Sunday, July 29, 2007
Confusing blog and I wrote it!!
I hope you read the 7 days first and follow with I hate the computer. It won't make any sense. But I think I am sending it all in and part was missing.
Belvidere - Coal City July 27Th was such a good day even for riding 103 miles. We had Evan to look forward too. He is the only person we know that we have seen on the ride. We have been envious but happy for all the people who have family and friends visit. We had a blast talking with him. He is getting married in 2 weeks and we couldn't be happier for he and Katie. Only sad note is we won't be there to enjoy it. We will be there in spirit. Best wishes to you both and all our love.
Also being able to wear Brack's jersey's was a huge honor. His shirt was soaked by the weather but it warmed up after the humidity kicked in. David rode with us this day and it was fun visiting with him and singing along in the rain. We had interesting camping neighbors who kept us awake late into the night and the police had to come and quiet them down. Not a good way to start the seventh day.
Coal City- Valparaso 82 Boy I am glad to be here . Not our finest moments. WE were both cranky and tired. I called it our no talking day. We have finished 2,440 miles I think we deserve to be a little tired. Oh we are in Indiana . Day off I can't wait.
Valpo!! We went to the church here on the campus. The most beautiful church , It reminded us of the church at the Air force Academy. Greg worked on the bike most of the afternoon. We had to put 2 new chain rings on and a new chain. We are hard on our bike. Its getting close to bedtime and tomorrow 106. I'll write again when I can .
Belvidere - Coal City July 27Th was such a good day even for riding 103 miles. We had Evan to look forward too. He is the only person we know that we have seen on the ride. We have been envious but happy for all the people who have family and friends visit. We had a blast talking with him. He is getting married in 2 weeks and we couldn't be happier for he and Katie. Only sad note is we won't be there to enjoy it. We will be there in spirit. Best wishes to you both and all our love.
Also being able to wear Brack's jersey's was a huge honor. His shirt was soaked by the weather but it warmed up after the humidity kicked in. David rode with us this day and it was fun visiting with him and singing along in the rain. We had interesting camping neighbors who kept us awake late into the night and the police had to come and quiet them down. Not a good way to start the seventh day.
Coal City- Valparaso 82 Boy I am glad to be here . Not our finest moments. WE were both cranky and tired. I called it our no talking day. We have finished 2,440 miles I think we deserve to be a little tired. Oh we are in Indiana . Day off I can't wait.
Valpo!! We went to the church here on the campus. The most beautiful church , It reminded us of the church at the Air force Academy. Greg worked on the bike most of the afternoon. We had to put 2 new chain rings on and a new chain. We are hard on our bike. Its getting close to bedtime and tomorrow 106. I'll write again when I can .
I hate computers I am trying this again. I am still on July 23rd. We got to stay at another college dorm Winona State College. Before dinner we walked downtown to see the Great Mississippi River. Tomorrow only 69!
Winona- Viroqua 66 miles July 24th. this is a big day for us we have ridden 2,000 miles. Its still hard to comprehend how far we have come and we are starting to wind down. We followed the Mississippi river for a long ways. We saw the largest 6 pack of beer when we entered Wisconsin. OK They have some hills here. Thinking again only 66 miles piece of cake. Well there are hills and there are hills. the first big one we encountered we couldn't get into granny gear. SO we snaked our way back and forth slowly up the hill. We are now in the area of Amish farms. We saw the black carriages. It was so pretty.
Viroqua- Madison 100 miles July 25th. This is the day for Dan's family and Bob's family to come. The first 50miles are beautiful farms, rolling hills which are a blast on a tandem, and some steep hills. The beauty of the terraced corn fields was spectacular. It is so hard to describe just the gift of seeing this area. I was wishing Dad and Warren were here to see it. The last 50 or so miles were kind of a grind. My arms are aching and butt is aching and no relief. The reward at the end was the 2 families cooked WI braats and beer and salad and fruit and ice cream. It was so yummy and so appreciated. News on Mom not good but she sounds great on the phone. Love You.
Madison -Belvidere 82 miles Day 32 July 26th.
