We rode into Kalamazoo two days ago. I wrote the Official JOH journal entry for the first day in Michigan when we rode to K-Zoo. The entry isn't posted yet, but once it is I'll try to put up the link since I don't want to re-write an entry for that day.
Today we rode from Kalamazoo to Lansing. We started with a continental breakfast at the Sherman YMCA last night, which is near Gull Lake. Today's ride was a little hillier than yesterday, but it wasn't bad. The pace was pretty high; for a while we were cruising on the flats at 24-25 mph and going uphill at 20 mph with no wind. We rode in near downtown Lansing and could see the top of the capitol, but that was about it. We also rode through part of the Michigan State campus and right past the Breslin Center where the basketball team plays.
We arrived at the Lusters' house here in East Lansing just before lunch. Ben Luster was a JOH rider from UofM who rode in 2006 and his parents' and the parents of a couple other former riders sponsored the team in Kalamazoo and Lansing. I hadn't met Ben before today, but had a chance to chat earlier today so it was cool to share experiences. They provided us with goodie bags that had Michigan JOH t-shirts, a window sticker for our cars, and snacks, which was awesome.
Actually all of the Lusters' neighbors prepared us dinner and are generous enough to put us up in their homes tonight, which is incredible. It's awesome just to be in a house, as weird as that sounds; it really gives a sense of normalcy to be in a house, even someone else's house.
Tomorrow we ride to Ann Arbor, which is incredibly exciting because Mom will be there as well as Matt and Sherri. Plus, it will be cool just to be some place that I know.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Chicago to South Bend
None of us wanted to leave Chicago. We woke up early and had a sponsored breakfast in the park overlooking the city. Breakfast was awesome and so was the view.
We started out riding south along the bike path in the park until it dead-ended on the south side of the city. The view of the city and the lake early in the morning was beautiful. We stopped and took pictures of the skyline from in front of the aquarium. Once we got off the bike path, it wasn't quite as scenic. We entered Indiana without much fanfare because we were riding through a pretty heavy industrial area east of the city. From there we rode through Gary, Indiana, which a lot of guys said was a scary ride. The neighborhood was pretty bad, but all the people who came and talked to us were really nice. They had a great big banner in the middle of town in memory of Michael Jackson since that was his hometown. Also there was a nice little minor league ballpark in Gary too. Once we left Gary it became a lot more rural and the riding was much more relaxed.
Unfortunately we got racked at mile 70 when we were scheduled for 90 because we had to get to town to do our Kids on the Block puppet show. However it was totally worth getting racked because the show at the HealthWorks Kids' Museum in South Bend was hilarious. It was probably the best show all summer.
After dinner, which was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, I went to McDonald's with most of the rest of the time to witness the 10K Challenge. All summer guys have been attempting several different challenges on the bike to make the ride more interesting, such as:
- No Seat Challenge - don't sit on the saddle all day
- Saltine Challenge - nothing to eat on the bike all day, but saltines and water
- Black Coffee Challenge - black coffee in the water bottle all day instead of water or gatorade
- Starvin' Marvin Challenge - eat nothing on the bike all day
The 10K Challenge was to eat almost nothing on the bike all day and then make up for it by eating 10,000 calories in two hours at McDonald's. Three guys signed up. No one came close. But Scott Asher ate 6,600 calories before losing nearly all of them on the side of the road on the way home. The most impressive part might have been the fact that he started off by consuming over 3,500 calories in the first 20 minutes we were there. It started off entertaining to watch, then progressively got less fun.
We started out riding south along the bike path in the park until it dead-ended on the south side of the city. The view of the city and the lake early in the morning was beautiful. We stopped and took pictures of the skyline from in front of the aquarium. Once we got off the bike path, it wasn't quite as scenic. We entered Indiana without much fanfare because we were riding through a pretty heavy industrial area east of the city. From there we rode through Gary, Indiana, which a lot of guys said was a scary ride. The neighborhood was pretty bad, but all the people who came and talked to us were really nice. They had a great big banner in the middle of town in memory of Michael Jackson since that was his hometown. Also there was a nice little minor league ballpark in Gary too. Once we left Gary it became a lot more rural and the riding was much more relaxed.
Unfortunately we got racked at mile 70 when we were scheduled for 90 because we had to get to town to do our Kids on the Block puppet show. However it was totally worth getting racked because the show at the HealthWorks Kids' Museum in South Bend was hilarious. It was probably the best show all summer.
After dinner, which was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, I went to McDonald's with most of the rest of the time to witness the 10K Challenge. All summer guys have been attempting several different challenges on the bike to make the ride more interesting, such as:
- No Seat Challenge - don't sit on the saddle all day
- Saltine Challenge - nothing to eat on the bike all day, but saltines and water
- Black Coffee Challenge - black coffee in the water bottle all day instead of water or gatorade
- Starvin' Marvin Challenge - eat nothing on the bike all day
The 10K Challenge was to eat almost nothing on the bike all day and then make up for it by eating 10,000 calories in two hours at McDonald's. Three guys signed up. No one came close. But Scott Asher ate 6,600 calories before losing nearly all of them on the side of the road on the way home. The most impressive part might have been the fact that he started off by consuming over 3,500 calories in the first 20 minutes we were there. It started off entertaining to watch, then progressively got less fun.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Chicago Day Two
The second day in Chicago as I mentioned Bill and Sarah were nice enough to let me do my laundry at their apartment. Plus I got to watch Fast & Furious with Bill.
Afterwards we had lunch at sponsored by a former JOH rider at Chipotle on State St. at Division. It was delicious, but I overdid it with the Tabasco.
The afternoon I spent pretty lazily. Picked my laundry since it wasn't done drying before lunch. Got a cup of coffee. And cleaned up before dinner.
Dinner was at a pizza place called Lou Malnati's on Wells St. It was good, authentic Chicago-style pizza. The sponsor was Adam Solarz from Miami of Ohio who looked really familiar. And it turns out he graduated in 2006 and rode that same year and knows Adam Dick, Jon Bos, and the Brothers Kozak.
Also on our last night in Chicago, the Art Institute had free admission after five o'clock, so Ray and I met Kozak who came straight from work. We didn't have a lot of time, so we just saw the Impressionists, some of the contemporary galleries, and an exhibit on architecture and design. The architecture and design exhibit was really cool. Also they just opened a new wing for the contemporary and modern collections along Millenium Park and it seemed really cool, I wish had had more time to check it out.
Also as an aside we determined that the circumference of the Earth is just over 24,000 miles. So our trip this summer is just shy of one eighth of the circumference of the entire planet. Pretty crazy when you consider most of the planet it covered in water.
Afterwards we had lunch at sponsored by a former JOH rider at Chipotle on State St. at Division. It was delicious, but I overdid it with the Tabasco.
The afternoon I spent pretty lazily. Picked my laundry since it wasn't done drying before lunch. Got a cup of coffee. And cleaned up before dinner.
Dinner was at a pizza place called Lou Malnati's on Wells St. It was good, authentic Chicago-style pizza. The sponsor was Adam Solarz from Miami of Ohio who looked really familiar. And it turns out he graduated in 2006 and rode that same year and knows Adam Dick, Jon Bos, and the Brothers Kozak.
Also on our last night in Chicago, the Art Institute had free admission after five o'clock, so Ray and I met Kozak who came straight from work. We didn't have a lot of time, so we just saw the Impressionists, some of the contemporary galleries, and an exhibit on architecture and design. The architecture and design exhibit was really cool. Also they just opened a new wing for the contemporary and modern collections along Millenium Park and it seemed really cool, I wish had had more time to check it out.
Also as an aside we determined that the circumference of the Earth is just over 24,000 miles. So our trip this summer is just shy of one eighth of the circumference of the entire planet. Pretty crazy when you consider most of the planet it covered in water.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Glenview and Chicago Day One
The day before last, we rode about 62 miles to Glenview/Northbrook, Illinois, which is in the northern suburbs of Chicago. We didn't have a friendship visit, but we did have a presentation and dinner from a former JOH rider named Seth Klondar who gave us a good presentation on how to apply what we learning on JOH into the workplace and how to use it to help in our future job searches. It was pretty informative.
Also Kozak rode along with us from Glenview into Chicago yesterday so he met us the day before at the YMCA where we were staying, so it was awesome to see him again.
The following day we had to get up early to get out of the Y, so we just rode first to a Dunkin Donuts for coffee and donuts, which was pretty sweet. We then rode about 15 miles to the Neuman Center in Chicago on the north side for a friendship visit and lunch that was a lot of fun. After lunch, we rode all the way down Clark St. to our lodging: the Palmer House Hilton. The ride was cool because even though the street was busy we got to see a lot of the character of the city, but especially cool because we went right by Wrigley Field during a ballgame. It was sweet to ride past the stadium when it was packed and the streets were full of people. Also I was riding with Kozak and we went right past his apartment building. We're staying at the Palmer House, which is a five-star hotel, because they sponsor the team with rooms every year. The hotel, not surprisingly, is incredibly nice. We had a little free time in the afternoon, so I just relaxed and caught up on some of my journal entries. Then dinner was sponsored by Joseph Freed & Associates, a pretty big real estate developer. The dinner was in the break room at their office, which was right in the Loop and awesome. They had foosball, pool, and ping pong. I played foosball and was able to recapture some of my talent from college and only lost one game (by one goal).
After dinner I met with Kozak, Bill Kraus, Sarah Z, Mike Olson, and a couple other folks. Bill just took the Illinois bar exam yesterday so we hung out at his and Sarah's apartment
to celebrate. They have an awesome balcony with a great view of the Sears Tower and the rest of the Loop. We had planned to go out to the bar, but all just decided to take it easy and stay in. It was really nice to just have a fun, relaxing night with some old friends.
Today Bill and Sarah were kind enough to let me use laundry machine in their apartment (and their wi-fi) and I'll be going out with some team members and probably Kozak again tonight.
FYI, this is the eighth post I've done today (sorry again), but the blog only shows the last seven, so there's another new post if you click over to the Older Posts.
So far I'm loving JOH and especially this visit in Chicago.
Also Kozak rode along with us from Glenview into Chicago yesterday so he met us the day before at the YMCA where we were staying, so it was awesome to see him again.
The following day we had to get up early to get out of the Y, so we just rode first to a Dunkin Donuts for coffee and donuts, which was pretty sweet. We then rode about 15 miles to the Neuman Center in Chicago on the north side for a friendship visit and lunch that was a lot of fun. After lunch, we rode all the way down Clark St. to our lodging: the Palmer House Hilton. The ride was cool because even though the street was busy we got to see a lot of the character of the city, but especially cool because we went right by Wrigley Field during a ballgame. It was sweet to ride past the stadium when it was packed and the streets were full of people. Also I was riding with Kozak and we went right past his apartment building. We're staying at the Palmer House, which is a five-star hotel, because they sponsor the team with rooms every year. The hotel, not surprisingly, is incredibly nice. We had a little free time in the afternoon, so I just relaxed and caught up on some of my journal entries. Then dinner was sponsored by Joseph Freed & Associates, a pretty big real estate developer. The dinner was in the break room at their office, which was right in the Loop and awesome. They had foosball, pool, and ping pong. I played foosball and was able to recapture some of my talent from college and only lost one game (by one goal).
