Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Making My Way
Well, I am gradually making my way toward the end of this adventure. It's hard to believe that Karen and Lindsay will be here to pick me up one week from tomorrow. This has been an incredible adventure and yet it's still hard to believe that I have actually ridden my bike from Oregon to here. I am so grateful for everything I have learned and I am also looking forward to spending some time in 'normal life' again.
Today's ride took us 69 miles from London, Ontario to Branton, Ontario (the hometown of hockey great Wayne Gretzky). It rained overnight and skies were still gray this morning as we left but the weather continued to improve as the day progressed and we all stayed dry.
The terrain today was relatively flat which should have made it a cake day except that we had significant headwinds once again. Lot's of corn and soybean fields again today but we also saw quite a few tobacco fields and gingseng and berry fields as well. I had no idea that they grew so much tobacco this far north.
I rode pretty much the whole day by myself. Ainslee and Joan rode with me for about 10 miles early in the day and it was fun chatting it up with them. The Turtles leap frogged me most of the day until about mile 50 when I stopped for a sandwich and they passed me for good. I tried hanging on with them for a few miles around the 40 mile mark but they're just too strong and it makes me anxious trying to keep up. I think it looks like I am going to be riding these last eight days by myself. That's ok, we will all get to the ocean at the same time anyway.
I miss the comaraderie (sp?) of the team and the funny things we would tease each other about but this development has also given me a chance to get to know some of the other riders better (like Ainslee and Joan today) so it's not without its blessings. It all works out exactly as it should.
Tomorrow we head for Niagra and our final rest day of the trip on Monday. I'm looking forward to a day off because for whatever reason, my quads have been really sore the past fews days. Hopefully, my legs can rejuvenate a bit before the final push to New Hampshire.
Keep those prayers coming and don't forget to ask for a tail wind!
PS - It's always a little harrowing coming into town by yourself. Traffic is usually quite busy and you have to closely read directions, watch for traffic and spot road hazards simultaneously by yourself. This afternoon was even more challwnging because it's a big town and the direction were a bit vague and confusing. I was in the middle of town and just starting to get a little confused and anxious when Jim (the ride mechanic) appeared out of no where on his bike from my right. He quickly caught up with me and offered to lead me to the hotel. I am constantly amazed at how God delivers the assistance I need exactly at the moment I need it. Thanks God!!!
Today's ride took us 69 miles from London, Ontario to Branton, Ontario (the hometown of hockey great Wayne Gretzky). It rained overnight and skies were still gray this morning as we left but the weather continued to improve as the day progressed and we all stayed dry.
The terrain today was relatively flat which should have made it a cake day except that we had significant headwinds once again. Lot's of corn and soybean fields again today but we also saw quite a few tobacco fields and gingseng and berry fields as well. I had no idea that they grew so much tobacco this far north.
I rode pretty much the whole day by myself. Ainslee and Joan rode with me for about 10 miles early in the day and it was fun chatting it up with them. The Turtles leap frogged me most of the day until about mile 50 when I stopped for a sandwich and they passed me for good. I tried hanging on with them for a few miles around the 40 mile mark but they're just too strong and it makes me anxious trying to keep up. I think it looks like I am going to be riding these last eight days by myself. That's ok, we will all get to the ocean at the same time anyway.
I miss the comaraderie (sp?) of the team and the funny things we would tease each other about but this development has also given me a chance to get to know some of the other riders better (like Ainslee and Joan today) so it's not without its blessings. It all works out exactly as it should.
Tomorrow we head for Niagra and our final rest day of the trip on Monday. I'm looking forward to a day off because for whatever reason, my quads have been really sore the past fews days. Hopefully, my legs can rejuvenate a bit before the final push to New Hampshire.
Keep those prayers coming and don't forget to ask for a tail wind!
PS - It's always a little harrowing coming into town by yourself. Traffic is usually quite busy and you have to closely read directions, watch for traffic and spot road hazards simultaneously by yourself. This afternoon was even more challwnging because it's a big town and the direction were a bit vague and confusing. I was in the middle of town and just starting to get a little confused and anxious when Jim (the ride mechanic) appeared out of no where on his bike from my right. He quickly caught up with me and offered to lead me to the hotel. I am constantly amazed at how God delivers the assistance I need exactly at the moment I need it. Thanks God!!!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Oh Canada...
This morning we crossed the Blue Water bridge into Canada. We gathered in the parking lot at 6:20 am and road over the bridge in a procession with the support vans in the front and rear. They closed the bridge while we crossed so it was really fun and felt a bit like being in the Tour de France.
We spent the rest of the day cycling through Ontario on our way to London which was our destination for today. I spent the first 17 miles or so in the Team Turtle paceline and then peeled off to ride my own pace. Ontarion looks a lot like Ohio so I felt pretty much at home today. I did, however, notice one thing interesting.
Today's ride was 84 miles (short by our current standards) and the terrain was flat. It should have been an easy day but once again we were plagued by a pesky head wind. Several times throughout the day, the route called for us to make a turn that would give us a cross wind and a bit of a break from the head wind. I noticed that as soon as we made the turn into the cross wind the road became really bumpy or it was uphill!
Nothing out here is easy!!!
The ride is starting to take a toll on everyone in the group. It seems like we all have a nagging ache somewhere or a muscle strain that just won't go away. I remember when we were in Oregon, the physical effort required for each day's ride was exhausting but a few hours after you showered, you felt pretty close to normal. Now we do a ride on relatively flat land and I still feel tired and sore the next morning when I get on the bike to start the next ride. I think the body is just running out of reserve and therefore can't recover between rides like it did a month ago.
I also notice that I am almost always hungry. I can eat until I am painfully full and three hours later I am hungry to the point of distraction. We have all started squirrelling away food from the SAG stops to snack on in the room at night. At the same time, most food has lost its flavor. When you have to eat so much all the time, eating becomes another chore on the 'to do' list and you get tired of it.
We passed a nice bike shop just before we arrived at our hotel and many folks stopped in and bought new bike shorts. The padding in the shorts breaks down after a thousand miles and so that just adds to the ever present butt issues.
Please continue to pray for our safety and our sanity and bless us with a tail wind. We could use a little boost!!!
PS - I had a great conversation with Lynne and Joan while doing laundry tonight. We talked about what a privilege it is to do this trip and how grateful we are for the health and resources to participate in this incredible adveture. We also talked about strategies to incorporate what we have learned on this trip into our day to day lives when we get back home.
I truly am grateful for this experience and all that it has taught me.
We spent the rest of the day cycling through Ontario on our way to London which was our destination for today. I spent the first 17 miles or so in the Team Turtle paceline and then peeled off to ride my own pace. Ontarion looks a lot like Ohio so I felt pretty much at home today. I did, however, notice one thing interesting.
Today's ride was 84 miles (short by our current standards) and the terrain was flat. It should have been an easy day but once again we were plagued by a pesky head wind. Several times throughout the day, the route called for us to make a turn that would give us a cross wind and a bit of a break from the head wind. I noticed that as soon as we made the turn into the cross wind the road became really bumpy or it was uphill!
Nothing out here is easy!!!
The ride is starting to take a toll on everyone in the group. It seems like we all have a nagging ache somewhere or a muscle strain that just won't go away. I remember when we were in Oregon, the physical effort required for each day's ride was exhausting but a few hours after you showered, you felt pretty close to normal. Now we do a ride on relatively flat land and I still feel tired and sore the next morning when I get on the bike to start the next ride. I think the body is just running out of reserve and therefore can't recover between rides like it did a month ago.
I also notice that I am almost always hungry. I can eat until I am painfully full and three hours later I am hungry to the point of distraction. We have all started squirrelling away food from the SAG stops to snack on in the room at night. At the same time, most food has lost its flavor. When you have to eat so much all the time, eating becomes another chore on the 'to do' list and you get tired of it.
