Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Mt Davis and the Flight 93 Memorial Park

Tuesday July 30 was a day of jubilation of climbing to the highest point in Pennsylvania and somberness of visiting the Flight 93 Memorial outside of Shanksville.  The ride started out from Confluence climbing through the beautiful  hills/ mountains of southern Pennsylvania.  The weather was perfect after climbing out of the fog of the Youghigheny river valley.  Some of the riders decided to continue on the Youghigheny River Trail to avoid the climb over Mt Davis.  I really wanted to add one more state high point to my list that now includes Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.  Not that going to the highest point in every state is on my bucket list, but if it is there for the taking, why not.  The riders who rode over Mt Davis rejoined the riders who continued on the YRT in Meyersdale.  From there the we had some long climbs and rolling hills on our ride to the Flight 93 Memorial.  Everyone visited the Memorial.  The ride continued over Bald Knob Summit followed by a 6 mile descent with speeds reaching 45+ mph. The total distance rode was 83.2 miles which includes the 7 mile round trip to the Memorial. Total climbing was 7,800 feet.  We are camping tonight at the Friendship Village Campground in Bedford PA.  Tomorrow is our last 'Big Ride' of the trip, 101.8 miles and over 7,800 feet of climbing (again) into Gettysburg!!

View from the Climb Up to Mt Davis


On the Summit of Mt Davis


Flight 93 Wall of Names


Flight 93 Crash Site

Monday, July 29, 2013

On The Youghigheny River Trail

Today we rode over 50 miles on crushed limestone along the Youghigheny River Trail (YRT) in southwestern Pennsylvania. To get there e had to ride busy roads filled with Monday morning rush hour traffic including many dump trucks and fracking related traffic.  After 35 miles of that, it was great to get onto the YRT.  The total mileage for the day was 87.4 miles.  We started in Washington PA and ended in Confluence PA.  We are camping again tonight at a State Campground in Confluence.  The weather was absolutely perfect again. High temps in the low 70's, no humidity, and crystal clear skies.  It seemed like a fall day in October.

Youghigheny River 



Monongahela River


Sunday, July 28, 2013

Pennsylvania!!!

On Sunday July 28 we rode into Pennsylvania.  Upon reaching the unmarked Pennsylvania State line, I knew that it meant getting close to the end of the Big Ride, and that reaching my goal of cycling across country was now within reach.  That doesn't mean that the next few days wouldn't be difficult, but we only have a handful of days left.  The terrain was similar to what I remember about New England, short steep hills, lush river valleys and busy & rough roads.    We rode only 61.8 miles from New Waterford Ohio to Washington Pennsylvania, but with the rolling hills and over 4000 feet of climbing, it seemed longer.  Even though the state line was not marked, we knew we reached Pennsylvania when we crossed the Ohio River in Midland and there were 2 nuclear power plans within view.  The weather once again was perfect for riding, cool temps, cloudy and a slight tail wind.  The forecast for the next few days is more of the same.  How lucky can we get?  Tonight we are camping at the Whispering Pines campground.  The weather cleared up when we got into camp giving us the opportunity to dry out our gear from the dousing we had last night in New Waterford.  

Looking Down Ohio County Road 430 into Pennsylvania 

Nuclear Power Plant in Midland Pennsylvania 
 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Pennsylvania Here We Come

Saturday July 28 will be our last night in Ohio.  We are currently camped at the Terrace Lakes Campground in New Waterford Ohio.  We rode only 59.4 miles today through the Amish country of Ohio.  We saw quite a few horse and buggy and had to keep an eye out for the hockey pucks along the road.  The weather was cool and the rain started to fall as we reached the lunch checkpoint at about mile 42.  I arrived in camp early enough to set up my tent and shower before the thunderstorms started to roll through.  This is the first rain we have had in quite awhile.  The forecast for tomorrow is for  a 30% chance of rain, cool temps, and winds from the west.  Perfect for our 62 mile ride into Washington PA.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Day 40 Lake Erie and Cleveland Ohio

Friday July 26 was an awesome day on the Big Ride.  Awesome because the scenery was spectacular and awesome because the weather was perfect.  We started out at first light from Sandusky are rode along the south shore of Lake Erie for over 50 miles as the sun rose above the lake.  It was 57 degrees when we started and warmed up to a comfortable 74 as the high for the day.  We rode through the big city of Cleveland, through the downtown area and along the waterfront ( past the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - I did not stop so I will have to go back again).  Fortunately I was riding with Jeff Sloan who was familiar with the Cleveland area and surrounding suburbs and he lead us out to Burton where we are camped for the night.  The total distance was 92.4 miles. 

