borrowed from John (mentioned below), taken about 10 am. Fun huh?

Day 31- 43.1 miles (T=2195.8) into Rochester, MN

2006-07-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

What was supposed to be another 100 mile day was cut short today by some incredible and massive thunder/lightening storms. The group as a whole did a lot of barn squatting as we attempted to stay out of danger. We started the day in clouds and myself and another rider, John ended up in the safety of the home of Sid and Aubrey (pictured above) as the sky turned green and black and lightening appeared quickly. We left their home during a lull in the storm which did not last long and so after jumping in a ditch due to more screaming lightning above we went over to a neighboring porch where the owner promptly told us we were insane but let us linger for a short time before shooing us away. That put us back in the heat of things albiet much calmer than before but luckily the SAG wagon showed up within a mile to pick us up and cart us off to safety. Many other riders remained in barns for extended time periods and eventually got back on the road and rode into the hotel in the evening admid hail, further off lightening and lots of rain. It is still storming, but tomorrow is to be sunny and with winds in our direction of travel, I will thank SPLORE and their fair weather dance on the roof for that one. Finally we were welcomed by the vikings which seemed appropriate considering the weather they had to bear during all of their travels.

Day 30 - 105.9 (T=2152.7) into Mankato, MN

2006-07-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Finally, a break in the winds. A breeze today, but nothing brutal. A bright sun shiny day today and another century under the belt. Also another day of corn and soy as far as the eye can see. Above are some shots from within the corn, a good place for roadside nature calls:)

Day 29 - 74.3 miles (T=2046.8) Worthington, MN

2006-07-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a tough one. The wind was brutal and unforgiving for the entire day. It is greener here and continually more humid as we move east. It is also more pungent here. The odors more intense, the sweet smell of crops stronger, but also the acrid odor of manure. Corn and soy the entire way today with the wind through the corn stalks making a papery, pleasant sound while trying the push them to the gorund.

Day- 28, Rest Day 19.3 miles (T=1972.5)

2006-07-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

There is a really lovely bike path here that leads into town and to the name sake of this town, Sioux Falls. I took a ride out there this morning and it is definately more humid here. The heat was only at 86 at the hour of my return before 11 am, but now it is 102. Let's hope the heat wave breaks soon. Thanks for the message St. Mark's employees, it is nice to know you're out there cheering me on.

Day- 27, 73.6 miles (T=1953.2) into Sioux Falls, SD

2006-07-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

A lot of farm land again today. Also a lot of heat and wind. The good thing was that we had a short milage day with few hills, so despite the weather I was still in before the main heat of the day and had lunch at a normal hour once again. Eight riders are leaving our group tomorrow and only 3-4 are joining us for the next section. The numbers change a little with every rest day, the core group crossing the entire way is a total of 45 people.

Day 26 - 75.3 (T=1879.6) into Mitchell, SD

2006-07-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Back on the bike. Thank you all for your incredibly encouraging and supportive words and advice. I will try not to tear up too much for fear of losing salt:) Today was a nice day of riding. I left as soon as possible after breakfast meaning as the sun was breaking above the horizon. It remained cool enough with little wind until I arrived at our destination around 11:15 am. I drank 6 water bottles full of fluid during that time and ate a huge lunch upon arrival and huge dinner later on. I figure that should keep me hydrated and nourished for tomorrow. In town is the Corn Palace, a large building decorated in corn cobs to a new theme each year. This is the year of the rodeo and tonight there is a rodeo in town which should be fun, but it is over 100 degrees out now at 8 pm and seats are in the sun so I am leaving that viewing to my fellow riders who have never been to one before. Thank you all again.

Day - 25 (84 mile day, 0 for me) into Chamberlin, SD

2006-07-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

It was very difficult to choose to ride in the SAG vehicle today, especially since there was cloud coverage in the morning. But I decided not to go AMA (against medical advice) and instead took it easy and did my best to stay cool, hydrate and eat to replenish my body with feul for the rest of the ride. Good decision as just standing in the heat I could feel that I am not up to par. The ride route today was beautiful and it was good to be there for others and to prepare physically and metally for tomorrow. We passed our half way point today for miles and riding days. A very exciting and unbelievable event. I was sad not to be on the bike for it, but glad to still be a healthy part of the group during this transition. Yee Haw!!