We passed a nice bike shop just before we arrived at our hotel and many folks stopped in and bought new bike shorts. The padding in the shorts breaks down after a thousand miles and so that just adds to the ever present butt issues.
Please continue to pray for our safety and our sanity and bless us with a tail wind. We could use a little boost!!!
PS - I had a great conversation with Lynne and Joan while doing laundry tonight. We talked about what a privilege it is to do this trip and how grateful we are for the health and resources to participate in this incredible adveture. We also talked about strategies to incorporate what we have learned on this trip into our day to day lives when we get back home.
I truly am grateful for this experience and all that it has taught me.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Good Bye Michigan
The past few days have been a whirlwind. Dennis, David (my dog), my dad, my brother, my siter-in-law, and my cousin came to visit yesterday. It was so strange to see people I know from home. It was a real boost to be hugged. I didn't realize how much I miss being touched. We knuckle bump and high-five each other here at bicycle boot camp but there's not a lot of hugging that goes on.
It really raised my spirits to see everyone from home and it also made it clear how close we are to the end of this incredible journey. Tomorrow we cross over the bridge into Canada and Sunday we will be in Niagra Falls for our final rest day on Monday. One week from there and we dunk the bikes in the ocean and say good-bye. Tonight at rap they began to discuss the details of the final day so that people know how to plan.
This morning we awoke to thunderstorms and lightning. They delayed our start by over an hour but that was a great call on Jeff Lazer's part because we were dry the rest of the day. We had a kicking west wind most of the day so I want to thank all you prayer warriors for dialing up that tail wind! It certainly was helpful to have such a strong tail wind on a day when we got a late start.
I rode about the first 20 miles with Team Turtle and then I dropped off by myself for the rest of the day. I had a really fun day enjoying the bike at my own pace and thinking what I want to do with my life after this adventure is over.
Our route into Port Huron took us on Lakeshore Drive qnd there were some really gorgeous homes and views of Lake Huron. It reminded me a lot of the homes on Catawba.
Time to call it a night as we have an early day tomorrow to get over the bridge (they are closing the bridge to allow us to pass) and then get through customs. I've iced my knees and cleaned and prepped the bike for tomorrow so all my chores are done.
Please don't stop praying for us just because we are close to the end. We need your prayers now because everyone is tired and at the end of their reserve. Please pray for safety, strength, and a tail wind!
Good night! See you soon!
It really raised my spirits to see everyone from home and it also made it clear how close we are to the end of this incredible journey. Tomorrow we cross over the bridge into Canada and Sunday we will be in Niagra Falls for our final rest day on Monday. One week from there and we dunk the bikes in the ocean and say good-bye. Tonight at rap they began to discuss the details of the final day so that people know how to plan.
This morning we awoke to thunderstorms and lightning. They delayed our start by over an hour but that was a great call on Jeff Lazer's part because we were dry the rest of the day. We had a kicking west wind most of the day so I want to thank all you prayer warriors for dialing up that tail wind! It certainly was helpful to have such a strong tail wind on a day when we got a late start.
I rode about the first 20 miles with Team Turtle and then I dropped off by myself for the rest of the day. I had a really fun day enjoying the bike at my own pace and thinking what I want to do with my life after this adventure is over.
Our route into Port Huron took us on Lakeshore Drive qnd there were some really gorgeous homes and views of Lake Huron. It reminded me a lot of the homes on Catawba.
Time to call it a night as we have an early day tomorrow to get over the bridge (they are closing the bridge to allow us to pass) and then get through customs. I've iced my knees and cleaned and prepped the bike for tomorrow so all my chores are done.
Please don't stop praying for us just because we are close to the end. We need your prayers now because everyone is tired and at the end of their reserve. Please pray for safety, strength, and a tail wind!
Good night! See you soon!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
A Challenging Day
Yesterday was technically a rest day but we had to take the ferry from WI to Ludington, MI. The day was filled with hurry up and wait scenarios which were pretty stressful. Combine that with the ferry leaving al oat two hours late due to difficulty loading a wind turbine and the high heat and humidity and you have the makings for a boat load of unhappy bikers!
We didn't get to the hotel in Ludington u til around 9:00 pm and we hadn't eaten and were incredibly hot and sticky from the boat. It after 11:00 before I wound down enough to sleep and we had to get up at 5:00 am to have breakfast and start our 113 mile ride to Mt. Pleasant.
I woke up more tired than when I went to bed and I was in a terrible mood. I started texting my brother (he lives in MI) to arrange a ride to skip the 113 miles on the bike today but it didn't work out. Like a good big brother, he asked if I was sick and when I told him "No, I'm just tired." he said we'll pray for you and see you in Birch Run tomorrow as planned.
That was exactly the correct way to handle me in that moment (he's had a few yeqrs practice'at this). If he had come to Ludington and rescued me, I have to wonder if I would have rejoined the ride or just gone home.
I rode by myself because it's hard for me to keep up with Team Turtle over that amount of distance and it wasn't fair to subject another human being to my whining. It took me the better part of 70 miles to improve my mood and attitude but here's what I figured out:
1. I can't help anyone if I quit. - I want to use this ride to become a better human being and hopefully other people will be able to learn a little about themselves as well. If I quit, all that potential is lost.
2. Doing something bigger than yourself will ALWAYS involve moments of extreme discomfort but if you calm down and really notice the situation, you will see that nothing is wrong and this moment is very doable.
3. When you are faced with a task that seems overwhelmingly big, chunk it down. Today I really disciplined myself not to think about the 113 miles but instead to just ride to the next direction cue on my route sheet. When there was a hill or the wind was against me, I broke it down even more and'just rode to the next house and then the next house after that.
4. The only time today on the ride that I really suffered was when I was trying to figure out how to get out of riding. Once I decided that I was going to finish the whole thing and all there was to do now was to enjoy the scenery and ride to the next cue, I actually enjoyed myself.
5. When you grow and finish something that you didn't think you could do (like a 113 mile bike ride on 5 hrs sleep and poor food)...CELEBRATE!!!
Tomorrow will be a fun day. We get to sleep in a bit and my family is coming to visit in Birch Run. See you there!!!
We didn't get to the hotel in Ludington u til around 9:00 pm and we hadn't eaten and were incredibly hot and sticky from the boat. It after 11:00 before I wound down enough to sleep and we had to get up at 5:00 am to have breakfast and start our 113 mile ride to Mt. Pleasant.
I woke up more tired than when I went to bed and I was in a terrible mood. I started texting my brother (he lives in MI) to arrange a ride to skip the 113 miles on the bike today but it didn't work out. Like a good big brother, he asked if I was sick and when I told him "No, I'm just tired." he said we'll pray for you and see you in Birch Run tomorrow as planned.
That was exactly the correct way to handle me in that moment (he's had a few yeqrs practice'at this). If he had come to Ludington and rescued me, I have to wonder if I would have rejoined the ride or just gone home.
I rode by myself because it's hard for me to keep up with Team Turtle over that amount of distance and it wasn't fair to subject another human being to my whining. It took me the better part of 70 miles to improve my mood and attitude but here's what I figured out:
1. I can't help anyone if I quit. - I want to use this ride to become a better human being and hopefully other people will be able to learn a little about themselves as well. If I quit, all that potential is lost.
2. Doing something bigger than yourself will ALWAYS involve moments of extreme discomfort but if you calm down and really notice the situation, you will see that nothing is wrong and this moment is very doable.
3. When you are faced with a task that seems overwhelmingly big, chunk it down. Today I really disciplined myself not to think about the 113 miles but instead to just ride to the next direction cue on my route sheet. When there was a hill or the wind was against me, I broke it down even more and'just rode to the next house and then the next house after that.
