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!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Gas station in tetons
We are sitting in a gas station/rv park somewhere in wyoming waiting out a thunderstorm by drinking coffee and watching fox news. Woohoo 12 miles to jenny lake!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Fun with Friends
Day 41, July 19th
Walden, C0
63 miles
We are still loving Colorful Colorado. Yesterday was quite short, but full of beautiful mountains and fresh lakes and rivers to swim in. In the morning we rode the first 20 miles with Eric, my brother's friends from Frisco, CO. He is a mountain bike racer so he pretty much kicked our butts. But it was fun to ride with someone who really knew the roads and the bike paths. It was a pleasure to ride on bike paths for a change, and away from the traffic.
We made it to Kremmling with plans of continuing on to 60/70 miles, but were persuaded to stay the night behind the fire station with some other bikers that were our age, and rainbow gathering guy who wasn't, and another austrailian chap. It was a full house with barely enough room for all the tents, especially Tim's. It was about 7 tents in total, (Maya and I are the only ones who share resources, the guys all had single tents). I guess the guys can't handle being that close to one another.
We all chipped in for a lovely burrito feast featuring beans, cheese, lettuce, avacado, onion, really expensive organic tomatoes and sour cream. We were all excited to have so many people to split the costs of a fine meal. After the meal we indulged in a little 24pack of coors lite to celebrate the rockies. We put on a little music and had a little party and got some more- this time Natty Lite which the Austrailian chap did not take a liking to at all.
We all had a great time and the short day was definitly worth it.
Thanks to our new friends we took a shortcut today that cut off about 20 miles. Today was our first day that we biked 60 miles without any services. But we planned ahead and brought plenty of water and food so that we didn't have to flag down cars and beg for water as our friends had to do yesterday. We encountered a thunder and lightning storm in the distance as we cycled into Walden. The winds got quite strong at some points and would actually push you off the road. The semi-trucks did a nice job of that as well. But we've made it here and are looking forward to an early night.
Day 40, July 18th
Kremmling, CO
47 miles
Thanks to Mary and Becky Weinstein, Michael Caputi and Emily Garmalo for their donations.
Walden, C0
63 miles
We are still loving Colorful Colorado. Yesterday was quite short, but full of beautiful mountains and fresh lakes and rivers to swim in. In the morning we rode the first 20 miles with Eric, my brother's friends from Frisco, CO. He is a mountain bike racer so he pretty much kicked our butts. But it was fun to ride with someone who really knew the roads and the bike paths. It was a pleasure to ride on bike paths for a change, and away from the traffic.
We made it to Kremmling with plans of continuing on to 60/70 miles, but were persuaded to stay the night behind the fire station with some other bikers that were our age, and rainbow gathering guy who wasn't, and another austrailian chap. It was a full house with barely enough room for all the tents, especially Tim's. It was about 7 tents in total, (Maya and I are the only ones who share resources, the guys all had single tents). I guess the guys can't handle being that close to one another.
We all chipped in for a lovely burrito feast featuring beans, cheese, lettuce, avacado, onion, really expensive organic tomatoes and sour cream. We were all excited to have so many people to split the costs of a fine meal. After the meal we indulged in a little 24pack of coors lite to celebrate the rockies. We put on a little music and had a little party and got some more- this time Natty Lite which the Austrailian chap did not take a liking to at all.
We all had a great time and the short day was definitly worth it.
Thanks to our new friends we took a shortcut today that cut off about 20 miles. Today was our first day that we biked 60 miles without any services. But we planned ahead and brought plenty of water and food so that we didn't have to flag down cars and beg for water as our friends had to do yesterday. We encountered a thunder and lightning storm in the distance as we cycled into Walden. The winds got quite strong at some points and would actually push you off the road. The semi-trucks did a nice job of that as well. But we've made it here and are looking forward to an early night.
Day 40, July 18th
Kremmling, CO
47 miles
Thanks to Mary and Becky Weinstein, Michael Caputi and Emily Garmalo for their donations.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Colorado: Hot & Cold!
Day 39, July 17th
74.7 miles
Frisco, CO
Total mileage to date: 2,511.3 miles!