Day 24 - 105.8 miles (T=1804.3) into Pierre, SD

2006-07-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

A long and harrowing day. It started with a dinosaur and ended in a hospital.
Let's put it this way. 106 degrees, 40 mile per hour gusts amongst the steady 18 mph cross winds, 117 mile ride full of hills. As you can see by the milage above, I did not make it the entire way. Nor did two thirds of the riders. I actually felt pretty good most of the day but was starting to feel mildly nauseous with a mild headache so decided to play it safe and sag. Well, I got in and was unable to eat and just kept feeling worse. After 20 people asked me if I was ok at dinner and no food was going down I went to the hopital and ended up recieving 2 units of saline due to low sodium, potassium, etc. The doctor, dressed in blue jeans and a hawaiian shirt, strongly encouraged me 5 times to not ride the next day and only part of the day after that. Fianlly at 10:00 pm I returned to the hotel with my roommate, who kindly joined me at the hospital, to a good nights sleep.

Day 23 - 56.1 (T=1698.5) into Wall, SD

2006-07-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

If you have ever been to South Dakota I am sure you have seen signs for Wall Drug. This one time pharmacy is now a western stlye mall/tourist trap if I ever saw one. Any type of kitch you want can be found here (although I did't see a velvet Elvis anywhere). The ride today was expected to be a fairly easy day before big miles in the heat tomorrow. It was a short milage day but after some fun rolling hills it turned out to be long and difficult due to construction and road tar which caked to everyone's tires. Ugh! We had a big cleaning session and were happy that this occurred on a short day of riding so that we were not exhasted at the end. If we get too tired of riding I figure some stylish boots or a ride on the jackalope will have to do. Wall Drug, what more can I say.

Day 22 - 74.7 miles (T=1642.4) into Rapid City, SD

2006-07-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

A lovely day. Happy for the clouds again. Enough wind to dry the skin the moment the rain drops kiss down upon it. A few famous sites, Crazy Horse and Rushmore. And the gorgeous black hills all around. Not much here, but a worthy ride to arrive. Click a picture if you would like a close up.

Day 21 - 98.3 miles (T=1567.7) into Hot Springs, SD

2006-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

Rain. After 3 weeks of weather in our favor we had rain most of today. Personally I prefer that over heat so no complaining on my part, but not everyone was happy. Not many pictures though. Hot Springs was built mostly with pink sanstone in the late 1800's and there is a warm river running thorugh town with medicinal water that you can drink and a very cool Mammoth museum due to a large fossil bed located in town. I got in early enough to ride around town and then up to the museum for a tour. Good day.

Day 20 - 108.7 miles (T=1469.4) into Lusk, WY

2006-07-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

We were very thankful for cloud coverage today. It kept the day a reasonable temperature and made for some awesome skyscape. Note the population in the sign above. That town is 30 miles from anything else any direction you go. You can see how many people live around here. The town we are in tonight is under 1500. Lots of land and rabbits out here. The grass and hills are in place of the ocean, and the sky can take your breath away if the wind doesn't. The trains last for miles hauling coal and the people are as friendly as can be. I imagine new conversation doesn't come by that often.

Day 19 - 0 miles (T=1360.7) Casper, WY

2006-07-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Not much here, into Lusk tomorrow and then onto South Dakota. Here are extra shots from the last 2 weeks.

Day 18 - 121.6 miles (T=1360.7) into Casper, WY

2006-07-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

No typo's on the milage today. This is our longest planned ride day of the trip. That means we have completed the highest elevation, most climbing in one day and our longest ride of the trip in the past week. Everyone is tired and sore and ready for our rest day tomorrow. Praise the sky for blessing us with tailwinds most of today and clouds towards the end of the day plus the bonus of a Dairy Queen in the last mile! Too much road kill today as we passed through the booming metropolis of Hiland (pop. 10) and Powder River (pop. 50). There were two places open along the route today, one had rattlesnakes (dead and stuffed) for sale and the other interesting decor (see above). The best view was sunrise as we headed out and Hell's 1/2 Acre about half way thorugh the day, otherwise rabbits, prong horn antelope and scrubby sage brush. We sang our way through the day and enjoyed each others company. Thanks for all of the support and comments.