Lake Erie


Rock & Roll Hall of Fame


Downtown Cleveland

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Sandusky Ohio and Rest Day #7

Wednesday July 24 was a 87.6 mile ride from Napoleon to Sandusky Ohio.   The temps never got out of the 60's during the entire ride.  We started the ride wearing jackets and kept them on until we reached the first check point in Bowling Green.  Most everyone checked out the local bike shop (Cycle Werks) to get needed items and last minute repairs. And most everyone headed to the local coffee shop for coffee and donuts.  The roads were extremely flat and we passed many farms on the trip to Sandusky.  We did run into a steady headwind on the last 20 miles.  We arrived in Sandusky in time for me to get laundry done and my bicycle cleaned before  dinner.  That way I had plenty of time to enjoy the rest day at the Cedar Point amusement park.  What a way to shock the body by getting to the park first thing in the morning and riding the biggest coasters they have ( Millennium,  Maverick, Mean Streak, Gemini ( Dragster was having some mechanical issues)).  I did get a few hours of rest after I visited the park, hopefully enough so I will be ready for our next 6 day push through the Appalachians and into Gettysburg. 

Cedar Point Amusement Park

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Into the Buckeye State

Tuesday July 23 was an 'easy' day on the Big Ride.  We rode from Kendallville Indiana to Napoleon Ohio, 70 miles.  The terrain was slightly rolling to completely flat.  The temps were below average again ( in the 70's) and we had the benefit of a steady tailwind.  We ( Tom, Jeff and I) covered the distance in less than 4 hours.  We rode into Ohio after 26 miles.  We arrived in Napoleon with plenty of time to rest and eat.  We are camping tonight at the Henry County Fairgrounds.  Tomorrow we have a 90 mile ride into Sandusky Ohio followed by a rest day.



Monday, July 22, 2013

Century Riding in Indiana

Monday July 22 was our 36th day on the Big Ride and our 7th century ride.  We rode 109.9 miles from Valparaiso to Kendallville Indiana.  We were fortunate to have cool and cloudy weather for most of the ride.  Temps were in the 70's.  The terrain was flat which translated to fast riding.  The Q sheet ( daily riding instructions) was 2 and 1/2 pages long, the longest we have had so far.  Following directions was really important to avoid getting bonus miles.  6 of us rode together today to double check ourselves on the directions and to keep the tempo high.  Thanks to the Kendallville Parks Department for providing an excellent dinner and breakfast for tomorrow. Tonight we are camping at Bixler Lake Park.  We have shifted over to the Eastern Time Zone so we will most likely feel the loss of the hour when we wake up tomorrow at the crack of dawn for our 70 mile ride into Ohio!

Pace line in Indiana

Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Cross Roads of America

On Sunday July 21 we rode into the Cross Roads of America, the state of Indiana.  The 84 mile ride took us from Coal City Illinois to Valparaiso Indiana.  And if literally felt like we were in the cross roads of America.  The traffic was light when we started out at 5:30 am and gradually increased throughout the morning.  By the time we reached the roads of Indiana (after 48 miles)  traffic was constant.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised being so close to Chicago.  Many of the roads in Indiana were rough and required constant vigilance to navigate and keep out of the traffic.  The highlight of the entire ride was watching the sunrise.  At least tonight we are in the peace and quiet and air conditioning of the Valparaiso University dorm.  We will need our sleep tonight for tomorrow is a 110 mile ride.  I cannot think of a better thing to be doing on a furlough day!!


Saturday, July 20, 2013

Rolling Through Illinois

Saturday July 20 on the Big Ride Across America was a beautiful 106 mile ride through the flat farmlands of Illinois.  We started in Garden Prairie and ended in Coal City ( it got that name from the coal mining quarries that were active in the early 1900's).  The weather was absolutely perfect as the thunder storms that rolled through the area on Friday night brought cooler temps, less humidity and a slight wind from the north.  It was actually cool enough to wear a jacket when we started out at 6 am.  We crisscrossed corn and soy fields most of the day.   We ( Tom, Jeff and I)  had lunch at Subway in what city in Illinois we have no idea.  Tonight we are being serenaded by cicadas as we camp at the Coal City Area Club.  Tomorrow is Indiana, our 9th state!

