I have modified some elements the blog over the past couple of days and wanted to explain.
This summer's bike trip was a focused ride made in support of a non-profit organization called the Children and Adult Mobility Project. You can still read about CAMP at campmobilityproject.org. At that time Karina and I were both happy to be able to do our part to support the funding of that organization. However, at this point, due to the behavior and actions of the Director of CAMP, we are no longer able to confidently support that organization and are no longer encouraging other to do so in our names.
Because of this I have reoriented the blog to focus on supporting a project that Karina and I know well and fully support with every bit of our enthusiasm, that being the Ithaca College Crew Endowment.
I'll keep posting here, but clearly the daily poking of the cell phone keypad is over! I will likely write more about my experiences over all regarding the trip, but for now please just enjoy the slide movie below!
Thanks to everyone who stood behind us this summer and gave of themselves - Karina and I appreciate it!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Slide movie of our trip
The four posts below contain the presentation, parts 1 - 4. Watch them in order for most fun and sense.
I would have just put the whole thing up, but it was too big a file and, lets face facts, I am still a computer misfit!
Hope all is well with all out there. Here we are fine, still zooming along (though not on bikes). School is in full gear for the girls and Christy is off on her own great adventure (Australia! - not biking).
Best and enjoy!
I would have just put the whole thing up, but it was too big a file and, lets face facts, I am still a computer misfit!
Hope all is well with all out there. Here we are fine, still zooming along (though not on bikes). School is in full gear for the girls and Christy is off on her own great adventure (Australia! - not biking).
Best and enjoy!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Karina
A few photos of Karina: with Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Dick, Ithaca, NY; at Bryce Canyon, Utah; Stinson Beach, California.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Yosemite parting shot
The day we were leaving Yosemite, the controlled burn scheduled for a meadow in the park went a bit wrong. By the time we left the 91 acres scheduled had turned into certainly more than 1000! Yikes, anyhow, this is lightly filtered by smoke, have others on the other camera.
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Replies.Cummington
Got back home last night from Oakland via Phoenix and Washington DC (don't ask me, I just get on the plane and ride). Pulled into the driveway about 1:30AM. Very happy to be home and back at last into a world with a keyboard, glasses that I can find, and the abillity to actually read what it is that I have written. Hopefully the mispelled words will decrease (at least the ones that I really do know how to spell).
Sometime over the next several days of settling in I will get into the little digital cards that hold the buckets of photos, will organize them and put them up in some sort of slideshow.
Sadly I missed seeing several people in San Francisco who I had not seen in some time. One was a near miss where the altering of schedules at the last minute (my fault) had me departing the meeting place 50 minutes too soon (though now I have preserved a great reason to return out there). The other fell victim to the curse of the cell phone, my bad eyesight, and my general adversion to simply picking up the telephone and calling directly (though, on my behalf, I did call several people, and the hotel charged approximately $10 a minute for what I could have gotten for free (yeah, nothing is free, but anyhow, the illusion of free). Regardless, on the whole it was about as great a trip as I could have hoped for.
Another funny life coinsidence, I am on the plane home and I open the in-flight magazine, and there is this photo of this guy and I thought he looked familiar. Looked again during the second leg of the flight, then finally on the third leg I read the name associated with the photo and there it was, 25 years ago I worked with David at Cabbagetown Cafe in Ithaca, and there he was. When I get done with this I get to write to him! Life is great!
I'll have more to write over the next week(s), but for now I am again a home body doing whatever it is that I do when I am at home!
Sometime over the next several days of settling in I will get into the little digital cards that hold the buckets of photos, will organize them and put them up in some sort of slideshow.
Sadly I missed seeing several people in San Francisco who I had not seen in some time. One was a near miss where the altering of schedules at the last minute (my fault) had me departing the meeting place 50 minutes too soon (though now I have preserved a great reason to return out there). The other fell victim to the curse of the cell phone, my bad eyesight, and my general adversion to simply picking up the telephone and calling directly (though, on my behalf, I did call several people, and the hotel charged approximately $10 a minute for what I could have gotten for free (yeah, nothing is free, but anyhow, the illusion of free). Regardless, on the whole it was about as great a trip as I could have hoped for.
Another funny life coinsidence, I am on the plane home and I open the in-flight magazine, and there is this photo of this guy and I thought he looked familiar. Looked again during the second leg of the flight, then finally on the third leg I read the name associated with the photo and there it was, 25 years ago I worked with David at Cabbagetown Cafe in Ithaca, and there he was. When I get done with this I get to write to him! Life is great!
I'll have more to write over the next week(s), but for now I am again a home body doing whatever it is that I do when I am at home!
Friday, August 28, 2009
heading home
Had great days in Yosemite. Made it back to Tim and Chantal's in Petaluma in time to have a fun social evening. Great visit with another IHS friend, Rich. He presented Karina with a necklace and earrings with bike images on them. His jewelry business is called Far Fetched, and it is great, fun jewlery you can check out online.
We are at the Oakland airport now preparing for the multiple flights home. The kids are looking forward to the Cummington Fair!
See you soon.
www.farfetched.com
We are at the Oakland airport now preparing for the multiple flights home. The kids are looking forward to the Cummington Fair!
See you soon.
www.farfetched.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Day in SF
Spent today around the town. Rode a cable car, went clothes shopping, hung about around Haight, Karina got her hair done, rode buses, ate pizza and ice cream- great day.
