9/25/06
Dear Rose and Maya,
Sometimes coming into the office on a Monday morning can be such a
drag. You have to leave the gorgeous day to unfold outside without
you. But this morning's mail really changed that. I opened your letter
and immediately knew it was going to be a great week. Speaking for all
of us, I cannot thank you enough for the your incredible journey to
support Greenpeace and bring attention to some of the biggest challenges
facing our environment today. As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt
that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change in the
world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." I noted in your
blog that after enduring a particularly fierce storm that a rainbow came
out at the end as your reward. At Greenpeace, we truly believe in the
power of a rainbow, thus the name of our first ship, The Rainbow Warrior.
Thank you both, and thank you to all your supporters, for believing
in our work. Your donations will be put to work immediately to help
preserve our ancient forests, protect the health of our oceans, and
promote the use of clean and sustainable energy resources.
We hope you will be proud of the accomplishments you will help us
achieve. Our members are the backbone of Greenpeace, and help us to do
what we do best: act with courage and commitment to protect the Earth.
For up to date information on our latest campaigns, or to take part,
visit us at www.greenpeaceusa.org.
For a Green and Peaceful Future,
Lisa Anamateros
Supporter Services
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
Stories from a year ago...
Well, it's been more than a year since we began our cross country journey and I find myself looking at the website wondering just what to do with it.
At one of our last posts we promised more stories of all the adventures that we encountered along the way. But the problem was, we never knew where to start. So much was left out... well I can't think of anywhere else to start, except at the beginning. - Rose
I would have been afraid to write this a year ago, but can freely write it now knowing what we accomplished and in hopes of inspiring others. When the idea of biking cross country first flew out of my mouth in May of 2006, it was merely a joke. An idea that I thought would be amazing, yet kind of impossible given our lack of experience. All it took to convince me that it wasn't impossible was Maya's sincere consideration of its possibility. And once I had that, I started to seriously consider it as well. Then we began the research. Turned out biking cross country was more than possible, it was easy, it looked like it took about a month and everybody was doing it; from 8 year old kids to 75 year old adults.
The next thing we had to deal with was getting bikes. Maya had some old road bikes that belonged to her mom and aunt so we called a bike shop to find out about fixing them up for the trip. I can't remember their name brand or components, I didn't know what any of that meant at the time. But the bike shop employee just laughed at us, told us we needed to spend at least 1000 bucks on a new touring bike if we wanted to really do this. It was our first big setback and I began to wonder if this was really as easy as we had begun to think. But when anybody tells you that you have to spend a lot of money on something I become wary and immediately look somewhere else, in this case it was ebay. If people were buying these expensive touring bikes they were probably selling their less expensive (but still good) touring bikes on ebay. Typing "touring bike" into the search engine brought up numerous results. Bianchis, treks, cannondale, fuji...etc etc and I had no idea what any of it meant. I began to think I wanted a bianchi, it sounded like a good name, had been around for awhile. Treks seemed like the newest thing, I had a giant mountain bike that I think had been related to trek. But there didn't seem to be a lot of used treks. I didn't know what size I would be though, so it seemed a bit unrealistic to do it all online. So we got back into the real world and went to visit some bike shops.
It was amazing the variety of response we got from talking to bike shop employees. The first guy, in retrospect, had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. He had suggested the city commuter bikes because of their comfy seats and elevated handlebars. The next guy told us not to allow anybody to convince us that we could bike all day in a commuter bike with only one positon to rest the hands on the handlebars. Good to know. He was informative on the bikes and even offered a discount if we were to buy two of them.
The third employee we talked to was a woman who suggested armadillo tires so that we would get "virtually zero flat tires". The bike shop guy back in new hampshire said these tires would slow us way down. There's always a give and take. We decided we wanted to go fast.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
We Made It :)
Day 69, August 16th
4356.2 miles total
Florence, Oregon
average mileage/day: 70.3
7 rest days total
Two young girls without support and much cycling experience made it across the United States without taking the easiest, shortest, or quickest route. I know we surprised a lot of people along the way, including ourselves.
We have many more stories to tell of our good fortune and the kind hospitality we have encountered, but for the moment we are going to bask in the sun on the coast of the Pacific. We will also tally up our total mileage which is somewhere over 4,000 miles!!!!!
Yay for Oregon!
Many thanks to the generous donations of Karl Meyer, Matt & Yvonne Devlin, Jerry & Marcy Monkman, Walter & Shirley Donelson and Ron & Nancy.
4356.2 miles total
Florence, Oregon
average mileage/day: 70.3
7 rest days total
Two young girls without support and much cycling experience made it across the United States without taking the easiest, shortest, or quickest route. I know we surprised a lot of people along the way, including ourselves.