4. The only time today on the ride that I really suffered was when I was trying to figure out how to get out of riding. Once I decided that I was going to finish the whole thing and all there was to do now was to enjoy the scenery and ride to the next cue, I actually enjoyed myself.
5. When you grow and finish something that you didn't think you could do (like a 113 mile bike ride on 5 hrs sleep and poor food)...CELEBRATE!!!
Tomorrow will be a fun day. We get to sleep in a bit and my family is coming to visit in Birch Run. See you there!!!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
A Nearly Perfect Day
Today was a great ride for me. It started with a great night's sleep. I went to sleep at 8 pm last night and didn't get up until 6:15 this morning! We had a late breakfast and late load time today due to the short mileage (only 57 miles) so I treated myself to a cup of coffee while I said the rosary. Between the extra sleep, the coffee, and the quiet time in prayer I felt like a million bucks by the time we started our ride.
I rode the first 31 miles with Team Turtle and got some more excellent cycling coaching from Sam. The pace through those 31 miles was pretty good so I felt like I got my workout for the day (thanks Crist!). The SAG stop was at a McDonalds at 31 miles and Diane and I got pineapple mango smoothies. I can't describe how fantastic it tasted! The best part of doing an endurance sport is that all your senses are intensified, food is an explosion of flavor, taking a shower is sublimely sensual, and just sitting down in a good chair feels divine. I have never felt so "in my body".
After the SAG stop, the Team split up and I rode the last 26 miles by myself. I really enjoyed the opportunity to go at my own pace and enjoy the scenery. The weather and the rolling farmland were just beautiful.
I say it was a "nearly perfect day" beacuse 10 miles from the finish, I came upon six of our riders who had just had an accident. They had been riding in a paceline and had a miscommunication when changing out the lead rider and the other five following behind the lead crashed into each other. They were going about 22 mph when it happened. Everyone in the group has various degrees of road rash and one guy's bike is pretty busted but other than that, they are all ok (thanks be to God). Margie had a piece of Jim's handlebars stuck in her helmet, that's how much force was involved.
The situation was well under control by the time I came upon it so I continued on. I've had a couple of close calls following the wheel of my fellow Turtles so I understand how quickly and easily this kind of thing can happen. When there is a significant headwind of desolate terrain, travelling in a group is really important but neither of those conditions existed today. The whole thing made me really glad I decided to ride alone this afternoon and has me thinking about my strategy for the 113 mile ride on Tuesday.
Sm's wife Mary visited again this afternoon and had dinner ith us. She is absolutely delightful and has been a real boost to our moral.
I rode the first 31 miles with Team Turtle and got some more excellent cycling coaching from Sam. The pace through those 31 miles was pretty good so I felt like I got my workout for the day (thanks Crist!). The SAG stop was at a McDonalds at 31 miles and Diane and I got pineapple mango smoothies. I can't describe how fantastic it tasted! The best part of doing an endurance sport is that all your senses are intensified, food is an explosion of flavor, taking a shower is sublimely sensual, and just sitting down in a good chair feels divine. I have never felt so "in my body".
After the SAG stop, the Team split up and I rode the last 26 miles by myself. I really enjoyed the opportunity to go at my own pace and enjoy the scenery. The weather and the rolling farmland were just beautiful.
I say it was a "nearly perfect day" beacuse 10 miles from the finish, I came upon six of our riders who had just had an accident. They had been riding in a paceline and had a miscommunication when changing out the lead rider and the other five following behind the lead crashed into each other. They were going about 22 mph when it happened. Everyone in the group has various degrees of road rash and one guy's bike is pretty busted but other than that, they are all ok (thanks be to God). Margie had a piece of Jim's handlebars stuck in her helmet, that's how much force was involved.
The situation was well under control by the time I came upon it so I continued on. I've had a couple of close calls following the wheel of my fellow Turtles so I understand how quickly and easily this kind of thing can happen. When there is a significant headwind of desolate terrain, travelling in a group is really important but neither of those conditions existed today. The whole thing made me really glad I decided to ride alone this afternoon and has me thinking about my strategy for the 113 mile ride on Tuesday.
Sm's wife Mary visited again this afternoon and had dinner ith us. She is absolutely delightful and has been a real boost to our moral.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Yipes My Thighs Are Burnin'!
Today's ride was 91 miles from LaCrosse, WI to Wisconsin Dells and included 34 miles on the Sparta-Elroy bike path. When we got the eoute sheets for the ride I thought "thirty four miles on a bike path, that'll be easy". Not so my friends, not so!
The bike path is packed dirt and gravel (not paved) and the first 10 miles are uphil at a 2-3% grade. I know that doewn't seem like much of a grade when you consider some of the mountain passes we have done but we are all using skinny, hard tires designed for the road. Riding on dirt and gravel is like running through mud. My thighs were burning so badly I thought I might be sick.
There were three tunnels on the bike path which meant we got to walk through the hills instead of climbing over them which was a plus.
After the bike path and the second SAG stop of the day, I cut the Turtles loose and sent them on ahead. I had nothing left in my legs and it wasn't fair to hold them up for me. Sam is from Wisconsin and he had quite a few family members and friends visiting tonight so it was good that the Team was able to get him into the hotel in good time.
I rode about 20 miles by myself and actually enjoyed it. Then a group of three very strong riders came upon me and they were worried because I was by myself. I told them I was fine but they wouldn't leave me so two went on ahead and one stayed with me for the next ten miles into the hotel.
Sam's family and friends are very nice and it gave all of Team Turtle a boost to laugh with them at dinner tonight. His friend Kurt is going to ride with us tomorrow and that should be fun. Hopefully Crist will have some mercy on the poor fellow and dial the speed down a notch! I would certainly be ok with that!!!
I just want to say thank you again to all of you for your prayers and support. I appreciate the comments and encouragement you leave on the blog. (apparently you need to sign in through google for the comments to come through) You can also email me directly at letsgojoyride@gmail.com
On to Fond du Lac!
The bike path is packed dirt and gravel (not paved) and the first 10 miles are uphil at a 2-3% grade. I know that doewn't seem like much of a grade when you consider some of the mountain passes we have done but we are all using skinny, hard tires designed for the road. Riding on dirt and gravel is like running through mud. My thighs were burning so badly I thought I might be sick.
There were three tunnels on the bike path which meant we got to walk through the hills instead of climbing over them which was a plus.
After the bike path and the second SAG stop of the day, I cut the Turtles loose and sent them on ahead. I had nothing left in my legs and it wasn't fair to hold them up for me. Sam is from Wisconsin and he had quite a few family members and friends visiting tonight so it was good that the Team was able to get him into the hotel in good time.
I rode about 20 miles by myself and actually enjoyed it. Then a group of three very strong riders came upon me and they were worried because I was by myself. I told them I was fine but they wouldn't leave me so two went on ahead and one stayed with me for the next ten miles into the hotel.
Sam's family and friends are very nice and it gave all of Team Turtle a boost to laugh with them at dinner tonight. His friend Kurt is going to ride with us tomorrow and that should be fun. Hopefully Crist will have some mercy on the poor fellow and dial the speed down a notch! I would certainly be ok with that!!!
I just want to say thank you again to all of you for your prayers and support. I appreciate the comments and encouragement you leave on the blog. (apparently you need to sign in through google for the comments to come through) You can also email me directly at letsgojoyride@gmail.com
On to Fond du Lac!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Truck on a Cheese
Other News of Note
We lost another rider on today's ride. Ray Black from London fell offhis bicycle and broke his shoulder while trying to take a picture of the bike path. Ray is a super nice guy and was having a lot of fun on the trip. He was very kind to me the day I sagged the Teton Pass. I feel bad for Ray and wish him well.
