BIKEternity - Cruisin' on 2 Wheels

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Adventure Cycling's Leadership Training

My friend Madeline posted the following on the Adventure Cycling Association's blog. A great read of a great course. http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2012/01/leadership-training-in-sunny-florida.html

Happy Holidays and New Year!

2011-12-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome holidays bike video. i am still singing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bndUZY9sx_s&sns=em

JettRide 2007 Update ?!

2011-11-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Remember Missoula, MT and Adventure Cycling? The day after we left Jerry Johnson Campground (Waz Zach) and climbed Lolo Pass. Well I found your guestbook sign-ins at the Adventure Cycling Association office! Find your name!

2011-10-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have been following the blog of Nicole Blouin, Adventure Cycling Tour Leader extradorinare, as she travels on the Adventure Cycling Southern Tier Van-Supported tour from San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL. The group, led by Nicole and leader Paul Osika, is currently on the verge of leaving Texas after 19 days of riding in the "Don't Mess with Texas" state.

Follow the group on Nicole's blog: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1r4vFZo&page_id=261316&v=CD

Adventure Cycling's 2012 Tours

2011-10-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Checkout the latest posting about Adventure Cycling's 2012 Tours:

http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/10/creating-memories-of-lifetime.html

Adventure Cycling's Sierra Sampler

2011-10-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Check out my photos of the latest Adventure Cycling Association Sierra Sampler Tour, Sept 18-25, 2011.

Sierra Sampler Photos

2011-10-01T08:46:00.001-07:00

Here is a new URL for the 2011 JettRide Video.

http://youtu.be/Ldi6kWCY2Tg

2011-09-28T17:59:00.001-07:00

Checkout the 2011 JettRide video. A collaborative project between the Jett Foundation and BIKETERNITY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmR46q7iWn4

JettRide 2011: Packed for the Journey

2011-06-30T08:18:00.000-07:00

The 2011 JettRide team is packed and ready for a 1500 mile 30-day journey across the eastern United States. Sixteen brave teens (ages 13-17) and adults (ages 18-60+) are packed and ready to head to Minneapolis, MN for their live changing experience.

The tour director of BIKETERNITY has organized and led the JettRide tours in 2007, 2010, and now 2011.


JettRide Trailer with Bikes & Gear

The 2011 JettRide is a bike-a-thon from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Point Pleasant, New Jersey. As they did in the 2007 and 2010 JettRides, the JettRiders will ride for those who can’t: boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other neuromuscular disorders (NMD).
In fact, the JettRiders are the teenaged siblings, relatives and friends of those individuals with NMD. The ride is just one of the many ways they support their loved ones affected by NMD.

You can donate to the JettRide and help the teens cycling for boys that no longer can by visiting their FirstGiving page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jett-foundation/jettride2011

ACA Southern Tier Tour Photos

2011-06-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

Check out all of my ACA Southern Tier Tour photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/biketernity/collections/72157626867914700/

May 16: St Augustine - 42 Miles, The end of a journey.

2011-05-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

We did it! We made it! Dipped in ocean at 12:30 PM. Great job by all. Smiles on all faces. Safe and sound with magnificent blue skies and mostly tail winds. Everyone happy to arrive and sad it is over. Malte stood at the edge of the beach looking out at the ocean and said "it is not about the accomplishment; it is about the experiences. It was all fantastic." Could not have said it better!

Southern Tier Spring 2011 Tour Team: Kristina, Ron, Zoe, Mick, Malte, Joe, Christina, Steve, Arlen, Kiyoe, Huey, Dave, and Lois

Lois shares her thoughts on her trek

Typical roads for the day as we rode to St Augustine. Flat, smooth, and no traffic.


Well... you just know we had to stop at one last cafe. Our gathering spot before we ride into St. Augustine just as we left San Diego 57 days ago... together. Sweet Jerseys!

Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine.

Procession to the Atlantic Ocean, Anatasia State Park, St. Augustine.

Excitement builds as the group lands on the beach in triumph!

Dave and Arlen


Christina the IronMan... really and truely

Lois, the true EFI and I do mean every inch of every mile of the ACA Maps

Kiyoe. Doubted her in the beginning but notice she still has all that gear she started with in San Diego. You won't believe what is in those panniers. A true legend in my mind. You have to meet this woman. Look for her panniers down the road somewhere in the future. Congratulations. What did the van do for her? "Piece of mind" she says.

May 15: Palatka, FL - 58 miles

2011-05-15T04:49:00.000-07:00


Our last night on the road celebration dinner in East Palatka, FLat Corky Bells.

During our last night celebration, we gave awards to the riders. Here is a list of the awards, names withheld because they know who they are.

Most Flats Award (10 admitted flats)
Least Flats Award (1 flat)
Early Bird Award (plastic worms)
Lewis and Clark (most times lost or on an adventure) - compass
Hydrating and Carb Replacement Award (most malted beverages) - coors lite 16oz can
Breakfast Award - white powered donuts
Repetivive Dessert Award - outstanding banana pudding
Paul Simon 'Kodachrome' Award - most and best photos
Julia Child Award = creative pasta cooking - spaghetti and slim jims
Washateria Award (most times "where is or is there a laundry) - box of soap
Worst View award - sunglasses
'Where is it; Where does it go' Award - flashlight and light bulb
Hammerhead Award - plastic watch
Canine Humanitarian Award (sacrificing self to sabve the dog) - staple remover.

65 Total Flats for the group

Angels Diner, Palatka, FL - AWESOME Onion Rings

Arlen's partner at Corky Bells

Bridge Over St. Johns River between Palatka and East Palatka

View from Motel on the St. Johns River in Palatka, FL

May 14: Gainesville, FL - 55 miles - When it rains, it pours!

2011-05-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

No photos today! Why? Well we broke camp at Ichetucknee Family Campground with a weather forecast of 40% chance of thunderstorms. The weather was warm and muggy when the last of the riders departed. The skies began to darken around 10:45 and the clouds opened up with more than a scattered thunderstorm. It was a Florida deluge! The lightening was fierce and the thunder deafening. It seemed as if the weather was waiting for us knowing that we had not had a rainstorm to ride in since San Diego. Yes, we had a few night rains, but for a cyclist those really don't count. At one point the wind that preceded the store push Thelma and I from the white light to the center yellow line with little I could do to stop it. Although some riders made it in before the rain and some sat out by a barn for several hours until it mostly stopped, I ended up riding about 22 miles of the 55 mile total day in drenching rain. I stopped a few times to let the most severe weather pass by or to don my windshell (the rain was very warm and waterproofing was not necessary. When I arrived at the motel I was soaked through and immediately jumped into a hot shower for 30 minutes.

No photos because I use my cell phone as my camera... no way that it was coming out of its waterproof bag unless it was an emergency.

We ended the day at the Chinese buffet across the street from the Days Inn. An incredible selection of sushi, mongolian cuisine, and every dish you can imagine, including oysters and magnificent desserts. Well fed, dry, and well rested a group sat around the pool talking about the trip and some of our next tours.... also flipping the screen on Joe's laptop so he couldn't do his blog! "That's messed up!"

May 11: Impromptu DETOUR - Wacissa Springs

2011-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

The ACA Spring Southern Tier tour took a sudden turn off route this morning. Having completed 32 of 50 miles before 10:45 this morning. The entire group turned south on US59 to Wacissa Springs for a late morning swim, including an awesome rope swing! Even the support van driver took the detour for a swim.
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May 11: Who are we anyway?

2011-05-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

As we near the end of our journey, I wanted to share with all of you the great group of riders we have on the 2011 ACA Southern Tier Tour. Just a few faces and first names.

Kiyoe

Lois

Zoe

Ron

Arlen - Self-portrait

Dave

Steve

KRose

Mick

Malte

Christina

Joe

Huey - inside (well, picture added later)

May 10: Tallahassee, Fl - Layover Day - 0 Miles

2011-05-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

Awesome, awesome, awesome! That is how I would describe our last rest day on the tour. Only 6 more riding days remaining before we enter St. Augustine on May 16th. Based on a recommendation from Will and Mary Ann Koos (I mentioned them yesterday), we loaded into the van and drove 15 miles to Wakullah Springs SP. Breathtakingly beautiful park with a spring fed river. You could see the bottom of the river 40 ft below! Alligators everywhere! There was diving platforms, a swimming area, restaurant, and a 45 minute river tour of the river with a very informative guide. We saw it all! Jumping fish, snakes, gators, deer, osprey, blue heron, other herons, wood ducks, mallard ducks, common birds, mullets, garfish, everything but the manatee. This place is definitely a MUST SEE when riding through the Tallahassee. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

At the end of the day, we joined Mary Ann and Will for dinner at Chez Pierre, for a very nice french meal. We bid them a very gracious and fond farewell as we journeyed back to the motel for a good night rest. Tomorrow we head for Montecello, FL (named after Thomas Jefferson's home) on a 50 mile ride. We are in search of the next spring that Mary Ann told us about in Wicissa, FL.

May 7-9: Defuniak Springs, Marianna, Tallahassee - 220 Miles

2011-05-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been filled with one thing... GATORS! Sitings have been plenty during each ride day. It is indeed pretty exciting to see these large reptiles out on a mud bank collecting the warmth of the sun! Since we left East Pensacola, riding directly east on US90 through the Florida panhandle, riders have been report one alligator after another. They have also been reporting one unique cafe after another. We ride through a small Florida town about every 10 or 11 miles. At each we have to decide if we will stop at one cafe or another for a nice cup of coffee and a nice slice of pie.

Alligator in the center background

The daily temperatures have been rising from the mid 80's to the mid 90's. Humidity is also on the increase and the riding is harder as a result. The terrain is slightly rolling mounds of sandy soils or red clay.

Camping on Juniper Lake in Defuniak Springs, FL

We have been riding some high mileage days in the 80's so we can setup our final layover day in Tallahassee, Florida. The pavement surface is very, very smooth and the group has been finishing most days around 2 PM with the last arriving around 3 PM. Everyone has been stopping to refuel with ice cream and/or a piece of pie. If there is one thing that we can always count on with this tour; we eat very, very well whether on the road or in camp, the food has been awesome.

Thelma waiting for her next ride to Marianna!


Campside at Arrowhead Campground in Marianna, FL

The ride into Tallahassee and our layover day was very, very difficult. The temperatures were in the mid 90's, 96 as a matter of fact, and entering the city causes the surface temperatures to rise considerably. The Best Western was well received by the group and the subsequent dinner out at the Olive Garden was a big hit.