We had promised ourselves one think we would do is sample pancakes across America. Well this is the first time we actually stopped and had them. They were soo good. Rolling hills and small towns and back roads of rows of corn and sow are the central theme. The farms are so clean and orderly . Did I say corn? Well after all the corn we have seen do you think we have had any. No. You can smell them and oh how I want some. We were rained on some and heard thunder but a very long distance away thankfully. We are tired now 5 days down and 2 to go. Tomorrow we get to see Evan I can hardly stand it. We got to sleep under open patio with a roof. Yippee.
Belvidere - Coal City 103 July 27th Day 33 Evan's Day
Today was so poignant for a lot of reasons. We are honored to wear Brack's and Jean Annie's cycling jersey so he is close to us in spirit and body. I wore his hat backwards because I couldn't use my mirror if it was on straight. We left about 6:30am wanting to get in about 2:30 in time to see Evan. The skies looked ominous 40% chance of rain . At 7;30am the skies opened up and wow did we get wet. It was raining sideways. We both took our glasses off because they were useless.
Winona- Viroqua 66 miles July 24th. this is a big day for us we have ridden 2,000 miles. Its still hard to comprehend how far we have come and we are starting to wind down. We followed the Mississippi river for a long ways. We saw the largest 6 pack of beer when we entered Wisconsin. OK They have some hills here. Thinking again only 66 miles piece of cake. Well there are hills and there are hills. the first big one we encountered we couldn't get into granny gear. SO we snaked our way back and forth slowly up the hill. We are now in the area of Amish farms. We saw the black carriages. It was so pretty.
Viroqua- Madison 100 miles July 25th. This is the day for Dan's family and Bob's family to come. The first 50miles are beautiful farms, rolling hills which are a blast on a tandem, and some steep hills. The beauty of the terraced corn fields was spectacular. It is so hard to describe just the gift of seeing this area. I was wishing Dad and Warren were here to see it. The last 50 or so miles were kind of a grind. My arms are aching and butt is aching and no relief. The reward at the end was the 2 families cooked WI braats and beer and salad and fruit and ice cream. It was so yummy and so appreciated. News on Mom not good but she sounds great on the phone. Love You.
Madison -Belvidere 82 miles Day 32 July 26th.
We had promised ourselves one think we would do is sample pancakes across America. Well this is the first time we actually stopped and had them. They were soo good. Rolling hills and small towns and back roads of rows of corn and sow are the central theme. The farms are so clean and orderly . Did I say corn? Well after all the corn we have seen do you think we have had any. No. You can smell them and oh how I want some. We were rained on some and heard thunder but a very long distance away thankfully. We are tired now 5 days down and 2 to go. Tomorrow we get to see Evan I can hardly stand it. We got to sleep under open patio with a roof. Yippee.
Belvidere - Coal City 103 July 27th Day 33 Evan's Day
Today was so poignant for a lot of reasons. We are honored to wear Brack's and Jean Annie's cycling jersey so he is close to us in spirit and body. I wore his hat backwards because I couldn't use my mirror if it was on straight. We left about 6:30am wanting to get in about 2:30 in time to see Evan. The skies looked ominous 40% chance of rain . At 7;30am the skies opened up and wow did we get wet. It was raining sideways. We both took our glasses off because they were useless.
7 days make for a long week!!
This is the first chance to update our blog. We tried about 2 days ago and it wouldn't work. This has been a good week now that I'm in Valparaiso( Valpo) for short with the best nights sleep and great food. I feel my body recharging as I write or something like it. OK it better cause tomorrow is 106 and it better have.
July 22nd New Ulm - Owatana 72 miles. This is home of Vern . We had heard how we were going to be cruising through his town. Boy did his family and friends give him a reception. It made me wish I could hold my family and have a hug fest. They had pies of all sorts laid out for us at the end of the ride. Wonderful!! This day was just plume windy. It was hard. Shorter distances can be deceiving. Some of us slept in a barn like building. A few had a nice shower towards the morning. We were glad we were in the barn.
July 23rd Owatana - Winona. The quote of the day is from Rodney. Gentle Pressure relentlessly applied. 93 miles. This is the day of Annie's and Liz's family. Oh do we love family.
The day began through the corn fields. We are constantly amazed by the beauty of these fields. The shoulder was great and easy to maneuver. It was a relaxed day of biking. The sky leaving this morning was gorgeous. Large clouds with the pink and blue and golden sun trying to free up the storm that occurred right before we left. At about mile 36 Annie's and Liz's family had an layout of desserts and refreshments. It was so festive. We are so grateful and thankful for the kind offerings they have shown all of us. After a very nice day of riding we continued down into a valley that was especially beautiful.