We have many more stories to tell of our good fortune and the kind hospitality we have encountered, but for the moment we are going to bask in the sun on the coast of the Pacific. We will also tally up our total mileage which is somewhere over 4,000 miles!!!!!
Yay for Oregon!
Many thanks to the generous donations of Karl Meyer, Matt & Yvonne Devlin, Jerry & Marcy Monkman, Walter & Shirley Donelson and Ron & Nancy.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Good fortune in Oregon
After a 70 mile uphill struggle getting out of hell's canyon we made it to Baker City yesterday night around 6pm. Low on water and hungry we headed straight for the grocery store to replenish our bodies. Purchases consisted of chocolate milk, bagels, pasta, soup, granola bars, soda and fruit snacks (just in case you were wondering). After a failed attempt to find a lawn to sleep on we decided it would be best to just head towards the RV campground. It was getting dark and cold and we needed to cook our pasta. We hadn't paid for camping in a while so we might as well accept defeat... just this once. "Camping 2 miles ahead" read the sign... there is nothing worse then another 2 miles after you think you are done for the day. Especially when it is 2 miles in the wrong direction. And especially when it is 2 miles in the dark... (especially when I can't find my flashlight which I can never seem to find at night).
But anyway, things got better as they always seem to for us. As we're biking along this car pulls over and a friendly face appears. Two kids get out of the backseat and run down the road. "Where are you headed?" The man asks us. "well... right now?" I say, a bit confused . "Uhh yeah??" "Oh we're just going to try to find this campground down the street" I say. "Well would you like a better option?" He asks... of course we do. So he takes us back to his house where his kids had run off to. The kids apparently get embarassed when their dad talks to all the bikers that go by. But we are the first to get to stay at his house, this is really exciting for him. And really exciting for us.
And now we're getting bumped off the computer... more to be written soon ...
We spent two nights at Rick's house which was a refreshing rest for us. It became like a home and we were sad to leave. Hopefully our paths will cross again at some point.
some 70 miles later....
The next day after leaving Rick's house and Baker City, Oregon we climbed two passes in thunder storms, rain and even hail. After arriving at a gas station/restaurant we ordered some coffees and sat down to dry off a bit. We met a couple from Las Vegas who were staying in Prairie City (nearby at their ranch house), Jim and Margie. Jim is a biker too, so immediately he started talking to us about our route and our bikes. Margie had taken pity on us as we sat there looking like "wet rats" ordering coffee upon coffee and eating our fig newtons. They invited us to come up to their ranch where we spent the night in nice warm beds again (this time fortunately out of the rain).
But anyway, things got better as they always seem to for us. As we're biking along this car pulls over and a friendly face appears. Two kids get out of the backseat and run down the road. "Where are you headed?" The man asks us. "well... right now?" I say, a bit confused . "Uhh yeah??" "Oh we're just going to try to find this campground down the street" I say. "Well would you like a better option?" He asks... of course we do. So he takes us back to his house where his kids had run off to. The kids apparently get embarassed when their dad talks to all the bikers that go by. But we are the first to get to stay at his house, this is really exciting for him. And really exciting for us.
And now we're getting bumped off the computer... more to be written soon ...
We spent two nights at Rick's house which was a refreshing rest for us. It became like a home and we were sad to leave. Hopefully our paths will cross again at some point.
some 70 miles later....
The next day after leaving Rick's house and Baker City, Oregon we climbed two passes in thunder storms, rain and even hail. After arriving at a gas station/restaurant we ordered some coffees and sat down to dry off a bit. We met a couple from Las Vegas who were staying in Prairie City (nearby at their ranch house), Jim and Margie. Jim is a biker too, so immediately he started talking to us about our route and our bikes. Margie had taken pity on us as we sat there looking like "wet rats" ordering coffee upon coffee and eating our fig newtons. They invited us to come up to their ranch where we spent the night in nice warm beds again (this time fortunately out of the rain).
Thursday, August 03, 2006
The big town of Missoula...
August 3rd 11:00am
0 miles so far...
The towns of Montana keep getting better and better. Yesterday afternoon we arrived in Missoula, one of the biggest cities we've come to since Colorado. Missoula is also home to the headquarters of Adventure Cycling, which is where we are currently writing this post from.
This morning even the headquarters asked us how old we were, they all seemed to think we were a bit young to be doing this alone. I guess it had something to do with Maya's braids and maybe our colorful homemade jerseys (pictures soon to be posted!). They did say that they thought we looked pretty confident for our age. Which is a big compliment considering the headquarters see all the bikers that come through going cross-country.
Little did we know Missoula was 26 miles off route, but was certainly worth the trip. Missoula is also one of the most bike friendly cities we've been to since Colorado, making us feel right at home.
