June 30 Burley ID to Pocatello ID

Today was a nice day to ride.  we had some quiet miles and some noisy miles.  I had my second flat tire.  Changed quick and on my way.  2 riders hung back and the three of us caught up to the rest of the group.

It's always nice to start the day with your name in lights

Burley is a small town in Idaho.  I have no idea who holds their convention here

Notice what is missing in the photo below

There is no fence !!
These are free range cattle who can wander anywhere on the land they want.  Including into the road and lumber after colorful bicycle riders

Billed as the loneliest road on the trip, we saw 3 trucks in 10 miles and they were there only to pick up some cattle from the field.

For those who want more pictures
Barry Haarde redsaleen97@yahoo.com
  I'm blogging lots of pictures and some video on my Facebook page; if anyone wants to, they can "friend" me and have access to all the pics/video.
barry


Califklc califklc@aol.com
I am posting pictures daily on a web site www.culverscycles.com.  I have renamed the "Cross America North" trip "North by Northeast".
Keith Culver

Tomorrow July 1st is 750 vertical feet.  This is about 1/2 the lowest previous day's climbing.  Even this small amount of climbing is spread over 40 miles.  Total day is 65.7 mi.  In other words really flat.
Our bicycle safety inspection got postponed to 7:00 AM Sunday.  Mike Munk, trip leader, was changing the tire on the trailer pulled behind a sag van and broke his ankle when the tire iron slipped off the lug nut and hit his ankle.  Mike is the guy who does the inspection.  Luckily it is a short day.  Breakfasrt at 6:00, Inspection at 7:00, luggage load at 8:00. Then hit the road.

July 2nd we start climbing for real as we cross into Wyoming and head up into the Grand Teton National Park.  Then July 3 we ride along the backside of Yellowstone national Park.  9,300 vertical feet in two days.  We cross the continetal divide on July 3 as we approach Dubois WY.
Enjoy the weekend
Sam

Twin Falls ID to Burley ID, Fri June 29

Today was a short day only 42 miles.  Sleeping late (6:30) this morning was strange.  You know you're on the road with a strange group when the day's highlights are: going to the bike shop for a new water bottle, a bicycle maintenance presentation and installing a new chain on your bike.  We did see Shoshone Falls and more views of the Snake River Canyon plus a whole lot of flat farm land.

We don't see logging trucks anymore.  We do still travel with lots of trucks.  The professional drivers are almost all courteous and give us as much space as they can.  Many even wait for us to go ahead if there is a narrow spot in the road, such as a bridge, we try to wave and thank them.  Car drivers can be VERY amusing they have even honked and made obscene gestures when they are going the other way on a divided highway.  We just shrug our shoulders and go on.  The obnoxious drivers stand out because there are really so few of them.
Burley is a smaller city of about 10,000 people.  Some people skipped the maintenance talk and went to see "Snow White and The Huntsman"  I think they just wanted cold soda and air conditioning.
Current topic is weight loss.  Some people are losing weight and one guy said he lost almost 12 pounds, then he found an accurate scale, only lost about 4 lbs.  He is trying get in shape to look good at his son's wedding, 2 weeks after the trip ends.  I just want to maintain my weight.  Today was a short day and was only 2200 calories.  Thur was over 5,000 calories while on the bike.
Tomorrow, Sat. We will have a safety inspection of all the bikes.  We have been on the road almost 2 weeks, through rain, dust, grit and grime.  The idea is to review the condition of all safety features on the bikes before we get to the Teton Mountains.  Going up and down are hard on both riders and bikes.  The tour leaders are very adamant about safety issues.  Riding single, obeying traffic signs and laws etc.  We will be inspecting brakes, cables brake pads, headsets etc. I have a spare set of brake pads along.   Rest of the bike is in good shape.
Stay tuned for more details about our July 2 and 3rd climb up to the continental divide at 11,000 feet.  Here in Burley we are at 4,165 ft elevation.  2 days of about 1,000 ft climbing then days of 5,500 ft and 3,800 ft.  Not much down hill those two days of 88 mi each
Time for stretching and bed.  Alarm is set for 5:15 AM
Sam

Mountain Home to Twin Falls, Thur. June 28

Small section of sprinklers used all over the plains to irrigate crops
Amazing how much land is irrigated this way.  Spray from the sprinklers felt very good today

Today was long, sunny and hot.  We were on the road by 6:20 to beat as much of the heat as we could.  temps were in the 90s.  I wore Coolmax sleeves with my jersey.  Coolmax is a fabric designed to wick away moisture and help it evaporate to cool your skin.  It is also great sunburn protection.  Not greasy or messy.  First time I wore them all day in the heat and I was surprised at how comfortable they felt.  Also tied a bandana filled with water absorbent beads around my neck for cooling.