We made it up to Hoosier Pass, home of the continental divide, at an elevation of 11,542 feet. Well, not technically because a construction vehicle picked us up and took us past the summit to the end of the construction zone. I guess we were a nusiance in their eyes. However, we still have pictures to prove this amazing feat, thanks to Justin who insisted on walking back up to the top after they took us past the summit. The construction workers took pity on us and drove us back up to the top. (We really only missed out on a 100-200 feet)
Day 38, July 16th
49.6 miles
Guffey, CO
I guess the hills and the heat took their toll today. I also made the silly realization that the Rockies are called the Rockies, because they are rocky! Imagine that.
Day 37, July 15th
83.4 miles
Penrose, CO
We saw the mountains on the horizon for the first time. After the flats of Kansas they were a welcomed sight indeed.
Day 36 July 14th
63 miles
Ordway, CO
Jillian invited us into her home for the evening as she does with many other cross country bikers. She was a lovely New Zealander and made us feel right at home.
Day 35 July 13th
110 miles
Eads, Colorado!
We entered the desert climate of eastern Colorado. This was a much easier 100 mile day than our first one. It was also the first day we woke up before the sunrise thanks to fellow biker Brett Hendricks.
Day 34 July 12th
76 miles
Scott City, KS
We lounged and sunbathed by the pool at the Scott City Athletic Club.
Day 33 July 11th
76.2 miles
Alexander, KS
We broke 2,000 miles. Woo who!!!
Day 32 July 10th
94 miles
Hudson, KS
We met up with our first thunderstorm in the Kansas plains where there was no shelter to be found so we had to brave the storm. The rains and wind was so strong that we had to get off our bikes and walk them for a bit, but before we knew it the storm subsided and left us with the fullest, brightest, largest rainbow any of us had seen.
74.7 miles
Frisco, CO
Total mileage to date: 2,511.3 miles!
We made it up to Hoosier Pass, home of the continental divide, at an elevation of 11,542 feet. Well, not technically because a construction vehicle picked us up and took us past the summit to the end of the construction zone. I guess we were a nusiance in their eyes. However, we still have pictures to prove this amazing feat, thanks to Justin who insisted on walking back up to the top after they took us past the summit. The construction workers took pity on us and drove us back up to the top. (We really only missed out on a 100-200 feet)
Day 38, July 16th
49.6 miles
Guffey, CO
I guess the hills and the heat took their toll today. I also made the silly realization that the Rockies are called the Rockies, because they are rocky! Imagine that.
Day 37, July 15th
83.4 miles
Penrose, CO
We saw the mountains on the horizon for the first time. After the flats of Kansas they were a welcomed sight indeed.
Day 36 July 14th
63 miles
Ordway, CO
Jillian invited us into her home for the evening as she does with many other cross country bikers. She was a lovely New Zealander and made us feel right at home.
Day 35 July 13th
110 miles
Eads, Colorado!
We entered the desert climate of eastern Colorado. This was a much easier 100 mile day than our first one. It was also the first day we woke up before the sunrise thanks to fellow biker Brett Hendricks.
Day 34 July 12th
76 miles
Scott City, KS
We lounged and sunbathed by the pool at the Scott City Athletic Club.
Day 33 July 11th
76.2 miles
Alexander, KS
We broke 2,000 miles. Woo who!!!
Day 32 July 10th
94 miles
Hudson, KS
We met up with our first thunderstorm in the Kansas plains where there was no shelter to be found so we had to brave the storm. The rains and wind was so strong that we had to get off our bikes and walk them for a bit, but before we knew it the storm subsided and left us with the fullest, brightest, largest rainbow any of us had seen.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Our First "Century" and some more "trail angels"...
Day 31 July 9th
100.5 miles
Newton, Kansas
1,884.4 miles total
It's been one month on the road today and we have completed our first 100 mile ride in a day. We pulled into the city of Newton, Kansas tonight around 8pm, exhausted, yet still on the quest to find the city park where we could camp for free. After asking around at gas stations we had made it to the area where the park should have been, we found a fire station and asked them to just point our tired bodies/bicycles in the right direction. "Are you looking for a place to stay?" They asked us... and of course we were. They then took us into their beautiful station which has air conditioning, showers, tv, dinner and ice cream for desert. What more could we ask for?
