Bike for Alzheimer's Research

Ride wrap up

2009-05-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

First of all, to those who made a donation to NARFE Alzheimer's Research, thank you so much. While I was typing this, I was halfway listening to National Public Radio and it was discussing the coming health care crisis that Alzheimer's poses. It is frightening. We need to solve this disease and solve it soon. If you haven't made a donation, please read the profile under my picture at the left side of this blog and send a check to that address.

To Horseshoes: Went through one tire, two tubes, didn't wear out any shorts, scraped left elbow twice, right calf twice (both times while trying to walk with my left bike shoe still locked into the pedal -- don't recommend that). Yes, the bran worked!

This final posting is primarily addressed to those who might want to ride the Southern Tier ride with WomanTours or have already signed up for the ride. If you're thinking about it but aren't sure, my advice is just do it. You won't be disappointed.

Tips for future riders: Before I get to my own tips, I highly recommend that you read, re-read, and continue to re-read everything WomanTours sends you about the ride. After the ride, and before I started my critique of the ride, I re-read everything I was sent or given at the pre-ride meeting. Most of my comments were already addressed in their literature. WomanTours really knows what it is talking about with this ride!

Now, on to my personal comments:

1. Although the sag wagon is available for assistance, be self-reliant. Through most of the West (including the hill country of Texas) there was no cell phone service. This means that the sag driver won't know you need help unless word gets to her through other riders or when you don't show up at a sag stop. It easily may be over an hour before the sag driver can get to you to help you.

2. Be familiar with your bike and especially know at the very least how to fix a flat on your bike. Bring tire irons and allen wrenches that match your bike as a minimum. We had a few riders whose wheels were next to impossible to fix when they had flats. It took an act of God to get the tire back on the rim. Bontrager rims were the most difficult. That said, the riders with Bontrager rims fortunately had fewer flats. If you can't fix a flat on your own bike, work with your bike shop to find a wheel you can work with. If you can fix your own flat you won't have to wait for the sag wagon to come back to you to help. One day it took three of us to get a tire back on a difficult rim after replacing the tube. On another day we had two pinch flats trying to get the tire back on one of these difficult rims. At that point, the bike and rider went into the sag wagon for the rest of the day. If you want to spend more time riding, know how to fix your own flat.

3. Cell phones are great where they work. It is a great way to get information to the sag driver -- like information on road problems (dogs, wrong directions, etc.) and calls for help. Unfortunately, cell phone coverage was sparse to non-existent west of Louisiana. Don't rely on being able to contact the sag wagon with your cell phone.

4. Remember that the good sag driver will be looking for you. If you don't show up at a sag stop, she will backtrack (hopefully) to find you. So, it is important that you stay on the route. If you need to go off the route, if you have cell phone service call the sag driver to let her know. If you are lost and can't find your way back onto the route, call the sag driver. If you go into a store, or into the woods, leave your bike in a place visible to the sag driver. One day I drove 40 extra miles (which took an hour) because a rider went off route to ask for assistance finding the route. Had she called me I could have told her where she could pick up the route. Had she left her bike where I could see it, I could have helped her on the spot.

5. If you get off route, call the sag driver to let them know you are not on the route. Then try to backtrack onto the route. Believe it or not, in most instances the sag driver has never been in that area and doesn't know the roads. The only maps in the sag wagon don't have back roads on them. If you ask the sag driver how to get from where you mistakenly are to where you need to be, she probably won't be able to tell you other than to say backtrack to where you made the wrong turn. One day some riders made a wrong turn and asked a local resident how to get to the overnight town. I was the sag driver that day. They called and left a message letting me know that they were riding the rest of the way off-route. It was one of those days when cell coverage was hit or miss. I knew they were off-route when they didn't show at a sag stop. I figured out where they had made a wrong turn, and drove 15 miles down that road, at which point I got some cell service and retrieved their message. Around that time, one of those riders, having arrived at the overnight town, called and asked me which way she should turn to go to the hotel, because she was tired and didn't want to make a wrong turn. I had never been to the town, didn't know what road they had been on, and didn't know where the hotel was myself (other than where the cue sheet said it would be). Needless to say, I couldn't help. (After she had something at a nearby Dairy Queen she was able to find the hotel just fine.)

6. If you don't have a rear view mirror, get one and get accustomed to using it. We were often on busy roads with no shoulder and it is important to know where traffic is and whether it is making room for you! Especially use one if you want to ride two abreast (which WomanTours discourages). Sometimes we were on lightly traveled roads and could ride two abreast for a while. Having a rear view mirror and regularly checking it helped to know when to go back to single file to let traffic pass.

7. Ride responsibly and courteously. Yell out to let someone know you are passing them BEFORE you start to pass them. Don't pass other riders on the right!!! One windy day a group of riders came up behind me. I wear a rear view mirror on the left side of my sunglasses so that I can see traffic coming up behind me. (Most people only have a rear view mirror on the left, because that is the side traffic is usually traveling past them.) I could see the two who were passing me on the left, but didn't know there were two passing me on the right. None of those riders on either side said a word to let me know they were passing. I started moving over to the right to give the riders on the left some room, and fortunately another person behind me yelled that there were riders passing on the right. If she hadn't yelled that, we would have had a 3-bike pileup.

8. Don't be in a rush to get to the next overnight town. We had one rider who would always be the last one out in the morning and last one in at night. She wasn't a particularly slow rider. In fact, she was a pretty good rider. She would take into account the daily conditions (weather, terrain, distance, suppertime) and would take the full day riding. She took lots of pictures and stopped in places along the way. She made the days a little more involved for the sag drivers, who sometimes had to backtrack long distances to make sure she was okay, but that's just part of the sag job. In retrospect, I think she had the right attitude. Even taking the sightseeing attitude, you will still have plenty of time to shower regardless of when you get in; you'll be able to do laundry; and you will be in before supper.

9. Don't hesitate to take a ride in the van or sag wagon for all or part of the day. The trip is long. There is no need to bicycle when you are sick or hurt if a day or two of rest will help you. There is no need to endanger yourself if the weather conditions are atrocious. There is no need to miss something you want to spend extra time seeing along the way -- just get a bump up so that you don't have as many miles on the route to ride that day. There will be those who have the drive to bicycle every mile, and that's fine. If you're not one of them, don't worry about taking a bump or sitting out a day.

10. Your crotch and butt will hurt - really hurt in some cases - at some point along the way. You will have areas where friction and pressure cause problems. There are lots of things which riders use -- Chamois butter, Udder butter, Bag balm. Most people managed to get through it and after a few weeks they were okay. It's just part of the ride.

11. If you have favorite snacks or energy tabs or recovery drinks, check with WomanTours to see if they will be providing them. The stuff the sag wagon carried included water, Gatorade powder, V8 juice, Payday bars, PowerBar Protein bars, Kashi bars, granola bars, Oreo cookies, Fig newtons, Doritos, potato chips, Cheetos, M&M's (plain and peanut), fruit chews, cashew nuts, almonds, mixed nuts, bananas, oranges, tangerines, apples. In general, the sag wagon carried stuff available at Sam's Club or WalMart on the way. If you want anything more expensive or elaborate, you'll probably have to bring it or buy it along the way yourself.

12. Use lots of sunscreen multiple times during sunny days and carry a small amount of it on the bike with you (in the event the sag wagon isn't around when you need it). The sag wagon carried a couple of types of sunscreen. Again, if you insist on using a particular type of sunscreen which is more expensive than a generic type found at Sam's Club or WalMart, you should bring it yourself.

13. Unless you really like peanut butter sandwhiches for lunch, plan on buying lunch on the road.

14. Plan on spending roughly $12 per day if you buy your lunch on the road. There are also some places where previous WomanTours bicyclists found great stuff to eat -- like root beer floats, apple turnovers, ice cream, whatever. You may also want to get postcards or gifts or t-shirts or books or whatever along the way -- $12 per day should give you enough for that depending on your shopping proclivities.

15. You will have days when your emotional energy is low. You will be cranky, tired, and just want to go home. Recognize this and just let it go, or warn others that you're feeling this way!

16. Keep a journal or blog, take pictures, because the ride will be over before you know it and it will seem like a dream.

17. Really pay attention to the WomanTours recommended list of things to bring and minimize. Notwithstanding WomanTours requests to motels for ground-floor rooms, you will have some places that put you on the second floor and you may have to haul your luggage and bike up stairs. No one seemed to care whether you wore the same 2 t-shirt and shorts for 7 weeks. Most motels had laundry facilities and riders would combine laundry loads. (WomanTours provided the laundry detergent.) Mark your clothes so your stuff won't get mixed up with someone else's. You may also be one of those early departing/ early arriving riders who has to unload everyone else's bags to get to yours. You'll appreciate lighter luggage as you unload, then reload bags!

18. There were some riders who didn't have a bike bag, and instead had a very small saddle bag or put stuff in their pockets. I really recommend a back rack and bag so that you can carry at least two tubes, tire irons, allen wrenches that can be used to tighten the seat post and saddle and other important connector points, a basic first aid kid, lots of snacks/lunch, extra water bottle (if you don't use a Camelbak), sunscreen, crotch/butt relief cream of choice. You may not need to use these things, but if you do need them you have them and don't have to wait forever for the sag wagon to show up to provide them.

I'm sure there are lots more things I'm forgetting, but if I'm forgetting them they can't be that important. I also apologize if all this sounds daunting. The ride really was great and not a worry at all. But, I tend to err on the side of caution.

If you want to contact me with questions about the ride, please feel free to do so. My email address is nmkvt@aol.com.

Ride well, live life.

What next????????

2009-04-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it's over. Now what do I do???? For starters, get up early tomorrow morning, have some cereal and yogurt, then hit the road (driving) back to Vermont. First stop is my sister Kak's home for a visit tomorrow night and Saturday. We'll be home Sunday night, and pick up my furry buddy Brody on Monday morning. And NO, Six Loose Ladies, I will not plan to be in the store on May 9. Please give me a week at home (I will pick up the store computer and get stuff entered and squared away).

So, today, as usual, Elisabeth asked, "Anyone want to go for a bike ride?" and everyone was out and on the bikes slightly before the butt crack of dawn. We had 40 miles to cover (according to the cue sheet) before 10:30. I found myself in the lead at one point, and it was awesome to see a whole long string of bicyclists behind me! We made it 19 miles to the first sag stop by shortly after 8, so relaxed and took it easy the rest of the way.

The road was flat, with more farms and riverside homes, and then we were at the firehouse meeting place, or were we? The firehouse was at about 37 miles, but on the cue sheet it was supposed to be at 40. There was considerable confusion at first, but finally the firepersons confirmed we were supposed to be there, the female motorcycle cop showed up, and we started getting ready, lining up in twos. Two police cars joined the motorcycle cop and we were off, sirens blaring. It really was a fun 6 mile ride to the beach. We sailed through intersections with our escorts. At the same time, I was choking back tears thinking of dad and thinking of how happy I would be to see Peter. I can now understand why guys don't understand girls -- we cry when we're sad, and we cry when we're happy.

At the beach there was quite a welcome contingent of friends and family. I found Peter and cried for joy! It was so, so good to be with him again. Peter walked with me and Bessie to the edge of the water and I dipped her wheels in the Atlantic. After the perfunctory picture-taking, we had a nice picnic lunch of a wrap, chips, fruit, and a drink. Peter and I then went to the hotel, I showered, and we spent the afternoon wandering the old town section of St. Augustine. Saw enough to know that it would be fun to come back and spend a few days seeing the museums and walking the beautiful beach.

I'll add more in a few days when I'm back home and can look back on this experience a little more objectively.

Bike stats: 44.58 miles; 3 hrs. 17 minutes riding time; 2,011 total trip miles.

Food stats: Last night we had salmon, garlic mashed potatoes, spinach leaf salad, and assorted goodies from friends and family. This morning was cereal, yogurt, and a banana. Lunch was a turkey wrap, and some pineapple and melon chunks. Since the ride ended for me at the beach, I don't need to tell you the details of the dinner at the A1A Brewery restaurant (and no - I didn't have a beer -- I needed to stay awake to post this entry). I skipped the traditional end-of-ride banquet for riders.

Let's see -- when is the Northern Tier first half ride next year????

Last night of the ride - in Palatka

2009-04-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Today was our last long ride of the trip. It's hard to believe that it is pretty well over. Tomorrow's ride will be a "token" ride. I started the trip out west riding alone, and after the halfway point started riding more consistently with Patty. Most riders pair up with others who go at a similar pace and personality. We have 3 trios, four duos, and three singles who ride alone or occasionally with others. Today the "duos" all rode together -- Janet Bee and Marni, Mary Jo and Donna, Elisabeth and Peggy, and Patty and I. We had a pretty noticeable headwind, so took turns pulling at the front. We didn't have a real paceline, but having someone at the front helped make the ride easier. It was a nice change of pace riding with these ladies and they were lots of fun through the duller part of the ride!

Didn't stop to see the 13 foot gator. Had some rolling hills and pretty scenery for the first half of the ride. Once we got onto SR100, the traffic increased. Still had some hills, but it wasn't as enjoyable because of the truck traffic. In one town we were told that the beautiful bike path we saw went quite a ways to Palatka. It didn't. A local bicyclist told us the plan was to run a bike path to Palatka, but it just hasn't been finished. So, after that pleasant interlude we were stuck on the busy SR100 for 20 more miles. It at least had a shoulder which was in pretty good condition. Once we got into Palatka, the shoulder filled with road debris and eventually disappeared in the town proper. Went over one high bridge right before the hotel, and Patty didn't hesitate one bit. We sang "99 bottles of beer on the wall" starting at 42 bottles and working backward by 2's to make it harder since we were pretty hot and tired. I'm so proud of her overcoming her bridge phobia.

When we arrived (a little before 2 p.m.), there were some families and friends at the hotel cheering the riders. That was great. We can feel the excitement of the last day building. Had lunch at the restaurant next to the hotel. There really wasn't much of an option over the last half of the ride until we got to Palatka. The food was really good and reasonably priced. Hate eating lunch so late -- I'm not hungry for dinner.

Bike stats: 78.2 miles; 5 hrs. 54 minutes riding time; 1,967 total trip miles. Yahoo!!! I'll make 2,000 tomorrow. Most riders (non-sag drivers) are over 2,500 and some over 3,000 miles.

Food stats: Last night had a spoonful of curried broccoli and chicken over a spoonful of noodles. Had cereal and a banana for breakfast. A protein bar on the road. Had blackened shrimp, broccoli au gratin, a couple of hush puppies and fruit salad for lunch. Don't know what Linda is cooking for dinner.

Called Peter and he was still on the road to St. Augustine (near the South Carolina/Georgia border). He's a saint to drive all the way to pick me up. Can't wait to see him tomorrow!!

High Springs here we are

2009-04-28T17:33:00.000-07:00

The ride from Perry to High Springs was the prettiest ride yet in Florida. It was another pretty flat day. Lots of pretty wildflowers, cows, goats, and sheep along the way. Once we moved off the main road onto the back road to Ichetucknee Springs state park the scenery became prettier. The maps said it was a 76-mile day, but even with a side trip to the springs most riders were at the hotel (a throwback to the Sheffler hotel out west -- will do, but...) by 3 p.m. Another slight headwind day, but the slight headwind feels good in the heat!