Hammett Valley Market and Cafe
First food stop of the day.  The tour provides breakfast and dinner + snacks at the sag stops.  they don't provide lunch.  Today we picked up a deli sandwich and stopped later at Subway.  There seems to be a lot of them out here.  Chicken breast on flat bread is highly recommended.  Usually we split sandwiches, between two people, as they are too big too eat and continue riding.

Crist overlooking the Snake river canyon

Beautiful Snake River valley with golf course and crops.  All dependent on irrigation.

We had some spectacular views of the Snake River Gorge.


Solar panel array outside Twin Falls Idaho.  Haven't found out who owns or operated it yet.

There is a rider from Boston who has 2 titanium hips on the ride this trip.  He is doing quite well and has had no trouble with them.  There is also a rider with a titanium and ceramic knee.  A third rider has a second tendon replacement procedure after the first one failed.  Quite a collection of replacement parts. 
I was asked which of my body parts hurt, it depends on the day.
Proper stretching is a great pain preventative, stretching before and after riding, as well as long hot showers.
knees, hurt every couple days,  comes and goes during the day, less than during training, ice at night does wonders.
Lower back, John Heunink of Wheel and Sprocket fit my bike and corrected my posture, REALLY reduced lower back pain, only used heating pad 1 day so far on trip.
Hands, minimal pain, change hand position often and rotate among 3 pairs of gloves
elbows, occasional pain, regularly change hand positions and keep slight bend in elbows
Butt good riding shorts, lots of chamois butter, stand up and stretch regularly, keeps problem in check, can always be better.  Actually not as much a concern as I expected (today was 97 mi).
KEEP BODY PARTS, riding shorts and socks clean!!!  Chafing, sores and pimples can make for several really bad days.
Feet, thighs, shoulders and neck have all been fine
Most of the minimal pain is attributable to things I learned at Peak Performance Professionals, John Heunink and 5,000 miles of training.
Tomorrow is a short day, 38 miles.
Still, it's time for bed
Sam

Boise to Mountain Home ID, June 27

Sunny day right from the start.  53 miles of light wind and sunshine with not much else.
Lynne's day strated with the well known overnight problem of the "motel room flat". 

Tire was ok last night now it's flat.  Jim (guy in blue shirt) is our mechanic on the trip.  Luckily it was a short time and we rolled out by 8:15.  Boise is in a valley and the first half of today's ride was up onto the high plains.

 The second half was high plain and more high plain and more high plain.  After a while it all looked the same.  Relatively quick day.  we were off the road by 12:30.  Nice pool and good day to catch up on shopping at Walmart, or email.  I plan to watch the movie "Ride the Divide".  2,700 miles, Canada to Mexico along the continental divide in the Rocky Mountains.  Billed as the world's toughest mountain bike race,  I have NO desire to ride this.  Don and Mary Reiman want to ride it in 2014. 
Ride the Divide is an unsupported ride.  This means no support vehicle.  If you don't carry it you haven't got it.  Don and Mary have each done 200 mi with 10,000 vertical feet of climbing IN ONE DAY.  Hats off to the both of you.
Tomorrow is 93 mi with 2,350 vertical ft.  so it is back to 8:30 lights out and 5:30 alarm clock.  We will get in as many early miles as we can.  Forecast is 0% rain 93deg and very little shade
If you would like a list of the cities, daily mileage and how much climbing each day send me an email at sam@paque.net and I will send it to you
Sam

June 26 Boise Rest day

Today was a wonderful day, slept really late- 7:15 am, had leisurely breakfast, leisurely trip to the bike shop, got a new pair of sunglasses to replace the ones I lost, new chain for the bike, electrolyte supplement for water and a leisurely trip to the laundromat.  Actually we went to two really good bike shops.  Yes, the key for today is leisurely.  I feel much better than 2 days ago.  rested and refreshed.  Various people had to replace wheel rims, freewheels, hubs, bike bags and assorted tubes.  I got the new chain as a preventative because we won't see a good bike shop for 500 miles or more.  Current chain has about 2,000 miles on it.  If you don't change the chain when needed, it wears the sprockets and you end up changing the chain, sprocket and freewheel.


