Huntington Beach to Carlsbad
70 miles
2,086 elevation gain
12.3 mph average speed
christmas comes this time each year
6 hours ago
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Day 18
Lompoc to Ventura
90 miles
2,649' elevation gain
14.1mph average speed
Climbing out of Lompoc-16 miles uphill to an elevation of just over 1,100 feet. Never too steep, just a long slog. The descent down to Refugio was fast-I don't think I touched the brakes for two miles! This took us back to the coast, and most of the riding to Santa Barbara was on the 101 freeway.
We veered off the ACA route through Santa Barbara, opting for the color of State Street. Between SB and Ventura, we used Alan's local knowledge and took a variety of back roads and bike paths through Carpenteria and Summerland. Back on the freeway at Rincon Point, the tailwind helped us speed through this section at 22 to 24mph.
We rode through the crazy traffic of Main Street and soon we at Chuck and Marlene house in Ventura, where we spent the night. Ellen came up from San Diego, and Alan treated the whole group (Chuck, Marlene, Liz, Mike, Gregory, Ellen, Janet, Jo, Alan and me) to dinner at the Peruvian Thai restuarant. We had a great visit with everyone and a great big thank you to Chuck and Marlene putting us up for the night.
90 miles
2,649' elevation gain
14.1mph average speed
Climbing out of Lompoc-16 miles uphill to an elevation of just over 1,100 feet. Never too steep, just a long slog. The descent down to Refugio was fast-I don't think I touched the brakes for two miles! This took us back to the coast, and most of the riding to Santa Barbara was on the 101 freeway.
We veered off the ACA route through Santa Barbara, opting for the color of State Street. Between SB and Ventura, we used Alan's local knowledge and took a variety of back roads and bike paths through Carpenteria and Summerland. Back on the freeway at Rincon Point, the tailwind helped us speed through this section at 22 to 24mph.
We rode through the crazy traffic of Main Street and soon we at Chuck and Marlene house in Ventura, where we spent the night. Ellen came up from San Diego, and Alan treated the whole group (Chuck, Marlene, Liz, Mike, Gregory, Ellen, Janet, Jo, Alan and me) to dinner at the Peruvian Thai restuarant. We had a great visit with everyone and a great big thank you to Chuck and Marlene putting us up for the night.
Day 20
Malibu to Huntington Beach
59 Miles
608 feet elevation gain
13.3 mph average speed
Jane prepared a gourmet breakfast for us and sent us off to navigate through Los Angeles. On the way through Marina Del Rey we met three local Santa Monica riders and rode with them to Hermosa Beach, where they showed us to the local Peet's coffee. Today's ride was so flat that about a third of our climbing was to get to the coffee stop.
The dreaded route through LA turned out to be pleasant and traffic wasn't too bad. The only scary part for me was two railroad crossings at acute angles with no room to maneuver. We got on a bike path on the south side levee of the Los Angeles River and followed that into Long Beach. It is remarkable how many miles of sandy beaches line the So Cal coast.
59 Miles
608 feet elevation gain
13.3 mph average speed
Jane prepared a gourmet breakfast for us and sent us off to navigate through Los Angeles. On the way through Marina Del Rey we met three local Santa Monica riders and rode with them to Hermosa Beach, where they showed us to the local Peet's coffee. Today's ride was so flat that about a third of our climbing was to get to the coffee stop.
The dreaded route through LA turned out to be pleasant and traffic wasn't too bad. The only scary part for me was two railroad crossings at acute angles with no room to maneuver. We got on a bike path on the south side levee of the Los Angeles River and followed that into Long Beach. It is remarkable how many miles of sandy beaches line the So Cal coast.
Day 19
Ventura to Malibu
54 miles
1,143 feet elevation gain
13.9 mph average speed
We left Ventura late, since this was scheduled to be an easy day. Marlene cooked us a scrumptious breakfast, then we only got as far as Channel Islands Harbor before deciding to meet Ellen, Liz, Janet and Jo for lunch there at the Persian Seaside Grill. The food was good but the Harbor area was dead quiet.
The ride through Port Hueneme was pleasant and this area seems to have improved over the last 20 years since I last visited. Then we had a lovely ride into Malibu - Kevin got yet another afternoon second wind and pulled us the last 5 miles at a brisk 22 mph pace to Duke's for a beer, before Jo picked us up for the ride up Las Flores canyon to her brother and sister-in-law's house for a fantastic dinner - thanks Jane and Jeff!
I only took one picture on this day, showing our crossover into Los Angeles County.
54 miles
1,143 feet elevation gain
13.9 mph average speed
We left Ventura late, since this was scheduled to be an easy day. Marlene cooked us a scrumptious breakfast, then we only got as far as Channel Islands Harbor before deciding to meet Ellen, Liz, Janet and Jo for lunch there at the Persian Seaside Grill. The food was good but the Harbor area was dead quiet.
The ride through Port Hueneme was pleasant and this area seems to have improved over the last 20 years since I last visited. Then we had a lovely ride into Malibu - Kevin got yet another afternoon second wind and pulled us the last 5 miles at a brisk 22 mph pace to Duke's for a beer, before Jo picked us up for the ride up Las Flores canyon to her brother and sister-in-law's house for a fantastic dinner - thanks Jane and Jeff!
I only took one picture on this day, showing our crossover into Los Angeles County.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Day 17
Morro Bay to Lompoc
75.3 miles
3,116 elevation gain
13.5 mph average speed
Today started in typical fashion-cool temps and overcast skies. Morro Bay through Los Osos, on to San Luis Obispo. Our morning coffee break was in SLO at a little coffee place on Higuera Street. Back on the road towards Pismo Beach, we paid tribute to my mother at a big sign directing us to "Old Edna". A photo honoring my mother can be seen in the pix Alan posted for today. I'm sure my mom appreciates our tribute to her.
The miles flew by on the level terrain, and we stopped for an early afternoon break near Nipomo where we met up with Janet, Jo, Gene, Carol and Janet's great uncle Herman and great aunt Rachel. Herman is about 90years old, and very interested in how our tires were doing. Rachel is a total delight, and it was good to visit with them for a half hour or so. We had lunch in the small town of Guadalupe at a place called "King Falafel". Alan had a garden burger, I had a cheese burger.
Back on the road again with a favorable tailwind soon we were at the base of the major climb of the day-the Harris Grade into Lompoc. This climb was about 3 miles at 6 to 8%, and gained 700 feet or so. We felt great up this climb. The descent down to Lompoc was fun. It started off fairly steeply, with many tight technical switchbacks near the top-way fun. Soon we were at the motel in town where we met up with Janet and Jo again. Today was a laundry day, so we took care of that and then went to dinner at a local Italian restuarant.
The food was good, but the highlight was Mama Catarina-the owner of the restaurant. She was a fat short Italian lady who was singing Louie Prima songs as she walked through thr restaurant, Her English wasn't too good in spite of living in the US for 40 years. But she sure was having fun.
75.3 miles
3,116 elevation gain
13.5 mph average speed
Today started in typical fashion-cool temps and overcast skies. Morro Bay through Los Osos, on to San Luis Obispo. Our morning coffee break was in SLO at a little coffee place on Higuera Street. Back on the road towards Pismo Beach, we paid tribute to my mother at a big sign directing us to "Old Edna". A photo honoring my mother can be seen in the pix Alan posted for today. I'm sure my mom appreciates our tribute to her.
The miles flew by on the level terrain, and we stopped for an early afternoon break near Nipomo where we met up with Janet, Jo, Gene, Carol and Janet's great uncle Herman and great aunt Rachel. Herman is about 90years old, and very interested in how our tires were doing. Rachel is a total delight, and it was good to visit with them for a half hour or so. We had lunch in the small town of Guadalupe at a place called "King Falafel". Alan had a garden burger, I had a cheese burger.
Back on the road again with a favorable tailwind soon we were at the base of the major climb of the day-the Harris Grade into Lompoc. This climb was about 3 miles at 6 to 8%, and gained 700 feet or so. We felt great up this climb. The descent down to Lompoc was fun. It started off fairly steeply, with many tight technical switchbacks near the top-way fun. Soon we were at the motel in town where we met up with Janet and Jo again. Today was a laundry day, so we took care of that and then went to dinner at a local Italian restuarant.
The food was good, but the highlight was Mama Catarina-the owner of the restaurant. She was a fat short Italian lady who was singing Louie Prima songs as she walked through thr restaurant, Her English wasn't too good in spite of living in the US for 40 years. But she sure was having fun.
Day 16
Big Sur to Morro Bay
94.5 miles
5,182 elevation gain
13 mph average speed
Today began with a fairly big climb from our campground at Pfieffer-Big Sur. The fog was thick, but traffic was Sunday morning light. The day didn't start off too well for me-perhaps not enough breakfast, maybe some effect from the dense forest of poison oak that surrounded our campsite, but the 24 miles from camp to Lucia was pretty tough. Lots of elevation gain, and somewhat scary descents in the thick fog and around 11:30 we stopped for lunch at the hamlet of Lucia. Janet and Jo we hanging around pretty close, as they said I wasn' t looking too good. I certainly wasn't feeling too well either.
After fueling up at lunch, I felt much better, and the thick fog was lifting giving more views of the spectacular Big Sur coast. The SAG Team took off, but we ran into them again at Ragged Point, a tourist spot on the coast with regular gasoline $5.449 a gallon. We had a snack and a drink and took off towards Morro Bay. From Ragged Point the terrain levels out and the miles began to fly by. We saw Elephant Seals on the beach north of San Simeon. A stiff tail wind gave us a great boost in speed-sometimes we were flying at 26mph on the flats.