We had the opportunity to meet with Ron and Zoe's friend, Mary Anne Koos, the Special Projects Coordinator with the Florida Department of Transportation. Maray Anne and her husband Will entertained us with cycling stories, places to visit in the Tallhassee area, and appropriate routes to get into and out of Tallahassee. Mary Anne quizzed us about our route from Alabama into Florida as she is a key player in the development of the United States Bicycle Route project as they are working on the best way to enter Florida from the west.

I failed to mention that we are riding across the Florida Panhandle and that we are encountering even more wildlife than just gators. We have seen large woodpeckers, more armadillos (dead), lots of snakes, owls, a Florida Panther, and gnats... lots of them.

Crossing the Appalchacola River and into the Eastern Time Zone

Mary Anne Koos, Christine, Zoe, and Ron in Tallahassee

May 6, Pensacola, FL - 67 Miles

2011-05-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Spectacular white sand beaches, tailwinds, and sunny weather were the norms for riding today. The started with a ferry ride from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan. We then rode along the Gulf of Mexico today for more than 40 miles before turning north to pensacola and our motel for the evening. The first thirty miles were along the Alabama coastline. Many stopped for a dip or two during the day with one exception. Malte spent two hours on the beaches instead of opting for the National Naval Air Museum. We crossed until our final state today... Florida. It is a huge milestone for us all as we now realize there is and end to our long journey. We are a bit melancholy at times. There was a bar at the Alabama / Florida border called FloBama. Apparently they had great margaritas.

"The best air museum I have seen in a very long" commented one of the riders about the Pensacola Naval Air Station Museum actually called the National Naval Air Museum. Many others also agreed with his assessment.

Our first alligator encounter was today. Joe says the trip is complete for him since he spotted the large reptilian. He was at a local cafe when people gathered by the side of the road to gawk at something at the side of the road.

Thelma and I enjoyed a nice, lazy breakfast at our favorite hangout today... IHOP. You gotta love those blueberry pancakes.

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May 5: Dauphin Island, AL - 69 Miles... Roll Tide!

2011-05-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Another one (state) bites the dust! We entered Alabama on a roll this morning after leaving the White Sands Campground in Vancleave, MS. Although there was more traffic and smaller shoulders, the terrain was rolling or flat and the weather was perfect... again! A slight head wind required a bit more effort from us all but we were still able to cruise around 14 mph during the morn g and 11 mph during the afternoon.

A group of us stopped in Dees, AL (roll tide) at a local pecan farm. We enjoyed not only our lunch but some special pecan candies and cinnamon covered pecans. I was in search of sno-cones but was unable to connect with Mick to share that delightful treat.

Once we left Dees and entered Grand Bay, the tall pines gave way to short pines and brush, then to the swaying palms as we approached Mobile Bay. We bad not seen large, natural bodies of water since we left San Diego. The aroma of the salty breeze and coolness in the air reminded us that the shoreline and the end of our journey will be approaching soon. Just 11 more days until our dream ride will be over; it will be etched in our hearts and minds forever.

Our last ten miles to the campground on Dauphin Island passed quickly as we climbed the arched bridge (biggest climb since West Texas) and descended onto the island. Several riders scurried to their traditional daily ice cream while others pitched their tents or visited the local fort.

We ended our evening at Barnacle Bills, the locally recommended seafood restaurant. Everyone had a great meal and soon fell fast asleep; some before returning to camp.

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May 4, Vancleave,MS - 76 Miles

2011-05-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Another glorious day of great weather and skooth, lightly traveled roads. We could actually get use to this! Our overnight rain was just a misting and it began to clear before nightfall yesterday. We slept in 46 degree temps and began riding with jackets and leg warmers. Jackets and layers were removed within an hour after leaving camp as the temperatures rose to 77 quickly and stayed there all day. Add to that a light wind and you have yet another spectacular day on the Southern Tier. Tje terrain continues to roll slightly and the landscape is comprised of tall pine. A few spotted Pitcher plants and Dave saw a panther cross the road in front of him. A few others inadvertently decided to journey off route but called ahead to inform Dave and me that they were simply on an adventure.

We are camping in Vancleave tonight and the group enjoyed a great mexican meal at a local restaurant. Great campground at a great rate. As with most of our campgrounds the owners are proud of their facilities and the bathrooms/showers are very nice and clean.

Everyone enjoyed our last full day in Mississippi and we are all looking forward to Dauphin Island, AL tomorrow. ROLL TIDE!
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May 2-3: New Orleans, LA - 0 miles

2011-05-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

What happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans! The group had an awesome time in The Big Easy for our layover day. We used Poplarville, MS as our home base and shuttled the 1 1/2 hours to the city in the morning of the 2nd. We decided to go in comfort so we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard on Julia street downtown. A wise move as we were only about ten blocks from everything! Although we cycled 0 miles, we surely walked at least 5-10 before we left the city. We did it all... Muffuletta from Central Grocery, Beignets from Cafe Du Monde, many walks down Bourbon street (day, evening, and night), museums, shops, fine dining, brew pubs, walks along the Mississippi River, trolley rides, pralines, swimming in the pool and enjoying the hottub, the list goes on and on. We really lived it up in Nawlins.

By the time we arrived back in camp the temps had dropped to the mid 50's and we bundled up for a cool evening. We top off the day with a trip to the local Chinese buffet for dinner.

We begin our last two weeks of the trip tomorrow as we head toward Vancleave, MS and on toward Alabama... roll Tide!
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May 1: Poplarville, MS - 78 Miles

2011-05-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Lawd, I was born a rambling man. Tryin' to make a livin' and riding the best I can.

Magnificent day of riding and eating. The road continued to roll most of the day today. With the one exception of a booger of a hill near the end of the route, we maintained a consistent pace throughout the day. Many found lunch in Bogalusa at Glynn's. Very nice chocolate malts and great handpressed burgers.

After 50 miles of riding it was a nice stop for lunch in Louisiana before crossing the Pearl River into Mississippi.

We are most definitely in pine country now as we past several forests in both states. The temps were in the high 80's today and the sun cooked us in the afternoon. I can tell because when I stopped riding I could see salt deposits all over my skin.

We are at the Haas Cienda RV park. A very nice place with hot showers, pool, and a grassy spot. Dinner was brats and sauerkraut with red beans and rice. Awesome!

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April 30: Kentwood - 62 miles

2011-05-01T04:14:00.000-07:00

Another fine day of riding across the state of Louisiana. We have been very fortunate with the great weather; low humidity, comfortable temperatures, partly cloudy to sunny days, and low traffic roads. There have been just enough small towns so that we can find the essentials during the day; food, water, and local color and conversation. A few more cyclists were seen today heading north, west, and east... all with panniers and all on their adventures. The terrain has changed since we crossed the mississippi. It is no longer flat as a pancake. It has become wooded with small rolling hills; very nice riding. Just enough momentum on the downhill to make it up the next uphill.

We are in Kentwood, LA the childhood home of everyone's favorite pop singer Brittany Spears.

Today was out last full day in louisiana as we will be sleeping iin mississippi tomorrow evening. It has been a long stretch of 9 ride days and the group is looking forward to 2 days off and a night in New Orleans before tackling the last 2 weeks of the trip.
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April 29: St Francisville - 53 miles

2011-04-30T06:18:00.001-07:00

What a great day to be riding in Louisiana! Fortunately for us the bad weather has skipped over us and left us with several days of blue skies, cooler temperatures, and flat riding. Today's milestone was crossing the Mississippi river on the st. Francisville ferry in the late afternoon.

We spent the day meandering along the levees of the mighty river and its tributaries. Off to our left on the far side of the mississippi stood the infamous Angola penitentiary with its own access ferry. Steve mentioned that our total climbing distance was 800+ ft. Small potatoes compared to the 6000 ft we were climbing a month ago. Most of the group road together as we stopped at a local diner for a southern lunch. I had fried chicken and cole slaw. I had easily decided that the PBJ I made for lunch could wait another day.

The most interesting encounter I had today was with a pack of dogs that were riled up by the riders that had passed before. I was sweeping about 1/4 mile behind the group and saw that they had been greeted by a pack of dogs. By the time I had arrived on the scene the dogs were in the middle of the road waiting for me! An odd pack of 5 dogs with 2 more trotting down the dirt path. All were all mangy mutts, half with one blue eye and one brown eye. I believe they were all related. All were barking furiously so I decided to dismount and put Thelma between the pack and myself. I stood my ground and did not move. Eventually all but one lost interest as I wasn't moving and I sprinkled the pack with water from my bottles. The remaining dog and I just conversed for another 5 minutes. I mounted Thelma and said adios. I quickly caught the group of riders and thanked them for the experience. They all smiled.

The Mangy Pack of Pooches

We completed our ride for the day with a ferry crossing of the Mississippi (about 1 mile wide at that point) and a nice cruise through beautiful St. Francisville. The Magnusson Motel was very, very nice and the home-cooked meal at 8 Sisters Restaurant was a delight. The catfish niecy, turnip greens (and extra helping), cornbread, and sweet tea capped off a wonderful day on tour.

Meandering along the levees

Bovines Browsing Along the Levees

A quick blog update from Joe before boarding the Ferry.

April 24, Silsbee, TX - 74 miles

2011-04-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today was a blur with very few photos. I remember leaving camp in the van and going to a convenience store in Coldspring. The next thing I knew I was rushing down the road to a rider that hit a dog. I am glad I am trained in CPR/First Aid but I would rather not use them. I spend most of the remainder of the day in the ER in Cleveland Medical Center having her get medical attention. All turned out well in the end. A quick trip to Walmart replaced the cracked helmet and we were off in search of our daily home in Silsbee, TX our last overnight in Texas (19 days). We have reached the 2000 mile mark today and have 1100 remaining.
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April 23: Coldspring, TX - 67 Miles

2011-04-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

We awoke to another day of high temps and high cross winds as we prepared for the day on the road to St. Augustine. I knew this day would be different as I was riding sweep and I convinced Mick to have breakfast at a local diner before hitting the road. It is called the Filling Station and although the food was just good the ambiance was awesome. It looked like the building was once a gas station and the entire room was decked out in old station signs, pumps, lights, and other similar decor. I encouraged Mick to try grits, but he wasn't quite ready.