Jeff cleaning his chain with qtips

Cleaning bikes is always a popular pastime as a clean bike is a happy bike and rider.  Jeff just takes it to the extreme, in a leisurely sort of way. 
Washing clothes was also very popular today.  The hotel machines ran all day.  I went with a few others to the laundromat about 12 blocks away.  No waiting.
Boise is a VERY clean city.  Major activities are government, Boise State University and recreation.  Beautiful bike path system called the greenbelt.  Julia Davis Park is right downtown on the Boise River.  The river is very clean and fast flowing.  Very clean as in you can see several feet down to the rocky river bed.  The zoo and duck ponds are also only blocks from the center of the city.  Boise is 64 square miles, 205,000 people and low humidity.  Seems to be a nice place to visit and live.  We are staying downtown and have walked past the capitol bldg., Boise state Univ.  and the tallest bldg in Idaho.  (maybe 15 stories). 
Tomorrow Wed. June 27, Boise to Mountain Home, ID  is an easy day.  One of the shorter days at 53 miles and only 1,400 ft of vertical, light tail winds, temp in the 50s to 70s.  We will start with arm and leg warmers on finish in jersey and shorts with LOTS of sunscreen.  I carry sunscreen all the time and SPF 50 is provided at all SAG stops.  There are plenty of unusual tanning patterns among the riders.  Tans start at lines on the upper arm and end in a sharp line wear gloves start.  That patterns on the back of hands.  White bands from wristwatches are everwhere.  Best suntan pattern is one guy with a Klingon pattern on the top of his head that matches the slots in his helmet.  Just like the ridges on the skull of a Klingon.
Enjoy the day
Sam

Ontario to Boise June 25

It is a shorter day so we got to sleep a little later.  All the way to 5:45.  Sleeping late is a mixed blessing.  It sure feels great, only the later you start the hotter the sun.

We finally left Oregon.  Nice state, just time to move on. 

 

Early morning sun casts long shadows.

  We did a lot of riding in areas that would be completely desert without irrigation.  As the sun rose we drank more and more water.  Most of us drink plain water.  Except for special treats like below

Private enterprise alive and well on the corner of nowhere. 

 We were over 500 yds from their house.  Very little traffic besides 50 thirsty riders.  They did great business for a few minutes.   

Some riders handle their thirst differently.  This is in the Hyde Park area of  Boise.  Near Boise State University.  Kevin has 2 hearing aids.  He usually wears only one.  He says it cuts down on traffic noise.  Hyde Park is similar to Milwaukee's Downer Avenue area.  Coffe shops, bars and restaurants with outdoor seating.  Very clean well maintained houses.

When it rains we have to hose down the bikes every day.  On sunny dry days, the bikes get less maintenance, but, maintenance just the same.  Between shipping, accidents, and hard use 4 bikes have had major repair so far.  Mostly chain and drive drain components.
Saw Mary and Don Reiman tonight.  They live less than 3 miles from downtown Boise yet are in the foothills overlooking the city.  They have several acres and incredibly quiet land.  Horned Owls, elk, coyote and fox all visit them.  Goats are being used to control the vegetation in their area.  Rather than sprays.
Tomorrow is a rest and laundry day.  Will need to catch up on thank yous.
Sam

Ontario Or.  83 mile

Sunny day, nice ride.  Moderate hard day.  First time we road on the shoulder of the freeway.  Really is quite wide and safe.  Being careful and check, double check before crossing ramps has been drilled into all of us for the last week.  Sometimes in the mountains there just isn't much choice for routes.  We were on "old hwy 30" much of the day.  "new" highway 30 is the freeway.  We worried more about debris and stray steel wires than the cars, except at ramps.  Lots of farm fields and elaborate irrigation systems.  We would pass lush green fields and then arid brown desert.
Happy Birthday to Art Paque (my brother)  Art has been sending me encouraging notes and bad jokes.
Big milestone for today was changing time zones from Pacific to Mountain time.  We all lost an hour of free time.  riding time doesn't change and sleep time rules.

