Bicycle Touring Magazine…

Found this in my inbox recently…

For anyone who has the lest bit of curiosity about bicycle touring, you should check out this new digital magazine, Bicycle Touring Magazine. You’ll find stories and pictures from around the world, from people who travel our planet by bike.

The images alone are dazzling, but the stories can inspire as well. While the idea of travelling third world countries by bicycle, or any other means, have never held much appeal to me personally, I can certainly appreciate the devotion of the folks who do. And, their stories are awesome.

Later

I Made It – April 14, 2010…

On Wednesday, April 14, 2010, I completed the task I had set myself, my first long distance bicycle tour, by arriving in southwest Denver at about 5:30 PM. I had ridden about 48 miles from Salida to Fairplay, where I was given a ride to Denver, about 65 more miles. All I had to do now was get to Aurora on the east side of town, where Andi and Darryl would pick me up, another 13 miles or so.

April 14, 2010…

Leaving Salida, CO…

Here is an audio post of my thoughts as I began what became my last day on the road. I had no idea this would be the case as I headed north, out of Salida, that morning.

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Downtown Salida–­who knew they had one?

As I leave Salida this morning this is the view that greets me.

At the time, I was so focused on simply reaching my destination, it didn’t really sink in that I’d done it. I was excited, yes, but also ambivilant; I’d made it home – the trip was over, except for that little matter of the 13 miles to the east side of town.

Had I cheated myself by hitching that last ride out of the mountains? Well, as it turned out, I’d avoided a nasty snow storm in the mountains over the next two days. What would I do with myself if I wasn’t riding every day? I’d ride around Aurora and Denver and I would look for a job. Plus, I would be spending time with two great friends – and I would be seeing my daughter soon, as well.

It’s odd but, focusing on such a serious challenge can become the complete focus of one’s life and, I’ll admit, no longer having that focus left me feeling a bit nonplussed.

As I look back on the adventure a year later, I’m stunned to realize I actually did it. I don’t think I could even begin such a trek today. Not physically, and certainly not mentally. I’m simply not in the right frame of mind. Too comfortable, I guess.

I can only say this, I hope this was not a one-time adventure, for I would truly like to be able to challenge myself in this way again someday.

Saddle Surfin’ on My Bianchi…

I think it appropriate, to mark the anniversary of my first long distance bike tour, to leave you with this; http://spokies.wordpress.com/, the link to another who has chosen to challenge herself with a similar adventure. Cherri is cycling the USA this year, and documenting it on WordPress. Give it a look. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Later

Tough days, a year ago…

I had a couple of tough days after leaving Kim’s place in Durango. I actually rode 68 miles toward Pagosa Springs on the 10th; my longest ride ever. I was really proud of myself for this. There was a great deal more climbing than I had expected, but I also had a couple of long, free-wheel descents – finally – which made parts of the ride seem much shorter.

Waking to snow above me in Pagosa Springs, CO, April 11, 2010.

As you can hear from my tone of voice in the first audio post from the 11th, I was feeling very sceptical of my ability to continue, much less finish, The Ride. I was looking at some huge climbs ahead of me, plus many miles of level ground as well. I’d been wakened by the very cold temperatures overnight in Pagosa, so was not well rested, and wound up feeling overhwlemed by the challenge ahead of me.

Leaving Durango, and Kim's place, April 10, 2010.

April 11, 2010…

iPadio Audio Post…

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However, later in the evening, as a result of the kindness of strangers, I was feeling much better. I was suddenly in Salida, CO, a beautiful little town about a hundred miles southwest of Denver, with a room for the night, a hot shower behind me, and food in my belly. I’d only ridden 35 miles that day, but with two rides from strangers, one over 10, 550 foot Wolfe Creek pass, I felt as if I’d been delivered to heaven. To Joe and Jesse, my guardian angels on this day, Thank You, you have no idea how much I appreciate what you did for me.

April 11, 2010…

2nd iPadio Audio Post

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Later

Remembering by riding…

A year ago and two days ago, April 7th, I rode into Colorado from Arizon, by way of New Mexico. Needing coffee on Thursday morning, I rode the same bike a couple of miles down to Starbuck’s and back; sort of as a way of remembering that day.

My Yukon and my coffee.

Wow, what a difference a year makes. After riding road bikes so much over the last year, I’m not sure I could even begin to ride the Yukon so far again. The riding styles are just so different. Still, I do love this bike. It carried me through some amazing adventures last year. I’ll probably own it forever.