Back at the hotel, the kids are watching a movie and aiming to stay in and get room service. Christy and I, on the other hand, are considering to leave them with the TV and go to little Italy for our chow.
Back at the hotel, the kids are watching a movie and aiming to stay in and get room service. Christy and I, on the other hand, are considering to leave them with the TV and go to little Italy for our chow.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Friday evening
We are in SF, having driven across the golden gate bridge, with the fog racing in, towers above the clouds; beautiful!
Kids have been in the pool at the hotel; I have been trying to get phones to work, along with life in general. When you only bike and eat, then even the basic become complex.
Guess we are heading out for a night on the town. It really is beautiful here!
Kids have been in the pool at the hotel; I have been trying to get phones to work, along with life in general. When you only bike and eat, then even the basic become complex.
Guess we are heading out for a night on the town. It really is beautiful here!
Stinson beach
Hi all,
Stinson beach was a great place for us to meet the ocean and to end our ride. We had planned for one last day of riding on Friday to finish at Mikes Bikes in San Rafeal, a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, etc , but Ken wanted he and Mike to begin their drive back east as quick as they could, so the bikes went into the trailer in the parking lot of the local market, I transferred gear needed for the remainder of pur family stay in CA, and Christy, Karina, Lilah,and I went to swim in the ocean and revel in the incredible acheivment of this 13 year old girl who was, all said, the most outstanding aspect of the entire trip. Karina went through it all with grace, persistance, kindness, flexibility, and a level of appreciation and respect that eclipsed us all.
More later
Stinson beach was a great place for us to meet the ocean and to end our ride. We had planned for one last day of riding on Friday to finish at Mikes Bikes in San Rafeal, a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, etc , but Ken wanted he and Mike to begin their drive back east as quick as they could, so the bikes went into the trailer in the parking lot of the local market, I transferred gear needed for the remainder of pur family stay in CA, and Christy, Karina, Lilah,and I went to swim in the ocean and revel in the incredible acheivment of this 13 year old girl who was, all said, the most outstanding aspect of the entire trip. Karina went through it all with grace, persistance, kindness, flexibility, and a level of appreciation and respect that eclipsed us all.
More later
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Christy and Lilah are here!
The other part of the family arrived last night and Tim, Karina and I met them at the airport, it was great!
We altered the day yesterday to be able to do that, so today Karina and I will ride this afternoon from Petaluma to Stinson Beach, about 30 miles.
It is odd being pretty much finished. It is like most life non-sequitors where once it is over it doesn't feel exactly real.
After Friday afternoon, Christy, Karina, Lilah and I go into full vacation mode - not a bike in sight. Once I get back home on the 28th, I will get around to uploading photos, writing some of the post-mortum, etc. The slideshow should have some good stuff, I'll try to edit a little as there are loads of photos.
I'll also post some video of the bear, some music vids that I have been wanting to post (couldn't figure that one out from the iphone), etc.
As we get geared up for the last hurrah, a big thank you to all of you out there who have followed us, encouraged us, been entertained by us, been horrified by my parental choices, etc. All of you; truly we are thankful for all of it, and, the trip just wouldn't have been as great as it has been without all of you! Thanks also to the many, many folks along the way who offered their friendship, help, support, generosity, we are forever greatful!
More later...
We altered the day yesterday to be able to do that, so today Karina and I will ride this afternoon from Petaluma to Stinson Beach, about 30 miles.
It is odd being pretty much finished. It is like most life non-sequitors where once it is over it doesn't feel exactly real.
After Friday afternoon, Christy, Karina, Lilah and I go into full vacation mode - not a bike in sight. Once I get back home on the 28th, I will get around to uploading photos, writing some of the post-mortum, etc. The slideshow should have some good stuff, I'll try to edit a little as there are loads of photos.
I'll also post some video of the bear, some music vids that I have been wanting to post (couldn't figure that one out from the iphone), etc.
As we get geared up for the last hurrah, a big thank you to all of you out there who have followed us, encouraged us, been entertained by us, been horrified by my parental choices, etc. All of you; truly we are thankful for all of it, and, the trip just wouldn't have been as great as it has been without all of you! Thanks also to the many, many folks along the way who offered their friendship, help, support, generosity, we are forever greatful!
More later...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Mountains beyond mountains
The last few days have been like fly paper, sticky and in spite of the thinking that you are making the right effort to get free, you actually get stuck-er. As we made our way through steep foothills, to less steep foothills, to higher temperatures and eventually rolling hills, not so steep but with no shade....
Anyhow, it has been a little like Zenos paradox, the closer you get to the end.point, the farther away it gets.
Big thanks to Dennis who picked us up from the frying pan and shuttled us forward through some insane miles of traffic. And heat. And failing equipment. I had a spoke break early in the day, hence spent the day wobbling down the road with no back break. Karina's tires are both threadbear at this point, so we had a few flats too.
We are now with friends in Petaluma, food, showers, bike stores, heaven. Sadly we are only here tonightand in the morning we head off for the coast and ocean. Just to give you an idea of the local weather, in the valley it was almost 100 degrees, by the time we got near the SF bay the temp was in the 60s- bracing.
Three more rides - 35, 55, 15. Karina and I are way short time. Christy and Lilah will be here Thursday and will meet us somewhere along the coast road between Bodega Bay and Stinson Beach - we are very excited to be together again.