Soon after we departed navasota we came upon a group of hardcore cyclists. When asked what they were doing the replied that they were practicing foe the may 21 ironman competition in the area. Incredible riders. After we shared our journey, each of us were impressed by the feats of the other.

Beautiful scenery and rolling hills were the norm for the day. The wind provided the breeze to keep us cooler today. Every day brings more and more, taller and taller trees. When we entered the Sam Houston National Forest all trees were tall pine! You could see through the forest for a hundred yards with each tall pine reaching for all the sunlight each could find. The pines were 60-80 feet high. Down below was a soft bed of pine needles and brush that could withstand the acidity of the needles. A beautiful 15 mile stretch seemed to last forever. These pines were so tall and thick that they collectively reduced the overall affect of the wind. Awesome!

Lunch at 42 miles found us at another diner, this one in New Waverly. Mick and I ate our sandwiches and he watched as I plowed through a huge salad, scrumptious pecan pie, and sweet tea... He was amazed.

We arrived at the double lake campground to our usual camp setup, shower, and eating routine. Unlike other NFS campgrounds, this one had decent showers and bathrooms.

After the daily evening map meeting, several group members gathered around the table to dye and decorate easter eggs to commerate Easter tomorrow. I wonder if the Easter bunny will arrive?

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April 19-20: Austin, TX

2011-04-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

Austin was a wonderful city. Very eclectic and very friendly. On my day off I reunited with a high school friend I had not see in thirty years. Yes a little reminiscing, but mostly a lot of catching up to where we are now. Randy has also become an avid cyclist so there was a lot of gear and cycling talk as he took me around the city. We stopped by Mellow Johnny's bike shop (Lance Armstrong's hangout), toured the Bullock Museum of Texas History, ate food of course, toured the statehouse, visited the Lookout 360 cliffs that overlook the river (although it is called a lake), saw many perspectives of the Austin skyline from parks and bridges, and topped off the day with a visit to the congress street bridge to view the bats of Austin on their dusk flight into the night (1/2 million bats live in the expansion joints).

Randy has since joined Adventure Cycling Association and has his eye on the Pacific Coast as his first tour.
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April 22: Creatures

2011-04-23T03:23:00.000-07:00

Just a few of the many wonderful creatures we encountered on our journey through Texas. Not pictured are the scorpions that visited Zoe one morning. Thanks for the pictures Zoe.
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April 22: Navasota, TX - 69 miles

2011-04-23T03:20:00.001-07:00

East Texas is a beautiful place to ride. I can understand why Dave is moving here soon. The route continued to be dotted with farms, ranches, large trees, and fields of golden grass (still a drought). There are small hills that gentle roll and the winds remain strong (20-30 mph). Some tail winds and cross winds today made the mid 90 temperature feel more like low 80's. We saw many more longhorn cattle today, a large turtle in the road (alive), more turkey vultures.

Many riders stopped at local cafes and general stores along the route to enjoy a slice of homemade pie and chat with local residents. In Independence, not more than a speck on the map, the general store was teaming with locals stopping by for a quick lunch and a greeting to their neighbors. The street was jammed with pickup trucks of every shape, size, and condition.

The last of the riders arrived by 3:30 today so everyone had lots of time to rest and relax the remainder of the afternoon away.

We have a healthy pad (meaning we are under budget) this point in the tour so we are staying in a motel and the group had the seafood buffet or steak dinner at a local steakhouse. We will have much more of this during our final weeks.

The picture today is of the Orsak's Cafe in Fayetteville Texas. We had supper at this cafe yesterday. It was 15 miles from our camp in La Grange but well worth the trip in the van.

Although you can still see the occasional texmex restaurant, gone are the days of the burrito. Catfish, crayfish, huge steaks, and even froglegs and alligator are beginning to appear. We are entering the deep south... Lousianna on Monday!

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April 20: La Grange, TX

2011-04-21T15:33:00.001-07:00

Aaaahhhhhhh! Nothing like no hills! We are east of Austin and the hills are slight in stature. Aaaaarrrrrgggghhh! Winds (15-25 mph) from the SSE and we are riding SSE! Hot, hot, hot!

All in all a good day of riding into eastern Texas. Four more days and it is hello cajun country. After a restful day in beautiful Austin the group has enjoyed the day on the road. A long day because of the winds but riding along a peaceful park road for 14 miles and scenic views of GREEN trees, grasses, and cattle makes it all worthwhile.

When riding the ST, the Winchester Depot is a must stop for water and snacks. Prices are great and Dana is a hoot.

The campground is beautiful and it is on the Colorado river of Texas. Can't swim in the river because of cottonmouth snakes. That is why we are adventure cyclists.

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April 19: Austin, TX - 64 miles

2011-04-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Texas Hill Country and welcome AUSTIN!!!
We made it! Another well deserved day of rest! Whew! Another great day of riding and dropping out of hill country. Just like yesterday the terrain was rolling and the "skies were not cloudy all day". One half day of clouds and temps in the middle 90's. A crosswind and sometimes tail wind kept the ride less warm but not quite cool. Everyone was excited about arriving in Austin so they rode just a bit harder with less rose smelling. The traffic naturally increased as we entered the Austin city limits.

I failed to mention that last night Charlie Graham from Amarillo visited us at the campground. He is doing the fall Southern Tier and wanted to chat with riders and see the gear we were using. What a great man with HUGE TEXAS HOSPITALITY. He invited us all out to a Texas steak dinner upon arrival in Austin. Mark from BikeTexas also joined us for dinner and shared the mission of BikeTexas with us as well as some cool places to see while in town. A great evening of stories was had by all not to mention the best ribeye I have ever had. We ate at ALC Steaks.

A day of rest tomorrow and everyone is doing their own thing for the day. I am meeting a high school friend I haven't talk to for twenty years! Totally excited! Also doing IHOP with co-leader Dave In the morning.

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April 19: Huey has his first (3) flats riding th Austin

2011-04-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

As we riding near downtown Austin we encountered Huey. He was the only member of the group who had not had a flat. I stopped, along with Mick and Kiyoe, to chuckle and to assist him in putting patches on three tubes. He insists he had only one flat. I counted three patches though. It is being reviewed by the judges though.

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April 18: Blanco, TX - 60 miles

2011-04-19T21:49:00.001-07:00

What a great day to be riding in the texas hill country. Our route today continued along the Guadalupe River for the first part of the morning before we began to ascend into the hills again. We had lots of turns to make in order to avoid the heavy traffic along the main roads. I like ACA maps for that reason, it usually takes the road less traveled.

After climbing out of the valley we rode along some beautiful farmland, pastures, and lightly wooded fields as the road had many rolling hills. We often have enough momentum coming down the hill to nearly make it to the top of the next.

Several riders stopped in Waring Texas to sample the treats of the Waring Country Store. I enjoyed another beef hotdog with onion, mustard, mayo, pickles, and tomato. Not sure why I have been seeking out the hotdog (I never eat them at home). They are delicious. Waring is a small town with a small intersection containing a general store, the post office, and of course the Country Store. I was perplexed to see a sign across the street indicating that the general store was rated as having won the contest of best burger in waring. Not much competition.

Others stopped at the winery at sisterville, tx for a self-guided tour and a wine tasting (I later found them snoozing by a tree).

The route continued to roll until the last final 4 mile gentle slope into the town of Blanco and the Blanco State Park. The campground was exceptional with very hot showers.

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April 16: special photos in Texas Hill Country

2011-04-18T19:10:00.001-07:00

We were riding to vanderpool on this curvy road and this guy was sitting on the road taking pictures of motorcycles for his business. He caught a few or our group as well. I found them on his website for purchase.

Check it out:
http://www.jwimaging.exposuremanager.com/g/4-16-2011bicycle

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April 17: Kerrville, TX - 57 miles

2011-04-17T19:18:00.001-07:00

Today's 57 miles had to be one of the prettiest and enjoyable rides of the trip. Whether you were riding your bike or driving the van, the views were spectacular. We crossed the Guadalupe river at least a dozen times as the road continued on a toward trend toward Austin. The Texas hill country is quite beautiful with pines and live oaks and lots of watered creeks and streams. Yes there were some head winds and yes the road had lots of short steep ups and downs, but it was well worth it.

Hunt,TX marked the halfway point of the trip in miles. Many riders took a moment to pause by the town sign, tattoo 1/2 using a sharpie on their body, and enjoy a nice meal.

After arriving in camp some took brief swims in the Guadalupe River. Sloppy Joes, coleslaw, mixed beans, and salad were enjoyed by all.

I met a young man named justin outside the walmart today. I was putting groceries in the trailer and asked what I was doing with the food, van, and a bike on top. We talked about cycling, texas football, and what it was like to be the LIBERTY TAX statue that waves to everyone on the street corner. He was 16 and he was riding a BMX bike.

Indeed a good day.

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April 16: Vanderpool - 45 miles

2011-04-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

We are just outside of Lost Maples State Park at Peace of Heaven Cabins in Vanderpool, TX. As you see from the picture, joe has been serenading us with his singing and his guitar. Awesome. We had a picnic dinner tonight with BBQ chicken on the grill, corn, baked beans, salad and sweet tea. It is 8:20 and we are all on the porch singing.

A very sweet day of climbing with tons of motorcycles out for the weekend. The views were spectacular with several peaks and many valleys. With only 45 miles for the day. We all had happy faces all day.

Many took the opportunity to go to the Hog Pit for some BBQ brisket with potato salad and beans and sweet tea. Yummy.

The cabins sleep seven so the woman have lots of room and the men squeeze 8 into a cabin for 7.

More pictures and updates for the 15th will be coming soon.

We are two days from Austin and our next day off. Another day of highwinds and short mileage (57 miles) tomorrow.
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April 14: Del Rio - 40 miles What?!

2011-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

That's right, 40 miles. What a break and relief it was to know that we had a short ride day today. The group even decided to delay breakfast until 8 AM and Huey volunteered to make French Toast for the crew! Awesome start to what would be a terrific day.

Seminole Canyon State Park

After breaking camp for the day, a group of four decided to take the 1.5 hr walking tour of the Seminole Canyon. The canyon walls are 250 ft high so we had to climb down into the canyon and back up. What spectacular views and interesting pictographs were had by the group. The tour began at 10 am so we toured the museum with the rest of the group before heading down the canyon.

8000 year old pictographs in Seminole Canyon

The pictographs where in this canyon shelter.

This is where we hiked to during our tour.

