June 29, 2008: Finally the RideForJim duo have access to a computer at a campground halfway between Moran Junction and Dubois, WY so a more detailed blog can be entered. Most of the bloggin has been done using Philip's iPhone which Jack's fat fingers have trouble typing on.
We find ourselves moving along pretty much on target time wise. The ride has been every bit as challenging as Jack expected but after three weeks in the saddle the days are becoming more routine and the legs and butt are now conditioned to spend seven to eight hours grinding out the miles. Today was the second highest climb of the entire ride. It was over Togwotee Pass at 9,658 feet. The highest peak comes just past Keystone, CO in 9 days or so. The climbs are just long and slow, going in the lowest gear at between 4 an 6 MPH. The weather has been absolutely perfect except for the first three days when we had gloomy drippy cold to contend with and, you may recall, tire problems and tendon issues which still are not resolved.
Some possibly interesting asides from the trip thus far:
Jack has had ample time to take note of the various types of debris scattered along the road. The most common article along the road side he has seen is bungee cords, especially in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Do the people in those states ever arrive with any of their bungess still attached???? They are everywhere along the road.
In contrast the road sides in Montana are absolutely spotless. Jack saw one bag of trash that must have escaped from a load and ONE plastic bottle along the road side. That was it for the whole state. If Lynn Watkins, our former neighbor who organized the twice annual road site clean up where we live in Doswell, is reading this, you would LOVE Montana. Bill would too, well maybe not, they do have winter there.
Concerning road kill: The most common victim in Montana is the skunk. Hugh Campbell, can trap the skunk under our front porch you should bring it to Montana. It must be an endangered species here.
The tent used for camping on the trip is very high tech but, sadly did not come with satallite hookup, high def TV or a DVD player. So Philip and Jack have been entertaining themselves reading portions of a couple books, mostly "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson. They recommend it as a great read. It is about Bill's attempt to hike the Appalacian Trail with a friend, but it is interesting that there are many points of commonality with a TransAmerica Bike ride. For one example he notes that distances on foot are much different than distances in a car. The same is true on a bike. Taking a 5 mile detour on a bike is something to think about. He also has a deep concern about grizzely bear attacks. Our duo is currenty in Grizzely Country south of Yellowstone with ample warnings on all picnic tables. One night when Jack was camping alone at a very privitive site along the Bitter Root River, he barely slept thinking about Bill's description of bear attacks. Actually that's not true at all. He slept like a baby he was so tried and actually did not care if a bear attacked. Bill Bryson also has a vivid description of Gatlinburg, TN which P &J have decided could easily fit West Yellowstone, MO. If you have never been there you probably don't need to make the effort. This book is a great read and has provided many evenings of pleasant reading. Fortunatly there is no one on the trip that fits the description of Katz in the book.
Another random fact, a Bianchi Volpe, Jack's bike, is capable of catapaulting down a steep grade at 43.5 MPH.
At most stopping points there is some curious onlooker who wants to know where Jack is riding to or from. This happens at resturants, water stops, waiting for Old Faithful to erupt, or historical markers along the way. In answering their questions we mention that the ride is in memory of our friend, Jim and give them a sticky note with the web site on it. In several cases the people have given us a donation to the fund on the spot. This morning a lady spoke to Jack at a rest area and mentioned that her sister died of breast cancer six months ago and gave him $20 for the fund. One cook at a Minit Mart where Jack was having biscuts and gravey (B&G) in Montana, had a lymphoma that was treated 18 years ago with a bone marrow transplant. There are just a few of the many similar events that have occured.
Many times Jack meets long distance riders coming from the other direction and the always stop to talk and compare information about what challenges have just passed and what lies ahead. It is a sort of fellowship out there with a sort of instant bonding.
Time for our duo to call it a day in order to ride on tomorrow.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support and interest in this adventure. If any of you were spelling bee winners the writer apologizes for the errors. He never won a spelling bee in his life and hopes your eyes aren't bleeding from the typing errors and lack of a spell check.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
commercialized and a little disgusting. Many RV's park here because
one entrance to Yellowstone Park is here. In any case, today we will
see Old Faithful and camp in the park tonight. Tomorrow we will be
through Yellowstone on the Wyoming side.
The past few days in Montana have been wonderful. We stayed in
Jackson and Cameron, both very remote towns with kind people. Jackson
had a natural hot spring with a great rustic lodge. We met a group of
eight teenagers who were riding along the Lewis and Clark trip with
their teachers one bicycles. Also we met Walter who is riding
transamerica to Brooklyn. He told interesting stories from his time
as a 9/11 survivor.
The weather is working out beautifully and the ride is actually ahead
of schedule a little bit.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Here in Jackson
challenging part was a three hour climb up Chief Joseph Pass.