The trip past is a little unreal, we are here now, not sure about the previous 3000+ miles, evidently they have happened.
Anyhow, it has been a little like Zenos paradox, the closer you get to the end.point, the farther away it gets.
Big thanks to Dennis who picked us up from the frying pan and shuttled us forward through some insane miles of traffic. And heat. And failing equipment. I had a spoke break early in the day, hence spent the day wobbling down the road with no back break. Karina's tires are both threadbear at this point, so we had a few flats too.
We are now with friends in Petaluma, food, showers, bike stores, heaven. Sadly we are only here tonightand in the morning we head off for the coast and ocean. Just to give you an idea of the local weather, in the valley it was almost 100 degrees, by the time we got near the SF bay the temp was in the 60s- bracing.
Three more rides - 35, 55, 15. Karina and I are way short time. Christy and Lilah will be here Thursday and will meet us somewhere along the coast road between Bodega Bay and Stinson Beach - we are very excited to be together again.
The trip past is a little unreal, we are here now, not sure about the previous 3000+ miles, evidently they have happened.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Getting even
If you wanted to get even with someone, then send them off on Rt 49 from Mariposa going north on bikes. Be sure it is a hot, sunny day and that they only have a cup of water for the trip; that ought to do it.
Though we truely had no reason to get even with ourselves, we did anyway! The good news is that we made it to Coulterville, propped ourselves at the bar at the Hotel Jeffrey and proceeded to down several quarts of water and Sprite. It took about 40 minutes to feel part of this world again.
Met a very high percentage of wonderful folks in Coulterville and would reccommend a stopover there for more than the four hours we spent. We had a jump in the public pool, signed the wall at the Moonshine Cafe, visited the VFW hall, Karina got to hold a King Snake locally found, and were treated supremely by everyone we met!
We provisioned ourselves with a couple of Cans of peaches, a hot dog, part of a grilled cheese sandwich and headed off for Moccasin, a lake to swim in, a good place to camp (regardless of the squirrels intent on dropping 4 lb pine cones from 60 ft above our general vicinity).
Another sunny, fabulous day. Hoping to cover a lot of ground today with more grace (and water) than yesterday!
Though we truely had no reason to get even with ourselves, we did anyway! The good news is that we made it to Coulterville, propped ourselves at the bar at the Hotel Jeffrey and proceeded to down several quarts of water and Sprite. It took about 40 minutes to feel part of this world again.
Met a very high percentage of wonderful folks in Coulterville and would reccommend a stopover there for more than the four hours we spent. We had a jump in the public pool, signed the wall at the Moonshine Cafe, visited the VFW hall, Karina got to hold a King Snake locally found, and were treated supremely by everyone we met!
We provisioned ourselves with a couple of Cans of peaches, a hot dog, part of a grilled cheese sandwich and headed off for Moccasin, a lake to swim in, a good place to camp (regardless of the squirrels intent on dropping 4 lb pine cones from 60 ft above our general vicinity).
Another sunny, fabulous day. Hoping to cover a lot of ground today with more grace (and water) than yesterday!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Bears, rocks, rivers, and roads
Each morning in Yosemite valley we were visited by a bear at the campsite. The first one was acting like a street busker, performing for personal enjoyment and profit (food). Great show, scratched himself all over, tossed a pine cone around, Ran at and hugged trees we got a video, which I will eventually post). When it was clear that no food was forthcoming, he headed off a little irritated after such good effort, so he swatted a tent, climbed a little tree and tossed someones laundry on the lime into the dirt!
Yesterday, a brief visit about 5 am, no show, just a hunt around, a just avoided tent visit (not ours), then while being shouted off, he scooped up a full cooking pot of water and threw it on one of the tents! Really funny, but glad it was not our tent.
Had great hikes along the Mist Trail, stealth swim and a nice long read. Went to a film and got to meet Ron Kalk (rock climbing icon and super nice guy). I had purchased bus tickets to take us up to Crane Flat, but the pickup was mobbed and there was no room for the bikes, so left with the option of going back up the screamer or adding 30 miles, we opted to go downhill and add the miles. This route took us along the Merced River, blue, clean, bounded by very steep hills. We stopped for a nice long swim.
The biking world has it's own sort of tortures and balances. It is torture to ask any driver what the road topography is. They mean well, but a gas pedal seems to erase the memory of uphills, and of their severity. At Bickville (?) we left off following the river and went up 1800 ft over the next few miles to Midpines Summit, that was about it for us. We got the downhill into Mariposa, where we rented a room at a local hotel and called it a night. (small fact, a quart of chocolate milk is 4 servings at 170 calories per serving, we drink lots of that- even so, we are skinny).
Today we head north and west somehow trying to get towards striking distance to Petaluma. going south from the park did us no favors in that pusuit. Weather is sunny and high 90's. Though we should be, neither of us is running to the bikes to get on the road early. Clearly this is an unbeeakable habit (sort of like an unbreakable curse).
Yesterday, a brief visit about 5 am, no show, just a hunt around, a just avoided tent visit (not ours), then while being shouted off, he scooped up a full cooking pot of water and threw it on one of the tents! Really funny, but glad it was not our tent.