On a lighter note, Jeff Laser (one of the guides) had a big inflatable turtle at his SAG stop today as a table decoration. We got a good chuckle out of that one. Go Turtle Go!
On a lighter note, Jeff Laser (one of the guides) had a big inflatable turtle at his SAG stop today as a table decoration. We got a good chuckle out of that one. Go Turtle Go!
A Tough Few Days
The past few days have been very challenging for me. It started on Tuesday when we had a 113 mile daer was quite warm and humid that day but the terrain was downhililwind most of the day. We should have known better, but Team Turtle couldn't resist the favorable conitions and we rode our best time yet as a team. I actually told Crist to speed up at one point! I forgot my water bottles at a SAG stop and Bud had to go back in the van and pick them up and bring them to us on the route. This incident combined with me urging Crist to go faster has earned me my new nickname of "Throttle Bottle".
All good things must come to an end and Wednesday morning started with a 12% climb two blocks from the hotel. No warming up for that one! The day was extremely humid with an ever increasing headwind. We had 100 miles and the terrain was all steep rollers. By mile 76 I was done and ready to SAG. I told Crist and Diane that the next van we saw for water, I was going to SAG. They urged me to continue and slowly we pressed on as the thunder clouds were building and the storms were looming. At mile 86 we saw a van but by that point I felt like I couldn't SAG because Crist and Diane had gone so slow to pull me along and that would be disrespectful of their kindness. I pressed on and finished the ride but at the end, I was physically and mentally spent.
This morning at breakfast, I had a mental meltdown and started to cry. I was still tired from the high mileage of the past few days and I started thinking about the rest of the teip and how hard each day is and I just got overwhelmed. The Team told me to hang in there and take it one step at a time.
So mentally I broke the whole day down ino tiny pieces and just concentrated on completing each piece. I let the Turtles go on ahead and rode most of the day with a new guy named Dave who rides a recumbant bike which climbs almost as slow as me. I find that when a day had lotsnof climbing, I am more relaxed if I am not trying to keep up with the Turtles.
All good things must come to an end and Wednesday morning started with a 12% climb two blocks from the hotel. No warming up for that one! The day was extremely humid with an ever increasing headwind. We had 100 miles and the terrain was all steep rollers. By mile 76 I was done and ready to SAG. I told Crist and Diane that the next van we saw for water, I was going to SAG. They urged me to continue and slowly we pressed on as the thunder clouds were building and the storms were looming. At mile 86 we saw a van but by that point I felt like I couldn't SAG because Crist and Diane had gone so slow to pull me along and that would be disrespectful of their kindness. I pressed on and finished the ride but at the end, I was physically and mentally spent.
This morning at breakfast, I had a mental meltdown and started to cry. I was still tired from the high mileage of the past few days and I started thinking about the rest of the teip and how hard each day is and I just got overwhelmed. The Team told me to hang in there and take it one step at a time.
So mentally I broke the whole day down ino tiny pieces and just concentrated on completing each piece. I let the Turtles go on ahead and rode most of the day with a new guy named Dave who rides a recumbant bike which climbs almost as slow as me. I find that when a day had lotsnof climbing, I am more relaxed if I am not trying to keep up with the Turtles.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Backside of Mt. Rushmore
Hell's Half Acre
Painted Desert
This photo is from the painted desert as we left Dubois, WY. We rode through a beautiful canyon in the desert carved by the Wind River. I believe that's LT on the bicycle. LT is on the trip with her husband Jerry and they live in Colorado. We rode through smoke from the wildfires as we came into Dubois and you could see the smoke over the ridge as we left. No sign of fires after that so that's probably the closest we came.
Olivia's Bath
I forgot to mention that yesterday I gave Olivia a bath (Olivia is the name of my bicycle). As Mike Munk so often says "A clean bike is a happy bike" and Olivia was long overdue for a thorough cleaning. Yertle the turtle needed a little scrub down as well as his face was getting pretty grimy.
I did this little chore early in the morning before the heat started to boil. Most hotels we stay at make a little bike cleaning area for us with a hose and a bucket of rags. I have a "click-stand" which is a device that works like a kick stand to hold the bike while I clean or do small repairs. The click-stand is extremely handy because it is absolutely taboo in the AbB (America by Bicycle) culture to lean your bike against a vehicle or to obstruct a sidewalk with the bike. This can make parking the bike a little tricky but the click-stand solves that problem.
When Sam and I went to the bike shop in Casper, WY I picked up a spray can of Simple Green. This has been a great find because it is non-toxic and is a great degreaser. I have been using it every few days to clean my chain and rear cassette. I highly recommend it.
So for Olivia's bath, I just slathered her in the Simple Green, let soak and then scrubbed her down. Same for Yertle. I was careful to really clean the clip mechanism in the pedals because I have had a squeak the past few days and I am suspecting the pedals.
When I finished, I was really glad I had my sunglasses on because that was one shiny bike! After cleaning, I lubed the chain and Olivia was ready to roll.
The first ten miles of today's ride, the bike rolled really well and was absolutely quiet. Amazing! Later in the ride when we got out of town and into the countryside, I shifted up onto the big chain ring and immediately I had rubbing chatter from the chain. Karen Bauer (one of the guides and an absolutely amazing cyclist) came alongside me and asked me about the chain chatter. We tried to do some things on the fly with the shifting mechanism but it didn't really help. Oh well, at least I learned some techniques to try when you have chain chatter even if they didn't work this time.
I did this little chore early in the morning before the heat started to boil. Most hotels we stay at make a little bike cleaning area for us with a hose and a bucket of rags. I have a "click-stand" which is a device that works like a kick stand to hold the bike while I clean or do small repairs. The click-stand is extremely handy because it is absolutely taboo in the AbB (America by Bicycle) culture to lean your bike against a vehicle or to obstruct a sidewalk with the bike. This can make parking the bike a little tricky but the click-stand solves that problem.
When Sam and I went to the bike shop in Casper, WY I picked up a spray can of Simple Green. This has been a great find because it is non-toxic and is a great degreaser. I have been using it every few days to clean my chain and rear cassette. I highly recommend it.
So for Olivia's bath, I just slathered her in the Simple Green, let soak and then scrubbed her down. Same for Yertle. I was careful to really clean the clip mechanism in the pedals because I have had a squeak the past few days and I am suspecting the pedals.
When I finished, I was really glad I had my sunglasses on because that was one shiny bike! After cleaning, I lubed the chain and Olivia was ready to roll.
The first ten miles of today's ride, the bike rolled really well and was absolutely quiet. Amazing! Later in the ride when we got out of town and into the countryside, I shifted up onto the big chain ring and immediately I had rubbing chatter from the chain. Karen Bauer (one of the guides and an absolutely amazing cyclist) came alongside me and asked me about the chain chatter. We tried to do some things on the fly with the shifting mechanism but it didn't really help. Oh well, at least I learned some techniques to try when you have chain chatter even if they didn't work this time.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
My Glorious Day Off
Today was a rest day in Sioux Falls, SD. Yesterday's ride to Sioux Falls from Mitchell was 74 miles with ascending rollers and a significant headwind. It was also quite hot (about 100) which made it feel like riding head long into a convection oven. We were all pretty glad to arrive at the hotel and start our rest day.
Crist, Diane and I started by catching a taxi and going to St. Michael's for Mass. This was the first time I have been able to attend Mass since leaving Tiffin and it felt wonderful!!! I have seen so much and grown so much since the last time I was at church that it felt a bit like the first time I came home for the weekend from college, everything is the same but I am different inside of the familiar setting.