Philip called a truce with his knees so he will drive the support
vehicle until a better settlement can be negotiated.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
of riding for Davis and Jack. What a beautiful spot rimmed by
snowcapped mountains, blue sky overhead, low humidity and temps in the
70-80's. Gosh, a lot like richmond. Now it's time catch up on some
blog.
Friday: June 20, 2008 One important feature of Missoula is the
outstanding diner we found for breakfast. They serve these thin
sliced potato items that Jack loves. Davis was leaving the ride on
Saturday so after b-fast his bike went to the bike shop to be packaged
for shipment back to Richmond. Jack's bike also went to the shop to
have more gears added for the long sloooow climbs up the mts. His
Bianchi now has a new casset, derailer and chain. That afternoon
the group ran into the "Sacramento Four" the four guys Jack and Davis
met two days ago on the road. They all had dinner together that
evening and exchanged stories of all the strange on-the-road tails.
Most were probably, maybe, true.
Saturday: June 21, 2008 After breakfast at our new favorite diner,
Jack's bike with the newly acquired very low gears was picked up. He
can't wait to try it out on the road. Sadly, Davis left us at noon.
He has been the best traveling-cycling companion ever, a strong
rider, creative in solving any problem, and always upbeat. Thank you,
Davis, for being on the first part of the ride. That evening Philip
and Jack met Gary and Dave from the "Sacramento Four" for Mexican fare
and good conversation. They leave tomorrow for White Fish, MO. Safe
traveling, guys. It was great meeting up with you on the road.
Sunday: June 22, 2008 Philip and Jack researched Lutheran churches
in Missoula and decided on St. Paul Lutheran. It turned out to be a
great choice. Their fears that arriving for the service at 8:30
looking like cyclist (the only clothes they have with them now) might
raise some eyebrows were quickly laid to rest. Tom and Donna greeted
them warmly as did the entire congregation. The service was
uplifting and the post-service coffee and pastries refreshed the
body. Pastor Chris Flohr gave them a special tour of the newly
refurbished pipe organ and offered a prayer for their safety as they
departed. The highlight of the weekend was meeting up with Jim Popp's
parents, Alan and Jean Popp, for lunch. They have been coming to
Montana for many years to vacation in June and coincidently they were
going to be close to Missoula today. They treated Philip and Jack to
a lunch. It was very moving to have the chance to meet up with them
and feel a real connection through them with Jim, Barbra, Nicole,
Kyle, Brent, Reed, Grant, Mark, Brenda, Jeff, and Robin. Thank you
Alan and Jean for a great lunch and coming down here so we could be
together.
They are hoping that the tendonitis in Philip's knees has healed
sufficiently that they can ride on tomorrow. It is time to get back
on the road. We will keep you posted.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Later that afternoon (Jun 17) Jack and Davis had MORE rhubarb pie in
Syringa, Idaho. The innkeeper in Lowell named Laura claimed to know
Richmond well. In fact she had many fond memories there as a clown
with the Barnum and Bailey circus. The Three Rivers Resort there also
claims the honor of hosting Art Garfunkel nearly every year for his
introspective retreats.
Wed Jun 18
This day's ride was through over 60 miles of unspoiled wilderness but
unfortunately that meant no convenient places to stop for food so the
team loaded up on huge plates if pancakes to last the day and packed a
lunch as well.
Midday the team met a Durch cyclist named Louie headed the other way.
In the evening the riders stopped in Powell at a primitive cabin with
no bathroom - the Locksaw Lodge. The Locksaw River is high this year
so many rafters and kayakers were making the best ofthe conditions.
Day 11 - Thurs Jun 19
60 miles to Missoula
The started up to Lolo pass, a 1500 foot climb which was the biggest
climb yet. Half way up the riders met an interesting character named
Tom who was pulling a fully loaded two wheeled cart behind his
bicycle. Tom was making some adjustments to his load which included a
full sized bicycle pump and a caged pigeon. Jack needed to use the
pump so he got an earful of stories and complaints about everything
from Tom's ex-wife to the evil intentions of the bicycle industry to
his opinions about various religious groups. At the top of the pass
the riders met a car restorer named Magic who was driving his totally
phenominal '48 Buick car. The Richmond Model A club will love the
pictures of it! While eating at the restaurant at Lolo hot springs a
man walked in with a cello case. Davis and this cellist, Dale,
proceeded to entertain the restaurant with the stylings of Bach.
Amazingly nobody seemed to notice the spandex-clad cyclist belting out
portions of the Bach cello suites.
After Lolo pass it was smooth sailing downhill to Missoula.
first phase of the journey. This is the end of the ride for Davis,
who will fly back to Virginia tomorrow.
It's time to catch up on some past days now that the riders are back
in the civilized land of cell phone coverage.