The springs at the Ichetucknee Springs state park were really pretty. The spring closest to the parking lot is the one most people swim in. A spring further back was more isolated and elemental. Both are worth the visit, especially on a hot day.

This was my last sag driving day. The day included hauling an ailing rider to the hotel, riding interference at a spot where a pack of dogs were chasing riders, setting up 3+ sag stops, and backtracking almost 40 miles to find a rider (she had trouble with the cue sheet directions and wasn't where I could see her when I initially passed her), filling up the gas tank, and restocking the snacks and water.

I have enjoyed the sag duties most of the time. Everyone says they are so happy to see me. That may be the last time I hear that!!This group of riders has been so easy to sag because they usually change their own flats and ride together in predictable ways. Every now and then they got lost, but were resourceful enough to find their way home. Sometimes they would frustrate me by getting too far ahead of the bulk of the riders or too far back, which makes helping everyone more difficult, but everyone has to ride his or her own ride as long as it doesn't jeopardize the safety of the others.

Tomorrow is my last day-long ride of the trip. We'll travel to Palatka -- approximately 72 miles or so. On Thursday we have a very short day, with a police escort the last 3 miles to the beach in St. Augustine. Given how widely we tend to spread out during the course of the day, the trick will be getting everyone to show up at the designated spot by the time we have to assemble for the final 3 miles. Some riders will be there early. We have one rider who has been the last one out every day but one, and sometimes by 20 minutes or so. She will have to be up and moving quickly.

No bike stats today. Food: cereal, yogurt and a banana for breakfast. Had some oreos, half a banana, and a milkshake on the road. Had some curried broccoli and chicken over noodles for dinner. A rice krispies bar for dessert.

Pedal on to Perry

2009-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

Reluctantly left the Wakulla Springs Lodge and rode to Perry, Florida. This was an even easier rolling rest day than the previous easiest rolling rest day. Flat, flat, flat. And yes, Patty (with whom I was riding) had a flat tire. That was the excitement of the day. She has the worst combination of rim and tire -- it is impossible to re-mount the tire without using tire irons. And, I am the queen of pinch flats (which result when you don't use the tire irons just right). Ann, the sag driver du jour, came to our aid, and it took the three of us together, with Ann wielding the tire iron, to get the tire back on.

Any prospective distance riders reading this, please, please, please do yourself a favor and practice changing tubes with the rims and tires you will use on the ride. If you can't do it yourself, get to your bike shop and find a set of rims and tires with which you can work. Otherwise, you may find yourself alone, in the middle of nowhere, with no one to help you, and can't change it by yourself. Makes for a wasted day.

The route was not only flat, but, aside from one turn around mile 8 and one around mile 49, and a small curve in between 8 and 49, it was absolutely straight. It felt like we were in a tunnel with no end in sight. Not a lot of scenery either. Just miles and miles of trees, saw palmettos, and swamp. The small curve had a cow ranch and some bald cypress trees in a field.

We got kind of excited over the bright orange "Dip ahead" sign. We stopped to take a picture of the dip, which had been paved over so it really wasn't much of one. Had neat numbering on the road where some cores appeared to have been drilled or some such. Oh, well, so much for that road attraction.

Got into Perry around 12:30, so had lunch of grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches, split orders of onion rings and fries, and tried swamp cabbage. Swamp cabbage is the core of small palm-type plants. The core is chopped up and cooked in bacon grease and cloves (Patty thought it had a clove taste). I think it is an acquired taste.

Will spend time this evening plying up what I spun yesterday, and then start spinning the last ounce of fiber I have. Have almost finished my stash of spinning fiber. I'm looking forward to getting home and using the wheel for a while and doing some rug hooking!

Bike stats: 51.68 miles; 4 hrs. 4 minutes riding time; 1,888 total trip miles.

Food stats: breakfast was scrambled eggs and a banana. Had some oreos on the road. For lunch see above. Am actually getting tired of eating!

Waking up in Wakulla Springs

2009-04-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

The layover day in Wakulla Springs was fantastic. Went to sleep to the sounds of frogs and birds, with windows open. Woke up without a headache to the sounds of songbirds. Had a genuine sit-down restaurant breakfast of french toast and scrambled eggs. French toast is my second-favorite breakfast, after the breakfast burrito at the Blue Benn in Bennington. Noplace can beat the Blue Benn!

Decided to do the 2.6-mile nature walk. Was a little concerned that the first sign was a poster of the most common biting insects. Didn't take the insects long to find me, and I had no insect repellent. Walked briskly, wishing my speed-reading skills were more proficient when I approached signs explaining the plants along the way. Forgot about the other bane of early morning woods walks -- spider webs. Walked face-first into a big one that covered my head and glasses. After untangling myself, I found a long stick and waved it in front of me as I walked. After about 2 miles of this, I got tired of feeding the insects and high-tailed it back to the lodge via the paved road.

Took the boat ride again after my walk and saw more birds, incluidng a wood duck with very freshly-hatched ducklings paddling behind her. The guide had to spoil the moment by advising us that many of those cute ducklings will likely become alligator appetizers. The springs was the site of filming some of the Johnny Weismuller Tarzan movies, "The creature from the black lagoon" movie, and other scary movies. Spent the afternoon plying some yarn I had spun, and spinning another spindle full. Ended the day with a nice fried shrimp with fries and tossed salad dinner.

We begin our last week on the ride. Hooray!

Waltzing to Wakulla Springs

2009-04-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

We had probably the easiest ride of the trip today from Quincy to Wakulla Springs Lodge. The lodge is in a state park next to Wakulla Springs and Sally Ward Springs, which are the source of the Wakulla River, which flows to the St. Marks River, which flows to the Gulf of Mexico. There is swimming at the springs and boat rides to see the wildlife around the springs and river. The lodge has a restaurant, which is handy because the next closest restaurant is 8 miles away! Tried to swap my bike for one of the motorcycles at this stop, but had no takers.

The ride was a mixture of rolling hills and flat, with lots of bugs. We've been eaten alive by bugs at dinner the past couple of nights, and at the sag and pee stops along the road. Lots of incentive to keep the sag stops short and keep moving -- incentive we really didn't need Saturday because we were told that check-in time at the lodge was 2:30. So, we didn't start rolling until after 8 a.m., but were still at the lodge before noon. So, had a nice lunch at the lodge restaurant, after which we were told some of the rooms, including mine, were ready.

Changed clothes and took the boat ride which was simply wonderful and relaxing. Saw ospreys, egrets, herons, moorhens, turtles, leaping mullet, and alligators. After supper we had a talent show/variety show. Some riders made up songs, some read poetry, some handed out awards, some did skits. I chose to watch. Didn't inherit any kind of performing arts gene.

So, will wrap up this post for now with the usual bike stats and food stats. Haven't slept well the last couple of nights -- sinus headaches from being out in the 90 degree and 90 percent humidity, then into 68 degree air conditioning. I can open the windows here and plan to do that to see if it helps. I noticed that west of Kerrville I had no headaches or arthritis aches. Ever since we hit east Texas, the arthritis is back and headaches too. I'm not the only rider who says the arthritis is kicking in now that we're in hotter, more humid weather.

Bike stats: 40.82 miles; 3 hrs. 12 minutes riding time; 1,837 total trip miles.

Food stats: Last night had a burrito. Had cereal with yogurt and a banana for breakfast. Lunch was a club sandwich with fries. Dinner was a barbeque sandwich with macaroni and cheese and melon, and some cake made by a friend of a rider.

Only 3 riding days left to go for me, and one sag driving day. I should just barely top 2,000 riding miles for the trip, about 900 sag driving miles, and about 240 miles of riding out bad weather or flat tire in the van.

Quickly to Quincy

2009-04-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today was a rolling rest day. 55 miles to Quincy. There was some flat, some rolling hills, and a couple of hills which had me reach for a gear I haven't used in a long time. Most of the ride was on back roads which were traffic-free and beautiful.

As we left the town of Chattahoochie (sp?), we ascended a long hill into the Florida Alps, or so it seemed. Had a report of a bicyclist who was bitten yesterday around mile 40 of our ride. The bicyclist's wife called Womantours to warn us --- could it have been Dan and Beth, who were traveling with Dave along much of the ride at the same time we were? (Dave told me on Dauphin Island that he had split up from Dan and Beth to go his own way.) We were told the local animal authorities picked up the offending dog and the owner said the other dogs would be kept indoors. We had no trouble through that part of the route.

Had a great lunch and wander in the downtown square in Quincy. Went to Miss Helen's Expresso Cafe d'Art and had a wonderful sandwich and some iced tea. Her place has local art for sale on the walls and was very, very classy. Next door was a gift shop which sold beautiful locally-made arts and crafts. There was also an art show with gorgeous paintings by Dean Gioia and lovely hand-turned wooden pieces. Had just a couple of miles from there to the hotel. In the short time we took for lunch and sightseeing the temperature felt like it rose to 90 degrees!

All in all, today was more like how I wish the entire ride could have been -- put in the miles early in the day and then sightsee. Unfortunately we haven't been able to do that most days because we need to put in more miles than can accommodate dallying.

Bike stats: 55.78 miles; 4 hrs. 10 minutes riding time; 1,796 total trip miles.

Food stats: Dinner last night was chicken in peanut sauce, rice, asian salad, and a cupcake for dessert. Breakfast was cereal, yogurt, banana. On-road snack was half a banana. Had a ham club at Miss Helen's with whole grain chips, a pickle, and iced tea.

Tomorrow we travel to Wakulla Springs and stay at the lodge there. There is no wireless internet at the lodge (and I don't know whether there is any cell phone coverage). We'll have a layover day there on Sunday, so I'll update the blog on Monday.

I'm now back in the same time zone as Peter, Brody, and all my Vermont friends!!

My, my, Marianna

2009-04-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Wow. Today I drove the sag wagon on a 94-mile day and couldn't believe how fast everyone pedaled. I set up four sag stops and couldn't catch the lead group in time for the fourth! Simply didn't have time to stop along the way to take pictures. Really wished I'd been riding today!

Two riders took a bump up to the first sag stop in order to have time to visit DeFuniak springs along the way. Aside from those two, every rider rode the entire ride, and all but one rider arrived at the hotel in plenty of time to shower and relax before dinner. Two other riders even put in additional miles so they could do a century. The Florida heat must have baked their brains!!

The route was certainly conducive to an "easy" 90+ mile ride. Easy rollers and flat terrain, good shoulder, good road surface, friendly wind, but it was hot - in the upper 80's. The route followed US90 pretty much the entire way, except for a zig-zag at the beginning to get out of Crestview and a short stretch on SR71 in Marianna to get to the hotel.

Tomorrow we have a rolling rest day ride of 54 miles to Quincy, Florida. Will be nice to be "back in the saddle again."

Cruising to Crestview

2009-04-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

Had a short, easy ride from Pensacola to Crestview today. The ride started out on US90 and was very, very busy. We eventually moved from US90 to a bike path, and from there to some quiet back roads before joining back with a far-less-busy US90 for the final miles to Crestview. The ride had lots of rolling hills and good pavement. The wind was again favorable.

So, we arrived in Crestview around noon and the hotel kindly scrambled to get us into rooms (not all the assigned rooms had been cleaned). Some hotels have been very accommodating in that regard, while others just make us wait. The U.S.S. Intrepid veterans we left behind at the hotel were going to watch the Blue Angels practice this morning. They were lots of fun.

Not much else to report today. There wasn't any spectacular scenery and no notable side visits. A nice short, relaxing day to have before tomorrow's long day.

Bike stats: 56.43 miles; 4 hrs. 20 minutes riding time; 1,740 total trip miles.

Food stats: Had some grapes for dinner last night -- was still stuffed from lunch! Breakfast was scrambled eggs, hash browns, juice. Had some oreos and a Go Lean bar at the sag stops. Had a grande java chip frappuchino upon arrival and am getting ready to have a mandarin chicken salad for lunch.

Tomorrow is supposed to be 94 miles. Glad I'm driving the sag wagon!!

Pensacola - Florida at long last

2009-04-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

This morning started with a short ride to the ferry and a ferry ride from Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan, Alabama. We biked along the gulf coast of Alabama initially on a newly paved, smooth, flat road with......our first tailwind in a very, very long time. We then entered a bike lane area and had pretty good bike lanes for most of the day. It made the day truly enjoyable.

We passed lots of high rise condos along the coast, crossed over into Florida, then entered the outskirts of Pensacola and pedaled through the city to the other side. There were a couple of rollinghills in Pensacola, but nothing to lose sleep over. Stopped at a bike shop and saw nice stuff, but didn't need any of it so didn't drop a dime there. They were happy to see us all, though, and hear our stories.

Today was a big day for Patty. She is afraid of bicycling over high bridges. Today she and I pedaled together over three of them. I tried to stay between her and the railing and we sang "99 bottles of beer on the wall..........." all the way over each. Actually we started the first bridge with "Mary had a little lamb" then went to "Row, row, row your boat" but decided neither was cerebral enough. By the end of the third bridge we were down to 57 bottles of beer on the wall. Patty got a well deserved standing cheer from the gang at the lunch stop. She and I celebrated with Midnight truffle blizzards at the Dairy Queen across the road from the hotel. The DQ overlooks a very, very long motor vehicle bridge over the bay. We figure that if we have to bicycle that bridge we'll have to restock the beer supply!

At the hotel tonight there is a reunion of sailors who served on the U.S.S. Intrepid. They were lots of fun while we were checking in. One of them in a scooter challenged us to a downhill race, but then decided it wouldn't be fair to us. Some of them are my dad's age -- not too many of them left.

Bike stats: 69.97 miles; 4 hrs. 44 minutes riding time; 1,684 total trip miles.

Food stats: embarrassing. Shrimp basket (fried shrimp, hush puppies, cole slaw) for lunch yesterday. Dinner was steamed broccoli and fries. Breakfast this morning was some scrambled eggs and a banana. Lunch was a shrimp basket (fried shrimp, hush puppies, cole slaw, and fries, and a taste of fried green tomatoes). Post-ride protein loading was the midnight truffle blizzard at DQ. Think I'll just have salad tonight!

So, on to Crestview tomorrow skirting north of Pensacola Bay and Eglin Air Force Base. We won't see any more large bodies of water until our last day when we ride to the Atlantic Ocean. The weather forecast doesn't include any rain for the next week. Can't believe we've been so lucky with the weather, other than the incessant headwinds. Only one bad weather day (rain, thunder, lightning) since we started.

Easy day in Dauphin Island

2009-04-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today has been very relaxing. Woke up and walked for an hour and a half. Definitely need to get the walking muscles working again so I can get back to daily walks with Brody! Pedaled to the post office and saw some cross-country cyclists we have seen numerous times over the past month (Dave, Carl, Nathan, and two others). We'll be varying from the Adventure Cycling (AC) Southern Tier course in Florida, so may not see them again until St. Augustine as they are following the AC course.

