Today should be fairly easy, 53 miles. Looking at the cue sheet it looks like the climbing is at the beginning and then it levels out. There's a 59 percent chance of thunderstorms today. It's 55 now, with a predicted high of 81, almost perfect.
We had a great ride today. Most of the day we had a strong wind from the NW which certainly helped. I left the hotel around 0830 and got here 55 miles later around noon. Some of the ride was on interstate 84 this afternoon we had a tire changing clinic. I've seen many tires changed but today was the first time I actually did it. After the clinic I decided that I will carry the necessary equipment and hope someone behind me offers to help!
Tomorrow is a 100 mile ride to Twin Lakes. Early day with breakfast at 0530 and loading at 0730.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Days 9 and 10 Ontario OR to Boise Idaho / rest day in Boise
Monday we rode from Ontario to Boise, ID. As we left the hotel it didn't take long to cross the river and into ID. Everyone stopped for the oblatory photo. The ride to Boise was 62 miles with about 2800 feet of climbing. The hardest parts were the headwinds and hot temperature. It felt like we were riding into a blowdryer. My legs are still really sore in addition to being tired. Boise looks like a really cute college town, it's also the state capital. Tomorrow Tuesday is our day off. I've got a massage lined up which i'm looking forward to.
Tuesday...
Slept in a little. Had breakfast at 0800. After breakfast several of us headed to the local bike store. It was wonderful. We were buying chamois cream and recovery drinks like crazy. Also almost everyone bought a new chain to have with us for we it will eventually need replacing. Next on the itinerary was a manicure followed by lunch and a massage. The massage therapist recommend I soak in Epsom salts twice a day to help pull out the lactic acid. We'll see if it works. Several of us went downtown to a restaurant called the Red Feather. We all had the salmon which was great. We stayed out until 2100 which on this trip is late. The day has certainly passed quickly. I can see why they don't give us two days off in a row, no one would want to get back in the saddle.
Tuesday...
Slept in a little. Had breakfast at 0800. After breakfast several of us headed to the local bike store. It was wonderful. We were buying chamois cream and recovery drinks like crazy. Also almost everyone bought a new chain to have with us for we it will eventually need replacing. Next on the itinerary was a manicure followed by lunch and a massage. The massage therapist recommend I soak in Epsom salts twice a day to help pull out the lactic acid. We'll see if it works. Several of us went downtown to a restaurant called the Red Feather. We all had the salmon which was great. We stayed out until 2100 which on this trip is late. The day has certainly passed quickly. I can see why they don't give us two days off in a row, no one would want to get back in the saddle.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 8 Baker City to Ontario Oregon
Today was a great day. Total distance was 83 miles with a lot of down hills and flat. Last 20 we had a lot of head winds. Got in early enough to swim and use the hot tub before dinner. Had dinner at the Ponderosa Steak House. Everyone chowed down at an unbelievable pace. It was like we were on our bikes and didn't want to fall behind. Some of us walked back to the hotel which helped the food settle a little. We crossed into Mountain time today, a real sign of progress. We ride into Boise tomorrow and then have our first day off Tuesday, we are all ready. We had 3 guys unable to ride today due to saddle sores plus one guy with knee problems. Note I said guys. All the gals are still riding!!!
Days 6-7. Prineville to John Day and John Day to Baker City
Prineville to John Day
Long day. We road 117 miles which is the farthest I've ever gone in one day. I've done several centuries with a few extra miles due to getting lost but nothing like this. I've also never done miles of climbing. I've also never had miles of fantastic downhills which almost make up for the climbs. We have had absolutely beautiful clear, cool weather. I just pray it holds.