Day 30 July 8th
70 miles
Toronto, KS
Day 29 July 7th
72.0 miles
Walnut, KS
Day 28 July 6th
86.6 miles
Golden City, MO
Thanks to Marth Ward, Jon Roy, Justin Constantino, Leah Jubara, Conception Constantino, Fonting Yu, Christine Cunningham and Tom Reynolds for your much appreciated donations!
100.5 miles
Newton, Kansas
1,884.4 miles total
It's been one month on the road today and we have completed our first 100 mile ride in a day. We pulled into the city of Newton, Kansas tonight around 8pm, exhausted, yet still on the quest to find the city park where we could camp for free. After asking around at gas stations we had made it to the area where the park should have been, we found a fire station and asked them to just point our tired bodies/bicycles in the right direction. "Are you looking for a place to stay?" They asked us... and of course we were. They then took us into their beautiful station which has air conditioning, showers, tv, dinner and ice cream for desert. What more could we ask for?
Day 30 July 8th
70 miles
Toronto, KS
Day 29 July 7th
72.0 miles
Walnut, KS
Day 28 July 6th
86.6 miles
Golden City, MO
Thanks to Marth Ward, Jon Roy, Justin Constantino, Leah Jubara, Conception Constantino, Fonting Yu, Christine Cunningham and Tom Reynolds for your much appreciated donations!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Day 27 (July 5th)
67.6 miles
Marshfield, MO
Just a quick note as we are currently in the middle of a nice 60 mile day. We are having lunch here in Hartville, Missouri before we head on to Marshfield to stay the night.
Once we get through some of these hilly areas of Missouri we should be on flat land from here through Kansas and until we reach the Rockies of course. We are looking forward to Colorado because it's supposed to be some of the most beautiful riding conditions of the whole trip. And from some of the comments we just read it seems like we'll have some pretty nice places to stay! I will look at the route in detail to see how close we come to the Harbors, I'm pretty sure it's not far from Fort Collins. It would be great to see you and I will keep in touch.
And paul... if you read this, we were on 80 for awhile in Kentucky, you should let me know which way you're heading so you can follow us with water bottles and carry our stuff! : )
-Rose
ps. Happy Birthday Eben! I wonder if you read this...
So I think the Ozarks are over. I hate to say that because I feel like they were way to short and sweet. We heard rumors about a huge hill and we were warned of its presence numerous times from people as far as 30 miles away. One guy we met went as far to say that he feels bad for his car everytime he goes up it. Well, this monster of a hill was supposed to be located right after Alley Springs (one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen), but it wasn't that bad. It was the worst hill in the Ozarks (so far) but didn't compare to some of the mountains in the Appalacians. The Rolling hills just west of the Ozarks are making for an enjoyable ride. Hopefully by the time we reach Kansas I will take my knee brace off for the first time since Day 5 of the trip. Wish me luck!
Now we are off to Marshfield
-Maya
Day 26 (July 4th)
73.7 m
Houston, MO
Day 25 (July 3rd)
70.0 m
Ellington, MO
Day 24 (July 2nd)
91.5 m
Farmington, Missouri
67.6 miles
Marshfield, MO
Just a quick note as we are currently in the middle of a nice 60 mile day. We are having lunch here in Hartville, Missouri before we head on to Marshfield to stay the night.
Once we get through some of these hilly areas of Missouri we should be on flat land from here through Kansas and until we reach the Rockies of course. We are looking forward to Colorado because it's supposed to be some of the most beautiful riding conditions of the whole trip. And from some of the comments we just read it seems like we'll have some pretty nice places to stay! I will look at the route in detail to see how close we come to the Harbors, I'm pretty sure it's not far from Fort Collins. It would be great to see you and I will keep in touch.
And paul... if you read this, we were on 80 for awhile in Kentucky, you should let me know which way you're heading so you can follow us with water bottles and carry our stuff! : )
-Rose
ps. Happy Birthday Eben! I wonder if you read this...
So I think the Ozarks are over. I hate to say that because I feel like they were way to short and sweet. We heard rumors about a huge hill and we were warned of its presence numerous times from people as far as 30 miles away. One guy we met went as far to say that he feels bad for his car everytime he goes up it. Well, this monster of a hill was supposed to be located right after Alley Springs (one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen), but it wasn't that bad. It was the worst hill in the Ozarks (so far) but didn't compare to some of the mountains in the Appalacians. The Rolling hills just west of the Ozarks are making for an enjoyable ride. Hopefully by the time we reach Kansas I will take my knee brace off for the first time since Day 5 of the trip. Wish me luck!