July 22nd New Ulm - Owatana 72 miles. This is home of Vern . We had heard how we were going to be cruising through his town. Boy did his family and friends give him a reception. It made me wish I could hold my family and have a hug fest. They had pies of all sorts laid out for us at the end of the ride. Wonderful!! This day was just plume windy. It was hard. Shorter distances can be deceiving. Some of us slept in a barn like building. A few had a nice shower towards the morning. We were glad we were in the barn.
July 23rd Owatana - Winona. The quote of the day is from Rodney. Gentle Pressure relentlessly applied. 93 miles. This is the day of Annie's and Liz's family. Oh do we love family.
The day began through the corn fields. We are constantly amazed by the beauty of these fields. The shoulder was great and easy to maneuver. It was a relaxed day of biking. The sky leaving this morning was gorgeous. Large clouds with the pink and blue and golden sun trying to free up the storm that occurred right before we left. At about mile 36 Annie's and Liz's family had an layout of desserts and refreshments. It was so festive. We are so grateful and thankful for the kind offerings they have shown all of us. After a very nice day of riding we continued down into a valley that was especially beautiful.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The week of extremes!
We have finished our big week of riding 6 days in a row. This has been a week of weather , terrain, sun, rain, lightning , bonking, purpose, and heartache. We had a rider hurt this week which was so hard. He and his wife are sorely missed. We went through the bad lands and may I say I see why they are appropriately named. They are beautiful in a moon like manner. It is how I would picture the moon to be. I received some heartbreaking news from home. It has made this ride even more purposeful for Greg and I . Everyday we start out with our prayers for all the people in our lives and riders. It has lifted us up . For now the only one at the forefront is my Mom. She wants us to continue and we will for now.
July 15th Rapid City- Kadoka 101 miles. I nicked named it okydoki because there have been so many cities and I have to put a nick name to it. We were chased by ominous clouds with lightning at our backs but far away I might add. We experienced our first few rain drops. The tink tink on our helmets reminded us of home.At mile 40 I was worn out and not good when you have approx. 60 or so to go. Greg said he wasn't doing so great either. We were in trouble. Well as this trip has proven you just keep pedaling and low and behold it to passes. Michel joined us and it was great to have his company. The Bad Lands are liking nothing I have ever seen before. I hope that our pictures turn out.
July 16th Kadotka-Pierre 95miles I think we were all concerned after the day before what to expect on this day. The day started out with great rolling hills that we love . Gather some speed on the tandem and we can get along ways up the next hill and stand up and grunt and over you go. We had a blast in the morning but I in retrospect think we pushed too much which effected the outcome later in ;the day. Somehow like dummies missed one of the water stops and Greg was in serious trouble. We had only 8 or so miles to go and he bonked. I dumped what water we had on him, he sat and rested and our friends came along and helped and rode with us back in. This is the day I found out Mom was in the hospital. Was able to get cell service and talk to Brother and 2 sisters. They have been so wonderful.
July 17th Pierre -Miller 74 miles this is the day of headwinds up the gazzu. We had to really take it easy not sure how Greg was going to be. Made him drink every chance and bugged him mercifully. Ok That's my job and I'm sticking to it. I am like the talking head behind him sometimes he likes it but others I am the biggest bug a boo. Not looking at the scenery much just head down and pedal.
July 18th Miller- DeSmet. You pronounce like your sneezing. Oh the corn and soy fields . The colors of green are incredible. This is the day we have made it half way. 1,650!!!!!!! At this point Papa Greg rode with us. We can block the wind and thought he would like to ride with. We were told there was a 40% chance of rain. that didn't seem like much of a chance and for Pete's sake we're from Seattle . We know rain better than anyone right. We stopped and got a pop. As we got going a few sprinkles , than the sky got dark , than we started seeing lightning, than the rain got harder, this is now when I started to get freaked out. I looked at both Greg's and they were just pedal to the medal. I kept saying this isn't good or something to that effect did they listen.NO. we rode approx 6 miles to the nearest town with sleeting rain and lightning on all side of us. This is the day that Brack fell. Not a day I want to repeat.