John Day to Baker City
Another 80 down. I think this ride was the hardest for me. It started out with me having to go back to the hotel to check to see if I had forgot to pack my Ipad. Fortunately I had packed it but added an extra 4 miles which I Did Not need. My legs were really tired from the long ride the day before. The highlight of the day was my run in with a BIG Black bear. I could't believe it! I didn't know what to do. He was on the side of the road. I stopped, we stared at each other for a while and then he crossed the street. After he crossed I tried to find my camera but he was gone into the woods. I still didn't know what I should do but eventually rode by with no problem. I think I got some nice pics today. Hope to post them on Tues our first day off. Already have a massage apt in Boise.
Another rider left us for a few days. Has a respiratory virus with reactive airway. He will meet up with us again in about 10 days, another is riding in the van due to blisters on his buttocks and a father and son with bad knees. I am aware of two more with knee problems. Motrin is going fast. My legs (quads) are my biggest problem. Feel like i've run a marathon. 400 down, another 80 today. They say it's mostly downhill. I sure hope so. I'll let you know.....
Long day. We road 117 miles which is the farthest I've ever gone in one day. I've done several centuries with a few extra miles due to getting lost but nothing like this. I've also never done miles of climbing. I've also never had miles of fantastic downhills which almost make up for the climbs. We have had absolutely beautiful clear, cool weather. I just pray it holds.
John Day to Baker City
Another 80 down. I think this ride was the hardest for me. It started out with me having to go back to the hotel to check to see if I had forgot to pack my Ipad. Fortunately I had packed it but added an extra 4 miles which I Did Not need. My legs were really tired from the long ride the day before. The highlight of the day was my run in with a BIG Black bear. I could't believe it! I didn't know what to do. He was on the side of the road. I stopped, we stared at each other for a while and then he crossed the street. After he crossed I tried to find my camera but he was gone into the woods. I still didn't know what I should do but eventually rode by with no problem. I think I got some nice pics today. Hope to post them on Tues our first day off. Already have a massage apt in Boise.
Another rider left us for a few days. Has a respiratory virus with reactive airway. He will meet up with us again in about 10 days, another is riding in the van due to blisters on his buttocks and a father and son with bad knees. I am aware of two more with knee problems. Motrin is going fast. My legs (quads) are my biggest problem. Feel like i've run a marathon. 400 down, another 80 today. They say it's mostly downhill. I sure hope so. I'll let you know.....
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 5. Ka-née-ta to Prineville
Started at 0700. Headed down hill and then up into strong headwinds. Total of 60 miles with two climbs. The last 10 miles into Prineville were down hill which was a great way to finish the day. Not much here in Prineville but when i asked what there was to do here, i was told they have a rodeo every weekend. Lots of cowboys. Tomorrow is an early day. Load luggage at 0545. Wr head to John Day which is 116 miles down the road. No turns except a left out of the hotel parking lot. I think we climb around 6000 feet with 3 major climbs. My quads are still screaming. Motrin is now my drug of choice.
Check out the official blog. You can find it at: America by Bicycle North Tour. Then look at the blog. It's pretty good with stats and pictures.
Check out the official blog. You can find it at: America by Bicycle North Tour. Then look at the blog. It's pretty good with stats and pictures.
day 5
Yesterday was challenging but beautiful. As we climbed and headed west the terrain totally changed. We are now in high dessert. Lots of beautiful views of Mt Hood yesterday. We are in the middle of nowhere in a town called Kah-née-ta. I think the only thing here is the casino and hotel. We leave this mooring for Prinville is is at 2868 feet. Lots of climbing over 60 miles. Starting with sore legs and sore bum. Lactic acid building io!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
day 5
Early. Leave for breakfast at 0545. Group split in two according to climbing times. I'm in the second half so need to leave before the faster group. It's amazing, we have a few folks in their late 60's - early 70's that are quite sting one mother daughter team. How cool! On our way tok Kah-née- ta.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 4. Continued
2200
Long day, first half flat. Second half some climbing. Tomorrow the first 13 miles are uphill. Today we had beautiful vies of Mt Hood. We are staying at a ski resort and people are still skiing believe it or not. Starting tomorrow at 0545.