Welcome to Colorful Colorado, a year ago…

What a great day for me, one year ago…

After eight days on the road, my bike and I crossed into Colorado at about 1:00 in the afternoon. This was a watershed moment for me. I was back in Colorado, my previous home for 18 years, and I had gotten there the hard way. Though my legs had felt tired all day, and though I had climbed a few thousand feet to get there, I experienced a great rush of adrenaline and excitement. At that moment, I felt as if I could pedal all the way to Denver without stopping.

Circumstances would soon conspire against me however, as the heavily travelled road narrowed dangerously. With cars, pick-up trucks, SUV’s, and 18-wheelers blowing by at 85 mph within inches of my left hip, I decided to stop and call my friend Kim, in Durango, and ask her to come and get me. I had only travelled 28 miles this day, but I was exhilarated by what I had accomplished. I’d made it to Colorado, and it felt like coming home.

 April 7, 2010…

Holy crap…look where I am!

My favorite pic from The Ride, April 7, 2010.

 April 7, 2010…

One of the best people I have ever known…

My friend Kim…

 

Later

Pedaling 140 miles in 3 days, a year ago…

I did a lot of miles from April 3-5 last year, pedaling 140 miles across the Reservation in northern Arizona, much of it in howling winds of 40-60 mph, and a major dust storm as well.

The wind during this portion of the trip was some of the worst I’ve ever experienced; which is saying something, having lived in Colorado and Arizona for a total of 28 years now. The dust storm on my third day on the Res however, was truly amazing. The dust rose 12,000 feet into the air above me and, because it was at my back, I flew eastward along the highway. Until, that is, the road bent a bit south and the wind shifted a bit east, then I was riding for my life, constantly leaning to my right at about 20 degrees, trying desperately to stay on the shoulder instead of being blown into traffic. 

After 12-15 miles of this struggle, I gave in and stuck out my thumb, hitching a ride into New Mexico, which might have literally saved my life. Have I said this ride was adventurous? At times, it truly was.

April 4, 2010…

Miles and miles of miles and miles…

I did the whole climb

Cycling across the Reservation in northern Arizona, April 2010.

Here are a couple of my audio posts from that adventurous portion of the ride. Wow, the memories are so powerful…

April 5, 2010…

iPadio audio post from Bloomfield, NM… 

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April 6, 2010…

iPadio audio post from Bloomfield, NM… 

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51 miles, heading north, a year ago…

After two nights in Flagstaff, AZ, I hit the road again, heading north to the Hopi Indian Reservation, a desolate place, yet the most direct route to Colorado.

Leaving Flag provided some great scenery to enjoy.

 I was riding at about 7000 feet now, a real challenge for a man who’d spent the last two years riding below 2000 feet. I didn’t seem to feel it all that much however, for I was very focused on the ride this day. I was also feeling pretty strong after two nights of rest in a Motel 6 which, by the way, at only 25 bucks a night had seemed like a five-star resort to me at the time.

One of my favorite shots...30 mis north of Flag.

I stopped about 30 miles north of Flag for a banana and OJ breakfast, and took the above pic, one of my faves from The Ride. The gas station/convenience store was in the middle of nowhere, as are most things on or near the Res.

After 51 miles, a relatively easy ride due to the rolling terrain, I’d made my goal for the day, a small stop on the road called Cameron, AZ, about thirty miles east of the Grand Canyon. A hamlet of about 1000 souls with a gas station, convenience store, and a tourist trap of an artifacts store, as well as a small camping area, I paid my $17 to pitch my tent on a small patch of grass behind one of the buildings, in an effort to shield myself from the wind (which was only moderately successful).

My rig vs theirs.

As it turned out, I was not the only camper there that night. Two RVs pulled in a bit after I’d set up camp and wow, was I jealous of the rigs they were driving. Very plush accommodations, with satellite dishes and automatic levelling of the rigs, these folks had it all. Is that camping? lol

The wind would definitely become my nemesis over the next couple of days. It can truly howl across the Res, with little or nothing to slow it down. As I settled into my little tent that night, listening to the wind grab at my tiny portable home, the forecast was for winds to 60 mph on the following day. The only saving grace for me was that it would be coming from the west or southwest, while I would be riding east and north-east. I was hoping to finally find a tail wind! Here is a link to Google maps, showing just how desolate this area is: Cameron, AZ.

Most of the ride through the Res looked like this, unless the hills were bigger!

I have to admit, I was very proud of myself this day. I had ridden further than ever before, and at a good pace. I’d only had to push the bike uphill for about a mile, and had reached my goal for the day. It was a very good day on the road. “I can do this,” I was thinking. That put a smile on my face, believe me.

