I was scheduled to leave on Sunday, June 14th, 2015. This was just a few days after the end of the school year. I was rearing to go. All my gear was in order. My rough itinerary that I've been working on for the past few months was set. My bike was all loaded down with gear in the garage. The plan was simple. I was to leave Salem and head south. When I hit Eugene I would head over the mountains and meet Dennis Skully, an older gentleman that would join me on most of my adventure. I did not know Dennis, but talking with him via Facebook, he seemed like a decent guy and I was looking forward to the company. He was from Cheyenne, Wyoming and by the time I was ready to leave, he and his bike had already booked a flight to Bend where he was staying with some buddies for a few days before heading south to meet up with me. This was exciting. I was nervous but intrigued. I couldn't wait to get out on the road...to the only thing that made sense anymore...riding a bicycle.
I woke early on the morning of June 14th, quickly dressed, and scarfed down a breakfast of cheerios just as my Mom came in groggily telling me that she would've been happy to make me a hot breakfast to send me on my way. I kind of felt bad. I suppose the eagerness to depart was too much. The call of the road was out there. Adventure beckoned. This was it. But first, I had to make myself presentable to the open road. As I was taking a shower, something happened that would change the course of this whole ordeal. I bent down and my back gave out. I hit the floor in immense pain. As I laid there for several minutes, I wasn't quite sure what had just happened. This can't have happened. Not now. Not ever. Just a few minutes before my departure of a grand bike adventure, this has to happen. Why? As I stumbled out of the bathroom and sat on the couch, I looked up at my parents were sitting, sipping coffee. "Here's the deal. Something has happened..." and I explained my sudden back pain. This was devastating at the least...
Sitting on the couch with some heat, then ice, then heat, etc...was not exactly what I had in mind for the beginning of summer. At least I didn't have to report to work or any other obligations. But this was not an "at least" moment. I was aggravated. I was frustrated. I did not quite understand what was going on. I would sit there for a few hours with my Dad close by to see if I was better in a few hours. There was still time to head out the door that day. My plan was to ride to Corvallis the first day out. As the minutes turned to hours, I began to worry. Lunch time came and went. The pain in my back did not relieve. As I moved around the house to get some blood flowing, I quickly understood that I would have to postpone my trip until at least tomorrow or the day after.
After no visible signs of relief, it was time to call the doctor and make an appointment. My primary care physician recently retired, so this would be my first visit and experience with a new doctor. He was a doctor that came highly recommended though. Before seeing the doctor, I had tried everything I could...pain killers, ice packs, heat pads, icy hot cream, stretches, exercises, online resources, research...I even ordered a book that had some interesting insight. My Dad was reading it too. He wanted to heal me as much as I did. Nothing seemed to work. I was just in pain. That was the short of it. I was quite reluctant to visit the doctor's office. I knew all he would do was ask some questions, give me some pointers and give me some pain killers and tell me to do exactly what I've been doing with the ice, heat and rest...The first visit that is basically exactly what happened. I took some muscle relaxants and other pain killers periodically for a few days but my back was in severe pain. After a few days of inactivity, I started to get up and do some walks and lay out in the sun to get some natural heat. I was bound to try anything. I was in no condition to sit hunched over a bike for months on end. I longed to see Monument Valley, the iconic cowboy arena. I love westerns and have wanted to make this pilgrimage to the frontier valley where John Wayne and many other cowboys had made movies. But I knew I couldn't begin this adventure until my back was better, until I was stronger.
And so I sat and sat, read books, watched movies, researching online articles, asking advice, completing stretches, and the days passed on by. I was in communication with Dennis Skully who was to meet me. I felt bad to have let him down. It came to the point where he was unable to wait further and thus departed on his own Cascade Lakes tour up through the north. Maybe it was for the best I go alone...if I ever get to leave that is. Dennis had tried to convince me to do a different route. I think he was a bit nervous of the desert in the middle of the summer. It was going to be bloody hot and with no resources within miles, it would be quite the challenge. But you see, that is what I am all about...challenges. Monument Valley wasn't going to move locations. That is my goal. I was a bit stubborn. But in my defense, I had spent that last year planning this trip. I wasn't going to pull out now! He wasn't the only one who didn't believe in my trip. I asked advice in some bicycle touring columns and one guy even asked me if I wanted to die. How ominous is that? The general consensus was to do something else...leave the heat of the sun in the desert. I asked my Dad, who I knew cared about me, if I was crazy to do such a thing and his response was, "Well, if you are wise and careful, like I know you always are, you should be fine." Yes, I was anxious and part of me was a little scared of what was to come. But isn't that all a part of adventure? Adventure is about new experiences, about challenge about defying the odds and overcoming obstacles, finding something new, meeting people and stepping out of the boat and into the water...this was exciting...that is, if I was ever fit enough to leave my front door.