In Morro Bay we met up with Janet's mom and dad, and Alan's family from Templeton came down and they all went out to dinner. The SAG team, Gene and Carol and I "enjoyed" a delicious dinner at some place in Morro Bay, while Alan's family made a far better dining choice and we have listend to Alan raving about halibut cheeks ever since.
94.5 miles
5,182 elevation gain
13 mph average speed
Today began with a fairly big climb from our campground at Pfieffer-Big Sur. The fog was thick, but traffic was Sunday morning light. The day didn't start off too well for me-perhaps not enough breakfast, maybe some effect from the dense forest of poison oak that surrounded our campsite, but the 24 miles from camp to Lucia was pretty tough. Lots of elevation gain, and somewhat scary descents in the thick fog and around 11:30 we stopped for lunch at the hamlet of Lucia. Janet and Jo we hanging around pretty close, as they said I wasn' t looking too good. I certainly wasn't feeling too well either.
After fueling up at lunch, I felt much better, and the thick fog was lifting giving more views of the spectacular Big Sur coast. The SAG Team took off, but we ran into them again at Ragged Point, a tourist spot on the coast with regular gasoline $5.449 a gallon. We had a snack and a drink and took off towards Morro Bay. From Ragged Point the terrain levels out and the miles began to fly by. We saw Elephant Seals on the beach north of San Simeon. A stiff tail wind gave us a great boost in speed-sometimes we were flying at 26mph on the flats.
In Morro Bay we met up with Janet's mom and dad, and Alan's family from Templeton came down and they all went out to dinner. The SAG team, Gene and Carol and I "enjoyed" a delicious dinner at some place in Morro Bay, while Alan's family made a far better dining choice and we have listend to Alan raving about halibut cheeks ever since.
Day 15
Santa Cruz to Big Sur
78.5 miles
3,480 elevation gain
11.3 average speed
I'll post a full report later-it is 10pm and I am tired.
78.5 miles
3,480 elevation gain
11.3 average speed
I'll post a full report later-it is 10pm and I am tired.
Day 14-
Mill Valley to Santa Cruz
93.2 miles
4,161 elevation gain
12 mph average speed
Today George joined us for our ride. The first challenge of the day was getting from Lisa's house up to the highway-the street was remarkably steep-probably 25% or more. I chose (wisely) to walk my bike the 50 yards or so, while Alan and George (foolishly) rode up the hill. A brisk downhill,a few miles and then breakfast a a little cafe in Sausalito with all our SAG support. After that, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge.
Crossing the bridge was quite the experience-not so much because of the view (it was so foggy) but because of the hordes of pedestrian traffic. Imagine riding your bike through Disneyland,and you'll have a pretty good idea of what it was like negotiating through the crowds of camera-toting tourists. The ACA maps did a good job of routing us through the residential streets of San Francisco, avoiding downtown entirely. Then, to the beach and points south.
Heading south, the fog was so dense that at one point we missed a crucial turn, and continued on Hwy 1 until it became a freeway with the "no bicycles" warning. We turned around, doubling back a mile or so and having needlessly climbing a couple hundred vertical feet. Once back on track, we ran into a local cyclist that gave us some good info on the upcoming major climb of the day-the Devil's Slide. We stopped for coffee in Pacifica, then took off for our climb.
Devil's Slide is about a 700' climb, through an area of twisty, no-shoulder roadway, with lots of traffic. Gradient is 8 to 10% and no real resting spots. It was on this climb that George began thinking of how attractive a triple crankset can be. After a fast descent, we were into more gentle terrain, and soon were in Half Moon Bay. Here, Alan assigned me the task of finding a Jamba Juice. Within minutes, I said "there's your Jamba Juice, right there". Alan was quite amazed with my abilities. A smoothie and a quick break, and back on the road.
After Half Moon Bay, the miles started to fly by, but George was workin' hard. At mile 60 he was nearly fully bonked, so I gave him some Hammer Gel, some electrolyte capsules, and some ibuprofen. This revitalized him, and Alan and I took turns pulling up front at 18 to 22 mph, and George hung on the remaining 30 miles to Santa Cruz.
The day finished at 93 miles and around 4,100' feet of climbing. George did a great job on a strenuous day. He hadn't spent much time on his bike for months, and was able to complete the day. He should be quite proud of himself.
93.2 miles
4,161 elevation gain
12 mph average speed
Today George joined us for our ride. The first challenge of the day was getting from Lisa's house up to the highway-the street was remarkably steep-probably 25% or more. I chose (wisely) to walk my bike the 50 yards or so, while Alan and George (foolishly) rode up the hill. A brisk downhill,a few miles and then breakfast a a little cafe in Sausalito with all our SAG support. After that, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge.
Crossing the bridge was quite the experience-not so much because of the view (it was so foggy) but because of the hordes of pedestrian traffic. Imagine riding your bike through Disneyland,and you'll have a pretty good idea of what it was like negotiating through the crowds of camera-toting tourists. The ACA maps did a good job of routing us through the residential streets of San Francisco, avoiding downtown entirely. Then, to the beach and points south.
Heading south, the fog was so dense that at one point we missed a crucial turn, and continued on Hwy 1 until it became a freeway with the "no bicycles" warning. We turned around, doubling back a mile or so and having needlessly climbing a couple hundred vertical feet. Once back on track, we ran into a local cyclist that gave us some good info on the upcoming major climb of the day-the Devil's Slide. We stopped for coffee in Pacifica, then took off for our climb.
Devil's Slide is about a 700' climb, through an area of twisty, no-shoulder roadway, with lots of traffic. Gradient is 8 to 10% and no real resting spots. It was on this climb that George began thinking of how attractive a triple crankset can be. After a fast descent, we were into more gentle terrain, and soon were in Half Moon Bay. Here, Alan assigned me the task of finding a Jamba Juice. Within minutes, I said "there's your Jamba Juice, right there". Alan was quite amazed with my abilities. A smoothie and a quick break, and back on the road.
After Half Moon Bay, the miles started to fly by, but George was workin' hard. At mile 60 he was nearly fully bonked, so I gave him some Hammer Gel, some electrolyte capsules, and some ibuprofen. This revitalized him, and Alan and I took turns pulling up front at 18 to 22 mph, and George hung on the remaining 30 miles to Santa Cruz.
The day finished at 93 miles and around 4,100' feet of climbing. George did a great job on a strenuous day. He hadn't spent much time on his bike for months, and was able to complete the day. He should be quite proud of himself.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Day 13
From Bodega Bay to Mill Valley
65 miles
3,353 feet of climbing
11.3 mph average
Pictures:
Today was a leisurely day. We met an enthusiastic new cyclist - Greg (see his comment on Day 9 post). We parted company with Tjuan - we hope that we'll see him down the road. Today we also logged 1,000 miles.
My son George and his girlfriend Meagan are coming in tonight - George will be riding with us tomorrow, and Meagan will be SAG support for a day (thanks Meagan, Jo and Janet!) Thanks also to Lisa for putting us up this evening in her lovely Mill Valley home.
65 miles
3,353 feet of climbing
11.3 mph average
Pictures:
Today was a leisurely day. We met an enthusiastic new cyclist - Greg (see his comment on Day 9 post). We parted company with Tjuan - we hope that we'll see him down the road. Today we also logged 1,000 miles.
My son George and his girlfriend Meagan are coming in tonight - George will be riding with us tomorrow, and Meagan will be SAG support for a day (thanks Meagan, Jo and Janet!) Thanks also to Lisa for putting us up this evening in her lovely Mill Valley home.
Day 12
From Little River to Bodega Bay
95 miles
6,301 feet of climbing
13.3 mph average speed
Pictures:
For me, this was probably my best day of cycling ever. I felt great even at the end of the day's ride, and the climbing just seemed to come naturally. Highway 1 reminds me in places of the Cliffs of Insanity (see Princess Bride), and in the steepest most treacherous spot on the road, cows appear from who knows where. I passed one big black cow, who was untroubled by my passage, but when Tjuan passed a minute later the cow took issue with his recumbent, got up, and ambled off. Tjuan shared with me later that he feared that the beast was a bull, and his red garb was serving as the cape.
95 miles
6,301 feet of climbing
13.3 mph average speed
Pictures:
For me, this was probably my best day of cycling ever. I felt great even at the end of the day's ride, and the climbing just seemed to come naturally. Highway 1 reminds me in places of the Cliffs of Insanity (see Princess Bride), and in the steepest most treacherous spot on the road, cows appear from who knows where. I passed one big black cow, who was untroubled by my passage, but when Tjuan passed a minute later the cow took issue with his recumbent, got up, and ambled off. Tjuan shared with me later that he feared that the beast was a bull, and his red garb was serving as the cape.
Day 11
From Standish Hickey (Leggett) to Little River
60.5 miles
3,845 feet of climbing
11.8 mph average
Pictures:
This had the Leggett Hill climb, a six to eight percent climb for 6 miles, and also the Rockport Hill climb, which was shorter but steeper. We had a great long descent off of Leggett Hill.
60.5 miles
3,845 feet of climbing
11.8 mph average
Pictures:
This had the Leggett Hill climb, a six to eight percent climb for 6 miles, and also the Rockport Hill climb, which was shorter but steeper. We had a great long descent off of Leggett Hill.
Day 10
From Rio Dell to Standish Hickey
69.5 miles
3059 ft. climbing
Average 11.3 mph
Pictures:
The Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this day's ride. The SAG team showed up - Janet and Jo - and took our panniers. There was much rejoicing!