Had great hikes along the Mist Trail, stealth swim and a nice long read. Went to a film and got to meet Ron Kalk (rock climbing icon and super nice guy). I had purchased bus tickets to take us up to Crane Flat, but the pickup was mobbed and there was no room for the bikes, so left with the option of going back up the screamer or adding 30 miles, we opted to go downhill and add the miles. This route took us along the Merced River, blue, clean, bounded by very steep hills. We stopped for a nice long swim.
The biking world has it's own sort of tortures and balances. It is torture to ask any driver what the road topography is. They mean well, but a gas pedal seems to erase the memory of uphills, and of their severity. At Bickville (?) we left off following the river and went up 1800 ft over the next few miles to Midpines Summit, that was about it for us. We got the downhill into Mariposa, where we rented a room at a local hotel and called it a night. (small fact, a quart of chocolate milk is 4 servings at 170 calories per serving, we drink lots of that- even so, we are skinny).
Today we head north and west somehow trying to get towards striking distance to Petaluma. going south from the park did us no favors in that pusuit. Weather is sunny and high 90's. Though we should be, neither of us is running to the bikes to get on the road early. Clearly this is an unbeeakable habit (sort of like an unbreakable curse).
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Hey Man, what's happening!
Tommy! Got your message. Phone been broken and can't call out . We are in Maraposa, heading your way, though not as fast as I want! I'll call you in the morning ( Sunday).
We've been having fun, tired, really tired of going up hills! Had to take 140 out of the park (no room on the bus that was supposed to take us to Crane Flat and Rr 120. Now we are way south of the plan, well see how tommorrow goes!
We've been having fun, tired, really tired of going up hills! Had to take 140 out of the park (no room on the bus that was supposed to take us to Crane Flat and Rr 120. Now we are way south of the plan, well see how tommorrow goes!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Yosemite Valley
We are now in Yosemite Valley, it's quite something!
The ride from Tuolomine was far enough; the first 40 miles not anything like the downhill we were expecting, plenty of work. The last 8 miles follows the river up the valley, past epic granite cliffs, and with the change in temp and vegetation, it gave us the feeling of Jurassic Park. Huge trees.
Left out the six or so miles that connected the first and last part of the ride, which I will call the screaming transition. A drop in elevation of over 3500 ft., narrow-ish, winding, three suprize tunnels, and fast enough that no one passed us (ie, above 35 mph, though just how far I won't get into). Clearly we made it.
Camping at the backpackers area at north pines. Tons of people in the valley, like China to the US. Ate pizza at Camp Curry after having starved all day. Stopped at a place called White Wolf that showed food on the map. Turned out to be only chips and cookies, but it was food. At Crane Flat we split a container of raspberry sorbet, barely tasted it.
Not sure what we will do today aside from jumping in the river (poor mans shower), and trying to find a way out of here that does not include going back up the screaming transition.
The ride from Tuolomine was far enough; the first 40 miles not anything like the downhill we were expecting, plenty of work. The last 8 miles follows the river up the valley, past epic granite cliffs, and with the change in temp and vegetation, it gave us the feeling of Jurassic Park. Huge trees.
Left out the six or so miles that connected the first and last part of the ride, which I will call the screaming transition. A drop in elevation of over 3500 ft., narrow-ish, winding, three suprize tunnels, and fast enough that no one passed us (ie, above 35 mph, though just how far I won't get into). Clearly we made it.
Camping at the backpackers area at north pines. Tons of people in the valley, like China to the US. Ate pizza at Camp Curry after having starved all day. Stopped at a place called White Wolf that showed food on the map. Turned out to be only chips and cookies, but it was food. At Crane Flat we split a container of raspberry sorbet, barely tasted it.
Not sure what we will do today aside from jumping in the river (poor mans shower), and trying to find a way out of here that does not include going back up the screaming transition.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Meteor Shower
Went to a ranger talk about bats that was very fun. Later we were able to hear and identify one variety flying over the meadow.
After, went off to a stargazing program. Laid out on a slab of granite under a clear, dark sky. Identified constellations and counted shooting stars. 125 in less than 90 minutes! Big tails - wow!
Off for the valley today. It got cold last night!
After, went off to a stargazing program. Laid out on a slab of granite under a clear, dark sky. Identified constellations and counted shooting stars. 125 in less than 90 minutes! Big tails - wow!
Off for the valley today. It got cold last night!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
John Wayne
This was a photo hanging on a wall back in Ridgeway, CO; I love it!
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Replies.
Tuolomine Meadow
The cell phone is being a pain, so sorry about not returning calls. Probably it is some very simple problem, but all said, I am still a bit of a technological idiot!
We are in the backpackers area at Tuolomine in Yosemite. Tonight will be our second and last night here. Tomorrow (tr) we ride through the park, 50 miles, and will visit the valley where all the people are and all the big sights (el capitain, etc). We may spend one additional day there before heading downhill and towards the Pacific.
The meteorite shower that I woke up at 3am to see was a washout due to the brightness of the moon. We'll be out again tonight, but before the moon rises.
Weather has been outstanding; today is sunny and calm and lazy. It's after noon and we are laying in thetent; karina reading and me pecking away. Soon we are off for the afternoon, going swimming I. The river where the water cascades into pools, yea. Two days off the bikes, paradise.
Karina is counti g down the days until we are done. We are still meeti g great folks, some we get the names and faces and some only the faces.
