Friday, August 12, 2016

August 12 day 54

Day 54.  Cave in Rock Illinois to Sebree Kentucky.  54 miles

Well it has been some time since I have blogged.  Getting though Kansas and through Missouri and Illinois, we stayed at a lot of state parks that did not offer wi fi.  So since I blogged last I will summarize below:

Kansas: hot and got hotter as we pushed east.  It also became more beautiful terrain as we went east and the state parks are awesome.  It also remained quite windy out of the east south east which started to take a toll on my spirits.  Luckily my sister and Loren kept me going and my spirits up.   Fort Scott on the Kansas/Missouri border was a really cool town.  Met a woman there who was from Texas that started a winery.  Wines were good and we bought a bottle.

Missouri:  is hilly, hot and very humid.  But the people are very nice.  The gem of the state was st. James where there was a great winery and brewery where we met some very cool people.  But the hills getting from st Joe state park to the Mississippi River were tough.  But then I crossed into Illinois which was so exciting.

Illinois:  is hilly, hot and very humid.  Yes this is the theme for the last several hundred miles.  So this requires very early starts and a race against the clock to beat the heat index.

Yesterday our older sister, Jodie, and her husband Steve and there son nick met up with us.  Nick rode with me today and it started by boarding the 6am ferry across the Ohio River and landed us into Kentucky.  Hilly ride but not that bad cause we had some cloud cover.  So far Kentucky is beautiful.  Tonight we are staying at the baptis church so we can all sleep in some AC.  It is still hot and humid!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

July 27 day 38

Day 38.  Syracuse to Garden city Kansas.  54 miles

Wow, Kansas is going to be difficult, just as it was today, for many reasons.  First it is very flat and I roll by GMO corn, feed lots that stink so bad, and plants like the Tyson plant that have a different put still putrid smell.  Then there is the headwind, heat and humidity and bugs.   I'm counting the days to get to Pittsburg Kansas which is on the Missouri border.  Until then I will get up early, ride early and find the pool.  Today's pool was awesome.  It is called the "big pool" and it was the size of a football field!   Plus 3 awesome water slides all for 2 bucks.  We spent the afternoon at the pool then made dinner at the trailer.  Tomorrow off to dodge city Kansas

July 26 day 37

Day 37.  Lamar Colorado to Syracuse Kansas.  54 miles

Left Lamar very early and in a hurry fore I was not really fond of this town.  I road along the Arkansas River and in the flat land.  Not much to see except crops of some kind and vacant land.  Soon I met up with t and l on Holly Colorado the home of former governor of Colorado Roy Romer.  Cute little town but very quiet.  I continued on and soon crossed into Kansas the the town of Coolidge where I encounter my first real chase by a dog.  Not sure what kind but look like a pit bull and I had to really step on it.  At 22 mph with a head wind for longer than I wanted it, the dog finally pooped out.   Ugh that was scary and I need to be better prepared next time.  Finally I arrived in Syracuse, our stop for the day.  We had lunch at the very cute Black Bison pub and met dad and Ladonna there as well.  We chatted and they left to go home to Wichita Falls.  We gathers our stuff and went to the pool where for two bucks we enjoyed a afternoon in the cool water and water slides.  After dinner we went back to the black bison pub to play pool, darts and stay cool.

Monday, July 25, 2016

July 25 day 36

day 36---La Junta to Lamar Colorado 60 miles

Got up very early to beat the heat and enjoyed a nice morning on quite highway 50 with a wide shoulder.  I'm certainly in the flatland where I could see for miles on both sides.  The riding was easy and uneventful as I cruised along the Arkansas River.  Soon I entered the very rural Lamar and made my way through old town to find t and l at the RV park.  We went into the quiet town for some second breakfast and a tour of this town.  Tomorrow I enter Kansas.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

July 24 day 35

Day 35.  Another rest day in La Junta Colorado.

I want d to spent maximum time with Chelle as well as my dad so we slept in then had some breakfast of fruit loops and OJ.  Plus lots of not Seattle coffee.  Then we went to Fort Bents National Park just outsid of town in a thin layer of clouds that kept th heat down.  This was an amazing place and we had so much fun checking out the fort of the 1830's that is on th Santa Fe trail.  I really recommend this place.  We then went to lunch/ breakfast in town with folks that were so amazing.  La junta is a surprising and amazing small town in eastern Colorado.  After lunch dad and la Donna left for peublo and Chelle had to leave for Denver.  I hated to have her go.  I miss her everyday I'm gone and can't wait to see her next in Virginia.  Spent the rest of the day getting gear together, planning the rest of my route to Virginia and getting haircuts.

To date I have traded 2285 miles by bicycle and have climbed 68,600 feet.  Fasted speed is 40.4 mph.

Having tons of fun and half way done!

