Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 12th Stop – Temecula / Escondido, CA
Tuesday I rode from Palm Springs through the mountains to Temecula and then down to Escondido. Most of the morning and early afternoon was spent climbing up to about 5,000 feet from sea level to cross the mountains. This saved me about 50 miles of detour to the north but I'm not sure I saved any time after doing it, In any case, it was the most physically challenging day of the trip so far and the climbing was fun. After arriving at a valley up in the mountains with a town called Anza, it began to snow as the winds picked up. These clouds were less than 500 feet off of the ground and going faster than anything I've seen before. Things became cold quickly and I layered as much as I could but I sent all of my winter gear back home after arriving at the CA border three days ago. After picking up some raking gloves and food from the local gas station, I pushed across the valley and finally descended into the Temecula wine country as the sun began to set.
Since the day took longer than anticipated due to the weather and altitude, I wasn't able to get to a vineyard for a celebratory glass of wine, so I set my eyes on another goal. I found the area bike lane maps online at the first Starbucks I've seen in a thousand miles and headed south to Escondido. My destination? Stone Brewing Company. To add to a physically arduous day, the bike path followed the old I-15 highway and rolled up and down mountains for the entire 30 mile stretch, and it was pouring rain. Yes, I sent my shoe covers back home as well. Currently my shoes are spending some quality time with the hair dryer. Back to the brewery, I arrived at Stone Brewing at 10:50 as they were beginning to close. Dripping from head to toe, I was told the bar was closed. My response of "Can I tell you a story?" and the ensuing conversation scored me a few beers and was able to hang out with staff for an hour or so.
Thinking about getting a hotel in the area but wanting to get closer to San Diego, I decided to get soaked again and ride another 20 miles after midnight to just north of the Miramar Marine base where I stayed for the night. A hot shower has never felt so good.
This morning I am off to the Ocean Beach pier and will be arriving at noon + or - 10 minutes. It is cloudy but I am hopeful for great weather to end this trip!
Small note: I am below my $2600 goal for this ride. If anyone would like to support the last two days of my ride for the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, please click the purple "Donate Now" icons above or below. Thank you all for your support.
Click the GPS SPOT BEACON link to see my current position!
Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 11th Stop – Palm Springs, CA
Monday seemed to go very fast but in actuality was about 120 miles over the course of 13 hours, including stops. Starting in Blythe I rode through the desert on Interstate 10, stopping at rest stops and the two small towns in between Blythe and Palm Springs. Due to the longer distances and uncertainty of when I would be able to stop for water, I refilled two extra bottles at each stop, though I haven't needed the 7 liter total capacity brought in bottles and my camelback.
While the desert was interesting, it all looked the same after a while and I found myself listening to the soundtrack of Nino Rota's 8 1/2 which made me feel even more crazy. The desert was getting to my head.
Things did become interesting for the final 30 miles into Palm Springs. I knew there would be a significant descent since I had climbed all day and the city is near sea level, but I was not mentally prepared for what I found. First off, I should say that I departed Chiriaco Summit in the dark after dinner. I had not yet ridden at night on the interstate and forgot about the easy daytime task of needing to dodge tire tread chunks and other debris. Though my bright tail-light strobe scared most semi-trucks and other vehicles into the left lane like a mouse scaring an elephant, I did try to use their headlights to sweep the dark shoulder for scattered items that might hurt me. Having the vehicles around was surprisingly a relief since they helped me see so much! My headlight only has about a 7 foot range when aimed at the ground to be bright enough to light the road. This became a bigger concern after I reached the Cactus City rest stop, the top of the descent into Palm Springs. As I started biking down the hill, I rapidly picked up speed to the tune of 30-40 mph. The headlight became useless and I began to rely more on others' headlights to identify obstacles in my path. Though it worked well when there were cars around, there were many sections of the fast 20 mile descent in which I either smashed over metal pieces and tire fragments or saw them in time to hop over the top of them. It became a game, if not a fun and dangerous one. The one time I was truly concerned was after a semi-truck activated its ear-splitting engine brakes right as he was passing me, though he was no closer than the other trucks. Fueling my adrenaline rush was the juxtaposition of the stressful frogger game with the gorgeous city and starry night sky coming into view as I descended into the valley. There was even a grouping of shooting stars that I saw while blasting down the interstate. This section, in addition to being fast, was certainly the most exciting part of the journey thus far. It took me a while to come down from the adrenaline rush after pulling into a truck stop in Coachella. I will not be touching another interstate for the rest of my journey through the mountains and down into San Diego, grazie Dio.