Riding on the freeway shoulder, note the space to left and right of rider

More space and quieter than some of the state highways with logging trucks



Deluxe setting for a (SAG, support and gear) food stop today.

Truck crew is really good about taking warm clothes from riders as the day warms up.  Windbreakers, leggings etc.

Tomorrow, Monday is the first of 3 light days.  Mon= 60 mi.  Tues rest day, Wed 60 mi.
We will ride through the Tetons in Wyoming.  There we will hit some steep climbs, some even steeper than what we have seen so far. 
Medical note:  Blood sugar at end of ride, 103 (100 is perfect),  Heart rate is about 83bpm, also very good, will be lower by morning.  Only went to 120's bpm today except when I sprinted.  Butt is sore, will be less sore by morning.  Knees did very well today, no pain at all until last 10 mi.  Need ice and Ben Gay as preventative.  I apply sunscreen  liberally every morning, thanks Evonne, so skin is doing good.  Side feature of trips like this one is you get (need) to eat a lot all day long.  Had some GREAT fudge and Huckleberry Ice Cream.
Thanks for your support
Sam

John Day to Baker City, OR, 80 miles, 4,000 vertical ft

Left to right- Crist, Jeff, Diane, Lynne, Janell

Looking west from ice cream store in downtown Baker City

We had Another great day, No Rain, 3 tough climbs.  I realize now why days start with uphill and finish downhill.  The start and finish cities are in valleys, not mountain tops.  Climb up over the mntn to the next valley and go down to the city.  Then repeat.  We had another great finish, 20 mi at almost 30 mph.  Down hill with a tailwind.  Attached are pictures of the group I usually ride with and the town of Baker City.
Lunch stop was a box lunch at a beautiful park on a mountain lake.  Hated to leave.
We rode about 15 miles along a mountain stream through canyons.  Then rode along a river.  Several groups were fishing in the lower river.  Very picturesque,  yes, I know, you want pictures.  When I am riding 30 mph in the sun with a cool breeze, I don't stop for pictures.

Mike Munk, (ride leader) practices his swing by hitting golf balls off the pavement while waiting for riders to go through the checkpoint.

Thanks for all your comments, emails and texts.  I look forward to them each day.

Sam

Prineville to John Day is done.

This is the day I have worried about for a year.  It was a day of extremes.  13.8 mph avg.  (for our group this is extremely fast for the length and climbing involved)   We had a 1hr Lightning delay.  Tour does not ride in lightning storms.  Ride in rain, but, not lightning.  On paper this is the hardest day.  116 miles, 5,000 vertical ft. of climbing,  25 miles in ONE downhill stretch.  After the downhill we had 30 miles of slight uphill. We paired up stonger and weaker riders of the group and rode HARD to the end.  Encouragement, instruction and enthusiasm can do wonders. HUGE lightning bolt on mainstreet and downpour just as we turned into the motel.  Huge adrenalin rush and now I am dead tired. Will shower and go to bed.
4 riders on the tour had never done a century (100 miles in a day) before.
sam

 