Now we are off to Marshfield
-Maya
Day 26 (July 4th)
73.7 m
Houston, MO
Day 25 (July 3rd)
70.0 m
Ellington, MO
Day 24 (July 2nd)
91.5 m
Farmington, Missouri
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Illinois in a day... what?
Day 23 July 1st
rest day
(1227.9 miles total)
Road kill: More than we can count...
Bee stings: Justin 3, Rose 1, Maya, 1
Lincoln homesteads: 2
Drive by conversations: Rose, 1 Maya, 2
Thunderstorms: 3 (Only cycled in one)
Mishaps: Maya left tent poles in Kentucky (had them shipped to S. Illinois-required some creativity)
Flipped trucks blocking the road: 2
Mormon preachings: 1
Newspaper interviews: 1
Bikers met so far: 10 males, 0 females.... ?
Earliest morning: 6am
Latest evening ride: day one, 9:30pm, but dark and scary
Scariest event so far: Biking with the ferocious coal trucks to Breaks Interstate park with no shoulder and narrow curvy steep roads ahhh!
Funnest event so far: Biking with the $15 ipod speakers through Marion, Kentucky.
So we've been picking up the speeds these last few days as it has flattened out a bit. (However Southern Illinois had plenty of steep little ups and downs.) We are currently in Murphysboro, Illinois which is right on the border with Missouri, staying with some old friends of my Father.
We've met up with another biker named Justin and are continuing to travel with him as his partner went home weeks ago with a bum knee. Today we will all go into the bike shop in Carbondale to get some tune ups and much needed bike accessories as bike shops can sometimes be hundreds of miles apart.
We're not exactly looking forward to eastern Missouri for a number of reasons. The Ozark mountains are supposed to be just as steep as the Appalacians and the roads, possibly even narrower. A firefighter we met from Detroit who was biking cross-country to raise money for child burn victims told us that somebody actually tried to run him off the road! And another biker we met, Ryan Johnson had a similar experience. Not to worry anyone out there! We are getting this rest day in so that tomorrow we can wake up bright and early and speed through the eastern Missouri. Then on to the flatlands of Kansas where we hope the wind will be on our side : )
-Rose
Once again we would like to thank those who have donated, we really really appreciate it! Bob Cheak and Dan Kestlan from the friendly little city of Burgin, Kentucky, and also the cross-country rider Rol Hesselbart from Heath, Mass.
Thank you!
Day 22 June 30th
91 miles
Day 21 June 29th
58.7 miles
Day 20 June 28th
74 miles
Maya got her first flat tire!
Day 19 June 27th
95 miles
Day 18 June 26th
60 miles
Day 17 June 25th
40.2 miles
rest day
(1227.9 miles total)
Road kill: More than we can count...
Bee stings: Justin 3, Rose 1, Maya, 1
Lincoln homesteads: 2
Drive by conversations: Rose, 1 Maya, 2
Thunderstorms: 3 (Only cycled in one)
Mishaps: Maya left tent poles in Kentucky (had them shipped to S. Illinois-required some creativity)
Flipped trucks blocking the road: 2
Mormon preachings: 1
Newspaper interviews: 1
Bikers met so far: 10 males, 0 females.... ?
Earliest morning: 6am
Latest evening ride: day one, 9:30pm, but dark and scary
Scariest event so far: Biking with the ferocious coal trucks to Breaks Interstate park with no shoulder and narrow curvy steep roads ahhh!
Funnest event so far: Biking with the $15 ipod speakers through Marion, Kentucky.
So we've been picking up the speeds these last few days as it has flattened out a bit. (However Southern Illinois had plenty of steep little ups and downs.) We are currently in Murphysboro, Illinois which is right on the border with Missouri, staying with some old friends of my Father.
We've met up with another biker named Justin and are continuing to travel with him as his partner went home weeks ago with a bum knee. Today we will all go into the bike shop in Carbondale to get some tune ups and much needed bike accessories as bike shops can sometimes be hundreds of miles apart.