Tuesday June 17th was a 76 mile ride from Winchester to Lowell,
Idaho. Rolling roads for the first 20 miles. Jack and Davis met a
doctor making house calls just as a bee flew up Jack's shirt and stung
him two times. The doctor did not treat the wounds because he was
jealous that he was not on the ride as well. In Kamiah the riders met
three young westbound cyclists and enjoyed some delicious strawberry
rhubarb pie.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Astoria photos
Astoria last week. Here are some of the pictures from that grey
Oregon day.
The large tower is a monument to Lewis and Clark overlooking the mouth
of the Columbia River where they first found the Pacific Ocean with
much apparent jubilation.
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
of the day was climbing the "Old Winchester Grade" out of a small town
named Culdesac. These 13 miles took two hours to cover with much time
spent grinding away in low gear at 4 miles per hour.
In the evening the Ride For Jim crew met four cyclists from
Sacramento: Dave Spencer, Rex Sager, Gary Hodges, and Dave Howard.
This group of guys is on the road from Portland, Oregon to Whitefish,
Montana.
Another highlight was meeting Ernie Steckman who explained the
historical relevence of the town - it is the home of the famous
Winchester rifle.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
What a ride. Most of the day was spent on the fairly narrow road of
state highway 12. One of the highlights was a historical marker
indicating the actual footpath where Nez Pierce Indians led Lewis and
Clark. Amazing that the path still exists in the same location!
A diet of ice cream, Italian food, and Subway sandwiches is providing
the fuel for the riders. Jack thinks he'll get a free "sub club"
sandwich pretty soon, and wishes he had started accumulating those
points earlier.
Hotel rooms are in order again, and it seems that this option is more
convenient than camping on this part of the route.
and Davis have been enjoying the "big food" of the Northwest. So far
they have discovered gigantic three scoop ice cream cones which were
the smallest of four sizes, and yesterday Davis did battle with a half-
stack of pancakes at a truck stop. The pancakes won.
Yesterday the team covered 63 miles and today they will approach
Idaho's border. The weather is beautiful again.
Happy father's day, everyone!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
from Biggs yesterday. Also the drizzle has yielded to some actual
summer conditions. With luck, snow won't be a problem in the
mountains because Montana can get heavy snowfall any time of the year.
Unfortunately, Philip is sitting out for a week because of tendonitis
in both knees. He will rejoin Jack in Missoula where Davis will end
his two week ride.
Jack and Davis met an interesting German fellow named Rudy yesterday.
He is an experienced bicyclist who spends two months a year in the
states so he was able to offer some advice on the route. Rudy was
unable to join the riders this year because he is busy piloting one of
the only RV's that's not trying to crowd the riders off the road.
The Lewis and Clark trail has offered some interesting landmarks.
Although much of the riding has been on busy roads and interstate
highways, the route also has included scenic byways along the
Columbia river and an amazing tower overlooking Astoria.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Day 2
> Day 2 complete. We are back in Portland but unfortunately are count
> is down by one rider. The esteemed Don Schubert has headed back to
> Richmond, mainly because the traffic we have seen is far beyond what
> we expected or enjoy.
>
> Today Davis, Jack and Philip rode from St Helens about 30 miles
> toward Portland, then tackled a brutally steep climb of 1000 feet on
> a side road to escape the logging trucks. The ride down the other
> side of the hill into Portland was a blast.
>
> The main logistical task of the day was replacing the split tire on
> Philip's bike, and the kind people at bike gallery fixed the
> problem. Two Kevlar tires will have a much better chance of
> surviving the summer' torture test.
>
> Sadly, tomorrow is the last day the riders will have the luxury of a
> support vehicle because Nancy is flying back to Virginia. This
> means 30 extra pounds for each rider. Oof.
>
> Although 'Bike Gallery' Is a close second, the 'establishment of the
> day' is Gustav's - an authentic German brewpub. Don't miss this
> place if you're ever hungry in Portland
9 June 08
> A long and eventful first day. First many thanks to Matthew and
> Scott at Bikes and Beyond in Portland. We shipped our bikes to them
> from Virginia and they helped us assemble and tune them. There were
> Many problems so thanks again guys.
>
> We started the day out right with blueberry pancakes in Astoria. A
> good way to celebrate one's birthday. Today was very cool and
> drizzly but the worst part was horrible traffic all day on route
> 30. I think RV drivers don't realize how big - and dangerous- they
> are.
>
> The big mishap was a half inch slice on my back tire - I hope the
> patch holds up until I can find a replacement in Portland.
>
> St. Helens is nothing amazing. I was looking forward to Oregon but
> so far, nothing special. Maybe you have to climb the cascade
> mountains to get the spectacular views. After today, I can tell you
> we're not quite ready for that. Just ask my knees!