Yes, I had great plans to wrap up this blog. My dad and I broke the Koga down and packaged it for shipping. That was too pricey ($245 through UPS) so I'll probably ebay the next bike at the final destination...or I'll have to begin and end the journey at my driveway. I will say that bike touring is addictive and I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially those with questionable knee problems. I can speak with some authority on equipment choices and the realities of touring. If anyone's interested feel free to contact me with any questions.
I re-assembled the Koga and road tested it since my return. Temperatures are soaring here and outdoor exercise is limited to the very early morning hours. I also signed up for the Top of Utah marathon without considering how difficult summer training is here in southern Nevada. I didn't acclimate to this summer heat because of the bike trip and, although my wind is great, I can only manage 12 miles before the scorching heat grinds me to a stop.
Tracy competed in the Mrs. United States Pageant last week. Although she didn't bring home the national crown, she had another wonderful experience. She will continue her reign as Mrs. Nevada until May 08. The pageant information is on her blog and on the Pageant website listed on the links. The national Pageant should air on the Bravo channel some time in September.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Friday, June 1, 2007
Trip Journal Post 12: Day 50-54
Day 50: Natural Bridge to Harrisonburg, VA. (68 miles) Leaving the Adventure Cycling maps is a little unnerving, as they provide essential information that mere road maps do not provide. Map Quest for bicycles is nearly useless too. I finally got a road map and aimed for Harrisonburg. The motels were out near the interstate so I had to ride some extra miles.
Day 51: Harrisonburg to Springfield, WV. (100 miles) I peeled out of there fairly early, anxious to put in some miles to get through this transition period. The road maps hold few clues as to the terrain which is important to bikers. I took a road through Lost River State Park--It was the longest, steepest climb yet! Eventually I ended up in Moorefield at about 3pm. The traffic was so heavy that I hung out at Walmart, eating fruit and re-hydrating for an hour. Then I took the Trough road north to Romney, WV., 21 miles away. It was a pretty ride along the Potomac river with very few hills. I ate dinner in Romney, but decided to head onward and camp around Springfield. As it turned out the camp sites were 5 miles to the east and took a series of dirt hill climbs to reach. The logging trucks are still out here, the coal trucks have thinned, and a new truck has been added...live chicken trucks. Feathers are everywhere.
Day 52: Springfield to Frostburg, MD. (45 miles) My legs were tired from climbing all day yesterday. I left the campground late and had breakfast in Fort Ashbey. Arriving in Cumberland during the mid-afternoon, I snapped a picture of the Welcome To Maryland sign. Bike were prohibited on the road I entered town on so I had to scout another route into the old downtown area. Once I reached the Cumberland Terminus they advised the bike route was now officially open all the way to Pittsburgh. I fooled around there for a little while, eventually jumped on the GAP trail from there, and arrived in Frostburg, 14 miles later, during a slight rain. I ended early today, grateful for an excuse to rest.
Day 53: Frostburg to, Confluence, PA. (50 miles) Most of my final miles will be completed on this dirt "rail to trails". I started this cool morning with the sun shining brightly, but rain is expected tonight. There are several tunnels and bridges that are incredibly beautiful additions to the ride. I entered Pennslyvania about 6-7 miles north of Frostburg, and have since crossed over the Continental Divide once again. It divides the Chesapeake Watershed (which I'm leaving) from the Gulf of Mexico Watershed (which I'm re-entering), and, in this case, signifies a slight downhill all the way to Pittsburgh. I feel the momentum slowing, due partly from the beautiful surroundings and partly from the doldrums that must surely accompany the end of such a journey. It's a densely wooded corridor, having a gentle downgrade, smoothly graveled, through a damp, dark canopy of trees and a river always on one side. Often I'm riding beside places with water seeping through the porous slate rock walls covered with moss. I stopped in Myersdale to update the blog site and to grab some lunch. I visited a couple who suggested that I camp in Confluence instead of the more primitive Ohiopyle. It was a great place, right on the river, yet near food and a shower!
