Days 60-62 – The End

THE END

By Chet

The ride is over.  Today, Tuesday, August 2^nd, I slept in until 7:30 AM, did laundry, took a nap, packed my bags, and purchased a pair of pants that fit me.  I lost 32 pounds while training and riding across the country and I needed some pants that fit me.  Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, August 3^rd, I fly home to Charlottesville, VA.  The trip is over and I’m left with lifetime memories.  Mark and I thank you for your support, prayers, and financial contributions to help those who have MS.  To date our team has raised over $180,000.  We look forward with talking with each of you personally to share in more detail how much this ride meant to each of us.  May God’s blessing be upon you and may He use you to be a blessing to others.

Chet’s Stats:

• Longest day:  134.6 miles (ride from Kansas to Colorado with tailwinds)
• Fastest average speed:  16.7 mph (includes riding around town)
• Fastest speed:  52.2 mph
• Total miles traveled:  4,042.8
• Hottest Day:  107 F
• Number of flat tires:  7
• Total weight lost:  32 pounds (13 pounds training for ride + 19 pounds during ride)

Day 62 – Monday, August 1 – Ride over Golden Gate Bridge

By Chet

This was our last day of riding.  We rode along the Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf to the Crissy Field Center, near the Golden Gate Bridge.  Here, where the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay meet, we dipped our front tires into the water to celebrate the end of our ride.  We then rode our bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge for some spectacular views of the City, Bay and Alcatraz Island.  We shed a few tears and said goodbyes to fellow cyclists who had become dear friends after two months of cycling together.  Mark and I put our bikes into the BiketheUSforMS trailer, which is heading back to Blacksburg, VA.  Mark will be picking up our bikes and bringing them back to Charlottesville in a few weeks.  I took the BART to San Leandro, where I spent two nights with my In-laws before flying back home to Charlottesville.

Trish and the "old guys" on the ride.

Mark

Chet

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  20.5 miles
• Average speed:  9.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  23.8 mph
• Total miles traveled:  4,042.8
• Temperature:  65 F

Day 61 – Sunday, July 31 – Ride to San Francisco, CA

By Chet

By 7:15 AM we were on the road again, riding through the University of California, Davis campus (my alma mater) and heading out of town, into the countryside, where we passed through orchards, vineyards, and many other crops that grow in the fertile Central Valley of California.  The weather was cool and the views of Putah Creek and the surrounding hills were beautiful.  As we came over the hill and had our first view of the bay area, we could see the fog and feel the cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean.

We arrived at the Vallejo Ferry Station at 1:30 PM, with plenty of time to catch the 3:30 PM ferry to San Francisco.  Upon arrival in chilly San Francisco, we had a group photo and my old college roommate, David Karwowski, was there to meet me.  We all had a closing dinner at Sinbad’s Restaurant on Pier 2 and heard a presentation on the latest MS research.  We then rode our bikes a couple of miles down Market Street where we spent the night at the YWAM facility.  Many homeless people were sleeping on the sidewalks in the area, and I was grateful for YWAM’s generosity in providing us with a warm place to spend the night

Chet & David Karwowski

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  71.2 miles
• Average speed:  12.8 mph
• Maximum speed:  ~30 mph
• Total miles traveled:  4,022.3
• Temperature:  60-80 F

Day 60 – Saturday, July 30 – Ride to Davis, CA

By Chet

Due to a mix up with our campsite reservation, we ended up spending the night in a nice hotel in Folsom, CA.  This allowed me to get caught up on our Blog, get a good night’s sleep, and get up early (4:15 AM) and do some laundry.  After breakfast at IHOP, Mark and I stopped by for a short visit with my good friends Tim and LeAnn Hall who spent the summer in Folsom and head back to their home in Kenya later this week.

We rode on the American River Trail to Sacramento where we passed through Old Town Sacramento and saw the California State Capital.  One of our riders, Aaron, had his locked bicycle stolen while spending 20 minutes in Sacramento’s Old Town district shops.  We all scurried around looking for the bike and the thief, but we were only able to find his helmet.  This was a sad moment, but Aaron handled the situation well and was able to finish the ride on a spare bike.  We spent the night in Davis at a Motel 6, and celebrated the nearing end of our ride by eating an ice cream cake provided by one of the riders.  Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  55.9 miles
• Average speed:  13.8 mph
• Maximum speed:  25.5 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,951.1
• Temperature:  86 F

Days 57-59

Day 59 – Friday, July 29 – Ride to Folsom, CA

By Mark

Our morning was a chilly reminder that California had a very heavy snowfall last winter, but we loved awaking in the tall forest.  There was a short climb over the last ridge and then we began our descent from nearly 8,500 feet to Folsom at about 500 feet.  Thankfully it was nearly all down as the day became warmer and warmer.  The pines of the mountains gave way to the brown grass and scrub oaks so typical of California.  We rode through some of the wine country and enjoyed the old town of Placerville as we waited for arrangements for the evening.  I think we just were not bad enough to stay at the Folsom prison, so we wound up in a hotel in the town of Folsom for the night.  Good showers are very nice after 94 miles in progressively warmer riding.

Jim & Barbara Decker came for a visit and took Chet out to dinner.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  93.9 miles
• Average speed:  15.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  46.0 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,895.2
• Temperature:  102 F

Day 58 – Thursday, July 28 – Ride to Silver Lake, CA

By Mark

Leaving Carson City brought us to the other town that claims to be the original settlement, Genoa, with a picturesque look and state park recreation of early settlers cabins.  Then the last milestone of our trip, we entered California as the Sierra Mountains loomed nearby.  After the state line we began our ascent of over 4,500 feet into the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  The climb that would have exhausted us two months ago seemed to be just another hill by this point in our trip.  The middle of the climb was more or less a plateau through a lush upland meadow watered by the still melting snow.  The last part of the climb brought us to Carson Pass and into the silence of the tall trees at Silver Lake Campground.  The night was appropriately chilly.

By Chet

Hurray!  We arrived in California.  The sign was the smallest of all the state crossings, but it was good to be back in the state that I used to call home.  We did the long steep climb over Carson Pass summit, which put us at 8,574 feet.  There were no showers in the campground so I took a swim in Silver Lake.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  63.0 miles
• Average speed:  11.5 mph
• Maximum speed:  45.5 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,801.3
• Temperature:  80’s F

Day 57 – Wednesday, July 27 – Ride to Carson City, Nevada

By Mark

From Fallon we progressively rode into civilization again.  Much of the road was double lane and mile after mile we rode past commercial and residential development, which we had not seen for weeks.  We passed Dayton, which shares the claim to be the oldest town in Nevada, and we saw remnants of the silver mining days.  As we rode into Carson City, we were reminded that it is the capital of Nevada, and it is also a sort of gambling destination, judging by the number and size of Casinos.  Thankfully one of them had a great buffet to fuel us for the next day.

By Chet

Today was an easy ride with no steep hills.  As we approached Carson City, NV, our destination for today, I could see California and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance.  Since I was out of clean clothes, today was laundry day.  The air is dry in Nevada and things dry quickly.  It was good to see my brother-in-law, Barry Hanson, who drove down from Incline Village, NV and took me out to eat for an excellent buffet dinner.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  64.2 miles
• Average speed:  16.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  32.8 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,738.2
• Temperature:  Low 90’s F

Days 55-56

Day 56 – Tuesday, July 26 – Ride to Fallon, Nevada

By Chet

This morning I left Middlegate Station at 6:55 AM and arrived in Fallon, NV at 10:00 AM.  It was an easy ride with no major hills, a slight headwind, and cool weather.  In essence, today’s ride was a half rest day.  The scenery consisted of desert sand, mud flats, and barren mountains.

The end of our ride is quickly approaching.  We arrive in San Francisco, CA in just five days from today.  For anyone who is interested, and happens to be in the San Francisco Bay Area, we arrive on the Vallejo-San Francisco Ferry on Sunday, July 31^st at about 4:00 PM at the SF Ferry Building located at the end of Market Street.  We’ll be meeting family and friends at the unloading of the ferry and then celebrate the end of our ride at Sinbad’s Seafood Restaurant located at 141 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA (next to the SF Ferry Building).  If you can be there, you are welcome to join us.

On a personal note, I have lost 18 pounds since I left Yorktown, VA, and a total of 31 pounds since I started training for the ride in March.

 Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  48.0 miles
• Average speed:  16.2 mph
• Maximum speed:  31.5 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,672.0
• Temperature:  75 F

Day 55 – Monday, July 25 – Ride to Middlegate, Nevada

By Mark

Last night was memorable for those of us who camped at the Bob Scott Summit, National Forest Campground.  Chet and a few others went into Austin and did the motel thing.  The campsite was pleasantly wooded.  Who would have thought so in Nevada?  During the night we were serenaded by a chorus of howling coyotes, and later, when I needed to get up and out of my tent, the sky was alive with stars.  Having no electric lights for miles eliminated light pollution enabling us to see the “milky way” brilliantly clear and a “shooting star” came so close that I saw it burn out and could even hear it.

We awoke to a pleasant start to the ride with calm winds and easy riding.  Some of us took the old Hwy 50 (now 722), which completely lived up to the reputation of the loneliest road in the country.  We had only 5 or 6 cars pass by us in 55 miles.  Yesterday I saw Antelope, wild horses and Cowboys herding their cattle, but today there was no wildlife to be seen.  However as we got to the highest point of our ride at a 7,750 foot summit, we were treated to our first view of the Sierra Nevada mountains.  Then down to a little old pony express station, now just a crossroads with a bar, behind which we have pitched our tents.  Our knees are tired after riding half the day with stiff head winds.

 

By Chet

Below you’ll see a photo of the motel room where I spent the night in Austin.  A comfortable bed, a shower, and free Wifi were all greatly enjoyed.  Today I rode my bike down an old dirt trail, which is a portion of the old Pony Express trail.  Our final destination for the day was Middlegate, Nevada, an old Pony Express station used for 18 months from 1860 to 1861.  We pitched our tents up behind the Bar-Restaurant, where chickens freely roamed.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  65.4 miles
• Average speed:  14.1 mph
• Maximum speed:  38.2 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,619.5
• Temperature:  Low 90’s F

Days 51-54

Day 54 – Sunday, July 24 – Ride to Austin, Nevada

By Chet

Our journey through Nevada continues along Highway 50 and about all we see is lots of sagebrush in wide-open valleys separated by mountain ranges.  The July 1986 issue of Life magazine described Nevada’s Highway 50 from Ely to Fernley as the “Loneliest Road in America.”  It’s a 287-mile stretch of road that is recommended only to drivers with “survival skills”.  Along the way there are “nine towns, two abandoned mining camps, a few gas pumps, and the occasional coyote.”

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  71.5 miles
• Average speed:  13.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  47.6 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,554.0
• Temperature:  90’s F

Day 53 – Saturday, July 23 – Ride to Eureka, Nevada

By Chet

Today I left camp at 8:20 AM with the last group of cyclists.  We had three mountain climbs and saw a lot of wide-open valleys with mountains in the distance.  I passed an abandoned mine, and some old buildings.  Once I arrive in Eureka, I took a shower at the public pool for $1.00.  I set my tent up in the town park and later the sprinklers came on soaking my tent and sleeping bag.  It turns out that the person who turned off the sprinklers, actually set them to go on at 7:00 PM.  Fortunately it’s so dry here that everything was dry by the time I went to bed.

Mark setting up his tent.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  82.8 miles
• Average speed:  14.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  43.1 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,482.6
• Temperature:  High 90’s F

Day 52 – Friday, July 22 – Ride to Ely, Nevada

By Mark

Mind numbing is the description for this day’s ride.  The only difference is that some of the ride took a left turn and the road went south into the wind for about ten miles before crossing the valley to the next summit.  That was just as mind numbing of a long stretch as any we have done yet.  The only surprise for me is coming across an occasional gurgling brook from the mountain snows, and the amount of green in the valleys.  Our campground was pleasant, and even included a shower.  Last night was bathing in the mountain stream which was just a bit chilly.

Chet's tent - Getting things set up.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  71.1 miles
• Average speed:  12.5 mph
• Maximum speed:  42.6 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,395.6
• Temperature:  90’s F

Day 51 – Thursday, July 21 – Ride to Baker, Nevada – Great Basin National Park

By Chet

Wow!  These roads through the high desert are long and seem to go on forever.  As you will see from my self-portrait photo below, today we entered Nevada and the Pacific Time Zone.  I now feel that we are just around the corner from my home state, California.  Tonight we camped in the Great Basin National Park, which was 7 miles off course, but was up on the side of the mountain with cold streams and aspen trees.  I bathed in a stream with water that was about 35 F.  My feet and hands were numb when I finished, but I was clean.  I pitched my tent in an area with tall grass.

By Mark

This day was the beginning of “mind-numbing” riding into and through Nevada.  We rode up one low mountain range and down into the next valley, then up the next not so low mountain range to the next valley, and on to another.  From one summit to another I showed 19.5 miles with the road stretching out straight before us, going down this side and up the miles to the other side.  We would pedal and pedal and seem to get no farther.  We would get passed by a large truck and see it become a speck on the road ten or fifteen minutes later.  Our delightful surprise was a National Forest campsite next to a mountain stream still engorged from snow melt…yes I did say that right, there is still some snow on the mountains in Nevada.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  84.2 miles
• Average speed:  13.5 mph
• Maximum speed:  37.3 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,324.4
• Temperature:  93 F

Days 48-50

Day 50 – Wednesday, July 20 – Ride to Milford, Utah

By Mark

If every day of riding was this easy, everyone might ride across the country.  The first 15 miles from Cedar City were a gradual downhill.  About 20 miles out, we stopped at a historic site of ancient Indian Petra glyphs (rock carvings).  A small ride to a low summit brought us to the rest of the easy downhill to Milford where another Lions Club provided a great salad picnic for our super.  This was the first day we seemed to be riding out of the beautiful mountains into the more barren terrain for the far south west; few trees on the mountains and long valley sweeps between the mountain ranges.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  61.6 miles
• Average speed:  14.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  33 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,235.9
• Temperature:  ~90 F

Day 49 – Tuesday, July 19 – Ride to Cedar City, Utah

By Mark

Riding out of Red Canyon in the morning was a delightful ride down to Panguitch where most of the team stopped at a “cowboy” restaurant.  Chris even won a T-shirt for eating the three giant pancakes (about a gallon of batter).  The next thirty miles were a 30 mile climb through lovely (beautiful) mountain terrain complete with great mountain flowers, up to the Cedar Breaks area.  The canyon would be a landmark of great interest if it were not just a short distance from Bryce Canyon.  I did see a number of Marmots foraging around for succulents on the mountain slope below the lookout at the Breaks.  Then from 10,500 feet to about 6,000 feet we had a marvelous descent into Cedar City where the local Lions club had a short service project and supper waiting for us.  We camped in the local park and had the surprise of the night when the sprinklers went on about 4:00 am.  Some of us were able to weather it as if it was a rain shower, but others were blasted with a high-pressure sprinkler from close range and got a tent full of water.

 

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  73.5 miles
• Average speed:  12.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  48.3 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,174.3
• Temperature:  87 F

Day 48 – Monday, July 18 – Ride to Red Canyon Campground, near Bryce Canyon Utah

By Mark and Chet

Words fail!!!  Just when we think we have seen the most awesome, beautiful or magnificent views and vistas, we go around a mountain and encounter something that outdoes the previous.  Today we rode along the Escalante Grand Staircase, a huge rock formation of variegated coloring and down a long descent to come into the Bryce Canyon territory.  Our first encounter along the road was a half-mile hike up to a waterfall and a “moss cave” where natural springs keep a small cave moist enough for moss to grow.  Then a few of us went into Bryce Canyon and were awed to be sure.  As impressed as I was with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the Bryce Canyon surely tops it in grandeur.  Our miles were shorter today to allow for a stay at another beautiful National Forest campground at the Red Canyon.  The only drawback to this lovely campsite was that the host killed three rattlesnakes in our site in the prior week.  We got out of our tents carefully in the morning.

Some back home have said that we are starting to look alike.  Here are two photos of us so that you can tell who is who.  Chet is on the left and Mark on the right.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  59.5 miles
• Average speed:  12.8 mph
• Maximum speed:  44.7 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,100.8
• Temperature:  80’s F

Days 45-47

Day 47 – Sunday, July 17 – Ride to Escalante, Utah

By Chet

Today my odometer passed the 3,000 mile mark.  We now only have about 1,000 miles of cycling left to do before reaching San Francisco, California on July 31st.  One cyclist in our group actually totaled up the number of feet that we have climbed since the beginning of our trip and he came up with a total of 140,000 feet.  That’s the equivalent of climbing almost five Mount Everests.