June 21, Kah-nee-tah to Prineville

Fun day (mostly) Today was unusual in that it had clear segments.  Miles 1-13 were quick and very isolated.  4 horses and a pony ran along side of us through several fields then cut across the road and were gone.  Later we were followed on the road by a pony for about 1/2 mi.  Miles 13 -30 were quiet farm fields, lots of irrigation and we were off the reservation.  Only SAG (support and gear) stop was at mi. 30.  Miles 30-43 were hot, tiring, and my right knee hurt.  Miles 43 - 60 were uphill then 12 miles of shallow down hill.  Great way to finish the day.  We actually got done early enough to sit down for a "real" lunch.  BIG chef salad and Chocolate Tuxedo Cheesecake.  As always the hot shower felt great. 
Tomorrow is our first test, 116 mi and 5,000 feet of uphill.  Haven't seen the elevation profile for the route yet.  No matter how it is shaped 5,000 feet of climbing is not fun.  Forecast is for mostly in the 6os with scattered showers.  Stay tuned for results tomorrow.
Mike Monk, tour leader has his website up for this ride.  It is quite professional and lots of pictures etc.   http://www.bamacyclist.com/BAMA/HOME.html  Mike's home page
http://www.bamacyclist.com/BAMA/2012_JOURNALS.html  page with link to " Across America North 2012"

Ospreys minding the nest

View from water stop.  better than looking at the trucks

Typical high plains scrub and hills

Tonight is early to bed.  We'll be on the road as early as we can.  It will be a LOOng day

Sam

Wed June 20, Welsches to Kah-nee-ta

Today was a day of Changes. 
WE HAD SUNSHINE ALL DAY.
Day started off in the pine forests of Oregon, ended on the high desert.  41F at start, 85 degree now.  Started in 2 pairs socks, long leggings, shorts, long sleeve shirt, jersey, jacket, riding gloves + regular gloves and of course helmet.  took off 1 pr socks, pair gloves, long shirt, jacket, leggings leaving, jersey, shorts, socks, helmet and was still hot.  Oh yes, and lots of sun screen. 

Riders down the road



Start was 2 mi flat then 11 mi uphill 5% grade ( means 5 ft up for 100 ft forward) doable, just gets old after a few miles.  ended with so much down hill I got tired of trying to peddle that fast.  One 4 mi stretch was steep, good road switch backs, fast and a LOT of fun.  Yes, I have spare brake pads with me.  first 10 miles was 8.5  mph.  avg.  Max speed later was 35 mph.  only because I was braking on the switch backs.  Could easily have hit 50.  We climbed over 5,000 vertical feet and went down about 4,500 ft. today. All in all a great day.
We are in the mountains now.  Mount Hood area.
Very Beautiful area


  

Sam In front of Mount Hood

I was asked what and how much we eat.  Answer is almost anything healthy and lots of it.  Today's ride was over 5,100 calories.  Daily average for US male is 2,200 cal.  So we eat over twice normal amounts.  Breakfast is as much as your system will handle and allow you to start riding as it digests.  Eggs, toast, bagel, oatmeal, (yes, I eat oatmeal) fruit, juice, ( I drink Pepsi) potatoes, pancakes (not me, they lay in my stomach) more fruit, melon, grapes, pineapple, strawberries etc.  as much as you can without feeling full.  Comment this AM from the server was she never saw people eat like we did.  Lunch is eat all day small amounts often, bananas, nature valley bars, fruit, nuts, raisins, oranges, anything that can be digested easily.  If it is a long day and there is an actual lunch stop, chicken sandwich or 1/2 burger, or salad, NOT anything heavy, no malt, no ice cream.  Chocolate in moderation all day.  light lunch after finishing the ride is good.

Supper is loading for next day.  Carbs, salad, pasta, bread, pizza, no spicy or heart burn.  No heavy meat like beef or ribs.

Last night was chicken parmigiana with salad.  most people don't drink alcohol.  Several people take nutrition supplements.  Google "Hammer Nutrition", variety of gels and powders.  I like their gel.  comes with a refillable bottle, for use while riding, sort of like drinking thick fruit slurry.  Must take with water.  Lots of people add Gatorade to their water.  I use plain water, it absorbs into the body faster and less potential for stomach upset.