July 19th DeSmet -Tyler 78 miles Calmer and grateful we rode through the corn fields. We were trying to decide how many ears of corn go in a cereal box. There must be a lot. Field after field. We stopped in Brookings at our rest stop for bike stuff and free ice cream. I was so happy my cell phone worked I was able to talk to Telia and find out how Mom was. Everyone has rallied around. There isn't anything better. We left S. Dakota and now we are in Minnesota. We stayed in the most beautiful place. Danebod Folk School under huge chestnut trees. No cell service .
July 20th Tyler to New Ulm 88 miles. this was such a great day for us. the winds weren't so bad and we made good time. Cell service. We ride for you Mom. hang in there.
July 15th Rapid City- Kadoka 101 miles. I nicked named it okydoki because there have been so many cities and I have to put a nick name to it. We were chased by ominous clouds with lightning at our backs but far away I might add. We experienced our first few rain drops. The tink tink on our helmets reminded us of home.At mile 40 I was worn out and not good when you have approx. 60 or so to go. Greg said he wasn't doing so great either. We were in trouble. Well as this trip has proven you just keep pedaling and low and behold it to passes. Michel joined us and it was great to have his company. The Bad Lands are liking nothing I have ever seen before. I hope that our pictures turn out.
July 16th Kadotka-Pierre 95miles I think we were all concerned after the day before what to expect on this day. The day started out with great rolling hills that we love . Gather some speed on the tandem and we can get along ways up the next hill and stand up and grunt and over you go. We had a blast in the morning but I in retrospect think we pushed too much which effected the outcome later in ;the day. Somehow like dummies missed one of the water stops and Greg was in serious trouble. We had only 8 or so miles to go and he bonked. I dumped what water we had on him, he sat and rested and our friends came along and helped and rode with us back in. This is the day I found out Mom was in the hospital. Was able to get cell service and talk to Brother and 2 sisters. They have been so wonderful.
July 17th Pierre -Miller 74 miles this is the day of headwinds up the gazzu. We had to really take it easy not sure how Greg was going to be. Made him drink every chance and bugged him mercifully. Ok That's my job and I'm sticking to it. I am like the talking head behind him sometimes he likes it but others I am the biggest bug a boo. Not looking at the scenery much just head down and pedal.
July 18th Miller- DeSmet. You pronounce like your sneezing. Oh the corn and soy fields . The colors of green are incredible. This is the day we have made it half way. 1,650!!!!!!! At this point Papa Greg rode with us. We can block the wind and thought he would like to ride with. We were told there was a 40% chance of rain. that didn't seem like much of a chance and for Pete's sake we're from Seattle . We know rain better than anyone right. We stopped and got a pop. As we got going a few sprinkles , than the sky got dark , than we started seeing lightning, than the rain got harder, this is now when I started to get freaked out. I looked at both Greg's and they were just pedal to the medal. I kept saying this isn't good or something to that effect did they listen.NO. we rode approx 6 miles to the nearest town with sleeting rain and lightning on all side of us. This is the day that Brack fell. Not a day I want to repeat.
July 19th DeSmet -Tyler 78 miles Calmer and grateful we rode through the corn fields. We were trying to decide how many ears of corn go in a cereal box. There must be a lot. Field after field. We stopped in Brookings at our rest stop for bike stuff and free ice cream. I was so happy my cell phone worked I was able to talk to Telia and find out how Mom was. Everyone has rallied around. There isn't anything better. We left S. Dakota and now we are in Minnesota. We stayed in the most beautiful place. Danebod Folk School under huge chestnut trees. No cell service .
July 20th Tyler to New Ulm 88 miles. this was such a great day for us. the winds weren't so bad and we made good time. Cell service. We ride for you Mom. hang in there.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
5 day week is done!!
July 9th , Aah what a lovely day. 52 miles only and beautiful ride. Sometimes I run out and am not very original with my adjectives. Nothing better on a tandem than a slight downhill with a tailwind at your back. We enjoyed our short day. Once we arrived in town we used the pool across the way . When we climbed out of Billings we had the best vista of the town down below.