While there was some challenging climbing to do today, we also got to descend a lot.  In fact, today was one of the most beautiful and interesting descents I have ever done.  Traveling at speeds of 30-46 mph, we passed through meadows, forests of Aspen trees, and then later we passed through dry valleys full of colorful rock formations, with gorges on both sides of the road.  After arriving at Escalante, I ate the best Calzone I have ever eaten and then I proceeded to the Escalante State Park, where I set up my tent and went for a swim.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  49.0 miles
• Average speed:  14.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  46.3 mph
• Total miles traveled:  3,036.7
• Temperature:  87 F

Day 46 – Saturday, July 16 – Ride to Oak Creek campground, Utah

By Chet

After a good night’s sleep at the Hanksville Inn (a cheap motel), I prepared my bike for the day’s ride, and found that I had a flat tire to repair.  Once on the road we saw more stunning rock formations as we passed through Capitol Reef National Park.  We picked and ate some delicious apricots at the Fruita Historic District in the park.  There is no charge and people are free to use ladders to gather what they can carry.  Later I stopped at the Flute Shop and purchased a flute made out of Poplar wood.  Later in evening I played a few tunes around the campfire.

Our ride was basically climbing all day.  The morning was pleasant with uphill grades of around 1%, which I was able to do at a speed of 13-15 mph.  Later in the day however we had about 15 miles of climbing at grades of 6-10% and a strong headwind.  At this point I was traveling at a slow pace of 4 mph.  We camped at the Oak Creek campground, which is nestled in the mountains with lots of trees.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  70.7 miles
• Average speed:  11.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  39.1 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,987.6
• Temperature:  81 F

Day 45 – Friday, July 15 – Ride to Hanksville, Utah

By Chet

It was a full moon most of the night and the moon set just an hour before the sun arose.  We had a short ride today of only 53 miles.  It’s a funny thing, just two months ago 50 miles would have been seemed like a long ride.  There were some great views as we left Lake Powell and weaved our way through various rock formations.  About two thirds of the day was spent pedaling uphill, but there was a good tailwind bringing us into Hanksville, a small town of about 100 people.  Tonight we stay in a cheap air-conditioned hotel, because the campsites are not very good for the price.  Today I listened to the wisdom of Proverbs on my iPod while riding through the rocky cliffs of Utah.  For some reason the words seemed more powerful.

By Mark

The night of full moon was awesome (there I go again with those words).  The cliffs around Lake Powell were well illuminated and as we all slept without our “rain fly” on the tent, we could see them all night whenever we were aroused, as when a very large piece of rock let loose from the canyon wall sounding like a cannon.  We had a good photo shoot at the vista point above the lake and canyon, and pedaled up a gradual canyon road the rest of the morning.  I stopped at a rest area and walked a half mile up a little side canyon.  There was a little stream of water running down, and I was amazed at the abundance of life the water supported.  It reminded me of God’s promise of making streams in the dry land.  The afternoon ride was a fun gradual downhill with a tail wind making 23 miles seem like coasting, riding along at about 30 mph.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  53.0 miles
• Average speed:  15.1 mph
• Maximum speed:  44.2 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,916
• Temperature:  90 F (while cycling)

Days 40-44

Day 44 – Thursday, July 14 – Ride to Rite Recreational Area on Lake Powell, Utah

By Chet

There were beautiful rock formations everywhere on today’s ride.  It was sunny, hot and dry.  I saw lots of rocks, cactus, cliffs, and more rocks.  And did I mention that it was hot and dry?  A short side trip led me down a road where I saw the Butler Wash Indian Ruins nestled in the side of some cliffs.  After a long ride of 80 miles, I arrived at Lake Powell and took a swim to cool off.  We were told that the water was not it’s usual clear color, but was muddy due to an increase in the quantity of water entering the Lake from the Colorado River.  Today I finished listening to Psalms on my iPod:  “The steadfast love of the Lord endures forever.”

By Mark

Got up early today to visit the Natural Bridges National Monument.  Wound up with 100.3 miles.  The morning started so cool that I shivered so hard the bike shook as I descended into some canyons.  As the sun began to warm me the ride became a mind game as we ascended from a wonderful canyon and then kept a steady climb for another 2,000 feet to a summit called Salvation Point by early, lost travelers who climbed it and got their bearings.  The Natural Bridges was a good side trip of 19 miles and I was glad to visit it though not as awesome as Black Canyon.  The ride after that was along miles of incredible red rock cliffs.  I find the words awesome, incredible, and beautiful being used over and over on this ride.  As Chet mentioned we ended at Lake Powell.

Butler Wash Indian Ruins

Cheese Box Butte

Chet’s tent

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  80.0 miles
• Average speed:  14.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  47.6 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,863
• Temperature:  97 F

Day 43 – Wednesday, July 13 – Ride to Blanding, Utah

By Chet & Mark

We survived the Rockies and today we crossed border, entering Utah.  The terrain was mostly high-plains with lots of sagebrush and creek bed after creek bed creating a long series of up and down riding.  The “downs” were significant enough to give momentum on the “ups” and made for fun riding.  The first town we came to was Monticello, which is located at the base of the Abajo Mountains that really standout, being completely surrounded by the plains.  As we headed onto Blanding, a huge thunderhead cloud let loose and poured rain on some of the team.  We camped at a nice private campground with a shower available.

Chet’s Kitchen

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  85.3 miles
• Average speed:  14.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  — mph
• Total miles traveled:  2783.2
• Temperature:  78 F

Day 42 – Tuesday, July 12 – Ride to Dolores, CO

By Mark

Today we left the most beautiful valley of Telluride with a little 800 ft. climb and a ride through more awe inspiring terrain.  The road was lined with Aspen through which we could see a deep valley and then some of the mountains we had enjoyed in Telluride, rising enormously on the other side of the valley.  Through this wonderland up to the 10,222 foot Lizard Head pass (named for the nearby mountain of that name) we rode next to upland meadows of lush green from all the recent rain.  Then the next forty miles were essentially down hill to Dolores, riding next to the Dolores River that became successively larger with all the mountain streams pouring into it.  Some of the team stopped and enjoyed a hot spring in Rico, and paid the price of their stop with riding the last 25 miles in cold rain.  It is bittersweet knowing this is our last full day in Colorado, the state that has afforded us so many memorable sights.

By Chet

As Mark describes above, it was a beautiful day of riding, even though I had to ride about two hours in the rain.  We spent the night in the Dolores High School gymnasium.  Unfortunately the room with the light switches for the gym was locked and I had to sleep in a very well illuminated room.  With a little creativity, I was able to use a table, clothes and cardboard to built something to shelter me from the light and get a good night’s sleep.

Lizard Head

Chet’s shelter from light in the gym.

Bikes in the Dolores High School gym.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  68.0 miles
• Average speed:  14.8 mph
• Maximum speed:  38.4 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,697.9
• Temperature:  60s F

Day 41 – Monday, July 11 – Day Off in Telluride, CO

By Mark

Telluride is beautiful by any standard, and people come to enjoy many outdoor sports.  Some of our team went white water rafting, others went mountain biking and others just loafed on our one true rest day.  I was one of the later, with the only exertion of taking a mile and a half bike ride to the end of the canyon and just sitting for a good long while soaking in the beauty.  As I reflect on the time in Telluride, it strikes me as a snapshot of our culture, frantically attempting to take in all the best and most beautiful experiences with rarely a thought of our creator.  It also made me think of the natural process our God has set in place, of effect of the centuries of seasons that year after year work on His creation to produce the effects we see.  He is in no hurry and He is good.

Chet moving his clothes from the church back to the van

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  10.0 miles
• Average speed:  7.8 mph
• Maximum speed:   28.6mph
• Total miles traveled:  2629.8
• Temperature:  Low 70s F

 

Day 40 – Sunday, July 10 – Ride to Telluride, CO

By Mark

Our day started nicely by a couple of local folks making us Elk burritos for breakfast and leading us out of Montrose.  We rode a challenging climb up to Dallas divide at 8,970 feet and then enjoyed the fruit of our labor on a 12 mile descent through an amazingly beautiful canyon.  Blue sky and cloudy sky, reddish rocky ridges and tree covered ridges, each one seemingly more striking than the last graced our ride down the canyon.  I must admit to nearly falling off my bike gawking at the sights and nearly losing my balance in the process.  After this canyon how could anything be better?  It was as we climbed into Telluride, a horseshoe canyon that in my estimation nearly rivals Yosemite for beauty.  Ike (one of our team) found St Patrick Catholic Church where Chet and I joined him for Mass before setting up our sleeping bags in the basement.  It was a refreshing hour of focusing on the Kingdom of our Lord, even with folks of a different denomination.