I slept like a rock last night. I was so tired I even dreamed about sleeping. That's the first time I've ever done that!
I bought a mug last night while we were out to dinner so that I could treat myself this morning to coffee from a real mug, not a paper cup, a real mug. It's funny the mundane little pleasures you take for granted until you don't have them.
I had a liesurely breakfast this morning and squirrelled away some food from the hotel breakfast area so that I don't have to deal with the bicycle crowd at breakfast tomorrow. When our group descends upon a hotel continental breakfast, it's like a swarm of locusts and you often end up eating what's left and not what you want.
I chatted with Karen Z on the phone while I enjoyed my coffee in my mug and we made some preliminary plans for her and Lindsay to come pick me up. There is a lot of riding to do between now and then and the key is to stay focused and in the moment. I plan to concentrate on being kind and improving my cycling skills and fitness each day.
Jeff B and I went to see a movie (Moonrise Kingdom) and that was fun even though the movie itself was pretty quirky. At least it didn't have anything to do with bicycles. I had my usual large popcorn at the movie but it didn't taste the same. I think my tastes as well as my body are changing with all this physical activity. Tonight at dinner, I just had water with my meal and didn't order a soda. Who is this person I used to know as me?
This evening, I treated myself to a hot bath and a good book and now I'm ready to call it a night. It was a really relaxing rest day, the highlight of which was talking with Dennis this afternoon before I left for dinner. Just to hear his voice soothes me and I am reminded of why I love him so much. I told him I can't wait to get home to him and he coached me to savor every moment of this adventure, home will come soon enough.
He's right of course, so that's exactly what I am going to do. Tomorrow is going to be a great good fun day on the bike. We will pass another milestone on our journey tomorrow as we leave South Dakota and enter Minnesota.
See you there!!!
Crist, Diane and I started by catching a taxi and going to St. Michael's for Mass. This was the first time I have been able to attend Mass since leaving Tiffin and it felt wonderful!!! I have seen so much and grown so much since the last time I was at church that it felt a bit like the first time I came home for the weekend from college, everything is the same but I am different inside of the familiar setting.
I slept like a rock last night. I was so tired I even dreamed about sleeping. That's the first time I've ever done that!
I bought a mug last night while we were out to dinner so that I could treat myself this morning to coffee from a real mug, not a paper cup, a real mug. It's funny the mundane little pleasures you take for granted until you don't have them.
I had a liesurely breakfast this morning and squirrelled away some food from the hotel breakfast area so that I don't have to deal with the bicycle crowd at breakfast tomorrow. When our group descends upon a hotel continental breakfast, it's like a swarm of locusts and you often end up eating what's left and not what you want.
I chatted with Karen Z on the phone while I enjoyed my coffee in my mug and we made some preliminary plans for her and Lindsay to come pick me up. There is a lot of riding to do between now and then and the key is to stay focused and in the moment. I plan to concentrate on being kind and improving my cycling skills and fitness each day.
Jeff B and I went to see a movie (Moonrise Kingdom) and that was fun even though the movie itself was pretty quirky. At least it didn't have anything to do with bicycles. I had my usual large popcorn at the movie but it didn't taste the same. I think my tastes as well as my body are changing with all this physical activity. Tonight at dinner, I just had water with my meal and didn't order a soda. Who is this person I used to know as me?
This evening, I treated myself to a hot bath and a good book and now I'm ready to call it a night. It was a really relaxing rest day, the highlight of which was talking with Dennis this afternoon before I left for dinner. Just to hear his voice soothes me and I am reminded of why I love him so much. I told him I can't wait to get home to him and he coached me to savor every moment of this adventure, home will come soon enough.
He's right of course, so that's exactly what I am going to do. Tomorrow is going to be a great good fun day on the bike. We will pass another milestone on our journey tomorrow as we leave South Dakota and enter Minnesota.
See you there!!!
Friday, July 13, 2012
It's Good to be Back in the Bale!
Today was a great good fun day! The terrain was flat farmland that looked almost like Ohio, we had a tailwind, and I rode the whole day with the Turtles. This was the most relaxing day I have had since we started.
We strated off the day with breakfast at the Anchor Grille in Chamberlain, SD. We had dinner last night at the same place and we met the owner/operator Margy. She made rhubarb pie for us last night with rhubarb that she cut from her garden yesterday morning. She came into the Grille at 3:30 this morning to get breakfast started for us so we could eat at 6:00. The food was spectacular! You could actually taste the love that Margy put into it. After a long stretch of hotel continental breakfasts, Margy's feast was a welcomed treat!
Last night at rap when we got the route sheet for today, everyone was grumbling because it showed a steep two mile climb to start the day out of Chamberlain. When we actuqlly did the climb, it wasn't all that bad. I guess climbing on fresh legs at the start of the day in the cool of the morning makes a difference.
Highlights on today's route included the lawnmower race track and Puck U Bar in Puckwana, SD, the tractor museum in Mt. Vernon, SD and the corn palace in Mitchel, SD. I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful farmland and rolling with Team Turtle again. I had no trouble keeping up today and the whole day was just gobs of fun.
Time to get ready for rap. Have a great evening everyone and keep those prayers coming!
We strated off the day with breakfast at the Anchor Grille in Chamberlain, SD. We had dinner last night at the same place and we met the owner/operator Margy. She made rhubarb pie for us last night with rhubarb that she cut from her garden yesterday morning. She came into the Grille at 3:30 this morning to get breakfast started for us so we could eat at 6:00. The food was spectacular! You could actually taste the love that Margy put into it. After a long stretch of hotel continental breakfasts, Margy's feast was a welcomed treat!
Last night at rap when we got the route sheet for today, everyone was grumbling because it showed a steep two mile climb to start the day out of Chamberlain. When we actuqlly did the climb, it wasn't all that bad. I guess climbing on fresh legs at the start of the day in the cool of the morning makes a difference.
Highlights on today's route included the lawnmower race track and Puck U Bar in Puckwana, SD, the tractor museum in Mt. Vernon, SD and the corn palace in Mitchel, SD. I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful farmland and rolling with Team Turtle again. I had no trouble keeping up today and the whole day was just gobs of fun.
Time to get ready for rap. Have a great evening everyone and keep those prayers coming!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
A Challenging Good Day
Our ride today was 84 miles from Pierre, SD to Chamberland, SD. They were calling for a significant wind and there were two big climbs in the last 10 miles of the ride.
Jeff and I started out the ride together with Rich and Randy hanging around. We were soon caught by Kathy the guide who was riding sweep today. This is always a bit demoralizing because it means you are riding dead last.
About two thirds of the way through the ride, we caught up with the rest of the Turtles at a gas station potty break. Jeff and I decided to jump back on the Turtle pace line because at that point, there was a bit of a headwind. We did well the first few miles and then there was a downhill and the team never slowed back down so I couldn't keep up and dropped off the line again.
I don't know how I was able to keep up with Team Turtle for 1500 miles and now suddenly, it feels like they're running away from me. Tonight at supper we had a brief conversation about it. They think it is a combination of their improvement and my mindset. I'm not exactly sure what it is. I enjoy the fellowship of the group and yet when I ride by myself or with just one other person, I can see the scenery instead of just watching the tire of the person in front of me.
I am not angry or upset with anyone on the team, I am just struggling to keep up the pace. The most important thing is just to enjoy the ride and be safe and healthy. We'll see how it all plays out. My plan is to start out tomorrow with Team Turtle and see how it goes.
Jeff and I started out the ride together with Rich and Randy hanging around. We were soon caught by Kathy the guide who was riding sweep today. This is always a bit demoralizing because it means you are riding dead last.