Day 54: Confluence to Export, PA. (78 miles) It was still very foggy as I left this morning and I needed the rain jacket to stay warm as I breezed through Ohiopyle State Park. The fly fishermen were out in force along the entire length of the Yough River. I had breakfast with a group of cyclist primarily from Atlanta, who were riding into Washington D.C. and were taking the train back to Pittsburgh. My feet are leaving noticeable drag marks now and I was sorely tempted to join them! Instead I left there and put on a burst of speed, determined to make this the last day. I stopped for a few pictures and a Gatorade, but cycled steadily until I arrived in West Newton. I ate lunch just off the trail and at the bottom of a big hill, that began the final 25 miles towards the home of my parents. After lunch it was a variety of hills and moderately heavy traffic until I arrived at their house 2 1/2 hours later. It was certainly great to see them, to be finished, and to arrive safely after so many miles. The total mileage was 3279...far short of the 4000 I had expected.
There will be a few more postings as I cover any details pertinent to cyclists considering a tour in the near future.
Day 51: Harrisonburg to Springfield, WV. (100 miles) I peeled out of there fairly early, anxious to put in some miles to get through this transition period. The road maps hold few clues as to the terrain which is important to bikers. I took a road through Lost River State Park--It was the longest, steepest climb yet! Eventually I ended up in Moorefield at about 3pm. The traffic was so heavy that I hung out at Walmart, eating fruit and re-hydrating for an hour. Then I took the Trough road north to Romney, WV., 21 miles away. It was a pretty ride along the Potomac river with very few hills. I ate dinner in Romney, but decided to head onward and camp around Springfield. As it turned out the camp sites were 5 miles to the east and took a series of dirt hill climbs to reach. The logging trucks are still out here, the coal trucks have thinned, and a new truck has been added...live chicken trucks. Feathers are everywhere.
Day 52: Springfield to Frostburg, MD. (45 miles) My legs were tired from climbing all day yesterday. I left the campground late and had breakfast in Fort Ashbey. Arriving in Cumberland during the mid-afternoon, I snapped a picture of the Welcome To Maryland sign. Bike were prohibited on the road I entered town on so I had to scout another route into the old downtown area. Once I reached the Cumberland Terminus they advised the bike route was now officially open all the way to Pittsburgh. I fooled around there for a little while, eventually jumped on the GAP trail from there, and arrived in Frostburg, 14 miles later, during a slight rain. I ended early today, grateful for an excuse to rest.
Day 53: Frostburg to, Confluence, PA. (50 miles) Most of my final miles will be completed on this dirt "rail to trails". I started this cool morning with the sun shining brightly, but rain is expected tonight. There are several tunnels and bridges that are incredibly beautiful additions to the ride. I entered Pennslyvania about 6-7 miles north of Frostburg, and have since crossed over the Continental Divide once again. It divides the Chesapeake Watershed (which I'm leaving) from the Gulf of Mexico Watershed (which I'm re-entering), and, in this case, signifies a slight downhill all the way to Pittsburgh. I feel the momentum slowing, due partly from the beautiful surroundings and partly from the doldrums that must surely accompany the end of such a journey. It's a densely wooded corridor, having a gentle downgrade, smoothly graveled, through a damp, dark canopy of trees and a river always on one side. Often I'm riding beside places with water seeping through the porous slate rock walls covered with moss. I stopped in Myersdale to update the blog site and to grab some lunch. I visited a couple who suggested that I camp in Confluence instead of the more primitive Ohiopyle. It was a great place, right on the river, yet near food and a shower!
Day 54: Confluence to Export, PA. (78 miles) It was still very foggy as I left this morning and I needed the rain jacket to stay warm as I breezed through Ohiopyle State Park. The fly fishermen were out in force along the entire length of the Yough River. I had breakfast with a group of cyclist primarily from Atlanta, who were riding into Washington D.C. and were taking the train back to Pittsburgh. My feet are leaving noticeable drag marks now and I was sorely tempted to join them! Instead I left there and put on a burst of speed, determined to make this the last day. I stopped for a few pictures and a Gatorade, but cycled steadily until I arrived in West Newton. I ate lunch just off the trail and at the bottom of a big hill, that began the final 25 miles towards the home of my parents. After lunch it was a variety of hills and moderately heavy traffic until I arrived at their house 2 1/2 hours later. It was certainly great to see them, to be finished, and to arrive safely after so many miles. The total mileage was 3279...far short of the 4000 I had expected.