Mark on the Road

The Burrito Gang

Pace Line

Checking out the map for upcoming mountain climbs.

Chet cooling down in a river.

Entering Telluride, CO

Church where we spent two nights.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  71.6 miles
• Average speed:  12.7 mph
• Maximum speed:  37.7 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,619.8
• Temperature:  70s F

Days 38-39

Day 39 – Saturday, July 9 – Ride to Montrose, CO

By Mark

Ike and I left the nice camp in Gunnison at daybreak and rode along some quiet waters that reflected the hills (and to me the glory of our Creator).  Expecting a breakfast stop somewhere along the way, we rode nearly to Montrose before stopping.  At the stop, I noticed the sign for the National Park of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and I decided to make the additional 7 mile climb to view the canyon.  I was very well rewarded.  The canyon is spectacular.  My only regret was that my little photos do not come anywhere close to capturing the grandeur and majesty of the 2,000 foot drop into the canyon with sheer cliffs.  I do believe it may rival any canyon in the USA for its natural attraction and splendor.  Today my ride was lengthened to 84 miles and I think Chet has a different story.

By Chet

My alarm went off at 5:15 this morning and I left camp at 7:20 AM, as I was trying to get a jumpstart to avoid anticipated headwinds.  The weather turned out to be perfect and the views breathtaking.  At one point I saw a herd of mountain goats grazing alongside of the road.  I almost missed seeing them because they blend into the colors of the rocky cliffs.  Later in the day I had to change two flat tires, and then replace a bulging defective rear tire.  It was a good cycling day, but it was no fun having to change tires three times.  When I got to the top of Cerro Summit, about 15 miles from Montrose, I pulled over to the side of the road to check my phone messages and talk to JoAnn, when a car pulled up alongside of me with their window rolled down.  It was a couple that I thought was going to ask me for directions.  Surprise!  It was my brother Dave and his wife Trish who decided to make a long drive from Durango just to surprise me and say hello.  I don’t think that I have ever been so surprised to see someone.  We had a nice visit alongside of the road, and then continued on our own separate ways.  Thanks for the visit Dave and Trish.

Surprise visit by Dave and Trish Seapy

PS – Dave & Connie, here’s the photo.  Thanks for your help to fight MS.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  71.0 miles
• Average speed:  ~14.3 mph
• Maximum speed:  39.0 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,548.1
• Temperature:  80s F

 

Day 38 – Friday, July 8 – Ride to Gunnison, CO

By Mark

Yesterday, on our ride from Westcliffe, we rode along the Sangre de Cristo range of mountains.  They are spectacular, especially as the morning sun hits them.  As we approached the Monarch pass, Chet turned into the camp and I rode the 2.5 miles to the top to get a cup of coffee, and complete the ten mile climb.  This morning we all made it to the top and most of us took the tram to 12,012 feet with spectacular views.  As we went up 10 miles, we then had a beautiful 10 mile descent.  Our milestone for the day of course was crossing the Continental Divide.  We followed the engorged Arkansas River today from Cotopaxi to Salida, CO.  The river, full from the snow run off, was beautiful, but often the banks again despoiled by man’s “progress”.  Salida and Gunnison are attractive little tourist towns capitalizing on the history of mining.  I believe our whole team now believes we can conquer any remaining mountain pass.

 

By Chet

As Mark mentions, today we crossed the Continental Divide with an elevation of 11,312 feet.  The ride down the other side was wonderful, although we had strong headwinds most of the day.  It’s nice being able to travel ten miles at speeds of up to 40 mph without having to pedal.  We rode to Gunnison, CO and spent the night at the KOA where we put up our tents and had some rain during the night.

 

 

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  51.1 miles
• Average speed:  14.1 mph
• Maximum speed:  42.2 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,476.1
• Temperature:  82 F

Days 34-37

Day 37 – Thursday, July 7 – Ride to Monarch Park, CO

By Chet

After an initial decent, where I reached a top speed of 50 mph, we climbed the Rockies to an elevation of 10,500 feet.  This was a very tough climb, not so much because of the 6% grade, but because of the very strong headwinds that we encountered.  The air is thin and the views are spectacular.  Tomorrow we have only 3 more miles of climbing and then we pass through Monarch pass, the continental divide, at an elevation of 11,312.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  74.0 miles
• Average speed:  12.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  50.0 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,424
• Temperature:  74-84 F

Day 36 – Wednesday, July 6  – Ride to Westcliffe, CO

By Chet

We started climbing up the Rockies today and had some light rain showers on the way up.  Our climb took us to an elevation of around 9,000 feet, and then the road took us down to  7,888 feet, where we set up our tents in a RV park.  While eating ice cream in the city of Westcliffe (Population 417), I met the Mayor, Christy Veltrie, who told me that she has MS.  She was delighted to have us pass through her town and commended us for our efforts to raise money to support those who have MS.  It’s amazing how many people we have met who have MS.  They all seem to be very encouraged when they see our bike jerseys.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  61.8 miles
• Average speed:  12.1 mph
• Maximum speed:  36.1 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,350
• Temperature:  ~80 F

Day 35 – Tuesday, July 5 – Day Off in Pueblo, Colorado

By Chet

We did no cycling today, but instead we had our third service project.  We cleaned the house and yard of another victim of MS.  It’s amazing how much work twenty people can do in just four hours.  In addition to our work, all of us as riders for Bike the US for MS have raised a total of over $175,000 to help fight MS.

Day 34 – Monday, July 4 – Ride to Pueblo, Colorado

By Chet

It’s the fourth of July, and I’m dressed for the occasion.  It’s hot and dry, and I’m still seeing a lot of open prairie.  There are buffalo along the roadside, a lot of straight highway ahead of me, and I see the Rockies in the distance.  What a sight!  It’s hard to explain the emotions one feels as they leave the humid east coast, pass through the Ozarks, and then the plains, arriving in Colorado with the Rockies in the distance.  The Lord God has truly created a beautiful land.  As I listened to the Old Testament on my iPod today, I’m reminded that, “The Lord, he is God.”  Tonight we are spending our first night in a motel, and tomorrow is our third workday and day off from cycling.  It’ll be nice to sleep in a real bed.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  54.8 miles
• Average speed:  14.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  27.8 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,286
• Temperature:  102 F

Days 30-33

Day 33 – Sunday, July 3 – Ride to Ordway, Colorado

 By Mark

Riding in the plains of Colorado was a spiritual experience for me.  I pulled off the road and just sat on the railroad tracks to soak in silence of the prairie and write in my journal.  I wrote “I can see just grassland for miles to the distant horizon. The most compelling thing here is the silence.  The noise of an occasional fly seems big…God’s creation is so diverse, so grand, so amazing.  Silence, what a rare commodity in our culture.”  While the beginning of the silence and grassland seemed awesome, but the hot part of the day one could realize its brutality as well.  We rode past many abandoned small farm and homes, silent landmarks of the harshness of a beautiful vast terrain.  I tried to imagine those who traveled this land with covered wagons making about 12 miles a day.  How did they survive?  Much hardier souls than we are today I suspect.

By Chet

It was hot, dry and there were a lot of bumpy roads today.  My body was probably still recuperating from such a long day’s ride yesterday.  While my broken finger seems to be healing, there is pain every time I hit a bump in the road, and there are more bumps in the Eastern Colorado roads than what we’ve encountered so far.  I saw two deer sitting along the roadside watching cyclist ride by, and we saw a very large cattle feed yard with smells too difficult to describe in this blog.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  89.9 miles
• Average speed:  14.3 mph
• Maximum speed:  23.9 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,230
• Temperature:  98 F

Day 32 – Saturday, July 2 – Ride to Sheridan Lake, Colorado

By Chet

Kansas was good to us this morning as we headed west with some very favorable tailwinds.  Apart from a flat tire, and some strong cross winds in the afternoon, it was a very good day for riding.  We left Kansas and entered Colorado, finding the roads in East Colorado to be very rough and with bumps about every 25 feet.  In Sheridan Lake, we were told not to drink water from the faucet because it had high levels of uranium.