After dinner I met with Kozak, Bill Kraus, Sarah Z, Mike Olson, and a couple other folks. Bill just took the Illinois bar exam yesterday so we hung out at his and Sarah's apartment
to celebrate. They have an awesome balcony with a great view of the Sears Tower and the rest of the Loop. We had planned to go out to the bar, but all just decided to take it easy and stay in. It was really nice to just have a fun, relaxing night with some old friends.
Today Bill and Sarah were kind enough to let me use laundry machine in their apartment (and their wi-fi) and I'll be going out with some team members and probably Kozak again tonight.
FYI, this is the eighth post I've done today (sorry again), but the blog only shows the last seven, so there's another new post if you click over to the Older Posts.
So far I'm loving JOH and especially this visit in Chicago.
Milwaukee - Day Three
The last day in Milwaukee we had a busy day of friendship visits. We started off with breakfast at the Independence First offices. Oh and I should give thanks to Kathy of Independence First who planned the whole time we were there, which was awesome.
After breakfast we went to a Milwaukee summer school for kids with disabilities and did our Kids on the Block puppet show, which the kids really enjoyed. Then we got to play on the playground with the kids and that was a blast. The kids were so much fun and it was really cool because we got one of the girls to try to fireman's pole and monkey bars for the first time and she was super-excited.
Afterwards we got to play wheelchair ice hockey at one of the US Olympic training facilities in Milwaukee. Wheelchair hockey was a ton of fun. Gabi from the day before showed up and played as well. It was really hard but the trick was to keep moving because starting was tough because your wheels would spin, but then once moving it was easier to keep going. But there were a couple guys there who were ringers, but we still managed to tie them (although we had about two to three times as many players).
Later that evening we met with a group of adolescent girls from Independence First who were differently abled at a mall. We did a scavenger hunt with them to help them develop confidence and social skills. We also did accessibility surveys of three stores in the mall to determine how "friendly" they are to people with disabilities. Barnes & Noble was good, but lacked braille signage, whereas Starbucks wasn't very good - counters to0 high for a wheelchair, displays cluttered and hindered access in a wheelchair, and they didn't have any braille menus.
It was an awesome couple days in Milwaukee.
After breakfast we went to a Milwaukee summer school for kids with disabilities and did our Kids on the Block puppet show, which the kids really enjoyed. Then we got to play on the playground with the kids and that was a blast. The kids were so much fun and it was really cool because we got one of the girls to try to fireman's pole and monkey bars for the first time and she was super-excited.
Afterwards we got to play wheelchair ice hockey at one of the US Olympic training facilities in Milwaukee. Wheelchair hockey was a ton of fun. Gabi from the day before showed up and played as well. It was really hard but the trick was to keep moving because starting was tough because your wheels would spin, but then once moving it was easier to keep going. But there were a couple guys there who were ringers, but we still managed to tie them (although we had about two to three times as many players).
Later that evening we met with a group of adolescent girls from Independence First who were differently abled at a mall. We did a scavenger hunt with them to help them develop confidence and social skills. We also did accessibility surveys of three stores in the mall to determine how "friendly" they are to people with disabilities. Barnes & Noble was good, but lacked braille signage, whereas Starbucks wasn't very good - counters to0 high for a wheelchair, displays cluttered and hindered access in a wheelchair, and they didn't have any braille menus.
It was an awesome couple days in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee - Days One and Two
From Rockford, Illinois, where we stayed after leaving Iowa, we rode to the suburbs of Milwaukee. We had a friendship visit for lunch and that night went to Pewaukee Lake for a dinner sponsored by the family of a guy who rode a few years back. They had a cool little cottage on the lake and took us out on the boat for a trip around the lake. It really reminded me of northern Michigan. It was a nice relaxing evening.
The following day we had our second shortest ride of the trip of 15 miles to Milwaukee. On the ride into Milwaukee, the city reminded me a lot of Hamtramck, Mich. It just feels very blue-collar. When we arrived we met with Independence First, which is an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live on their own. We met Gabi, a little girl with spina bifida who was just a ton of energy and fun. She was really cool. Independence First had a bunch of wheelchairs and we got to play wheelchair basketball, tennis, and softball. Basketball and softball I felt like I could pick up relatively quickly, but tennis was nearly impossible. I could only hit the ball if it was in just the right spot because it was so hard to maneuver the chair laterally. We also played goal ball, a Para-Olympic sport for the visually impaired. Basically three people stand opposite each other and try to roll a ball past the other team. The ball is a little bigger than a basketball and has bells in it. So we played that with blindfolds, which was pretty sweet.
Later on that night we went to a bar on Water St. downtown called Duke's since we had a day off the bike the next day, which was a lot of fun. Ray and I met a couple locals who we were hanging out with who later on gave us a lift back to lodging. It was nice to get out and relax since we had just completed 13 consecutive days of cycling, the longest stretch on the trip.
The following day we had our second shortest ride of the trip of 15 miles to Milwaukee. On the ride into Milwaukee, the city reminded me a lot of Hamtramck, Mich. It just feels very blue-collar. When we arrived we met with Independence First, which is an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live on their own. We met Gabi, a little girl with spina bifida who was just a ton of energy and fun. She was really cool. Independence First had a bunch of wheelchairs and we got to play wheelchair basketball, tennis, and softball. Basketball and softball I felt like I could pick up relatively quickly, but tennis was nearly impossible. I could only hit the ball if it was in just the right spot because it was so hard to maneuver the chair laterally. We also played goal ball, a Para-Olympic sport for the visually impaired. Basically three people stand opposite each other and try to roll a ball past the other team. The ball is a little bigger than a basketball and has bells in it. So we played that with blindfolds, which was pretty sweet.
Later on that night we went to a bar on Water St. downtown called Duke's since we had a day off the bike the next day, which was a lot of fun. Ray and I met a couple locals who we were hanging out with who later on gave us a lift back to lodging. It was nice to get out and relax since we had just completed 13 consecutive days of cycling, the longest stretch on the trip.
The Rest of Iowa and crossing the Mississippi
After Winterset we had about another week in Iowa. The rides were all very similar: rolling hills with lots of cornfields. But it was better than Nebraska because the farms were smaller and it was a lot more visually interesting. Plus there weren't many days during which we had bad headwinds. We stayed at a couple camps in Des Moines and Dubuque, which was interesting because they were staffed mostly by college kids from England and Ireland. Evidently there's an organization that staffs all those camps for kids with disabilities and recruits students from overseas.
We had rain on two other days in Iowa: going into Iowa City where University of Iowa is located and again on the way to Davenport. On the ride to Davenport I crashed for the first (and hopefully only) time of the trip. I was riding fifth in a paceline of six when Ray, the third guy, accidentally dropped a wheel off the road down onto the gravel shoulder (did I mention the fact there are no shoulders on the roads anywhere in Iowa). He tumbled over and Matt, who was directly behind him, couldn't avoid him and neither could I. I also couldn't swerve out into the road to avoid it because there was a truck right behind us. So I crashed right into them. Ryan who was behind me was able to drop down off the road on the right and missed the whole crash. Fortunately no one got injured and there were no serious bike damages. Just Matt bent him shift lever and I have two big, nasty bruises on my thigh. But I'll take that any day if that's as bad as it gets.
From Davenport we rode across the Mississippi into Illinois. It was really cool to ride across the Mississippi because it's one of the largest rivers in the world and has been so important in the history of our country. Plus I've always thought of it as one of the major dividers between the east and the west. So it was a great landmark to cross. The first day in Illinois had a couple long climbs that I actually really enjoyed, then in turned into rolling hills. The hills were really dangerous because there was no shoulder, the road was really bad, there was a ton of traffic, and the rolling hills made it hard for cars to see ahead. Fortunately we made it through okay, but the highway patrol told us we couldn't ride the remainder of the day due to minimum speed limits on the road ahead, so unfortunately we had to rack and only got to ride about 65 miles when we were supposed to do 110.
We had rain on two other days in Iowa: going into Iowa City where University of Iowa is located and again on the way to Davenport. On the ride to Davenport I crashed for the first (and hopefully only) time of the trip. I was riding fifth in a paceline of six when Ray, the third guy, accidentally dropped a wheel off the road down onto the gravel shoulder (did I mention the fact there are no shoulders on the roads anywhere in Iowa). He tumbled over and Matt, who was directly behind him, couldn't avoid him and neither could I. I also couldn't swerve out into the road to avoid it because there was a truck right behind us. So I crashed right into them. Ryan who was behind me was able to drop down off the road on the right and missed the whole crash. Fortunately no one got injured and there were no serious bike damages. Just Matt bent him shift lever and I have two big, nasty bruises on my thigh. But I'll take that any day if that's as bad as it gets.
From Davenport we rode across the Mississippi into Illinois. It was really cool to ride across the Mississippi because it's one of the largest rivers in the world and has been so important in the history of our country. Plus I've always thought of it as one of the major dividers between the east and the west. So it was a great landmark to cross. The first day in Illinois had a couple long climbs that I actually really enjoyed, then in turned into rolling hills. The hills were really dangerous because there was no shoulder, the road was really bad, there was a ton of traffic, and the rolling hills made it hard for cars to see ahead. Fortunately we made it through okay, but the highway patrol told us we couldn't ride the remainder of the day due to minimum speed limits on the road ahead, so unfortunately we had to rack and only got to ride about 65 miles when we were supposed to do 110.
Winterset, Iowa - Home of The Duke
After Griswold we rode to Winterset, which was were John Wayne was born. I didn't even know that when we got there, but we went to a laundromat that turned out to be a block away from his childhood home. So naturally we walked over and checked it out. It's really nothing fancy, he obviously didn't come from a privileged background, but it was cool to see it. Plus the foundation that owns the house had sold bricks to raise funds and there were bricks that had been purchased by Presidents George W. Bush and Reagan as well as the governor of Iowa, Warner Brothers Pictures, and Reba McEntire. Somehow it's not surprising to me that John Wayne is popular with Republicans.
We had a sponsored dinner at a church in Winterset that was sweet because it had this awesome contemporary design. I've never seen a church that looked like it before. I'll definitely post pictures when I get back.
That night it turned out the county fair was taking place about a half mile from where we were staying and there was a rodeo there too. I've never been to a rodeo before so it was pretty sweet. They had bull riding, bareback riding, saddle-back bronco riding, and barrel racing. My favorite was probably the bareback riding. The bull riding wasn't as cool as I expected because only one guy out of about ten or twelve actually finished the ride. Also they had little kids riding bulls, which struck me as really inappropriate. Especially after one of the kids failed to get his hand out of the strap and was dragged all the way across the ring by his arm. They managed to stop the bull right in front of us and the kid was crying his eyes out - justifiably so because he probably dislocated his shoulder. And he couldn't have been older than ten. It just seemed really irresponsible to let kids that young ride a wild animal that's like five times their size.
Anyway now I can say I've been to a rodeo and seen John Wayne's hometown.
We had a sponsored dinner at a church in Winterset that was sweet because it had this awesome contemporary design. I've never seen a church that looked like it before. I'll definitely post pictures when I get back.
That night it turned out the county fair was taking place about a half mile from where we were staying and there was a rodeo there too. I've never been to a rodeo before so it was pretty sweet. They had bull riding, bareback riding, saddle-back bronco riding, and barrel racing. My favorite was probably the bareback riding. The bull riding wasn't as cool as I expected because only one guy out of about ten or twelve actually finished the ride. Also they had little kids riding bulls, which struck me as really inappropriate. Especially after one of the kids failed to get his hand out of the strap and was dragged all the way across the ring by his arm. They managed to stop the bull right in front of us and the kid was crying his eyes out - justifiably so because he probably dislocated his shoulder. And he couldn't have been older than ten. It just seemed really irresponsible to let kids that young ride a wild animal that's like five times their size.