On one of my doctor visits, I asked him point blank if he recommended that I stay and get healed or if my epic bike journey was a possibility. I had made peace with the idea that I may have to stay homebound, or at least statebound this summer. Whatever the doctor said would go. And I was okay with that. A week or two had passed and my back was still in pain. It was getting better. I was taking it easy, doing my stretches and exercises and resting. And it was healing...slowly, slowly...and I was praying, praying. The doctor did not forbid me from riding long distances. He said, if I felt up to it, then I should go and have the time of my life. I would just need to keep an eye and make sure things were in order, not pushing too hard, etc. A few more days had passed and my back was finally getting much better. At this point, it seemed to my parents that I would be staying home for at least awhile. During my couch-ridden weeks I took that time to reevaluate my itinerary to see if I left at a certain date, could I still make it in time or would I need to alter something? The problem was that Monument Valley, the very place I wanted to travel to was so far away and I would need the whole allotted time to make the trek. And if I did not leave soon, I would be forced to abandon this endeavor and probably have to do a shorter trip somewhere. The longer I sat, the harder it was to get out and motivated to leave again. My other problem was my deadline. I initially wanted to be back by August 7th to attend a memorial of my good friend Jason who had died a few years earlier. We were to meet with friends and family to spread his ashes at a place dear to his heart. As luck would have it, his mom had to postpone the date until later in the summer which ended up being August 21st. Given that information, there was now a possibility I could make it now! I saw the doctor, I took my medication, I did my stretches...there really wasn't a whole lot more I could do except wait...and waiting was getting old and boring. My pain was relieving some. It was at the end of June when I decided a natural time for me to depart would be the first of July...the start of a new beginning. So I announced to my parents that this was the date I was to leave. I had to do this trip as I had told so many friends and family of the plans of my adventure...I just had to leave. This was going to happen. I had no choice. Adventure or bust...and I sure as hell did not want to bust.
I woke up on July 1st (weighing 175 pounds as my starting weight) with a new zest for life...or at least a new zest for bike travel. My Dad awoke with me and I relaxed that morning and did my routine easily and everything went okay. My back did ache here and there, but it was a lot better. It wasn't all better, but it was improving. I wanted to do what I had set out and planned the past year to do...this was my time, my trip, my adventure...My Dad saw me out as I mounted my faithful steed and rode out of the driveway...rolling south...
I woke early on the morning of June 14th, quickly dressed, and scarfed down a breakfast of cheerios just as my Mom came in groggily telling me that she would've been happy to make me a hot breakfast to send me on my way. I kind of felt bad. I suppose the eagerness to depart was too much. The call of the road was out there. Adventure beckoned. This was it. But first, I had to make myself presentable to the open road. As I was taking a shower, something happened that would change the course of this whole ordeal. I bent down and my back gave out. I hit the floor in immense pain. As I laid there for several minutes, I wasn't quite sure what had just happened. This can't have happened. Not now. Not ever. Just a few minutes before my departure of a grand bike adventure, this has to happen. Why? As I stumbled out of the bathroom and sat on the couch, I looked up at my parents were sitting, sipping coffee. "Here's the deal. Something has happened..." and I explained my sudden back pain. This was devastating at the least...
Sitting on the couch with some heat, then ice, then heat, etc...was not exactly what I had in mind for the beginning of summer. At least I didn't have to report to work or any other obligations. But this was not an "at least" moment. I was aggravated. I was frustrated. I did not quite understand what was going on. I would sit there for a few hours with my Dad close by to see if I was better in a few hours. There was still time to head out the door that day. My plan was to ride to Corvallis the first day out. As the minutes turned to hours, I began to worry. Lunch time came and went. The pain in my back did not relieve. As I moved around the house to get some blood flowing, I quickly understood that I would have to postpone my trip until at least tomorrow or the day after.