Long day, first half flat. Second half some climbing. Tomorrow the first 13 miles are uphill. Today we had beautiful vies of Mt Hood. We are staying at a ski resort and people are still skiing believe it or not. Starting tomorrow at 0545.
day 4
0530
Had a great dinner last night, pizza and pasta. As I mentioned last night, we are now down 1 rider. He says he doesn't remember how or way he crashed. Showed us his helmet which was smashed. Always where a helment. Today we are riding from St Helen's to Welches Oregon. It's 75 miles with lots of climbing the last 30 miles. Just took a prophylactic motrin!
Had a great dinner last night, pizza and pasta. As I mentioned last night, we are now down 1 rider. He says he doesn't remember how or way he crashed. Showed us his helmet which was smashed. Always where a helment. Today we are riding from St Helen's to Welches Oregon. It's 75 miles with lots of climbing the last 30 miles. Just took a prophylactic motrin!
Monday, June 20, 2011
One day of riding down, nice ride with several long gradual climbs. The ride was on a two to four lane road with lots of trucks and RV's. That took some getting used to. From what I hear, one of the riders fell and broke his collar bone and is now out of the ride. Fortunately he bought the trip insurance. We'll find out at Rap tonight about tomorrow's ride but I did hear we are heading into the mountains. yeah!!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Continuation of day 2
Good news. My bike was here waiting for me. Assembly went well. Met some more folks and rode to the ocean for the tire dip. Hate to admit it, but we got lost or in bike talk, we went the round about way.
Got back to hotel just in time for the 3 hour orientation which was good. Focused mostly on safety. We will be riding on some interstates which will be a first for me.
We load up tomorrow at 0700 and start shortly thereafter. Milage is 67 with a few hills.
Got back to hotel just in time for the 3 hour orientation which was good. Focused mostly on safety. We will be riding on some interstates which will be a first for me.
We load up tomorrow at 0700 and start shortly thereafter. Milage is 67 with a few hills.
Day 2
Up at 0600. Staying at the Cannery Pier, a great hotel on the Columbia River. Lots of ship traffic. I need to shuffle my luggage hoping to meet weight limits. Will start adding pics once I figure out how.
Day 1
Up since 0430 to finish packing. Checked the packing list over and over. I think I've got everything, probably more since my baggage is now over the weight limit! Hopefully there is some wiggle room as I'm not sure what I would do without.
It's now 0830 and I'm on the plane getting ready to take off. I'm feeling excited and in disbelief that the time is actually here. have I trained enough? I have just made a conscious decision to live in the moment, to let go and let God get me through.
Thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me in my dream. Special thanks Karen for the ride this morning.
When I arrived in Denver and saw the mountains I got a little more anxious. Did I train enough?
Flying from Denver to Portland, the mountains now have snow. Maybe I brought the wrong gear. Skis seem a little more appropriate at the moment.
Met Phyllis from the group to ride from Portland to Astoria. The two hour drive passed quickly as we learned about each other. Seems I've been fortunate to meet someone who has many common interests. We had a nice dinner, took a few pictures and called it a night.
Tomorrow we put our bikes back together and ride to the coast to dip our tires in the Pacific.
It's now 0830 and I'm on the plane getting ready to take off. I'm feeling excited and in disbelief that the time is actually here. have I trained enough? I have just made a conscious decision to live in the moment, to let go and let God get me through.
Thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me in my dream. Special thanks Karen for the ride this morning.
When I arrived in Denver and saw the mountains I got a little more anxious. Did I train enough?
Flying from Denver to Portland, the mountains now have snow. Maybe I brought the wrong gear. Skis seem a little more appropriate at the moment.
Met Phyllis from the group to ride from Portland to Astoria. The two hour drive passed quickly as we learned about each other. Seems I've been fortunate to meet someone who has many common interests. We had a nice dinner, took a few pictures and called it a night.
Tomorrow we put our bikes back together and ride to the coast to dip our tires in the Pacific.
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