Anyway now I can say I've been to a rodeo and seen John Wayne's hometown.
Griswold, Iowa
After Omaha we rode to a camp in Griswold, Iowa. The ride wasn't really long, but Iowa is really hilly. I've found that second to headwinds, rolling hills are the worst for me. I'm not real big, so I have to pedal pretty hard downhill just to keep up with the guys who are bigger and can coast downhill, then I have to pedal pretty hard to roll over the uphill as well. I'd much rather have a long climb than rolling hills.
Then about 20 miles from the end of the ride it started pouring down rain. It was the first real rain we had all trip. Plus several people said they saw lightning and I heard thunder a couple times, so we actually had to stop and sit in the vans until it blew over. Then predictably as soon as we got back on the road it opened up and poured again.
There isn't much in Griswold, so we stayed at a retreat owned by Creighton University, which didn't have hot showers. Fortunately the sun came out and we had dinner and some free time at an old quarry that is now a private recreational lake. We played volleyball and frisbee
and a couple guys went swimming, but I thought it was too cold.
Then about 20 miles from the end of the ride it started pouring down rain. It was the first real rain we had all trip. Plus several people said they saw lightning and I heard thunder a couple times, so we actually had to stop and sit in the vans until it blew over. Then predictably as soon as we got back on the road it opened up and poured again.
There isn't much in Griswold, so we stayed at a retreat owned by Creighton University, which didn't have hot showers. Fortunately the sun came out and we had dinner and some free time at an old quarry that is now a private recreational lake. We played volleyball and frisbee
and a couple guys went swimming, but I thought it was too cold.
Lincoln and Omaha
After Grand Island we rode to Lincoln and then Omaha, Nebraska. The rides were still humid and hot, but the headwinds weren't as bad as the western portion of Nebraska.
Lincoln was cool because we stayed right next to the University of Nebraska campus at the Beta Theta Pi house, which was really nice. Also just down the street with the Nebraska state capitol, which was really unique; it looks a lot like a bell tower.
In Lincoln after a sponsored dinner we went to a dance with the local Arc chapter and they were again really excited to see us. Again I was interviewed on the local news, which was pretty sweet.
In Omaha we got a pretty good lunch at the Saturn of Omaha, which has been a long-time sponsor of JOH. Afterwards we drove across the river to Council Bluffs, Iowa for a friendship visit and then had another friendship visit at the Ollie Webb Center, which is a municipal facility in Omaha for people with disabilities. They served dinner and had a guy who sang and played the guitar for entertainment who was really good. Later on I went out with some of the guys for some wings, which was a good time. I'm a little disappointed we didn't get to see downtown Omaha, but the friendship visit was a lot of fun.
Lincoln was cool because we stayed right next to the University of Nebraska campus at the Beta Theta Pi house, which was really nice. Also just down the street with the Nebraska state capitol, which was really unique; it looks a lot like a bell tower.
In Lincoln after a sponsored dinner we went to a dance with the local Arc chapter and they were again really excited to see us. Again I was interviewed on the local news, which was pretty sweet.
In Omaha we got a pretty good lunch at the Saturn of Omaha, which has been a long-time sponsor of JOH. Afterwards we drove across the river to Council Bluffs, Iowa for a friendship visit and then had another friendship visit at the Ollie Webb Center, which is a municipal facility in Omaha for people with disabilities. They served dinner and had a guy who sang and played the guitar for entertainment who was really good. Later on I went out with some of the guys for some wings, which was a good time. I'm a little disappointed we didn't get to see downtown Omaha, but the friendship visit was a lot of fun.
Grand Island
Sorry again for the delay in posting. But I'll try to catch up here.
About midway through Nebraska is Grand Island. At about 50,000 people it's the third largest city in the state after Omaha and Lincoln. It's also legendary on JOH because of the Grand Island Ladies (GILs): Sue, Tammy, and Andrea. The GILs all have or have had at least one child with a disability. They were first introduced to JOH about 17 years ago and for the past seven or nine years have been planning and sponsoring two days. They are also all three amazing when you see what they do for people with disabilities in their community and for JOH.
We did an arrival at the Holiday Inn where they put us up and they had decent size contingent to welcome us. It was a short 50 mile ride and after four grueling days prior we were pushing it pretty hard just to get it done with cruising above 20 mph most of the way and about 25 mph the last five miles. The ride itself was uneventful: flat with no serious headwinds, just lots more corn. I feel bad though because I caused Dave to crash when I was in front and slowed down without enough warning, but fortunately he landed in the grass with no damage to himself or the bike.
At the arrival the local news showed up and I did an interview so Joe and I were on TV later that night. That was kind of cool because I think it was the first time I've been on TV. After the arrival we had lunch at Tammy's house and she served us steak, which was a treat. At the lunch I also met Nia who has been coming to visit with JOH teams for about a decade or more, which is really cool.
After lunch we went to St. Francis Medical Center to visit Milly, one of Sue's foster children. Milly is 14 months old and has severely underdeveloped lungs as well as other developmental problems. She was going to Omaha the next day for an operation and so we went to wish her well. She was a beautiful little girl, although she was really small for her age. And she had IVs and tubes that basically kept her alive. I got to hold her, which at first was a little nerve-racking because of all the tubes. But it was really cool.
That night we went to a dinner and dance at the Elks Club sponsored by the Arc of Grand Island. It was cool because all the participants were a lot of fun. I got to meet Andrea's daughter Mallory who is 23 and very low functioning. She's non-verbal, but was pretty cool. What's kind of scary is that Mallory is undiagnosed - in other words they don't know what happened.
The following morning we visited with some kids who were at a summer school for kids with disabilities and then visited the Ashley Park Barrier-Free Playground. The GILs planned and fundraised for the playground and Push America helped install the equipment. Plus the owner of the company that did the mat under the equipment was a PiKapp and did one of the tiles with the Push America logo. It was a lot of fun because we played with another group of summer school kids with special needs.
After a little free time we finished with a picnic back at the playground, which was cool because all the GILs and the folks from the other visits were there too. Also they really loved it when we did our Kids on the Block puppet show, which capped off an awesome couple days in Grand Island.
About midway through Nebraska is Grand Island. At about 50,000 people it's the third largest city in the state after Omaha and Lincoln. It's also legendary on JOH because of the Grand Island Ladies (GILs): Sue, Tammy, and Andrea. The GILs all have or have had at least one child with a disability. They were first introduced to JOH about 17 years ago and for the past seven or nine years have been planning and sponsoring two days. They are also all three amazing when you see what they do for people with disabilities in their community and for JOH.
We did an arrival at the Holiday Inn where they put us up and they had decent size contingent to welcome us. It was a short 50 mile ride and after four grueling days prior we were pushing it pretty hard just to get it done with cruising above 20 mph most of the way and about 25 mph the last five miles. The ride itself was uneventful: flat with no serious headwinds, just lots more corn. I feel bad though because I caused Dave to crash when I was in front and slowed down without enough warning, but fortunately he landed in the grass with no damage to himself or the bike.
At the arrival the local news showed up and I did an interview so Joe and I were on TV later that night. That was kind of cool because I think it was the first time I've been on TV. After the arrival we had lunch at Tammy's house and she served us steak, which was a treat. At the lunch I also met Nia who has been coming to visit with JOH teams for about a decade or more, which is really cool.
After lunch we went to St. Francis Medical Center to visit Milly, one of Sue's foster children. Milly is 14 months old and has severely underdeveloped lungs as well as other developmental problems. She was going to Omaha the next day for an operation and so we went to wish her well. She was a beautiful little girl, although she was really small for her age. And she had IVs and tubes that basically kept her alive. I got to hold her, which at first was a little nerve-racking because of all the tubes. But it was really cool.
That night we went to a dinner and dance at the Elks Club sponsored by the Arc of Grand Island. It was cool because all the participants were a lot of fun. I got to meet Andrea's daughter Mallory who is 23 and very low functioning. She's non-verbal, but was pretty cool. What's kind of scary is that Mallory is undiagnosed - in other words they don't know what happened.
The following morning we visited with some kids who were at a summer school for kids with disabilities and then visited the Ashley Park Barrier-Free Playground. The GILs planned and fundraised for the playground and Push America helped install the equipment. Plus the owner of the company that did the mat under the equipment was a PiKapp and did one of the tiles with the Push America logo. It was a lot of fun because we played with another group of summer school kids with special needs.
After a little free time we finished with a picnic back at the playground, which was cool because all the GILs and the folks from the other visits were there too. Also they really loved it when we did our Kids on the Block puppet show, which capped off an awesome couple days in Grand Island.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Photos and Official Journey of Hope Journal
I know I haven't been updating any photos on Flickr. My plan to take photos on my phone and upload them to Flickr over the summer backfired when I couldn't access Flickr on my phone. Plus it's a nuisance to take two photos: one with my camera and one with my phone. I'll upload all of my photos from my camera after the trip is over, but in the meantime here are two places to check for pics of the trip:
Official Flickr page of Journey of Hope North Route
Traversing America is a photo-documentary being done by Jenkins Chan who rode the North route in 2005. He is documenting all three Journey of Hope routes: North, South, and Trans-America; as well Build America, another summer service project of Push America.
Also Push America's website has a daily journal written by a rider or crew member (click on "Team Journal Entry" for each respective day's entry). It's updated just about every day, so you can continue to follow the team even if I happen to fall behind again.
And all of the above will continue to be updated throughout the summer.
Official Flickr page of Journey of Hope North Route
Traversing America is a photo-documentary being done by Jenkins Chan who rode the North route in 2005. He is documenting all three Journey of Hope routes: North, South, and Trans-America; as well Build America, another summer service project of Push America.
Also Push America's website has a daily journal written by a rider or crew member (click on "Team Journal Entry" for each respective day's entry). It's updated just about every day, so you can continue to follow the team even if I happen to fall behind again.
And all of the above will continue to be updated throughout the summer.
Flats Leaving Denver and Entering Nebraska
Since we left Denver we've had a pretty tough stretch. The riding conditions have been consistently hilly, humid, and into a headwind (and occasionally sunny and hot or overcast and spitting rain).
The day out of Denver to Ft. Morgan, Colorado we were scheduled for 97 miles. However I had terrible luck with four flats. The back tube had a nail and two thorns, the front just blew and I couldn't figure out why. The last blowout was at mile 87 and I had to rack because neither I nor anyone else I was riding with had any tubes left. The Elks Club in Ft. Morgan hosted us and was really nice. Especially since they offered us free popcorn at their lodge; I ate three bowls after dinner, which was delicious.
The following day we rode 87 miles to Wray, Colorado. I managed to make it the whole way without any flats, but the winds were pretty tiring. Plus we rode past some huge cattle feed lots and lots of livestock semis, which smelled terrible. And for a good ten mile stretch the road was covered in grasshoppers and it was kind of disgusting; at one point one got stuck in my derailleur and flew out when I switched gears.