 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Hot and Humid Illinois

On Friday July 19, after a relaxing rest in Madison Wisconsin, we rode 93.9 miles to Garden Prairie Illinois.  It was very hot and humid all day long, but especially during the last 20 miles of the ride.  The wind was blowing steadily from the southwest so for the most part we had good tailwinds, however we were zigzagging most of the day so it was an occasional tailwind, then side wind and sometimes a headwind.  I rode most of the day with Tom and Jeff and we finished in just under 7 hours.  Tonight we are camping at the Holiday Acres campground.  We are hoping that the forecast for severe weather, thunder, lightning, hail,  actually happens so it cools things down for tonight and tomorrow.  Tomorrow is a 106 mile day...

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Century Ride into Madison

Wednesday July 17 of the Big Ride was a 99.2 mile ride from Viroqua to Madison Wisconsin.  We were once again blessed by a steady tail wind and cooler than normal temperatures.  Don't get me wrong, it was still hot for Pacific Northwest standards, and extremely humid (100%).  I was sweating and soaking wet the entire time.  The first 40 miles was on beautiful rolling terrain through the Wisconsin farm country.  After that we were back on Rt 14 again and made good time on the flat run into Madison.  I covered the distance in just under 7 hours.  We have earned our 6th rest day here in Madison and are staying in the dorm at the University of Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin River

Crossing The Mississippi

Tuesday July 16 was day 30 of the Big Ride Across America and the day we crossed the Mississippi River.  The total distance ridden was 71 miles from Winona Minnesota to Viroqua Wisconsin.  It was one of the more difficult days of the Big Ride because of the heat, humidity, and the hills.  The temperature was 95 degrees when we arrived in Varoqua, the hottest day so far.  The humidity was oppressive from the start of the ride.  We had over 3200 feet of climbing, most of the elevation gained on 2 steep climbs out of the river valley.  The first climb was called 'Charlie Boy' which was a mile and a half long and as steep as 11%.  We did have an awesome reward shortly after the top.  The Meyers family put on quite a spread for us as they have done for the Big Ride for the last 12 years. Cupcakes, apple pie, fresh fruit, iced tea, fruit punch... we spent an hour there with them indulging in their hospitality.  From there we descended back down to the river and crossed in LaCrosse Wisconsin.  We rode through beautiful farm country along the Mississippi River valley and then climbed once again out of the valley onto the rolling farmlands and Amish farms of southern Wisconsin.  Tonight we are back to camping outside at the Vernon County fairgrounds.  We had to strategically lay out our tents to take advantage of the number of extension cords, power sources and fans.  

Worlds Largest Six-Pack in LaCrosse


Mississippi River


Wisconsin State Line
 

Monday, July 15, 2013

On The Banks of The Mississippi

On Monday July 15 we find ourselves on the banks of the Mississippi River in Winona Minnesota.  It seems like we have truly left the rural and sparsely populated west behind us for good.  Today we rode 90.2 miles from Owatonna to Winona Minnesota.  Much of the ride was on busy Highway 14.  The first part of the ride was pretty much like the last few days of riding, fairly flat and treeless.  The last part of the ride, as we approached the Mississippi River Valley, was more like what you would expect to see in Vermont, rolling hills covered with deciduous trees.  Today was also one of the warmest and most humid days of the ride so far.  This is a sign of things to come as we head farther east.  We reached the 2000 mile mark on the ride today in St. Charles.   Tonight we are staying in the dorm at Winona State University.  Air conditioned...a comfy mattress...clean linens...we are in the lap of luxury!  Tomorrow we ride across the Mississippi and into Wisconsin.

Me at the 2000 Mile Point in the Ride


Clean Fuel Factory in Claremont Minnesota
 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Owatonna Minnesota

Sunday July 14 was the 28th day of the Big Ride.  We rode 72.8 miles from New Ulm to Owatonna Minnesota.  Everyone was feeling pretty good after having our 5th rest day yesterday.  The weather once again was perfect; cool, some light rain early on the ride, and the wind blowing from the south.    Yesterday morning it rained over 6 inches in Owatonna, so we were lucky to dodge that bullet!  We have had unbelievable luck with the weather on this trip.  We are camping at the county fairgrounds tonight and arrived in time to enjoy some  brats and a root beer float at an event put on by the local historical society.  Tomorrow we have a longer day of riding (90 miles) which will have us poised to cross the Mississippi on Tuesday

Statue of Frankenstein in Janesville Minnesota.