There will be a few more postings as I cover any details pertinent to cyclists considering a tour in the near future.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Trip Journal Post 11: Days 48-49
Day 48: Damascus to Christiansburg, VA. (115 miles) It was actually hard to overcome the inertia of Damascus! I ate breakfast before I left and visited with several people I'd met the previous day. Somewhat reluctantly I rolled onto the Virginia Creeper Trail, so named for the former railroad passage up through Mt. Rogers. It crosses the Appalachian Trail several times along the way and I rode along it's 11 miles of peaceful dirt trails, passing hikers and bikes along the way. After turning back out onto the Transamerican, the next 25-30 miles were beautiful woods which turned into a lush, green wide valley for miles. Things turned into a blur as I pedaled steadily for the next several hours. I found myself only seven miles from Christianburg before I realized I was tired.
Day 49: Christiansburg to Natural Bridge, VA. (81 miles) When I near the end of motorcycle trips, like a barn sour horse, I find myself in a hurry to be home. This morning I spoke with an older couple who were out on their bicycles for a short weekend trip. They told me about an 8000 miles trip they had taken! It's makes you realize that there is always someone who has done something bigger, longer, greater. Later I met my cousin Linda Exley and her former exchange student, Thomas, near Troutville. We hadn't seen each other for 18 years so we covered a variety of topics. While we visited, a short thunderstorm struck, drenching the bike, but it didn't last and the rest of the day was dry. I stopped at the Natural Bridge site, of of the seven natural wonders of the world, but couldn't negotiate a reduced price just to snap a picture and ride on. Deciding not to pay $12 for a picture, I skipped a postcard too. I'll look at it on the Internet! Out of clean bike clothes, I stopped at a motel where they agreed to wash my stuff for an additional $10. I ate a backpack meal inside the motel room using my stove to heat the water for hot chocolate too.
Day 50: Natural Bridge to
I rode 10 miles into Lexington for breakfast, to stop at the public library, and to ask some questions at the bike shop about an annoying metallic click the bike has developed. I think I'm going to research another course from here because I'm actually going further east than I need to as of today.
Day 49: Christiansburg to Natural Bridge, VA. (81 miles) When I near the end of motorcycle trips, like a barn sour horse, I find myself in a hurry to be home. This morning I spoke with an older couple who were out on their bicycles for a short weekend trip. They told me about an 8000 miles trip they had taken! It's makes you realize that there is always someone who has done something bigger, longer, greater. Later I met my cousin Linda Exley and her former exchange student, Thomas, near Troutville. We hadn't seen each other for 18 years so we covered a variety of topics. While we visited, a short thunderstorm struck, drenching the bike, but it didn't last and the rest of the day was dry. I stopped at the Natural Bridge site, of of the seven natural wonders of the world, but couldn't negotiate a reduced price just to snap a picture and ride on. Deciding not to pay $12 for a picture, I skipped a postcard too. I'll look at it on the Internet! Out of clean bike clothes, I stopped at a motel where they agreed to wash my stuff for an additional $10. I ate a backpack meal inside the motel room using my stove to heat the water for hot chocolate too.
Day 50: Natural Bridge to
I rode 10 miles into Lexington for breakfast, to stop at the public library, and to ask some questions at the bike shop about an annoying metallic click the bike has developed. I think I'm going to research another course from here because I'm actually going further east than I need to as of today.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Trip Journal Post 10: Days 41-47
Day 41: Glascow to Lebanon, KY (78 miles) It was a splendid day for riding. The pines are gone from the forest, which is thinner and more inviting. Although the sun penetrates easily, it is still very lush and green. Just before arriving in Hogenville, I visited the birthplace of one of my personal heroes, Abraham Lincoln. I nodded through an 18 minute movie, saw his tiny log cabin, read some of his quotations, and my admiration grew larger still. About 3 miles later I ran into two westbound riders. We visited for 20 minutes but I felt the need to push onward, as it was still 43 miles to Springfield. 3 1/2 hours later I arrived in Lebanon instead, 9 miles short of Springfield. I stopped to eat at a Mexican restaurant and only moment later I found some new friends; Blake and Mary Ann Ohsol, who live just down the street, came in and were excited about my bike and the trip. I invited them to eat with me and ended up staying at their home for the night. They are the friendliest, most interesting couple and their energy was a breath of fresh air. Being in their home was very peaceful and thoroughly rejuvenated me!