Pedaled to both ends of the island (without cycle computer so that Kak won't have to ride her stationary bike extra miles). There is an old fort -- Fort Gaines -- on the eastern end as well as an Estuarium and harbor ferry. I was going to visit the fort, but just as I pulled in a busload of school kids pulled in too. Decided it wasn't worth the $5 entry fee to trip over kids all over the place. The east end (picture on the top above) is heavily wooded and grassy and the homes looked like they'd been there a while. Biked to the west end (picture on the bottom above) where there is a beach which you have to pay to use. There are no trees on the western half of the island and most of the houses looked relatively new. Almost all houses on the island are on pilings. I asked a building contractor how deep the pilings run in the sand. He told me 15 feet deep, and there is no concrete footing or anything like that around or below them. Sounds pretty unsecure to me -- especially in bad weather with tidal surges!

Took lots of pictures of the island today and then misplaced my camera. Fortunately someone found it and turned it in to the condo office. Thank you whoever found it! Got a picture of the bridge we had to cross yesterday to get to the island. It is about 3.5 miles or so long, with a very high center. Of course, we had a headwind all the way crossing it.

Lubed Bessie, had lunch at the Common Loon -- fried shrimp, hush puppies. Will go out for a beach walk in a few minutes, then get myself organized for tomorrow's ride to Pensacola -- Florida -- more margaritas!!

Two weeks from today I'll be home and playing with Brody. The ride has really gone by quickly.

Margaritas at Dauphin Island

2009-04-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

We're on Dauphin Island in Alabama tonight and tomorrow night. New state means margaritas! The ride was a really short ride - 43 miles -- and I was on the island by noon even with a headwind. Bad weather was forecast for yesterday, last night, and today, but we didn't get any of it, just more quartering headwind. It is supposed to clear as the day progresses and tomorrow is supposed to be gorgeous.

The ride was pretty flat all the way to the bridge from the mainland to the island. Had a few dogs bark at us but nothing worrisome. Got here and had lunch at the Lighthouse Bakery. Had heard they were a good breakfast stop (for tomorrow morning), so as I rode in I checked with them and they said they would be closed tomorrow. So, I checked in at the condos and then went back for a fantastic omelette. Wanted to grab a bunch of goodies, but couldn't haul them on the bike without crushing them. Read some good internet reviews of the Best Li'l Oar House and The Common Loon restaurants. I'd like to get some good seafood tomorrow.

We're at condos which face the Gulf beach. Should be nice to walk the beach tomorrow. There are also lots of nature/bird viewing areas to check out too. I'll need to clean and lube Bessie the bike before I set out to do any sightseeing tomorrow. Also need to ply, wash, and dry some yarn I am spinning. There are six of us in this 4-bedroom condo which also has two washers. Of course, I'm accustomed to my single room. Guess I'll have to actually interact with people for the next day or so!! Hope they can handle it. Plenty of room in the condo for all of us though. The condo management has left a bag of rags we can use to clean our bikes. Smart move!

Bike stats: 50.05 (included some bikeseeing miles before settling in at the condo); 4 hrs. 13 minutes riding time; 1,614 total trip miles. I'll leave the computer in the room tomorrow while I sightsee so I don't make Kak angry by including any more miles on the official tally than necessary!

Food stats: Last night had pumpkin and spinach lasagna (really great), salad, and bread. This morning had eggs, half a banana, and half a donut. On the road had 2 oreo cookies. Had a smoked ham with mushrooms, onions, and swiss cheese omelette with toast. Linda is cooking supper tonight. We're on our own tomorrow.

Pedal to Pascagoula

2009-04-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

I drove the sag wagon today on our way to Pascagoula, Mississippi. It was a pretty uneventful drive today and all riders got in pretty early. The forecast was for increasing chance of rain and thunderstorms during the day, so we started earlier than usual and the riders made good time despite a pretty strong headwind.

Most of the ride was on pretty back roads, rolling at first, and ended on busier flat road. The only down side to Mississippi back roads is the occasional dog chase. Most of the time the dogs just want you out of their territory and if you use your deep, penetrating, commanding voice and pedal like hell the worst that happens is that they just run alongside until they run out of territory. Today there was a pack of dogs -- mother and good-sized pups -- which gave chase to all who passed and one rider said one of the pups was clearly aiming for her heel. Despite the fact that I have a healthy fear of being mauled, I prefer a country road with occasional dog chase to a busy road with no shoulder!

Tomorrow's ride is only 40+ miles, but the weather is supposed to be iffy (rain, winds). Think everyone will make good time looking forward to a beautiful layover day on the beach!

Bike stats: none. Food stats: cereal with milk, a few oreos, a milkshake. Don't know what Linda plans for tonight. Last night she cooked what started to be beef stew but ended up being beef with lentils and rice. Had biscuits and salad with it.

Hey, and Dauphin Island is in Alabama, so it will be margarita night again!

Winging our way to Wiggins

2009-04-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

We left Bogalusa well after the butt crack of dawn and headed on to Wiggins, Mississippi. Stopped along the way for a tasty road treat. The route continued to have rolling hills all the way, with varying road surfaces, some great, some which made Texas' chip seal look smoothe. Our cue sheet said we had a short option and a long option. The short option spent much of the time on a busy two-lane road with no shoulder. The longer option had better roads but we were cautioned about dogs. Evidently the dogs in this stretch last year were bad enough to have the sheriff involved. We all took the long option (better to have a dog bite than be hit by a truck) and enjoyed the ride immensely, even though we did have a stronger headwind than the past couple of days.

Stopped at a drug store in Poplarville which had a neat soda fountain in the back. We had ice cream there at 10 a.m. and relaxed for a few minutes, and used the flush toilet. We're starting to see chigger bites on the ankles of those using the outdoor toilet facilities, so an indoor toilet was a welcome sight!

Saw more cows, had some horses trot alongside us, and saw these lovely llamas and cria (baby llama). As we were taking pictures of the llamas, a local person pulled up next to us and said they were Mississippi cows. Puhleese............ We may be girls, but we ain't that uneducated!

So, bike stats: 61.73 miles; 5 hr. 23 minutes riding time; 1,564 total trip miles. Yesterday my ride time was 4 hrs. 38 minutes. It is fun to poll people you are riding with to see what their odometers read at various stops along the way. It's seldom that any 2 people have the same reading even though they've followed the same route.

Food stats: Last night had roast pork, mashed sweet potatoes, and mustard greens and black eye peas. Linda made a "dump cake" (say that with a real southern twang) last night: a can of cherry pie filling, a can of crushed pineapple with juice, sprinkle a box of vanilla cake mix on top of that, drizzle a melted stick of butter over all that. Bake. It was great. This morning I had cereal and milk and a banana for breakfast. On the road had a package of fruit chews, a donut (thank you Ann, the sag driver), and a small bowl of vanilla ice cream. Had a personal pan pizza (ham and pineapple) for lunch.

We're supposed to have a good chance of showers tomorrow and Sunday, so I'm glad I'm on sag duty tomorrow. We head to Pascagoula tomorrow. On Sunday we go to Dauphin Island, Alabama, where we have a layover day on Monday in condos on the coast. The weather for the layover day is supposed to be good.

Two weeks from today Peter and I will be driving up to Virginia Beach for a short visit with Krakie Kaki (my older, but not necessarily wiser) older sister before heading home. Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

Bee-bopping in Bogalusa

2009-04-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought we would spend the rest of the trip in boring flat land, Michelle's route gave us some nice rolling hills and pretty back roads. It was a beautiful day.

The scenery looked much the same as the last few days early on, but then at mile 20 we encountered the Global Wildlife park -- llamas at the fence. The park is a giant enclosure for various wildlife forms and they run 1 1/2 hr. rides through the park during which you can touch and feed the wildlife. As a bicyclist the trick was getting in, because once you delicately cross the cattle grates you are in open wildlife country. Imagine bicyclists being chased by herds of elk, llamas, antelope, whatever. Fortunately a park worker in an open vehicle was coming by and gave a couple of us a ride to the visitor's center where we could buy tickets for the 10 a.m. ride. Another bicyclist got a ride in with another visitor. Unfortunately for us, every school-age child in Louisiana and their parents showed up for that ride and they ran out of tickets just before we got to the cash registers. So, the park worker came and brought us out and we were back on the road again.

Further down the road we came upon the Uneedus Superdome!

The rest of the ride was less eventful and on gorgeous back roads with very little traffic. Thank you Michelle. Saw more horses and cows, and got barked at but not chased by dogs. By 1:30 I was in Bogalusa, even though I was really just dawdling.

Bike stats: Oops - forgot to bring the cycle computer to the hotel lobby (where the wireless works): 54 miles today; don't know how long it took; don't have the number for total trip mileage.

Food stats: Cornflakes with yogurt for breakfast. Had a banana, fruit chews, and a Powerbar Harvest bar on the road. Lunch was some red beans and rice, two chicken tenders, and an ice cream bar.

Tomorrow we cross into Mississippi, so it will be margarita night. Will be another short day too. Yahoo!

Hi-tailing it to Hammond

2009-04-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a long ride, so we left a bit early from St. Francisville. The ride began with some gentle rolling hills for the first 10 miles or so, bright sunshine, and mist rising from the fields and ponds. We rolled through farm country - cows, horses - and some forest. After the first 10 miles, it was back to flat.

Had a lot more homes along the way, and a whole lot more traffic. There was little or no usable shoulder for the first 50 miles or so. That made the traffic a bit more unpleasant. The last part of the ride, however, took us on roads that were less traveled and were really pretty. This was another new route for WomanTours and is not part of the Adventure Cycling route.

I didn't take many pictures today. The scenery looked pretty much the same as it has for the last few days, so didn't make much sense to stop for pictures. About the only times I did stop were for the sag wagon (3 times -- thank you, Carol), and a couple of visits to the woods to water the vegetation. The day was relatively cool and not enough wind to fuss about, and I drank a lot, so................... Didn't do a lunch stop because I don't wear a watch and really didn't know how I was doing on time. Besides, I really had a craving for a midnight truffle blizzard at Dairy Queen (darned TV ads) and was hoping I'd pass one. Didn't. Got in at 2:45, so changed clothes and went to the Cracker Barrel restaurant next door to the hotel and had a ham and cheese breakfast skillet. Won't want much for dinner tonight!

Bike stats: 88.63 miles; 6 hrs. 53 minutes riding time; 1,444 total trip miles.

Food stats: See above for lunch. Breakfast was a banana, scrambled eggs, a croissant, and some fried potatoes. Had a couple of bananas on the road and a Powerbar protein bar.

Tomorrow sounds like it might be a rolling rest day -- 55 miles to Bogalusa (one of Peter's favorite city names).

Relaxing in St. Francisville

2009-04-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Today has been a nice day to recharge the batteries. St. Francisville is a beautiful little town and the weather was perfect -- cool breezes and warm sun. Spent the morning walking around town. There are lots of neat old homes and churches and some fun gift shops to visit. The museum at the visitor center is also interesting. I really liked Grandmother's Buttons -- a store with neat stuff and they make antique-style buttons and jewelry. They have a website (http://www.grandmothersbuttons.com/) (which I couldn't get to come up on the computer), and they sell wholesale (hint Anne and Sandy -- really nice stuff for Six Loose Ladies??).

Had a nice sandwich at lunchtime at Magnolia's Cafe and saved half of it for dinner. Mailed some stuff and then spent the afternoon reading and listening to YoYo Ma and Peter, Paul and Mary on the MP3 player. What a relaxing afternoon!!!

St. Francisville is on a bluff over Bayou Sara. The bayou area is the home of the largest bald cypress trees in the nation. The houses on low-lying areas in Louisiana frequently are on structures which raise them above the ground. The trees have lots of spanish moss and also have "resurrection fern" on them -- in dry times the fern is dull brown and dromant, but when there is some rain it comes back to life and is green. Things are so different from Vermont!

Looking forward to getting back on my wheels tomorrow. I have only a few long days of riding left on the trip. I drive the sag wagon on the others. One of the disappointments of this trip for me has been the lack of interesting side trips and museums along the route. On the shorter days we would have time for them, but I haven't found them on the shorter days. Don't have time for them on the longer days. A few of the ones we have encountered have been closed on the day we passed through. I think that we're a bit off-season for some things too. Maybe when Peter and I do the Northern Tier (my 60th birthday year??) (Peter will drive sag) we can take more time for side trips and fun things.

Staying in St. Francisville

2009-04-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in posting this edition. Got in too late last night to update.

Yesterday's ride was a new route for Womantours from Lafayette to St. Francisville, LA. I think riders would agree that the route and roads were very nice. I was driving the sag wagon, so it didn't matter much to me. I did get a public broadcasting radio station in the car, and had air conditioning, so I was a pretty happy camper. Especially when the passing torrential rain storms blew through!

The route was, again, flat except for one bridge over the Atchafalaya river. We also had a 4-mile stretch over a bayou on a bridge which did not have any shoulder and had traffic whizzing by at 65 mph. So, the early batch of riders went across with the van and trailer following them. I followed the rest of the riders. It was really impressive watching them pedaling two-by-two in close formation. These ladies have become such good riders. They've ridden far more than I have, given my sag days and the few days I've ridden in the van, and the miles are reflected in their steady, strong legs!

The day ended with a ferry ride across the Mississippi. Last year the river was too high for the ferry to run, so the riders had to be shuttled in the van all the way to Baton Rouge and then back north to St. Francisville.

Today was flat tire day. One rider had a flat before she left the hotel. Another rider had a flat before the bayou bridge ride. Other riders found road debris in their tires before it became a problem. Shortly before the ferry ride one rider had to replace a tire as well as a tube. She had the notorious Bontrager rim, which we've found is not conducive to on-road tire or tube replacement. It is simply too hard to get the tire back on this rim. We tried and tried to roll the tire back onto the rim, and each time finally had to use tire irons to put the tire back on, which only resulted in two pinch flats. At that point, she and her riding partner decided to sag on in. Was nice for me to have company at the end of the day, but I know they would rather have cycled.

At St. Francisville we are staying in two separate places. The bulk of the riders and the van and trailer are at the Butler Greenwood B&B, which is an old plantation dating to the 1790's. The same family has held onto it all these years. It is a gorgeous facility, with many old trees and nice cottages and is located 2-3 miles from town. It doesn't have internet service or a real big breakfast and its location away from town means riders have to bike in to have lunch and dinner. A handful of us are staying at the St. Francisville Inn, which is in town and has its own gentle ambience as well as a great buffet breakfast and internet. Hard to say which place is better, especially since the kids from hell were in the room next door. Had to go to sleep with earplugs and the air conditioner running full blast to drown them out.

We're here for the day (and unfortunately I think the kids from hell are too). Tomorrow we're on to Hammond, LA on yet another new route for Womantours and I'll be back to pedaling. We were told tomorrow's 87-mile ride has some rolling hills, which will be a welcome change!