Friday, July 12, 2013

First "Bonus" Miles

On Friday July 12 while everybody else did 86.6 miles I did 101.1 miles.  The route was from Tyler to New Ulm Minnesota, and I missed the turn off of Rt 14, which we have been following for a few days, about 12 miles out from New Ulm.  I continued about 7 miles before I realized the problem and confirmed with a call to Charlton.  Luckily I felt pretty good today and the extra miles did not hurt too much.  This ride was the completion of our first 6 day run and 513 miles.  We will have 2 more 6 day runs before we arrive in DC.  Saturday will be a much needed rest day in New Ulm, a German Town with lots of brats, schnitzel, and of course BEER!  

Hermann Heights Monument ( Hermann the German) in New Ulm Minnesota

Thursday, July 11, 2013

And on to Minnesota

Thursday July 11 on the Big Ride we rode out of South Dakota and into Minnesota, 78.4 miles from DeSmet to Tyler.  After a great night sleep and an awesome breakfast put on by the DeSmet Chamber of Commerce we headed east with a stiff wind out of the south.  The terrain was mostly flat until we hit the Minnesota State line after about 60 miles.  The side wind made a pace line virtually useless, so everyone was on their own.  I felt pretty strong today and wasn't bothered too much by the side wind and thankful it was not a head wind.  I reached Tyler in just under 6 hours and made a b-line to the nearest restaurant for a burger and onion rings.  We are camping on a field at the Tyler High School where the temp is cool and the winds are still blowing.  Tomorrow will me more of the same except a longer distance ( 86 miles) and a stronger wind ( gusting up to 35 mph) from the south.  It might get tiring riding sideways all day :)

Kendall, Jeff and Tim at the Minnesota State Line

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Easy Riding

July 10 of the Big Ride was an easy riding day for everyone.  We rode from Miller to DeSmet South Dakota, a distance of 76.7 miles.  We had cool, calm, and clear weather to thoroughly enjoy our last full day in South Dakota.  We reached the 1/2 way point on the Big Ride today in Huron... 1,666 miles!!!  DeSmet is one of the areas Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up in.   The first order of the day when we arrived in DeSmet was a stop at DQ for a chicken sandwich and a chocolate shake!  We will be spending the night camping in the DeSmet city park.  Hopefully we will have better luck than we did camping at the city park in Kadoka!

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home in DeSmet South Dakota


South Dakota Prairie at Sunrise
 
 Half Way Point of the Big Ride in Huron South Dakota

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Tail Winds Bring Us Into Miller South Dakota

On Tuesday July 9, the 23rd day of the Big Ride, we blasted from Pierre to Miller South Dakota.  With a strong tail wind the entire way, we ( Tim, Kendall) completed the 73.7 miles in 3 1/2 hours averaging greater than 21 mph!!  I think Tim must have been feeling really good or was enjoying hurting us on the last 10 miles because he was pushing the pace at 28 mph!  The roads were fairly flat the entire distance with only 1100 feet of climbing.  We arrived in Miller just in time for breakfast at the local cafe.  Tomorrow we will pass the the half way point on the trip.   Hard to believe we are only half way there!!

Happy Big Riders after an Awesome Breakfast in Miller South Dakota

Monday, July 8, 2013

Pain Day

Monday July 8th was a pain day for me.  We rode 95.7 miles from Kodoka to Pierre South Dakota. It started off difficult because of the lack of sleep last night because of kids playing basketball at 3 in the morning at the county park we camped in and because of the hot rod squealing tires at all hours of the night.  During the first 20 miles of the ride there were over a dozen flats in the group.  I was fortunate enough to be spared thanks to my Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires.  They are definitely a heavier tire, but they are pretty resistant to punctures.   My legs did not have the spunk they had yesterday, probably because I over did it yesterday.  The hills caused my quads to burn which usually goes away after a few miles, but not today!  The ride was through the open prairies of South Dakota.  The weather started off as rain and it kept cool and cloudy until we reached Pierre.  We were also fortunate for the moderate tail wind.  Tim and I rode pretty hard together to arrive by 2:30 Central Time ( we entered the central time zone when we crossed the Missouri River just before Pierre).