Day 17 - 80.7 miles (T=1239.1) into Riverton, WY

2006-07-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

Riverton, WY, not a place I would choose to live. Hot, dry, windy, dusty and isolated. We got in early for an 80 mile day sue to lots of downhill and weather. It was a tailwind morning as the flag will show and we left the mountains far behind as we entered this desert area. Beautiful redrock and painted hills during our downhills at the start of the day and then headwinds into the hotel.

Day 16 - 88.9 (T=1158.4) into Dubois, WY

2006-07-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

We are officially in cowboy country. Fireworks at 10:00 pm off the bluff, although many have already started in town despite high fire warnings. We are staying at the Stagecoach Inn and had dinner at the Rustic Pine after climbing over the continental devide today. All downhill from here right? Well, we have passed our highest elevation of the trip and went from, in my opinion, the most gorgeous place in the USA, Jackson Hole Wyoming, to a whole new world. Up out of the mountains and into desert ranch land. Today was a good day despite sore legs. I won a gift certificate to Dairy Queen (very coveted on this trip) for my 4th of July bike adornment. Thanks to Phil and Lesley, Eric and kids for all the decore. Don't forget to click on the pictures to get a larger view. Happy fireworks and lobster bakes.

Day 15 - 89.8 miles (T=1069.5) into Jackson, WY

2006-07-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

How do I even begin to describe today. We started with a strong headwind up a gradual hill with spralling views of rolling hill fields of green, green and more green. We then climbed next to the river and psat wildflowers to a summit of over 6000 feet before descending almost 2000 to climb up over Teton pass at 8431 feet. The final miles were greuling and slow but worth the views and final descent into Jackson. One of the most beatuiful places in the world. Coming in from the back side was a treat and it was a pleasure to just miss the rain. Finally we arrived to find giant cookies that were sent from Tracey, a previous rider from Astoria to Boise. Wow, what a feeling of acomplishment for everyone. Lots of teamwork up these hills, lots of fun coming down. Best of all we are now over 1000 miles on our way East.

Day 14 - 37.2 miles (T=979.7) into Idaho Falls, ID

2006-07-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

Today was a short riding day for recovery from yesterday and in preparation for tomorrow. Two more guest riders were with me today, Steve and Marie with lots of good advice. Tomorrow is supposed to be one of the hardest days as we head into Jackson, WY up 10% grade mountains and down the other side. I imagine it will be beautiful. There is so much beauty along this ride. Yesterday I saw a group of great white pelicans flying in a group. Their black tip wings and their white feathers crisp against the clear blue skys. Today, a llama sitting amongst a group of sheep. Each day brings new wonders and joys. Thank you for your comments, very encouraging.

Day 13 - 110.3 miles (T=942.5) into Blackfoot, ID

2006-07-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

What an amazing support team. Kevin and Teri came up to ride for the day and they were bomb proof. They should be riding the whole way, but one day was great, especially this long one. Then we were welcomed by SPLORE and fed an amazing dinner. Thanks to Steve and Marie who supplied me with yummy hydration mix which is MUCH better than Gatorade. Life is good and I cannot thank all of these people enough, especially Eric and his children who followed me all week and helped with all the little things and provided great emotional support.

Day 12 – 38.9 miles (T=832.2) into Burley, ID

2006-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

It was a short day between two long ones, a definite plus for my aching legs. They will need some rest before tomorrow and after yesterday. A few dog run-ins today among the gorgeous farmland of Idaho and the placid life of tractors and irrigation. Plenty of potatoes and alfalfa here and back to nice quite roads for riding.

Day 11 - 98.3 miles (T=793.3) into Twin Falls, ID

2006-06-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous sunrise sent us on our way this morning through Bliss (the town of) and then onto Twin Falls. This bridge is where Evil Knievil (spelling?) tried to jump but didn't make it over the gorge pictured above. Tired.