Easter in Lafayette

2009-04-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's Easter Sunday today. A weather front is moving through today. Weather forecasts said 20-30 mph winds from the east (headwinds), rain, chance of severe thunderstorms, and an 83-mile day. So, it was a van ride for me to Lafayette. By the time the van (also called the "mother ship") left the first sag stop we had seven of us plus Linda and Carol. After checking in at the hotel Carol took the mother ship back out in case others needed to be picked up.

(As I'm typing this there is a severe thunderstorm warning being issued - hail, straight-line winds, high winds, lightning, thunder.)

From the inside of the van the route looked -- flat. Lots of turns, some pretty bad road surfaces, but pretty rural and very quiet on Easter Sunday. Went through Crowley, the self-proclaimed rice capital of the U.S. Passed lots of rice patties, and some crawfish paddies. Louisiana is the leading producer of crawfish in the U.S. and has 125,000 acres of crawfish paddies.

So, no bike stats to report. Had a nice hotel breakfast of scrambled eggs, melon, hash browns, and a biscuit. Lunch has been a mocha frappuchino. I drive the sag wagon tomorrow (darn -- tailwinds are predicted). We have a layover in St. Francisville the day after. We've heard lots of good things about that layover site.

Lake Charles Ramble

2009-04-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

We made it to Lake Charles, Louisiana today. No "welcome to Louisiana" signs along the way, but we'll have margaritas tonight!! The day started with one of our lead riders sending people the wrong way, but everyone eventually managed to get back on the route with minimal angst. It was another very flat day except for two bridge crossings (and I didn't need to drop down too many gears to cross them). More trees, cows, horses, and as we got closer to Lake Charles we saw some signs of suburbia (and lots of traffic). The scenery isn't nearly as dramatic as the hills of the west. The roadside debris, however, was interesting.

The cue sheet was off by quite a bit, even allowing for the early goof. The road surface was good overall, with sections which were pretty rough. Could have used a few towns along the way for a break in the tedium and for a place for lunch, but none were to be had. Had a light headwind most of the day, so had to keep pedaling, and pedaling, and pedaling........ Patty and I played alphabet games -- using the letters of the alphabet name countries, animals, food, colors, parts of the body. We also named the states and state capitals. We kind of burned out after that, and decided xanadu was an animal, food, and color.

Bike stats: 82.76 miles; 6 hrs. 39 minutes riding time; 1,355 total trip miles.

Food stats: Mini-cinnamon roll, scrambled eggs and a banana for breakfast. On the road had another banana, some fruit chews, some almonds and M&Ms, and a donut. For lunch, bean burrito (after arriving at the hotel). Don't know what Linda is cooking up for tonight.

Sailing to Silsbee

2009-04-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

Didn't have wireless access last night (had ethernet connections in the room but not on my HP mini), so this is filed a day late.
Bessie the bike and I were back together today. Today's ride took us from Cleveland to Silsbee. The morning started out warm (70 degrees) and muggy, but calm to mild winds. The mugginess was just plain awful. We've been so accustomed to the arid western terrain, and then the blustery north winds. I guess this is our welcome to the South! Lots of bugs too -- felt like a human windshield.

The road was pretty flat all day, with little traffic and decent shoulders on the road. Would have fallen asleep at the handlebars if Patty weren't with me to keep me awake. Today's route was scouted by Michelle last year as an alternative to an exceptionally long ride (127 miles) into Louisiana and some not-so-great motel options in Louisiana. Thank you, Michelle, for nice road conditions. I understand we'll be blazing a new route for this ride through parts of Louisiana. We also won't be slavishly following the Adventure Cycling Southern Tier route. If the rest of the South is like today I'll have to search my memory for those games we played as children during long car rides (games other than tormenting my sisters and brother).

Saw lots of horses and cows and birds and considerate logging trucks. Dogs barked at us but didn't give chase. Had lunch at Mama Jack's, a restaurant about 10 miles from our hotel. It was a neat lunch stop serving plain old homestyle cooking. They had a buffet which had everything fried you could imagine and other diners were walking away with heaping plates full of fried everything (with matching physiques). Patty and I settled for a sandwich and some chips and sweet tea.

Bike stats: 64.72 miles; 4 hrs.27 minutes ride time; 1,272 total trip mileage.

Food: Breakfast was some scrambled egg, a mini-muffin, and a banana. Lunch was a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and chips. On-road snacks: a banana, a jerky stick, a handful of almonds and M&M peanuts, and a protein Powerbar. Last night we had pizza and salad with a brownie. Tonight we had pad thai, with a great cole slaw salad and made-from-scratch vanilla custard pudding.

This is our last night in Texas. No offense, Texas, but I'm glad to be rolling on. Three weeks from now I'll be on my way home. This trip has been a lot of fun, some not-so-fun. Next time I decide to ride a long distance, however, I hope Peter and Brody will be with me! I miss them lots.

In Cleveland, Texas that is

2009-04-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

Another exciting sag day in Texas. Started out with a rider getting her arm warmers caught in her rear wheel and derailleur when she removed them while riding. She got some good bruises and scrapes and her rear derailleur was destroyed. As I pulled up to the scene of the accident, the sheriff pulled in behind me. He was really friendly and wanted to help out if we needed help. Fortunately another rider's boyfriend -- who just happened to be visiting -- was familiar with the area and he took the bike to a couple of places to get the right parts and get it fixed. And Bessie, my bike, was pressed into service in the damaged bike's place. All told, it was one of those incidents when everything just wasn't a big deal and by the end of the day everyone was back in synch.

Thank you to the sheriff and the town of Navasota. Everyone I met there was friendly and wanted to do whatever they could to make our stay pleasant.

The route today was more rolling hills and flat sections with lots of ranches (horses, cows) and the Sam Houston national forest -- meaning lots of trees. It was a pretty ride, overcast, comfortable temps, and not too windy. While I didn't see them, there were reports of dogs chasing some of the riders. We're told this will become a more common occurrence. Ugh.

So, no bike stats. Food stats: cereal for breakfast, some jerky and a few oreos for lunch, pizza and salad for dinner. Tomorrow will be our last full day in Texas. In two days it will be margarita time!!!

Rest day in Navasota

2009-04-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

Last night Linda cooked a great chicken pot pie, Lois made a great salad, and Laurey supplied desserts from her catering business back home in Asheville, North Carolina. While my stomach still wasn't very happy at the thought of food, I ate a bit of chicken pot pie and a brownie. Had welcome help with the dishes, after which I went back to the room and spun some llama fiber Patty so nicely provided me, and watched UConn beat Louisville in women's basketball.

This morning dawned sunny (yet again) and cool. Had one of those disgusting hotel waffles and decided to go visit Washington-on-the Brazos state historic site. Yesterday's route passed it and it looked interesting. I thought the website for the place indicated it opened at 9, so got on the bike and pedaled ten miles only to find out it didn't open until 10. So, I just hung out, pedaled around, and walked along the nature trails until the visitor center, museum, and living history area opened.

Washington, Texas, was the site of the drafting and signing of the Texas declaration of independence and the Texas constitution -- after which everyone high-tailed it out of town because Santa Ana was coming to town. The town was pretty small then and the only thing going for it was that it was the site of an important ferry crossing and landing for water-borne commerce. The delegates to the convention which declared independence and drafted the constitution were white males, with a couple of hispanics thrown in, all of whom had to be against a central government (at the time they were part of Mexico). The outcome of the convention was never in doubt! Washington was the capital of the Republic of Texas for a short while, and its demise came after it decided not to have railroad service, but rather rely on the Brazos River for its commercial needs.

In addition to a reconstruction of the hall in which the delegates did their thing (which I thought I'd taken a picture of, but didn't), the site has a museum which is devoted primarily to all the things white Texians (immigrants to Texas) and early Texans used to live back in the good old days (1860's). It had a few dead animals to show what was in the area, and one small display devoted to the indigenous peoples who were forced out of their ancestral lands. (All the roadside historic markers I've seen in Texas have focused on accomplishments in the area made by white settlers -- the indigenous peoples have been completely ignored.)

The third part of the site is a living history museum (of which I took lots of pictures). That part of the site has an 1860's era house and farm as described in the diaries of Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The house was neat -- two rooms on each side of an open breezeway, with childrens' sleeping quarters in the attic (where they froze in the winter and baked in the summer). There were outbuildings for cooking, farm tools, and slave quarters. There was no outhouse -- people back then just went to the bathroom in the woods -- kind of like we do on our biking days out in the middle of nowhere. The people who work there are supposed to try to keep in 1860's character and do a pretty good job of it. When I commented that the 1860's settlers probably did not have an Ashford double-drive spinning wheel, the docent admitted that was so, but it was easier to show children how to spin on that than an 1860's antique wheel.

The slave quarters weren't quite as nice.

Came back from there around 1 p.m. and had lunch at Pizza Hut, and will do postcards, read, nap, or whatever until time to get going tomorrow morning. While I'm still not 100% (still don't feel like eating anything), I have one more day of rest while driving sag tomorrow.

Bike stats: 24.05 miles; riding time of 2 hrs. 32 minutes (lots of slow dawdling waiting for the place to open); 1,207 total trip miles.

I think we're all ready to leave Texas, but have three days before we're in Louisiana.

Nice van ride to Navasota

2009-04-07T11:05:00.001-07:00

After doing my blog entry yesterday I started to feel rather punky, so took a nap and woke up around dinnertime. Just couldn't bring myself to eat though -- stomach felt like it had a bowling ball in it. Advice to next year's riders -- maybe skip the taco place near the hotel! Didn't feel very well this morning so just had a small bowl of bran flakes and yogurt. That was enough to get me to the first sag stop, at which time the van and trailer pulled in and I decided to bag the day. Just didn't feel good and didn't have the energy for the day. Peggy was not feeling great either, so we just enjoyed the ride and the opportunity to get our laundry done right away at the hotel!

The route today was a pretty steady diet of long rolling hills through beautiful open cattle fields. The winds had pretty well died down and the morning was brisk (40 degrees or so as we started). It would have been a grand day to bicycle because the scenery was so beautiful. Lots and lots of bluebonnets and other flowers along the way.

Part of the ride was through Warrenton and Round Top which had canopy tents lining the road for miles after having an antiques and collectibles fair. The Texas version of the Brimfield, Massachusetts summer fairs. Would be fun to come back in early April and see what they pass off as antiques and collectibles in this part of the world.

Bike stats: 15.93 miles; 1 hr. 22 minutes riding time; 1,183 miles total trip distance.

Food: No dinner. Bran flakes and yogurt for breakfast. A few oreos at the sag stop. Vanilla milkshake at the hotel.

Think I'll check the dryer and then lay down for a while! Glad we have a layover day tomorrow. If I feel good enough, I may ride a bit just to see the scenery up close.

Lollygagging to La Grange

2009-04-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today was scheduled to be a short day, so we started around 8 a.m. The ride started us through Bastrop and Buescher state parks. The first 14 miles or so were on quiet state park roads that wove up and down and all around. Some of the hills reminded me of Chubb Hill and the hill on East Rd. up to my house, steep but not quite as long as the hills to home. We were surrounded by trees which sheltered us from the wind, which was still blowing hard from the north.

Out of the park we were more exposed to the wind, but since we were traveling southeast the winds were in our favor! The route had beautiful rolling hills through forested areas and cow pastures. We're finally seeing green grass and flowers -- Indian paint brush, painted daisies, and the famed Texas bluebonnets. With the tailwind we were in La Grange in no time. Plenty of time to rest and catch up on stuff (for me that means drop spindling). Tomorrow we head northeast to Navasota, where we'll have a layover day.

Bike stats: 41.73 miles; 3 hrs. 25 minutes; 1,167 total trip miles.

Food stats: Dinner last night was barbecue sandwhiches, cole slaw, fresh fruit, boiled new potatoes, and a couple of cookies for dessert. Breakfast this morning was cereal and a banana. On-road snack was a granola bar. Lunch today has been two beef fajita tacos.

Blowin' in the Wind to Bastrop

2009-04-05T15:16:00.001-07:00

We awoke to a wind which, as usual, strengthened as the day progressed. A cold front moved in, so was a northerly blast which kept us nice and cool.

Today we traveled from Blanco through Wimberley (which did not welcome bicyclists according to one local speaking to one of our riders), through Kyle, through Lockhart (really neat homes there and a great Dairy Queen) and on into Bastrop. We started in hill country, but entered onto pretty flat terrain or rolling hills about halfway into the ride. Had the usual cattle, goat, and sheep farms in the hill country, but that turned to cropland as the terrain flattened. Since it was a long day we had both the van and Bo Peep patrolling the route. Our group is pretty strong, though, and there were few who opted to ride in comfort! The sag stops were great.

For the first two-thirds of the ride the 20-30 mph wind was either a side wind or a tail wind. The last third of the ride it was primarily a head-on or quartering headwind. We traveled on a few quiet side roads, but most of the time we had lots of traffic. The friendly West Texans have no counterparts in this part of Texas. The cars and trucks only reluctantly yielded just enough of the edge of the road for us to ride (much of the time there was no shoulder). Thank you Mary Jo for being my ride buddy today. I had to make sure she was looked after because Donna had to ride the van for most of the day. Mary Jo is the nicest, most positive, most cheerful person on the trip. I don't know what she takes, but I want some too!

Peggy is the best dressed rider of the day!

Bike stats: 91.28 miles (no - I didn't take any shortcuts); 7 hrs. 24 minutes ride time, 1,126 total trip miles.

Food stats: Puffins cereal and a banana for breakfast. Some oreos, a banana, and some licorice at the sag stops and a pineapple milkshake at Dairy Queen for lunch. Don't know what Linda is cooking up for tonight.

I'm surprised to see Marlo Thomas following my blog disguised as Aunty Nancy.

Biking to Blanco

2009-04-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a day late -- couldn't get an internet connection strong enough to update the blog in Blanco.

Today's ride took us from Kerrville to Blanco. Riders were well rested. Our new guide Carol was ready to join the fun. She is replacing Michelle, and will be with us to St. Augustine. It will be interesting to see the different guiding style and how it will fit in with this group. We have our own patterns and routines. Michelle is a superb guide -- she is quiet and let the group develop its own identify and ways. I was told Carol is a retired Navy Captain and she is much more outgoing than Michelle. I'm sure she will add to the dynamic in a positive way and will be able to give us different tips and insights.

The ride out of Kerrville and into Blanco took us on primarily 2-lane back roads along rivers and through ranches (goats, sheep, cattle, and horses). Just when I think we've seen the prettiest countryside yet, along comes a new day with even prettier scenery. Lots of hills, but nothing truly steep like the two days into Kerrville. We passed through the town of Comfort, which has a really neat historic district. Had I been cycling I would have wandered a bit through town, but I was driving the sag wagon and had a stop to set up. I set up the stop down the road near a winery in Sisterdale, just in case any of the riders wanted to buy some wine (I could put it in Bo Peep and carry it for them). Also figured it would be a good sobriety checkpoint. But alas, no one was interested in wine. They were more interested in water and snacks.