After the hike we mounted our bikes for the almost 40 mile ride home for the night in Del Rio. Weather was in our favor for wind direction as they shifted out of the north about an hour into our ride. We are riding south so that was a good thing. Winds were 10-15 mph NNW. The usual Texas chip seal was also moderate today. The only thing against us was the 99 degree temperatures we experienced. The last of the riders arrived early in camp around 3 PM. Others visited the unique border crossing between Mexico and the US near the Amistead Dam. There were sculptures of the American Eagle and the Mexican Eagle along with spectacular views.

ular

Amistead Resevoir on the way to Del Rio

The Buzzard Roost RV Park is a nice park with a wonderful host and good facilities. Christina was cooking with Malta tonight so the menu was pasta with meat sauce and salad (that is what she ALWAYS makes). It was different again because she added mushrooms and curly pasta. The salad, also different, was tomato, onion, cucumber, and parsley with a nice dressing tossed in. Very creative and very yummy.

Railroad bridge over the Amistead Reservoir

We finished the evening after the map meeting by hoping in the van and heading to DQ for everyone's faborite dessert. Mine is a small twist with a chocolate dip. A very nice end to a very nice day.

Buzzard Roost RVPark

April 13: Seminole Canyon State Park - 80 miles

2011-04-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today was another day of biting winds... and scorpions. Yes, scorpions. Zoe dressed this morning only to be bit my a scorpion in her cycling pants (2 bites) and another in her shoe! Another 80 miles planned for today and the winds will be against us today. Although in the morning they were very slight.

Home/Courtroom of Judge Roy Bean in Langtry, TX

During the ride, I had the opportunity to stop by Langtry, TX (one of 2 towns on the route today). Judge Roy Bean was the law west of the pecos river in the 1880's. Langtry is just a few miles from the Mexican/US border. This is the actual house and not a replica. It was pretty awesome to see, and walk through a bit of history, whether it is fact or legend.

Just prior to see Bean's home, I stopped by a cafe along US90 where I saw a bunch of cyclists. Go figure. They had all stopped to try the BBQ Mesquite sandwich. Of course I had to do the same and I can tell you it was well worth the stop even though I was driving and not riding today.

Langtry Depot home of the BBQ Mesquite Sandwich

Having push-up pops with the locals in Langtry, TX

After leaving some of the group in Langtry, I continued the beautiful drive (no headwind in the van) to Seminole Canyon State Park. It is a beautiful place to camp with a 270 degree view of the area. Some are considering the tour at 10 AM tomorrow before completing the 40 miles to Del Rio, our destination for tomorrow.

Tonights supper is Bangers and Mash! Thanks Mick in advance for the meal.

Pecos River crossing

The view of, and from, my tent at Seminole Canyon State Park.

April 12: Sanderson, TX - 85 miles

2011-04-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Today was a grueling 85-miler from Alpine to Sanderson, TX. Looking at the ACA route map you can see that the terrain is gently rolling with a downhill trend and a nice downhill into Sanderson. What the map doesn't show is the 15-25 headwinds we road through ALL DAY LONG. At one point I was pedaling as hard as I could, but when I looked at my odometer it read only 8 MPH. Totally frustrating. There was a brief lull in the wind every now and then and my speed would immediately increase to 16 mph. Yes, it was an EFI kind-of day. One of those day where you had to pedal Every #$%#$ Inch to home for the night.

Thelma holding steady in the headwind while I rested.

Had a nice sweet treat, Fried Pies, from The Burnt Biscuit in Marathon, TX. A quaint little town with several cafes to choose from. I knew I had made the right choice when I saw a bunch of bikes out front and when I had the cherry fried pie. Awesome trail food.

The Burnt Biscuit in Marathon, TX

I was sweeping today so I was coming in with the last of the group...Mick. We had a great time chatting during the day. When we rode into Sanderson the wind was howling and we were slowing riding into town and camp. We were like two cowboys riding in on our steeds, checking out the town, wondering where we would bed down for the night. Proud that we completed the journey, but exhausted. It was 5:45 when we arrived.

Alpine to Sanderson... The Land of Trains!

We were staying at a motel, so I walked into my room and immediately laid on the bed with my phone to do a bit of texting. Dave, my roomate and co-leader said I fell asleep with my fingers on my keypad. It was a great 20 minute nap until dinner was ready. Chicken Fajitas!

A nice end to a long day....

April 12: Tour makes the News

2011-04-12T16:24:00.001-07:00

Brave ACA leader and touring cyclists pedal their way through Texas fire:

http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=14426761
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April 11: Alpine, TX - Day of Rest

2011-04-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

A well deserved day of rest for the group. The motel is great with clean rooms and hard beds. I prepared eggs to order for breakfast at 8:30 AM and Dave and I were on the cooking crew for the evening. We like easy so dinner would be pasta shells, sauce, and salad with cookies for dessert. I failed to mention that last night we had order in pizza for dinner as we arrived at the motel at 6:30 pm.

The day was spent washing the van, cleaning the trailer, laundry, driving back to Fort Davis to pickup mail, a trip to Sonic for lunch and the record keeping for the group. I am up to date with only leader note revisions to complete.

Thelma doing her laundry... and Arlen's

Joe, the rider we left behind yesterday, was doing a catch-up ride from Van Horn. Since we were in Alpine and not Fort Davis (an additional 21 miles), we gave Joe a 103 mile route to meet us in Alpine. He arrived about 4:30 PM after completing his first ever century ride. Go Joe! Glad to have you back... healthy.

Joe after his 103 mile ride!

More road closures because of shifting winds and more wildfires in the Fort Davis area. We were there to get mail today and was the last car through before they closed the roads again.

We are off to Sanderson tomorrow on an 85 mile ride mostly downhill. Enjoy your days!

April 10: Fort Davis - 91 Miles and Wildfires

2011-04-12T05:45:00.000-07:00

A long haul, with high headwinds, and lots of climbing was in store today for the team. In attention there was a threat of wildfires along the latter part of the route. Our goal was Fort Davis, TX and a well deserved day of rest. One rider, Joe, was sick from something he ate at a local restaurant and decided to stay behind for the day. This stretch of road is without any services so the ACA van was used to provided water as needed along the route. We thought there were services at Kent (38) miles, but we added a water stop as the van passed by the riders.

On the road to Fort Davis... not clouds, but wildfire smoke.

The trailer was left at mile 68 so that riders could get water and snacks while I drove on the Fort Davis to assess our accommodation options. Randal at Stone Village Tourist Camp welcomed me to a town without electricity and smoldering ashes from the wildfire. He fed Margaret and I lunch from foods that would spoil if not eaten and help find alternative accommodations in Alpine, TX about 21 miles away. At this point the decision was made to remove the riders from the road when they arrived in Fort Davis and shuttle the group to Alpine for our rest day.

After meeting a local woman in Alpine who helped identify the right motel for us, I headed back for the trailer. "Nice and Clean" she said was her criteria. When I arrived at the trailer, I met Teun & Gerda Plug, a couple from the Netherlands traveling at modified ST from east to west. We shared some stories about the roads ahead before heading out on the road back to Fort Davis to meet the group.

Teun & Gerda Plug, Netherlands.

The group arrived at Stone Village Tourist Camp in Fort Davis. Randal greeting them all and provided cheese, crackers, soda, and beer for the group. Once all together we packed the van with bikes and headed toward Alpine. We were turned around about 1/2 there because of a wildfire spreading through the area and had to drive to Marfa then Alpine (50 miles). We arrived at the Highland Inn and a refreshing rest day for us all. Whew! What a day!!!!

Wildfire Damage in Fort Davis.

April 9: Van Horn, TX - 75 miles

2011-04-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

A really great day of riding for me today. Slept really well under the stars last night in fort hancock texas. Knew we would get a head wind around noon and knew cresting the 2000 ft of climbing would be important. It all came together even though we changed time zones at the end of the day. Done by 4:15 central time.

Almost hit a goat today. It was three goats so it must have been the three billy goats gruff. They darted in front of my bike about six feet in front. But no goat stew for dinner tonight.

Mick and I lunched at a rest area (about 20 miles of interstate 10 today) with a guy on a regional motorcycle ride. He was heading to houston.

Margaret will be leaving us tomorrow when I drop her off in ft davis to ride to alpine, tx.

Sweet end to the ride as we cruised into van horn, tx on a six mile downhill. Dave arranged for a cheap motel when high winds warning and wildfires are predicted this evening or tomorrow.

See you tomorrow. Ft davis and a day off.

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April 8: Fort Hancock, TX - 55 Miles

2011-04-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

"I got a postcard in the mail. It was blank, but the postmark said Fort Hancock, Texas. Fort Hancock... right on the border. That's where Andy crossed." - Shawshank Redemption.

Fort Hancock, Texas

Tonight we are in Fort Hancock, TX. A small town of 1700 about 1/2 mile from the Mexican Border and a border crossing. Today's ride was fun with 55 miles of very little winds. The first riders arrived at the Community Church of Fort Hancock about 11:30 AM. We left El Paso after a hearty pancake breakfast prepared by Zoe and Joe at the El Paso Hostel this morning.

We rode by many fields of pecans, onions, and dirt. The Community Church has opened its doors and floors for our stay. Some are sleeping inside and others (like me) outside under the stars. Probably in the sixties tonight so it should be great. The members of the church filled the fridge with soda and water. They also left a pan of desserts for us as well. The high school opened its showers for us to refresh ourselves as well. A truly great community.

Community Church of Fort Hancock.

Today we saw Bill of BillsBigRide again today. He is riding up the road an additional 35 miles. Maybe we will see him again in a few days or a week.

Another rider has joined our little party today. Margaret is riding parts of the southern tier and will be joined by her brother when she gets to Austin. She is riding alone on a mountain bike. She will be sharing a meal with us today and probably tomorrow as we are giving her a lift to Van Horn tomorrow. She will be at the KOA tomorrow night with us too.

I saw several trains today as I drove to Van Horn today. Here is to you Robert.

Union Pacific 5303

Typical scenery today. Note the Mexican mountains in the background

and the US Border fence in the center of the picture with fields in the foreground.

The Rio Grande is to the far side of the fence.

April 7: El Paso, Texas - 50 miles Howdy Partner!

2011-04-07T20:36:00.000-07:00

Howdy Pardners! We have arrived in Texas! There was no Welcome to Texas sign but we noticed that the signs changed shape. We rode through headwinds, yet admired the beauty of the pecan orchards, onion fields, and pepper fields. 44 miles between Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX.