By Mark

Today the wind was at our back…fun riding.  We started early and I traveled 82 miles by 11:00 AM, and after a break at the Dairy King in Leoti, we went on to Tribune, arriving shortly after noon.  We rode past the homestead of George Washington Carver in Ness County, past huge grain elevators, and past a “forest” of  “windmill” generators.  At Tribune we evaluated our stamina and the wind predictions.  We decided to use the city swimming pool to get refreshed and then push on.  Chet and I stayed with a group that went to Sheridan Lake (population 66) and were blessed to have a church let us stay in their facility, completing 136 miles for the day.  Some of team pushed even farther and rode 160 miles for the day.  Milestones for the day were entering the Mountain Time zone in the last county of Kansas, and entering Colorado.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  136 miles
• Average speed:  16.7 mph
• Maximum speed:  31.2 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,140
• Temperature:  103 F

Day 31 – Friday, July 1 – Ride to Ness City, Kansas

By Mark and Chet

Kansas made us work hard today.  It was another hot and windy day.  A group of five of us left at 5:15 AM, attempting to beat the wind and heat.  The first leg of 12 miles, as the sun began to come up, was pleasant, and the second leg turned north giving us hope that we would have a good day.  The third leg of the trip however surprised even the hardiest riders.  Our speed soon dropped below 10 mph as the hot wind came in from the SW.  Every one of the huge trucks, some carrying the oversized combines, nearly blew us off the road.  It was such a challenge to keep on the road that we saw very little of the scenery.  We reached Ness City by around 11:00 AM and had lunch at the Cactus Club Restaurant where we collectively decided to wait out the wind and start again the next day.  Ness City provided us with numerous flat tires from the small sharp thorns called Goat’s Heads that grow in the area.  There was a girls’ softball tournament in the city park where we camped that lasted until nearly midnight, giving us all a short nights sleep.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today: 67 miles
• Average speed:  14.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  34.5 mph
• Total miles traveled:  2,005
• Temperature:  103 F

Day 30 – Thursday, June 30 – Ride to Larned, Kansas

By Mark

The descriptive word for today was HOT.  At 5:30 PM we saw a thermometer sign in Larned that read 107 F, and a shopkeeper said he thought it was a high of 109 F.  The ride was pretty easy with everyone leaving early to beat the heat.  We rode past the Quivira Wildlife Refuge where there often are huge flocks of birds, but the hot south wind apparently kept them hidden.  Stopping and cooling off in an irrigation sprinkler was a highlight for me.  The nicest part of getting to Larned was a beautiful town swimming pool where we could cool off.  The hot south wind had begun to blow S/SW with a hint of what was to come the next day.

By Chet

Today I began my ride at 7:00 AM to avoid the heat, which was a good thing considering that it was our hottest day yet.  Some of the highlights of today’s ride were, reaching the halfway point for our trip, seeing lots of Kansas’ prairie, eating my best milkshake yet, and doing laundry.

Doing Laundry

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  64.0 miles
• Average speed:  12.9 mph
• Maximum speed:  26.7 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,939
• Temperature:  107 F – HOT

Days 28 and 29

Day 29 – Wednesday, June 29 – Ride to Nickerson, Kansas

By Mark

Aaron, Ike and I left early today from Newton, knowing that the day would be very hot.  The temperature in Nickerson showed 102 and felt warmer.  We were happy to be off the road before the heat of the day.  In town the friendly librarian called a friend on our behalf, who opened the Senior Center for us to use for sleeping.  Air conditioning and a soft carpet is a much nicer camping spot than prickly dead grass and 102 F temperature.  We are grateful for June Gladden’s hospitality as she also opened her home for showers.  The team members who left from Cassoday had a grand time at a swimming pool in Buhler.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  89.5 miles
• Average speed:  15.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  27.9 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,878
• Temperature:  102 F

 

Day 28  – Tuesday, June 28 – Ride to Cassoday (and Newton), Kansas

By Mark

Our ride today shaped up as a delight when we learned that the temperature was to be in the 80’s and a light tail wind across the flat Kansas landscape.  Our scheduled route to Cassoday was listed as 97 miles.  Leaving early in the morning and pedaling with only two stops, I arrived in Cassoday by about 2:00, and decided to push on to Newton, another 38 miles.  With the light tail wind, and riding with Aaron and Ike, I was able to knock out the last 38 miles in just under 2 hours; a personal best of 140 miles for the day.  Chet stayed with the group and they camped pretty primitively.  Newton is a railroad town and about the largest town we will visit in Kansas.  Corn, wheat, soybeans and a few sunflowers along with Black Angus, Charalois and Herefords abound in this part of Kansas.

Chet's Shower - A spicket in a city park

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  101.6 miles
• Average speed:  15.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  31.9 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,789
• Temperature:  89 F

Day 27

Day 27 – Monday, June 27 – Ride to Chanute, Kansas

By Chet

So far, riding in Kansas has been sweet!  Today we had clear skies and a tailwind that moved us along at 20-25 mph, making our day very pleasant.  I finished my ride by noon and was able to set up my tent early in a grassy area behind the baseball fields in town.  Some local people in town with MS greeted us and provided us with lunch and dinner in the city park.  I took a nap, did a bit of laundry and I’m now at McDonalds catching up on email and updating our blog.

Yesterday at the doctor’s office I weighed myself and found that I had lost six pounds since starting the ride.  My broken finger seems to be doing fine, but it hurts when going over railroad tracks or bumps in the road.  Tomorrow I’ll be getting up at 4:45 AM for a 6:00 AM departure, since we have a 97 mile ride into Cassoday, KS.

Here’s a news clip done by News 3 of Carbondale, IL about one of our group’s service projects:  http://wsiltv.com/p/videos.php?videoID=8077&newsID=13363&type=top&vidType=smMov

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  67.2 miles
• Average speed:  16.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  38.2 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,684
• Temperature:  90s F

Days 23-26

Day 26 – Sunday – June 26 – Ride to Pittsburg, Kansas

By Mark

Today was another “milestone” day.  We arrived in Kansas, but we have not yet seen any yellow bricks on the road.  Our ride this morning was interrupted by a stop in Golden City, where Cooky’s Café makes the best pies on the route.  The trip appeared to be stalled for a time as the skies looked ominous and the weather reports talked of hail and winds over 60 mph.  A break in the skies sent us pedaling with renewed vigor across the now nearly flat terrain, with a wind that was mostly from the south, but just enough “tail wind” to allow us to ride at paces of over 20 mph.  We skirted the storm and arrived in Pittsburg, Kansas, which is destined to become a legend in Bike the US for MS lore.  Gina Peak, a woman with a modest case of MS, created a host event for us.  We were greeted with a crowd of well wishers, free pizza at Wheat State Pizza, free frozen custard, free billiards, and a wonderful supper at the High School, where she arranged for us to sleep indoors and have wonderful warm showers.  She also had a friend, Robin Creemer, who has an advanced case of MS, give us a very kind and motivating talk.  We will ride with renewed vision of why we are riding to help find a cure for MS.

By Chet:

Today I went to the Doctor and found out that I broke my middle finger yesterday when I was playing basketball in the pool.  It’s was sore on the rough roads today, but I now have it in a splint, which should help.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  71.9 miles
• Average speed:  14.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  35.6 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1616.5
• Temperature:  90 F

 

Day 25 – Saturday, June 25 – Ride to Ash Grove, Missouri

By Mark

The ride today continued with some intense hills, with plenty of “granny gear” again.  The hills and ridges continued, but slowly the terrain began giving away to some prairie ecology.  The sound of Meadow Larks and Bob White became more common along with the Blue Birds and Red Wing Black Birds.   Mid morning we stopped in Marshfield, for some delicious stuffed French toast, and saw the mock-up of the Hubble telescope in honor of it’s developer, Edwin Hubble.  In the evening we stayed in the town park of Ash Grove and were treated to a surprise supper by a small Baptist church that was having a potluck supper, and we had a wonderful swim in the town pool.  We made another MS friend, Tommy Johns, who came out to meet us and encourage us twice in his motorized wheel chair.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  75.6 miles
• Average speed:  14.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  42.7 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,544.6
• Temperature:  90 F

 

Day 24 – Friday, June 24 – Ride to Hartville, MO

By Chet

This morning we had thunder, lightening and lots of rain.  It was a wet, wet morning of riding, but things cleared up in the afternoon and we continued to ride through the beautiful rolling hills of the Ozarks.  Some of the hills were actually very steep.  After lunch we enjoyed a swim at Dog’s Bluff, where many jumped off the 25 foot high cliffs, into the river below.  At the end of a long day’s ride, we set up our tents on the front lawn of the county courthouse and library.  I showered using a garden hose on the front porch of the courthouse and sheriff’s station.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  80 miles
• Average speed:  13.1 mph
• Maximum speed:  44.9 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,468.9
• Temperature:  83 F

 

Day 23 – Thursday, June 23 – Ride to Eminence, MO

By Chet

There was great weather today.  We traveled through the hilly Ozarks and our campsite was on the Jack’s Fork River where I enjoyed a swim and swang into the river.  Since we rode a lot of miles today, there wasn’t much time to do laundry, and to find a place to connect to the Internet.