69.5 miles
3059 ft. climbing
Average 11.3 mph
Pictures:
The Avenue of the Giants was the highlight of this day's ride. The SAG team showed up - Janet and Jo - and took our panniers. There was much rejoicing!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Day 9-Humboldt County Farmlands Tour
Orick, CA to Rio Dell, CA
75 miles, 2,782 feet elevation gain, 12.5 mph average
For the first time, we started the day under sunny skies. A hearty breakfast at the Palms Cafe in Orick, then on to the road. The first part of the ride was along the coast and the Humboldt Lagoons, and as we rode south, the fog began to roll in. The ride was uneventful, although one section of road construction was particularly harrowing. The freeway was reduced to only one lane, with a traffic signal at each end. We got the green light, and took off as fast as we could-up the 8% grade. While we still in the one-lane zone, northbound traffic got their green light. Traffic was approaching head on. We think that most of the car drivers appreciated our plight, and gave us plenty of room-including the driver of the big semi-truck that was passing through. We made it okay, and went on for a coffee break in Trinidad.
Trinidad looks like a new-age hippy place with tourists. The organic coffee house had some hippy folk singer playing guitar and singing for the Sunday morning customers. We met some cyclists from Eureka who set us up with local info for a better route around Arcata and to bypass most of Eureka. On the road these guys caught up with us and we rode together for a while, then they took off at a speed that we couldn't match. Even so, they kept an eye out for us and when they saw that we took a wrong turn, they turned around and came back to put us back on track. We really appreciated their advice and help. Their route took us through farmlands and past organic dairy farms.
Some strong tailwinds pushed us into Eureka, and we stopped at the Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe for lunch, then had several miles of riding on the freeway, before finding a backroad route. We rode past the College of the Redwoods, famous for its woodworking program-and again enjoyed tailwinds that really kept our speed up. Near the town of Loleta, some really friendly locals roared past us in their big pickup truck, yelling what must be some kind of local greeting-it sounded something like "Get the F#@% off the road!" We were impressed with their enthusiasm and vocabulary.
Alan had a flat tire today, and I had two flats. Because of the time delay these imposed, we found a shortcut through more farmland-dairy cattle and goats seemed to be barnyard animals of choice. This shortcut, along with the one given to us by the Eureka guys, shaved about 10 miles from today's ride. We were expecting about an 85 mile day, but it turned out to be only 75, and we were able cut out some elevation gain. This made us happy.
Tomorrow we head into the Giant Redwoods, and anticipate about 65 hilly miles. We may not have access to the internets, so we may not be able to blog for a couple of days. Try to hang on...we will blog again as soon as we can.
And for all you that have expressed concern about how my rear end is holding up on the bicycle saddle-it is doing great, and I really apppreciate the interest-something that I haven't experienced since Debbie Shepard said I had a cute butt in junior high school.
We read all comments posted-we look forward to them all day. So please, comment away!
75 miles, 2,782 feet elevation gain, 12.5 mph average
For the first time, we started the day under sunny skies. A hearty breakfast at the Palms Cafe in Orick, then on to the road. The first part of the ride was along the coast and the Humboldt Lagoons, and as we rode south, the fog began to roll in. The ride was uneventful, although one section of road construction was particularly harrowing. The freeway was reduced to only one lane, with a traffic signal at each end. We got the green light, and took off as fast as we could-up the 8% grade. While we still in the one-lane zone, northbound traffic got their green light. Traffic was approaching head on. We think that most of the car drivers appreciated our plight, and gave us plenty of room-including the driver of the big semi-truck that was passing through. We made it okay, and went on for a coffee break in Trinidad.
Trinidad looks like a new-age hippy place with tourists. The organic coffee house had some hippy folk singer playing guitar and singing for the Sunday morning customers. We met some cyclists from Eureka who set us up with local info for a better route around Arcata and to bypass most of Eureka. On the road these guys caught up with us and we rode together for a while, then they took off at a speed that we couldn't match. Even so, they kept an eye out for us and when they saw that we took a wrong turn, they turned around and came back to put us back on track. We really appreciated their advice and help. Their route took us through farmlands and past organic dairy farms.
Some strong tailwinds pushed us into Eureka, and we stopped at the Lost Coast Brewery and Cafe for lunch, then had several miles of riding on the freeway, before finding a backroad route. We rode past the College of the Redwoods, famous for its woodworking program-and again enjoyed tailwinds that really kept our speed up. Near the town of Loleta, some really friendly locals roared past us in their big pickup truck, yelling what must be some kind of local greeting-it sounded something like "Get the F#@% off the road!" We were impressed with their enthusiasm and vocabulary.
Alan had a flat tire today, and I had two flats. Because of the time delay these imposed, we found a shortcut through more farmland-dairy cattle and goats seemed to be barnyard animals of choice. This shortcut, along with the one given to us by the Eureka guys, shaved about 10 miles from today's ride. We were expecting about an 85 mile day, but it turned out to be only 75, and we were able cut out some elevation gain. This made us happy.
Tomorrow we head into the Giant Redwoods, and anticipate about 65 hilly miles. We may not have access to the internets, so we may not be able to blog for a couple of days. Try to hang on...we will blog again as soon as we can.
And for all you that have expressed concern about how my rear end is holding up on the bicycle saddle-it is doing great, and I really apppreciate the interest-something that I haven't experienced since Debbie Shepard said I had a cute butt in junior high school.
We read all comments posted-we look forward to them all day. So please, comment away!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Day 8
From Brookings OR to Orick CA
Distance: 68.5 miles
Climbing: 2708 ft.
Average Speed: 10.7 mph
Pictures and Videos:
It was drizzly and foggy when we left Brookings - so foggy that we donned our farm equipment triangles for the first time. We stopped for coffee at a drive-thru espresso bar at Fort Dick, where we sat at a picnic table and had a nice discussion with 4 year old Chloe. She is a budding young botanist and dissected a number of flowers for us to show where the bees get the honey. Her mom was running the establishment and seemed a bit embarrassed at how friendly Chloe was.
We visited the bike store in Crescent City for chain lube, then found a nice park for a lunch break. There, another friendly young girl, this one was about 2, lost hold of her helium balloons and I grabbed them for her. She was fascinated by the bikes and her grandmother had to haul her away.
From Crescent City we had our longest climb of the trip so far, into the Coastal Redwoods. By this time the sun had come out, but the weather was nice and cool for the climb. At a viewpoint halfway down the descent we met some bikers from Martinez CA and Park City Utah - they liked my comfy Keen cycling sandals!
We had another food stop in Klamath, then started another climb, turning off of 101 onto the Newton Drury Memorial Parkway. At the top of the climb we met a cyclist on a recumbent - more about him later. He had a very cool looking rig, and even though we started the descent long before he did, he went zipping by us because his recumbent is far more aerodynamic than our standard mounts. We saw two elk (see picture) but then rode by a whole bunch more gathered in someone's yard a few miles further on.
When we got to Orick and our motel, we saw the recumbent rider there, and ended up having dinner with him. His name is Tjoan Liang le and he's visiting the USA on a 4 month journey which started in Atlanta. Tjoan is Dutch (small world, since my son Walter is studying there right now) and makes a living there as a cabinetmaker who hauls everything by bicycle and bike trailer. Check out his website. We also met Jan at the restaurant - she and her husband are on a 4 month, 15,000 mile tour. Check out their website too! Needless to say, Kevin and I felt like duffers in the company of these dedicated tourers! In any event, we had a good time discussing cycling and woodworking over dinner.
Distance: 68.5 miles
Climbing: 2708 ft.
Average Speed: 10.7 mph
Pictures and Videos:
It was drizzly and foggy when we left Brookings - so foggy that we donned our farm equipment triangles for the first time. We stopped for coffee at a drive-thru espresso bar at Fort Dick, where we sat at a picnic table and had a nice discussion with 4 year old Chloe. She is a budding young botanist and dissected a number of flowers for us to show where the bees get the honey. Her mom was running the establishment and seemed a bit embarrassed at how friendly Chloe was.
We visited the bike store in Crescent City for chain lube, then found a nice park for a lunch break. There, another friendly young girl, this one was about 2, lost hold of her helium balloons and I grabbed them for her. She was fascinated by the bikes and her grandmother had to haul her away.
From Crescent City we had our longest climb of the trip so far, into the Coastal Redwoods. By this time the sun had come out, but the weather was nice and cool for the climb. At a viewpoint halfway down the descent we met some bikers from Martinez CA and Park City Utah - they liked my comfy Keen cycling sandals!
We had another food stop in Klamath, then started another climb, turning off of 101 onto the Newton Drury Memorial Parkway. At the top of the climb we met a cyclist on a recumbent - more about him later. He had a very cool looking rig, and even though we started the descent long before he did, he went zipping by us because his recumbent is far more aerodynamic than our standard mounts. We saw two elk (see picture) but then rode by a whole bunch more gathered in someone's yard a few miles further on.
When we got to Orick and our motel, we saw the recumbent rider there, and ended up having dinner with him. His name is Tjoan Liang le and he's visiting the USA on a 4 month journey which started in Atlanta. Tjoan is Dutch (small world, since my son Walter is studying there right now) and makes a living there as a cabinetmaker who hauls everything by bicycle and bike trailer. Check out his website. We also met Jan at the restaurant - she and her husband are on a 4 month, 15,000 mile tour. Check out their website too! Needless to say, Kevin and I felt like duffers in the company of these dedicated tourers! In any event, we had a good time discussing cycling and woodworking over dinner.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Day 7-Blue Skies
Bandon, OR. to Brookings, OR.
85 Miles, 10.8mph average speed. 3,760' elevation gain
The day began cool and cloudy, but soon we saw blue skies for the first time in days. Heck, we haven't had weather this good since Washington! The views along the coast were spectacular. We weren't expecting the day to be as hilly as it turned out to be, but most of the climbs were moderate-in the 6% range.