 

April 3, 2010…

Day 4…

30 mis north of Flag. Got a good start on the day. Only had to walk about a mile on one climb. May have found my climbing gear! Hope so. Nice weather, a bit windy. Rolling terrain now, so should make better time. Will post pics later.

Day 4…Cameron, AZ

Well, I made it to Cameron today, a little hamlet on the Hopi reservation, 51 mis north of Flag. This was my goal for day 3, with a rest day today. Since I rested yesterday instead, I figure I can say the schedule is OK. The riding was good today. Mostly good roads, not too much traffic, not too many climbs. I feel pretty good. Tired but not wiped out, but also a little bit raw–down there. Hope to sleep well tonite, but very windy, so will see. Will also check the warmth of my bag. Gonna get cool tonite. Looking forward to another good day tomorrow, should have the wind at my back all day.

Later

Happy Anniversary to…a Crazy Man.

One year ago today I began the craziest thing I’ve ever done. At about 10:30 in the morning I began riding my bike, and by “bike” I mean bicycle, from Phoenix, Arizona, to Denver, Colorado; a trip of 800 miles.

Looking back on it now, I’m amazed that I made it; not to mention that I even tried.

My motivation at the time was simple; to return home to Colorado, where I had previously lived for 18 years. My mode of transport for the trip however, was unique. I carried everything I thought I would need  for at least two weeks on the road on the bike with me. Clothing, a tent, a sleeping bag and pad, as well as surprisingly few other supplies, were all strapped to the bike. The bike itself, a mountain bike I’d hybridized into a commuter, was certainly not designed for such a ride. But, it was what I had.

My first day on the road began well enough. The Phoenix metro area is relatively flat, after all. But soon after leaving town things became more challenging. First, I fell, scraping my left knee and breaking my rear-view mirror. I’d rarely used a mirror in town, but I thought it would be smart to have one for such a long ride. Well, that was the idea, anyway. So, bloodied and brooding, I continued. Then I began to hit some climbs. Those nearly finished me almost before I began.

Phoenix is called the Valley of the Sun, due to the fact it is surrounded by mountains. While these mountains are not large by Colorado standards, they’re pretty big to a cyclist. Especially one carrying about 60-70 pounds of extra stuff on his bike. I did a few miles of walking that first day, pushing the bike uphill, which was something I would do repeatedly during The Ride. However, I did make it to my first goal, a KOA campground 45 miles north of the city.

KOA Campground, first day out...March 31, 2010

Remarkably, 45 miles was the farthest I had ever ridden in one day, and I did it on a fully loaded mountain bike. Naturally, I was exhausted; but I was also proud.

Pitching my tent and securing all I had with me inside, I headed for a much-needed shower, and found Nirvana. What a great feeling that shower was. My tired old body was rejuvenated for a while, actually making it difficult to fall asleep that first night. Of course, thoughts of the trip ahead of me, of the many miles and many climbs to come, also kept me awake as well. Finally though, exhaustion overtook me and I slept surprisingly well.

That first night’s stay at the KOA also began a series of surprising and rewarding experiences in which I was treated to the kindness of strangers during my adventure. Many people were eager to help me, in whatever way they could, and I am still grateful, to this day, for the encouragement and generosity I experienced from folks I had never before met and will likely never see again. I will share more of these experiences later.

Thus I began the greatest challenge and adventure I had ever set for myself. It was not the most auspicious beginning I might have hoped for but, I was on my way, head up, legs churning, willfully grinding my way toward home. What a crazy thing to do.

March 31, 2010…

Day 1…

The following are links to the first two audio posts from Day 1 of The Ride.

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Everything I carried, including my bike, fit inside the tent with me.

While I do not plan to re-post every day of the ride, I think I will post my most vivid and cherished memories from the experience.  Even after a year, the memories I hold can be almost overwhelming. I hope you enjoy reliving some of them with me.  

Later

1 Day to go, a year ago…

I was on the cusp of my Great Adventure one year ago today. Being so close to The Ride, I became a bit introspective and tried to explain why I was accepting this challenge. My thoughts from then seem to explain it pretty well.

Oh and, mixed in with some pain and a lot of exhaustion, I did rediscover joy and freedom over those two weeks.

March 30, 2010…

This was my rig for The Ride

 

1…

Wow, we’re really getting close here…

Tomorrow is the big day. I’ll do the final walk-through on the house, and then…I’ll hit the road.. Unfortunately, I probably won’t be able to get on the road before 9 am. I’d prefer an earlier start but the office doesn’t open until 8:30, so I’m sure that will not be possible.