Small note: I am below my $2600 goal for this ride. If anyone would like to support the last two days of my ride for the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, please click the purple "Donate Now" icons above or below. Thank you all for your support.
Click the GPS SPOT BEACON link to see my current position!
Tomorrow I get to ride through Temecula wine country after climbing my last mountain out of Palm Desert, CA. I should get some good photos today! That said, I didn't get too many photos and didn't miss much of the desert but here are some random photographs from the day.
Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 10th Stop – Blythe, CA
Tonight I am making a combined post of my past two nights as I didn't have much in the way of internet access last night.
I splurged on a hotel in Prescott on Friday night and stayed at the Hassayampa Historic hotel. Wasn't that bad with a search on Kayak.com, but certainly wasn't a hay-bale trailer either. After getting geared up for the day I realized the armband to my GPS tracker had torn and would need to be resewn. On my way to the hotel breakfast, I stopped by the hotel counter to pick up an emergency sewing kit. After sitting down, I must have looked completely dumbfounded with the needle and thread. The ladies sitting next to me, Eloise and Tara, quickly offered help and my armband was back-stitched in no time. Both Eloise and Tara are writers and professors; their respective websites are www.eloisekleinhealy.com and www.taraison.com. See the album below for a group photo!
After getting a late start due to some tire-valve issues, I was on my way through the mountains southwest of Prescott which led me to Congress, AZ on the valley a few thousand feet below. I thought I was done climbing, but was very wrong. I climbed back up a couple thousand feet and was excited to find a cute town in a gorgeous place called Peoples Valley. I had wood-fired pizza at the most surprisingly awesome place called the T-Bird Cafe. They definitely get the best award for road-food. Finally descending to less than 2,000 feet in the mid to late afternoon, the desert floor was welcoming, as the temperature rocketed up to around 70F and the winds died down significantly. By nightfall I arrived in Aguila, AZ. This town is the most concerning place I have been so far. You can see in the photos below that the grocery store is surrounded by razor-wire. Something about the bartender at my dinner spot didn't sit with me very well either. He wouldn't let me bring my bike in and assured me it would be fine but kept making bizarre statements about it disappearing and me becoming stranded there. Needless to say, I scarfed my dinner and headed out. That was at about 8pm on Saturday night. I decided to keep riding towards California for another two hours and ended up in Salome, AZ. This is a cute agriculture town and after stopping to rest at the gas station, the family that runs it offered me a place to stay. They own a home used to house migrant farm workers during harvest and it wasn't occupied. Happy for a place to crash for a few hours, I gladly threw my sleeping bag on a cot and slept until early this morning.
Most of Sunday morning was on Route 60 until it dead-ended into Interstate 10. It was upward sloping terrain through some rocky foothills and many RV parks. Feeling my body craving for the usual mid-morning carbohydrate reload I came upon a saloon-like place called the Kofa Cafe, an old, gorgeous wood building with home-cooked meals and apparently amazing malts too. Some fellow Minnesotans were pulling into the parking lot at the same time, so I made sure to say hello and spread some mid-west love. The two couples, Larry and Jackie Hettle from New Hope, MN as well as Dick and Sandy Rassier from Outing, MN are snowbirds and live in Salome during the winter. They invited me to join them for breakfast and we talked about all graduating from the same high school in Minnetonka, MN and the same families we know. Small world. They even donated to the Lustgarten Foundation!
After finally reaching I-10, I awoke to the reality that would be my loud and windy interstate for the next two days and 180 miles. I thought that I left the severe, gusty winds at the higher elevations but was wrong. The ride from I-10 to the California border is one of the short sections of ride that can be classified as horrible so after arriving in Blythe, CA I decided to stay and regroup for the morning. I will be covering roughly 120 miles from here to Palm Springs, CA before my final ascent into mountains before arriving in San Diego on Wednesday.
Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 8th Stop – Prescott, AZ
Yesterday's rest day was great. Many thanks to Anna, Heather, Kristie and Marina for being wonderful hosts. Check out the photos below for a pic from the Pre-Thanksgiving Thanksgiving last night. I also want to thank John for providing a place for me to sleep last night!