Our strategy for the day was to take frequent, but short stops instead of a few long ones. It worked pretty well, with stops including the store in Langlois, and at a golfcourse on the Cedar Creek road. The Cedar Creek road is on the ACA route, and the few extra miles added were well worth it-almost completely car-free. And, the run down to the Rogue River was really fun on really nice pavement.
After Gold Beach there is a big long 6% climb gaining 700 feet or so, and then a pretty hilly road all the way to Brookings, with several climbs of 6-7%, with one that maxed out at 12% for a short distance. Highlights of this section were great scenery, a downhill where we hit nearly 38mph, and a several mile flat section where we traded pulls at 18 to 20mph.
Perhaps the most wierd thing we have seen all trip was the guy who is riding a BMX bike backwards across the country. Definitely someone who has more time than good sense. He has a web site-you could probably use the Google and find him if so inclined.
We are now relaxing in Brookings, and Alan is stinking up the room with some strange smelling lintiment that he has applied to his creaky old knees. Smells like grandpa in here!
85 Miles, 10.8mph average speed. 3,760' elevation gain
The day began cool and cloudy, but soon we saw blue skies for the first time in days. Heck, we haven't had weather this good since Washington! The views along the coast were spectacular. We weren't expecting the day to be as hilly as it turned out to be, but most of the climbs were moderate-in the 6% range.
Our strategy for the day was to take frequent, but short stops instead of a few long ones. It worked pretty well, with stops including the store in Langlois, and at a golfcourse on the Cedar Creek road. The Cedar Creek road is on the ACA route, and the few extra miles added were well worth it-almost completely car-free. And, the run down to the Rogue River was really fun on really nice pavement.
After Gold Beach there is a big long 6% climb gaining 700 feet or so, and then a pretty hilly road all the way to Brookings, with several climbs of 6-7%, with one that maxed out at 12% for a short distance. Highlights of this section were great scenery, a downhill where we hit nearly 38mph, and a several mile flat section where we traded pulls at 18 to 20mph.
Perhaps the most wierd thing we have seen all trip was the guy who is riding a BMX bike backwards across the country. Definitely someone who has more time than good sense. He has a web site-you could probably use the Google and find him if so inclined.
We are now relaxing in Brookings, and Alan is stinking up the room with some strange smelling lintiment that he has applied to his creaky old knees. Smells like grandpa in here!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 6
From Reedsport OR to Bandon OR
Distance: 57 Miles
Climbing: 2115 feet
Average Speed: 10.7 mph
Pictures:
Last night we stayed at the Anchor Bay Inn. We awoke to another drizzly Oregon day, had a light continental breakfast, then took off down Highway 101. One of the perks of riding all day is you get to eat a lot, and I enjoy our second breakfasts - this one was in Winchester Bay. From there we got off of 101 and on to Wildwood Rd. for a beautiful, quiet ride through ferns and conifers. We stopped at a county park for a clif bar, then tackled the crossing of the McCullough Bridge on foot. This hike was for over a mile on a very narrow sidewalk pushing our bikes rather awkwardly beside us. We had lunch in Coos Bay and then got to ride on my favorite road so far - Seven Devils Rd.
The devil gets credited with the coolest geographical features: churns, lakes, elbows (all of we've seen on this trip), and then there's post piles, cauldrons, punch bowls and in this case, seven 12 percent grades on a beautiful coastal road. Some kind soul had taken the trouble to number these devils for us.
After the climbs we were rewarded with a thrilling descent, with Kevin off the front as usual on the long downhills. We pretty much descended all the way into Bandon, then found our motel.
Distance: 57 Miles
Climbing: 2115 feet
Average Speed: 10.7 mph
Pictures:
Last night we stayed at the Anchor Bay Inn. We awoke to another drizzly Oregon day, had a light continental breakfast, then took off down Highway 101. One of the perks of riding all day is you get to eat a lot, and I enjoy our second breakfasts - this one was in Winchester Bay. From there we got off of 101 and on to Wildwood Rd. for a beautiful, quiet ride through ferns and conifers. We stopped at a county park for a clif bar, then tackled the crossing of the McCullough Bridge on foot. This hike was for over a mile on a very narrow sidewalk pushing our bikes rather awkwardly beside us. We had lunch in Coos Bay and then got to ride on my favorite road so far - Seven Devils Rd.
The devil gets credited with the coolest geographical features: churns, lakes, elbows (all of we've seen on this trip), and then there's post piles, cauldrons, punch bowls and in this case, seven 12 percent grades on a beautiful coastal road. Some kind soul had taken the trouble to number these devils for us.
After the climbs we were rewarded with a thrilling descent, with Kevin off the front as usual on the long downhills. We pretty much descended all the way into Bandon, then found our motel.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Another cloudy day-Day 5
Newport to Reedsport
Mileage-73 Average speed 11.4 mph.
Elevation gain 2,740
Today's route was on Highway 101 the entire time. Looking at the elevation profiles, we thought that today would be a relatively flat day, without significant climbs. While not as strenuous as yesterday, today still had some good climbs-mostly in the 6 to 7% range. The climb up Hecate Head was a long grind at 4%, then it popped up to a max of 8%, including the passage through the second and last tunnel on the Oregon Coast. Tunnels are fun. Upon entering, you press the button to illuminate the flashing "Bikes in Tunnel" lights, then enter to the intense sounds of cars, logging trucks and Harleys. It is quite nerve racking.
The day was overcast and foggy, and we stopped in Waldport for a mid-morning snack at a cafe/bakery and to warm up a bit. Because the fog limited views of the scenery, we pushed on to lunch in Florence (at 50 miles) but did stop and take in the view (as it was) at Hecata Head, seeing a bunch of sea lions, and the Hecata Lighthouse peeking through the fog and mist. The high point of the day was at the Darlingtonia Wayside, where we saw the carnivorous Darlingtonia plant. Photos are posted. And regardless of what it looks like, I was taking photos of the plants-my position was not the result of too many beers at lunch (we hadn't yet stopped for lunch).
After a delicious lunch at Quizno's, we had a relatively quick 25 mile ride to Reedsport, where we stopped for the night at the Anchor Bay Motel. Big rooms and clean, it is a trek back in time when touring by motor car and staying at Motor Hotels was king. Thanks go out to Janet for supplying us with daily lodging options. We finished our day at 5:00pm-the earliest yet. Dinner was at Bedrock's Chowder House-it was quite tasty, and the Rogue Dead Guy Ale (Kevin) and the Alaskan Amber (Alan) was well earned and quite delicious.
The bikes are working perfectly-gearing, fit and handling couldn't be better.
Mileage-73 Average speed 11.4 mph.
Elevation gain 2,740
Today's route was on Highway 101 the entire time. Looking at the elevation profiles, we thought that today would be a relatively flat day, without significant climbs. While not as strenuous as yesterday, today still had some good climbs-mostly in the 6 to 7% range. The climb up Hecate Head was a long grind at 4%, then it popped up to a max of 8%, including the passage through the second and last tunnel on the Oregon Coast. Tunnels are fun. Upon entering, you press the button to illuminate the flashing "Bikes in Tunnel" lights, then enter to the intense sounds of cars, logging trucks and Harleys. It is quite nerve racking.
The day was overcast and foggy, and we stopped in Waldport for a mid-morning snack at a cafe/bakery and to warm up a bit. Because the fog limited views of the scenery, we pushed on to lunch in Florence (at 50 miles) but did stop and take in the view (as it was) at Hecata Head, seeing a bunch of sea lions, and the Hecata Lighthouse peeking through the fog and mist. The high point of the day was at the Darlingtonia Wayside, where we saw the carnivorous Darlingtonia plant. Photos are posted. And regardless of what it looks like, I was taking photos of the plants-my position was not the result of too many beers at lunch (we hadn't yet stopped for lunch).
After a delicious lunch at Quizno's, we had a relatively quick 25 mile ride to Reedsport, where we stopped for the night at the Anchor Bay Motel. Big rooms and clean, it is a trek back in time when touring by motor car and staying at Motor Hotels was king. Thanks go out to Janet for supplying us with daily lodging options. We finished our day at 5:00pm-the earliest yet. Dinner was at Bedrock's Chowder House-it was quite tasty, and the Rogue Dead Guy Ale (Kevin) and the Alaskan Amber (Alan) was well earned and quite delicious.
The bikes are working perfectly-gearing, fit and handling couldn't be better.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Day 4
From Tillamook to Newport
Distance: 75.22 miles
Climbing: 3561
Average Speed: 10.5
Distance: 75.22 miles
Climbing: 3561
Average Speed: 10.5
Today was cold and foggy with lots of climbing. Our first long climb
was Cape Lookout about 15 miles south of Tillamook. The grade hit 20%
on a few occasions but the road was quiet and the vegetation lush.
We're tired but happy - no internet here at our motel so we'll post
pictures later.
--
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Monday, August 4, 2008
Day 3 Report
Cape Disappointment WA to Tillamook, OR
89.06 miles, 2,864 feet climbing, 11.6 mph average speed.
A cloudy and cool morning met us today, and we stopped at Chinook Coffee Company in Chinook WA for coffee and a muffin. Soon after our coffee break, we came to the Astoria Bridge across the Columbia River. It is 4.1 miles long, and on the Oregon side, the highrise (to let ships pass underneath) has a 6% grade for about a mile. I'll let Alan describe riding across this span.
We ended up have breakfast in Warrenton at about 11:00AM, and then hopped on 101 south. We followed the Adventure Cycling Association's maps through Seaside, which took us on the "Promenade" It was fairly touristy, but not nearly as bad as Cannon Beach. The scenery around Cannon Beach was awesome, and the skies had cleared for a nice sunny day.