After no visible signs of relief, it was time to call the doctor and make an appointment. My primary care physician recently retired, so this would be my first visit and experience with a new doctor. He was a doctor that came highly recommended though. Before seeing the doctor, I had tried everything I could...pain killers, ice packs, heat pads, icy hot cream, stretches, exercises, online resources, research...I even ordered a book that had some interesting insight. My Dad was reading it too. He wanted to heal me as much as I did. Nothing seemed to work. I was just in pain. That was the short of it. I was quite reluctant to visit the doctor's office. I knew all he would do was ask some questions, give me some pointers and give me some pain killers and tell me to do exactly what I've been doing with the ice, heat and rest...The first visit that is basically exactly what happened. I took some muscle relaxants and other pain killers periodically for a few days but my back was in severe pain. After a few days of inactivity, I started to get up and do some walks and lay out in the sun to get some natural heat. I was bound to try anything. I was in no condition to sit hunched over a bike for months on end. I longed to see Monument Valley, the iconic cowboy arena. I love westerns and have wanted to make this pilgrimage to the frontier valley where John Wayne and many other cowboys had made movies. But I knew I couldn't begin this adventure until my back was better, until I was stronger.
And so I sat and sat, read books, watched movies, researching online articles, asking advice, completing stretches, and the days passed on by. I was in communication with Dennis Skully who was to meet me. I felt bad to have let him down. It came to the point where he was unable to wait further and thus departed on his own Cascade Lakes tour up through the north. Maybe it was for the best I go alone...if I ever get to leave that is. Dennis had tried to convince me to do a different route. I think he was a bit nervous of the desert in the middle of the summer. It was going to be bloody hot and with no resources within miles, it would be quite the challenge. But you see, that is what I am all about...challenges. Monument Valley wasn't going to move locations. That is my goal. I was a bit stubborn. But in my defense, I had spent that last year planning this trip. I wasn't going to pull out now! He wasn't the only one who didn't believe in my trip. I asked advice in some bicycle touring columns and one guy even asked me if I wanted to die. How ominous is that? The general consensus was to do something else...leave the heat of the sun in the desert. I asked my Dad, who I knew cared about me, if I was crazy to do such a thing and his response was, "Well, if you are wise and careful, like I know you always are, you should be fine." Yes, I was anxious and part of me was a little scared of what was to come. But isn't that all a part of adventure? Adventure is about new experiences, about challenge about defying the odds and overcoming obstacles, finding something new, meeting people and stepping out of the boat and into the water...this was exciting...that is, if I was ever fit enough to leave my front door.
On one of my doctor visits, I asked him point blank if he recommended that I stay and get healed or if my epic bike journey was a possibility. I had made peace with the idea that I may have to stay homebound, or at least statebound this summer. Whatever the doctor said would go. And I was okay with that. A week or two had passed and my back was still in pain. It was getting better. I was taking it easy, doing my stretches and exercises and resting. And it was healing...slowly, slowly...and I was praying, praying. The doctor did not forbid me from riding long distances. He said, if I felt up to it, then I should go and have the time of my life. I would just need to keep an eye and make sure things were in order, not pushing too hard, etc. A few more days had passed and my back was finally getting much better. At this point, it seemed to my parents that I would be staying home for at least awhile. During my couch-ridden weeks I took that time to reevaluate my itinerary to see if I left at a certain date, could I still make it in time or would I need to alter something? The problem was that Monument Valley, the very place I wanted to travel to was so far away and I would need the whole allotted time to make the trek. And if I did not leave soon, I would be forced to abandon this endeavor and probably have to do a shorter trip somewhere. The longer I sat, the harder it was to get out and motivated to leave again. My other problem was my deadline. I initially wanted to be back by August 7th to attend a memorial of my good friend Jason who had died a few years earlier. We were to meet with friends and family to spread his ashes at a place dear to his heart. As luck would have it, his mom had to postpone the date until later in the summer which ended up being August 21st. Given that information, there was now a possibility I could make it now! I saw the doctor, I took my medication, I did my stretches...there really wasn't a whole lot more I could do except wait...and waiting was getting old and boring. My pain was relieving some. It was at the end of June when I decided a natural time for me to depart would be the first of July...the start of a new beginning. So I announced to my parents that this was the date I was to leave. I had to do this trip as I had told so many friends and family of the plans of my adventure...I just had to leave. This was going to happen. I had no choice. Adventure or bust...and I sure as hell did not want to bust.