I departed from Williams, AZ near the Grand Canyon this morning and arrived in Prescott, AZ this evening. The ride was good with some national forest lands and some sloping plains after coming down into the Chino Valley. I met a guy, Neil, outside of Prescott whose helmet is in a photo below. He gave me some tips on the local area and my ride out tomorrow morning down Hwy 89. I took his recommendation on a bike shop in town, as I haven't seen one since I left Denver. It was needed as my rear rim needed to be 'trued' or straightened, and I also needed to buy some more tubes since I used the first two I departed with. I'm excited for the drop from 5300 ft to 2000 ft. This is the last time I will have to climb back up to Denver's altitude. It should also give me a good speed boost. Tomorrow's stop is Wickenburg, AZ though I may try to reach Salome, AZ since it is 96 miles, which is closer to my daily goal than the 59 miles to Wickenburg.
Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 7th Stop – Grand Canyon, AZ
Wednesday was a good day. Despite waking up to a flat tire and losing significant time, the ride towards the Grand Canyon National Park entrance was a beautiful one.
I met two guys last night at the hotel in Cameron, Arnon and Issac, who are from Israel. Arnon had pancreatic cancer surgery a couple years ago and both were supportive of what I am doing. In addition to donating $40 to the Lustgarten Foundation for my ride, the three of us ended up hanging out along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for a few hours. These guys are awesome. If any of you need a hostel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, Arnon runs a hostel in each spot. If you're interested, check them out at www.telaviv-hostel.com and www.jerusalem-hostel.com. I've put a photo of the guys in the gallery below. Click on the photos to enlarge.
I want to give a big thanks to my friend Jake Harmon with whom I went to college. He worked this summer flying helicopter tours and was kind to connect me with some pilots from Papillon Helicopter Tours to stay with during my time here. Anna, Christie, Heather and Marina have been amazing hosts; thank you!
Shortly after arriving at the Grand Canyon Village I received news that Bonnie Helmberger, the woman for whom I am dedicating this ride, past away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. My heart and thoughts go out to Diana, Marie, Tony and the entire family. I am going to be staying at the Grand Canyon today and resuming the ride tomorrow morning.
Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 6th Stop – Cameron, AZ
Today was difficult, largely due to more gusty headwinds. I also had to make an impromptu visit to the chiropractor upon arriving in Tuba City. After he fixed me up I decided to extend my day by two hours and made it to Cameron, shortening tomorrow's climb to the Grand Canyon by about 25 miles. I'll leave you with more photos, as the sunset and decent out of Tuba City was beautiful. This evening was the first time I was able to take off a good amount of my weather/winter gear as well. Felt great to be riding in only a jersey, cycling shorts and wind pants. I have felt like the Michelin Man for the past week!
Finally, I'd like to remind you that I am 1/2 way to San Diego and still need to raise two thousand more for this to be a successful ride for myself and the goal I've set at the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. Please let friends and family know about what I am doing, it would mean a lot to me!
Good night all!
Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research: 5th Stop – Kayenta, AZ
Sleeping in the horse stable went well. My 15 degree sleeping bag kept me plenty warm until the snow started flying at 5am and the wind pushed it under the roof. All in all a success though sleeping at a hotel here in Kayenta, AZ will be more than welcome. Took a shower earlier to rinse off the smell of barn animals.
Today was another great day, covering over 76 miles. There were only two places to stop, both in the morning, so I had to stock up on snacks and water. Speaking of snacks; I have no idea how many calories I am consuming but it is safe to say that I'm tripling what I usually do and I never feel full! Some online sources say that I'm likely burning 5-6 thousand calories per day. Yikes! Keeping my legs spinning for eight hours with little intermission makes it necessary to eat a lot and often to avoid what many riders call "The Bonk", the point where overexertion and lack of fuel meet.
Though I don't think I've bonked out yet, I have gotten a bit weird on the rides. I enjoyed saying hello to the passing high-voltage power line structures along the way. The same lines crossed back and forth over the road every 7-14 miles and seeing them again was refreshing and familiar in an odd way. It is interesting how the mind preoccupies itself in the absence of people or music, as my headphones aren't working. I have a few videos that will confirm my altered state of mind while riding but am far too tired to upload them tonight. Perhaps I will tomorrow if I get into Tuba City, AZ early enough.
Here are three photos of my trip today, though my phone/camera was dead before I was able to charge it at lunch.