Further down the road a handful of riders took a wrong turn. I figured it out when they didn't show up at the next sag stop, but by the time I drove back to where they made the wrong turn and followed it for about 10 miles, they were long gone. I finally found a spot with cell service and discovered they had left a message that they found another way to get to Blanco and were heading in. So, I gathered up the remaining rider who wouldn't make it in for dinner and we headed for the hotel. For next year's Southern Tier riders -- if you have the cue sheet that tells you to "bear left" at the stop sign at Crabapple Road, don't make a hard left turn!!! Go somewhat left of straight.

My sister Terri and her husband Marty joined me for dinner tonight and then spent some time visiting. It really was nice seeing them again. The group had a few other family members here tonight too, but they'll all be gone tomorrow and we'll back in our bubble again.

Tonight at dinner we wished Michelle well, and had a birthday cake for Donna. Donna can't eat things with gluten, so Linda baked a gluten-free chocolate cake and it was fantastic. I really don't understand how Linda can ride for part of the day, then cook up a fantastic meal (tonight - polenta, salad, melon, sausage or tofu with the polenta). And Lois, our sous chef, rides the entire day and helps out at breakfast and helps make dinner. These people are awesome.

No bike stats. Food: scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuit, and some melon for breakfast, A stick of jerky and some applesauce for lunch. For dinner, see above.

I'm back in the saddle, again tomorrow. Supposed to be about 94 miles, some hills, and who knows what the weather will bring.

Krashing to Kerrville

2009-04-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one tough day. Didn't have a chance to take pictures along the way. The one time I stopped to put on my jacket before going downhill I almost was blown over!!

We deviated from the Adventure Cycling Southern Tier route we had been following in order to be able to partake of apple goodies in Medina. We started with the mother of all tailwinds as we headed out, which became somewhat of a side wind when we turned. The side wind became a fantastic tailwind again as we went up the first hill, but then slapped us sideways as we reached the top and pedaled on. After the second time I was blown off the road, literally, the van came along on its way to Medina and I flagged it down for a ride down the steepest part of the downhill -- but ended up sitting in the van all the way to Medina.

Had some coffee and the world's best apple pie in Medina and debated getting back on the road because the wind was going to be a headwind from Medina to Kerrville. We then got reports of other riders who had been blown off the road. One was knocked unconscious for a few minutes. Another had pretty bad bumps and scrapes. Yet another had lesser bumps and scrapes. More had, like me, been blown off the road but stayed on their bikes. At that point Michelle decided that all those not presently on the way to Kerrville from Medina would ride the van. Very wise decision. We dropped off our head injury rider at the hospital for a checkup, visited the local bike shop, then went to the motel. By the time I stowed my stuff and showered, my brother and mother were there to take me to my mom's place.

Bike stats: 11.33 miles; 1 hr. 5 minutes riding time; 1,034 total trip miles.

Food stats: Cereal for breakfast, and a spoonful of scrambled eggs. Coffee and apple pie for lunch. Chicken parmesan sandwhich with a salad at Papa Dante's in San Antonio (near Randolph AFB -- our favorite italian restaurant).

Lots of the riders have friends and family visiting us here, as this is about halfway through the ride and is accessible from two major airports -- Austin and San Antonio. It's hard to see them for such a short time. Thank you, Tom, Mom, and Michael for giving me good moments with you. See you again this Fall hopefully.

Will be driving Lil Bo Peep tomorrow. My sister Terri and her husband Marty will join us for dinner. It will be Michelle's last night with us before Carol guides us the rest of the way.

Over the hills to Vanderpool

2009-04-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Another one of those overnight stops where there is no cell phone connection, no telephones in the rooms, no internet connection, so this update is a day late.

We rolled out of the Woodbine Inn in Camp Wood bright and early this morning. The mileage for the day was only supposed to be 39 miles, but Michelle, our guide, who is from Colorado, told us there would be some tough climbs today. The first climb, around mile 8, was a nice, steady climb, but not too tough. We went from there to the town of Leakey on road 337, which had acceptable chip seal surface.

Out of Leakey the road had the worst chip seal I've seen yet -- very new and very rough. We had a smallish hill just outside of town that was tough because the wind funneled right down the road at us. The wind, as usual, picked up during the day. We biked further and came across climb 2, which again was about a mile and a nice, steady climb, but not too tough. Had some nice rolls around the countryside to the third climb, which seemed to be the steepest, but again about a mile long. The downhill from that hill was a bit scary because of heavy sidewinds which really buffeted the bike. A way further and we turned left to come to the Foxfire Cabins.

The cabins are in a quiet valley with a river behind them. I'm in the main house, which again has dead animal heads on the walls. What is with the mounted dead animal heads in Texas??
Everyone made the hills!! Michelle, who has guided this trip numerous times, said she was impressed that only one person had to be sagged in, and that was because she was running out of time before dinner. Linda and Michelle both said that as a group we are looking really strong and confident on the bikes. That is really good to hear. Lots of the group have slimmed down and are making the mileage much faster than at first.
Saw more sheep and horses, deer, and vultures eating road kill. Also had beautiful views of the hill country. The ride reminded me of Vermont. I'm especially homesick because I haven't been able to talk with Peter for two days.

Bike stats: 40.02 miles; 4 hrs. even trip time; 1,023 total trip miles.

Food for the day: cereal and a banana for breakfast. A protein bar, Go Lean bar, and two oreo cookies on the ride. Linda made a fantastic pot roast, with roast vegetables (brussel sprouts, carrots, potatoes), salad, biscuits, and smores for dessert.

Tomorrow we get to Kerrville and a layover day. Mom and Tom will pick me up and take me down to San Antonio to visit Cletus, Phyllis and Ruthie (Tom's cat and dogs), and they'll bring me back to Kerrville on Friday. A short visit, but better than no visit at all!!

I'll catch up tomorrow

2009-04-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Last night we didn't have internet access (nor did we have cell phone access) at the Foxfire Cabins in Vanderpool. We are in Kerrville tonight and tomorrow. Actually, the other riders are there -- I'm in San Antonio at my mother's home. I'll update the blog with pictures and commentary from yesterday and today tomorrow night!

Camping in Camp Woods

2009-03-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today was another pretty short day, and I was back in the saddle again. The sag driving days are a nice break, but it feels good to have a nice ride.

I was one of the first ones on the road and was happily pedaling along when I noticed a sheep -- not a cow -- for a change. As I got closer I noticed that the ewe was trapped between a fence and a gate inside the fence. and her lamb was frantically looking on So, I stopped the bike, being sure to click out of the right pedal as I usually do when I go to stop. I forgot, however, to click out of the left pedal, and therefore my rush to save the poor ewe was momentarily sidelines while I fall over, disconnected my left foot from the pedal, then picked my bike and myself up. The ewe became distressed at the thought that this nincompoop was going to help her and managed to get her front legs entangled in the gate, and a back leg in the fence. She literally was just hanging, wedged between the fence and gate. There was no answer to my yells at the ranchhouse. Fortunately the rest of the cavalry arrived at that time. We were lucky there was no electric fence! A couple of us managed to lift the ewe enough to disentangle her legs, after which another rider unlatched the gate and we swung it open enough for her to escape to her lamb's delight. That good deed done, we pedaled on.

The day started with some nice rolling hills, but more chip seal pavement and quartering headwinds. The chip seal seemed more problematic to many than the annoying wind. We spent the first half of the day on a narrow farm road which passed sheep farms, cattle ranches, and we even saw llamas. It was pretty, and there was very little traffic. The second half of the ride put us on a busier road, but with a good shoulder. Three miles from Camp Wood was a river crossing and a place to go play in the water. I chose not to play in the water and instead pedaled on into town for lunch and laundry.

All told, a nice day. The Woodbine hotel, where we're staying, is a nice, clean place with a religious theme (the picture frame by my door says Jehovah is watching over me). It is surprising to come to these small, old highway hotels and find wireless internet!

Bike stats: 49.48 miles; 4 hrs. 32 minutes riding time; 983 total trip miles.

Food stats: cereal with blueberries for breakfast, half a banana and some oreos on the road, a taco salad and pineapple milkshake for lunch.

On the march to Fort Clark Springs - Brackettville

2009-03-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

Compared with yesterday's brutal slog to Del Rio, today's trip into the Fort Clark Springs hotel in Brackettville was a breeze. Light winds and relatively flat, and only 42 miles. Gave the tired riders a chance to recouperate. It was a very easy day to drive the sag wagon too. I just got to stand back and document the ladies at work on a flat. Think they could be hired for a construction crew (four watch, one works)?

The Fort Clark Springs hotel, our residence for the night, consists of former barracks at Fort Clark, which was established in 1852 and decommissioned in 1944. It was home to many cavalry units in the U.S. Army, and particularly to the "buffalo soldiers" cavalry units. All the old wooden buildings have been torn down, but the stone quarters and barracks are still being used, as private homes and th hotel. It also has a great spring-fed pool which stays a constant 68 degrees. The pool felt great on this 80+ degree sunny day.

Tomorrow we have another relatively short day (49 miles) and should be seeing more hills as we head into the Texas hill country. We've been told that the hills are a bit steeper but shorter than the mountains we've seen so far. This is around the time in the trip when I was told that people tend to get cranky. One lady said she was out of sorts at the Indian Lodge, and I had a case of it last night. Time to get back to spinning on the drop spindle and on the bike. Both activities help soften the edges!

Food stats: Last night had a couple pieces of pizza. This morning had a ham and cheese and egg croissant and a few oreos at lunch. Dinner was chicken or eggplant tortilla casserole, beans and rice, salad, watermelon, and I had a lemon bar for dessert.

P.S. There was no internet service at Fort Davis, so I'm posting yesterday's blog entry today!

Headwinds to Del Rio

2009-03-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

I decided this morning to ride the van to Langtry (town of Judge Roy Bean) and then bike from there to our home at the Lakeview Inn on the Amistad Reservoir, created by the Amistad dam (serial setters look that up!). Today's ride was 111 miles, and that just didn't seem like fun to me. The van was going to set up lunch at the turnoff to Langry, which is about 50 miles from the hotel.

After visiting Langtry, and setting up lunch, I had second thoughts about biking 50 miles. The wind was a strong headwind. One rider rode in an announced she had ridden 6 mph,...pedaling... downhill. That cinched it for me! We ended up with 7 of us in the van after the lunch stop and picked up 3 more riders on the way to the hotel. The rest of the riders are out there right now and have until 7 before they will be picked up and brought in. Not sure whether to admire them or avoid them!!

The route was a bit hilly, but of the long, rolling variety until the last 20 miles which are flat. We've supposedly dropped another thousand feet or so from Marathon, but according to today's riders you wouldn't know it. We've left the Texas mountains and will be heading into hill country. Only 5 days until we are in Kerrville and I get to visit with Mom, my other mother and father, and my brother and other brother.

So, no bike stats today. Ate some eggs and oatmeal for breakfast, a turkey and cheese wrap for lunch, a few ginger snaps and a granola bar. We're having pizza delivered tonight since Linda cooked breakfast and lunch.

I will probably drive the sag wagon tomorrow. Ann has been driving it since my last duty day because she pulled a muscle. She thinks she might be able to ride again tomorrow. (Although without the boa!)

Tidbit for the non-Texans following this blog: speed limit on I-10 in west Texas is 80. Speed limit on the 2-lane U.S. 90 is 75. Fortunately there has been little traffic on U.S. 90 (our route since Alpine, TX), and the vehicles has pulled over to the opposite lane to pass us when possible.

Safe and sane in Sanderson

2009-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

We left the dead animal hotel this morning and headed to Sanderson, the cactus capital of Texas. It was to be a short day, so we left after 9 a.m. -- some people even left around 10. We had a tailwind most of the day, so despite our best efforts to not get here too early, most of us were here by 2 p.m.

The part of west Texas we are traveling through is very beautiful, with high hills and lots of scrub brush, grassland, cactus, and other flora. Only saw cows today -- no other wildlife. There weren't even any towns between Marathon and Sanderson in which to dawdle. The ride was mostly flat, with one long, gradual, easy uphill near the beginning. The wind picked up toward the end and was a side wind from time to time, but it wasn't a problem like it was yesterday. It was a bit warmer than yesterday, so I shed the warm weather tights and mittens at the first sag stop. Wore the long-sleeved shirt under the rain jacket and was quite comfortable. The breeze is still very cool, but the sun is hot.

Tomorrow is our 111-mile day. If we continue to have a tailwind, I might go for it. If we don't have a good tailwind, I'll ride the van to our lunch stop and bicycle from there. I've done that distance before and don't have anything to prove.

Bike stats: 54.58 miles; 3 hrs. 31 minutes riding time; 933 total trip miles. Food: last night Linda made us happy by cooking up a big pot of split pea soup to warm us up, along with cornbread, and key lime pie. This morning I had cereal and yogurt, on the road had a banana and protein bar. Had another protein bar, some ginger snaps, and a strawberry/kiwi V8 Splash when I got in.

Claudia -- Peggy says "Hey."

Marathon Madness

2009-03-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

This morning we had to regretfully leave Indian Lodge and Davis State Park and continue our journey. After a great buffet breakfast, we pedaled down through Fort Davis and on to Alpine. It seemed like we hit the rush hour for the traffic from Fort Davis to Alpine! In Alpine we invaded a lovely bakery. 21 women in a small cafe/bakery creates quite a scene. While we were there Dave and Dan joined us. They and Dan's wife Beth are also bicycling the Southern Tier -- one of them drives a small RV while the other two ride. Dave and Dan sat down with Ted Gray, a local rancher of repute. Mr. Gray walked into the bakery and absolutely commanded attention. He is 85, but ramrod straight and over six feet tall. He came to Alpine, Texas at age 15 and became a successful rancher. If you're interested in more about him, click on http://texanareview.typepad.com/posts/culture/ and scroll down to his interview.

After Alpine, we headed more easterly than southerly. There was a high wind warning in effect through this afternoon, and we noticed it right away! It was sometimes a quartering wind from the north, sometimes a side wind, and was a fantastic tailwind for a while. According to Patty, the wind was 20 mph, gusting to 35 or more. At times I felt like my bike was leaned over 45 degrees to stay upright! And we lost our warm weather today. When we left Fort Davis it was 39, and was still 39 in Alpine. After we got here and were eating lunch we were told it was 44 degrees (at 2:30 p.m.). My southern climate sisters were very unhappy with the cold. I thought it felt great!! Rode most of the day with just tights, a long-sleeve top, rain jacket, and mittens. Those training rides in my unheated garage were colder than this!!

We're at the Gage Hotel in Marathon. It is an historic hotel, furnished with neat, western decor, like cowhides for carpets. Also has neat Mexican-style tiles on the walls. Its lobby is fantastic too with lots of dead animal heads and a stuffed cougar. Real Texan. Most of us are in a section of the hotel where the rooms open onto a lovely flowered courtyard. It the weather were warmer it would be wonderful to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful blossoms.

Animal sightings: Mule deer, antelope, buzzards snacking on a coyote carcass.