I woke up on July 1st (weighing 175 pounds as my starting weight) with a new zest for life...or at least a new zest for bike travel. My Dad awoke with me and I relaxed that morning and did my routine easily and everything went okay. My back did ache here and there, but it was a lot better. It wasn't all better, but it was improving. I wanted to do what I had set out and planned the past year to do...this was my time, my trip, my adventure...My Dad saw me out as I mounted my faithful steed and rode out of the driveway...rolling south...
July 1 (Salem, Oregon to Corvallis, 36.62 miles) - Salem, Independence, Monmouth, Adair Village, Corvallis. Well, I am now starting again after a long bout of inactivity in June. I had some set backs, but alas, I am making the plunge before it's too late. I left Salem at 10:15am and made my way to historic Independence. On River Road I heard a whizzzz coming up behind me. A racer on a bike zoomed past me like I was standing still. Good for him. I bet he's not going to Monument Valley! I passed Adair Village and a sign to my high school...the first sign to my high school I've seen since graduating 13 years ago. I took some leftover pizza with me to eat for lunch and I stopped at Sarah Helmick State Park, just south of Monmouth to eat. I called Dad and told him that it may not be a half hour later like Mom wanted me to call, but I am on my way...It sure is a hot day...wheww...but I made it to Corvallis intact. I stopped at Burger King to get my first ice cream. The guy in there told me I reminded him of someone who stopped in yesterday who was riding from Portland and asked for two cookies. He said, really? You're riding from Portland and all you want are a couple cookies? You don't want something more sustaining? I silently listened. Whereas he did have a point, I couldn't help but think that outsiders, people not in-tuned to bicycle travel, are ignorant of what it causes. Ha.
I don't think it ever got this warm on my last trip down the coast - maybe in central OR, who knows. I was a little dizzy but I got over that - my back is hurting some which is expected. LORD, please heal and strengthen my back! You can make me clean if You are willing! As least I made it to Corvallis. I had a warmshowers contact here. I found Jeff & Bettina's house okay. I had to be there at 4:00 or after. Since I got to town earlier, I found a park to hang out it for awhile. It is different to having a WS host the first night out. It seems like cheating in a way. I was eager to use my new tent. I'll use it yet! haha. It's a very quiet neighborhood - I like it. God bless those with the gift of hospitality. Jeff and his wife Bettina have a very friendly young Golden Retriever named Caden. They are a nice couple. Bettina was from New Zealand and they had bicycle toured in New Zealand, Germany, Iceland, Canada, and a few other interesting places in Europe and abroad. I enjoyed their company and picking their brains. They served some great appetizers and dinner or rice with asparagus and chicken and salad. I hope to one day be well traveled like they were. They've been everywhere cycling and traveling....lovely couple to chat with. Iceland - New Zealand - Germany - British Columbia - Thailand - Southeast Asia! They've been to a lot internationally - getting me hooked. I told them of places I wished to travel in and to which happened to mostly be in the USA and Canada. Jeff asked me if I wanted to tour anywhere internationally. The thought had intrigued me. I do want to do Iceland for sure. He showed me some pictures in a magazine of an Iceland tour. I would also like to go to New Zealand and Austrailia. I took another piece of chicken, more than I could eat. They tried to fatten me up knowing that I need the calories, but alas, since this was my very start of my journey, I didn't need all that much. I wasn't that stinky, dirty or hurting...but I was so grateful of dinner and a hot shower and a warm bed to start things off right!
I don't think it ever got this warm on my last trip down the coast - maybe in central OR, who knows. I was a little dizzy but I got over that - my back is hurting some which is expected. LORD, please heal and strengthen my back! You can make me clean if You are willing! As least I made it to Corvallis. I had a warmshowers contact here. I found Jeff & Bettina's house okay. I had to be there at 4:00 or after. Since I got to town earlier, I found a park to hang out it for awhile. It is different to having a WS host the first night out. It seems like cheating in a way. I was eager to use my new tent. I'll use it yet! haha. It's a very quiet neighborhood - I like it. God bless those with the gift of hospitality. Jeff and his wife Bettina have a very friendly young Golden Retriever named Caden. They are a nice couple. Bettina was from New Zealand and they had bicycle toured in New Zealand, Germany, Iceland, Canada, and a few other interesting places in Europe and abroad. I enjoyed their company and picking their brains. They served some great appetizers and dinner or rice with asparagus and chicken and salad. I hope to one day be well traveled like they were. They've been everywhere cycling and traveling....lovely couple to chat with. Iceland - New Zealand - Germany - British Columbia - Thailand - Southeast Asia! They've been to a lot internationally - getting me hooked. I told them of places I wished to travel in and to which happened to mostly be in the USA and Canada. Jeff asked me if I wanted to tour anywhere internationally. The thought had intrigued me. I do want to do Iceland for sure. He showed me some pictures in a magazine of an Iceland tour. I would also like to go to New Zealand and Austrailia. I took another piece of chicken, more than I could eat. They tried to fatten me up knowing that I need the calories, but alas, since this was my very start of my journey, I didn't need all that much. I wasn't that stinky, dirty or hurting...but I was so grateful of dinner and a hot shower and a warm bed to start things off right!