Yesterday we entered Nebraska and the Central Time Zone. Also since we were so close to the border we detoured slightly to Kansas, just to say we rode there. We had all kinds of stops yesterday, which just destroyed our pace. There were four flats in our group (two of which were mine), one guy had his chain and derailleur break, and we had to stop another time because another of our riders was cramping really badly. Plus we were sweeping (last riders on the team each day who make sure everyone else gets in safely), so we had to stop for two other guys who had flats. So all told there were six unexpected stops. Also on my second flat at mile 90, I had to rack again because neither I nor anyone had any tubes again (the whole team has had bad luck with flats and we haven't seen a bike shop since Denver). Later that night we went out to the bar and had a great time hanging out with the townies in McCook, Nebraska.
Today was perhaps the hardest day of the trip. We rode 95 miles to Minden, Nebraska in relentless headwinds. The wind was stiff in our face the entire way and there were some pretty decent size hills over the first 50 miles. Fortunately I had two great guys I was riding with who really helped me through the day - both named Adam actually. We tried to do an all Adam paceline, but the fourth Adam on the team had to rack about ten miles in because of tire trouble. Anyway now I'm tired and sore all over and looking forward to only 50 miles tomorrow then a day off in Grand Island. So it's about bedtime for me.
The day out of Denver to Ft. Morgan, Colorado we were scheduled for 97 miles. However I had terrible luck with four flats. The back tube had a nail and two thorns, the front just blew and I couldn't figure out why. The last blowout was at mile 87 and I had to rack because neither I nor anyone else I was riding with had any tubes left. The Elks Club in Ft. Morgan hosted us and was really nice. Especially since they offered us free popcorn at their lodge; I ate three bowls after dinner, which was delicious.
The following day we rode 87 miles to Wray, Colorado. I managed to make it the whole way without any flats, but the winds were pretty tiring. Plus we rode past some huge cattle feed lots and lots of livestock semis, which smelled terrible. And for a good ten mile stretch the road was covered in grasshoppers and it was kind of disgusting; at one point one got stuck in my derailleur and flew out when I switched gears.
Yesterday we entered Nebraska and the Central Time Zone. Also since we were so close to the border we detoured slightly to Kansas, just to say we rode there. We had all kinds of stops yesterday, which just destroyed our pace. There were four flats in our group (two of which were mine), one guy had his chain and derailleur break, and we had to stop another time because another of our riders was cramping really badly. Plus we were sweeping (last riders on the team each day who make sure everyone else gets in safely), so we had to stop for two other guys who had flats. So all told there were six unexpected stops. Also on my second flat at mile 90, I had to rack again because neither I nor anyone had any tubes again (the whole team has had bad luck with flats and we haven't seen a bike shop since Denver). Later that night we went out to the bar and had a great time hanging out with the townies in McCook, Nebraska.
Today was perhaps the hardest day of the trip. We rode 95 miles to Minden, Nebraska in relentless headwinds. The wind was stiff in our face the entire way and there were some pretty decent size hills over the first 50 miles. Fortunately I had two great guys I was riding with who really helped me through the day - both named Adam actually. We tried to do an all Adam paceline, but the fourth Adam on the team had to rack about ten miles in because of tire trouble. Anyway now I'm tired and sore all over and looking forward to only 50 miles tomorrow then a day off in Grand Island. So it's about bedtime for me.
Day 2 in Denver
On our second day in town we started by getting up early for a team meeting and to watch the team time trial of the Tour de France live. It's cool to see Lance looking so strong. After which we had dinner sponsored by one of the rider's parents at their house in Denver. They got lunch from Chik-fil-a, but the best part was the salads: one had strawberries, cherries, almods, and spinach while another had grapes, apples, walnuts, and spinach (it was a little like a Waldorf salad, but no celery and the dressing was different). We've had salad every day and those two were by far the best we've had. It's rare that I go for seconds on salad.
Later we had a friendship visit at Craig Hospital outside of Denver. Craig Hospital specializes in helping people recover and adapt after spinal injuries. We got a tour of the hospital, but more fun we got to play murderball or quad rugby with their team, The Harlequins. Quad rugby is basically rugby played in specially-designed durable wheelchairs; it's actually a Para-Olympic sport. Two of the guys we played against were on the US team that won a gold medal last year in Beijing, which was pretty awesome. Quad rugby is a blast, but it's pretty hard - and those guys were clearly going easy on us. What was also amazing is that they were all just normal guys who were quadrapalegics or parapalegics due to completely random accidents - things that could happen to anyone. It really made me think about how I would react to a challenge like that.
Afterwards we had dinner provided by another team member's parents. They made steak, which was the first time we've had that on the trip. Also they provided cheesecake, which was delicious. Then we crashed because quad rugby is tiring and our agenda for the next four days was rides of 100, 90, 95, and 95 miles.
Later we had a friendship visit at Craig Hospital outside of Denver. Craig Hospital specializes in helping people recover and adapt after spinal injuries. We got a tour of the hospital, but more fun we got to play murderball or quad rugby with their team, The Harlequins. Quad rugby is basically rugby played in specially-designed durable wheelchairs; it's actually a Para-Olympic sport. Two of the guys we played against were on the US team that won a gold medal last year in Beijing, which was pretty awesome. Quad rugby is a blast, but it's pretty hard - and those guys were clearly going easy on us. What was also amazing is that they were all just normal guys who were quadrapalegics or parapalegics due to completely random accidents - things that could happen to anyone. It really made me think about how I would react to a challenge like that.
Afterwards we had dinner provided by another team member's parents. They made steak, which was the first time we've had that on the trip. Also they provided cheesecake, which was delicious. Then we crashed because quad rugby is tiring and our agenda for the next four days was rides of 100, 90, 95, and 95 miles.
Day 1 in Denver
The following day we rode about 50 miles to Denver. It was a great ride with two last steep climbs before we got out of the mountains, but they were only one and two miles each. Other than those climbs it was nearly all downhill except for a couple streets in town. At one point we crossed an overpass of I-70 and the view was gorgeous. Behind us was a breathtaking view of the Rockies and in front of us the road sloped down and all you could see for miles and miles were flat plains. It was almost metaphorical because we could see the last 1,000 miles behind us and the next 2,000 miles in front of us.
From there we rode through Evergreen to Lookout Mountain. At the top of Lookout Mtn is a gorgeous view of the Denver skyline with plains and mesas all around. It was pretty impressive. From there is one of the wildest downhills we've had. They were the tightest switchbacks we've encountered on the trip so far. We were actually violating the speed limit for most of the descent. Plus we saw three deer, including one that ran across the road right in front of me in the middle of the paceline. I've never before had to slow down to avoid hitting a deer, but it ran right across and jumped over the guardrail on the other side.
From there we road through Golden and right along the Coors brewery and arrived in Denver at Invesco Field where the Broncos play. We actually got to go on the field and they had put "Welcome Journey of Hope" on the jumbotron, which was sweet. After a quick lunch we rode to the state capitol. Joe Martinez from the fraternity showed up at the arrival downtown at the capitol, which was a pleasant surprise. There were also three TV crews and the governor showed up.
After cleaning up we went to Pedal for Pennies, a fundraiser for the Colorado Special Olympics sponsored by Push America and KRG Capital. The athletes get pledges from sponsors based on how many laps they ride around the lake in City Park in Denver in a 45 minute period. After a brief rainstorm, the riders got out and the winner rode 12 laps - he was really moving. I talked to him afterwards and he said he rode everyday, which was obvious from how he rode. Then KRG sponsored dinner, including awesome sundaes with brownies, and we had a dance with the Special Olympics athletes, which was a blast.
After Pedal for Pennies, I went out to a brewpub on 16th Street with a bunch of guys from the team where Joe met up with us. It was a lot of fun to hang out, especially since I don't get to catch up with Joe often enough.
From there we rode through Evergreen to Lookout Mountain. At the top of Lookout Mtn is a gorgeous view of the Denver skyline with plains and mesas all around. It was pretty impressive. From there is one of the wildest downhills we've had. They were the tightest switchbacks we've encountered on the trip so far. We were actually violating the speed limit for most of the descent. Plus we saw three deer, including one that ran across the road right in front of me in the middle of the paceline. I've never before had to slow down to avoid hitting a deer, but it ran right across and jumped over the guardrail on the other side.
From there we road through Golden and right along the Coors brewery and arrived in Denver at Invesco Field where the Broncos play. We actually got to go on the field and they had put "Welcome Journey of Hope" on the jumbotron, which was sweet. After a quick lunch we rode to the state capitol. Joe Martinez from the fraternity showed up at the arrival downtown at the capitol, which was a pleasant surprise. There were also three TV crews and the governor showed up.
After cleaning up we went to Pedal for Pennies, a fundraiser for the Colorado Special Olympics sponsored by Push America and KRG Capital. The athletes get pledges from sponsors based on how many laps they ride around the lake in City Park in Denver in a 45 minute period. After a brief rainstorm, the riders got out and the winner rode 12 laps - he was really moving. I talked to him afterwards and he said he rode everyday, which was obvious from how he rode. Then KRG sponsored dinner, including awesome sundaes with brownies, and we had a dance with the Special Olympics athletes, which was a blast.
After Pedal for Pennies, I went out to a brewpub on 16th Street with a bunch of guys from the team where Joe met up with us. It was a lot of fun to hang out, especially since I don't get to catch up with Joe often enough.
Loveland Pass
After leaving Breckenridge we had one final big climb before we finished the Rockies and it was our biggest climb of the trip. We rode over the Loveland Pass to Empire. Basically the first 24 miles are uphill finishing with a 12 mile climb at grades of 6-7%, which progressively gets steeper towards the top. Plus the pass is at an elevation of 11,990 feet; it was the first time on the trip I felt like I was affected by the thin air, but that also may have just been me getting gassed after 10 plus miles of straight climbing. Also I got to ride with Bruce who was a great cyclist. It was also cool to get to chat with him about cycling and business.
At the top is was freezing cold. I was really glad I put my tights in my back pocket on the way up, they were priceless going down. The next 16 miles were all downhill, which was awesome. After going down the switchbacks from the pass we actually got on I-70 for several miles. The freeway was gridlock because it was the Sunday of the Fourth of July weekend and everyone was driving back to Denver from the resort towns of the Rockies. What was awesome was that we were cruising at around 35 mph on the shoulder and flying past the cars in bumper to bumper traffic. We definitely got some odd looks.
We spent the night at Rocky Mountain Village (RMV) where we also had a friendship visit. RMV is another camp for people with disabilities. We had dinner with their campers and then participated in some skits they were performing. It was cool to see some of the campers come out of their shells in the skits. Afterwards we sang a bunch of camp songs, which was fun, up to a point...
Also that night the sky as the sun was setting in the mountains was impressive. The clouds looked like something from a Renaissance painting- they were almost too beautiful to be real.
At the top is was freezing cold. I was really glad I put my tights in my back pocket on the way up, they were priceless going down. The next 16 miles were all downhill, which was awesome. After going down the switchbacks from the pass we actually got on I-70 for several miles. The freeway was gridlock because it was the Sunday of the Fourth of July weekend and everyone was driving back to Denver from the resort towns of the Rockies. What was awesome was that we were cruising at around 35 mph on the shoulder and flying past the cars in bumper to bumper traffic. We definitely got some odd looks.
We spent the night at Rocky Mountain Village (RMV) where we also had a friendship visit. RMV is another camp for people with disabilities. We had dinner with their campers and then participated in some skits they were performing. It was cool to see some of the campers come out of their shells in the skits. Afterwards we sang a bunch of camp songs, which was fun, up to a point...