Bike stats: 62.4 miles; 4 hrs. 45 minutes riding time; 879 total trip miles. Food stats: egg biscuit, hashbrowns, and half a grapefruit for breakfast, some assorted nuts along the route, a small donut and chai tea latte in Alpine, a grilled cheese sandwich and bag of chips upon arrival in Marathon.

It's amazing that we were all commenting this morning that today would be a short ride! People are definitely in good shape by now!

Relaxing in Fort Davis

2009-03-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a brutal bicycling day. Thankfully I drove the sag yesterday. The day started with a nice flat tailwind ride on the shoulder of I-10 from Van Horn for about 40 miles. Then the riders exited I-10 for the almost 60-mile leg into Fort Davis, and the wind picked up and was a howling quartering wind in their faces. There were lots of folks who, at the 45 mile lunch spot, hitched a ride to the HILLS after mile 62, or all the way to the hotel in the Davis State Park. There were a lot of hardy souls, however, who slogged through the wind and into the hills for a total of 90 miles. They are truly inspirational!!!!! (or should be considered certifiable, take your pick) One determined soul rode the entire way until about 8 miles from the hotel, when he rear tire blew out. Her tube shredded and the sidewall of the tire was a disaster. Thankfully she didn't get hurt. She'll have to ride the van tomorrow to Marathon, where she'll have new rims and tires and tubes awaiting her.

Last night and tonight we are staying at the Indian Lodge in Davis State Park. The oldest part of the lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. It is absolutely beautiful. The best part of it is that we are away from cities and traffic, no need to keep the A/C unit going to cover the noise. I kept the windows open and listened to birds singing this morning. First really sound sleep of the trip. I hope that Peter and I can someday come here and spend a week hiking and enjoying the place. The Davis Mountains are beautiful.

So, on to Marathon tomorrow. I'll add pictures to this post tomorrow when I can update from my computer (I'm using the Fort Davis library computer right now).

Over the hill to Van Horn

2009-03-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's horrendous windstorm which blew us into Fort Hancock continued into the evening. We had to find a section of the hotel grounds which was somewhat sheltered in order for Linda to cook dinner and to set it up and eat. It was a mess. Grit got into everything. By dark, however, the winds had abated. But, just in case, Linda arranged for us to eat breakfast at Angie's restaurant across the street (because she just couldn't cook a grit-free meal in the wind).

So, at 6 a.m., a dozen bicyclists waited by Angie's front door. The cook arrived, got coffee started, and got the grill going. The waitress showed up 5 minutes later. I don't know how they did it, but they had all of us served with our breakfast of choice by 7:15 or so, and we were on our way. Kudos to Angie's!!

Patty and I traveled together today and chatted up a storm. While I enjoy bicycling alone, it was nice to have company and she enjoyed pedaling at my relatively slow but steady pace. She had earlier been tagging along with the faster riders or riding alone. The day started pretty flat through more horse and alfalfa and cotton country. We then climbed back up into 4,000 ft. elevation terrain on I-10 and its frontage road. Stayed at that level much of the ride, with a pretty flat roll. The last 5 miles were a nice, easy downhill right to the hotel front door. Once again we had favorable winds. We're getting spoiled!!!

We also changed time zones just before Van Horn. That meant we got in at 2:45 instead of 1:45. Lost a whole hour, but got in early enough to be second in line for the washing machine. The laundry procedure is to tape a piece of paper to the washer and sign up. When the person ahead of you on the list is done, they let you know so you can start your wash. The dryer here is creating a problem because it runs longer than the washer. Our literature doesn't indicate that we have laundry facilities in Ft. Davis, our next destination and layover day, so we need to do it now or in 3 days.

Bike stats: 75.42 miles; riding time 5 hrs. 45 minutes; total mileage 816. Food: Last night spaghetti, bread, salad, and a brownie; breakfast was an egg & cheese burrito and hash browns; had two protein bars on the ride and a banana on the ride, and a DQ hawaiian blizzard upon arrival.

Tomorrow I drive the sag wagon (known as Lil Bo Peep). It will be a long day - 90 miles, so will mean lots of back and forth to keep track of my sheep.

Flying to Fort Hancock

2009-03-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today's weather forecast was for high winds, but we had a short ride scheduled, so start time was after 8 a.m. I decided not to be the first one on the road and to actually ride with someone. My Vermont neighbor Peggy, Elizabeth from Massachusetts, and Marni from Houston let me tag along. Elizabeth dubbed today a rolling rest day.

We stopped at a couple of missions which were very beautiful. Then around 11 we stopped at a small Mexican restaurant, La Calesa, in Tornillo for lunch. The general consensus was the enchiladas were great. I'd had not-so-great enchiladas yesterday for lunch, so opted to wait for pie at Angie's in Fort Hancock. Even with all the dilly-dallying, and two great sag stops, we were done at 1 p.m. The high wind ended up a quartering and tailwind almost the entire way! We really didn't need to pedal hard at all.

So, all told another beautiful weather day. Tomorrow is 74 miles to Van Horn. The winds are supposed to be quieter tomorrow.

Bike stats: 48.89 miles today; 3 hrs. 17 minutes ride time; total trip mileage 741 miles. Food: bran flakes (raisin bran with raisins removed), banana, hard boiled egg, donut, OJ, protein bar, two oreo cookies, some tortilla chips, and a fantastic piece of apple pie! Last night Linda cooked fish, macaroni & cheese, fruit with a cream sauce, broccoli with garlic. Another fantastic meal!

Elated to be in El Paso

2009-03-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Margarita night!! Somewhere in today's ride we crossed over from New Mexico to Texas. We started the day with a weather forecast of highs in low 80's and winds even stronger than yesterday. It was like we were all shot out of a cannon this morning. Even slightly before the butt-crack of dawn, but with ample daylight, people bolted out of the hotel parking lot and back on the road.

The early scenery was much the same as yesterday afternoon -- pecan groves, cotton fields, chili fields. Lots more horses, some thoroughbreds, a polo field, and an alpaca ranch. Then we got into El Paso and the urban traffic and strip malls. After going through downtown we rode 8.8 miles on the border highway. The wind had definitely picked up by then, but it was a tailwind!! It looked like our defense against terrorist labor illegal immigrants consisted of a tall fence, another fence with barbed wire, a concrete moat, another fence with barbed wire, road debris (guaranteed to trip up anyone who made it that far), and if all that doesn't stop those illegals, the Texas drivers will get them! What happened to Lady Bird Johnson's beautifying America? What happened to "Drive friendly?"

Didn't take too many pictures because of all the traffic. All told the ride was pretty flat, except for Mesa Hills Rd. where there were some hills. The feared wind ended up being an asset today. Checked in around noon and went next door to the mexican restaurant for lunch. Either the food had a particular local flavor which doesn't appeal to me, or it was pretty bad. I wouldn't recommend that restaurant.

Bike stats: 66.66 miles; 4 hrs. 48 minutes riding time; 692 total trip miles. Food: egg biscuit sandwich, two bananas, melon, OJ, coffee, a Milky Way bar (purchased to thank the lady at the grocery store for letting me use the restroom), chicken enchiladas, refried beans, rice. Last night for dinner Linda made shepherd's pie, salad, cottage cheese and fruit, and brownies and leftover birthday cake (from a rider's birthday party).

Legging it to Las Cruces

2009-03-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

After a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Black Range Lodge, and one of the best breakfasts on the ride, and half an hour of rubbing Charlie and Pepper's bellies (the Lodge dogs) we were off and pedaling again -- to Las Cruces. If you ever venture to this part of the country, make it a point to stay at this lodge. The proprietors are wonderful and the lodge is a true gem. We all wanted to spend another day and night there, but the open road awaits.

The ride started out with a long downhill and then a bit of an uphill, then down or flat the rest of the way to Las Cruces. The wind was initially favorable, but picked up and was either at our sides or at times in our faces during the afternoon. I outran the sag wagon today, and had to go off-route to find some food and liquid. Dutifully called Ann the sag driver to let her know what I was doing so she wouldn't go looking for me and get worried when she didn't find me.

And now, the picture that

Peter has waited for, and

Tom has waited for, and

Michael knows is coming.

Let the drumroll begin..........

Yes, folks. We were in cow country much of the day.

At about mile 26 we entered the Rio Grande valley and saw lots of pecan groves, harvested cotton fields, and lots and lots of chilis and chili processors. There were lots of farms and more horses than I had seen on the trip so far. It was a very warm day, and a very long day along the Rio Grande. When I checked into the hotel, they told me they had cake and ice cream for the riders and would be serving it in 15 minutes. I suggested they wait for the rest of the riders to get in, as I was one of the early ones. It was really nice of the hotel to do that for us!

Bike stats: 91.61 miles (get cracking Kak); riding time 6 hours 36 minutes; total mileage so far 625. Food stats: oatmeal, sourdough waffle, fruit, home fries, two protein bars, grilled ham & cheese sandwich, piece of cake and ice cream.

Killer hills to Kingston

2009-03-20T16:34:00.001-07:00

This was a long, busy sag day. The trip went 48 miles, and I didn't finish the sag and post-sag chores until 5 p.m. This had the most beautiful scenery of the trip. The route was a bit uphill, then downhill, then a very long, pretty steep uphill. The hill topped out at 8800 feet! The entire route was winding with speed limits of 25-35 both uphill and downhill. I am amazed at these riders -- women in their 50's and 60's, and one 70 and one in her 40's pedaled without complaint. One rider had to be picked up a mile from the top with a badly gashed shin. Her bike attacked her. Had one other rider then, so the three of us did some sightseeing on the way down to the lodge.

The Black Ridge Lodge is absolutely fantastic. I informed the proprieters that I'm not leaving and would be happy to help with chores. They have two dogs -- one of them an Aussie. The place is very rustic and just feels like home. No cell coverage, so I miss my evening call to Peter. But, they have wireless internet!!

Finished knitting my sister-in-law's shawl last night, so can play with the drop spindle tonight if I have the energy. May just enjoy the peace of this place. We go to Las Cruces tomorrow - 88 miles but is supposed to be mostly downhill and flat.

No bike stats. Food: cereal, a couple of brownie bites, a protein bar. Don't know what the lodge is serving tonight, but it sure smells good!

Slumbering in Silver City

2009-03-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

No pictures today. It's a layover day. Actually slept through the night for the first time this trip! So, comments on the comments you guys have made:

Martys (Terri) (my baby sister): We use sunscreen. Gobs of it. Linda (our chef and purchaser of all necessities) even mentioned last night that we're using an awfully amount of it. We really haven't had anyone with a serious sunburn despite the cloudless skies we've had every single riding day. I douse myself in it before breakfast, sometime shortly after the first sag stop, and on a longer day once more a few hours later. SPF 48. Just replenished my personal stash with SPF 70 stuff. Didn't even know it was made that strong. Would you like to visit Saturday night (April 4) in Blanco? I will sag that day, and it isn't too long a day, and my post-sag chores that night will be brief (refilling Lil Bo Peep the sag wagon). If yes, would you like to eat with the riders, or somewhere else. I need to know so I can tell Linda and she can make sure she cooks enough. Email me the response -- I don't have your email address in my webmail, so would like you to email so I can enter your address.

Kak (my older sister): No really great signs of spring. A few flowers here and there but the desert is not really in bloom. Haven't seen any armadillos, but we still have the rest of New Mexico and all of Texas for that. I'm not going to identify the other ladies in pictures or talk about them individually. You'll have to wait until the ride is over for me to do that. The trailer hauls all our luggage (clothing, computer, mp3 player, miscellaneous non-riding stuff. I carry in my bike bag a tool kit, a first aid kit, sunscreen, rain jacket, snacks, state map, cell phone, ibuprofen and excedrin migraine, wallet, and chapstick. My camera goes in a little bag in front of me. The cue sheet is held by a clip in front of the handlebars.

Horseshoe#1 (not a relation but warped enough to qualify): We have plenty of ladies with wicked senses of humor. There are lots of laughs and giggles around the dinner table. "Butt-crack of dawn" is about the mildest giggle I can reprint. I don't hear much silliness from the others during the day because I'm either bicycling alone or driving the sag, usually alone.

I really enjoy hearing comments from all of you who are following the blog. Now I have to go back to town with Bessie the bike to see if they can put a second water bottle cage on her, and to get another tire. Will be sagging tomorrow and will update tomorrow night if I can (not sure if the next hovel has internet, but it is supposed to be really great otherwise).

Uphill to Silver City

2009-03-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Had corned beef and cabbage and carrots and potatoes and strawberries and grapes last night -- and a margarita. Found out that two riders hit railroad tracks wrong and took a tumble. A lovely lady helped one rider and took her to a clinic where she was looked over and patched up. The other rider cracked her helmet! Other things I forgot to mention from yesterday. When I had my blowout at mile 3.3, I dropped and broke my water bottle. Fortunately I have spares. Also, wish I had a penny for every beer bottle I saw along the road. Would have paid for this trip!

On to today. Linda told us breakfast was at 8 this morning. I woke up at 5 and fidgeted until she put out some cereal and fruit. That was all I needed - didn't wait for the hot stuff. It was after the butt-crack of dawn by then, so I headed out. Met up with Janet at mile 14 or so and asked her to see where the lead weights had been added to my bike. It was a steady, but manageable, uphill all the way to mile 19.

Crossed the continental divide around mile 19, then hit stair steps for a while -- ride a short distance relatively flat, then climb, then ride a relatively flat stretch, then climb. Had a mile-long Chubb Hill gear climb around mile 39, then a gorgeous 3-mile, 24 mph downhill, then another mile climb, then rolled into Silver City.

We'll be here tonight and tomorrow. Finally a layover day. I got in and told the front desk that I was looking forward to doing laundry. They said their guest washer was down, but they would do my laundry for me. Angels!!!!

Plan to wander Silver City tomorrow for a while, then catch up with questions you guys have asked and I haven't answered.

Bike stats: 47.54 miles; riding time4 hrs. 47 minutes; total trip miles 534. Food today so far: cereal and milk, banana, granola bar, ginger snaps, apple slices, Go Lean bar, and two bean burritos. Wildlife sightings: deer, jackrabbit, hawk, crows.

Lordy, Lordy, I'm in Lordsburg

2009-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

We're in Lordsburg, New Mexico tonight. That means margarita night! The day started quite interestingly. As I was walking past my bike in my hotel room this morning, I heard a loud sound like a rifle shot - loud enough to cause deafness for about 10 seconds. Fortunately I had just made my last bathroom visit before getting on the bike! After ascertaining that I had no new holes in my body I looked at my bike. The front tire was flat. Took out the tube and it had blown a 6" gash in the side. So, checked out the tire and didn't find any sharp points or anything which appeared to have caused a flat in a bike which had not moved for 12 hrs. Put in a new tube, put the tire back on, and took off down the road.