July 10Th Harden to Sheridan Miles 84. We crossed into Wyoming today. We passed by Little Big Horn battle field. We didn't go see it . We stayed at a KOA campground. The ride again was so pretty. WE had a milestone today we logged over 1,000 miles under our belt almost a third of the way. Hard to believe.
July 11th Sheridan to Gillette 112 miles but we only did 107. It felt like 130 . I was a whinny one on this one. I don't remember any rolling hills just hill after hill after hill. The first 50 were fairly easy . My knees were feeling not so great and I felt tired. I was having one of those mental days where I wanted to be somewhere else. Enough of the whining . The rock formations and topography kept us going. We were at one point going so slow the flies were a circling. Do you know they can bite through Lycra. At mile 70 we had a water stop we still had 40 more miles and I was not a happy camper. Bob comes rolling in just as we were about to leave. He with a big smile says wow isn't America just beautiful or something to that effect. Well that stuck with me and his words rang true. For the next 40 we saw so much wild life and gorgeous scenery I began an attitude adjustment. Just as we were climbing into the city with 5 miles to go a flat but by than it was just a bump in the road. Bob came by and helped us and we were good to go. That night we went to an all you could eat and I did that justice. I didn't loose any weight that night.
July 12th Gillette to Newcastle only 76. The day was good. Got in early enough to take a wonderful nap. We stayed at the Newcastle Senior Citizen Center. They catered Dinner and Breakfast the next morning. Missing the family reunion on Sat. Mom not happy with us . Sorry Mom.
Friday the 13th oh my. Newcastle to Rapid City South Dakota. Miles 94 but that is because we took a side trip into see Crazy Horse. At mile 11 is when we crossed into So. Dakota. We had some climbing to do today and steep down hill. and curvy. It was a great day for terrain and rocks and Custer State Park and unfortunately we didn't see any buffalo. We had some people that passed cars coming right for us one in particular he knows who he is that some day I am going to give what for. Imagine a bus RV coming towards you in the wrong lane going 75. That's past history for now., the best part was riding through Custer State Park. We are staying at So Dak. State College for Mine and Technology. Aah a bed again and laundry done. The town was fun to wander around in and did some shopping . Last night we got to go to the Illumination of Mt Rushmore and a concert by a group from the Lacota Tribe. It was so wonderful. Its a memory I won't soon forget.
We got a care package today from Pam and cards . We got a singing card with the song we will survive from Abby. We laughed and laughed. We have so far we have no feeling in some parts but that goes with the territory. We don't get the cue sheets until tomorrow so we are going into the Bad Lands. I had to ask the waiter what that meant . He in a very dry voice said that's cause nothing grows there. But than he continued with that it was beautiful. We shall See.
July 10Th Harden to Sheridan Miles 84. We crossed into Wyoming today. We passed by Little Big Horn battle field. We didn't go see it . We stayed at a KOA campground. The ride again was so pretty. WE had a milestone today we logged over 1,000 miles under our belt almost a third of the way. Hard to believe.
July 11th Sheridan to Gillette 112 miles but we only did 107. It felt like 130 . I was a whinny one on this one. I don't remember any rolling hills just hill after hill after hill. The first 50 were fairly easy . My knees were feeling not so great and I felt tired. I was having one of those mental days where I wanted to be somewhere else. Enough of the whining . The rock formations and topography kept us going. We were at one point going so slow the flies were a circling. Do you know they can bite through Lycra. At mile 70 we had a water stop we still had 40 more miles and I was not a happy camper. Bob comes rolling in just as we were about to leave. He with a big smile says wow isn't America just beautiful or something to that effect. Well that stuck with me and his words rang true. For the next 40 we saw so much wild life and gorgeous scenery I began an attitude adjustment. Just as we were climbing into the city with 5 miles to go a flat but by than it was just a bump in the road. Bob came by and helped us and we were good to go. That night we went to an all you could eat and I did that justice. I didn't loose any weight that night.
July 12th Gillette to Newcastle only 76. The day was good. Got in early enough to take a wonderful nap. We stayed at the Newcastle Senior Citizen Center. They catered Dinner and Breakfast the next morning. Missing the family reunion on Sat. Mom not happy with us . Sorry Mom.