Also that night the sky as the sun was setting in the mountains was impressive. The clouds looked like something from a Renaissance painting- they were almost too beautiful to be real.
Breckenridge
After leaving Steamboat we celebrated Independence Day by riding 110 miles to Breckenridge, which was one of the longest and most challenging rides of the trip. It was an exciting day because we actually entered the Rocky Moutains. We started first by riding over the first pass at about mile 18 called Rabbit Ears because of two huge boulders in the distance that stand up and actually look a lot like rabbit ears. It was a pretty consistent 6-8% grade for a seven mile climb. Steamboat is at an elevation of 6,728 and the elevation of Rabbit Ears is 9,426, so we climbed 2,700 feet in seven miles. At the Rabbit Ears Pass we crossed the Continental Divide for the first time.
For those not familiar with grades: 9% is the steepest we encounter on the trip and from the ground basically looks about straight up- you get winded just walking up it for a short distance, 11% is the steepest professional riders will ever climb according to our cycling coach (in Europe because their road grades aren't regulated like ours are in the US), and 18% is unrideable.
After the climb there are about seven miles of rolling hills, then 20+ miles of pretty good downhill. Crossed the Continental Divide again when flying down the mountain. Then it was gradually uphill for the remainder of the ride into Breckenridge. They were basically rolling hills, but the net was uphill and we finished at an elevation of 9,600 feet.
Perhaps the hardest part of the ride was the climb up to lodging, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), which is a camp for people with disabilities. BOEC is at the top of a huge hill in a winding neighborhood. So each time we went around a corner we thought the BOEC would be right there, but instead we just kept climbing and it kept getting steeper. It's actually become a joke among the team that lodging is always at the top of a hill, and this was among the most challenging finishes both because of the climb and the fact we had already done 100+ miles.
After the ride we had a dinner sponsored by Bruce Rogers, who did the first Journey of Hope solo in 1987 and was a later a founder of the private equity firm KRG Capital in Denver. We went to the Country Boy mine in Breckenridge, which was a working mine up until World War II. We got a tour of the mine and an idea of what it was like to be a miner in the 19th century - the conditions were absolutely brutal. It made riding a bicycle across the country look like a joke. After the tour we had a catered dinner of BBQ chicken with cornbread, beans, potatoes, and apple crisp, all of which was delicious. Probably my favorite meal of the trip so far.
After dinner a bunch of us walked to downtown Breckenridge to check out the Breckenridge Brewing Company. Downtown Breckenridge was packed for the Fourth with people all over downtown and a free pops concert at an outdoor ampitheatre next to a little river that ran right along Main St. Breckenridge seems like a very cool little town and I'd love a chance to come back and have some more time to check it out.
For those not familiar with grades: 9% is the steepest we encounter on the trip and from the ground basically looks about straight up- you get winded just walking up it for a short distance, 11% is the steepest professional riders will ever climb according to our cycling coach (in Europe because their road grades aren't regulated like ours are in the US), and 18% is unrideable.
After the climb there are about seven miles of rolling hills, then 20+ miles of pretty good downhill. Crossed the Continental Divide again when flying down the mountain. Then it was gradually uphill for the remainder of the ride into Breckenridge. They were basically rolling hills, but the net was uphill and we finished at an elevation of 9,600 feet.
Perhaps the hardest part of the ride was the climb up to lodging, the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC), which is a camp for people with disabilities. BOEC is at the top of a huge hill in a winding neighborhood. So each time we went around a corner we thought the BOEC would be right there, but instead we just kept climbing and it kept getting steeper. It's actually become a joke among the team that lodging is always at the top of a hill, and this was among the most challenging finishes both because of the climb and the fact we had already done 100+ miles.
After the ride we had a dinner sponsored by Bruce Rogers, who did the first Journey of Hope solo in 1987 and was a later a founder of the private equity firm KRG Capital in Denver. We went to the Country Boy mine in Breckenridge, which was a working mine up until World War II. We got a tour of the mine and an idea of what it was like to be a miner in the 19th century - the conditions were absolutely brutal. It made riding a bicycle across the country look like a joke. After the tour we had a catered dinner of BBQ chicken with cornbread, beans, potatoes, and apple crisp, all of which was delicious. Probably my favorite meal of the trip so far.
After dinner a bunch of us walked to downtown Breckenridge to check out the Breckenridge Brewing Company. Downtown Breckenridge was packed for the Fourth with people all over downtown and a free pops concert at an outdoor ampitheatre next to a little river that ran right along Main St. Breckenridge seems like a very cool little town and I'd love a chance to come back and have some more time to check it out.
First Three Days in Colorado
I know it's been a while since I updated this, so I'll try to get as much as I can and I'm going to lump a few days together because there have been a couple down days. (perhaps trying to do a blog all summer from my blackberry wasn't a brilliant idea - I'm on a borrowed laptop today).
On the first of the month we entered Colorado and stayed in Dinosaur. It was scheduled for a 90 mile ride but because of construction we actually had to rack the first 89 miles and only rode the last nine, but at least that included the border to Colorado from Utah. Dinosaur is a tiny little place, and we basically took over the only restaurant in town for lunch since our ride was so short. Two guys in our group ordered the one pound burger, Ryan Curran and Ryan Grumble, and raced to see who could finish first. Grumble finished the burger first, but only by a second or two and there was a little debate so they then ate the fries as well to determine the winner, which Curran finished off first. It was definitely the highlight of the day. (fyi, Dinosaur was named after a large cache of dinosaur bones that have been excavated nearby.)
After Dinosaur we rode about 90 miles to Craig, Colorado. The terrain was somewhere between mountainous and rolling hills and it was arid, though not as bad as Nevada. Rather uneventful to be perfectly honest. But the nice thing was that I rode 90 miles and felt great afterward. Once we arrived we hung out at the Boys & Girls Club; I and another guy taught the kids how to play 500 with the football. We also stayed at the Boys & Girls Club, which was sweet because they had a game room with bumper pool and a cool game called carpet ball, which just involved trying to knock your opponents balls off a ledge of a carpeted board. It's hard to explain, but fun.
After Craig we rode only 36 miles to Steamboat Springs. The ride was pretty easy because even though it was mostly uphill the grade was pretty flat. However it rained and I got really muddy, but that was actually cool. We left really early and as a result arrived in Steamboat by 8:10 in the morning, which was sweet because we had a chance to go swimming at the hot springs. I loved the hot springs because it's basically a swimming pool with bathtub temperature water. Awesome. And we got to relax in the hot tub. Later that night after a friendship visit we had a sponsored dinner at the Steamboat Smokehouse. Dinner was delicious because we had pork and turkey with two kinds of BBQ sauce with beans and mashed potatoes.
On the first of the month we entered Colorado and stayed in Dinosaur. It was scheduled for a 90 mile ride but because of construction we actually had to rack the first 89 miles and only rode the last nine, but at least that included the border to Colorado from Utah. Dinosaur is a tiny little place, and we basically took over the only restaurant in town for lunch since our ride was so short. Two guys in our group ordered the one pound burger, Ryan Curran and Ryan Grumble, and raced to see who could finish first. Grumble finished the burger first, but only by a second or two and there was a little debate so they then ate the fries as well to determine the winner, which Curran finished off first. It was definitely the highlight of the day. (fyi, Dinosaur was named after a large cache of dinosaur bones that have been excavated nearby.)
After Dinosaur we rode about 90 miles to Craig, Colorado. The terrain was somewhere between mountainous and rolling hills and it was arid, though not as bad as Nevada. Rather uneventful to be perfectly honest. But the nice thing was that I rode 90 miles and felt great afterward. Once we arrived we hung out at the Boys & Girls Club; I and another guy taught the kids how to play 500 with the football. We also stayed at the Boys & Girls Club, which was sweet because they had a game room with bumper pool and a cool game called carpet ball, which just involved trying to knock your opponents balls off a ledge of a carpeted board. It's hard to explain, but fun.
After Craig we rode only 36 miles to Steamboat Springs. The ride was pretty easy because even though it was mostly uphill the grade was pretty flat. However it rained and I got really muddy, but that was actually cool. We left really early and as a result arrived in Steamboat by 8:10 in the morning, which was sweet because we had a chance to go swimming at the hot springs. I loved the hot springs because it's basically a swimming pool with bathtub temperature water. Awesome. And we got to relax in the hot tub. Later that night after a friendship visit we had a sponsored dinner at the Steamboat Smokehouse. Dinner was delicious because we had pork and turkey with two kinds of BBQ sauce with beans and mashed potatoes.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Last Night in Utah
Today we rode from Park City to Duchesne, Utah. The first 50 miles were all wooded and mountainous with large climb taking us up over 8000 feet. The second half was more like a desert, similar to what we encountered in Nevada. The cool part was in the middle were the two parts transitioned - there the south-facing side of the mountains was desert while the north side was forested. We decided the must be due to the shade on the north side.
Once in Duchesne the chamber of commerce arranged for several members to take us boating and tubing on Starvation Lake, a man-made lake made by damming the Strawberry and Duchesne Rivers. It was really cool to see a lake in the middle of a rocky desert. Later in the evening the Lions Club made dinner for us, which was great because they made barbecue pork with scalloped potatoes.
Tomorrow we ride about 95-100 miles to Dinosaur, Colorado.
Once in Duchesne the chamber of commerce arranged for several members to take us boating and tubing on Starvation Lake, a man-made lake made by damming the Strawberry and Duchesne Rivers. It was really cool to see a lake in the middle of a rocky desert. Later in the evening the Lions Club made dinner for us, which was great because they made barbecue pork with scalloped potatoes.
Tomorrow we ride about 95-100 miles to Dinosaur, Colorado.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Salt Lake City and Park City
Friday we rode 77 miles to Payson, which is on the southern outskirts of Salt Lake City. The ride was nice with one or two passes. In Payson we had the evening to ourselves and went first to a pizza place called Fat Jack's then the little bar in town.
The following day we rode into Salt Lake City. The ride was beautiful because we rode along the western shore of Utah Lake with snow covered mountains in the background. In the city we were sponsored for lunch by the Saturn dealership downtown. Then in the afternoon we went to a friendship visit at the Raging Rapids, which was fun. In the evening we went to get some food at Chili's then went to downtown to see The Hangover (my second time). The area by the theater and the arena where the Jazz play seemed like a really cool area.
The next day we had a day off from cycling and went to a friendship visit at the National Abilities Center in Park City. The NAC is a great place for people with disabilities with an equestrian center, ropes course, climbing wall, ski facilities, hand-pedal bikes, and the world's first adaptive bobsled team just to name a few. They also serve as the training base for several Para-Olympic athletes. The day we were there they were hosting a camp for kids with visual impairments. I had dinner with a cool kid named Paul who told me about go ball, a Para-Olympic sport. Afterwards we got to clomb the climbing wall but had to do so with a "disability." I chose to be blindfolded to simulate blindness. It was surprisingly nerve-racking and hard but was able to complete it with a little help from my partner on the ground.
Monday we rode from Salt Lake City to Park City. It was only 25 miles but was challenging because it was nearly all uphill. Plus we had to ride on the freeway for 8 miles on what is purportedly the steepest interstate in America.