As I pedaled, I saw so much cotton in the weeds along the road. Safford and Pima are known for cotton. Yesterday I had picked up a handful and started drawing out the fibers and making a thread with my fingers. Thought about picking up a bunch of the cotton, but decided I have enough fiber for 5 years of spinning and cotton could wait. 3.3 miles down the road the tire blew again like a rifle shot. That brought little Blackie (a small dog) racing from her porch, with kids close behind trying to corral her. Then the rest of the riders motored by, with Blackie trying to scare off those offending creatures. When everyone had passed, Blackie came over and was very friendly. I just scared the s--- out of her!

Carol, who had sag duty today, pulled in and we put the bike on the car and headed back to the van and trailer for a consultation with Michelle, our guide and tire expert. Her diagnosis was a sidewall defect (the tire was brand new for the trip). So, we dug out my spare tire, another tube, and some rim tape for good measure and got the tire ready to go. By this time the riders were about 15 miles down the road, so I stayed in the van until the town of Duncan, approximately 35-40 miles from Safford. Linda dropped me off and I rode into Lordsburg without further excitement! On our layover day in Silver City day after tomorrow I'll put new rim tape on the back tire for good measure.

The stretch of road I rode was relatively flat and there were absolutely no towns or settlements of any kind between Duncan and Lordsburg. Long stretches of road going forever. Saw some cows and a roadrunner (but no Wiley Coyote). So few cars that you could pee beside the road and not worry about anyone seeing you. Guys have it so much easier.

Arizona didn't observe daylight savings time, so we lost an hour today by riding to New Mexico, which does. Tomorrow we head to Silver City and a well deserved layover. We have lots of people adjusting bike seats, so a day off the saddle is really due right now! It is getting hotter too.

Bike stats: 40.63 miles (would have been 73 miles if I had ridden all day)(lucky Kak - she doesn't have to pedal 3 extra miles); saddle time 3 hours 10 minutes. Food- cereal and milk and small donut for breakfast, couple of handfuls of peanut M&M's and some almonds, chicken taco salad from Taco Bell. Linda said we'll have corned beef and cabbage tonight.

Sagging to Safford

2009-03-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

The morning feeding frenzy at the snack table. Each mornng Linda and Lois put out peanut butter, jelly, bread, and an assortment of nuts and snacks for the day's ride. The sag wagon carries chips, various snack bars (granola bars, Go Lean bars, PayDay bars, Powerbars), cookies, jerky, nuts, M&M's (regular and peanut), juice, water, Gatorade, and fruit. Anyone trying to lose weight should not sign up for this ride!

Today's ride was either 77 miles or 83 miles, depending on whether you go by the cue sheet or a rider's Garmin. The first sag stop was at mile 20 on the San Carlos Reservation. There was a really cute reservation dog that tried hard to mooch food from us. Lucky for Peter that I couldn't bring the pooch with me!

The reservation was a cell phone dead zone and I had to backtrack to Globe to get a signal and find out why the van and trailer hadn't come along yet. The trailer had a flat. Then it was on to mile 40 or so - wherever the lead rider was. Found her a little past mile 40 and later Peggy, my Perkinsville neighbor, joined me in the wagon. She was duly deputized to honk the squeeze horn as we caught up with riders so they knew we were coming by and could let us know if they wanted anything.

We drove back and forth for a bit to check on riders, then stopped around 2:30 for lunch. We had bean burritos and I had one of Taylor Freeze's (in Pima, AZ) legendary root beer floats. I then dropped Peggy off at the hotel and made one last run. Finished sagging around 5 -- a long day! Not much time to take pictures, and the scenery wasn't too spectacular. The ride was downhill initially, then long rolling hills, then flat. It was a very hot-feeling day without a cooling breeze.

Tomorrow we pedal to Lordsburg and have margaritas! New Mexico here we come. Two days until layover day. The non-sag riders have pedaled for six days without a break and are pretty tired and sore. On the other hand, they are amazing people. Women in their 50's, 60's, and 70, and one 41-year-old whipper snapper who can ride for miles and miles and miles. And not one gripe or whine - just lots of laughs, songs, and smiles. They are truly a pleasure to be around.

No bike stats. Food: bowl of cheerios with milk, banana, OJ, some fruit chews, bean burrito, root beer float, melon, mashed sweet potatos, Cuban chicken, and a slice of cheesecake. Should be enough to fuel me for tomorrow and Wednesday.

Galloping to Globe

2009-03-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last night Linda made poached salmon, noodles, and quinoa salad, tossed salad, and cheesecake for desert. She's ruining our figures! Nevertheless, the riders were wide awake at 6 a.m. for hotel breakfast and ready to ride before the butt-crack of dawn (our favorite term for the early morning). While the cue sheet indicated only 55.7 miles to travel, we had two significant climbs, so everyone was ready for a long, but successful ride.

Our first big climb started around mile 18, but we had been steadily and gradually climbing since we left the hotel. The first climb took us to 2,651 feet at Gonzales Pass. It was no worse than riding Rt. 103 from Chester to Proctorsville - just a long, low-gear pedal. We had a teaser downhill into Superior, where we started the 10.4 mile climb to 4600 ft. Went through one tunnel, which was fun at first because I was the only person in it and made noises to hear their echo. When the traffic started to race in, the noise became deafening and it was a bit terrifying because there wasn't much room in the lane for a car and me. Last year's riders were turned around at this tunnel because of snow. Not the case this year!

This sign was heartwrenchingly deceiving. It came at mile 37 according to my odometer, but according to my cue sheet the top of the climb wasn't until mile 40.2. My cue sheet was right. Had another teaser downhill, then right back uphill. After that it was mostly downhill to Claypool, then some uphills to Globe (elevation around 3800 ft.).

In Globe I detoured through Historic Globe and then down to the Besh-ba-gowah indian historic site and ruins. The site is on the national historic register and was well worth the $3 admission. The Hohokan indians populated the area eons ago. They mixed with other tribes and eventually became the Salado (this is all according to the video at the site), who occupied the area from 1100-1400 A.D. They disappeared from the scene around the same time as the Anasazi - probably due to drought.

Saw more of those cute long-eared bunnies, and three "dead skunk in the middle of the road stinkin' to high heaven." Saw some of the prettiest scenery on the trip, but didn't want to stop too often and try to pedal again uphill. Was a bit unpleasant with lots of traffic on the route (mostly on US 60), but most people tried to move over as they passed. I wish they knew how much we would have liked to have a good shoulder on the uphills to get out of their way!!

Bike stats: 62 miles (yes, Kak, detours count); 6 hrs. 24 minutes riding time; 445 miles total for the trip. Food: three small pacakes, one blueberry minimuffin, orange drink and coffee for breakfast, banana and two Go Lean bars on the road, bean burrito in Globe, and tonight we go to the Country Kitchen restaurant next door.

Tomorrow is a sag driving day.

Apparently in Apache Junction

2009-03-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yard sale, garage sale, moving sale, huge sale, home decor sale, block sale -- Saturday in the Greater Phoenix area. We rode from our hotel through Scottsdale and Mesa into Apache Junction. The route was predominantly on busy suburban streets, with the cue sheet reading left and right turns all day long. Between the turns, stop signs, traffic, and stoplights, it was difficult to get into a comfortable cycling rhythm. It was a short day, however, and many riders made side trips to see people or things along the way.

The only sag stop I saw was at a large park complex, and right next to a big dog park. People were coming and going, being dragged along by their pooches. Once safely inside the gated areas (one for active dogs, one for passive dogs), the dogs were unleashed and ran all over the place. It was fun to watch them play, and made me miss Brody all the more! I wasn't so magnanimous about the two dogs which chased me later in the day. Blowing my whistle just seemed to excite them all the more.

Sights along the way included a large equestrian center, with jumps set up inside rings, and an obstacle course in a large field. The center was right in the middle of a suburban housing community! Also saw two jackrabbits. The highlight of the trip, however, was visiting with my Aunt Kathy. Kathy is one of those souls who if it weren't for bad luck she'd have none at all. She went through a hard time last year and her brother, Rory, was able to get her into a very nice assisted living facility. The facility was only a couple of miles off the route, so I detoured and visited her. She wasn't happy with this picture, but neither was I. She looks a whole lot better than the picture shows. Check out my chubby cheeks and double chin. I told the staff person taking the picture to just take it from the waist up. After the picture taking, the sunglasses, helmet, and gloves went back on and I was back on the road.

Tomorrow we ride up and down into the mountains to Globe. Last year the riders were stopped at one of the passes because of snow. Those mountains had lots of thunderheads over them today, but it is too warm for snow.

Bike stats: 58.68 miles; 4 hrs. 56 minutes riding time; 383 total miles.

Food stats: cereal with milk, orange juice, coffee, banana, Go Lean bar, Powerbar Protein bar. Last night Linda made a great chicken in peanut sauce, with a tofu in peanut sauce option, rice, asian cole slaw, fruit cocktail, and cake for dessert. In case you're wondering why I'm tracking food, it is to keep me from eating junk food. I'd be too embarrassed to record what I'd really eat if I didn't have to tell anyone!!

Phlying to Phoenix

2009-03-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

After a fantastic lasagna dinner last night in Wickenburg and my first good night's sleep on the trip, it was time to pack up and head to Phoenix today. Passed Lake Pleasant, created by one of those infernal dams designed to retain water for the Central Arizona Project (for my Serial Set friends). It seemed very bizarre to see signs for marinas in the middle of a field of cactus.

Speaking of cactus, one of my fellow bicyclists arrived unusually early and without her usual riding partners. She was asked if she thought she was getting into really good condition, hence her early arrival, to which she replied, "there are only so many pictures you can take of f------ cactus!!!" So, no pictures of cactus today. And, since about half of the ride was in relatively heavy traffic and strip malls, I didn't take many pictures myself.

How does a typical day go? I am one of the early birds (surprise, surprise). By 6 a.m. I'm packed and ready to go. If our hotel has a breakfast offering, we usually partake of it (most hotels don't start that until 6:30). If the hotel offering is limited or nonexistent, Linda makes a breakfast of eggs and oatmeal, along with bread, cereal, fruit. They tell us we can't start riding until the sun rises, so the early birds scan the surrounding hills for the first sunlight of the day. When it appears, we tell the day's sag driver we're off, and start riding.

The first sag stop is usually about 20 miles into the ride. The sag driver waits until the last rider leaves the hotel parking lot, then travels out past the lead rider to that point. There are occasional places where we can stop for early lunch/late breakfast before the second sag stop. So far we haven't had more than two sag stops. One day the sag stops were broken up by Linda and the van having a lunch stop in the middle of the ride (there weren't any other options).

Riders arrive at the hotel-du-jour and check in at the front desk, take bike and bags to the room, and then do whatever they want until around 6 p.m. dinner. We have a trailer which hauls luggage and has a kitchen in the back. Linda and Lois will make dinner, and we sit in those ubiquitous white resin chairs (which are stored in the luggage area) while we eat. After we eat, Michelle hands out the next day's cue sheet (lists of places where we turn and distances between turns) and talks about the route. After dinner people chat or go to their rooms for the night. And then it starts all over again.

I know many people have asked questions in their comments. I'll try to answer them in my March 19 entry. That is our next layover day and I'll have more time to read the comments and answer questions.

Tomorrow we head to Apache Junction.

Hey, Kak, are you keeping up? (My sister said she will ride her stationary bike 10% of the miles I do each day.)

Today's stats: 66.94 miles; riding time 5 hrs. 8 minutes; total miles: 324.
Food so far today: Two slices of french toast, small bowl of Special K cereal with milk, two small cups of OJ, coffee, chicken sandwich, lemonade, banana, grilled ham and cheese sandwich, fries. Will go light at dinner tonight!

Welcome to Wickenburg

2009-03-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

We are in Wickenburg tonight. I had sag duty today, with two stops in the middle of nowhere. There were some neat places to get things to eat and drink along the way, and the day was relatively short (60 miles or so), so the sag stops had no drama.

The first neat place was called Ingredients - a short 4 miles from our hotel. It is a coffee shop/cafe run by a mother and daughter. It is really fascinating inside with a little bit of everything. Lots of riders stopped for a cup of coffee here.

The second neat spot was the Coyote Cafe in Aguila, about 29 miles into the ride. Most of the riders stopped here for an early lunch.

Not much else to report today because I didn't ride and didn't have the chance to take many pictures. I also ate very little today -- Special K cereal, banana, milk, coffee, two ginger snaps, one oreo cookie, and a McDonald's milkshake (at 3 p.m. - I was famished). Linda is doing lasagna tonight!

Dad passed away a month ago today. I've thought about him lots today and know we all miss him a lot. Connie gave me a big hug every time she saw me - her father died a year ago and she still misses him too. Those hugs helped!

P.s. Sorry that the Salome post was late - the hotel didn't have internet access. It did, however, have red neon lights outside the rooms, which were quite a giggle with this group!

Sailing into Salome

2009-03-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today took us from California to Arizona. That means -- margaritas tonight! The day started out pretty quietly. We pedaled east, crossed the Colorado River (the state line), then got onto I-0 for the next 18 miles. That's right, pedaling on the breakdown lane on the interstate. The plus side was being able to stop at a rest stop (instead of the most convenient plant). The down side was seeing the aftermath of a high speed chase which probably ended in one death. Connie and Laurey saw the car fly past with police cars in hot pursuit. Shortly thereafter they saw where it had hit a berm on an entrance ramp, spun, flipped, and god knows what else. As I pedaled by someone was doing cpr on someone beside the back end of the car. Shortly thereafter a life-rescue helicopter flew by. According to Michelle, when she went by the scene the helicopter had shut down -- not a good sign for whoever was on the receiving end of the cpr.

Most of the day I pedaled within sight of Connie and Laurey, and Elizabeth and Peggy. We pedaled from there to Quartzite, a funky town with lots of neat sights. Bill, who is notorious for wearing nearly nothing outside his shop, was wearing overalls. We stopped at Sweet Darlene's and I had a great cinnamon roll, then headed back onto I-10 for another 11 miles. The interstate pedaling was mostly a gradual uphill, not a big strain.

We exited I-10 onto US 60 and stopped next at Brenda, where we encountered Bandit (the donkey) and Rowdy (the bull) in a van. They do donkey and bull shows in a local town every Thursday. From there we pedaled to Hope and had a huge lunch which was fantastic. From Hope it was a short hop to our overnight stay in Salome.
Today's bike stats: 61.8 miles, 5 hrs. 37 min. riding time. Total miles- 257.
Food before supper (and margaritas): cereal, yogurt, banana, mini-muffin, two glasses of orange juice, cup of coffee, cinnamon roll, ham and cheese omelet, home fries, 2 slices whole wheat toast, and a handful of peanut M&Ms and nuts. Had only one margarita and a salad for supper. I sure hope I burned that many calories riding today!

Layover in Blythe

2009-03-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Today is our first layover day! Got up, did laundry, had breakfast, bought and sent some postcards, and then had our first tutorials -- on basic bike cleaning and maintenance, and on changing flats. We've had 12 flats so far on the ride, a few people with more than one flat in the first four days. Would have been a great cycling day again today with virtually no wind and sunny skies. We've been fortunate to have good riding weather. Decided not to go to the movies -- instead had lunch with Carol, Connie, Janet, and Sherry at a hole-in-the wall Mexican restaurant that was great. Will just have a light dinner of apple, orange, and banana tonight. Tomorrow we cross state lines into Arizona (overnight at Salome), which means it will be margarita night. Will have to update the blog tomorrow night before my drink!!!