Soon after Cannon Beach the road begins a number of climbs, the most notable was one through a tunnel, and another 7 to 8% grade that went on for miles, plus others that I have forgotten about already. We stopped at a beach access trailhead and took a short break and refilled out water bottles. This rest was what we needed, and the next long climb went much better than the last one, and our morale was boosted. After a long downhill, we stopped at a tavern between Manzanita and Newhalem and took a well deserved break and enjoyed a cold beer on the outdoor deck. This further boosted our spirits. After that, we turned off 101, following the ACA route, and soon were facing a 10% grade. It wasn't too long, and the rest of the ride into Tillamook was great. We got to our motel, went to dinner and now are waiting for our laundry to finish. I am assigning Alan to give his ride impressions and to post pix.
89.06 miles, 2,864 feet climbing, 11.6 mph average speed.
A cloudy and cool morning met us today, and we stopped at Chinook Coffee Company in Chinook WA for coffee and a muffin. Soon after our coffee break, we came to the Astoria Bridge across the Columbia River. It is 4.1 miles long, and on the Oregon side, the highrise (to let ships pass underneath) has a 6% grade for about a mile. I'll let Alan describe riding across this span.
We ended up have breakfast in Warrenton at about 11:00AM, and then hopped on 101 south. We followed the Adventure Cycling Association's maps through Seaside, which took us on the "Promenade" It was fairly touristy, but not nearly as bad as Cannon Beach. The scenery around Cannon Beach was awesome, and the skies had cleared for a nice sunny day.
Soon after Cannon Beach the road begins a number of climbs, the most notable was one through a tunnel, and another 7 to 8% grade that went on for miles, plus others that I have forgotten about already. We stopped at a beach access trailhead and took a short break and refilled out water bottles. This rest was what we needed, and the next long climb went much better than the last one, and our morale was boosted. After a long downhill, we stopped at a tavern between Manzanita and Newhalem and took a well deserved break and enjoyed a cold beer on the outdoor deck. This further boosted our spirits. After that, we turned off 101, following the ACA route, and soon were facing a 10% grade. It wasn't too long, and the rest of the ride into Tillamook was great. We got to our motel, went to dinner and now are waiting for our laundry to finish. I am assigning Alan to give his ride impressions and to post pix.
Day Two Report
Day 2
Montesano WA to Cape Disappointment, WA
79.64 miles, 2,697 feet elevation gain, 12.o mph average.
We began our day with a hearty breakfast at the Beehive Restaurant, serving Montesano since 1934. While tempting, we did not spend any time in the Honeycomb Room. I'm sure it is the happenin' spot in downtown Montesano. Our waitress told us that WA State hwy 107 to US 101 was "curvy, hilly and somtimes no shoulder". She was absolutely correct. Between Montesano and Raymond there were probably 7 significant hills-6 to 8% for a mile or so.
In Raymond we stopped for coffee and a scone-we got coffee and a biscuit. Then, Alan had the brilliant idea to get a sandwich to go, so that we could stop and have a picnic lunch. There is a really nice bike path between Raymond and South Bend, and giant piles of stinky oyster shells all along the way. Lunch was at Bruceport County Park-a really nice place on top of a hill and great views of the bay and beyond.
We enjoyed nice tailwinds, and about 17 miles out from Ilwaco, Janet, Tamara and Evan caught up to us. Apparently, Tamara did not understand that it is customary in Washinton to flash cyclists on Sundays. Oh well. We loaded our panniers into the van and enjoyed the rest of the right with light bikes. The ride up to the State Park is quite beautiful, and worth the additional couple hundred feet of climbing.
Yurt 72 was not at all disappointing , even though Alan wanted Yurt 74.
Addendum to Day One...Thanks to Ruth for stopping by and sending us off on Saturday morning, and to Libby for riding on the ferry to Bremerton with us and sending us on our way.
Alan will post pix.
Montesano WA to Cape Disappointment, WA
79.64 miles, 2,697 feet elevation gain, 12.o mph average.
We began our day with a hearty breakfast at the Beehive Restaurant, serving Montesano since 1934. While tempting, we did not spend any time in the Honeycomb Room. I'm sure it is the happenin' spot in downtown Montesano. Our waitress told us that WA State hwy 107 to US 101 was "curvy, hilly and somtimes no shoulder". She was absolutely correct. Between Montesano and Raymond there were probably 7 significant hills-6 to 8% for a mile or so.
In Raymond we stopped for coffee and a scone-we got coffee and a biscuit. Then, Alan had the brilliant idea to get a sandwich to go, so that we could stop and have a picnic lunch. There is a really nice bike path between Raymond and South Bend, and giant piles of stinky oyster shells all along the way. Lunch was at Bruceport County Park-a really nice place on top of a hill and great views of the bay and beyond.
We enjoyed nice tailwinds, and about 17 miles out from Ilwaco, Janet, Tamara and Evan caught up to us. Apparently, Tamara did not understand that it is customary in Washinton to flash cyclists on Sundays. Oh well. We loaded our panniers into the van and enjoyed the rest of the right with light bikes. The ride up to the State Park is quite beautiful, and worth the additional couple hundred feet of climbing.
Yurt 72 was not at all disappointing , even though Alan wanted Yurt 74.
Addendum to Day One...Thanks to Ruth for stopping by and sending us off on Saturday morning, and to Libby for riding on the ferry to Bremerton with us and sending us on our way.
Alan will post pix.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Day 1 Report
From: Fall City, WA
To: Montesano, WA
Distance: 108 miles
Climbing: 3275 feet
Average Speed: 12.1 mph
We started pretty much on time at 6 a.m. Spirits were high even though one of the first cars we saw drove by with "The Macarena" blaring - we overcame this inauspicious omen. Kevin's friend Jo was our roadie and paparazza today - she took a bunch of pictures that we'll post later. On the way to Seattle and our ferry to Bremerton we met up with Steve, who rode with us until lunchtime.
We made the first ferry with only minutes to spare. Steve was most kind in buying our ferry passage, but for some reason he thought we were going to Bainbridge and he tried really hard to get us to board the wrong boat.
Lunch in Union was Jo's treat - thanks Jo! After lunch Jo and Steve took their leave and we were on our own. We made it to our motel about 6 p.m. then headed over to the pizza joint for dinner, where we met a family of four with two young cyclists and two tandems. They started yesterday from Seattle and are headed to San Franciso. Way to go!
To: Montesano, WA
Distance: 108 miles
Climbing: 3275 feet
Average Speed: 12.1 mph
We started pretty much on time at 6 a.m. Spirits were high even though one of the first cars we saw drove by with "The Macarena" blaring - we overcame this inauspicious omen. Kevin's friend Jo was our roadie and paparazza today - she took a bunch of pictures that we'll post later. On the way to Seattle and our ferry to Bremerton we met up with Steve, who rode with us until lunchtime.
We made the first ferry with only minutes to spare. Steve was most kind in buying our ferry passage, but for some reason he thought we were going to Bainbridge and he tried really hard to get us to board the wrong boat.
Lunch in Union was Jo's treat - thanks Jo! After lunch Jo and Steve took their leave and we were on our own. We made it to our motel about 6 p.m. then headed over to the pizza joint for dinner, where we met a family of four with two young cyclists and two tandems. They started yesterday from Seattle and are headed to San Franciso. Way to go!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Kevin/Alan v. Ewan/Charley
Kevin and I aren't out to compete with anyone. We don't pretend to be doing this tour for any noble cause. That is why we need to put to rest the persistent rumors that by undertaking this tour we are trying to take wind out of the sails of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.
We've got nothing against their pansy motorcycles and entourage. They chose Africa, we stuck closer to home. To each his own. When our documentary comes out, we won't be trying to out-gross them at the box office because we just won't stoop to that level.
There. I feel better having set the record straight about that. One does wonder, though: if one-upmanship is not the motive, what is? I just said goodbye to Ellen, my lovely bride and high school sweetheart, and won't see her again for 3 weeks (thanks, honey, for indulging me!) and I'm sitting here in the San Diego airport wondering why?
For one thing, I've wanted to do this for a long, long time. The original plan was to ride from Canada to Mexico, and dreams of this accompanied those of cycling from coast to coast (I'll do that someday too). I've never cycled "self-supported" but I've enjoyed several week long bicycle tours where vans carried our luggage, and there's no better way to see the world than from the saddle of a bike. By car the world is framed by windshields and B pillars, and by train you're stuck with windows, but not by bike. On a bike no frames separate viewer from viewed. The thought of having everything we need with us on the bike seems to me to season the experience with a little more freedom - I'll let you know if the extra weight we're carrying starts to feel more like gravitational burden.
For another thing, it is nice to know that the only oil I'll be burning is on the flight up.
In any event, I'm excited! I've decided to carry my laptop so that I can blog frequently (no promises - we'll see if that pans out) and at least right now that seems to add to the fun. Blogging is a fascinating phenomenon and Kevin and I are brand new to it. I may even post a video blog or two - cutting edge, eh?
We've got nothing against their pansy motorcycles and entourage. They chose Africa, we stuck closer to home. To each his own. When our documentary comes out, we won't be trying to out-gross them at the box office because we just won't stoop to that level.
There. I feel better having set the record straight about that. One does wonder, though: if one-upmanship is not the motive, what is? I just said goodbye to Ellen, my lovely bride and high school sweetheart, and won't see her again for 3 weeks (thanks, honey, for indulging me!) and I'm sitting here in the San Diego airport wondering why?