I'll post a huge slideshow once we finish up. Until then, as long as the phone cooperates and I can keep a charge in the phone, I'll keep tossing up some single photos.
Hi to everyone!
We are in the backpackers area at Tuolomine in Yosemite. Tonight will be our second and last night here. Tomorrow (tr) we ride through the park, 50 miles, and will visit the valley where all the people are and all the big sights (el capitain, etc). We may spend one additional day there before heading downhill and towards the Pacific.
The meteorite shower that I woke up at 3am to see was a washout due to the brightness of the moon. We'll be out again tonight, but before the moon rises.
Weather has been outstanding; today is sunny and calm and lazy. It's after noon and we are laying in thetent; karina reading and me pecking away. Soon we are off for the afternoon, going swimming I. The river where the water cascades into pools, yea. Two days off the bikes, paradise.
Karina is counti g down the days until we are done. We are still meeti g great folks, some we get the names and faces and some only the faces.
I'll post a huge slideshow once we finish up. Until then, as long as the phone cooperates and I can keep a charge in the phone, I'll keep tossing up some single photos.
Hi to everyone!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tioga Road - Lee Vining Canyon
Six miles of 12 percent grade, what a schlep! We began the climb at 5 pm Sunday afternoon and arrived at the top three hours later!
The time in Yosemite has been fabulous - we'll bevup at 3am for the meteor shower!
The time in Yosemite has been fabulous - we'll bevup at 3am for the meteor shower!
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Replies.Yosemite
Second full day at the park; phenominal! Today we climbed Lembert Dome (pictured) barefoot- excellent. One more day here, maybe two, then it is off for the last week and the grand finale!
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Replies.Sunday, August 9, 2009
Mono Lake
Arrived in CA later in the afternoon after a relatively reasonable ride of 67 miles. Dave had carted us on from schurs to Hawthorne (saving us 30 miles of crappy highway and sort of unsafe riding (in my opinion for a thirteen year old).
Ate breakfast at a place called Maggies, pretty good. Packed up our gear in the parking lot and set out.
Hawthorne is a munitions depot, so if it looks a little strange, that is because it is. The road away was much better, but pretty much climbed for 30 miles until we reached the summit (7300?). As we started down, the Sierras were in view and it was a downhill festival! The straitest road ever for the next 25 miles, downhill for at least 20.
We rode along side of Mono Lake, past the mtns where the cold air was channeling down (really cold, like snow cold). Made it to the town of Lee Vinning and got directed to a great place to eat; Whoa Nellie Deli, next to the Mobil station. Super food (lamb for K and steak ceasar for me). We didn't finish dinner until after dark, so we put on the flashers and rode the mile or so back to town and our camping site for the night.
Set up in the dark (we are good at this). Good sleep, Karina is still sleeping now. Today we will hang pretty near to here (maybe eventually put in 25 miles of sightseeing). The plan for later is to position ourselves as far up the Tioga Pass road as we can in preparation for tomorrow. We'll definitely dine at the deli again tonight.
Tomorrows target is Toulomne Meadows, but it is first come first serve for sites, so it'll be early departure up our steepest climb of the trip. Only about 10 miles, but parts are 12 percent grade. Also by leaving early we hope to miss traffic heading up or down the hill.
So we are ahead of schedule. Is this because we are fast? No. It has to do with circumstances related to Ken's schedule and needing to alter his route and timing. Having well passed the 3000 mile mark, and given that there is a distinct difference between the Nevada landscape and Yosemite, we traded less time on the "lonliest road in America" for more time in the Sierras.
I'll let you know how we manage the undeserved time in Yosemite. Mono Lake is beautiful. It is a sunny day, Karina is up now, and so it begins again!
Ate breakfast at a place called Maggies, pretty good. Packed up our gear in the parking lot and set out.
Hawthorne is a munitions depot, so if it looks a little strange, that is because it is. The road away was much better, but pretty much climbed for 30 miles until we reached the summit (7300?). As we started down, the Sierras were in view and it was a downhill festival! The straitest road ever for the next 25 miles, downhill for at least 20.
We rode along side of Mono Lake, past the mtns where the cold air was channeling down (really cold, like snow cold). Made it to the town of Lee Vinning and got directed to a great place to eat; Whoa Nellie Deli, next to the Mobil station. Super food (lamb for K and steak ceasar for me). We didn't finish dinner until after dark, so we put on the flashers and rode the mile or so back to town and our camping site for the night.
Set up in the dark (we are good at this). Good sleep, Karina is still sleeping now. Today we will hang pretty near to here (maybe eventually put in 25 miles of sightseeing). The plan for later is to position ourselves as far up the Tioga Pass road as we can in preparation for tomorrow. We'll definitely dine at the deli again tonight.
Tomorrows target is Toulomne Meadows, but it is first come first serve for sites, so it'll be early departure up our steepest climb of the trip. Only about 10 miles, but parts are 12 percent grade. Also by leaving early we hope to miss traffic heading up or down the hill.
So we are ahead of schedule. Is this because we are fast? No. It has to do with circumstances related to Ken's schedule and needing to alter his route and timing. Having well passed the 3000 mile mark, and given that there is a distinct difference between the Nevada landscape and Yosemite, we traded less time on the "lonliest road in America" for more time in the Sierras.