Note from Mark:

This was one of the toughest days of riding I have ever done with 89 miles of rolling hills that were like a roller coaster.  I thought I was tough on the hills, but I was in the “granny gear” more times than I can count, getting up the hills in otherwise beautiful wooded ridges.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today: 86.0  miles
• Average speed:  12.5 mph
• Maximum speed:  41.6 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,391.3
• Temperature:   80s F

Day 22

Day 22 – Wednesday, June 22 – Ride to Farmington, Missouri 

By Mark

Chester Illinois treated us to a wet night, in spite of the Popeye theme through out the town.  Our milestone for the day was crossing the Mississippi River on the old bridge that was built the year I was born.   Just across the river we were greeted with a brisk head wind as we headed into Missouri (weather channel indicated gusts over 30 mph).  The winds seemed to make each of the hills three times steeper and longer, and even got us pedaling hard downhill to keep our speed. The terrain is still rolling hills, plenty of oak woods and lots of cornfields, keeping the eastern mid-west feel.  The end of our ride today brought us to Al’s Place Hostel, a converted jail that advertises a jail-break in 1932, and somehow makes us seem like we fit.  If that seems strange, perhaps it is because we all feel a little strange after three weeks on the bike.

 

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  48.1 miles
• Average speed:  11.1 mph
• Maximum speed:  37.7 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,305.3
• Temperature:  80s F

Days 20 & 21

Day 21 – Tuesday, June 21 – Ride to Chester, IL

By Chet

Today was probably the most enjoyable day of cycling we’ve had yet.  The terrain was mostly flat and a cloud covering kept us relatively cooler.  Riding along a Mississippi River levee, we were able to see many flooded fields and roads.  At one point we actually had to ride through six inches of water.  We spent the night at Chester, IL, the home of Pop Eye.  We put up our tents behind the F.O.E. community bar/club and an extremely heavy rainstorm with thunder, lightening and strong winds hit at 6:00 PM.  One rider’s tent was completely destroyed, but we were able to find him another tent at a store in town.

 

 

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled today:  54.0 miles
• Average speed:  13.8 mph
• Maximum speed:  35.4 mph
• Total miles traveled:  1,257.3
• Temperature:  87 F

Day 20 – Monday, June 20 – Rest Day/Project Day

By Chet

After 19 days of cycling and only one rest day, today was a welcome day, being our second day of rest from cycling.  Even though today was an official rest day, there was still a lot of work to do, like laundry, grocery shopping and getting our bicycles cleaned and tuned up for the rest of the ride.  It was also a project day.  All 20 of us went to Joan Lisden’s house and cleaned up her yard and house.  Joan has MS and this was one way we were able to help another person who has MS.

Days 18 and 19

Day 19 – Sunday, June 19 – Ride to Carbondale, IL

By Mark

Thunder, lightning, sheets of rain and wind greeted us again as we awoke in our wet tents, not so warm and dry as the day before.  At the first break in the storm we broke camp and headed out on the road.  The first ten miles were agony for me as my ribs still hurt from the dog induced “crash” from a few days ago.  I felt every bump on the rough road and hated every small rain shower that continued for the first hour.  Dan Nuckols and I stopped for a good breakfast at the first open restaurant, which proved to be a wise decision.  After good nutrition, the ride to Carbondale through the rolling terrain of southern Illinois was a nice ride, and those who had not stopped for breakfast were passed and left struggling up all the hills.  Lesson learned!

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  84.9 miles
• Average speed:  ~13.8 mph
• Maximum speed:  ~35 mph
• Temperature:  85 F

Day 18 – Saturday, June 18 – Ride to Cave in the Rock, Illinois

By Mark

Thunder, lightning, sheets of rain and wind greeted us as we awoke at First Baptist Church in Sebree, KY, but we were warm and dry inside.  We were packed and hopeful for hour after hour until we finally started riding about 1:30 pm when the storm finally passed.  The ride through the last 58 miles of Kentucky was pretty uneventful ending at the Ohio River and the ferry ride across to Illinois.  With the late start we straggled into the campgrounds and set up camp as it became dark.  Within minutes the camp was quiet, as everyone seemed exhausted.  Again we were thankful for the hospitality of Bob and Violet for letting us wait out the storm at the church.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  ~58 miles
• Average speed:  ~13.8 mph
• Maximum speed:   ?
• Temperature:  80 F

Day 17 – Friday, June 17 – Ride to Sebree, KY

By Mark Johansen

Today’s ride was through rolling farmland of large cornfields and a few wheat fields interspersed by low tree covered ridges.  The fields had signs on them; Perdue and Tyson, leading us to believe they are the contract fields for chicken feed, and then we passed a large Tyson hatchery: lots of chickens.  Today we saw some oil wells pumping and learned we are in the deep coalmine country.  The riding milestone for the day was crossing our “1,000 mile” mark about half way through the day.  The HIGHLIGHT for the day was our staying at First Baptist Church of Sebree.  Bob and Violet have a gift of hospitality and fixed supper for 21 of us as they do for any cyclists who happen to come in.  They have been hosting cyclists on the TransAm route since 1976 and are becoming a legend in the bicycle touring world, with humble and gracious accommodation of bikers.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  74.9 miles
• Average speed:  ~13.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  ~30.0 mph
• Temperature:  85 F

Day 16 – Thursday, June 16 – Ride to Rough River Dam, KY

By Chet

I started cycling later than normal this morning (8:30 AM), but I was caught up on laundry, email and this blog.  Our ride was not a long one today, only 58 miles, so there was time to set up my tent, eat dinner and have some down time.  On my ride today I lost my odometer somewhere along the road, so I’m now having to depend on my fellow riders for mileage figures.  I hope to buy a new odometer as soon as we get to a town big enough to have a bike shop that carries such items.

Today was a beautiful day for a bike ride.  I saw more horses, something Kentucky is known for, and of course there were more dogs chasing us along the way.  We’ve been told that as soon as we leave Kentucky, the chasing dogs become less of an issue.  The hills are becoming more and more gentle and rolling, but at one point today we had to climb a short stretch of road with a 14% incline.  That’s steep!  At the top of the hill we entered into a new time zone, Central.  We are now in Amish country and see an occasional horse and buggy passing by.

Chet’s Stats:

(Today’s figures are estimates.  My odometer fell off my bicycle somewhere along the road)

• Distance traveled:  58.6 miles
• Average speed:  ~14.0 mph
• Maximum speed:  ? mph
• Temperature:  87 F

Days 14-15

Day 15 – Wednesday, June 15 – Ride to Hodgenville, KY

By Chet

This morning I packed my tent in the rain.  We had thunder and lightening until about 12:00 noon, when we started cycling.  We only planned to cycle a little over 40 miles, so getting a late start was not a problem.  The roads are still hilly and full of curves, but today we saw one of our longest straight sections of roadway to date.  We saw more old barns and spent the night in a county park under an awning, shared with a tractor.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  41.1 miles
• Average speed:  14.4 mph
• Maximum speed:  33.7 mph
• Temperature:  65 F

Day 14 – Tuesday, June 14 – Ride to Bardstown, KY

By Chet

Today was our longest day yet, and everyone seems to be getting stronger legs the more we ride.  We saw old barns, roads covered by grass that was recently mowed, and we took a break at a truck stop.  Later we rode by Abraham Lincoln’s parents’ homestead and passed through a lot of rolling hills, seeing lots of horses and even a herd of alpacas.  One of the hazards of cycling through Kentucky is the dogs that like to chase cyclists.  Mark was chased by two dogs and one cut in front of his bicycle, causing him to crash and skin up his elbow, hip and knee.  Fortunately he seems to be well enough to continue riding.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  95.6 miles
• Average speed:  13.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  39.4 mph
• Temperature:  78 F

Days 12-13

Day 13 – Monday, June 13 – Ride to Berea, KY

By Chet

Today was a beautiful day of riding, with cooler temperatures in the low 80s.  Up until now, everyday seems to have been 90 F plus.  Kentucky has some nice countryside.  There are fewer steep mountains and more rolling hills with steep, but shorter climbs, something for which my legs are grateful.