About two thirds of the way through the ride, we caught up with the rest of the Turtles at a gas station potty break. Jeff and I decided to jump back on the Turtle pace line because at that point, there was a bit of a headwind. We did well the first few miles and then there was a downhill and the team never slowed back down so I couldn't keep up and dropped off the line again.
I don't know how I was able to keep up with Team Turtle for 1500 miles and now suddenly, it feels like they're running away from me. Tonight at supper we had a brief conversation about it. They think it is a combination of their improvement and my mindset. I'm not exactly sure what it is. I enjoy the fellowship of the group and yet when I ride by myself or with just one other person, I can see the scenery instead of just watching the tire of the person in front of me.
I am not angry or upset with anyone on the team, I am just struggling to keep up the pace. The most important thing is just to enjoy the ride and be safe and healthy. We'll see how it all plays out. My plan is to start out tomorrow with Team Turtle and see how it goes.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
A Great Good Day
When I came on this trip, I had two main goals: to become a better cyclist and to become a better human being. Today I feel like I made progress toward both those objectives.
Yesterday's ride from Rapid City to Wall Drug looked on paper like it should be relatively easy but the searing sun, high heat and humidity and relentless wind made for a challenging 58 miles.
The Turtles started off together yesterday but I quickly realized that I was not going to have a fun day trying to keep pace with the group. Everyone is improving and some are improving faster than others so while I am much better than when I started, I am struggling to keep up with the ever increasing speed of Team Turtle. So I made the decision to drop off the pace line and go it by myself and I had a wonderful day.
Today's ride was a challenging distance of 117 miles from Wall Drug to Pierre. I decided not to ride the Team Turtle pace line and just go at my own speed. Jeff, who is also struggling with the new Turtle speed decided to join me. This was one of the best days I have had on the bike so far.
Jeff and I had a great conversation (we discovered that we have a secret in common) and we were talking and looked up and went "Oh my! There's the SAG stop!" We are usually counting down the miles to the SAG. I can't believe how quickly the miles pasted even though we were riding slower.
So what did I learn today that makes me a better cyclist and human being? I learned to listen to my own voise and to respect what it is telling me instead of just trying to keep up with everyone else. I also learned that people are a lot deeper than your initial impression might lead you to believe. I learned that wheat fields in South Dakota can be hundreds of acres and that a South Dakota road can go absolutely straight as far as the eye can see in either direction.
Other news of note...we crossed the Missouri river today and entered the central time zone. Well...I have to get dressed for dinner now.
Yesterday's ride from Rapid City to Wall Drug looked on paper like it should be relatively easy but the searing sun, high heat and humidity and relentless wind made for a challenging 58 miles.
The Turtles started off together yesterday but I quickly realized that I was not going to have a fun day trying to keep pace with the group. Everyone is improving and some are improving faster than others so while I am much better than when I started, I am struggling to keep up with the ever increasing speed of Team Turtle. So I made the decision to drop off the pace line and go it by myself and I had a wonderful day.
Today's ride was a challenging distance of 117 miles from Wall Drug to Pierre. I decided not to ride the Team Turtle pace line and just go at my own speed. Jeff, who is also struggling with the new Turtle speed decided to join me. This was one of the best days I have had on the bike so far.
Jeff and I had a great conversation (we discovered that we have a secret in common) and we were talking and looked up and went "Oh my! There's the SAG stop!" We are usually counting down the miles to the SAG. I can't believe how quickly the miles pasted even though we were riding slower.
So what did I learn today that makes me a better cyclist and human being? I learned to listen to my own voise and to respect what it is telling me instead of just trying to keep up with everyone else. I also learned that people are a lot deeper than your initial impression might lead you to believe. I learned that wheat fields in South Dakota can be hundreds of acres and that a South Dakota road can go absolutely straight as far as the eye can see in either direction.
Other news of note...we crossed the Missouri river today and entered the central time zone. Well...I have to get dressed for dinner now.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Tough Ride to Mt Rushmore
Today's ride was 76 miles with 5,100 vertical ft of climbing. The grades were pretty steep and ranged from 6%-10%. As I have mentioned many times before, climbing is a new skill for me so this was indeed a challenging day.
The upside was that we got to see both the Crazy Horse monument and Mt Rushmore. When I was in junior high, my family took a summer vacation to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Doesn't look like they have made any progress on Crazy Horse since then. Mt Rushmore also looks smaller than I remember. Funny how that happens.
I started the morning off with a flat at breakfast which was 1.4 miles into the ride. If you must have a flat, having it in a protected parking lot right in front of the mechanic's van if the place to do it. Late in the ride, Sam and Lynne both had flats within about 5 minutes of each other. I was struggling with fatigue because of the climbing so I rode on ahead and finished the day about 20 minutes ahead of the others. At that point, if I had stopped and waited for twenty minutes, there was no way I could have finished the ride. The Team understood and they were just glad I finished under my own power.
After sagging in on the Teton pass and the 120 mile days, there was no way I wasn't going to finish today no matter what it took. I had to access a new level of determination today to get the job done and boy did it feel sweet to pull into the hotel!!!
Tomorrow is an "active rest day" of only 57 miles into Wall Drug, SD. Should be fun.
The upside was that we got to see both the Crazy Horse monument and Mt Rushmore. When I was in junior high, my family took a summer vacation to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Doesn't look like they have made any progress on Crazy Horse since then. Mt Rushmore also looks smaller than I remember. Funny how that happens.
I started the morning off with a flat at breakfast which was 1.4 miles into the ride. If you must have a flat, having it in a protected parking lot right in front of the mechanic's van if the place to do it. Late in the ride, Sam and Lynne both had flats within about 5 minutes of each other. I was struggling with fatigue because of the climbing so I rode on ahead and finished the day about 20 minutes ahead of the others. At that point, if I had stopped and waited for twenty minutes, there was no way I could have finished the ride. The Team understood and they were just glad I finished under my own power.
After sagging in on the Teton pass and the 120 mile days, there was no way I wasn't going to finish today no matter what it took. I had to access a new level of determination today to get the job done and boy did it feel sweet to pull into the hotel!!!
Tomorrow is an "active rest day" of only 57 miles into Wall Drug, SD. Should be fun.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Welcome to South Dakota!
Today we crossed the state line into South Dakota. At the hotel lobby each night, America by Bicycle has a map of the US and highlights our route and flags where we have been. When I looked at the map tonight, I couldn't believe how far we have come. Several times today I just wanted to pinch myself to confirm that I am actually here doing this. How did the fat girl in high school end up doing such an incredible thing with such an elite goup of athletes? Amazing. I am so profoundly grateful for this opportunity and for al that I am learning.
So how did today go? Well, in typical Turtle fashion we were among the first to get our luggage on the truck and the last ones to leave the parking lot. As Dennis would say, at least we are consistent!
We had a bit of a tailwind to start the ride and the first thirty miles were also mostly downhill so we averaged an incredible 17 mph through that stretch. Lynne got another flat tire at about 45 miles (the back tire this time) and the boys had to boot the tire because it was gashed.
At 46.9 miles we made a right turn directly into the wind and the fun and games for the day were officially over. We eventually found our rythm again and made a good press against the wind into the next SAG at mile 67. We have discovered that it actually takes more work to ride too slow against the wind. If you can get everyone lined up tight and close together and go 14-16 mph, it takes less effort than grinding it out at 8-10 mph. The trick is that everyone has to concentrate and push a little and rotate turns at the front of the line. It requires trust, communication, and co-operation. After riding 1,555 miles with the same six people, we are learning how to work together like a well oiled machine. Now, if we could only get out of the parking lot sooner, that would be an accomplishment!
There were two 6% climbs today. The first was 4 miles long and the second was 1 mile long. I did a pretty good job on both climbs and Team Turtle was quick to compliment me on my improvement. I have a long way to go to match their skills as a climber and I know that with their help and encouragement, I will get there.