I'll let you know how we manage the undeserved time in Yosemite. Mono Lake is beautiful. It is a sunny day, Karina is up now, and so it begins again!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
not in Kansas anymore
Overcast, cool, no real wind; great day to cycle in western Nevada. Ah,well, almost.
When biking it comes down to the road. RT 95 heading south from Fallon is crap for a bike. New road, ruined by the combination of being a truck route to Las Vegas and, worse than that, with the shoulders fully lined with these ground out "rumble strips" which leaves minimal riding room for a bike, and insufficient room for a trike. The net result being short stints on the highway before stopping, crossing the strip, and waiting for trucks to pass. Always looking behind and stopping is even less fun than a headwind; made about 45 miles before stopping where we are now, just outside of a small town called Schurs.
Whlie getting lunch (4pm) at the one store, we met Dave, a great fellow who offered to have us camp on his family ranch, 22 acre island in the midst of the Walker Indian Reservation. And, to give us a lift in his truck to Hawthorn in the AM!
Karina helped him clean some catfish, then got to settle in for a couple of movies watched from the tent on Dave's tv that he perched on the picnic table next to the tent. I talked with Dave, worked on the bikes, and took a shower from a hose set up in an old garage. Beautiful sunset.
The "not in Kansas" bit refers to the coyotes that are howling all around even as I write this! Real West, not like the casinos or RV parks, but like real. It's kind of goose bump-ish, in the same way as listening to loons on a quiet lake in Canada. Though loons don't sniff around your tent or have teeth.
Quiet again now, I'm going back to sleep.
When biking it comes down to the road. RT 95 heading south from Fallon is crap for a bike. New road, ruined by the combination of being a truck route to Las Vegas and, worse than that, with the shoulders fully lined with these ground out "rumble strips" which leaves minimal riding room for a bike, and insufficient room for a trike. The net result being short stints on the highway before stopping, crossing the strip, and waiting for trucks to pass. Always looking behind and stopping is even less fun than a headwind; made about 45 miles before stopping where we are now, just outside of a small town called Schurs.
Whlie getting lunch (4pm) at the one store, we met Dave, a great fellow who offered to have us camp on his family ranch, 22 acre island in the midst of the Walker Indian Reservation. And, to give us a lift in his truck to Hawthorn in the AM!
Karina helped him clean some catfish, then got to settle in for a couple of movies watched from the tent on Dave's tv that he perched on the picnic table next to the tent. I talked with Dave, worked on the bikes, and took a shower from a hose set up in an old garage. Beautiful sunset.
The "not in Kansas" bit refers to the coyotes that are howling all around even as I write this! Real West, not like the casinos or RV parks, but like real. It's kind of goose bump-ish, in the same way as listening to loons on a quiet lake in Canada. Though loons don't sniff around your tent or have teeth.
Quiet again now, I'm going back to sleep.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wind in the face all day
Nevada is very desolate and insanely beautiful. Mtn ranges run N/S, with these huge endless valleys in between. You can see all the way across the valleys as the road just stretches out before you.
Karina and I rode almost 70 miles into a constant 30 mph wind. There were gusts above 50 mph and one of those actually picked the front of my bike up off the road momentarilly. Fortunately the traffic along Rt 50 is sparse, so aside from local excitement there was no dire consequence.
This lovely wind was the leading in of a cold front, so my worries about it being too hot to ride during the day - not a problem. Temp tonight may get into the 40's; it was only high 50's for a lot of the ride today.
OK, so there is a nice long decent into one of these valleys that is maybe 10 miles across. We were having to pedal in the lowest climbing gear, downhill, uggh! It took well over an hour to cross that one valley. It says something about something when it is easier to pedal up a mountain (not to mention preferable).
Tomorrow the wind should ease back a bit as we head off on our own south to Walker Lake (getting closer tu Yosemite, CA,and the last couple of hundred miles of the trip.
We ran into Rupert again tonight at dinner in Austin. Met him first back just as we got into CO. It's great, sort of like reconnecting with family.
We won't see Ken and Mike now until Bodega Bay, just a couple of days before the trip finish. They decided to travel via Reno, Tahoe, and Napa, while K and me are choosing Yosemite and that route.
Good night.
Karina and I rode almost 70 miles into a constant 30 mph wind. There were gusts above 50 mph and one of those actually picked the front of my bike up off the road momentarilly. Fortunately the traffic along Rt 50 is sparse, so aside from local excitement there was no dire consequence.
This lovely wind was the leading in of a cold front, so my worries about it being too hot to ride during the day - not a problem. Temp tonight may get into the 40's; it was only high 50's for a lot of the ride today.
OK, so there is a nice long decent into one of these valleys that is maybe 10 miles across. We were having to pedal in the lowest climbing gear, downhill, uggh! It took well over an hour to cross that one valley. It says something about something when it is easier to pedal up a mountain (not to mention preferable).
Tomorrow the wind should ease back a bit as we head off on our own south to Walker Lake (getting closer tu Yosemite, CA,and the last couple of hundred miles of the trip.
We ran into Rupert again tonight at dinner in Austin. Met him first back just as we got into CO. It's great, sort of like reconnecting with family.
We won't see Ken and Mike now until Bodega Bay, just a couple of days before the trip finish. They decided to travel via Reno, Tahoe, and Napa, while K and me are choosing Yosemite and that route.
Good night.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Catching up and wind advisory
Not sure where I left off, but here are some highlights: rode horses through bryce canyon, two great lectures by the park rangers, tons of deer, sunrises, sunsets, lemonade, wall street, hundreds of photos.