Tonight we are pitching our tents up behind the Berea Fire Station # 2.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  53.0 miles
• Average speed:  13.2 mph
• Maximum speed:  41.3 mph
• Temperature:  80 F

 

Day 12 – Sunday, June 12 – Ride to Booneville, KY

By Chet

Yesterday I had my 4th flat tire while going up a steep mountain.  Today I was flat free, but there were still a lot of steep grades to climb.  A typical day starts at 6:00 AM.  Normally I heat up some oatmeal or eat homemade granola for breakfast, tear down my tent, pack things up, put them in the support vehicle trailer, and hit the road by 8:00 AM.  About 20-25 miles down the road we have our first stop where we can fill up water bottles and grab something to eat.  Food is fuel, so we have to stay well nourished.  It seems that peanut butter is the main stable of most riders.

Today I started reading “Mansions of the Heart”, by Tom Ashbrook, a great book for learning how to listen to God.  Each day, while riding, I’ve been listening to music on my iPod, and an audio version of the Bible.  I’ve now listened to Genesis thru Deuteronomy.  I’m finding that riding in this manner has been a very worshipful experience.

We spent the evening pitching our tents behind a church, which had a shower, toilet and awning for cyclists doing the 76 TransAm bike trail.

A thunderstorm fell this tree across our pathA common sight in the SouthMy tent pitched behind a church in Booneville

Days 8-11

Internet has been hard to come by the last several days.  When this happens, you’ll be getting several days posted at the same time.

Day 11 – Saturday, June 11 – Ride to Hindman, KY

By Mark

Today was our first day in Kentucky. If I was both awed by beauty and sad at brokenness yesterday, it was even more so today. The hills of western Kentucky are breathtaking on a bicycle. As we pedaled along we could look up and see as many as four forested ridges one behind another, each higher than the last. And as we moved down the road, the ridges seemed to move in different directions as our perspective changed. Another thunderstorm hit in the late afternoon, just as some of us made it to the church where we spent the night.

Beautiful countryside and steep hills

Coal Mine

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled: 71.0 miles
• Average speed: 12.8 mph
• Maximum speed: 46.6 mph
• Temperature: 90s F

Day 10 – Friday, June 10 – Ride to Breaks Interstate Park on the VA/KY state line

By Mark

While this was a shorter day in miles, our hill climbing was more challenging. The final hill made was worthwhile as we climbed to the park. There was an overlook into the gorge, which looked like about 800 feet deep, with a view of the cliffs, and rapids filled stream below. The ride today was both beautiful and sad to me. The beauty of God’s creation shone brightly in the mountains, flowers, streams as on other days, but today we rode along sadly run down and unkempt homes, yards and people. Thankfully, most of Virginia has been absolutely beautiful and memorable.

Coal Truck

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled: 45.5 miles
• Average speed: 12.2 mph
• Maximum speed: 45.2 mph
• Temperature: 89 F

Day 9 – Thursday, June 9 – Ride through Damascus to Rosedale, VA

By Mark

The 40 miles into Damascus was a stunningly beautiful ride through the Mt Rodgers Natural Area. Mt Laurel blooming, streams running in falls and rapids, birds singing and clean mountain air and views of the mountains made praise to God well up for His beautiful creation. The afternoon was a complete contrast as nearly all the team scrambled for cover on people front porches or under whatever cover they could find as a huge thunderstorm pelted down hail as large as golf balls. Some encountered large trees down across the road as they attempted to ride again. The supposedly hardest hill was not so hard for most and we stopped for rest at a lovely church in Rosedale, which opens its doors to cross country bicyclists.

Black snake on a barbed wire fence

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled: 77.5 miles
• Average speed: 12.3 mph
• Maximum speed: 43.3 mph
• Temperature: 90 F – Thunder, lightening, and rain

Day 8 – Wednesday, June 8 – Ride to Cedar Springs, VA

By Mark Johansen

This was a challenging day. A few of us got misled on the exact location of our campsite and wound up doing 92 miles on a day with over 5000 feet of climbing hills. The last miles came after our first “baptism” in a thunderstorm that hit so quickly the only cover was a tree, which was about the same as nothing. Then our campsite was very primitive for some of us, but enhanced by the chorus of Whippoorwills.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled: 88.3 miles
• Average speed: 13.2 mph
• Maximum speed: 52.2 mph
• Temperature: 90 F – Thunder, lightening, and rain

Days 6 & 7

Day 7 – Tuesday, June 7 – Rest Day

By Chet

No cycling today, but I did ride my bike 5 miles to work with the rest of the team for about four hours doing yard work for victims of MS living in Blacksburg, VA.  When we asked one lady who had MS, what was the most difficult thing she faces, she said “frustration”.  Frustration that she can’t do the things she used to be able to do.  As a team of about twenty cyclists, we were able to do a lot of yard work for families that are not able to take care of their own yards and houses.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  5.0 miles
• Average speed:  10.2 mph
• Maximum speed:  26.1 mph
• Temperature:  ~80 F

Day 6 – Monday, June 6 – Ride to Blacksburg

By Chet

Today we saw more beautiful Virginia countryside and a lot of steep rolling hills.  For the most part we rode as a group so as to arrive in Blacksburg at the same time.  We spent the night in an empty house with no furniture, the only exception being four chairs and one bed.  I was the lucky one and got the bed.  I slept like a puppy.

Where we are staying

Doing laundry is a daily chore

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  42.0 miles
• Average speed:  11.7 mph
• Maximum speed:  37.5 mph
• Temperature:  85 F

Day 5

Sunday, June 5 – Ride to Troutville

By Chet

We had our first rainstorm at 2:00 AM with thunder and lightening.  Fortunately my tent kept everything dry.  I was on the road by 6:00 AM and it was a beautiful day for riding.  I crossed the James River, and saw wild deer and a large snapper turtle crossing the road.

About 2 miles before arriving into Troutville I heard a loud explosion.  It was my rear tire.  Henry and David and were sitting on their front porch watching the whole incident and immediately offered me some shade and a place to repair my tire.  I always carry a spare tube, which is a good thing since the tube was completely shredded.  After putting on the new tube, I found that it had a bad valve stem and would not hold air.  Now to plan “C”, I waited for the Bike the US for MS support vehicle, which gave me a new tube and tire.  It pays to have good support on a ride like this.

Upon arriving into Troutville, I quickly set up my tent at the local city park, along with the rest of the riders.  Immediately after getting everything into my tent, we were hit with a heavy downpour of rain, complete with thunder and lightening.   The local fire department across the street was gracious to let us use their showers and wireless Internet.

James River

Henry & David near Troutville, VA

Chet’s stats:

• Distance traveled:  64.3 miles
• Average speed:  13.6 mph
• Maximum speed:  43.3 mph
• Temperature:  High 87 F

Days 3 and 4

Day 3 – Ride to Charlottesville

Mark Johansen writing today

Note from Day 2.  We rode through many of the Civil War battlefields around Richmond.

Ride to Charlottesville and Whitehall:  We rode through beautiful central Virginia rolling farmland into Charlottesville to visit the James Q. Miller MS clinic for which we are raising support.  This put our ride into perspective as we met a few beautiful new friends who are dealing with MS.  One of them, Angie Shaw spoke to us and inspired us from her heart telling us she would follow us online and pray for our ride.  From Charlottesville we went on to Whitehall where the parents of one of our riders, Shannon Jones, showed us wonderful hospitality.  They and a friend Matt provided supper and Molly and Joe Jones shuttled us for showers, did laundry, and provided breakfast (for day 4) along with another friend Robin.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  72.1 miles
• Average speed:  13.9 mph
• Maximum speed:  40.2 mph
• Temperature:  80 F

Day 4 – Ride to Vesuvius

By Mark Johansen

Rode up onto the Blue Ridge Mountains for 30 miles and back down into the Shenandoah Valley at Vesuvius.  This was our first challenging day with about 5,000 feet of climbing on a beautiful morning.  Some of the riders got to visit the Cookie Lady, famous for giving tired riders water and cookies.  Riding with gorgeous views, and Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron still in full bloom, we ended today’s ride with an awesome descent into Vesuvius and camping at Gerties Country Store.  Every rider had a story in which they sounded like they all did better than they thought they would do.