Last night we enjoyed some live music from the Babylon Rhythm Band at the Top Hat. We pulled up to the joint with our bikes and all our gear, leaving them outside in an alleyway with the hopes of finding a nice plot of grass to sleep on for the night. We absolutely refuse to stay at a KOA, an overpriced nationwide campground. We loosened up on the dance floor, made some friends and eventually found a place to stay for the night. Many thanks to Miller for letting us crash on his floor.
So it turns out that this big town of Missoula is not so big... we've seen a number of the people today that we saw last night at the bar. They go... "so you're those girls with the shirts, what was up with that?" And we go... "yeah i guess so, we're biking cross-country for greenpeace" oh that is crazy. Which is what they all seem to think.
So before too many people recognize us from last night, we are going to get out of this town and head up to some hot springs for the night. Hopefully we will get there before dark!
Day 55, August 2nd
64 miles to Missoula
Day 54, August 1st
73.2 miles to Hamilton, MT
Many thanks to Martin Devlin of San Diego for his generous donation.
0 miles so far...
The towns of Montana keep getting better and better. Yesterday afternoon we arrived in Missoula, one of the biggest cities we've come to since Colorado. Missoula is also home to the headquarters of Adventure Cycling, which is where we are currently writing this post from.
This morning even the headquarters asked us how old we were, they all seemed to think we were a bit young to be doing this alone. I guess it had something to do with Maya's braids and maybe our colorful homemade jerseys (pictures soon to be posted!). They did say that they thought we looked pretty confident for our age. Which is a big compliment considering the headquarters see all the bikers that come through going cross-country.
Little did we know Missoula was 26 miles off route, but was certainly worth the trip. Missoula is also one of the most bike friendly cities we've been to since Colorado, making us feel right at home.
Last night we enjoyed some live music from the Babylon Rhythm Band at the Top Hat. We pulled up to the joint with our bikes and all our gear, leaving them outside in an alleyway with the hopes of finding a nice plot of grass to sleep on for the night. We absolutely refuse to stay at a KOA, an overpriced nationwide campground. We loosened up on the dance floor, made some friends and eventually found a place to stay for the night. Many thanks to Miller for letting us crash on his floor.
So it turns out that this big town of Missoula is not so big... we've seen a number of the people today that we saw last night at the bar. They go... "so you're those girls with the shirts, what was up with that?" And we go... "yeah i guess so, we're biking cross-country for greenpeace" oh that is crazy. Which is what they all seem to think.
So before too many people recognize us from last night, we are going to get out of this town and head up to some hot springs for the night. Hopefully we will get there before dark!
Day 55, August 2nd
64 miles to Missoula
Day 54, August 1st
73.2 miles to Hamilton, MT
Many thanks to Martin Devlin of San Diego for his generous donation.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
National Parks: Interesting Facts
Cost of car to enter National Park: $25.00
Cost of 3 bicycles to enter National Park: $36.00
Okay, I don't mind giving money to the National Park system, that's not what bothers me. What bothers me is that for 3 cyclists to get into a national park it would be cheaper to take a car in with a bike rack rather than simply cycling in. It's true, even 6 cyclists in a van would still be $25.00, while if they had actually rode their bikes in it would cost $72.00.
What also bothers me is that a bicycle has almost no impact upon the land, it pollutes nothing to the environment and it will most definitly not harm the animals in the park (as a car going 45mph possibly could). So shouldn't the national parks try to encourage this form of travel?
Perhaps if they had specific bike paths through the woods, or large shoulders throughout the park designed for bicycles I wouldn't mind paying the fee. But the National Parks we went through (Grand Tetons and Yellowstone) are catered towards cars and RVs and that is pretty much it.
Feel free to comment.
-Rose
Cost of 3 bicycles to enter National Park: $36.00
Okay, I don't mind giving money to the National Park system, that's not what bothers me. What bothers me is that for 3 cyclists to get into a national park it would be cheaper to take a car in with a bike rack rather than simply cycling in. It's true, even 6 cyclists in a van would still be $25.00, while if they had actually rode their bikes in it would cost $72.00.
What also bothers me is that a bicycle has almost no impact upon the land, it pollutes nothing to the environment and it will most definitly not harm the animals in the park (as a car going 45mph possibly could). So shouldn't the national parks try to encourage this form of travel?
Perhaps if they had specific bike paths through the woods, or large shoulders throughout the park designed for bicycles I wouldn't mind paying the fee. But the National Parks we went through (Grand Tetons and Yellowstone) are catered towards cars and RVs and that is pretty much it.
Feel free to comment.
-Rose
Still pedaling away...
Day 54 (August 1st)
Currently in Darby, Montana.
60 miles so far.
Day 53 (July 31st)
Wisdom, Montana
69 miles (3,321.6 miles total)
We climbed two passes and encountered some terrible headwinds for the second day. We sure are paying for that one day of incredible tailwinds.