We left bryce for a one day ride over to Zion. First part of the ride was uphill and headwind, took forever to go 30 miles. Hit Long Valley, then it was downhill and great. Once we turned for the park, it was uphill again for the last 12 miles. 70 the hard way, we got there to find the campsites were full, so we backtracked a mile to a campground just outside of the park. No dinner, trail mix, and a puzzle of how to get through the tunnels which don't allow bikes thru.
Thankfully our site neighbor, Ben, offered to shuttle us into the park in the AM, and that was super! We got to the lodge by 9 am, ate a great breakfast and set off for the day exploring the park. Highlights: the narrows, turkeys, a condor, lovely water, shuttles, bag lunches, a great book, sunshine and hundreds more photos.
Hiked up to hidden canyon for sunset, then rode in twilight out of the park to Springdale where we met Ken and Mike and camped for the night. Karina and I had a great dinner. Outside it was 95 degrees. Tent was hot, lousy sleep, up at 4:30 to shave and charge the cell phone, washed in the river, then back to sleep.
Oh yeah, full moon.
Today was a shuttle north and regroup day; we crossed into Nevada and are presently in Ely. Tomorrow there is a wind advisory for our 77 mile ride, winds consistant 30-40 mph with gusts up to 55! Really looking forward to that (sarcasm).
Hope they are tailwinds; have four big climbs too. We may be taking two routes after tomorrow, with Kwn and Mike heading north and into CA near Lake Tahoe, and Karina and me heading south to hit CA at yosemite. Will update once I know for sure (by Friday).
We left bryce for a one day ride over to Zion. First part of the ride was uphill and headwind, took forever to go 30 miles. Hit Long Valley, then it was downhill and great. Once we turned for the park, it was uphill again for the last 12 miles. 70 the hard way, we got there to find the campsites were full, so we backtracked a mile to a campground just outside of the park. No dinner, trail mix, and a puzzle of how to get through the tunnels which don't allow bikes thru.
Thankfully our site neighbor, Ben, offered to shuttle us into the park in the AM, and that was super! We got to the lodge by 9 am, ate a great breakfast and set off for the day exploring the park. Highlights: the narrows, turkeys, a condor, lovely water, shuttles, bag lunches, a great book, sunshine and hundreds more photos.
Hiked up to hidden canyon for sunset, then rode in twilight out of the park to Springdale where we met Ken and Mike and camped for the night. Karina and I had a great dinner. Outside it was 95 degrees. Tent was hot, lousy sleep, up at 4:30 to shave and charge the cell phone, washed in the river, then back to sleep.
Oh yeah, full moon.
Today was a shuttle north and regroup day; we crossed into Nevada and are presently in Ely. Tomorrow there is a wind advisory for our 77 mile ride, winds consistant 30-40 mph with gusts up to 55! Really looking forward to that (sarcasm).
Hope they are tailwinds; have four big climbs too. We may be taking two routes after tomorrow, with Kwn and Mike heading north and into CA near Lake Tahoe, and Karina and me heading south to hit CA at yosemite. Will update once I know for sure (by Friday).
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Hello Utah
Been out of range and battery for a couple of days. The time in Telluride was great and made all that much greater by meeting our neighbors visiting from N Carolina; Cameron and Cheney were super pals for Karina and the time flew by!
Left there and rode over the pass, had rain, wind, and hail, but it was gorgeous. Stopped in Rico for a warm up, and then on to Dolores. Camped by the river there. The ride from there to Utah (devil's canyon, south of Monticello) was not an easy ride. 70 miles, fully half uphill and with a headwind. Got to Monticello about 8 pm only to find that we had another 11 miles to pedal, and guess what, it was uphill! Karina was relentless, though not pleased. We were very happy to get there! Saw lots of deer along the way. Also some big storms which resulted in Karina and I seeking shelter and hanging out with Roy and Larry, wheat farmers from the area of Dove Creek.
Rode just 10 miles today to Blanding, then a schedule change gave us a ride ahead towards Bryce Canyon; we will be there by tomorrow night. Utah is epic and beautiful. How rocks do this stuff is a miracle!
When we left the campground this morning we spotted a mid sized rattlesnake that had been hit by a car, though only recently and was in good shape (for being squished). We investigated thouroughly and clipped the rattle as a token souviner. Visited a pueblo ruin and museum.
Everything is very cool. Need years to do it all justice.
Left there and rode over the pass, had rain, wind, and hail, but it was gorgeous. Stopped in Rico for a warm up, and then on to Dolores. Camped by the river there. The ride from there to Utah (devil's canyon, south of Monticello) was not an easy ride. 70 miles, fully half uphill and with a headwind. Got to Monticello about 8 pm only to find that we had another 11 miles to pedal, and guess what, it was uphill! Karina was relentless, though not pleased. We were very happy to get there! Saw lots of deer along the way. Also some big storms which resulted in Karina and I seeking shelter and hanging out with Roy and Larry, wheat farmers from the area of Dove Creek.
Rode just 10 miles today to Blanding, then a schedule change gave us a ride ahead towards Bryce Canyon; we will be there by tomorrow night. Utah is epic and beautiful. How rocks do this stuff is a miracle!