July 23 Day 34

Day 34. Canon City to Fowler Colorado.  93 miles

Left 6 miles outside of canon city at 5:40 am to nearly 70 degrees but quickly made my way into the city.  Then turned onto highway 115 to Florence then to Wetmore riding past penitentiary and another penitentiary.   Soon I was going south in beautiful southern Colorado and looking at the sangre de cristo mountains.  At Wetmore I turned into highway 96 and with a lot of descent and tailwind I made the 54 miles in 3 hours.  I meet t and l and Chelle at the city park in pueblo for a snack and drink.  It was starting to heat up so made a quick stop before I was on my way through peublo and onto my final 21 miles to Fowler.  By the time I got there it was 103 degrees.  I saw Chelle and had her get me some Gatorade then had Loren get me some cold water and a cold hanker chief.  I caught a ride for 28 miles to La Junta Colorado where I met my dad and LaDonna for lunch then to the motel for a swim in the pool.  Still too hot I rested in the room with the AC on high.  For dinner we went to a restaurant called Mexico City and it was awesome.  Everyone was so friendly.  Just as we were going to leave a storm blew through so we sat in the restaurant and waited it out.  A friendly local man bought us a round of beers  and we chatted about Colorado and the bike ride.  It was awesome!

Friday, July 22, 2016

July 22 day 33

day 33 rest days in canon city!

Chelle is here!!!   We went to Colorado Springs and met her for some lunch before we traveled back to camp.  Stopped and got my bike that was in the shop for a new chain and quick tune up.  Ready to get back at it tomorrow.

July 21 day 32

day 32. Near FairPlay to Canon City. 77 miles

Left camping off route and very early to not get caught in the construction on my diversion highway.  Made it through but had to endure a very rough road for several miles.  Soon I turned on another diversion road and more construction.  After all of that I was finally back on route on highway 9 to canon city.  Nice countryside then into the canon with a steep descent that lead me to hot canon city where we found camping and some clouds that cooled things down.

July 20 Day 31

Day 31 Frisco to Fairplay--55 miles

Got up want left on the bike path with Cenna.  We road to breakenridge on the path which was awesome.  After breakenridge we started the final climb over Hoosier pass and my final continental divide crossing.  Beautiful views from the top of the Colorado peaks.  Soon we started the fast descent to FairPlay for some snacks and checking out the awesome town.  We investigated the camping in the area which there really was noon so we found a USFS campground about 13 miles south which was ok and essentially vacant.  Nice ride south on a highway that had a great shoulder.  Peaks all around.

July 19 day 30

day 30 Kremmling to Frisco---51 miles

Woke to rain and feeling very tired.  Then saw a double rainbow in the mourning rain.  Very cool.  Jodie reminded me that when mom died there was a double rainbow.  It was beautiful and something I had not seen before.  I hopped a ride to get me to the construction on highway 9 then past the part of the highway that felt very dangerous to ride, no shoulder and crumbly edge, in the rain with lots of cars and trucks.  This is actually how Colorado has been and has been a very scary state to ride in.  Soon there was a shoulder and I rode the 10 miles into Silverthorne and then to the bike path that took me to the camping near Frisco.  Beatific area and I was there early enough to enjoy some downtime and a trip into Frisco and breakenridge.  Barbara and Cenna joined us for the evening and we had a great time chatting until after dark.


Monday, July 18, 2016

July 18 day 29

day 29 walden to kremlins--77 miles

Left walden and soon passed the Israeli gentleman who was traveling solo.  We chatted a bit then I spend on and made great time through north central Colorado which had beautiful farms and the site of a few peaks.  The forests are devastated by the pine beetle by beautiful in there own way.  Soon I topped willow creek pass and descended to the junction with highway 40 and on into Hot Sulphur springs the threat of rain.  We were going to camp here but could not find anything desirable so I spend on into Kremmling which is on the Colorado River.  In town I found more Camp games to fill our time at a great thrift store.

July 17 day 28

day 28 Saratoga Wyoming to Walden Colorado- 80 miles

Wyoming redeemed itself today by a beautiful ride south to Riverside and Encampment.  At the visitor center I met a really nice older cowboy who was working there and he told me all about the area.  He also told me to ride up to the museum where there is a gathering with cinnamon rolls, coffee and orange juice.  Enough said so I made the mile ride and got me free grub and wandered around the very cute museum.  Full, I got on my bike and made my way south out of wyoming and into Colorado.  Big fire was going in the area so I had to make quick time to get out of the smoke.  This was hard with a fierce headwind but soon I arrive in Walden.  We camped the awesome city park and enjoyed a great Colorado evening.

July 16 day 27

day 27. Muddy Gap to Saratoga 82 miles

Well another rough day in Wyoming.  Left early to get ahead of the winds and quickly made my way to Rawlins though country that was more of the same, high sage brush hills and lots of road kill.  I arrived in Rawlins which was much less than desirable.  I quickly ate some food and spinned past the Sinclair refinery, and onto the 12 miles of interstate riding that I had to do to get to highway 130.  Ugh it was awful but made quick time cause of a welcomed tailwind.  Then I turned south and could see the medicine bow mountains start to show up.  Soon I arrived at a nice camp on Lake Saratoga.  We went into town to use the "hobo" or free access to hot springs.  These were awesome and my sore thighs really enjoyed the hot soak followed by a warm shower.