Day 42: Lebanon to Berea, KY (82 miles) Somewhat reluctantly I left the Ohsons after bacon and eggs. I arrived in Harrodsburg within 4 hours, as I tried to make up getting off to a late start. I made several stops on the way to Berea to rehydrate. Berea, full of history and youthful vigor, is a pretty little college town which caters to primarily the Appalachian mountain area children. Qualified low income kids can attend there for free, but they are required to work at the college during their stay. I camped just south of town at an RV park.
Day 43: Berea to Buckhorn, KY (81 miles) I awoke to another beautiful morning. The tent and sleeping bag had to be stowed wet with dew. I rode back into Berea for breakfast at the famous Daniel Boone Tavern. Then I began a roller-coaster ride into the younger range of the Appalachians. I have always been drawn to the mountains, but, of all the places this trip has taken me, none have called so strongly. Trees cover the knobby hills completely, the fragrance of wild Honeysuckle fills the air, and the unfamiliar but soothing sounds of a wide variety of birds fill the air. These are rugged mountains that test my conditioning as I shift continuously to make the assents. Any knee or quad muscle problems I was having are gone now. Although I'm thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day, I still enjoy it immensely.
Day 44: Buckhorn to Pippa Passes, KY (56 miles) I left the campground this morning and have only stopped for food and Gatorade until I reached Hindman. As I update this blog at the public library, it's pouring rain and I'm not sure about pushing onward. At the moment this town looks like as good a place as any! The rain stopped about the time I finished updating the blog and as I stepped out of the library the sun was shining brightly so I rode on to Pippa Passes where I stayed at a hostel. This was another first and for $7, it was a real bargain. Steve Birge, another cyclist traveling west was there ahead of me and I followed his lead as I unloaded in to the bunk house. We sipped tea and discussed our adventures. We agreed that this could be an addictive lifestyle; Steve had many other trips under his belt.
Day 45: Pippa Passes to Council, VA (87 miles) Steve was an early riser and sounded like a giant pack-rat as he re-stowed his equipment. I took a few pics of the hostel to share with Tracy and headed back into the mountains. Steve had suggested stopping at a restaurant 13 miles ahead, where I had the place to myself and enjoyed a pancake and sausage breakfast. It was another day of climb after climb, but both me and the bike are performing well. I ate lunch in Elkhorn City and considered stopping at the public library. Instead I pressed on through the Breaks Interstate Park between Kentucky and Virginia. It's beautiful and rugged country. I wanted to stop there for a swim but the public access was closed for renovations so I rode on to Haysi, VA., where I ate dinner. The traffic was unbearable, especially the coal trucks. I had intended to stay there but couldn't find anything suitable. The map showed a camping recreation area 17 miles ahead at Council, VA. Turned out it was just a city park, but the covered picnic table made a comfortable bed for the night.
Day 46: Council to Damascus, VA. (54 miles) Mike Pederson, a old friend from Logandale who retired from the Highway Patrol and moved to Charlotte, NC., has arranged to meet at Damascus. I got off to an early start which quickly turned into steep climbs. I ate breakfast in a farmers cafe in Honaker, and as I sat eating I realized that I couldn't decipher I word in ten that was spoken! Virginia is the most beautiful yet. I took some pics of the misty valleys I crossed today. These vistas are really something to behold. I arrived into Damascus by 2pm and threw my laundry in immediately. Mike called right from the same intersection at about 2:30pm. It was really good to see an old friendly face. He had made arrangements to stay at a nearby town, Abingdon, where we ate, went to the movies, and drank Margaritas. It was quite a treat and lifted my spirits even higher than usual.
Day 47: Damascus, VA. We arrived back at the same intersection later in the morning. Mike and I said our goodbyes. Since this is where the Appalachian Trail and the Transamerican Trail bisect, there are plenty of bike and backpack outfitters. My tent is threatening to quit early on me, as one of the nylon suspension rods has shattered, so I thought I would nose around. It's a unique little town to visit and is the access point for the Virginia Creeper Trail, an alternate bike route that will give me an 11 mile sample of off road passage, much like what lies ahead into Pennsylvania. I've decided to finish out the day here and leave in the morning.