From Park City we drove back to Salt Lake City for a friendship visit with a camp for people with disabilities. I struck up a conversation with a guy named Don who had severe cerebral palsy. It was often really hard to understand what he was saying but he was cool and seemed genuinely excited that we were there to hang out with them.
The following day we rode into Salt Lake City. The ride was beautiful because we rode along the western shore of Utah Lake with snow covered mountains in the background. In the city we were sponsored for lunch by the Saturn dealership downtown. Then in the afternoon we went to a friendship visit at the Raging Rapids, which was fun. In the evening we went to get some food at Chili's then went to downtown to see The Hangover (my second time). The area by the theater and the arena where the Jazz play seemed like a really cool area.
The next day we had a day off from cycling and went to a friendship visit at the National Abilities Center in Park City. The NAC is a great place for people with disabilities with an equestrian center, ropes course, climbing wall, ski facilities, hand-pedal bikes, and the world's first adaptive bobsled team just to name a few. They also serve as the training base for several Para-Olympic athletes. The day we were there they were hosting a camp for kids with visual impairments. I had dinner with a cool kid named Paul who told me about go ball, a Para-Olympic sport. Afterwards we got to clomb the climbing wall but had to do so with a "disability." I chose to be blindfolded to simulate blindness. It was surprisingly nerve-racking and hard but was able to complete it with a little help from my partner on the ground.
Monday we rode from Salt Lake City to Park City. It was only 25 miles but was challenging because it was nearly all uphill. Plus we had to ride on the freeway for 8 miles on what is purportedly the steepest interstate in America.
From Park City we drove back to Salt Lake City for a friendship visit with a camp for people with disabilities. I struck up a conversation with a guy named Don who had severe cerebral palsy. It was often really hard to understand what he was saying but he was cool and seemed genuinely excited that we were there to hang out with them.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Baker, NV and entering Utah
Yesterday we rode about 61 miles to Baker, Nevada. The terrain was identical to the prior days with a couple mountain passes separated by desert. We got in early enough to tour Lehman Cave at Great Basin National Park, which was very cool. Then the superintendent and some of the park employees hosted dinner for us. Later we went to a little cafe/bar for a beer or two that was very cool, especially considering Baker's population of 65.
Today we were supposed to ride 97 miles to Delta, Utah but were shortened due to weather. We rode about 67 miles including through two passes, the second of which was beautiful because we descended down through a cool canyon with mountains rising on both sides. After leaving the canyon the road continued downhill through the most barren land I've seen yet. Nevertheless we found some serious tailwinds and a long straight section where I hit 49 mph going downhill. The wind was so strong we were cruising on the flats at 35 and climbing at 25 mph. But the winds turned into a sandstorm and we racked the bikes the last 30 miles because of the high winds and poor visibility. We're in Delta, Utah and had milkshakes sponsored by a local restaurant and dinner from the local Lions Club. It's cool to get into another state although so far the terrain isn't much more exciting than Nevada, but we'll be in Salt Lake City soon and have a day off, which I'm really looking forward to.
Today we were supposed to ride 97 miles to Delta, Utah but were shortened due to weather. We rode about 67 miles including through two passes, the second of which was beautiful because we descended down through a cool canyon with mountains rising on both sides. After leaving the canyon the road continued downhill through the most barren land I've seen yet. Nevertheless we found some serious tailwinds and a long straight section where I hit 49 mph going downhill. The wind was so strong we were cruising on the flats at 35 and climbing at 25 mph. But the winds turned into a sandstorm and we racked the bikes the last 30 miles because of the high winds and poor visibility. We're in Delta, Utah and had milkshakes sponsored by a local restaurant and dinner from the local Lions Club. It's cool to get into another state although so far the terrain isn't much more exciting than Nevada, but we'll be in Salt Lake City soon and have a day off, which I'm really looking forward to.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Eureka and Ely
Yesterday we rode to Eureka, Nevada. There were a couple mountain passes with rolling hills on between. And not much to look at other than shrubs. In Eureka we had cheeseburgers and milkshakes from DJ's Diner, the chocolate and peanut butter milkshake was awesome. For dinner the Lions Club made spaghetti for us and had my favorite cake for dessert- spice cake with clove icing. Also I was talking to one of the Lions who is the Eureka County assessor. He told me the population of the town is about 500 and the county is 1500 and county encompasses 4200 square miles. 84% of the land is owned by the federal government, but the county includes parts of one of the largest gold mines in North America.
Today we rode on to Ely, NV, which was about 80 miles through similar terrain. There were four passes and some serious headwinds the whole way. Tonight the local high school student council served us a good dinner and stayed around to chat and shoot hoops afterward.
Tomorrow we ride to Baker, NV. Population 65. So I'm not optimistic about cell service to upgrade this blog tomorrow.
Today we rode on to Ely, NV, which was about 80 miles through similar terrain. There were four passes and some serious headwinds the whole way. Tonight the local high school student council served us a good dinner and stayed around to chat and shoot hoops afterward.
Tomorrow we ride to Baker, NV. Population 65. So I'm not optimistic about cell service to upgrade this blog tomorrow.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Joining the Century Club
We rode from Fallon to Austin, Nevada today. It was definitely one of the hardest rides of my life - I'd put it the same league as climbing Kirkwood. We covered 113 miles in over eight hours. But what made it really challenging was that we rode through three or four mountain passes climbing about 2700 feet in elevation with the largest climb starting at mile 104 and getting progressively steeper all the way to the end.
Afterwards we were fortune to receive dinner from Beta Sigma Phi, a ladies' service fraternity. They made Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. Plus they had brownies and strawberry shortcake with real, homemade whipped cream. Delicious.
Afterwards we were fortune to receive dinner from Beta Sigma Phi, a ladies' service fraternity. They made Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. Plus they had brownies and strawberry shortcake with real, homemade whipped cream. Delicious.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Fallon - Home of Top Gun
Today we left Carson City and rode about 62 miles to Fallon, NV, which is the home of the Navy's Top Gun academy (it moved from Miramar where it was located when the movie was made). The ride through the desert and rather uneventful. But it was the first time I've been in the desert, so that was kind of cool.
For dinner we went to a dance hosted by Fallon Industries, which runs thrift stores to raise money to support people with disabilities and employs people with disabilities at their stores. It was a lot of fun and the pulled pork for dinner that was great.
Tomorrow we have our first century ride so I'm definitely turning in early tonight.
For dinner we went to a dance hosted by Fallon Industries, which runs thrift stores to raise money to support people with disabilities and employs people with disabilities at their stores. It was a lot of fun and the pulled pork for dinner that was great.
Tomorrow we have our first century ride so I'm definitely turning in early tonight.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Carson City
We left Markleeville, CA two days ago and a short, easy ride to the capital of Nevada, Carson City. Carson City strikes me as a weird town. It's basically a small town in the middle of nowhere but it's the capital. Plus there are casinos on every corner and you can play video poker anywhere including gas stations and the laundry mat.
Upon arrival we had lunch and a visit at the Boys and Girls Club to teach the kids about people with disabilities via a puppet show. After a little free time we had dinner provided by the Rotary Club. After dinner a bunch of us went to see The Hangover, which was hilarious.
Today we had a day off the bike and went to the children's museum to put on the puppet show again. Since then we've had a little down time to run errands and do laundry.
We leave Carson City tomorrow and I'm ready to get moving again.
Upon arrival we had lunch and a visit at the Boys and Girls Club to teach the kids about people with disabilities via a puppet show. After a little free time we had dinner provided by the Rotary Club. After dinner a bunch of us went to see The Hangover, which was hilarious.
Today we had a day off the bike and went to the children's museum to put on the puppet show again. Since then we've had a little down time to run errands and do laundry.
We leave Carson City tomorrow and I'm ready to get moving again.
Kirkwood
After Jackson we rode through the Sierras to Markleeville, CA via the Carson Pass. The ride is commonly known as Kirkwood for a ski resort between the Carson Spur and the Carson Pass.
Jackson is at an elevation of 1500 feet and you start by climbing to about 8000 feet over the first 48 miles. From there is a small descent of ~750 feet before climbing back to the Carson Spur at 7990 feet. From there you descend about 1000 feet before climbing up to the Carson Pass at an elevation of 8574 feet at mile 65
After the pass the next 14 miles are downhill with some serious white-knuckle sections. Such as a crazy switchback with nothing beyond the guardrail but a lake that's probably 1000 feet down.
The last two miles are almost all uphill again to finish the day at an elevation around 6500 feet. Once we arrived the Jackson Lions Club was so kind to grill dinner for us.
The views were drop dead gorgeous and at over 9 hours it was perhaps the most physically taxing day of my life. But it was an awesome day that I'll never forget.
Jackson is at an elevation of 1500 feet and you start by climbing to about 8000 feet over the first 48 miles. From there is a small descent of ~750 feet before climbing back to the Carson Spur at 7990 feet. From there you descend about 1000 feet before climbing up to the Carson Pass at an elevation of 8574 feet at mile 65
After the pass the next 14 miles are downhill with some serious white-knuckle sections. Such as a crazy switchback with nothing beyond the guardrail but a lake that's probably 1000 feet down.
The last two miles are almost all uphill again to finish the day at an elevation around 6500 feet. Once we arrived the Jackson Lions Club was so kind to grill dinner for us.
The views were drop dead gorgeous and at over 9 hours it was perhaps the most physically taxing day of my life. But it was an awesome day that I'll never forget.
Jackson
Sorry I've been slow in updating this but I was having trouble with my phone and was out of range for a while.
After Sacramento we rode to Jackson, CA. Unfortunately for a couple reasons outside my control I was racked and only rode about 30 miles.
In Jackson we had a friendship visit at the Arc who were super excited for us to arrive. Later that night we had dinner hosted by the local Lions club. After dinner we went back to lodging to prepare for the epic ride over Kirkwood, which deserves its own post.
After Sacramento we rode to Jackson, CA. Unfortunately for a couple reasons outside my control I was racked and only rode about 30 miles.
In Jackson we had a friendship visit at the Arc who were super excited for us to arrive. Later that night we had dinner hosted by the local Lions club. After dinner we went back to lodging to prepare for the epic ride over Kirkwood, which deserves its own post.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Napa and Sacramento
Yesterday was our first day on the bike and we rode from San Fran to Napa starting by riding over the Golden Gate Bridge. We then rode through the northen suburbs again befor hitting a very rural area where we encountered some challenging hills and headwinds. It was to date my longest ride at 69 miles and my most difficult but it was nice to complete it.
Afterward we had a friendship visit with the local challenge baseball league to celebrate the end of their season.
Today we rode to Sacramento. We started off in the mountains with some decent size climbs and descents. Then after about mile 30 it really flattened out. We arrived in Sacramento and had lunch on the river before riding up to the capitol. After we cleaned up and our first hour of free time since Thursday, which was nice to catch our breath. Right now we're on our way to a friendship visit and dinner.
Afterward we had a friendship visit with the local challenge baseball league to celebrate the end of their season.
Today we rode to Sacramento. We started off in the mountains with some decent size climbs and descents. Then after about mile 30 it really flattened out. We arrived in Sacramento and had lunch on the river before riding up to the capitol. After we cleaned up and our first hour of free time since Thursday, which was nice to catch our breath. Right now we're on our way to a friendship visit and dinner.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Days 3 and 4 in San Fran
Yesterday morning we had meetings all morning, but then went to Fisherman's Wharf for lunch where I had grilled Mali. After lunch we had a few more meetings then were free most of the evening. I went with a group of guys to watch game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals. Univ of San Fran is a little weird because it really doesn't have in the way of a college feel, like no real bars nearby to catch the game so we ended up walking a way. But at least the food was good where we ate.