Friday the 13th oh my. Newcastle to Rapid City South Dakota. Miles 94 but that is because we took a side trip into see Crazy Horse. At mile 11 is when we crossed into So. Dakota. We had some climbing to do today and steep down hill. and curvy. It was a great day for terrain and rocks and Custer State Park and unfortunately we didn't see any buffalo. We had some people that passed cars coming right for us one in particular he knows who he is that some day I am going to give what for. Imagine a bus RV coming towards you in the wrong lane going 75. That's past history for now., the best part was riding through Custer State Park. We are staying at So Dak. State College for Mine and Technology. Aah a bed again and laundry done. The town was fun to wander around in and did some shopping . Last night we got to go to the Illumination of Mt Rushmore and a concert by a group from the Lacota Tribe. It was so wonderful. Its a memory I won't soon forget.
We got a care package today from Pam and cards . We got a singing card with the song we will survive from Abby. We laughed and laughed. We have so far we have no feeling in some parts but that goes with the territory. We don't get the cue sheets until tomorrow so we are going into the Bad Lands. I had to ask the waiter what that meant . He in a very dry voice said that's cause nothing grows there. But than he continued with that it was beautiful. We shall See.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Ok I"m ready to update the last few days. We were distracted in Billings. We had a wonderful day off and slacked off in doing a blog.
July 4th Missoula-Avon 99.6 . Ok I just like to say its as close to 100 as you can get. We left U of M early in the morning in lovely cool weather through the gorgeous canyon with the river on our Left and woods to our right. It reminded us of the Grand Ron and later Walla Walla.We were to climb the majority of the day. The scenery is how I picture Mt. to look rolling hills, grassey fields farm houses doting the landscape. We had our 3rd flat for the trip. Butt is killing me and am frustrated by the pain. Soaked our feet in a stream about 10 miles from Avon. Oh did that feel good.
July 5th Only 60 miles this was a wonderful day. We crossed the Continental divide. We took pictures at the sign. We lifted the tandem over our heads. It was great fun. We were rewarded by 12 miles of lovely down hill. Ahhhhhhh. We went through Helena found out we had a shredded tire in the back just as we pulled in front of a bike shop. Last 3 miles into Townsend Mt. seemed like 20. Why is that so close but so far? We got a lovely stay in the gym and we get excited about that.
July 6th Ok this was a century. 101 miles. We left at 6:30 in the morning trying to beat the heat. We started out of town with rode construction took a tumble off the bike. Shook us up more than hurt. Landed on my elbow but no harm just pride. We climbed after that through the prettiest pass Deer Creek Canyon. We didn't see any deer but we saw bubbling creeks all the way up. We had the best down hill ever and saw our first 2 groups of antelope. Wildlife! That say was a long. 8 1/2 hours on the bike. By the time we got to town the bank said it was 105 degrees. We promptly went to the nearest bar where Dog was serving and had I swear the best coldest beer I have ever had. Life is good.
July 7 the Harlowtown to Billings. 92 miles of which the first 45 miles were slightly downhill with the wind at our backs. We left town at 6am. The night before Greg didn't make any friends he was snoring to beat the band. We slept all together in a youth center. . On to the ride Mother deer and baby pass in front of us.. A little later a baby antelpe and mother watch as we go by. sounds a little like disney land but It was majic for us. The next town we go by has a sign Ryegate Home of the testical festival. This was the fastest day we have had so far . We dropped down into Billings. We really looked forward to time off a mattress in the dorm a towel and rest.
yesterday July 9th We had a really short ride. Only 52.8 and it was great . Home of the Crow Indians . Harden Mt. our last night in Mt. We have enjoyed Mt. so much.
July 10th Harden to Sheridan Wyoming 84miles. At mile 58 we crossed over to Wy. We lifted our bike once again by the sign. I love these milestones. We also had another milestone we have ridden over 1,000 miles . We are almost a third of the way done. It has been unbelieveable so far. We are humbled by this journey.
tomorrow we have the longest ride ever 112. I hope to leave at the crack of dawn and hopefully it won't be too hot. Trish
July 4th Missoula-Avon 99.6 . Ok I just like to say its as close to 100 as you can get. We left U of M early in the morning in lovely cool weather through the gorgeous canyon with the river on our Left and woods to our right. It reminded us of the Grand Ron and later Walla Walla.We were to climb the majority of the day. The scenery is how I picture Mt. to look rolling hills, grassey fields farm houses doting the landscape. We had our 3rd flat for the trip. Butt is killing me and am frustrated by the pain. Soaked our feet in a stream about 10 miles from Avon. Oh did that feel good.