For one thing, I've wanted to do this for a long, long time. The original plan was to ride from Canada to Mexico, and dreams of this accompanied those of cycling from coast to coast (I'll do that someday too). I've never cycled "self-supported" but I've enjoyed several week long bicycle tours where vans carried our luggage, and there's no better way to see the world than from the saddle of a bike. By car the world is framed by windshields and B pillars, and by train you're stuck with windows, but not by bike. On a bike no frames separate viewer from viewed. The thought of having everything we need with us on the bike seems to me to season the experience with a little more freedom - I'll let you know if the extra weight we're carrying starts to feel more like gravitational burden.
For another thing, it is nice to know that the only oil I'll be burning is on the flight up.
In any event, I'm excited! I've decided to carry my laptop so that I can blog frequently (no promises - we'll see if that pans out) and at least right now that seems to add to the fun. Blogging is a fascinating phenomenon and Kevin and I are brand new to it. I may even post a video blog or two - cutting edge, eh?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Poem of the Month - August
Journey
by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Ah, could I lay me down in this long grass
And close my eyes, and let the quiet wind
Blow over me—I am so tired, so tired
Of passing pleasant places! All my life,
Following Care along the dusty road,
Have I looked back at loveliness and sighed;
Yet at my hand an unrelenting hand
Tugged ever, and I passed. All my life long
Over my shoulder have I looked at peace;
And now I fain would lie in this long grass
And close my eyes.
Yet onward!
Cat birds call
Through the long afternoon, and creeks at dusk
Are guttural. Whip-poor-wills wake and cry,
Drawing the twilight close about their throats.
Only my heart makes answer. Eager vines
Go up the rocks and wait; flushed apple-trees
Pause in their dance and break the ring for me;
And bayberry, that through sweet bevies thread
Of round-faced roses, pink and petulant,
Look back and beckon ere they disappear.
Only my heart, only my heart responds.
Yet, ah, my path is sweet on either side
All through the dragging day,—sharp underfoot
And hot, and like dead mist the dry dust hangs—
But far, oh, far as passionate eye can reach,
And long, ah, long as rapturous eye can cling,
The world is mine: blue hill, still silver lake,
Broad field, bright flower, and the long white road
A gateless garden, and an open path:
My feet to follow, and my heart to hold.
by Edna St. Vincent Millay
Ah, could I lay me down in this long grass
And close my eyes, and let the quiet wind
Blow over me—I am so tired, so tired
Of passing pleasant places! All my life,
Following Care along the dusty road,
Have I looked back at loveliness and sighed;
Yet at my hand an unrelenting hand
Tugged ever, and I passed. All my life long
Over my shoulder have I looked at peace;
And now I fain would lie in this long grass
And close my eyes.
Yet onward!
Cat birds call
Through the long afternoon, and creeks at dusk
Are guttural. Whip-poor-wills wake and cry,
Drawing the twilight close about their throats.
Only my heart makes answer. Eager vines
Go up the rocks and wait; flushed apple-trees
Pause in their dance and break the ring for me;
And bayberry, that through sweet bevies thread
Of round-faced roses, pink and petulant,
Look back and beckon ere they disappear.
Only my heart, only my heart responds.
Yet, ah, my path is sweet on either side
All through the dragging day,—sharp underfoot
And hot, and like dead mist the dry dust hangs—
But far, oh, far as passionate eye can reach,
And long, ah, long as rapturous eye can cling,
The world is mine: blue hill, still silver lake,
Broad field, bright flower, and the long white road
A gateless garden, and an open path:
My feet to follow, and my heart to hold.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm Ready
On Saturday I did a 200K Brevet with the San Diego Randonneurs. We rode from Chula Vista to Jacumba and back via Highway 94. We had a tailwind most of the way out which is good, but we knew we'd pay for it on the way back. I'm quite pleased that I was able to finish this ride - see the last slide below for elevation details. This was the most climbing I've done in one day and the second longest distance covered.
On Sunday Ellen and I had a leisurely ride from home, out Willow Glen Rd., then back to our local Starbucks for lunch.
I think I'm pretty much ready to spend three weeks on a bike!
On Sunday Ellen and I had a leisurely ride from home, out Willow Glen Rd., then back to our local Starbucks for lunch.
I think I'm pretty much ready to spend three weeks on a bike!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Same Ride, Different Bikes
Last weekend I rode the same 32 mile ride both days, but with different bikes. I rode up to Alpine and back, stopping at the new Alpine Starbucks for a breather. On Saturday I rode my Eriksen, but decided to get reacquainted with my Lemond Victoire and skinny tires on Sunday. As currently configured the Victoire is about 8 lbs. lighter, and I did like how it climbed, though in other respects the rides of the two bikes are quite simiiar. The only time I noticed the harshness of the skinny 23 mm tires was a short section of Tavern Rd. before Southgrade Rd.
Rather than blather on about training rides, here's something completely different, lifted from Neil Gaiman's most recent post (Walter and I are big fans of The Magnetic Fields):
Rather than blather on about training rides, here's something completely different, lifted from Neil Gaiman's most recent post (Walter and I are big fans of The Magnetic Fields):
KT's Weekend
This past weekend brought near perfect weather-maybe a little warm, but really quite nice-low to mid 80's...I could ease into the heat though, as it was about 70' when I left the house. Rode the standard Fall City-North Bend-Carnation loop. Lots of other cyclists out riding too-mostly aero bar tri wanna bees. I don't really understand the whole aerobar thing-the typical get up I saw was clip on aerobars on a bike set up with a 8cm 45' riser stem, and a whole bunch of spacers on the stem. Then, angle the aerobars at about 45', making them appear to be some sort of mutant rhinocerous horns, or maybe even a grotesque unicorn. What's so aero about what appears to be some sort of upright Praying Mantis position? I particularly liked the guys coming down the Falls hill on the aerobars, drafting their buddies down the hill.
Anyway-ride stats-About 45 miles, 3 hours ride time, with a stop at Sandy's Espresso in Carnation, for a Hot Dog and a Coke. Mmm...health food!
Sunday was a day of "cross-training". Teaching a kayaking class on the Green River, mixing it up with every moron in South King County floating the river in inner tubes. At least they have the technique down-beer in one hand, cigarette in the other, butt in cold water yelling "Whoo Hooo!" Proof that Natural Selection is still hard at work. While practicing ferrying across the river, one student remarked "It's like playing Frogger"!
Garbage Pick-Up Count: 20 empty beer cans, 1 full can of Bud Light (refreshing!), 4 bottles, 1 can Hawaiian Tropic Spray Tanning Lotion, and 1 styrofoam cooler lid.
Anyway-ride stats-About 45 miles, 3 hours ride time, with a stop at Sandy's Espresso in Carnation, for a Hot Dog and a Coke. Mmm...health food!
Sunday was a day of "cross-training". Teaching a kayaking class on the Green River, mixing it up with every moron in South King County floating the river in inner tubes. At least they have the technique down-beer in one hand, cigarette in the other, butt in cold water yelling "Whoo Hooo!" Proof that Natural Selection is still hard at work. While practicing ferrying across the river, one student remarked "It's like playing Frogger"!
Garbage Pick-Up Count: 20 empty beer cans, 1 full can of Bud Light (refreshing!), 4 bottles, 1 can Hawaiian Tropic Spray Tanning Lotion, and 1 styrofoam cooler lid.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Predicted Effect of Tour on Legs
Before Tour
After tour (I reckon)
(Confession - these are the legs of Fausto Coppi)
Friday, July 4, 2008
I Live in the 30%
Today's weather forecast for Seattle called for temperatures in the low 70's, with a 30% chance of scattered showers. For the foothills this meant 65', and rain almost guaranteed. I went for my normal ride to North Bend, and left the house in mizzle (a northwest word that is a combination of miserable and drizzle). In otherwords, a typical 4th of July in the Northwest. Of course, the skies totally opened up, and I got rained on, but that's okay...I just kept in mind how the So.Cal. people think that they might melt in the rain, and kept ridin' on.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Tour de Grandma's House
Kevin's memories of bucolic Oklahoma days got me reminiscing too, so back we go to 1972, when Stan Poe and I tackled the Tour de Grandma's House. I was 14 and Stan was 15.
I had been riding my new Ross 10 speed for a few months. It looked something like this, except that mine was white:
How I had longed for the sleek Peugeot model displayed at the Burbank bike shop where I purchased the Ross, but it was too expensive. The Ross was expensive enough - my father was fond of amortizing its $130 purchase price over the miles reported by my hub mounted mechanical odometer. I had raised half of the purchase price somehow, but Mom and Dad paid for the balance. When I later logged 600 miles and got the cost down to $.22 per mile, Dad let up a bit with his kindhearted harassment, although he continued to make fun of my fixation with the "POOOOOOzhow". I rode that Ross all through college.
Here's the route (approximately) of that first bike tour. We carried small backpacks with a change of clothes and pedalled in T Shirts, cutoff jeans and Jack Purcell tennies. Grandma took care of feeding us and gave us a place to sleep in her ancestral Claremont home. We pedaled back to La Crescenta the next day.
I don't remember all that much about the ride itself, except for some fleeting images of Foothill Blvd. stoplights and craftsman style Pasadena homes. We never did the ride again. Even so, I think that such adventures have a huge effect on our lives, and I'm sure the Tour de Grandma's House cemented my lifelong love of cycling.
I had been riding my new Ross 10 speed for a few months. It looked something like this, except that mine was white:
How I had longed for the sleek Peugeot model displayed at the Burbank bike shop where I purchased the Ross, but it was too expensive. The Ross was expensive enough - my father was fond of amortizing its $130 purchase price over the miles reported by my hub mounted mechanical odometer. I had raised half of the purchase price somehow, but Mom and Dad paid for the balance. When I later logged 600 miles and got the cost down to $.22 per mile, Dad let up a bit with his kindhearted harassment, although he continued to make fun of my fixation with the "POOOOOOzhow". I rode that Ross all through college.