5 Miles into Texas

We are in El Paso, just a stones throw from Mexico. Actually about 1/4 mile. We are staying in the downtown hostel. Dinner was provided by Mulligan's North bar and Grill thanks to a chance meeting with the owner, Poncho Diaz, in Bayless, Arizona (about a week ago). Poncho was riding his motorcycle when he encounter Mick and Dave on the roadside. After a conversation he invited the group to dinner at his restaurant. We took him up on his offer tonight. What a gracious offer. We left a thank you note, a decal, and a signed ACA Southern Tier T-shirt. Thank you Poncho Diaz.

During the day I encountered lots of special people and places. When I left camp with Kiyoe I took a detour into Mesilla to take a photo of the restaurant where we ate last night. I found the jail where Billy The Kid was tried and sentenced to hang. I also met the Las Cruces Cycling Club preparing for their Thursday morning ride. When we entered El Paso, we stopped at Starbucks. We met Bill who was a day or so behind us, but caught our group today. Bill is doing a perimeter ride around the US (Southern Tier, Atlantic Coast, Northern Tier, and Pacific Coast Route). 14, 000 miles in six months. Incredible.

La Posta Mexican Restaurant

Billy the Kid Jail, Mesilla, New Mexico

Las Cruces Cycling Club

Another sunny day with prevailing SW winds will provide a short (55 miles) but hard day tomorrow. We are riding to Fort Hancock, Texas. "You better get busy living, or get busy dying" - Shawshank Redemption.

Bill Comings - Perimeter Cyclist

billsride.blogspot.com

Nick Poggioli's website is http://www.ninasbuick.com

April 6: Las Cruces, NM - 60 miles (Last night in NM)

2011-04-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

We traveled with a headwind today. The riders all said it was a hard 60 miles. The road was smooth but the wind slowed them down. We were in the pepper capital of the world today, Hatch, NM.

Pepper Fields near Hatch , NM

We also stopped by the Ft Seldon State Monument. Ft Seldon held 3 regiments of Buffalo Soldiers, 8 member of which received the Medal of Honor while in Ft. Seldon. The fort was in ruins as weather has taken a toll on the adobe structures and the lumber was removed by the soldiers when the fort was abandoned in the 1890's.

Statue Honoring the bravery of the Buffalo Soldier

The valley we rode through is also known for pecan production. All farms are irrigated by channels from the Rio Grande River. Fields are irrigated by simply flooding the entire field with water. Pecan trees are irrigated the same way.

Irrigation of Pecan Trees

We ended our day, the last full day in New Mexico, but going out to diner at a local mexican restaurant. The food and atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone toasted our third state complete and our soon departure from NM. We head into Texas and El Paso tomorrow.

April 5: Cabello State Park - 60 miles (including Hillsboro)

2011-04-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ah Hillsboro has a great diner. I was sweeping and the town of Hillsboro was at the bottom of a 17 mile downhill. It was awesome pulling into the town and see many bikes along the side of this cafe. It was the place for me. I had a huge all beef hotdog with pickles, tomatoes, onions, and a special sauce. Perfect.

Hillsboro Cafe

We finished the day by climbing another 3 miles and zooming, with a tailwind on a slight downhill all the way to Arrey, NM and Cabello State Park along the famous Rio Grande River.

First Siting of the Rio Grande River

We camped along the shores of this river.

Nick, riding to the west from New Orleans on his way to San Diego, joined us for supper this evening and shared stories of the road ahead as we did for him. It is always awesome when cyclists can met and share with each other... food and conversation. Nick is 27 years old.

April 5: Emory Pass

2011-04-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

What an awesome day. It was sixty miles but we climbed to the highest pass of the entire trip, Emory Pass, 8200 ft with several switchbacks. I was sweeping today but was able to catch the back end of the group in the last 3 miles of the 18 mile climb. It was a series of breathtaking canyons and dry river beds. The road and surrounding hills were heavily treed with the same tall pines we have been seeing for a few days. I had a bite of lunch just before the summit and spent a half hour with Huey and Lois taking funny pictures at the top. What lay ahead was 17 miles of sweet downhill to the town of Hillsboro and the Hillsboro cafe.
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April 4: Mimbres - 22 Miles

2011-04-06T05:20:00.001-07:00

After departing the Gila Cliff Dwellings the group rode 22 miles to camp for the evening to Mountain Spirits RV Park in Membres. They climbed some short steep hills out of the valley and rode a nice stretch of road to camp. This was the best and most friendliest rv park we stayed at. Elmer, the camp host, waited on us the entire time. He was batchin' it since his wife was away and enjoyed the company. He told us many stories, stayed up late entertaining us during the ncaa finals on a large flat svreen, and even made us coffee in the morning. Highly recommended place to stay. Clean facilities and beautiful stars at night. We were glad to have an indoor rec area as the next morning would be brutally cold.
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April 4: Gila Cliff Dwellings

2011-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

We visited the Gila Cliff Dwellings before heading off to Mimbres today. These caves which were used over 10000 years as a shelter for various peoples were actually used and developed by a group of native americans for only a period of twenty five years. These sophiscated dwellings were inhabited continually by these people during the period of heavy drought then abandoned without notice. It was a beautiful place to see and a very peaceful area along the Gila River.
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April 3: Lake Roberts, NM - 32 miles

2011-04-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today was one of the most beautiful riding days of the trip. Although the terrain was very hilly, cresting at 7400 ft, the views were spectacular. Although very dry here, it is quite unlike the terrain of Arizona. There are no cacti but there are tall pines everywhere.

Dave and Mick hosted breakfast burittos for dinner tonight. Very scrumptious. The plan was to take a day off in lake Roberts, visiting the Gila Cliff Dwellings before climbing Emory Pass (8250 ft) the next day. The cabins left a bad taste for me so we discussed moving tomorrow afternoon to another campground 22 miles down the road. We have pack the bikes on top of the van (thelma's peeps) and will head to the clifts in the morning after enjoying oatmeal pancakes made by Lois.

Thelma and her Peeps ready to ride.

Dave and Mick with the Burrittos.

Thelma, Queen of the Mountain (on her way to 730 ft)

Breakfast club after 6 miles of riding - Pinos Altos (Tall Pines)

(Imagine 2 breakfasts within an hour)

Mick, Arlen, Joe, KRose, Ron, Kiyoe

Yet another succulent

Arlen at the top of the mountain (7400 ft)

Pinos Altos (Tall Pines) Just before 2nd Breakfast

It was indeed a great day today.

April 2: Silver City, NM - 38 miles

2011-04-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

Only one climb and a slight downhill into silver city today. I was driving but didn't mind after that tough day yesterday. A small but very well kept RV Park greeted us on arrival. Silver City is a quaint little town. I quickly met Annie the owner of Twin Sisters Bike Shop. She was very helpful and pointed me to the best cup of coffee in town even though she said she didn't drink coffee anymore. $160 later I left the shop and headed to camp.

We crossed the continental divide today at 6230 ft. We have a fewmore crossings in the next few days. Ron and I were in charge of dinner, so you known exactly what we had. Right. Rice and Bean burittos. My staple cycling food. It was served with all the trimmings including fresh green chiles. Everyone liked it a lot.

I bought a new tire to replace the front tire which was wearing out. Found a Schwabe Marathon tire and put it on the back and the hardcase tire that was on the rear is now on the front. I am thinking that my preventative maintenance will pay off as I was catching Christina and Mick with the most flats, 4 and 5 respectively. I have 3 at the moment as a result of the cycling yesterday. So wouldn't you know that as I was making dinner the air in the rear tire suddenly escaped. Damn flat #4. I decided not to fix it tonight but in the morning as we have a 32 mile uphill ride to Lake Roberts, NM and a day of rest in cabins. Winds are predicted to be WNW at 24mph with gusts to 60mph. I sure hope it is NOT a headwind.

April 1: New Mexico

2011-04-02T20:32:00.001-07:00

Well as you might expect there would be a head wind on my ride day and not on Dave's. We had a heavy day planned with 78 miles of riding and 5100 feet of vertical climbing. Yes almost a mile. The head wind picked up just after we left camp and hammered us the entire day. My size acts like a huge sail in the wind and it made for a brutal day for me. The picture was taken after I fixed the first of two flats for the day. This was at mile 12 or so. I ended in three way arizona about 11:30 as sweep watching the last of the riders leave lunch. Not bad and I figured I would catch them on the last 2000 foot climb... But I didn't. I had the 2nd flat an hour later and it took an hour to find the culprit (which I did find finally). I was about two miles from the top of the summit when I had enough. I took a ride from the support vehicle up over the mountain and put back on the road with the last if the group to sweep in. My body was toasted by the wind and the climb. Not in me today. I did meet a couple of bighorn sheep hunters, got water from a man waiting for his trailer to arrive, saw an old driven in the middle of the desert, and had numerous curiosity seekers. The chefs for the day had a hardy spaghetti supper and salad. Awesome. We ended the evening with joe playing the guitar and all singing a few songs.

Crossing into new mexico saw a distinct change of scenery. The desert cacti are gone and replaced by numerous scrub pines and more greenery.
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March 31: Safford, AZ

2011-03-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

Of course the day I had to drive it was 78 miles of strong tailwinds. That's okay though, it all works out in the end.

Thelma's view of the road when we are not together.

The high today was 88 degrees with winds gusting from the WNW at 25mph. A cyclists dream ride. Where it took until 6:30 yesterday for the last riders to come into camp; today everyone was done by 3:30. In fact the first rider beat me to camp by 20 minutes. They were welcomed with watermelon, fritos, and chips with salsa. Of course soda and beer as well. A great diner by Kiyoe and Malte, rice with lots of chicken, a great salad, and pie for dessert.

We past a mountain today with snow on its north face. We are at about 2900 ft, but this range is much, much higher. Tonight will be 50+ so no fly on the tent so I can see the stars for a few seconds before I fall asleep.

Snow faced mountain in Safford, AZ

A passenger train in Globe, AZ this morning getting ready to depart for points west.
Sorry for rubbing it in Robert.

I get to ride again tomorrow. It will be the toughest day of the journey so far. We have 2 peaks to climb (4900 ft and 6300 ft with a 800 ft drop between). The temps should be in the high 80's and there are few services on this section. The scenery is supposed to be terrific. To date, I have ridden in sleet, and have had 2 very long hilly days... Dave has had sweet easy rides... Hope this changes soon.

later......

March 30: More of my Birthday Ride

2011-03-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just a few images from my birthday ride.