July 5th Only 60 miles this was a wonderful day. We crossed the Continental divide. We took pictures at the sign. We lifted the tandem over our heads. It was great fun. We were rewarded by 12 miles of lovely down hill. Ahhhhhhh. We went through Helena found out we had a shredded tire in the back just as we pulled in front of a bike shop. Last 3 miles into Townsend Mt. seemed like 20. Why is that so close but so far? We got a lovely stay in the gym and we get excited about that.
July 6th Ok this was a century. 101 miles. We left at 6:30 in the morning trying to beat the heat. We started out of town with rode construction took a tumble off the bike. Shook us up more than hurt. Landed on my elbow but no harm just pride. We climbed after that through the prettiest pass Deer Creek Canyon. We didn't see any deer but we saw bubbling creeks all the way up. We had the best down hill ever and saw our first 2 groups of antelope. Wildlife! That say was a long. 8 1/2 hours on the bike. By the time we got to town the bank said it was 105 degrees. We promptly went to the nearest bar where Dog was serving and had I swear the best coldest beer I have ever had. Life is good.
July 7 the Harlowtown to Billings. 92 miles of which the first 45 miles were slightly downhill with the wind at our backs. We left town at 6am. The night before Greg didn't make any friends he was snoring to beat the band. We slept all together in a youth center. . On to the ride Mother deer and baby pass in front of us.. A little later a baby antelpe and mother watch as we go by. sounds a little like disney land but It was majic for us. The next town we go by has a sign Ryegate Home of the testical festival. This was the fastest day we have had so far . We dropped down into Billings. We really looked forward to time off a mattress in the dorm a towel and rest.
yesterday July 9th We had a really short ride. Only 52.8 and it was great . Home of the Crow Indians . Harden Mt. our last night in Mt. We have enjoyed Mt. so much.
July 10th Harden to Sheridan Wyoming 84miles. At mile 58 we crossed over to Wy. We lifted our bike once again by the sign. I love these milestones. We also had another milestone we have ridden over 1,000 miles . We are almost a third of the way done. It has been unbelieveable so far. We are humbled by this journey.
tomorrow we have the longest ride ever 112. I hope to leave at the crack of dawn and hopefully it won't be too hot. Trish
Saturday, July 7, 2007
We made it to Billings. Today was glorious .We had a tailwind a slight downhill and only 91 miles to get here. We have had some very hot weather . Yesterday it was 105 by the time we arrived in Harlowton,Mt. Mike said his thermometer read 112 with the sun beating down on the asphalt. We were able to sleep in the youth center where the snoring abounded . WE are not naming names. We are now on a day of rest tomorrow. I plan to write what the last 4 days have been. We have seen antelopes and deer and beautiful scenery. We are still speaking to each other so this is good. I can see why people like it here . Tonight we saw from our dorm room the most amazing lightening show and enormous rain shower. We were all counting our blessings that we were not camping out in the middle of a football field like we have been. This is the first rain we have seen. We know there is more to come. Tomorrow we will write more about the last few days.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Missoula day off
We came into Missoula yesterday after a beautiful tour of Montana river valleys. I had the illusion all day that we were going down hill. I guess because of how big everything is up here but we actually climbed slowly most of the day with one huge hill filled with RVs and semi trucks trying to see who could come the closest to us. Very glad to have that stretch of road behind us. The day off in Missoula has been relaxing, cleaning the bike and doing adjusting, laundry, shopping and eating. Tomorrow is a big day so it is early to bed and up at 5:00 Am to leave at 6:00 for Avon and more ice cream. Greg
To Bed and 99 miles tomorrow
I thought I would write again till next time. This has been the best day. We were able to talk to family and friends and get organised for the next 4 days. We will be climbing the Rockies soon. We here the temps are going to be in the 100's . We went and bought some really good sun screen today. We feel we are getting stronger each day. We are riding for all those people who can't and specially the people who have lost loved ones to lung disease. Today one of our riders is leaving for a short while to go perform surgery on a friend . Each one of the people on this ride has a story . I am so grateful for this opportunity. Trish
Missoula rest day yahoo