Blowing into Blythe

2009-03-09T15:33:00.001-07:00

The weather channel last night indicated we might have favorable "w" (can't say the word), but I was sure we were jinxed when Connie this morning excitedly announced the forecast at breakfast. Notwithstanding a headache and slightly bummed stomach this morning, I headed out on the bike, but told Janet, today's sag driver, that I might want a sag later in the day.

As you can tell from the flags, we had a pretty stiff wind (over 20 mph according to Marni who gave us a briefing on how to tell the strength of the wind according to the Beaufort scale). Fortunately, Connie didn't jinx us and it was a blessed tail"w" all day. Even the rollers (small dips and rises) didn't require much gear shifting. The only scary moments were when trucks passed us -- would cause the bike to swerve a bit. It was a glorious ride -- all the way to Blythe.

Along the way we went through Glamis, which is nothing but a stop in the desert surrounded by space for RV's and ATVs and lots of desert for the ATVs to bomb around. It was interesting that on the left side of the road was a restricted area where no offroad vehicles were allowed because of an endangered turtle. That side of the road had vegetation of the desert variety. The right side of the road, where the offroad vehicles cavorted, there was no vegetation, just tire tracks.

Our first sag stop was in an interesting place - in a bombing range.

We passed a huge feedlot, with probable 500 cattle and 200 sheep. Could smell that for quite a while! We also passed large sand dunes, the Chocolate Mountains, and more Midwest farm wannabee land. We went through the towns of Palo Verde and Ripley. The scenery was stunning - mountains, desert, crops. Wish I could post all the pictures I took, but I'd run out of blog room too quickly.

I rode out of Brawley with Liz, Susan, and Robin, but ended up on my own after a while. Played leapfrog with Ann as each of us would pass the other who had stopped to take a picture or just gaze at the scenery. Had Marni for company for a while near Palo Verde. Stopped in Palo Verde at the liquor store and got a cold green tea (not doctored) and chatted with three guys who were also riding the Southern Tier, but were hauling their stuff and camping.

I haven't commented on the dinners Linda and Lois have cooked for us. We've had baked talapia, a mexican feast, and last night she cooked a fantastic beef stroganoff. Tonight and tomorrow night she has off, as tomorrow is a layover day. So, we're all going to Sizzler for dinner tonight. There's a movie theater here and Slum Dog Millionnaire is playing, so maybe I'll take in a movie tomorrow.

Bike stats: miles ridden - 91.74; ride time 6 hrs. 26 minutes; total trip mileage 195.

Bike to Brawley

2009-03-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

I think we were all happy to leave the hotel at Jacumba this morning. We awoke to ice on the insides of the windows, and most of our rooms had no heat overnight. Even I was cold most of the night! So, I wolfed down a bowl of eggs and potatoes and oatmeal mixed together and bundled up in my fleece, rainjacket, bicycling pants, and mittens and took off for warmer weather.

We had a 5.5 mile gradual uphill, then a fantastic 10 mile downhill on the shoulder of Interstate 8, from 3000 ft. above sea level to sea level. Along the way we were passed by 3 pickup trucks, which drove out onto the high desert, and a guy jumped out, pointed a handgun down into a gully, and yelled that he saw whoever was there and for the person to come out. These did not appear to be Border Patrol officials! Some riders ahead of me flagged down Border Patrol (they're everywhere out here along the border), and they came flying by to check out what was happening. On the downhill I took some great pictures of the mountains and the desert. Unfortunately I messed up downloading them from the camera. Drat!!

Our sag wagon was waiting for us at the bottom of the downhill, and off came the fleece, rain jacket, bicycling pants, and mittens! The sag wagon rapidly filled with clothing! Slathered on sunscreen, and headed out into the desert.

We had beautifully flat riding, and no wind after the downhill. Kept seeing these exit signs off the two-lane state road we were traveling. These exits appear to go nowhere!!

At about 38 miles we turned off our nicely paved state road onto the road from hell. Repaving it should be high on the stimulus public works list! We had 7.5 miles of badly broken pavement until we got to Seeley. From Seeley we traveled on a better road to El Centro. Had lots of traffic in El Centro, and stopped at Wendy's for a chicken sandwich.

The scenery from El Centro to Brawley wasn't that interesting. The highlight was this plant. The mark about halfway up the front tower is a "sea level" mark.

The Seeley/El Centro/Brawley area is in the Imperial Valley. For my Serial Set friends, this area was one of the multitudinous water districts created to turn the Western desert into the fertile Midwest. For miles we passed acres and acres of land planted in what appears to be grass (my guess given the phenomenal stores of straw or hay bales stacked all over creation).

Got to the Brawley Inn, and spent half an hour in the pool cooling off and stretching out. Felt good to just get off the bike and relax, and I can't remember the last time I was in an outdoor pool! Bike stats: 68.16 miles, 5 hours and 9 minutes riding time. Tomorrow is an 89-mile ride to Blythe. I'm not sure I'm ready for 89 miles - will see how the weather is in the morning and decide then whether to split sag duties with Janet (tomorrow's sag driver).

Journey to Jacumba

2009-03-07T18:43:00.001-08:00

Today we went from Alpine to Jacumba, both in California. The ride was in the beautiful, but dry and stark Southern California mountains. Lots of long uphills, with a headwind most of the day. Made my glad I drove the sag wagon today!! When driving the sag wagon, you have to keep track of all 21 bicyclists so that you can be sure to set up your stops ahead of the lead riders, when possible. Some riders started out at 7:30, the last not until 8 a.m.

The first rest stop was around 9 miles into the ride. I stopped at a park-n-ride, next to which was a staging point for an antique car club's Saturday ride. There were lots and lots of fun old cars. I thought it was a great spot to have our first sag for the day because people could take a break and check out the cars. As luck would have it, the cars left for their ride just as the riders started arriving. Oh well. The first rider got there around 9 a.m. The last one around 10:30. Then I drove back and found the last, last rider and gave her a ride for a few miles to the diner which had great pie. Bought a piece of apple pie to go for my lunch. It lived up to its billing!

My second sag stop was around 30 miles into the trip at the top of a very long grind. Connie (on the left) and Laurey (on the right) were comparing culinary skills with peanut butter and bread. No contest - Laurey won best presentation. Of course, given my distaste for peanut butter I thought they both needed more work.

Finally ended the sag day around 4 p.m. Thought I was done earlier after taxiing two tired souls to the hotel, but had to then find a gas station to fill up Little Bo Peep (the name of the car), and on the way back to the hotel had a call that one of the last riders had a flat about four miles from the hotel. By the time I got there, Ann (yesterday's sag driver) had come across Robin and was helping her learn to change her tube. My major contribution was to hand Robin the floor pump to use to pump up the tire (anyone who has used a frame pump knows how exhausting it can be).

Jacumba is right on the border with Mexico. In this picture you can see the wall protecting us from ......... what. I won't extemporize any further. Those of you who know me know what I think about this national shame.

The hotel is funky. There isn't much to Jacumba except the hotel, grocery store, school and library. The hotel has a huge hot tub (which I just don't have time to enjoy) and funky stucco walls and ledges instead of end tables and dressers. We had a mexican-style dinner cooked up by Linda, cook extraordinaire and Lois, sous chef supreme, both of whom rode during the day (Lois was in the lead pack). Dinner is served buffet style on two long folding tables, and we grab white plastic resin chairs and sit in a semi-circle. After we eat, we wash our dishes. (The other sag drivers share pot and pan scrubbing duties.) Michelle, our trip leader, then hands out the next day's maps and gives us a brief rundown on what to expect. I then tried to auction the various articles of clothing left in the sag wagon, but was set upon by the owners of the items. It is quite chilly at night and I guess they wanted them back. Oh well, maybe next time.

Will end now and get ready for the bike to Brawley tomorrow. It's supposed to by 66 miles, mostly downhill or flat, with a headwind.

I miss Peter and Brody. Both are home and enjoying (?????) mud season.
I miss my dad too.

We're on our way

2009-03-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Dog Beach (starting point for ride)

After a quiet, enjoyable stay in San Diego, we're on our way. Peter and I visited the San Diego zoo -- pricey but a wonderful facility -- and Old Town San Diego, which was disappointing, but a good place for lunch. We spent lots of time on the computer because it was high-speed, which we don't get at home. Peter left at 5 a.m. this morning to head back home. He claims I won't miss him as much as Brody, but he's wrong. He's my best friend and keeps me centered. He didn't see my tears as we parted, but there were more than when I left Brody!

Carol (Meriden, NH), Peggy (Perkinsville, VT), and me.

We were scheduled to ride from the hotel to the beach at 8 a.m., but everyone was ready to go before then. We paraded to Dog Beach and lined up for photos and dipped out back tires in the Pacific (a silly tradition -- we had to carry them 80 yds. across the sand to do it, then carry them back to pavement -- can't let the sand get in the working parts). Then the ride officially began. We rode mostly on bike lanes, which were quite welcome given that we were on major roads through San Diego. Had a great downhill - hit 33 mph, which on a bike seems like a lot. And went through a beautiful park. Had a long, steady uphill for about 2 miles into our hotel at Alpine, California. 35.27 miles today. All but one rider were here by 1:30 or so. Hopefully the missing rider will show up before suppertime.

I get to drive the sag wagon tomorrow. The sag wagon carries snacks -- dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, granola bars, m&m's, other bars, water, and powdered Gatorade. It's a Subaru Outback Legacy and can carry 3 riders and their bikes, four in a pinch. The sag wagon leaves the hotel after the last rider takes off and drives 20 miles or so and waits for the riders. We keep track of the riders, checking off their names as they pull up or pass by. Once the last rider has left, we pull up stakes and drive up the road again and set up another 20 miles or so ahead (ahead of the lead riders when possible) and do it all again. The sag drivers also wash pots and pans and help with chores. Ann Smith, Janet Bee, Carol, Moehrke, and I are the sag drivers, and we rotate the duties.

That's about it for now. Will pop a couple of ibuprofen for the knees and relax for a bit.

I miss you, Peter. (okay, and Brody too).

We're here!

2009-03-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

This is how home looked when we left on Sunday, with more snow forecast. Fortunately for us, we flew on Southwest from Albany to Chicago, changed flights, and made it to San Diego. Had we done what we normally do -- fly through Baltimore -- we might still be in Albany. All east coast destination flights from Albany were canceled!

Our flight left Albany in the snow at 6:40 a.m. We arrived in balmy San Diego at 4 p.m. east coast time. I thought we'd never get here!! Had our first meal of the day at the hotel while waiting to check in. Met Linda and scoped out the sag wagon which I'll be driving every fourth day or so on the trip. Nothing else interesting to report.

How I hate warm weather.

I miss my Brody!

Hustled out the door and on my way

2009-03-01T16:21:00.001-08:00

Well, I was finally chased out of town to start this trip. The "Madam" at Six Loose Ladies in Proctorsville shooed me on my way. Managed to NOT forget anything important, ....... at least I don't think I forgot anything important.

I want to thank all my fellow loose ladies. Six Loose Ladies is a fiber shop (yarn, wool rovings and batts, needles, books, patterns, classes, and comaraderie) run by a nonprofit organization called Fiber Arts in Vermont. All of us who work in the shop and run the shop are volunteers. It is a fun place and has become a fixture in our small community. While I'm gone, others are working my Saturdays and doing the computer recordkeeping, membership duties, and publicity. Thank you, ladies.

And yes, Tom, I cried before leaving home. Brody walked into the bedroom and saw the two gym bags I had removed from the closet (where I had packed and hidden them). He came out and gave me this pitiful look. All was quickly forgotten, however, when he got to go for a ride in the truck to Cavendish Canine Camp. He raced from the truck to the office, and yipped at Deb until she finally let him go to the back to play. Who needs Mom anyway!

We fly out of Albany tomorrow morning at 6:40. No snow expected this far west, but the coastal areas of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are getting hammered. Good luck getting to California fellow riders from the East!

My one-time plug for funds

2009-02-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm not doing this solely for the fun of it. I'm also doing this wonderful ride to raise funds for Alzheimer's research. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) has a great partnership deal with the Alzheimer's Association under which 100% of funds donated through NARFE are used for research. So, think of my father and all the others you may have known or heard of who suffered from this horrible afflication, put pen to check, and send a donation payable to NARFE Alzheimer's Research. Mail it to NARFE Alzheimer's Research c/o Robert Tucker, 279 Sunnyside Lane, Williamstown, VT 05679. Doesn't matter how much or how little, just send something.

So, AAAAUGH. Only a week to go!!!! Everytime I cross off something on my "to do before I leave" list I add two more. Enough!! Made sure the camera works with the mini-computer. Have my bag of cords and chargers, MP3 player, camera, computer, cell phone. My carry-on bag resembles a Radio Shack store! Found the map clip and odometer I couldn't find for the longest time. Thanks for the help finding them, Dad! Needed a little divine assistance to find them. The Goldings drop spindle goes in the carry-on bag along with 4 oz. of spinning fiber, and a knitting project (sister-in-law Connie's shawl). Think TSA is going to think I'm wacky (no comments Kak).

I think I have the best group of crazies following this blog! Hope I can keep you entertained!

Two weeks to departure for San Diego

2009-02-15T14:18:00.000-08:00

Two weeks until Peter (my husband and best friend) and I depart for San Diego. I've done a dry run on packing and have no problem meeting the weight limit -- now if only I can find that spot where I put the bike computer and map clip (you know - the spot where I would be sure to find them).

Not getting much training done this week. My father passed away Thursday night, so we are in San Antonio for the funeral. He will be greatly missed by many, especially by my brother and mother who stood beside him during the last year and especially during the last difficult days when Alzheimer's fought for his body and soul. The staff at the Oaks at the Army Residence Center were wonderful during his year there, as were the hospice nurses who made his last days more comfortable. He will be with me all during the ride.

So, next post will include an address to send donations to NARFE's Alzheimer's research fund. I unabashedly ask that anyone who reads this send something, no matter how small, to help find a way to stop Alzheimer's disease before it truly becomes a public health crisis with the aging of us baby boomers!

A month to go!!

2009-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

A month from now we'll be on our second day of the trip. Had Paradise Sports in Windsor, Vermont box up my bike to ship. If you're ever in Windsor, please visit Jim and Rick at Paradise Sports. They have been wonderful. They even gave a basic on-the-road maintenance class to Carol, Peggy and me (Carol and Peggy are on the trip too). Took the bike to UPS yesterday to send to Dan Plummer, Wheels on Wheels, in San Diego. Had to replace my 28-year old bike on the trainer with my 22-year old bike yesterday too. The older bike just wore out!! Gears were worn, chain stretched, tires falling apart. The 22-year old bike is in better shape, but a different frame geometry than the one going on the trip. Oh well, when it is 10 degrees outside anything inside will do!