Click to enlarge.
4th Stop – Teec Nos Pas – Ride to Fund Pancreatic Cancer Research
Tonight I'm sleeping in a hay bale shelter in Teec Nos Pas, AZ. Think of the storybook description of a cowboy, or baby Jesus sleeping on stacks of hay and you've got me and my bike. Oh yeah, Bonnie and Clyde, the farm dogs are guarding me. It is warmer here, shouldn't get below 30 F tonight and tomorrow will be around 50 F.
Today was a good ride. The major irritant of the day was the 20 mph wind, gusting to 35 mph. I'm quickly learning that each day has its themed ups and downs. It's all good stuff though. The scenery was gorgeous as I approached Four Corners and past the Sleeping Ute mountains. It really does look like a sleeping person with its arms crossed. Going to Four Corners Monument was fun, if not cheesy too. Something about the ability to be in four states at once was fun.
Random road observations:
1. People drink a lot WHILE driving. The number one thing on the side of the road are beer cans and bottles.
2. The Ute and Navajo lands have a disproportionately larger number of malted beers/drinks. Mike's Hard Lemonade is a hit here.
3. Lots of people lose bungee cords.
4. People with handicap license plates are the least likely to scoot an inch for the respectful, shoulder riding biker.
5. Surprisingly, big gas-guzzling pickup trucks are the most likely. Thank you!
6. All animals (dog, buffalo, horse, cow, sheep, llama, goat) are curious what the orange man on the bike is up to and don't look away.
Forgive grammatical errors. I'm writing this from my phone, as my stable doesn't have wifi. Imagine that.
3rd Stop – Bayfield, CO
I started out just up towards the Sangre De Cristo mountain range near Villa Grove. I got a later start but left around 9:30am.
My first stop was Saguache, where I got a late breakfast at the First Street Cafe. The waitress took a blurry photo, but these cowboys were excited to give me advice on my route across Arizona and even gave me some cash after buying my breakfast!
After Saguache, I spent most of the day riding on the smoothest roads yet to Del Norte and then up the valley to South Fork after crossing the Rio Grande.
After arriving at the bottom of Wolf Creek Pass, Kimberly Wiggins, a friend from Metro State picked me up and brought me to my rest stop for the night in Bayfield, CO. Due to snow, the lack of a shoulder on the road, and the gearing on my bike; it was not feasible for me to climb the pass. It is nice to have a comfortable place to stay tonight and some home-cooked green chile! Onwards to Four Corners NM, AZ, CO and UT tomorrow!
2nd Stop – Villa Grove
Howdy all! I'm a bit tired so am only going to drop some photos and descriptions. I made it from Colorado Springs to Villa Grove today. Today was so much better than yesterday in terms of weather, scenery, terrain. To top it off, I keep meeting the amazing and benevolent people. The trip is turning more into an adventure than just a bike ride. Sure, I may be getting help here and there, but the people I have met have added so much to the journey.
Aaron, my host last night.
Jay Bouton and I met up at The Owl in Canon City this morning after I arrived. Also in the photo is Rocky Mitchell of the band Flash Cadillac. Mike Merlino, another local restaurateur, took the photo! Thank you all for breakfast!
Dan and Devon helped me out this morning with the initial climb out of Canon City. Thanks guys! Devon and I discussed his current plans to bike across the country with 30-40 people to support ministry. We swapped advice and life was good.
My ride from Canon City to Salida / Poncha Springs followed the Arkansas River, which made the day much more scenic and interesting than yesterday's. This particular photo was interesting because that bush is covered in knit flowers... Random.
Here is a photo of my hallelujah moment upon descending out of the Arkansas River Canyon where the valley opened up to Salida.
Annie found me at the beginning of Poncha Pass and happened to live right where I was going, Villa Grove! She is such a sweetheart stuffing my bike and gear into her car, not to forget that she saved my fatigued body from the Poncha Pass climb.
Finally up at my stop for the night, not far from Villa Grove I was able to watch the sunset just in time.
Another example of the great people I'm meeting on this trip. The Maccallum family & Co hung out around the fire and gave me a bunch of their roasted veggies. I was in for a night of PB&J and apples; yay for warm food.
Finally the sun set and here I am writing this post. It may not be the best formatted nor clear but I am exhausted. I have an 80+ mile ride tomorrow but am going to go soak in the hot springs here. Goodnight all.