Speaking of climbing, there are 5,100 ft of climbing in tomorrow's ride. Plenty of opportunity to practice my new skills. After tomorrow, things should be easier for a day or two. Hmm....feels like I've said that before...
Thanks again for your prayers and support. Please continue to hold us in your love for safety, strength, courage, and tailwinds!
So how did today go? Well, in typical Turtle fashion we were among the first to get our luggage on the truck and the last ones to leave the parking lot. As Dennis would say, at least we are consistent!
We had a bit of a tailwind to start the ride and the first thirty miles were also mostly downhill so we averaged an incredible 17 mph through that stretch. Lynne got another flat tire at about 45 miles (the back tire this time) and the boys had to boot the tire because it was gashed.
At 46.9 miles we made a right turn directly into the wind and the fun and games for the day were officially over. We eventually found our rythm again and made a good press against the wind into the next SAG at mile 67. We have discovered that it actually takes more work to ride too slow against the wind. If you can get everyone lined up tight and close together and go 14-16 mph, it takes less effort than grinding it out at 8-10 mph. The trick is that everyone has to concentrate and push a little and rotate turns at the front of the line. It requires trust, communication, and co-operation. After riding 1,555 miles with the same six people, we are learning how to work together like a well oiled machine. Now, if we could only get out of the parking lot sooner, that would be an accomplishment!
There were two 6% climbs today. The first was 4 miles long and the second was 1 mile long. I did a pretty good job on both climbs and Team Turtle was quick to compliment me on my improvement. I have a long way to go to match their skills as a climber and I know that with their help and encouragement, I will get there.
Speaking of climbing, there are 5,100 ft of climbing in tomorrow's ride. Plenty of opportunity to practice my new skills. After tomorrow, things should be easier for a day or two. Hmm....feels like I've said that before...
Thanks again for your prayers and support. Please continue to hold us in your love for safety, strength, courage, and tailwinds!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
My "Day Off" in Casper, WY
Yesterday was our second day off of the trip. Although almost everyone sleeps in until 6 or 7, the rest of the day is usually spent doing laundry and other bike chores like thoroughly cleaning your drive train.
I have had a grinding noise for the past week or so when I push down on the right pedal. It doesn't bother me too badly but it was about to drive Team Turtle crazy listening to it ( especially Sam who often rides just behind me). I have gone to mechanics (there is a designated time each evening for repairs called "mechanics") twice for it but it was still there. Sam and I took a bike ride to the bike shop in Casper. We told them about the noise and the guy there dropped his other work to fix my bike because he knew our unique situation. He tore a part the bottom bracket of the bike (where the pedals and crank attach to the frame) cleaned it, greased it and re-faced the surfaces. The spindle was covered in cement-like grime from the rain in Oregon.
It was unbelievable the difference today pedalling the bike. Everything felt smoother and more efficient. I also got a different bag for under the seat and have taken the rack and big bag off the back of the bike which also significntly reduces the weight and drag.
Yesterday at breakfast, Sam, Diane and Crist gave me a tutorial about cycling technique and posture. I worked on implimenting what they taught me today and those skills combined with the changes to the bike really helped things come together for a great day.
I have had a grinding noise for the past week or so when I push down on the right pedal. It doesn't bother me too badly but it was about to drive Team Turtle crazy listening to it ( especially Sam who often rides just behind me). I have gone to mechanics (there is a designated time each evening for repairs called "mechanics") twice for it but it was still there. Sam and I took a bike ride to the bike shop in Casper. We told them about the noise and the guy there dropped his other work to fix my bike because he knew our unique situation. He tore a part the bottom bracket of the bike (where the pedals and crank attach to the frame) cleaned it, greased it and re-faced the surfaces. The spindle was covered in cement-like grime from the rain in Oregon.
It was unbelievable the difference today pedalling the bike. Everything felt smoother and more efficient. I also got a different bag for under the seat and have taken the rack and big bag off the back of the bike which also significntly reduces the weight and drag.
Yesterday at breakfast, Sam, Diane and Crist gave me a tutorial about cycling technique and posture. I worked on implimenting what they taught me today and those skills combined with the changes to the bike really helped things come together for a great day.
Thank You Prayer Warriors!
Thank you God, thank you God, thank you God! Thanks also to all the prayer warriors who continue to hold us in your prayers!
Today's objective was 106 miles from Casper to Lusk, WY and after the brutal headwinds on Thursday, we were all a little leary of today's ride. Thanks to all you prayer warriors and the mercy of God, the wind did not play a significant factor in today's ride.
Team Turtle got off to a good start this morning and we did the best job to date of moving through the SAG stops. When you are doing a long ride, if you piddle around just a few minutes at each SAG stop, you lose precious momentum and time on the day. Way to go Turtles!
It was also a blessing that we had overcast skies for essentially the entire day. The cloudy skies kept the temperature and winds at managable levels and also decreased the time we had to spend at each SAG reapplying lotion. I know it doesn't sound like much but it really makes a difference.
We had two flats today as a team. Jeff got a flat during the 15 miles we rode on the interstate. That's not at all uncommon as the burm is filled with debris and pieces of radial car tires which have small wires that play havoc with bike tires. The boys got Jeff rolling again in less than 10 minutes. We girls made good use of the time by taking a pee while we were waiting. The boys were absolutely astonished that we would just go right by the interstate. Hey fellas...a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. It's amazing to me how three weeks ago we were so careful to find a tree or bush to duck behind and now we'll go right by the interstate.
Today was our strongest day to date as a team. Sam's garmin clocked us at an average speed on the day of just over 15 mph! We also had a really nice straight, tight paceline all day and did a great job communicating hazards and directions.
Our entertainment for today was singing our high school and college fight songs as well as the theme songs to the Beverly Hillbillies, the Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Isle.
Keep up those prayers for westerly winds!
Today's objective was 106 miles from Casper to Lusk, WY and after the brutal headwinds on Thursday, we were all a little leary of today's ride. Thanks to all you prayer warriors and the mercy of God, the wind did not play a significant factor in today's ride.
Team Turtle got off to a good start this morning and we did the best job to date of moving through the SAG stops. When you are doing a long ride, if you piddle around just a few minutes at each SAG stop, you lose precious momentum and time on the day. Way to go Turtles!
It was also a blessing that we had overcast skies for essentially the entire day. The cloudy skies kept the temperature and winds at managable levels and also decreased the time we had to spend at each SAG reapplying lotion. I know it doesn't sound like much but it really makes a difference.
We had two flats today as a team. Jeff got a flat during the 15 miles we rode on the interstate. That's not at all uncommon as the burm is filled with debris and pieces of radial car tires which have small wires that play havoc with bike tires. The boys got Jeff rolling again in less than 10 minutes. We girls made good use of the time by taking a pee while we were waiting. The boys were absolutely astonished that we would just go right by the interstate. Hey fellas...a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. It's amazing to me how three weeks ago we were so careful to find a tree or bush to duck behind and now we'll go right by the interstate.
Today was our strongest day to date as a team. Sam's garmin clocked us at an average speed on the day of just over 15 mph! We also had a really nice straight, tight paceline all day and did a great job communicating hazards and directions.
Our entertainment for today was singing our high school and college fight songs as well as the theme songs to the Beverly Hillbillies, the Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Isle.
Keep up those prayers for westerly winds!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Turtles in the Tetons
The Lonliest Porta-Potty in the World
As you all know, I have never seen an opportunity to potty that I could refuse so I had to avail myself of the little potty's service. When I climbed inside, I had a brief moment when I thought the winds might topple the potty and me over the cliff. Wouldn't that be headline for the hometown newspaper: Local Woman Killed in Porta-Potty Accident While Cycling Across America.