Day 42: Lebanon to Berea, KY (82 miles) Somewhat reluctantly I left the Ohsons after bacon and eggs. I arrived in Harrodsburg within 4 hours, as I tried to make up getting off to a late start. I made several stops on the way to Berea to rehydrate. Berea, full of history and youthful vigor, is a pretty little college town which caters to primarily the Appalachian mountain area children. Qualified low income kids can attend there for free, but they are required to work at the college during their stay. I camped just south of town at an RV park.
Day 43: Berea to Buckhorn, KY (81 miles) I awoke to another beautiful morning. The tent and sleeping bag had to be stowed wet with dew. I rode back into Berea for breakfast at the famous Daniel Boone Tavern. Then I began a roller-coaster ride into the younger range of the Appalachians. I have always been drawn to the mountains, but, of all the places this trip has taken me, none have called so strongly. Trees cover the knobby hills completely, the fragrance of wild Honeysuckle fills the air, and the unfamiliar but soothing sounds of a wide variety of birds fill the air. These are rugged mountains that test my conditioning as I shift continuously to make the assents. Any knee or quad muscle problems I was having are gone now. Although I'm thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day, I still enjoy it immensely.
Day 44: Buckhorn to Pippa Passes, KY (56 miles) I left the campground this morning and have only stopped for food and Gatorade until I reached Hindman. As I update this blog at the public library, it's pouring rain and I'm not sure about pushing onward. At the moment this town looks like as good a place as any! The rain stopped about the time I finished updating the blog and as I stepped out of the library the sun was shining brightly so I rode on to Pippa Passes where I stayed at a hostel. This was another first and for $7, it was a real bargain. Steve Birge, another cyclist traveling west was there ahead of me and I followed his lead as I unloaded in to the bunk house. We sipped tea and discussed our adventures. We agreed that this could be an addictive lifestyle; Steve had many other trips under his belt.
Day 45: Pippa Passes to Council, VA (87 miles) Steve was an early riser and sounded like a giant pack-rat as he re-stowed his equipment. I took a few pics of the hostel to share with Tracy and headed back into the mountains. Steve had suggested stopping at a restaurant 13 miles ahead, where I had the place to myself and enjoyed a pancake and sausage breakfast. It was another day of climb after climb, but both me and the bike are performing well. I ate lunch in Elkhorn City and considered stopping at the public library. Instead I pressed on through the Breaks Interstate Park between Kentucky and Virginia. It's beautiful and rugged country. I wanted to stop there for a swim but the public access was closed for renovations so I rode on to Haysi, VA., where I ate dinner. The traffic was unbearable, especially the coal trucks. I had intended to stay there but couldn't find anything suitable. The map showed a camping recreation area 17 miles ahead at Council, VA. Turned out it was just a city park, but the covered picnic table made a comfortable bed for the night.
Day 46: Council to Damascus, VA. (54 miles) Mike Pederson, a old friend from Logandale who retired from the Highway Patrol and moved to Charlotte, NC., has arranged to meet at Damascus. I got off to an early start which quickly turned into steep climbs. I ate breakfast in a farmers cafe in Honaker, and as I sat eating I realized that I couldn't decipher I word in ten that was spoken! Virginia is the most beautiful yet. I took some pics of the misty valleys I crossed today. These vistas are really something to behold. I arrived into Damascus by 2pm and threw my laundry in immediately. Mike called right from the same intersection at about 2:30pm. It was really good to see an old friendly face. He had made arrangements to stay at a nearby town, Abingdon, where we ate, went to the movies, and drank Margaritas. It was quite a treat and lifted my spirits even higher than usual.
Day 47: Damascus, VA. We arrived back at the same intersection later in the morning. Mike and I said our goodbyes. Since this is where the Appalachian Trail and the Transamerican Trail bisect, there are plenty of bike and backpack outfitters. My tent is threatening to quit early on me, as one of the nylon suspension rods has shattered, so I thought I would nose around. It's a unique little town to visit and is the access point for the Virginia Creeper Trail, an alternate bike route that will give me an 11 mile sample of off road passage, much like what lies ahead into Pennsylvania. I've decided to finish out the day here and leave in the morning.
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