The start of my birthday ride in Tempe, AZ

A new type of Cacti that I haven't seen before.

Cylindropuntia fulgida - Jumping Cactus

Looks like we just rode right into this one, but we did not.

Queen Creek Tunnel outside Superior, AZ

The start of an arduous climb to Globe, AZ

Always ride my age on my brithday. I am 53.59 years old!

Actually it was 53 in the tunnel and I wasn't going to stop there.

All told 77 miles for the day. Others odometers read 84. Close enough.

March 30: Globe, AZ - 77 miles, 53 years

2011-03-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

We said goodbye to Tempe and the beds. We continue our journey eastward as we rode from Tempe to Globe. We climbed more than 4000 ft but on each crest the views were spectacular. It was the hardest riding day of the journey thus far. It was my birthday...53, so 53 miles had to be the minimum. The odometer read 78 at days end. Tomorrow we do another 80 on the way to Sanford, AZ; our last full day in arizona. Next state, is #43; New Mexico.
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March 28-29: Tempe, AZ - 72 miles. We did it!

2011-03-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Our first week has come to a close as we arrived in Tempe, AZ for a much needed rest day. We had a pizza party by the pool tonight we cooler nearby. The pool was heated. The ride into Phoeniz and Tempe, was hot and trafficked, but riders seemed to enjoy the day. I saw several at a Starbuck's or easily pedaling down the highway. Thelma and I arrived in Tempe early to check out the Motel 6, stop by the Post Office for the group mail that was being held there.

Typical small town in Arizona

It has been a good hard week on the road. The day today has been casual and restful for everyone but Dave. He did all the shopping, driving, another mailstop, and all the things that he and I would share. He gave me the time to catch-up on all my blogging, now that I have my daily routines in place. Paperwork is all done, plans for the coming week made, and Thelma lubed and oiled for the journey ahead. I owe him big time. It will indeed all come out in the end. I will post some more pictures very soon.

Another surprise was the arrival of a box of cookies from Daily Bread of Whitinsville, MA (a local bakery). Some awesome oatmeal, raisin, nut cookies from the baker Amanda were enjoyed by many. A photo will be posted shortly. Homemade cookies all the way from home...AND the day before my birthday.

We are headed into downtown Tempe to a local microbrew to have dinner together and celebrate our successes. Joe's 51st birthday is today and my 53rd birthday is tomorrow. Yes, I am riding at least my age on my birthday as I have done for many years (tomorrow is a planned 77 miler).

It is truly a great group to be riding each day down the road with. Lois, Huey, Malte, Mick, Kiyoe, Ronnie, Zoe, Dave, Steve, Joe, Christine, KRose, and of course Arlen. I LOVE this group. I look forward to more hard riding in the days to come as we enter New Mexico and Texas. BTW, after Texas I have only 5 more continental US states to go to make 48 (North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, and Oklahoma). Look all in a straight line... sorta.

PS: KRose shared with me the information about GoGirl, a female urinary device that helps women urinate on the road (or in the bushes) a lot easier. Check them out at www.go-girl.com.

March 27: Wickenburg, AZ - 57 miles

2011-03-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Going to start off this day's post with dinner. We had the most incredible stir-fried vegetable/chicken dinner prepared by Kiyoe (Japanese from California) and Lois (Colorado). Sesame seeds, Asian dressings, crunchy veggies, authentically spiced, red cabbage, soy sauce, and, and, and sticky rice! It was all topped off with chopsticks!!! I was almost in heaven. Best meal of the trip.

We rode to Wickenburg, AZ today. One more day until a rest day in Tempe, AZ. The riding was a slight cresting hill with about an eight mile sloping downhill to end the day. First stop? Ice cream before arriving at camp. A group of us were together when we visited a local ice cream parlor that had a performer singing country-western, folk songs, and a tea-tasting. The strawberry ice cream was outstanding.

Ice cream in Wickenberg, AZ. Bikes are resting again. 1.5 miles to camp.

Am I waiting for the group or wondering where I have been?

Antique steam engine near a replica storefront in Wickenberg, AZ.

Make my day (or evening). Punk. Clint Eastwood from years gone by.

March 26: Salome, AZ

2011-03-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

That would be a silent 'e' when you say where we are today. Still loving the weather with a slight tailwind and comfortable seventy temperatures. Thelma rode alone today, but helped mail the postcards, mark the route, and show the way. The nights are still dropping into the 40's for the most part. I am noticing a few more aches and pains among the group, but there are happy faces everyday in camp. Many have goofed off along the way meeting new people and enjoying the local scenery (people and landscapes). Salome, a dry, dusty town on the long road to Phoenix/Tempe, AZ. Malte and Huey prepared an outstanding chicken curry for diner. Very nice indeed. There was a lot of rice leftover so it was turned into rice pudding by Lois for the next evening meal.

Typical Arizona Landscape.

The sombrero cactus is center with 'Dome Rock' in the background.

This picture is on the way to Quartzsite, AZ on Dome Rock Road... a nice downhill

March 25: Quartzsite, AZ - 47 miles

2011-03-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

Colorado River is the border between CA and AZ

Finally crossing the Arizona border at the Colorado river in Ehrenburg, CA. Pretty uneventfully but we began to see Sombrero Cacti everywhere. It is the one you see in all the spaghetti westerns.

Typical campsite in the valley and desert of CA & AZ

Nice riding today with a beautiful downhill and a hint of headwind into Quartzsite, AZ. There is a nudist operating a bookstore in this town. Many did the extra miles to see the store, but nothing was revealed.

We have begun a 'flat' contest since many riders are experiencing a few flats in the past few days. As of March 28th, Mick is in the lead with 5 flats (in six days), followed by Christina with 3. Normally I would be among the list, but my new Bontrager Hardcase tire is standing the test of time. Let's hope it continues.

Mick w/Dave with one of his 5 flats.

March 24: Palo Verde, CA

2011-03-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

Tailwinds and temperatures in the 70s are prevailing. We have left that cold, wet weather behind for the moment. Although I did not ride today, Thelma had a sweet ride on top of the ACA van. An afternoon earlier, she enjoyed herself at the local Starbucks... she is having a wonderful trip. She actually bucked me once when I mounted her yesterday. My foot was not clipped in and slipped of the pedal. The wheel spun and trapped my hand and I took a pseudo dive to the ground outside the chemist (yes, mick is teaching me some english).

Thelma riding solo today in the desert near Glamis and the sand dunes.

Thelma enjoying a bit of a rest in Brawley, CA

We ended our day when we arrived at the Tamerisk RV Park along the shores of the Palo Verde River. We are but a day ride from Arizona!

Tamerisk Trees and the ACA Van at Tamerisk RV Park

Our group is very techo-savy. There are many IPads, cell phones, laptops, cameras, and other gadgets requiring daily charging. So many in fact, that we drained the car battery at camp today. It cost 1 beer and $10 at the local bar to get the jump we needed. He would have done it for no cost, but hey we have to help the local economy.

March 23: Brawley, CA - 66 miles

2011-03-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

The day was looking up as the weather was sunny with a 10-15 mph tailwind and a temperature of 70+. It really doesn't get much better than that. We had about 2500 ft of climbing to do, but will end in the town of Brawley at the local community center for free camping, showers, swimming, and the like.

USA/Mexico Border Fence

It was damn good riding today with lots to see and nothing to do but ride. We climbed the last hill before our 7 mile downhill into the Imperial Valley of California. It was a fantastic downhill with one exception. I was sweeping for the day and as we crested the top of the last hill before the valley I told Kiyoe that I don't brake and I will see her at the bottom. I stopped for a few pictures about 1/2 down (a 35-40mph cruise). When many minutes went by without seeing Kiyoe, I turned around and climbed back up 1.5 miles to where she had a flat (I should learn by now I think).

Kiyoe lugging all her gear the entire trip even though this is a van supported tour!

One tough woman she is!

The big bad wolf could not blow this house of straw down! (Actually Hay!).

This hay house is about 35 feet tall.

I finished the day with Kiyoe as we arrived in Brawley for a night at the local community center. Dinner was spaghetti bolognase and terrific. Tailwinds and mild temps prevailed,

March 22: Boulvard, CA

2011-03-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our crew for the tour. Staging to leave San Diego.

Notice that we are all pointing on the direction we should go!

The days ride was from Alpine to Boulevard, CA. Although I was driving the van for the day, I can tell you that the scenery was spectacular! More than 4000 ft of climbing under sunny skis and mild temperatures made for a good day for everyone. We were glad the rain was done (for the moment) and that the weather pattern was in our favor for tailwinds to come.

Railroad bridge near our campsite in Boulevard, CA

Tonight in Boulevard has to be one of the coldest nights that I have camped. The temperature was near 30 degrees and I did NOT have that kind of clothing. I zipped myself into my 20 degree sleeping bag with my pull on cap on my bald head. I threw all my clothes for the next day in the bottom of my bag so I did not have to put icicles on in the morning. It was very, very cold. The campground was called sacred rocks reserve and it was a beautiful place to camp with nature trails, a sunset trail, good showers, and all the creature comforts of a campsite.

March 21, 1011: Start of Southern Tier Journey

2011-03-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

Dipping Thelma into the Pacific ocean in san diego at the start of the southern tier journey. March 21, 2011. I am leading, along with Dave Points a group of 12 adults on a journey of a lifetime. We are due to arrive in St Augustine Florida on May 16.

The weather the morning of our departure was very raining but cleared briefly for our journey to the beach and our tire dipping. Later in our ride up to Alpine, CA we encountered some wild weather with brief downpours, some with a bit if sleet. We finished the day in good spirits when we decided to escape the cold evening by taking the shuttle to the local casino for the buffet dinner... Only $6 per person including a coupon. Every fell asleep early in their tents with full bellys.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Arlen is packed and itchin'

2011-03-10T19:49:00.001-08:00

His gear is packed and he is ready to roll on his XC tour. Under 15 lbs not counting tent, pad, and flip-flops.Two months on the road... ah... what a life!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Thelma is ready to roll!

2011-03-05T08:40:00.001-08:00

Thelma will get me across the country thus spring.

BIKETERNITY Tour Director Leads XC Cycling Tour

2011-03-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

BIKETERNITY's Tours Director, Arlen Hall, will be leading a cross-country cycling tour for Adventure Cycling Association of Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org). The tour begins on March 20 in San Diego, CA and ends on May 16 in St. Augustine, FL. You can following his journeys on the BIKETERNITY blog (http://biketernity.blogspot.com/).