Sleep is the other big issue.  bedtime is 8:30.  5:00 comes real early.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers

Sam



Tues June 19,  St Helens to Welches, OR

Today was more clouds and rain.  The sun did peak out, but, only to tease and tempt taking off our rain gear.  We rode 75 miles and 3,150 vertical feet.  Vertical feet means we went up 3,150 feet.  There is also some down so we are not at a high altitude yet.
Lynne one of the riders has been on a borrowed bike for three days.  Her bike came fed Ex today and she is ecstatic.  I can't imagine riding a borrowed bike 175 mi in 3 days, with a derailleur that kept breaking.  She has a really good attitude.
We tried for a group photo with Mt Hood in the background, note everyone has on rain jackets and most have leggings.  Too many clouds to see Mt Hood


Turtle Group in front of Mt Hood with Clouds

Wed Welches to Kah-nee-ta, OR
There is a rumor of sunshine for Wed. also 5,150 feet of climbing. This is the 3rd most vertical feet in one day.  It is NOT the steepest or particularly hard day. The day starts with a 2,750 ft climb in 15 miles. then it is rolling up and down for a total climbing of 5,150 ft.and descending of 4,850 ft for a net change in altitude of 300 feet. Basically Up and over a peak and back into the valley.  Long slow climbs are a lot easier than shorter steeper climbs.
Crist (3rd from right) is a great lead rider for the group and I ride sweep and backup navigation.  Diane, (2nd from right) Crist's wife rides 2nd and is primary navigator.  They ride 2,000+ mi per  year together, Crist leading, Diane navigating.
My heart rate has been pretty good, mostly under 120 bpm.  I am trying hard to go at a slower steady pace and enjoy the ride.  We've got all day, so enjoy the ride.
It is 8:22 pm past my bed time.  Alarm is set for 5:00 AM.
Enjoy the day
Sam

June 18 Monday, Astoria to St. Helens

View from the back of the pack

Day started of wet, wet streets, wet rain everything wet, BUT, we had a tail wind.  68 mi with atailwind helps a LOT.  Flat tire at mi 15 doesn't help so much.  Changed the tube and support van was there with a pump by the time I needed it.Lot's of greenery and by the afternoon the sun was out and it was very pretty.  finished near the back of the pack in good shape.  No sore knees or other issues.  This is a long ride good to pace yourself. 

June 17 The ride has started

A few of the crew people from CA, CO and Australia

We rode down to the beach today to oficially start at the pacific coast.  overcast and drizzly, nobody cared, we were finally riding.  Astoria Everyone is friendly as we get to know each other.  Why are you riding is a big topic.  Usually it is a major "bucket list" item.  Mimi (2nd from left) is riding because it is her friend Polly's (3rd from left) dream and both of their husbands backed out. 


Damm that water is cold  Squishy shoes all the way back to the hotel

First group meeting is tonight.  Time to go over the rules.

See you down the road

Sam

June 17, Sunday

I am all checked in for the ride, bike is inspected and approved.  Ride leader, Mike, actually checks each bike before the ride,  double checks anything that was loosened or changed for shipping and is pretty thorough.  Guy in front of me had to have his headset bearing adjusted.  At least one bike was damaged and the owner will be riding a borrowed bike for a few days.
Today is a short day.  30 miles total.  Down to the ocean and back.  It is tradition to start a cross country ride by dipping a tire in the Pacific and ending with a dip in the Atlantic.  Billed as a great photo op.
I have a copy of the complete roster now.  There are no other riders from WI or IL.   3 states have six riders ea. TX, CO, and CA. total 55 riders.  There are riders from Australia, England and Germany.
True to its reputation Astoria is overcast and wet this morning.  It was very green and pretty in last nights sunshine.  Sun comes out about noon today.
Thanks for the emails and comments, they are very much appreciated.
Sam

Friday June 15

Flight from Chicago O'hare to Portland went fine.  Bike arrived in great shape.  Thanks Nick at Wheel and Sprocket.  He did a last check up and packed the bike.  I have been sytaying with Pam and Tommy in Vernonia Oregon the last two days.  They picked me up at the Portland airport and have been VERY hospitable.  Vernonia is about 35 mi. outside Portland.  Small town incredibly scenic. Got in 100+ miles riding on the Vernonia Banks bike trail.  great pictures and map on their web site.  part of the Oregon State park system.  A little over 20 miles long.
I will miss the "Portland Naked Bike Ride" tomorrow night.  yes, it is exactly that a naked bike ride.  It is a party that starts at 9:00 PM with body painting.  2010 had 10,000 riders.  With this years good weather they hope to have even more riders.  Police block all the cross traffic on the. The parties after the ride go until dawn.  The event is to raise bicycle and alternative transportation awareness.  I would love to go, but, can't see staying up all night the day before starting to ride.
Feeling pretty good, still nervous, but, time to get this show on the road.
Sat, tomorrow, I will finally be in Astoria to check in and meet some of the people I will spend the next 2 months with.
See you down the road
Sam