Here's the route (approximately) of that first bike tour. We carried small backpacks with a change of clothes and pedalled in T Shirts, cutoff jeans and Jack Purcell tennies. Grandma took care of feeding us and gave us a place to sleep in her ancestral Claremont home. We pedaled back to La Crescenta the next day.
I don't remember all that much about the ride itself, except for some fleeting images of Foothill Blvd. stoplights and craftsman style Pasadena homes. We never did the ride again. Even so, I think that such adventures have a huge effect on our lives, and I'm sure the Tour de Grandma's House cemented my lifelong love of cycling.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Fire and Smoke
The fires in Northern California continue to burn...here's a link to a satellite photo taken on June 27th. Here's Central California, same day. The smoke in the Central Valley and along the Big Sur coast is "impressive"
Monday, June 30, 2008
I'm a Big Heat Sissy
I am a heat sissy.
When I was a kid, family vacation usually meant a trip to visit relatives in Oklahoma. Most of our time was spent at my grandparents house in Hugo, where I learned how to ride a bike one summer. Hugo is in the extreme southeastern corner of the state, and its defining summertime characteristics are heat and humidity. Temps in the upper 90's, and humidity to match. And oh yeah, bugs. Fun bugs like chiggers, fire ants, ticks and mosquitoes. All this didn't matter that summer, as I applied my new-found bike riding skills.
During the day, I was able to borrow a bike from a kid that lived just down the street from my grandparents. Jamie Sutherland was a couple of years older than me, and during the summer he would work at his dad's auto wrecking yard outside of town, and he generously let me use his bike while he was "at work".
I vaguely remember that Jamie's bike was some sort of StingRay clone...certainly not a genuine Schwinn, maybe it was a Huffy or something like that. It had a cool sissy bar, a white banana seat, and a gold paint job. I would spend all day outside,riding around the block time and time again. My mom would come out and tell me to get in out of the heat, and I would go inside, maybe have some iced tea (or, as they say there- "ice tea") and get back on the bike as soon as I could. I didn't care that I was sweating like a pig, or that I might get a "heat stroke". All I cared about is riding the bike and exploring the dusty gravel streets of Hugo, Oklahoma. And so I rode.
Fast forward a few years. Soon after moving from Southern California to Washington, I discovered that my tolerance for warm weather had greatly decreased. Temps in the upper 70's seem hot, and 65' is "just right". If the temps are in the 80's, then I'm whining about the heat, and, if they reach the 90's, well, I'm a whimpering fool. My parents moved to the California high Desert a few years ago, and I am constantly amazed when they say that 105' is not hot. Of course, the humidity is generally in the teens. Oh, by the way...people who live in the High Desert can not use any word in normal conversation that includes more than three syllables. Maybe it has something to do with the heat affecting their brains somehow.
This weekend I was looking forward to riding, as the weather forecast was for a nice summer weekend. As it turned out, temperatures rose to the mid 90's, and the relative humidity was somewhere north of 60%. Sunday was even worse, as thunderstorms were building over the Cascade crest, and the humidity was rising even higher. The lightning was quite something, and eventually it rained (rain in Seattle! What!??). This morning at 6:00, it was 61' and 91% RH.
So, as a complete and total Heat Sissy, I didn't ride at all this weekend. I have all kinds of excuses-too hot, too humid, too whatever. But, the weekend did bring back a lot of memories of summers in Hugo, and when my enthusiam for riding was greater than whatever discomfort the weather might bring. Lest you think that everyone in the Pacific NorthWest is a sissy, check out the Seattle International Randonneurs' Cascade 1200, happening now.
So here I sit, comfortable with my HeatSissy status. You Southern Californians shouldn't be too smug, however. Let's see how you fare when the weather turns cold and wet!
When I was a kid, family vacation usually meant a trip to visit relatives in Oklahoma. Most of our time was spent at my grandparents house in Hugo, where I learned how to ride a bike one summer. Hugo is in the extreme southeastern corner of the state, and its defining summertime characteristics are heat and humidity. Temps in the upper 90's, and humidity to match. And oh yeah, bugs. Fun bugs like chiggers, fire ants, ticks and mosquitoes. All this didn't matter that summer, as I applied my new-found bike riding skills.
During the day, I was able to borrow a bike from a kid that lived just down the street from my grandparents. Jamie Sutherland was a couple of years older than me, and during the summer he would work at his dad's auto wrecking yard outside of town, and he generously let me use his bike while he was "at work".
I vaguely remember that Jamie's bike was some sort of StingRay clone...certainly not a genuine Schwinn, maybe it was a Huffy or something like that. It had a cool sissy bar, a white banana seat, and a gold paint job. I would spend all day outside,riding around the block time and time again. My mom would come out and tell me to get in out of the heat, and I would go inside, maybe have some iced tea (or, as they say there- "ice tea") and get back on the bike as soon as I could. I didn't care that I was sweating like a pig, or that I might get a "heat stroke". All I cared about is riding the bike and exploring the dusty gravel streets of Hugo, Oklahoma. And so I rode.
Fast forward a few years. Soon after moving from Southern California to Washington, I discovered that my tolerance for warm weather had greatly decreased. Temps in the upper 70's seem hot, and 65' is "just right". If the temps are in the 80's, then I'm whining about the heat, and, if they reach the 90's, well, I'm a whimpering fool. My parents moved to the California high Desert a few years ago, and I am constantly amazed when they say that 105' is not hot. Of course, the humidity is generally in the teens. Oh, by the way...people who live in the High Desert can not use any word in normal conversation that includes more than three syllables. Maybe it has something to do with the heat affecting their brains somehow.
This weekend I was looking forward to riding, as the weather forecast was for a nice summer weekend. As it turned out, temperatures rose to the mid 90's, and the relative humidity was somewhere north of 60%. Sunday was even worse, as thunderstorms were building over the Cascade crest, and the humidity was rising even higher. The lightning was quite something, and eventually it rained (rain in Seattle! What!??). This morning at 6:00, it was 61' and 91% RH.
So, as a complete and total Heat Sissy, I didn't ride at all this weekend. I have all kinds of excuses-too hot, too humid, too whatever. But, the weekend did bring back a lot of memories of summers in Hugo, and when my enthusiam for riding was greater than whatever discomfort the weather might bring. Lest you think that everyone in the Pacific NorthWest is a sissy, check out the Seattle International Randonneurs' Cascade 1200, happening now.
So here I sit, comfortable with my HeatSissy status. You Southern Californians shouldn't be too smug, however. Let's see how you fare when the weather turns cold and wet!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Pictures from this Weekend
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| Training Rides |
Saturday 100K "Populaire"
Here's a description from the Randonneur who created the route:
"This route was adapted from a training ride I do for hill climbing. It's basically a route where I'd ride from one steep hill to another. The ride will start in Mission Hills, and head up to Solana Beach, then head back south on inside Torrey Pines; instead of going back to Rose Cyn Bike Path, you peel off to the right at La Jolla Shores Drive for great (but brief) views of La Jolla. Then the hard part starts - one of the toughest hills in San Diego is Via Capri and that is the next section. Via Capri is 1.4 miles and has an average gradient of 9%. When you consider that there are some stretches of flat parts in there, then that makes the maximum gradient somewhere around 15%. So, bring your climbing gears, your walking shoes, or your enormous quads. After Via Capri, you descend Nautilus to Pacific Beach Drive and head south all the way to Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs. Then it's up Hill Street, right to the lighthouse, back to Canon Street, along Harbor Drive to downtown, then up another hill to get up to the finish."
I'm glad I had my triple chainring!
Sunday Climb to Alpine
On Sunday I climbed up Dehesa Rd. to Alpine. At the base of the climb a rider named Troy, who had just descended, turned around and slotted in behind me. He said he was recovering from a knee injury, so he was doing "intervals" - repeating the climb. I was serving to pace him up the climb for one of his SLOW intervals. Troy told me about his experiences on really long rides like the Furnace Creek 508.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Jo's Hampsten Strada Bianca
As an important member of our ride support team, Jo gets to show off the drawing for her Hampsten Strada Bianca, which is now under construction at Independent Fabrication in Boston. It will be a beautiful bike-steel frame, S&S couplers, pearl white paint with red graphics. She went with 700c wheels; she hasn't quite settled yet on components. The fork will be custom made by Hampsten, insuring just the right geometry for a great all-around bike.
Thanks go out to Jo for facilitating a place for us to stay in Mill Valley and in Malibu.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Cross Training Indeed!
I too was cross-training this past weekend. Two days on the river teaching beginning whitewater kayaking. Towing newbies to shore after they have flipped and wet-exited, along with their kayak, certainly gets the heart rate up! One thing I have never figured out is why it is that when rescueing a 110lb girl, she will help get to shore by kicking vigorously while being towed, but the 260lb dude will invariably hang on the rear of the boat (or worse, grab the cockpit) like a big sack of potatoes. No matter how much you tell them to "KICK! Help me out here!" they still dangle off the kayak like a harpooned whale.
The weather forecast looks good for this weekend-I hope to get some good riding in.
As an aside, Jo's order for her Strada Bianca in steel (I like to call it SBFe) with S&S couplers was sent to Independent Fabrication today. 12 weeks is the projected build time. I'll post the measured drawing later.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Cross Training? and Upcoming Populaire
Last Saturday we went kayaking, putting in off Coronado and paddling to the Midway and Star of India. Getting right next to that hulking aircraft carrier always takes my breath away. That's George and Meagan!
This Saturday I've signed up for a hilly 100K Populaire with San Diego Randonneurs. Here's the route.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Thanks in Advance
As we plan our trip, I want to thank in advance those who have offered/allowed us to plan on spending a night with them at their house while traveling down the coast.