July 15 day 26

Day 26 Lander to Muddy Gap Wyoming 92 miles

When we talked about camping in Muddy gap I had visualized something very different from reality. The day started with a beautiful ride out of Lander up to the Beaver rim.  From here there was an amazing view of the valley and the Wind River mountains in the distance.  Soon I was traveling on a desolate part of Wyoming which would leave one wondering why anyone would travel on the road.  I started to think this was alien country and the town of Jeffrey City had been abducted.  Jeffrey Citywas a pitiful excuse for a town.  I met t and l there, quickly ate my sandwich then rolled on to the muddy gap I had in my mind.  Well, Wyoming in its true form did not disappoint but my vision was not reality.  We camped off the side of the road where large trucks can stop to rest on a long day.  Well, I had a long day and could not muster any energy to push on.  We passed the time in the Aliner by telling stories and playing games.

July 14 Day 25

Day 25.  Dubois to Lander Wyoming- 78 miles

Day started great from our getto RV camp spot on the edges of the Longhorn RV park.  I took 2 showers while I was there.  Ride started again with more views of red rocks area on a road with descent shoulder.  I made good time and eventually entered the Wind River reservation which really changes what there is to look at.  However soon I passed Crowheart butte which was where chief Washaskie cut out the heart of a crow warrior and pranced around.  When I entered the town of Fort Washakie I pedaled to the gravesite of Sacajawea with the help of a local native.  Once I saw her grave, the site took my breath away.  She was buried next to her adopted son Bazil and her birth son Baptiste.  I stayed for awhile thinking what her life was like.  Soon I made my final approach into Lander where T and L had already set up camp in the Sink Canyon state park about 9 miles outs rid of Lander.  Beautiful area with cliffs and Popo Agie creek.  I recommend going here.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

July 13 day 24

Day 24 coulter bay to Dubois Wyoming.  70 miles

I must say I love Wyoming.  Wide shoulders on the roads and tailwinds!  And the beauty is incredible.  Started the day in freezing temperatures and made my way south along the Tetons.  Then I turned east to Moran junction then up the Togwotee pass.  Wow this was beautiful!  Climbed to 8900' to a green meadows and plateau before the final climb to 9500'.  Peaks everywhere but very cold with the wind.  I guickly ate half my sandwich and bar and sped off down the pass with a tailwind all the way to Dubois.  I was so surprised by how cute this town in which is nestled in the Red Hills and the wind River peaks on the wind River.  We found ghetto camping at an RV park.  Cold night will let me sleep well for another day of riding my bike.  I'm having so much fun!

July 12 day 23

Day 23. West Yellowstone to Coulter bay on Jackson lake in the Teton National park. 90 miles

Went through the gate at west Yellowstone at 6 am and 30 degrees.   Very cold but needed to get a jump on the traffic through the park.  With no one at the gate I quickly entered the park and made my way along the Madison River looking for animals.  With the cold and fog rising, this made a very beautiful ride but my feet froze.  By 8:30 I was past the turn to old faithful and made my way to west thumb on Yellowstone lake.  But then the rode to the south entrance narrowed to no shoulder so I rode as fast as I could over the continental divide 3 times and then down a huge hill to then entrance.  Met t and l for lunch then they said the best camping was at coulter bay another 17 miles.  Now worries fore I had a great Wyoming shoulder and amazing views of the Tetons all the way.  When I arrived at the Aliner, t and l were on a walk.  Soon they returned to tell me the story of the bear the just saw.  Scared the begeegezes out of my sis and we sat for hours laughing at her story.

July 11 day 22

day 22 rest day.

Woke to rain and new snow in the park.  Neede to layover a day so this was the perfect day to explore the park.  Weather kept some of the crowds down so we went up to the mammoth hot springs and around to the Yellowstone canyon.  So much diversity in this park.  Everyone needs to explore Yellowstone at some point in their life.  Beautiful.

July 10 day 21

day 21 quake lake to West Yellowstone.  30 miles

There was a lot of lightening and thunder and rain last night.  In addition such cool temps "made" us sleep in to 9:30am.  Well I guess we all needed it.  It got myself going and rode the 30 miles in the rain to west Yellowstone or to our camp 3 miles north.  Finished the ride around quake lake then past hegben lake dam then around hegben lake.  Rain keep me from seeing the mountains but I knew they were there.  We still had time in day to go into park in the rain to see the sights.  Finished by seeing Old Faithful do her thing then into town for pizza.  Yum.

July 9 day 20

Happy birthday sis!  July 9 day 20 Virginia city to quake lake visitor center.

Today was tamara's birthday so we started by signing to her and after I took off for Ennis, they went to old Virginia city for breakfast.  I went over a pass into Ennis for a quick stop.  Down the pass gave me awesome views of the Madison River valley.  Then the headwinds hit and I battled the 25-30 mph winds for 45 miles.  Finally arrived at the Quake lake visitor center where an earthquake in 1959 caused a landslide that killed many campers along the Madison River then damned the river to make the new lake.  We found camping at beaver creek campground, celebrated Tamaras birthday and played Farkel where I let her win for her birthday.  Good times!