BIKETERNITY Announces New Facebook Fan Page!

2011-02-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Our group page is moving to a fan page at www.facebook.com/biketernity now! Check us out.

BIKETERNITY Announces 2011 Youth & Adult Cycling Tours!

2011-01-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

BIKETERNITY announced their line-up of 2011 cycling tours for teens and adults today. Included in their list of tours is a cycling tour on the Erie Canal Explorer tour on the Historic Erie Canal Bikeway in Upstate New York for youth ages 11-14 (including a canal boat ride); a Pennsylvania Explorer tour from Hershey, PA (including a visit to the famous Hershey Park) to Providence, RI for teens ages 13-17; and a new Southern Sampler tour for adults (Charleston, SC to St. Augustine, FL). Please visit the BIKETERNITY website, www.biketernity.org, to view the details of all their tours and to sign-up TODAY!

Arlen turns up the heat for Duchenne research!

2010-12-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

Want to see me eat a spoonful of wasabi? What is Foodie up to now? You know who I am, I love food, Mr. Foodie. I also love a challenge. I have been supporting research for a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy since 2007 when I rode my bicycle across America on JettRide 2007!

I have been inspired to video-tape myself eating an entire spoonful of the flaming
hot sushi spice known as wasabi. Hopefully you know why I’m doing something this crazy, and what in the world it has to do with you…..

Check this out: http://www.goslabi.org/dgwarlenhall

Cadillac partners with CureDuchenne

2010-12-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

What are these three pictures telling you?

2010-10-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/biketernity/4871585144/in/set-72157625149334775/

New 2010 JettRide Videos on You Tube

2010-10-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Checkout the latest JettRide 2010 Videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/my_playlists?p=159A44A06BD94E0C

2010 JettRide Itinerary

2010-10-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Checkout the this URL. It is a google map of our 2010 JettRide itinerary. Click on a green icon and you will see the place and location. Below the location is the number of miles for the day. Enjoy.
http://mapalist.com/Public/pm.aspx?mapid=136120

Crazy Old Boys on Bikes (COBB) - A Fall Trans-Am via Southern Tier

2010-09-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

My friends are at it again. This fall, just days after a few of them are finishing an eight day tour on the C&O Canal / GAP, the boys are heading out on the road again. Now it is a Southern Tier (San Diego, CA to St. Augustine, FL) crossing. Leaving San Diego on October 8/9, they hope to finish the journey by Thanksgiving. I would love to join them at some point. Check the out and follow their antics at:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/AsYetNotNamed

2010 JettRide Rider Survey

2010-09-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

On July 16, I asked the JettRiders a series of questions. Here are the winning responses.

Favorite Meal on Tour :
Beef Stroganoff and San Fran Bread Bowls

Least Favorite Meal on Tour:
Rice and Beans

Favorite Activity On Tour:
Rafting in Green River, UT and Shopping at Mall with Ewen Dallapè

Least Favorite Activity On Tour:

Hiking Bryce Canyon and Climbing/Walking 14% Grades

Miss most about home:
Family

Miss Least about home:
Cleaning

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:
Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia

Arlen Dips Rear Tire in San Francisco Bay

2010-09-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

At the official start of the 2010 JettRide, Arlen dips the rear tire of his Trek 520 into San Francisco Bay on June 25, 2010. 3859 miles later he dipped his front tire into the Atlantic Ocean on August 27, 2010.

Arlen Dips Rear Tire in San Francisco Bay

2010 JettRide Journey meets Horseback Journey

2010-09-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Jeannette and Richard McGrath? We met them at Cold Spring Station, NV on July 3/4. They are the couple riding across America on horseback! That's right horseback! They are now in Eastern Nevada approaching the Colorado border. Their goal is Delaware by April 2011! Check them out at: http://heartsupranch.com

2010 JettRide Itinerary

2010-09-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

Checkout the route, daily mileage, and itinerary for the 2010 JettRide! http://www.jettride.org/docs/JettRide2010Itinerary.pdf

Help DMD Received $250,000

2010-05-08T08:25:00.003-07:00

The support we've recieved so far for pepsi refresh is sooo amazing!! Thank you! Please keep voting! http://www.refresheverything.com/DMD

Goslabi Challenge » Pepsi Refresh – $250,000 Vote for DMD

2010-05-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

Goslabi Challenge » Pepsi Refresh – $250,000 Vote for DMD

JettRide 2010: Riding for Boys Who Can't

2010-04-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Please consider a donation the the 2010 JettRide, a joint fundraising effort between Biketernity and the Jett Foundation. A 3700 mile bicycle ride across America!

The Red Flag by Arlen Hall

2010-03-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

...the morning we left Scenic, South Dakota and the Badlands National Park was no exception. After 115 degree temperatures the previous day, and a totally spectacular evening of heat, lightning, clearing skies, and the glistening of stars in the night, we mounted our trusty steeds and began our journey out of the Badla...nds. Our destination at that point was Murdo, SD, our home for the evening...

Read more at:
http://www.biketernity.org/docs/The_Red_Flag_by_Arlen_Hall.pdf

JettRide Movie Premiere: Danvers High School

2010-03-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

The award winning JettRide movie has been premiering at several different venues recently in Massachusetts and will be premiering in the Midwest in Ironwood, Michigan on March 22nd. I am compelled to share with you my impressions and experiences of the JettRide Movie premiere today (March 10, 2010).

The premiere was at 9:30 AM at Danvers High School in Danvers, MA. Danvers High School is the school Nick attends, and where he is a senior. I met Nick in December of 2007, four months after the 2007 JettRide. Nick attended the JettRide reunion party. During the making of the movie, Nick and his parents agreed to have Nick share his experiences as a young man with DMD. Nick and his story play a major role in the success of the film.

Nick recently decided to support the 2010 JettRide by involving his peers and teachers at Danvers High School in the DMD experience. He invited the entire senior class to the premiere, to share with them (most are his friends) insights into DMD, the Jett Foundation, and his realization of his own mortality. His mother, Lauren (who had not seen the film before) was in attendance along with teachers, staff, and a host of others from the school. The senior class is 325 in number.

As the movie began, there were the usual sound effects from the teens but as soon as the talk about DMD began the room was silent. We all watched in amazement, in silence, and totally stunned as Nick laid it all out in the film for his peers. His presence in the film brought a round of applause as did the throwing of the bikes into the ocean and my comments to a rider about dying if she didn't eat on the tour. The film ended with an ovation for Nick and his courage. Nick is a hero! Christine McSherry, founder of the Jett Foundation, then presented Nick with a JettRide Medal (given to all the riders in 2007 making him an honorary JettRider!) and Dr Brian Tseng, MD/PhD (from the movie… my first meeting with him) presented Nick with the official Muscular Dystrophy Hero medal.

Gives me shivers, and tears again just writing this down for you.

After a short Q&A from the class, the session was over, but the impact is just beginning. Fifteen students took, or will receive, rider packets and they are seriously considering riding for their friend Nick this summer. I would expect 2-3 riders from that. The room was excited to be a part of this event.

Join the cause of Riding for Boys Who Can't. Checkout www.JettRide.org Today! Today Counts!

Purpose: "There is more to life than increasing its speed" - Mahatma Ghandi

2010-02-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

Find your "Purpose" and be steadfast in pursuing it! Do you like helping others? Do you like to stay fit? Do you like riding a bike? Maybe combining all these together can help you find your "purpose". Join us on a cycling trip across America helping others along the way. The JettRide 2010 is such an opportunity. San Francisco, CA to Point Pleasant, NJ is the route, June 24 to August 27 is the date, 3700 miles in 65 days is the challenge. No time for the entire journey? No problem, the route is divided into 4 segments. Ride 1,2,3 or all the segments. Visit www.JettRide.org to find out more details. The JettRide is looking for teen riders, adult leaders, and support drivers. Volunteer today! Support the Ride today! Today Counts!

The JettRide 2010: The Journey Continues for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy tour is organized by BIKEternity, check us out at www.BIKEternity.org.

A Bike Built for Sixteen?

2010-02-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING!

Sixteen girls on one bicycle? This is crazy.

http://www.flixxy.com/chinese-bicycle-acrobatics.htm

JettRide 2010: The Journey Continues for DMD

2010-02-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

The Jett Foundation and BIKEternity have teamed up to lead another ride across America for DMD. “JettRide 2010: The Journey Continues for Duchene Muscular Dystrophy” was announced this week! Please visit www.jettride.org for more information about the ride and www.jettfoundation.org to know more about this FATAL disease. We are riding 3700 miles from San Francisco, CA to Point Pleasant, NJ. June 24 - August 27, 2010. We are looking for teens to participate in the ride. Riders must complete an application on the www.jettride.org website to be considered as a rider participant. An unforgettable journey is in store for those that ride for "Boys Who Cant'".

Additional Funding for DMD Research

2010-01-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

Charley's fund and Jett work together on many projects....please vote, they are in 11th place and have a really good shot of winning. $$$$$ for DMD research!!! - Christine

Hi Charley's Fund supporters! Amazing news...the Ginder family of Gainesville, FL will match every vote we get this week with one dollar for DMD research! If we get 20,000 votes this week we get $20,000 to beat DMD!!! Plus all your votes will get us closer to winning a huge prize -- Up to One Million Dollars for DMD research!

PLEASE VOTE NOW <http://www.dariusgoeswest.org/votematch/> And forward this to the entire universe. We are in 10th place and we need to push up to 6th. The heat is on!!!

THANK YOU,
Tracy and Benjy
and Charley and Sam and Maisy

Blackstone Valley Premier of "10thGear JettRide: 3800 Miles to a Cure"

2009-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

What do Douglas Anderson, Danielle Armedilla, Meghan Budak, Caroline Claflin, David Cogdill, Matthew Cogdill, John Dawson, Jared Drennan, Brandon Hall, Richard Hinman, Jordan McSherry, Wesley Morawiec, Sara Perregaux, Aaron Phoebe, Kyana Powers, Andrew Rice, Joseph Ross, Benjamin Roy, Alex Rubin, Bradford Shelley, Kurt Stefancyk, Gary Stefancyk, Jarrett Weaner, and Gillian Yoerg all have in common?

That's right, they ARE the JettRiders!