Chet’s Stats:

• Distance traveled:  48.2 miles
• Average speed:  10.3 mph
• Maximum speed:  40.2 mph
• Temperature:  80+ F

Day 2 – Ride to Mineral, VA

It was a nice day for riding, which was a good thing since we had to take a detour that added on an extra 4 miles to the day’s ride.  It was sunny with a high of 90 F.  We saw mostly flat and gently rolling hills.  There’s a lot of farm country out here in Virginia.  While going through Virginia, we are following the 76 Bike Route, which is well marked and was established in 1976 by a large number of cyclists doing the cross country ride.  Tonight we are camping behind the Mineral Fire Station.  Ah, lots of water and free showers.

• Distance traveled:  88 miles
• Average speed:  14.2 mph
• Maximum speed:  33.9 mph

Day One – 62 miles – Yorktown to Glendale, VA

At 8:00 AM we met at the Victory monument in Yorktown, VA for a team photo and then we road our bikes 200 yards to the beach for a ceremonial tire dipping in the Chesapeake Bay.  By 8:20 AM we were on the road.  It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was hot and humid (98 F).  All 20 of us arrived safe and sound in Glendale, VA about 62 miles down the road.  I arrived at 2:30 PM, plenty of time to wash up, do laundry, cook dinner (clam chowder) and get prepared for an early departure in the morning.  The pictures tell the rest of the story.

A Training Ride (and learning how to use a camera)

Okay, here’s my first attempt at filming, producing, and posting a video clip.  All of this was done in preparation for my ride across the USA that starts in just a little over a week.

In this video clip you will meet Mark Johansen, a neighbor, fellow cyclist, and friend who will be doing the ride across the USA with me and some 20 other cyclists.  Mark just retired a few months ago and is 65 years of age.  He’s a strong cyclist and can beat me going up just about any hill.  Mark will be contributing to this blog as we ride across the USA.

I hope you enjoy this short video clip.  I figure the next one can only get better.

Preparing for the Ride

In just two weeks, JoAnn and I drive to Yorktown, Virginia where I’ll hop on my bicycle and start pedaling to San Francisco, California.

Since you last heard from me, I’ve been working on getting in shape and preparing for the long journey.  Last Thursday I did a 95 mile training ride called “Around the Block”.  It was full of lots of hills and beautiful views.  By the end of the ride, I was tired, but it’s looking like my body will be in adequate shape by June 1^st.  Some other preparations have included riding 45-50 miles per day during four consecutive days, purchasing necessary bike & camping equipment & supplies, and raising the final funds that I need to do the ride.

You may ask, so how does this tour work?  One of the big advantages of riding across the USA with a group like Bike The US for MS is that they provide a fully equipped support vehicle.  The support vehicle consists of a van, pulling a trailer that has 24 cubbies, one for each rider.  Each cubby is only 30” x 16” x 16”, which means I will need to carefully pack everything needed for my 60 day trip, things like a tent, sleeping bag and pad, bike clothes, regular clothes, and food.  The trailer will also have an electrical system for charging electronic devices like cell phones, laptops and cameras.  I’m told it will also have a Wi-Fi hotspot.  This will help me to keep you up-to-date through my blog on a regular basis.

2010 Support Vehicle

Cubbies: Everything has to fit into a space 30″ x 16″ x 16″

Some of you may be asking, “How will the logistics of the tour work each day?”  Here’s how a rider from last year’s tour describes a typical day:

Each morning around 6:00 am, riders begin to stir and start breaking down their tents and packing everything into their cubby in the support vehicle.  Often there is a small line to get into the one restroom available for most campsites.  Cyclists will also change into their biking outfits for the day.  Breakfast is another important task for the morning.  If no restaurant is available, some folks break out their portable stoves and heat coffee or oatmeal.  The first group of riders will often get on the road by 7:00 am.  Over the next hour, small groups will gradually get on the road. Shortly after 8:00 am, the support vehicle hits the road after everything is packed.

While riding along, following their map, riders often see the support vehicle pass them.  The support vehicle will often find a nice stopping point about every 20 miles or so.  It may be at a country store or other nice location.  After a half hour break of socializing, filling water bottles, and snacking, the riders hit the road again.  This process continues throughout the day until we encounter our final destination.  The ride leaders will often place Bike The US For MS signs along the road to direct cyclists to breaks or the night’s stop.  Most nights we stop at churches, fire halls, town parks, or campgrounds.  Arrival time is usually between 2 and 5 pm.

We start the evening by setting up our tent or sleeping bag, if we have an indoor location.  If there are restaurant facilities in town many riders will take advantage.  Otherwise, most cyclists will start their dinner.  Riders will also take advantage of showers, if available, and begin rinsing their cycling clothing to take advantage of the late afternoon sun for drying.  Most riders are in bed by 10:00 PM.

Traveling Lighter

In preparation for my ride across the US, I recently put much of my work into the hands of my very capable leadership team.  To celebrate the transition, I had them cut off all of my hair at our last meeting.  So, here’s my new look.  The plan is to let my hair grow out until our next meeting in October, when I will step back into my role as leader of the team and get a more normal haircut.

Winter Attire

Here’s what I look like when dressed for a cold ride, minus the gloves.  With the weather warming up, this will probably be the only time you’ll see me dressed this warm.

Training Ride – Roy’s Loop

Ride:  Roy’s Loop + 11 miles
Temp:  87 F  –  Wind Advisory 24 mph
Mileage:  29.0
Ave mph:  12.5

This was the first really warm day of the year.  It was beautiful!  I took a few photos along the way, as you’ll see below.  For today’s ride I put fenders on my bike and they seemed to work just fine, especially when I had to ride a few miles on a dirt road.  My new Brooks leader saddle arrived today, but I didn’t have time to put it on before the ride.  Maybe tomorrow.

Old House on the ride.

No, this is not Roy.

My Bike

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Here’s the bicycle that I’ll be riding across the USA.  It’s a 60 cm Surly Long Haul Trucker and it has the tradition of being one of the most affordable quality touring bikes on the market.  It’s made of steel and has a smooth ride, making it more comfortable and reliable for long trips.  My bike and I have already started bonding and I’ve logged more than 500 miles the last five weeks.

Not pictured on my bike at this moment, is a Brooks B-17 leather saddle that just arrived in the mail today.  I hope to mount it soon, since the leather is stiff and needs to be broken in for maximum comfort.  This should help ease the discomfort of sitting on a bike seat for a solid two months.

Training ride – Howardsville Loop

Ride:  Howardsville Loop
Temp:  50-54 F – Windy
Mileage:  50
Ave speed:  12.1 mph

Today was another hilly ride, but beautiful.  The trees still don’t have any leaves so it’s possible to see old buildings, bridges, and views that are normally hidden by foliage.  There were a few rain drops on the ride, but nothing so serious where I had to get out my rain coat.  Lunch was a freshly made sandwich prepared by the gals working at the Howardsville General Store located on the James River.  I saw an old farmhouse built in 1900 on 10 acres of land that was for sale for $59,900.  What a deal!  Howardsville, a hole in the wall, but a cool place!

Howardsville Farm House

April 1, 2011 Training Ride

Ride:  Bacon Hollow
Temp:  45-52 F
Mileage:  34.5
Ave speed:  12.4 mph

The ride began cold, and windy, and then came the rain drops, and even some snow flakes, and that’s no April Fool’s joke.  This is a very hilly ride and it seemed that there was always a headwind, especially when going up hill.  Why is it that when doing a loop there always seems to be a headwind?  I guess it’s one of the mysteries of life.  Kind of like when you did a hole and then go to fill it up, there is never enough dirt to completely fill it.

Merry Christmas!

It’s Christmas day and there are snow flurries outside.  In a little over 5 months, I’ll be climbing on my bicycle and riding from Yorktown, VA to San Francisco, CA.  That’s close to 4,000 miles, and the cause is to raise $4,000 to help find a cure for MS.

The purpose of this blog is to capture life’s lessons during the journey and to share them with others.  Should you choose to join me on this journey by reading this blog, I promise to be honest, and I thank you ahead of time for your interest.

Okay, tomorrow I start training on my stationary bicycle until the snow flurries pass and the weather allows me to start riding outside.  It’s time to get this body in shape for the journey of a lifetime.

Chet