We're not exactly looking forward to eastern Missouri for a number of reasons. The Ozark mountains are supposed to be just as steep as the Appalacians and the roads, possibly even narrower. A firefighter we met from Detroit who was biking cross-country to raise money for child burn victims told us that somebody actually tried to run him off the road! And another biker we met, Ryan Johnson had a similar experience. Not to worry anyone out there! We are getting this rest day in so that tomorrow we can wake up bright and early and speed through the eastern Missouri. Then on to the flatlands of Kansas where we hope the wind will be on our side : )
-Rose
Once again we would like to thank those who have donated, we really really appreciate it! Bob Cheak and Dan Kestlan from the friendly little city of Burgin, Kentucky, and also the cross-country rider Rol Hesselbart from Heath, Mass.
Thank you!
Day 22 June 30th
91 miles
Day 21 June 29th
58.7 miles
Day 20 June 28th
74 miles
Maya got her first flat tire!
Day 19 June 27th
95 miles
Day 18 June 26th
60 miles
Day 17 June 25th
40.2 miles
Saturday, June 24, 2006
The hardest part is over!
Day 16 (June 24th)
60 miles
809 miles total
We finally made it to Berea, KY! We have been looking forward to this day since our first week of travels because it means that we have crossed the Appalacian Mountains and are almost through Appalacia. When we say the hardest part is over, it truly is :) The Appalacians are supposed to be more difficult than the Rockies as they are bit steeper and more rugged. We were also looking forward to Berea because it is one of the top 100 art towns in the U.S. as well as being known for Berea College one of the first interracial and co-ed colleges in the South. You should check it out @ www.berea.edu
After riding in the rain for the first time, we arrived at the Berea campus and a professor stumbled upon us as we left the information center. After asking him about camping, food, and some other general enquires he offered us a room at his beautiful home located three houses away from campus! Of course we were more than happy to get out of the rain and stay in a nice warm house for the night. As I write, Edward and Loretta are in the kitchen preparing a lovely omelette feast with grits and biscuits:) What a great ending to a great day.
We would also like to thank those that have contributed to our quest to raise money for greenpeace and to defray some of our personal costs, including Andrew Young, Emily Garmalo, Carmen and Russell Donelson, and Sara Cunningham. We are incredibly greatful.
Day 15 (June 23rd)
75.2 miles
Stayed at a lovely campground behind a Church in Booneville, KY.
Day 14 (June 22nd)
66.0 miles
Crossed over into Kentucky!
Day 13 (June 21st)
47.8 miles
Day 12 (June 20th)
44.0 miles
60 miles
809 miles total
We finally made it to Berea, KY! We have been looking forward to this day since our first week of travels because it means that we have crossed the Appalacian Mountains and are almost through Appalacia. When we say the hardest part is over, it truly is :) The Appalacians are supposed to be more difficult than the Rockies as they are bit steeper and more rugged. We were also looking forward to Berea because it is one of the top 100 art towns in the U.S. as well as being known for Berea College one of the first interracial and co-ed colleges in the South. You should check it out @ www.berea.edu
After riding in the rain for the first time, we arrived at the Berea campus and a professor stumbled upon us as we left the information center. After asking him about camping, food, and some other general enquires he offered us a room at his beautiful home located three houses away from campus! Of course we were more than happy to get out of the rain and stay in a nice warm house for the night. As I write, Edward and Loretta are in the kitchen preparing a lovely omelette feast with grits and biscuits:) What a great ending to a great day.
We would also like to thank those that have contributed to our quest to raise money for greenpeace and to defray some of our personal costs, including Andrew Young, Emily Garmalo, Carmen and Russell Donelson, and Sara Cunningham. We are incredibly greatful.
Day 15 (June 23rd)
75.2 miles
Stayed at a lovely campground behind a Church in Booneville, KY.
Day 14 (June 22nd)
66.0 miles
Crossed over into Kentucky!
Day 13 (June 21st)
47.8 miles
Day 12 (June 20th)
44.0 miles
Monday, June 19, 2006
Everything hurts...
Day 11 (June 19th)
60.5 miles today....
We arrived in Damascus, Virginia today around 4pm. After going through some more of the appalacian mountains we are exhausted but still in high spirits. Tonight we have found ourselves at "The Place" a hostel operated by the local church for both appalacian trail hikers and transamerica bikers. So far we are the only bikers at the place. We're beginning to wonder where all the other bikers are hiding.