The really hysterical thing is that there was a motivational poater inside the porta-potty encouraging construction workers to take ownership and pride in their work. Hmmm? I guess it's important for workers to consider their job satisfaction level while using a porta-potty on the edge of a cliff.
Go Turtles Go!
Everyone on Team Turtle was so impressed that she would do such a kind and generous thing as to drive all that way to surprise Sam for his birthday. But that wasn't the only surprise. For the next two days we saw chalk drawings on our route and at the hotel like the one above. Sandy and Patty had driven ahead of us on their way home and stopped to draw turtles along the route!
I feel genuinely blessed to be a member of Team Turtle (Ooha!). This is an amazing group of people that I have fallen into and I am learning so much from them about how to be a better cyclist and a better human being. These people also make me laugh, I mean throw your head back and shake your belly laugh! I am soooo grateful!!!
Samsride.blogspot.com
Sam Paque is a member of Team Turtle and I certainly would not have made it this far without his help, support, and guidance. He is a great rider and one of the nicest and most generous people I have ever met.
Turns out, Sam is blogging the trip as well and is much more techno-savy than I am so his blog has lots of great pictures. You can check out his blog at samsride.blogspot.com
We have a rest day today so I hope to catch up on the blog and postsome pictures as well. Time to go down for breakfast!
Turns out, Sam is blogging the trip as well and is much more techno-savy than I am so his blog has lots of great pictures. You can check out his blog at samsride.blogspot.com
We have a rest day today so I hope to catch up on the blog and postsome pictures as well. Time to go down for breakfast!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Across the Great Divide
Today was the most beautiful day I have spent on a bike. As we left Jackson Hole, WY this morning we had spectacular views of the Tetons to our left for the first 30 miles. We cycled through the national park and passed the entrance to Yellowstone. There were beautiful pine forests and mountain streams with the Tetons as a back drop. I am lying here trying to think how to describe it...awe inspiring, majestic, peaceful, powerful, pristine nature...there just aren't words that truly capture what we saw.
We had a 6 1/2 mile SAG around some road construction and then it was time to do some serious climbing. At about 1:30 in the afternoon we made the summit of the continental divide at 9,658 ft! Because of the construction SAG, Team Turtle was split up for the afternoon. I made the summit with Lynne and Sam. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment when we made the summit. I can't believe I freaking road my bike over the continental divide!!! Woo hoo!
After we summited, we had a thirty mile downhill to our hotel in Dubois, WY. The first 10 miles were pretty steep and I just had to pump my brakes and go to my happy place. The last twenty miles were more gentle and we had a 20 mph or so tail wind. The last twenty miles were through ranch country along the Wind river.
Just before we reached Dubois, we went through a painted desert. On the right side of the road was the river and green trees and on the left side of the road was desrt with red sandstone cliffs. The contrast was incredible.
Anyway, we all made it in safely which was nice after the last three days of accidents and illness. (Mike Munk broke his ankle on Sat., Mike from Iowa had a heart attack and subsequent lpen heart surgery on Sun, and Tom broke his pelvis yesterday)
We had a 6 1/2 mile SAG around some road construction and then it was time to do some serious climbing. At about 1:30 in the afternoon we made the summit of the continental divide at 9,658 ft! Because of the construction SAG, Team Turtle was split up for the afternoon. I made the summit with Lynne and Sam. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment when we made the summit. I can't believe I freaking road my bike over the continental divide!!! Woo hoo!
After we summited, we had a thirty mile downhill to our hotel in Dubois, WY. The first 10 miles were pretty steep and I just had to pump my brakes and go to my happy place. The last twenty miles were more gentle and we had a 20 mph or so tail wind. The last twenty miles were through ranch country along the Wind river.
Just before we reached Dubois, we went through a painted desert. On the right side of the road was the river and green trees and on the left side of the road was desrt with red sandstone cliffs. The contrast was incredible.
Anyway, we all made it in safely which was nice after the last three days of accidents and illness. (Mike Munk broke his ankle on Sat., Mike from Iowa had a heart attack and subsequent lpen heart surgery on Sun, and Tom broke his pelvis yesterday)
Monday, July 2, 2012
The Teton Pass is Past-Thank God!
Today's ride is the one I have been most concerned about for the past eight months and I have fretted over the past two weeks.
The ride was 90 miles and traversed two mountain passes, Pine Creek Pass at 7,000 ft and Teton Pass at 8,500. It was a 6-8% grade going up Pine Creek and then a 10-12% grade going up Teton Pass and the descent from Teton Pass is slightly steeper with switchback turns. As I have shared before, I am not a big fan of heights or descents so this ride was scary.
I made it up the 7,000 ft to Pine Creek Pass but just barely. I had to stop several times because I was so out of breath and my heart was pounding. Just before the summit, I felt a little dizzy and had to get off the bike and sit down by the side of the road.
There was a SAG stop at the summit and it was pretty clear to me that I lacked the physical condition and experience to tackle the even steeper ascent/descent of Teton Pass so I decided that I had experienced enough personal growth for the day and I took the SAG ride to the hotel.
I have to get to bed now and will write more on this over the next few days as time permits. Again, I thank you for your prayers and ask that you keep them coming. I am safe and looking forward to tomorrow's ride. Keep praying!
The ride was 90 miles and traversed two mountain passes, Pine Creek Pass at 7,000 ft and Teton Pass at 8,500. It was a 6-8% grade going up Pine Creek and then a 10-12% grade going up Teton Pass and the descent from Teton Pass is slightly steeper with switchback turns. As I have shared before, I am not a big fan of heights or descents so this ride was scary.
I made it up the 7,000 ft to Pine Creek Pass but just barely. I had to stop several times because I was so out of breath and my heart was pounding. Just before the summit, I felt a little dizzy and had to get off the bike and sit down by the side of the road.
There was a SAG stop at the summit and it was pretty clear to me that I lacked the physical condition and experience to tackle the even steeper ascent/descent of Teton Pass so I decided that I had experienced enough personal growth for the day and I took the SAG ride to the hotel.
I have to get to bed now and will write more on this over the next few days as time permits. Again, I thank you for your prayers and ask that you keep them coming. I am safe and looking forward to tomorrow's ride. Keep praying!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
A Good Day for Team Tutle
Today was lots of fun except that tomorrow's big ride is weighing heavy on my head. We rode 66 miles today an had a 15-25 mph tail wind the whole way. It was practically perfect.
We load tomorrow at 5:15 am an the breakfast is at 5:30 so we can get a jump on the big day. The restof the group loads after breakfast at 6:15.
Please pray for our entire group that we complete the ride in safety, for the strength and courge to do the ride and please ask for a tail wind as well.
The ride tomorrow is challenging because we steadily climb throughout the day, then we have a steep climb starting at about mile 70 and then we summit at mile 77. Then we have a steep descent untill mile 82. At that point it flattens out to the hotel.
I am telling myself, enjoy the scenery and just get to mile 82 and then I am home free the next 8 miles. I will be sooooo glad to go to bed tomorrow an not have this on my mind!!!
We load tomorrow at 5:15 am an the breakfast is at 5:30 so we can get a jump on the big day. The restof the group loads after breakfast at 6:15.
Please pray for our entire group that we complete the ride in safety, for the strength and courge to do the ride and please ask for a tail wind as well.
The ride tomorrow is challenging because we steadily climb throughout the day, then we have a steep climb starting at about mile 70 and then we summit at mile 77. Then we have a steep descent untill mile 82. At that point it flattens out to the hotel.
I am telling myself, enjoy the scenery and just get to mile 82 and then I am home free the next 8 miles. I will be sooooo glad to go to bed tomorrow an not have this on my mind!!!
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