Day 10 - 51.3 (T=695) into Mountain Home, ID

2006-06-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Boise to Mountain Home. Not so great. We were mostly on the interstate and there were a lot of flat tires. I had to replace one of mine due to a vicious tear in the side wall. So, here is a little profile on some of our riders. Above is a triple. A three seater bike. On it are Lil with her two sons Raymond and Christopher. They all reside in France and Ray and Chris are teenagers enjoying the summer with their mom. Not too many teenagers can claim such a trip as this, but there are two others on this trip here with their dad's. One group from NJ and one from Switzerland. Quite impressive don't you think?

Day 9 - Rest day in Boise, no miles.

2006-06-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ah, a little relaxing at a local state park and some fun with Eric, Taylor and Ali. We also went to a neat discovery museum in town with interactive displays and walked around town checking out the cool art in downtown Boise. New bike shorts to help the sore bottom and some good eating as well. Onto more riding.

Day 8 - 63.5 (T=643.7) into Boise, ID

2006-06-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Ah, the excel sheet is working much better than my brain to calculate total mileage after these hot days of riding.

Astoria to Idaho, made it. Today was gorgeous again and we all made it to our first rest day in one piece. We crossed into Idaho and everyone stopped at the sign to take a picture. It was wonderful to have Eric and the kids here to greet me and other riders had family and friends here as well. A farewell to Tracey and Scotty above and also to Alan. It is a great feeling to take in our country at such a comfortable pace. On the first day one rider stated "walking across is too slow and driving too fast, cycling is the perfect speed". Several of us tend to agree.

Day 7 – 83.5 (T=580.2) into Ontario, OR

2006-06-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Whoops, messed up my math a little bit and my numbers. I guess that is what happens when you are totally out of it. Thanks for the support and belief that I actually rode 177. No, our longest day is one twenty something. I am now back on target mileage wise.
Tomorrow will be the last day for some of the riders with us. It is very sad because two of them have been spending much time on the road and at meal times with me and a few others. It is amazing how quickly bonds are formed in an endeavor like this. It is hard to believe the miles we have already crossed, the hills climbed and the difficulties overcome. Today was beautiful once again, but as we near Boise the terrain is drier and today was a heat wave with 20 degrees above normal temperatures. That put afternoon riding in 102 degrees. One gentleman actually passed out when he got here, but he went to the hospital, got fluids and looks better than the rest of us right now. The MD told him it was fine to ride again tomorrow. It is a short day before our first rest day and I believe we all need the break.

Day 6 - 82.1 (T=496.7) into Baker City, OR

2006-06-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

Today I rode mostly by myself, that is after the cobbler at the first SAG stop. A SAG stop is where we stop to get snacks and water as a group. Each rider has to stop there to sign in and we refuel. There are few places in between the towns we are staying in. Some of them are just a few buildings, but mostly we just see wide open fields, forest or mountains. Gorgeous really. These tiny towns boast some interesting attractions along the way. Yesterday we saw this giant chair(above), but truly the wood work of this guys regular furniture is beautiful, that's him on the right. He let us know about the bear in town. Of course we promptly went into the 4 building town and saw the black bear, that had been rescued, eating out of the hands of children from a large zoo like cage beside the gas pumps. Today we passed a minature steam train and local bike race taking place in town here.

Day 5 - 117.1 miles (T=414.6) into John Day, OR

2006-06-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

What a day. I am so thankful for the wonderful people I am riding with. It was an extremely hot day and I felt that I rode well today, but by the end of the day (the last 2 miles or so) I started to struggle and felt like death when I got in. Scotty and Leslie (in the picture here)were my saving graces with ice and sugar and water to get all the right stuff into me that I didn't get during the day despite efforts on my part. I am not sure how I'll stay hydrated each day when drinking so much is still not cutting it. The group is a mix of very experienced cyclists to athletes in other areas with some training in cycling. Ages 13 to 74 with most people being retired and closer to the upper end of that scale. The young ones are here with parents and then there are a few of us mid-range souls to keep the median down. Long day again tomorrow so I am calling it a night and will add more details next time.

Day 4 -61.7 miles (T=297.5) into Prineville, OR

2006-06-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

High desert central Oregon ending in the small town of Prineville. A different world out here and it is starting to feel a bit like Utah. Sage, pines and heat. Yes, the butt is starting to get sore. Hopefully the right creame will help out. The smells were wonderful today and we even saw a few wild horses. Its a long one tomorrow.
A special hello to the MS 150 Wine and Cheese team. I will be thinking of you all this weekend. Good luck and I'll be riding with you although only in spirit and muscle.