Today we went to a park by the Golden Gate Bridge for some group riding exercises. Then from there we left for a short ~18 practice ride through Sausalito, Belvedere, and Tiburon, which was an awesome ride. Sausalito has a cool little downtown by the bay and the roads were beautiful. There were lots of winding, wooded areas with lots of elevation changes resulting in breathtaking views of the bay, the bridge, and the skyline.
After the practice ride we drove to the kick-off dinner at the PiKapp house at Berkeley. The house was cool and for dinner we had tacos with grilled steak and chicken, which was delicious. All in all it was a great day. But I'm excited to finally get on the road tomorrow.
Today we went to a park by the Golden Gate Bridge for some group riding exercises. Then from there we left for a short ~18 practice ride through Sausalito, Belvedere, and Tiburon, which was an awesome ride. Sausalito has a cool little downtown by the bay and the roads were beautiful. There were lots of winding, wooded areas with lots of elevation changes resulting in breathtaking views of the bay, the bridge, and the skyline.
After the practice ride we drove to the kick-off dinner at the PiKapp house at Berkeley. The house was cool and for dinner we had tacos with grilled steak and chicken, which was delicious. All in all it was a great day. But I'm excited to finally get on the road tomorrow.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Arrival and first day in San Francisco
I got into San Fran yesterday evening and got our lodging around 6. We're staying in a dorm at Univ of San Francisco. We just had an introductory meeting and then dinner before I assembled my bike and called it quits.
Today we started with a skills assessment to determine bike control among other things. Then we went to the Golden Gate Bridge to take a team picture. The bridge was stunning both in size and beauty.
After a quick lunch we went to the Janet Pomeroy Center for our first friendship visit. We played basketball with the folks there, which was awesome. Plus an impromptu dance broke out at halftime. Then afterwards we participated in their singing and acting class, it was hilarious. Then while waiting for dinner we were regaled with more songs from one of their folks. In all it was an amazing experience.
Also two minor items : first I've been having trouble unloading photos to Flickr, but may have fixed it today; and second I realized I had turned off comments on this blog but will change that going forward.
Today we started with a skills assessment to determine bike control among other things. Then we went to the Golden Gate Bridge to take a team picture. The bridge was stunning both in size and beauty.
After a quick lunch we went to the Janet Pomeroy Center for our first friendship visit. We played basketball with the folks there, which was awesome. Plus an impromptu dance broke out at halftime. Then afterwards we participated in their singing and acting class, it was hilarious. Then while waiting for dinner we were regaled with more songs from one of their folks. In all it was an amazing experience.
Also two minor items : first I've been having trouble unloading photos to Flickr, but may have fixed it today; and second I realized I had turned off comments on this blog but will change that going forward.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Boston, Bloomington, & Ohio
Catching up, I was in Boston visiting my sister last week. Chris who did JOH a few years ago was also there. We only got in one ride and it wasn't real long but the scenery was beautiful. We started in Harvard Square and rode around Harvard's campus. We then rode along the Charles River down to MIT. The view from the river was beautiful because it was about 72 degrees with no clouds so we had a great view of the city. Then we crossed over the river and rode back along to Harvard.
Then Tuesday night I got back into Bloomington. On Wednesday I rode about 35 miles by the Monroe Reservoir, including another good hill down Hardin Ridge. Then Thrsday I rode about 20 miles around Bloomington because I had to head out to Dayton to visit family here.
My family lives in a small town called Germantown thats about 30 minutes southwest of Dayton proper. Friday I went for a shorter ~20 mile ride out by the Germantown Dam and started working on picking up a water bottle while still riding the bike, which is tougher than it sounds. Saturday I rode about 35 miles around Germantown, out to the Dam including a nice long hill there, back into town, to the Dam again, over to Farmersville, then back into town. And then worked on picking up the water bottle again, which I think I have more or less down.
Sunday was a pretty easy training day, but enjoyable nonetheless. First, my dad and I went for a ride out to the Dam and back of about 10.5 miles. Then we came back to the house and picked up Diana and Stacy (my step-mom and sister, respectively). Then the four of us rode down to a bike path parallel to the river here in town. It was a nice leisurely ride of about 6.5 miles. Not my most challenging ride, but certainly one of the best. That was probably also my last training ride before I leave for San Francisco on Wednesday.
Then Tuesday night I got back into Bloomington. On Wednesday I rode about 35 miles by the Monroe Reservoir, including another good hill down Hardin Ridge. Then Thrsday I rode about 20 miles around Bloomington because I had to head out to Dayton to visit family here.
My family lives in a small town called Germantown thats about 30 minutes southwest of Dayton proper. Friday I went for a shorter ~20 mile ride out by the Germantown Dam and started working on picking up a water bottle while still riding the bike, which is tougher than it sounds. Saturday I rode about 35 miles around Germantown, out to the Dam including a nice long hill there, back into town, to the Dam again, over to Farmersville, then back into town. And then worked on picking up the water bottle again, which I think I have more or less down.
Sunday was a pretty easy training day, but enjoyable nonetheless. First, my dad and I went for a ride out to the Dam and back of about 10.5 miles. Then we came back to the house and picked up Diana and Stacy (my step-mom and sister, respectively). Then the four of us rode down to a bike path parallel to the river here in town. It was a nice leisurely ride of about 6.5 miles. Not my most challenging ride, but certainly one of the best. That was probably also my last training ride before I leave for San Francisco on Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Running Errands
So my car broke down on the move down to Bloomington and has been in the shop since Saturday. So today I had to run some errands and decided to just do that while I did a training ride.
I started off going to the post office and bank, which put me in downtown Bloomington near campus. So I decided to check out campus on the bike. It was all beautiful of course and on the south side there are the brick paths through a pretty densely wooded area. It was cool, but it seems like at night it would look like the setting of a horror movie.
I finished by stopping for some groceries and then ran into the bus that goes by my apartment. I'm happy to say I kept up with the bus about the last 3/4 of a mile back to my apartment (the traffic lights helped).
Tomorrow I'm going to visit my sister Emily in Boston. Kozak will arrive on Thursday and we're going to go for a ride one or two days there. I arranged to borrow my sister's friend's road bike, Kozak's ride might have a milk crate on the back. We'll play it by ear.
I started off going to the post office and bank, which put me in downtown Bloomington near campus. So I decided to check out campus on the bike. It was all beautiful of course and on the south side there are the brick paths through a pretty densely wooded area. It was cool, but it seems like at night it would look like the setting of a horror movie.
I finished by stopping for some groceries and then ran into the bus that goes by my apartment. I'm happy to say I kept up with the bus about the last 3/4 of a mile back to my apartment (the traffic lights helped).
Tomorrow I'm going to visit my sister Emily in Boston. Kozak will arrive on Thursday and we're going to go for a ride one or two days there. I arranged to borrow my sister's friend's road bike, Kozak's ride might have a milk crate on the back. We'll play it by ear.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
First ride in Bloomington
I moved from Michigan down to Bloomington, Indiana on Friday. Given all the work required for the move I got my first ride in about a week today.
My apartment is on the south side of town and I rode down to Monroe Reservoir, which is a lake about 10 miles from town. The roads are okay, once you get into the park at the lake it isn't real smooth, but traffic isn't bad. Also there are a bunch of hills, including two big hills as you descend down to a bridge over the lake and then come back up.
It was a nice hilly ride, which is good preparation.
My apartment is on the south side of town and I rode down to Monroe Reservoir, which is a lake about 10 miles from town. The roads are okay, once you get into the park at the lake it isn't real smooth, but traffic isn't bad. Also there are a bunch of hills, including two big hills as you descend down to a bridge over the lake and then come back up.
It was a nice hilly ride, which is good preparation.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Flickr Photostream and Yesterday's Ride
First and foremost, check out my Flickr photostream I just created. So far it just has a couple photos of my bike, but I'll continue to update it this summer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamsouthard
Yesterday it was very windy so we scrapped the Kensington to Fenton ride because it's pretty open and decided to ride from Walled Lake to Milford and back. However when we met in Walled Lake, Bill was nowhere to be seen. So Jeff and I lapped the lake and to see if Bill would show. However he wasn't there when we got back about 15 minutes later, so we just took off on our normal Walled Lake ride. But Jeff we did add a big hill down to Proud Lake and back, which was fun to sail down and then climb back up.
Rides this week are looking spotty due to the move to Bloomington on Friday, but I'm certainly going to work a couple in and am looking forward to riding down in Bloomington this weekend and next week.
Oh and I was all excited that I hit 31 mph at Cranbrook on Saturday, but I read in the International Herald Tribune this morning that one of the riders in the Giro d'Italia was clocked on one of the descents at 73 mph!! But then again there was another rider who went over a guardrail and fell 250 feet into a ravine. He's conscious now, but suffered a broken femur, broken ribs, broken vertebrae, and a collapsed lung. The other riders protested by riding at half-speed during the next stage saying the course was too dangerous.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/sports/cycling/18cycling.html?_r=1&hpw
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamsouthard
Yesterday it was very windy so we scrapped the Kensington to Fenton ride because it's pretty open and decided to ride from Walled Lake to Milford and back. However when we met in Walled Lake, Bill was nowhere to be seen. So Jeff and I lapped the lake and to see if Bill would show. However he wasn't there when we got back about 15 minutes later, so we just took off on our normal Walled Lake ride. But Jeff we did add a big hill down to Proud Lake and back, which was fun to sail down and then climb back up.
Rides this week are looking spotty due to the move to Bloomington on Friday, but I'm certainly going to work a couple in and am looking forward to riding down in Bloomington this weekend and next week.
Oh and I was all excited that I hit 31 mph at Cranbrook on Saturday, but I read in the International Herald Tribune this morning that one of the riders in the Giro d'Italia was clocked on one of the descents at 73 mph!! But then again there was another rider who went over a guardrail and fell 250 feet into a ravine. He's conscious now, but suffered a broken femur, broken ribs, broken vertebrae, and a collapsed lung. The other riders protested by riding at half-speed during the next stage saying the course was too dangerous.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/sports/cycling/18cycling.html?_r=1&hpw
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Cranbrook and Bloomfield Hills
Today Jeff and I met at the Bloomfield Hills public library and then rode down to the Cranbrook campus. I suggested we ride through Cranbrook because I had never been there before. However almost immediately after we rode through the gates we found ourselves at a dead-end by the tennis courts. So we decided to ride up a little trail off-road, which our bikes definitely were not designed for. Nevertheless we managed to do okay, including a seriously steep climb on soft dirt, until we ran into wooden stairs and had to carry the bikes. But we managed to find our way back into the heart of campus, which is beautiful- the buildings are a combination of arts & crafts and international style- very cool. Plus there's a good size hill just after the Woodward entrance and I was able to hit a little over 31 mph heading down.
Afterwards we just sort of tooled around Bloomfield Hills. I was struck by two phenomenons: first the number of houses for sale (not a surprise) and two, the number of houses under construction including some massive houses (which was a little surprising). I guess some people really aren't affected at all by the recession.
Anyway it was a nice casual ~75 minute ride in the wind and a good prep for tomorrow's long ride.