Day 10 (June 18th)
40.2 miles after an afternoon start.
Day 9 (June 17th)
rest day
The Waffle House saved the day.
Day 8 (June 16th)
rest day
A lovely day of sleeping in and swimming at Claytor Lake State Park.
Day 7 (June 15th)
68.4 miles
Stayed at Claytor Lake Park
Rose got her first flat tire!
The boys arrived with food, tents, and good spirits.
60.5 miles today....
We arrived in Damascus, Virginia today around 4pm. After going through some more of the appalacian mountains we are exhausted but still in high spirits. Tonight we have found ourselves at "The Place" a hostel operated by the local church for both appalacian trail hikers and transamerica bikers. So far we are the only bikers at the place. We're beginning to wonder where all the other bikers are hiding.
Day 10 (June 18th)
40.2 miles after an afternoon start.
Day 9 (June 17th)
rest day
The Waffle House saved the day.
Day 8 (June 16th)
rest day
A lovely day of sleeping in and swimming at Claytor Lake State Park.
Day 7 (June 15th)
68.4 miles
Stayed at Claytor Lake Park
Rose got her first flat tire!
The boys arrived with food, tents, and good spirits.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
At Home in Virginia
Day 6 (June 14th)
35.8 miles
(311.6 miles total)
Last night after climbing 3000 feet over and over again through the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, we were exhausted. However, we decided to keep on pedaling to make the most out of the day and the sunlight. As the sun started to set we realized it would be a good idea in the future to find a place to stay before we got tired... but thankfully we got lucky and didn't have to camp out on the side of the road in a place where we knew nobody. As we were trying to make it to the gas station to ask about camping on their lawn a kind lady named Marilyn drove by and asked us if we needed a place to stay. And yes... we did. So, after washing up in the creek we camped out on her beautiful lawn and hung out with the dog and the lightning bugs to make it a magical night. She gave us some ice for Maya's knee which had started hurting in the mountains yesterday. And today, she offered us breakfast and the oppurtunity to stay another night if we so wished, chile verde included!. It is now almost 1pm and we are thinking about continuing on our way despite the tempting offer to stay. We plan to meet up with Adam and Norm on Friday and are extremely excited about it!
-Rose
Day 5 (June 13th)
71.1 miles
Stayed at the cookie ladies house:
http://www.biketouring.net/rides/xcountry/curry.html
Day 4 (June 12th)
59 miles
Day 3 (June 11th)
55.0 miles
Day 2 (June 10th)
73 miles
Stayed on the lawn of a Church by Lake Anna
Day 1 (June 9th)
53.5 miles
Started off from Yorktown Virginia and made it to some field in the middle of the woods.... great start
35.8 miles
(311.6 miles total)
Last night after climbing 3000 feet over and over again through the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, we were exhausted. However, we decided to keep on pedaling to make the most out of the day and the sunlight. As the sun started to set we realized it would be a good idea in the future to find a place to stay before we got tired... but thankfully we got lucky and didn't have to camp out on the side of the road in a place where we knew nobody. As we were trying to make it to the gas station to ask about camping on their lawn a kind lady named Marilyn drove by and asked us if we needed a place to stay. And yes... we did. So, after washing up in the creek we camped out on her beautiful lawn and hung out with the dog and the lightning bugs to make it a magical night. She gave us some ice for Maya's knee which had started hurting in the mountains yesterday. And today, she offered us breakfast and the oppurtunity to stay another night if we so wished, chile verde included!. It is now almost 1pm and we are thinking about continuing on our way despite the tempting offer to stay. We plan to meet up with Adam and Norm on Friday and are extremely excited about it!
-Rose
Day 5 (June 13th)
71.1 miles
Stayed at the cookie ladies house:
http://www.biketouring.net/rides/xcountry/curry.html
Day 4 (June 12th)
59 miles
Day 3 (June 11th)
55.0 miles
Day 2 (June 10th)
73 miles
Stayed on the lawn of a Church by Lake Anna
Day 1 (June 9th)
53.5 miles
Started off from Yorktown Virginia and made it to some field in the middle of the woods.... great start
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
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