Day 3-68.4 miles (Total=235.8) into Kah-Nee-Ta, OR

2006-06-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the fiber cable was out and so no internet access. Hope you all survived without a posting;) Well today was another amazing day. The weather has been spectacular to say the least. Mount Hood and several other of the presidential peaks showed themselves in full glory. We went up and down a lot of hills that started in the deep forest and ended on a desert plain. WOW it is hard to describe how beautiful it was. Now we are on an Indian Reservation at an incredible lodge and we even had time to spend at the pool side. Ok, 3 days into it and I have decided that I am ready for this ride.

Day 2 – 75.3 miles (Total = 167.4) into Welches, OR

2006-06-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day. It was glorious today. We could not have asked for better weather, company and riding. The legs (and butt) are admittedly a bit sore but otherwise I am feeling good. Getting to know people better is great and we are staying in an amazing place this evening. Waa hoo!!! My bike computer went a wacky today or else I was cycling at 145 miles per hour. Hopefully I can remedy that quickly. Tomorrow, lots of elevation, but nothing worse than Emigration and Big Mountain and with more mileage to make it to the tops of those. No problem.

Day 1-70.1 miles (Total = 92.1) into St. Helens, OR

2006-06-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

All eastward today. We were blessed with good weather, clouds and sun. A great first day. Some small hills and big trucks, gorgeous views and lots of logging. It was a little difficult to regulate temperatures with the sun in and out and the hills up and down, but overall little wind and no rain and not too hot. The logging industry is stong here along the Columbia River and you can smell the wood all along the route. Ahh. Tons of flowers and green, green, green and very tall trees. Oh, what a good start. Thanks for all your messages, it was very motivating to read those last night. Not too tired or sore yet but glad to in for the evening and ready to eat!

Day 0 -22 miles, Astoria, OR

2006-06-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Made it to Astoria thanks to Jaine and Emily. Thank you very much my friends!
My roomate (Dana) and I rode over to the seaside and enjoyed the incredible ocean view. Literally coast to coast, or at least the first coast. There are lots of people of various levels here and some from other countries as well. Nervous, tired and ready to start heading East. Good omens today. A bald Eagle on the way to the beach and 3 great blue herons on the way back from the beach. Sky dog is doing well at the parents place. The weather looks ok so far and we're only doing a few little climbs tomorrow. Happy fathers day everyone.

Road trip (by car)

2006-06-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

From Utah (with a wonderful send off)to Maine (with a calm and no place like home greeting). Wonderful visit with friends (Susy, Ingo, Christie, Anne) along the way and good critter chasing time for the dog. Just a few days to Day 1. Yikes!!

Thank you!

2006-06-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

So many people have been so incredibly supportive as I prepare for this ride. I believe it is impossible to thank everyone individually, so just know that I appreciate all that has been done. That includes a few words of support from people I barely know to events and gifts from close friends and family. I love you all.
I would like to especially aknowledge my parents and Eric W who have made this possible by caring for my dog, constantly checking in with how I am doing and etc...
Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you

Supporters

2006-05-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Took a desert trip with my two strongest supporters this week.
Thanks mom and dad!

In the Press

2006-05-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Check out the article in today's paper
May 18th article

Newspaper

2006-05-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY MAY 18, 2006
See the Salt Lake Tribune Outdoor section-front and center

2006-05-08T17:40:00.000-07:00

Check out channel KSL (5) at 4:54 and 9:55 am for a spot about SPLORE and the ride.
Then, check out the Salt Lake Tribune, Outdoor section on Tuesday the 18th of May!
Thank you KSL and Brett P. at the Tribune.

Backpacking

2006-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, spent some time cross training in the desert this week. Great sun, company and hiking.
It was actually nice to get out of the saddle for a few days. This month the goal is more hills.

2006-03-28T08:11:00.000-08:00

Training has been underway for awhile, but lately I have been ramping up the milage. Finally outside again. Now it is a fight between snow and sun days. Donations are increasing as are miles as the days get closer to send off. Yikes, it finally feels real. Get ready...