On Friday, November 27, the "10thGear JettRide: 3800 Miles to a Cure" documentary will be shown at the United Presbyterian Church of Whitinsville, 51 Cottage Street, Whitinsville . It will be the Blackstone Valley Premier of this award winning documentary of the 2007 10thGear / JettRide. There is a reception at 6 PM with the film being shown at 7PM. This film recently won the 2009 Hollywood East Film Festival Best Feature Documentary Award.

How far would you ride for others? The documentary is about a journey of a lifetime for 24 teens age 13-18. A bicycle ride from Seaside, OR to Plymouth, MA, 3800 miles in 66 days in the summer of 2007. A ride to explore God’s gifts of beauty, to push themselves to their physical limits, and to help save a life… the life of Jett McSherry. Local youth were riding to raise awareness of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Jett McSherry has this fatal disease. The riders were riding for Jett; riding for themselves; riding for God.

Do you know a JettRider? Whether you do or not, come to the Premier on November 27th and experience an amazing journey.

Hilton Head, SC: Beach Cruisers are Real Bikes

2009-10-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

In an effort to identify new bike routes and trails for adventures next spring and summer, I spent the good part of a whole week on Hilton Head Island, SC with my friends Dennis and Susan. In addition to walking the beaches, eating, and visiting, I had my first experience with a Beach Cruiser (a real blast) and lots of GeoCaching as well. Great relaxing time. I will be posting a few stories about my experiences here... like the beach cruiser that was really a snow cone maker and the interesting shells that I found on the beach. My pictures can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sfv1976/HiltonHead2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCIXvk-SBuaX3pgE&feat=directlink

Getting Back 2 Basics: East Bay Bike Path

2009-10-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

My friends, Shawn and Elaine, and I spent several glorious hours in Providence, RI today riding on the East Bay Bike Path. It has been several years since I have ridden on this beautiful trail. Sometimes it is easy to forget those simple, beautiful trails when we focus on adding locations or mega-miles to our portfolio. Alas, I am guilty. However I came back to basics with East Bay Bike Path today.

The bike path begins at India Point Park in downtown Providence (maybe East Providence) and we quickly leave the waterfront to cross the river on the newly renovated highway bridge (this portion was closed for way too many years as the highway was being renovated). This 14.5 mile bike path travels through Rhode Island towns, past swamps, ponds, rivers, Providence Harbor and of course the Narragansett Bay. The trail ends in Bristol, RI near the Mt. Hope Bridge.

The October day was cool and windy requiring us to ride with light jackets and some with cycling tights (or Yoga tights by another name). The sun was always shinning and the wind kept a chill in the air. The trail was sparsely populated and the views spectacular. Elaine kept saying how she had never seen that many swans together (about twenty) and proceeded to share a funny swan attack story with the group. We past light houses, a few large houses (nearly mansions), the Great Blue Herron, and a Red-tail Hawk gliding on the winds.

We were blessed by four young entrepreneurs along the trail outside Barrington. They did not don any signs, but instead were shouting their wares like old street peddlers... "Candy! Candy for Sale! Get Your Candy!". I of course had to stop for a snack, although my bike pack was full of healthy snacks like Fig Newtons, Peanuts, Apples, etc. I had to have a bag of Skittles... and of course Peanut M&Ms. When my friends arrived, they enjoyed a BlowPop each. Watch for these guys on a street corner near you soon. Very persuasive.

When we arrived at a small bridge over an inlet to enjoy our recently purchased treats, we noticed a boat docking bouy in the water that read "83 Beers". I told the group that was the name of the owner of the boat that moors there. I said his name was probably Moore and it was moor 83. So it belong to Moore Beers. Well as you might expect the jokes began to roll out of everyone as we ate sugar and talked about how his friends probably would say, "We better go pickup Moore Beers for the game." or "Where is Moore Beers?" After about 10 minutes the laughter died down and we decided to end our trip for the day on a high note.

We did not ride the entire length of the path today but we made it as far as Barrington, RI before time constraints turned us around. Our return trip to our cars was swift and mostly uneventful with the exception of the stunning Providence Skyline and a short, but steep climb back up to the highway bridge. Thank you Elaine and Shawn for sharing the path with me today. I will be adding the trail back to my portfolio immediately.You too should discover, or rediscover the East Bay Bike Path in Providence, RI. www.riparks.com/eastbay.htm

Ride Around the Quabbin Reservoir

2009-10-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Fall day was in store for my annual ride around the Quabbin Reservoir on October 10th. The ride was postponed from October 3rd due to torrential downpours and I thought today would be no different. The morning brought stormy skies as we made our way to Ware, MA, the starting point.A light drizzle persisted along the Mass Pike during our 50 minute drive to Ware. Temps were in the low 60s as we began the ride and the sun soon shone through the heavy clouds. The weather for the day was very unsettled, but no rain was the order of the day. The clouds blew in and out the entire trip with the warmth of the sun a pleasant addition during the critical downhill runs. For those that do not know, the Quabbin Reservoir is a man-made lake that was formed by flooding a valley many years ago (last century, ca 1935). It is a primary water source for the city of Boston. The water travels through tunnels all the way toward Boston. The reservoir is closed to ALL recreational activities, but many a cyclist make the 56+ mile journey around the body of water throughout the year. Fall is a great time, as the foliage is a great backdrop to the reservoir and to the mix of clouds and sun. Creeks were running well, as we have had lots of rain in recent weeks. The terrain is VERY HILLY with many 1-2 mile climbs followed by the same length of downhills.

We had lunch at the 27 mile mark in New Salem, MA. The general store was also the US Post Office with lots of small boxes. The sandwiches at the deli were named after the 4 towns flooded by the building of the reservoir. Do you know their names? Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott. I had the New Salemwich. It was terrific after a grueling 27 mile ride with a headwind. The 2nd have of the ride took us south along RT 122 through Hardwick and onward to Ware. This section is dotted with smaller feeder ponds, swamps, and creeks. It has gentler, yet still hilly terrain. The ponds were filled with just enough lilly pads and leaves so that the sky and trees would still reflect in the still waters. The climbs were more enjoyable and the views of the reservoir a bit more spectacular with the water more than 1/2 mile away at many points. Many fields would open up into spacious views, stunning yellows and reds of the turning leaves dotted with the ever present evergreens. The last 8 miles are very easy indeed, except for the tired muscles of the previous 48 The road continues to drop down into the Pioneer Valley where the town of Ware resides. We ended with a quick sprint into Ware to our vehicle at the Friendly's Restaurant parking lot. A quick change in Friendly's and we were sitting enjoying our post ride beverages of ice tea and ice water along with some Tuna Melt's. A very small Mint Chip ice cream topped of the end of the 2009 Ride around the Quabbin. I cannot wait until next year!!!

Blackstone Valley Premier of the "10th Gear Jettride-3800 Miles to a Cure"

2009-10-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

We are in the process of scheduling the Blackstone Valley Premier of the "10th Gear Jettride-3800 Miles to a Cure".

We are thinking that the Friday after Thanksgiving would be a good time for the premier event. If you were involved in the 2007 10thGear/JettRide please let us know if you could attend an evening event on Friday, November 27th.

If the 27th is not a good evening, would the 28th work? Current preference is the 27th though.

Thanks.

"I would inspire teens to..."

2009-10-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

10th Gear JettRide-3800 Miles to a Cure:
Arlen Hall discusses inspiration and the ability to challenge oneself to help others...
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=650748552&k=4ZE24VR5WT6B6J1DP16X2USVWQFKZT4&oid=1148044737298

DVD extra.Exec Prod: The Jett Foundation - Produced by Siberian Films & Anthony Geathers - Directed by Anthony Geathers

8th C&O Canal / Great Allegheny Passage Tour

2009-09-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the beginning of my 8th journey on the C&O Towpath / Great Allegheny Passage trail in the past 4 years. The tour, which spans the C&O Towpath (186 miles from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD) and the GAP Rail Trail (150 miles from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA) has become my all time favorite off road biking adventure. No 2 trips are alike. I have ridden this route self-contained and supported. Lead rides for 3 organizations Adventure Cycling Organization, Venture Outdoors, and 10thGear Christian Youth Cyclists. It is a great no-car journey though early American History with primitive and all inclusive camping, motels, B&Bs, etc. I have met many wonderful cyclists on this trail and plan to meet many, many more. For this trip, I am staff for Adventure Cycling. I am attempting to share part of this experience on my blog.

A Long Distance Cycling Ride in 2010 ?

2009-09-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

While I was at the Whitinsville Christian School today helping Ms. Leard with her storytelling class. I ran into Rachael today and gave her a mighty greeting. She shyly said hello then as she walked down the hall she turned and exclaimed "Are you leading a bike tour next summer?". I replied, "Of course I am". We parted company.

I have been thinking of a cross country trip for 2010 since about March this year. I have actually completed a great deal of route planning and have my map in my apartment marked with a few interesting routes and sites. Among them are the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, Yosemite, St. Louis, Kansas City, and of course Kansas (one of my favorite states to ride across). I have all but decided on San Francisco as the starting point. However, I have had second thoughts about possibly doing a East to West tour. Makes the beginning tour logistics easier but the end of ride party, if there were on, would be problematic.So many wonderful choices to make as I glance up at the map of the USA on my wall.

I very much enjoyed riding with Rachael this past summer. I look forward to someday doing it again. Rachael, thank you for taking me on a mini-journey today. I will pray about all that has happened to me today and where God is calling me... maybe to San Francisco?

A nice day indeed.

10thGear JettRide: 3800 Miles to a Cure

2009-09-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

I just watched this incredible movie. It is about journeys. A journey about a mother on a quest to help her son; a journey about a brave young boy facing a terrible disease; a journey about a sister who loves her brother and took a life changing trip...; and a journey of 26 teens coming together for a summer to support and love them all falling headfirst into what it means to sacrifice for others. A must see! Checkout www.jettride.org.

Why me? Why Now?

2009-09-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

There comes a time when that which is safe, easy, and comfortable must be set aside; a time when change is needed for personal renewal; a time when one realizes that God has bigger plans than what we can even imagine.

Twelve years is a long time to be in one place; with time comes complacency and a comfort level that is inconsistent with God’s calling. It is an awesome moment when one has the opportunity to clearly understand one's calling by God... to minister to youth in the name of Christ Jesus using a bicycle.

My life was transformed by God through 10thGear Christian Youth Cyclists as its director that past 12 years. I see now that 10thGear is just a step along the journey and not the end of the road. He has much bigger plans for me. I will continue to be transformed if I keep my eye on the prize. I am on a journey... Biking Toward Eternity.