Day 52 (July 30th)
Dillon, Montana
73 miles
We got over the pass with no problem at all, but later on in the day we encountered some of the worst winds!
Day 51 (July 29th)
rest day
After a late night, we decided to rest up in Ennis before climbing 2, 000 feet to get out of Ennis and enter Virginia City.
Day 50 (July 28th)
Ennis, Montana
86 miles
We left Yellowstone and entered Montana. Now we only have Montana, Idaho, and Oregon left to go! We also had the most powerful tailwind of the trip so far. We covered 40 miles in less than 2 hours. It was incredible.
Day 49 (July 27th)
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
76 miles
We saw Old faithful errupt and saw numerous geysers in Yellowstone. Yellowstone however did not compare to the beauty of the Grand Tetons.
Day 48 (July 26th)
Colter Bay
rest day...19 miles
We survived the bitter cold night and hiked 7 miles around Jenny Lake at the base of the Grand Tetons although no bears were to be seen, we did see some elk, a moose, and numerous pronghorns.
Day 47 (July 25th)
Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons!!
81 miles
What we have all been wating for!
Day 46 (July 24th)
Wind River, WY
64 miles
A beautiful free campsite by the lovely Wind River.
Day 45(July 23rd)
Rest Day
Just when we thought we solved the problem of the flat tire syndrome we didn't make it out of Lander. It turns out we needed to buy rim tape to repace the rubber liner to cover the spoke holes which were causing the tubes to puncture. Although we figured out the problem, we were forced to take a rest day in order to wait for the bike shop to open the next day in order to buy more spare tubes. The rest day was greatly appreciated however. We also met a bunch of other bikers thoughout our stay!
Day 44 (July 22nd)
Lander City, WY
91 miles
Countless flat tires for Rose :( One for Maya
Day 43 (July 21st)
Lamont, WY
75 miles
Stayed in the back of Grandma's Cafe
Day 42 (July 20th)
Saratoga Springs, WY
68 miles traveled...12 miles hitchhiked due to a severe thunderstorm
We bathed in the Saratoga hot Springs!
We would also like to thank Rachel Doyon and Mathew Dalessio for their contributions to greencycling. Matt Dalessio completed the transamerica trail last summer and we are hoping to beat his time this year!
Currently in Darby, Montana.
60 miles so far.
Day 53 (July 31st)
Wisdom, Montana
69 miles (3,321.6 miles total)
We climbed two passes and encountered some terrible headwinds for the second day. We sure are paying for that one day of incredible tailwinds.
Day 52 (July 30th)
Dillon, Montana
73 miles
We got over the pass with no problem at all, but later on in the day we encountered some of the worst winds!
Day 51 (July 29th)
rest day
After a late night, we decided to rest up in Ennis before climbing 2, 000 feet to get out of Ennis and enter Virginia City.
Day 50 (July 28th)
Ennis, Montana
86 miles
We left Yellowstone and entered Montana. Now we only have Montana, Idaho, and Oregon left to go! We also had the most powerful tailwind of the trip so far. We covered 40 miles in less than 2 hours. It was incredible.
Day 49 (July 27th)
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
76 miles
We saw Old faithful errupt and saw numerous geysers in Yellowstone. Yellowstone however did not compare to the beauty of the Grand Tetons.
Day 48 (July 26th)
Colter Bay
rest day...19 miles
We survived the bitter cold night and hiked 7 miles around Jenny Lake at the base of the Grand Tetons although no bears were to be seen, we did see some elk, a moose, and numerous pronghorns.
Day 47 (July 25th)
Jenny Lake in the Grand Tetons!!
81 miles
What we have all been wating for!
Day 46 (July 24th)
Wind River, WY
64 miles
A beautiful free campsite by the lovely Wind River.
Day 45(July 23rd)
Rest Day
Just when we thought we solved the problem of the flat tire syndrome we didn't make it out of Lander. It turns out we needed to buy rim tape to repace the rubber liner to cover the spoke holes which were causing the tubes to puncture. Although we figured out the problem, we were forced to take a rest day in order to wait for the bike shop to open the next day in order to buy more spare tubes. The rest day was greatly appreciated however. We also met a bunch of other bikers thoughout our stay!
Day 44 (July 22nd)
Lander City, WY
91 miles
Countless flat tires for Rose :( One for Maya
Day 43 (July 21st)
Lamont, WY
75 miles
Stayed in the back of Grandma's Cafe
Day 42 (July 20th)
Saratoga Springs, WY
68 miles traveled...12 miles hitchhiked due to a severe thunderstorm
We bathed in the Saratoga hot Springs!
We would also like to thank Rachel Doyon and Mathew Dalessio for their contributions to greencycling. Matt Dalessio completed the transamerica trail last summer and we are hoping to beat his time this year!
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