When we left the campground this morning we spotted a mid sized rattlesnake that had been hit by a car, though only recently and was in good shape (for being squished). We investigated thouroughly and clipped the rattle as a token souviner. Visited a pueblo ruin and museum.
Everything is very cool. Need years to do it all justice.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Lizzard Head - 10,222
Saying goodbye to the high mtns until the Sierras. Wind, NPR rain.......
Mobile post sent by petefeitner using Utterli.
Replies.Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Where was I
Oh yeah, Karina and I took another trip around the nature trail and found a great place to sit on a cliff edge overlooking the resevoir, nice and quiet with a great view of everything. A large hawk flew right over Karina's head and flew up and down the cliff edge.
We packed out and rode into Ridgeway for the main meal before the ride to Telluride. Riding out of town and up into the mountains was a good workout. The Dallas Divide is a slow, continuous climb for about 12 miles. We saw lots of hawks and watched a bald eagle for a while (we took a photo, but we were quite far away). Further up the divide we came upon a bear carcus next to the road; that was a first and another new category in the road kill hall of fame.
After 12 up, we got 12 down, which wAs very nice. Along the route we met two others bound for SF, lou and Mallory. They were the age I want to be and are spending a college summer making the trek. We rode with them the rest of the ride to Telluride, super nice.
The climb from Placerville to Telluride was not as long as the Divide, but a steep way to finish the day.
The events of today (tues) I will write about tomorrow AM, Must sleep again.
We packed out and rode into Ridgeway for the main meal before the ride to Telluride. Riding out of town and up into the mountains was a good workout. The Dallas Divide is a slow, continuous climb for about 12 miles. We saw lots of hawks and watched a bald eagle for a while (we took a photo, but we were quite far away). Further up the divide we came upon a bear carcus next to the road; that was a first and another new category in the road kill hall of fame.
After 12 up, we got 12 down, which wAs very nice. Along the route we met two others bound for SF, lou and Mallory. They were the age I want to be and are spending a college summer making the trek. We rode with them the rest of the ride to Telluride, super nice.
The climb from Placerville to Telluride was not as long as the Divide, but a steep way to finish the day.
The events of today (tues) I will write about tomorrow AM, Must sleep again.
Morning in telluride
Let me go back a day or so. We left Montrose late in the morning after visiting black canyon. That's one phenominal place.
We started out for Ridgeway slowly as we could see a major storm heading smack for our destinaltion. RT50 was very busy with traffic, all with their headlights on (never a good sign, unless you are really into heavy rain and lightening; it's ok if you are, I just don't happen to be right at this particular time).
We had been in touch with Karina's Grandma Ruth and Poppy (Bob) and had arranged to meet them in Ridgeway (they live in Grand Junction). As we are riding on the rain and traffic and watching the lightening pound Ridgeway, we came upon their car pulled over and waiting for us! Took all of about ten seconds to determine that riding with them to Ridgeway was an excellent choice.
Ate lunch at the True Grit Cafe. Ridgeway was the film site for the 1969 John Wayne film classic, so we ate lunch across the street from the hanging scene (how great is that?!)
The storm had passed by the time we had got there, but it was the topic of the day for those who were there, several ground strikes right in the town center.
They delivered us to our campsite, about 5 miles out of town and headed back to Grand Junction. The campsite was in a super location (Dutch Charlie's), and we presented with the San Juan mountains all around us. The night was fine, no rain that I recall and a beautiful sky full of stars.
Up before sunrise for a walk about, the nature trail from the visitor center was great.
More later, Karina is up and we are off to breakfast.
We started out for Ridgeway slowly as we could see a major storm heading smack for our destinaltion. RT50 was very busy with traffic, all with their headlights on (never a good sign, unless you are really into heavy rain and lightening; it's ok if you are, I just don't happen to be right at this particular time).
We had been in touch with Karina's Grandma Ruth and Poppy (Bob) and had arranged to meet them in Ridgeway (they live in Grand Junction). As we are riding on the rain and traffic and watching the lightening pound Ridgeway, we came upon their car pulled over and waiting for us! Took all of about ten seconds to determine that riding with them to Ridgeway was an excellent choice.
Ate lunch at the True Grit Cafe. Ridgeway was the film site for the 1969 John Wayne film classic, so we ate lunch across the street from the hanging scene (how great is that?!)
The storm had passed by the time we had got there, but it was the topic of the day for those who were there, several ground strikes right in the town center.
They delivered us to our campsite, about 5 miles out of town and headed back to Grand Junction. The campsite was in a super location (Dutch Charlie's), and we presented with the San Juan mountains all around us. The night was fine, no rain that I recall and a beautiful sky full of stars.
Up before sunrise for a walk about, the nature trail from the visitor center was great.
More later, Karina is up and we are off to breakfast.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Telluride!
We arrived in Telliride about 3 hrs ago; such a beautiful place!
The ride from Ridgeway was not easy; 12 mile hill over Dallas Divide, then another climb to finish the day. We are camping at the town park. Presently we are eating burgers and sitting in comfy seats. Looks like we will take a layover day here tomorrow . I'll write more then (when I have my glasses!)
The ride from Ridgeway was not easy; 12 mile hill over Dallas Divide, then another climb to finish the day. We are camping at the town park. Presently we are eating burgers and sitting in comfy seats. Looks like we will take a layover day here tomorrow . I'll write more then (when I have my glasses!)
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