Tues June 12

Departure time is finally here!!!  I leave in less than 24 hrs.  After over 40 years of fantasy my dream is becoming real.  Scary, elated, relaxed and tense all at once.
Today is a good day.  Packing is done and just details to take care of.  Bike is packed so no riding.  Long walk with Louie (dog) will be good.
Several people have said the easiest way to view the blog is to create a favorite and check it once a day or so.  This displays all the comments and enables replies.  The subscribe feature caches what I write so it is available, but, without added work doesn't show comments or enable reply/comment.
Much of this trip is about people,  The people who have been encouraging, the people who have done favors, some large, the people I will meet along the journey, the people who I will share the ride with.  I expect to learn a lot about people, including myself.
Mary gave me a card I will treasure as I ride, it says, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone".
May you to have the chance to find the end of your comfort zone.
Thanks to ALL of you for your thoughts and encouragements.
Sam

Sunday June 10

Sunday morning Mary and I went for a last ride together before my trip.  We ran into a local "runner" on the path.  

Mary and turtle

I am getting rather tense and nervous.  this is the hardest physical challenge I have tried.  All the support and encouragement from friends is invaluable and soo heartening.  Packing is in the stage of "Ok, everything is here, this pile is way too big.  What don't I need and what did I forget."  Mastercard and UPS can solve a lot of problems of missing things or sending excess baggage home.  Final training miles totals  1,499 miles on trainer, 3,368 on the road. 
I will be flying from Chicago to Portland Wed AM.  The bike goes on the plane with me.  Wheel and Sprocket is doing a final tune up and packing the bike for travel.  Miles will give me a ride down to O'hare.  Pam and Tommy will pick me up at the airport in Portland.  Thanks to all of you.

Friday June 8 AM

This has been an interesting week mentally.  Monday and Tuesday were extreme "what am I doing and I'm not nearly prepared for this" days.  Worked through it by riding an easy 50 miles on Wed. then rode hard 30 mi +10 hilly mi  + 20 easy mi and saw several friends on Thurs.
If you have a favorite motivational book pls. send me the name and author.  One of the phenomena that happens in a group endeavor is people supporting and motivating each other.  I  am looking forward to meeting the rest of the tour group.  As it worked out I don't know anyone else going on this ride. 
I will miss friends and family so keep those blog comments, emails and phone calls coming.  If you haven't subscribed to my blog now is a good time to click on the subscribe button and get update notifications.
Today (fri) I am riding with Dick Schaff, he is recovering from a hip replacement earlier this year and is back on his bike.  Sat and Sun are the last days to ride because on Sun PM the bike goes in for final tune up and packing for shipping.
Stay in touch
Sam

June 3 Sunday

Mary and I went for a ride from Pewaukee to Dousman and back.  I then took the long way home another 20 mi on the bike.  Too nice out to ride in the car.
There are some very nice stretches on the Lake Country Recreation Trail.  see photos  There are several stretches of wetlands along the trail as well as views of Pewaukee Lake nagawaukee Golf Course.
One of the new features this year is the Glacial Drumlin and Lake Country trails are connected by the Cushing Park through Lapham Peak Park.  New diner openned in Dousman, down the block from the coffee vault  good breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers. 


Wetlands along the Lake Country Recreation Trail

My knees feel pretty good today.  30 mi yesterday along Lake Mich. and 50 mi today.  Some hills but not many.



Mary is getting away,  will have to ride hard to catch her.



June 1

Performance (VO2) test at Peak Performance professionals today.  Confirmed I am in good shape, physically anyway.  mental condition has been in doubt for years.  Working with Bob Hanisch and the group at P3 I am in about 20% better shape than last fall.  Also riding with much better technique.  Did a dry run of packing for the trip.  Total weight about 35 lbs.  Not bad for a 2 mo. trip.  More cycling clothes and equip. than "civilian" clothes.  Well under tour weight limit of 50 lbs.