Afterwards we just sort of tooled around Bloomfield Hills. I was struck by two phenomenons: first the number of houses for sale (not a surprise) and two, the number of houses under construction including some massive houses (which was a little surprising). I guess some people really aren't affected at all by the recession.
Anyway it was a nice casual ~75 minute ride in the wind and a good prep for tomorrow's long ride.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Catch-up and last week at TCF
So I've been slow updating my posts recently so here's a quick recap of the past week:
- last Friday (one week ago today), I played a great match of racquetball against Matt. If memory serves correct, I won the first about 15-10, he won the second 15-12, and I won the third 15-13. The numbers are probably a little off, but it was a great match and a great workout nonetheless.
- Saturday I went to GP, rode about 32 miles and then helped my mom make dinner to celebrate Mother's Day a day early. Ran into Mike Olson at his parents' house, which was a pleasant surprise.
- Sunday I met Jeff and Bill in Walled Lake, we then rode to Milford. It was my first time in Milford and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice their downtown is. We stopped and had a coffee then rode home. The ride was only 25 miles, but it was pretty windy and there were a couple hills that kept it interesting.
- Monday ran three miles around Royal Oak.
- Tuesday didn't get out because I met some people at the bar after work since it was my last week at TCF.
- Wednesday I played in our volleyball league and we (finally) swept an inferior team that we should have beaten every time we've played them.
- Thursday I ran my normal route for another three miles here in Royal Oak.
- Friday (today) was my last day at TCF Bank where I've worked for six years, including the whole time since I graduated from UofM. I was actually reasonably busy. I had planned to go for a ride after work, but it was pouring down rain when I left the office at six, so I detoured to the bar with a couple people from the office, then met Matt and Sherri for dinner and just got home not long ago.
Tomorrow I'm meeting Jeff to go for a ride in Bloomfield Hills, then Sunday we're meeting at Kensington Metro Park and riding out to Fenton and back, which should be a good 3-4 hours.
- last Friday (one week ago today), I played a great match of racquetball against Matt. If memory serves correct, I won the first about 15-10, he won the second 15-12, and I won the third 15-13. The numbers are probably a little off, but it was a great match and a great workout nonetheless.
- Saturday I went to GP, rode about 32 miles and then helped my mom make dinner to celebrate Mother's Day a day early. Ran into Mike Olson at his parents' house, which was a pleasant surprise.
- Sunday I met Jeff and Bill in Walled Lake, we then rode to Milford. It was my first time in Milford and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice their downtown is. We stopped and had a coffee then rode home. The ride was only 25 miles, but it was pretty windy and there were a couple hills that kept it interesting.
- Monday ran three miles around Royal Oak.
- Tuesday didn't get out because I met some people at the bar after work since it was my last week at TCF.
- Wednesday I played in our volleyball league and we (finally) swept an inferior team that we should have beaten every time we've played them.
- Thursday I ran my normal route for another three miles here in Royal Oak.
- Friday (today) was my last day at TCF Bank where I've worked for six years, including the whole time since I graduated from UofM. I was actually reasonably busy. I had planned to go for a ride after work, but it was pouring down rain when I left the office at six, so I detoured to the bar with a couple people from the office, then met Matt and Sherri for dinner and just got home not long ago.
Tomorrow I'm meeting Jeff to go for a ride in Bloomfield Hills, then Sunday we're meeting at Kensington Metro Park and riding out to Fenton and back, which should be a good 3-4 hours.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cruising in Grosse Pointe
Tonight after work I went to my mom's house in Grosse Pointe and rode a great 20 miles there. She lives in the Woods and I took a meandering route down to Windmill Pointe and back. I felt a little like Danny Noonan in the first scene of Caddyshack.
It was a great ride because the weather was perfect, the scenery is nice, roads are pretty smooth, and traffic is light. Plus given the vigilence of the local police force and the elevated median age of the population, no one drives real fast. As a matter of fact I was averaging 18-20 mph and a handful of cars just fell in behind me rather than passing me even though there was ample time and space to do so safely. Also I saw a cool old Rolls-Royce in the City.
So it's definitely a ride I'll do again before I hit the road.
Speaking of hitting the road, I purchased my one-way tickets to San Francisco and home from DC, which is exciting.
It was a great ride because the weather was perfect, the scenery is nice, roads are pretty smooth, and traffic is light. Plus given the vigilence of the local police force and the elevated median age of the population, no one drives real fast. As a matter of fact I was averaging 18-20 mph and a handful of cars just fell in behind me rather than passing me even though there was ample time and space to do so safely. Also I saw a cool old Rolls-Royce in the City.
So it's definitely a ride I'll do again before I hit the road.
Speaking of hitting the road, I purchased my one-way tickets to San Francisco and home from DC, which is exciting.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Metro Grand Spring Tour
Yesterday I met with Jeff and Bill my earlier riding partners to ride through Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. Basically bounded by Lone Pine, Maple, Telegraph, and Old Woodward. There were some smaller hills, but it was a pretty relaxed ride.
This morning I did the Metro Grand Spring Tour with those guys and a few others. We started at Willow Metropark in Belleville and it was still pretty cool when we began. But once we put on the road it was great. They had pancakes at mile 12, which was awesome. And it continued to warm up as we rode. After the second stop at mile 25 we picked up the pace and skipped the third at last stop.
All told it was 47 miles through some beautiful parks and sparsely traveled roads. I feel good and it was a great first long ride as I prepare for Journey of Hope.
This morning I did the Metro Grand Spring Tour with those guys and a few others. We started at Willow Metropark in Belleville and it was still pretty cool when we began. But once we put on the road it was great. They had pancakes at mile 12, which was awesome. And it continued to warm up as we rode. After the second stop at mile 25 we picked up the pace and skipped the third at last stop.
All told it was 47 miles through some beautiful parks and sparsely traveled roads. I feel good and it was a great first long ride as I prepare for Journey of Hope.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Single-leg pedaling. Getting back on. And Vanderbilt?
This weekend I was able to get out both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday I went back to Stoney Creek. It was very windy- probably a better day for flying a kite or sailing. I only rode about 15 miles, but ran another three once I got back to my apartment.
Sunday was my first ride out on real roads (i.e. outside the park with actual traffic). Let's just say it was shaky and eventful. But I survived in one piece and was even able played racquetball afterwards.
Tuesday I set up the trainer in my apartment and worked on single-leg pedaling, which is exactly what it sounds like. And it's actually a lot tougher than it sounds. It's intended to improve the rhythm of your pedal strokes, which makes your strokes more efficient so you waste less energy. Also it strengthens the muscles that pull the pedal up, so when you're actually on the bike you can rely two sets of muscles: those that push and those that pull, so in theory you don't tire as quickly.
Then today I was able to meet with Jeff, the attorney, and rode approximately the same route as Sunday. Everything went much better. Even though it was windy, I felt better and much more confidence riding in traffic. I guess it just proves that old adage that if you fall off, you just have to get back on.
For this weekend I had planned head to Grosse Pointe after work Friday and Jeff said he was going to show me some hills to ride in Bloomfield Hills on Saturday. Then Sunday I plan to ride the Metro Grand Spring Tour, which is a 45 mile ride downriver. However Vanderbilt has offered me a pretty tempting scholarship for grad school, so I may end up going to Nashville Friday and this weekend since I haven't even visited their campus yet and the deadline for response is Friday. We'll see...
Sunday was my first ride out on real roads (i.e. outside the park with actual traffic). Let's just say it was shaky and eventful. But I survived in one piece and was even able played racquetball afterwards.
Tuesday I set up the trainer in my apartment and worked on single-leg pedaling, which is exactly what it sounds like. And it's actually a lot tougher than it sounds. It's intended to improve the rhythm of your pedal strokes, which makes your strokes more efficient so you waste less energy. Also it strengthens the muscles that pull the pedal up, so when you're actually on the bike you can rely two sets of muscles: those that push and those that pull, so in theory you don't tire as quickly.
Then today I was able to meet with Jeff, the attorney, and rode approximately the same route as Sunday. Everything went much better. Even though it was windy, I felt better and much more confidence riding in traffic. I guess it just proves that old adage that if you fall off, you just have to get back on.
For this weekend I had planned head to Grosse Pointe after work Friday and Jeff said he was going to show me some hills to ride in Bloomfield Hills on Saturday. Then Sunday I plan to ride the Metro Grand Spring Tour, which is a 45 mile ride downriver. However Vanderbilt has offered me a pretty tempting scholarship for grad school, so I may end up going to Nashville Friday and this weekend since I haven't even visited their campus yet and the deadline for response is Friday. We'll see...
Friday, April 24, 2009
First Ride, First Post
I figured that since I went for my first outdoor ride today, it would also be appropriate to (finally) post my first blog entry.
I was supposed to ride out at Kensington Metropark with Jeff, an attorney I've worked with, but he unfortunately had to cancel, so I went up to Stoney Creek Metropark. Stoney Creek has an aproximately 6.25 mile trail around the lake. I rode three laps around, which is about 19 miles total. I would have liked to ride a fourth, but was running out of daylight.
It was my first time up at Stoney Creek and it was beautiful. And there were a lot of people out there, but it was far from crowded. Only downside was that it took 45 minutes to get there. Nevertheless I'll probably go back there again tomorrow, but am going to look for a trail I can pick up closer to my apartment and ride to the park.
As for fundraising, thank you to everyone who has donated. I have been delinquent in sending my 'thank you' notes, but am nonetheless very grateful, and I promise I will get them out. My official fundraising to date is $5,986.06. However I also have checks and cash I've received, but not yet sent to Push America totaling $160.00. So due to the generosity of all of my friends and family, and friends of friends, and friends of family, and family of friends, and co-workers of family, etc. I have surpassed my initial goal of $6,000.00. But that doesn't mean my fundraising is done. It's never too late to support a good cause. So if you haven't had a chance to give yet, please check out my fundraising page. And I know the economy is terrible, so don't forget there's no such thing as a minimum donation.
So thanks to everyone and I'll be more diligent on updating my progress going forward (I promise).
I was supposed to ride out at Kensington Metropark with Jeff, an attorney I've worked with, but he unfortunately had to cancel, so I went up to Stoney Creek Metropark. Stoney Creek has an aproximately 6.25 mile trail around the lake. I rode three laps around, which is about 19 miles total. I would have liked to ride a fourth, but was running out of daylight.
It was my first time up at Stoney Creek and it was beautiful. And there were a lot of people out there, but it was far from crowded. Only downside was that it took 45 minutes to get there. Nevertheless I'll probably go back there again tomorrow, but am going to look for a trail I can pick up closer to my apartment and ride to the park.
As for fundraising, thank you to everyone who has donated. I have been delinquent in sending my 'thank you' notes, but am nonetheless very grateful, and I promise I will get them out. My official fundraising to date is $5,986.06. However I also have checks and cash I've received, but not yet sent to Push America totaling $160.00. So due to the generosity of all of my friends and family, and friends of friends, and friends of family, and family of friends, and co-workers of family, etc. I have surpassed my initial goal of $6,000.00. But that doesn't mean my fundraising is done. It's never too late to support a good cause. So if you haven't had a chance to give yet, please check out my fundraising page. And I know the economy is terrible, so don't forget there's no such thing as a minimum donation.
So thanks to everyone and I'll be more diligent on updating my progress going forward (I promise).
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