The plan for today is to work hard on final tuning and set-up of the bike, then move everything into storage this afternoon. Tonight will be my last camp-out inside.

I’ve been thinking a bit about why I’m doing this over the last couple of days; these thoughts prompted by the concerns which some of my friends and family have voiced since learning of the challenge I’ve set for myself. These last two years in Phoenix have been very tough for me. Finding a decent job, or any work at all really, has simply not been possible. At times, the challenge of remaining hopeful and positive has nearly defeated me, since I’ve been unemployed for more months than I’ve been employed during these past two years

However, through it all, the one thing I’ve always been able to count on was my bike. No matter my mood, no matter my situation, a ride would nearly always brighten my day. What great therapy it is. No matter how badly my day might begin; despite frustration or depression; an hour–or two–or three, on my bike, would surely improve my mood.

How quickly, with age, we forget the sweet and simple joy of physical exertion we experienced in our youth. Do you remember, as I have recently begun to, the absolute joy you felt as a child when your mom finally allowed you to go running from the house to jump on your bike and speed down the street to ride with a friend or two? How sweet the memory; how sweet to feel that joy again–at 54 years old.

The simple pleasure of physical exertion, the concentration and focus of such a simple task–of turning the crank and rolling down the road– to whatever location, task, or destination I have set for myself that day–ah, what a perfect moment. FREEDOM, that is what I feel; and so, freedom is what I seek on this ride. The freedom to challenge myself. The freedom to explore. The freedom to do something I could never have imagined myself trying two short years ago. The freedom to succeed at a task which I, and I alone, can do.

Joy and freedom, two emotions which have been sorely lacking in my life for some time now, are the reasons for this ride. If I succeed, I’ll know both. Should I fail, I’m sure I’ll have glimpsed them both again and will know, even in failure, that both of these things, joy and freedom, are still available to me.

Later

Counting down…

One year ago today, with five days to go, I began the final countdown to The Ride. I was so very busy at the time that I really couldn’t think much about what a crazy idea it was. In retrospect, it does seem a bit outrageous. However, I was so eager to get started, so eager to return home, that thoughts of the dangers rarely intruded on my thinking. It was a very exciting time for me and, though not everything went according to plan, I’m just happy I was successful.

Was I really planning on ridng this all the way to Colorado?

 March 26, 2010…

5…

The countdown to Wednesday, the day of my departure, begins…

On Tuesday I shipped two cartons of clothing and shoes, as well as a box of bike stuff, to Denver. This is all I will have to live on for the first few months in Colorado. On Tuesday next I will move the rest of my belongings, furniture, kitchen stuff, and the rest of my clothing, into storage for later retrieval. (I plan to save as much money as I can, as quickly as I can, then return to Phoenix where I will rent a truck and move the rest of my stuff to my own place in Denver.)

Today, I will do more packing for storage. The biggest dilemma is always what not to take. I need to consolidate as much as possible, yet I do not want to force myself into a position of need, where I will have to buy anything just to live normally. When I finally get my own place again, I want to be completely self-sufficient.

Soon now, I’ll begin camping out in the living room; getting used to my equipment and to sleeping on the floor. Got to find out how this old body of mine reacts to not having a nice, plush mattress to sleep on. I’m getting ready for a great deal of pain!!! (My roommate will be mostly packed by Sunday night, ready to leave on Monday morning, so I may begin my living room camp out then.) Wish me luck…

The bike is very close to ready. I’ll need to do some last minute tuning and lubrication, plus adding the rearview mirror, but it seems to me I’ve pretty much figured out the loading problems and should be able to ride with the current configuration. The front end is a little slow to respond with the tent up there, but I have no other place to hang it so I’ll just have to get used to it. Shouldn’t take long, considering the amount of time I’ll be spending “in the saddle.”

I’m really looking forward to this experience. Many friends have told me how much they envy me; while also telling me they’re frightened for me. Only when I’m alone in bed late at night do I feel any fear. However, that quickly disappears when I wake in the morning and begin to contemplate my upcoming adventure anew. Since I have never done this type of traveling before, I do feel some trepidation but, with all the research I’ve done, and with nearly a year of thought and planning, I believe I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. (If I’m wrong, I’ll know soon enough.) Besides, I’ve done a great deal of traveling through the Rocky Mountain west and the southwest over the years, by car it’s true, which helps me to feel quite comfortable traveling here.

More than anything, I feel a great sense of anticipation. Whatever happens, I know, I’m in for a wonderful adventure…

Later