Ok I wrote one yesterday and had trouble finding the spot to send it. I have had food and rest and a bed in the college dorm and know I feel I can do this. I don't think I have ever been so tired in my life. I wanted to write about our typical day. When they said all you do is eat eat eat and ride and ride ride and sleep they weren't kidding. We have been through Spokane rested and than Sand Point Idaho which was gorgeous, than Thompson Falls, Mt. and and today our day of rest in Missoula. We tried using the computer in each place and didn't have an link. Each day as I'm riding I am composing what I would write about the day. Yesterday The Eagles provided breakfast at 5;45 in the morning. We slept the night before in the high school gym. Greg and I were between the coke machine and the mens bathroom. I woke up during the night and thought it was time to get up due to the brightness. We were on the rode at 6:30 and arrived here 8 and 1/2 hours later. The ride at the beginning was spectaular following the flathead river. We could see the Rockies off in the distance . The scenery has been un believeable . The riders come along side and talk to us. We mostly ride by ourselves because we need to go fast on the slightly down and we go at snails pace on the hills and I mean snails. Its like the tortoise and the hare. We can go 25 and as soon as there is a incline we are doing 6 and as slow as 4 miles an hour. It can get a little depressing. Patti gave me a poem about the power of positive thinking and I have to keek reminding myself that we can do it.
AS I was saying yesterday we had to climb a 20 mile hill at mile 60 - 80. I was stressing about it . I figured the odds were it was going to take us about 4 hours if we were going 6 or less. Now that wasn't the worst of it. There wasn't any shoulder and the speed was 70 miles an hour.
we were being passed by huge semi's and loggging trucks. At one point Greg had to tell me to slow my breathing I was so nervous. we rolled in to the campus at 3;30 . What a beautiful campus. The showers were the absolute best . Then we walked down town for the best beer I swear. The walking seems to help us loosen up. Laundry in the basement done in an hour and we are good to go for another week. We are going to be in Mt. for 7 days. Wow is this a big state. I see what they mean by the bluest skies. Until next time. Trish
AS I was saying yesterday we had to climb a 20 mile hill at mile 60 - 80. I was stressing about it . I figured the odds were it was going to take us about 4 hours if we were going 6 or less. Now that wasn't the worst of it. There wasn't any shoulder and the speed was 70 miles an hour.
we were being passed by huge semi's and loggging trucks. At one point Greg had to tell me to slow my breathing I was so nervous. we rolled in to the campus at 3;30 . What a beautiful campus. The showers were the absolute best . Then we walked down town for the best beer I swear. The walking seems to help us loosen up. Laundry in the basement done in an hour and we are good to go for another week. We are going to be in Mt. for 7 days. Wow is this a big state. I see what they mean by the bluest skies. Until next time. Trish
Monday, July 2, 2007
OK Its been a few days before I could write. Our computer would not work while we were in the various camps. Sprint has been unavailable. Its a bummer because I have been composing what I would write on the multiple hours of riding. I wanted to write about a typical day. Today we started in Thompson Falls, Mt. We were told to be up by 5am packed and at the Eagles at 5:45 for breakfast. We slept on the floor of the high school with all the gang except for a few that wanted to sleep outside in their tent. We opted not to put our tent up. So low and behold we were between the coke machine and the men's and woman's bathroom. I woke up last night and thought what time it was it was so bright. We packed up our stuff and I mean stuff. We have 4 bags between us and loaded them up in the truck and proceeded to the Eagles. We had scrambled eggs , ham biscuits and gravy and fruit and hash browns. We have been eating like crazy. Today was 101 miles of road and we needed to eat like it. We left approximately at 6;30 and were on our way. The road was winding through a canyon and a beautiful river was on our right. We had 4 rest stops on the way for water and our everyday peanut butter sandwich. The road was accommodating and a nice shoulder. But as the day wore on the shoulder got slimmer and my patience wore thin. I had a rough time towards the end. Greg was a rock when I needed him to be. He eats way more than me but I seem to be getting larger than him. We have our different styles of coping and so far we haven't killed each other. It seems to be harder on the tandem than a single bike but we started this together and we will finish together. This is the hardest thing I have ever done and probably will ever do. Tomorrow we have a wonderful day off in Missoula and hopefully we can rest and recharge. Trish
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