Jo's cousin Lisa in Mill Valley
Alan's mom in Templeton
Chuck and Marlene in Ventura
Jo's brother Jeff in Malibu
Good friend Chris Wren in Carlsbad
Thanks!
Jo's cousin Lisa in Mill Valley
Alan's mom in Templeton
Chuck and Marlene in Ventura
Jo's brother Jeff in Malibu
Good friend Chris Wren in Carlsbad
Thanks!
Repair and Maintenance Stuff
Here's a list of what I expect to have in our repair kit. With it, I think that we can repair most anything that may be needin' some fixin'. I'm sure I will fine tune this list, but I am confident that we will be able to handle just about any mechanical problem short of total frame or wheel failure.
Tire boot
Tire patch kit
Spare spokes with nipples-we'll need 4 sizes to fix any spoke that may break.
Spoke wrench (Usually the spoke wrench in a mini-tool works fine, but if you have wheels built with aluminum spoke nipples, they can round off the corners of the nipple. Since I don't want to risk losing my DT-Swiss spoke wrench,I'll probably bring a Park SW-40. Not as nice a tool as the DT-Swiss , but it doesn't cost $50 either.)
Shimano chain pins (10 speed, DuraAce)
Stein MiniCassette lockring tool. This doodad works to remove a cassette lockring without a chainwhip or big wrench. Pretty clever. If we break a rear wheel drive side spoke this tool is essential in being able to replace the spoke.
Replacement derailer hanger
CrankBros mini-tool
Small tube blue Loctite
Small tube Anti-seize lube
Assortment of stainless steel screws (5mm,6mm) for rack, fender and bottle cage mounts
8mm combination wrench-for fender attachment nuts (daruma, for you Honjo fender fans)
ProLink chain lube. This stuff is great. It lasts a long time-This winter I got over 300 miles per lubing-of course full fenders help lots in the rain, but I expect that we will have to lube our chains every 4 or 5 days.
Ritchey TorqueKey. Every cyclist should have one of these. It is a 4mm hex key, with the proper torque for 5mm screws preset. This is a very common size for stem bolts and seatpost collars, and this ensures that fasteners are properly tightened. If you have any carbon components on your bike, get one!
Spare buckles for shoes
Spare cleat for Speedplay Frog Pedals with spare mounting screws
Spare shift and brake cable
Swiss Army Knife, with corkscrew and bottle opener. (This complements Alan's softside ice chest)
Alan has a few things like cable ties and duct tape, so I won't duplicate them here.
Tire boot
Tire patch kit
Spare spokes with nipples-we'll need 4 sizes to fix any spoke that may break.
Spoke wrench (Usually the spoke wrench in a mini-tool works fine, but if you have wheels built with aluminum spoke nipples, they can round off the corners of the nipple. Since I don't want to risk losing my DT-Swiss spoke wrench,I'll probably bring a Park SW-40. Not as nice a tool as the DT-Swiss , but it doesn't cost $50 either.)
Shimano chain pins (10 speed, DuraAce)
Stein MiniCassette lockring tool. This doodad works to remove a cassette lockring without a chainwhip or big wrench. Pretty clever. If we break a rear wheel drive side spoke this tool is essential in being able to replace the spoke.
Replacement derailer hanger
CrankBros mini-tool
Small tube blue Loctite
Small tube Anti-seize lube
Assortment of stainless steel screws (5mm,6mm) for rack, fender and bottle cage mounts
8mm combination wrench-for fender attachment nuts (daruma, for you Honjo fender fans)
ProLink chain lube. This stuff is great. It lasts a long time-This winter I got over 300 miles per lubing-of course full fenders help lots in the rain, but I expect that we will have to lube our chains every 4 or 5 days.
Ritchey TorqueKey. Every cyclist should have one of these. It is a 4mm hex key, with the proper torque for 5mm screws preset. This is a very common size for stem bolts and seatpost collars, and this ensures that fasteners are properly tightened. If you have any carbon components on your bike, get one!
Spare buckles for shoes
Spare cleat for Speedplay Frog Pedals with spare mounting screws
Spare shift and brake cable
Swiss Army Knife, with corkscrew and bottle opener. (This complements Alan's softside ice chest)
Alan has a few things like cable ties and duct tape, so I won't duplicate them here.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Capture the Imagination
As I have been talking about or telling friends and acquaintances about this upcoming ride, I have been taken by how it seems to really capture the imagination of many. I am surprised how people who probably haven't been on a bike for 40 years or something like that totally get into the idea of a ride from one end of the coast to the other. Guys 100 lbs overweight that smoke, drink and hang out in bars and will probably never ride a bike down the block, much less down the coast, are amped and stoked. Same for some well into their 70's. Meanwhile, tell people (non-boater)about a kayak trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho or through the Grand Canyon, you'll get a ho-hum, "you're crazy"response.
I wonder what it is about a bike tour that seems to capture the imagination of some of the more "sedentary" among us. Please comment.
I wonder what it is about a bike tour that seems to capture the imagination of some of the more "sedentary" among us. Please comment.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ideas for Future Tours
Yeah, I know, we haven't even started this tour. Still, my mind wanders.
Someday I'd like to do another tour of Vermont or Colorado.
I'd also like to fly in to someplace in northeastern Canada and bicycle (perhaps adding a train ride) to Niagara Falls, visit Cory in Ithaca NY, then maybe head on to see Dave in Ashton MA and/or Syd in Southern Vermont.
Then there's Vietnam or Thailand. Or one of Iron Donkey's self-guided tours. Or just fly somewhere and start pedaling. And of course someday I want to pedal "from sea to mighty sea, from coast to mighty coast, from Bangor all the way to mighty Maine."
Any takers?
Someday I'd like to do another tour of Vermont or Colorado.
I'd also like to fly in to someplace in northeastern Canada and bicycle (perhaps adding a train ride) to Niagara Falls, visit Cory in Ithaca NY, then maybe head on to see Dave in Ashton MA and/or Syd in Southern Vermont.
Then there's Vietnam or Thailand. Or one of Iron Donkey's self-guided tours. Or just fly somewhere and start pedaling. And of course someday I want to pedal "from sea to mighty sea, from coast to mighty coast, from Bangor all the way to mighty Maine."
Any takers?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Measurements for Alan's Bike
Here's the schematic with measurements for my bike. I didn't get the third bottle mount - the s and s couplers got in the way. I got a steel Independent Fabrication fork and chose cantilever brakes.SBTi drawing
This is the measured drawing that Steve Hampsten created and Kent Ericksen used to fabricate my frame. It features the custom touring fork that Steve made for me.
The fork has specific geometry to carry weight on the front end of the bike. In particular, it has more offset, and less trail. This lengthens the wheelbase, and reduces the amount of front"wheel flop". An added bonus is that it gives me more toe clearance so that "toe overlap" is less of an issue.
Furthermore, all these changes provide what the popular bike magazines and marketing types seem to think is the holy grail of bike design..."...increased lateral stiffness, with noticeably more vertical compliance". Whatever the hell that means. One other thing-while my bike is similar to Alan's bike, it is vastly superior to Alan's bike.
Monday, June 9, 2008
KT's Strada Bianca
Here's a pic of my Hampsten Strada Bianca titanio-complete with Arkel panniers, handlebar bag and rack trunk . Keeping with my disdain of rust and corrosion, the racks are made of stainless steel by Tubus. In another post I will have full specs, including the original measured design drawing.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wi Fi Collar
Little did I realize that the camera I bought for memorializing this trip has anti-theft technology!
Rode to Work Today, SD Rando Ride Tomorrow
Last night I pumped $4.70 per gallon gasoline into my vehicle and resolved to ride to work. I figure that pedaling the 40 mile round trip commute now saves me about $9.40 in gas alone.
This morning's ride in was delightful. My basic route is Chase, La Mesa Blvd., El Cajon Blvd, Park Ave, and the only drawback is that there's a lot of stopping at signals so it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes on average to cover the 20 miles. I park my bike in my office then walk over to a gym that I joined to shower and change. I like the morning ride a lot better than the afternoon, but maybe I'll get used to it.
Tomorrow I'll be joining the San Diego Randonneurs for a 151km Bay and Ocean Populaire. Should be lovely!
This morning's ride in was delightful. My basic route is Chase, La Mesa Blvd., El Cajon Blvd, Park Ave, and the only drawback is that there's a lot of stopping at signals so it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes on average to cover the 20 miles. I park my bike in my office then walk over to a gym that I joined to shower and change. I like the morning ride a lot better than the afternoon, but maybe I'll get used to it.
Tomorrow I'll be joining the San Diego Randonneurs for a 151km Bay and Ocean Populaire. Should be lovely!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Touring Tripod
Here's a light little tripod, the "Ultrapod", which can also mount to a pole or handlebars (for short stints maybe? We'll see). Kevin used one of these on a Grand Canyon kayaking trip.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Kevin's New Fork
Kevin has waited a long time for this touring fork, so he can mount his
lowrider front racks. I like the retro look, and he didn't even have to
paint it himself!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Chilly Hilly Slideshow
Chilly Hilly Photos from Janet. What is Chilly Hilly? It is 4,000 bicycle riders invading Bainbridge Island via ferry, then pedaling a chilly, hilly 35 mile circuit around the island. This trip to Seattle was my first test of the "easy transport" capability of my new S and S coupled bike.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Packing by Pannier - Front Panniers
Pillow, Inflatable Pad, Sleeping Bag in compression sack, and rust colored inflation bag.
Dry Sack with clothing, plastic bags with parts, bike lock and cableP
Two sets of clothing, plus shorts/swimsuit and a capilene long sleeve shirt.
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