Tim changing his 3rd flat tire!

Missouri River at Pierre

Pierre Capital
 

Sunday, July 7, 2013

The Badlands

On Sunday July 7, we rode 101.7 miles from Rapid City to Kadoka through the Badlands of South Dakota.  We started off in the rain at 0630 and rode out of it about 20 miles later.  We entered the Badlands National Park after 43 miles of riding and didn't exit the area until about
Mile 80.  Everyone took their time through heart of the National Park and took lots of pictures. I finished the ride in just under 7 hours.  We are spending the night in the Kodoka town park, sleeping on our tents.  Tomorrow we are riding 96 miles to Pierre.  Just another day on the Big Ride Across America!  

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Rest Day In Rapid City

Awesome rest day in Rapid City South Dakota!
• Laundry done
• Bicycle cleaned
• Visit Mt. Rushmore

• Visit Crazy Horse Mountain


• Rest
• Eat

We have 513 miles to cover in the next 6 days!  Next rest day will be in Minnesota! 

Friday, July 5, 2013

Black Hills South Dakota

On Friday July 5th, we rode from Newcastle Wyoming to Rapid City South Dakota, a distance of 80.9 miles.  We reached the South Dakota state line after only 11 miles of riding and immediately started climbing through the Black Hills.  The weather was perfect for riding, cool and cloudy and no wind.  We rode through the Black Hills National Forest and enjoyed a 17 mile descent through Custer State Park.  It was one of the most scenic rides I have ever enjoyed.  We arrived in Rapid City for a well deserved rest day tomorrow.  We are staying at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and planning for lots of rest and a trip to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse (via a 15 passenger van).  

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July from Newcastle Wyoming!  Today on the Big Ride we cycled 76.4 miles from Gillette to Newcastle.  It was another beautiful ride through the range lands of Wyoming.  The temperature was cool and the wind was a tail wind for much of the day.  We started the ride at 5:30 and formed 
pace line right from the get go.  We arrived in Newcastle by 10:45, just in time for breakfast.  I rode with Jeff, Tom, and Jenny and we kept the line going all the way.  Pretty amazing after our grueling day yesterday.  Tomorrow is South Dakota and an amazing ride through the Black Hills.  It should be one of the high points on the trip.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Home On The Range

Day 17 of the Big Ride was the longest distance we will travel on the entire trip.  112.3 miles from Sheridan to Gillette Wyoming and over 4,600 feet of climbing!  Riding time was 7 hours.  We got off to an early start (5:30) to beat the heat and rode through beautiful range county at sunrise.  It will be a part of the trip that will be hard to forget.  I feel that I am getting stronger with every ride... I could not even imagine riding this distance in under 7 hours.  Thanks to Charlton and Lynn, our ride director and assistant director, for being at the right places at the right times with water and food.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Finally Wyoming

On Tuesday July 2, we finally rode our last mile in Montana and our first in Wyoming.  The day started in Hardin Montana and ended in Sheridan Wyoming covering 84.2 miles.  It was our first day of real head winds, so we rode in a 9 person pace line to give each other a break.  After 16 miles of riding we got to the Little Big Horn battlefield but arrived too early to enter the park.  The picture below is the view from just outside the park  and the view Custer must have seen only with thousands of attacking Indians.  

The temperature today reached 93 degrees and it was a challenge keeping cool and hydrated.  By the time we reached the KOA in Sheridan everyone was pretty well spent.  Tomorrow we have 112 miles to cover and the temp  is forecasted to be 97.  It will be one to the toughest days on the ride and will be the longest.


Monday, July 1, 2013

Hardin Montana

July 1 was a short day for the Big Ride Across America, 55.5 miles from Billings to Hardin Montana.  We ( Jeff S, Tom, Jenny) averaged 18.6 mph arriving in Hardin in time for breakfast.  It was another beautiful ride across the Yellowstone River and after a short climb onto the high plains of eastern Montana.  Tomorrow we will cross the 1K mile mark, visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield, and ride into Wyoming!  Lodging tonight is at the KOA in Hardin.  Thank God there is a pool because it is wicked hot out!!