July 2 (Corvallis to Eugene, 50.97 miles) - Corvallis - Harrisburg - Junction City - Eugene. I got out of bed at 6:00am today. Day one down; time to tackle day two! I took another wonderful shower (got to take them while I can get them! You never know when the next shower will come.) and had a breakfast of quiche, fruit smoothie and coffee. Thank you so much Jeff. It's always a great thing to start a long day on a bike with a nice big fuel-filled meal! I bid farewell to my hosts and off I went over the bridge. They told me of a bike path I should try.
I encountered some gravel today as luck would have it - grrrr. I should've stayed on Peoria the whole way - curse you Google Maps! They always take me the wrong way. They are good in theory and always seem like a good idea, but alas, they smite me in laughter! It actually wasn't that bad this time. the gravel didn't last long before it joined a paved road. Just before Harrisburg 2 dogs surrounded me and barked and chased me down the road. I rode for my life...kicked it into high gear and sped away. When I could catch my breath, my gut hurt from fear and pedaling so hard. Those canines nearly got me, but I was faster. My will out sped their hunger. It was another hot one today. I am glad I got an early start to the day. For about the last 2 or 3 weeks, I have tried to find a host in Eugene. Camping would have to wait its turn. I must've contacted at least 30 different WS hosts...all of which have turned me down. Many told me I wouldn't have trouble finding a host because there are a lot in the city. They were right. There are over 50 or so, but I could not find one for the life of me that was available, even though they are all marked as available! When I finally got an offer, I was sure to take it! Rachel Elise Sanders was a nice girl and invited me to a venue her band, The Dirty Dandelions was playing that night. I didn't end up going because I was exhausted after my long ride. I was hot and tired. Rachel lives with her partner Moth and as I entered, Rachel was getting a haircut. They live in a little eco-village with a community room with couches, sink, piano, etc. My digs was in a little boat treehouse. I had to be careful because of spiders everywhere. I chose not to take a shower because their outdoor shower was filled with large spiders...and that doesn't sit well with me. Vegetation was everywhere. Rachel's friend told me that she was heading out tomorrow to head out on her first bike tour down the coast. Then they started talking about different tours that people go on. Why do people always choose the coast? I mean, it's beautiful and all but it seems like it's over crowded and everyone does it. I see their point, but I do like the coast and there is a lot more to see and tour than just the coast and other "set" routes. This place reminds me of Jared's dwelling in Goleta, CA.
It seems like everyone bikes here. Corvallis was similar. These two towns are very bike friendly, not like Salem at all. Salem is very car-centric. Everyone there is all about their cars, new cars, fast cars, don't scratch my car! One day I long to live in a place that respects the bicycle. Eugene has a really involved bike culture. What happened with Salem anyhow? It sits between bike friendly communities like Portland and Eugene.
Well Rachel is playing in her band (Dirty Dandelions) tonight @ Oakshire Brewing, but like I said, not sure if I'll go on account of me being tired and I have to keep an eye on my bike. This isn't the most secure place in the world. People apparently like to come poke around, especially at night. Hmm. Well anyway, I walked down the road to McDonalds but they were out of ice cream! Can you believe the nerve? Whaaaat? A crime, that is. Instead, I back tracked to Jack-In-The-Box to fill up my bottles with ice because I didn't see any ice in the place I was staying. I walked back and ate a bite in the community hall place - good 'ole summer sausage and crackers with cheese. That's a staple, that is! As I was wrapping up, I was kicked out by some folks who had apparently "reserved" the community room. It was sleepy time anyhow - hot, hot, hot and not too comfortable with spiders around.
I encountered some gravel today as luck would have it - grrrr. I should've stayed on Peoria the whole way - curse you Google Maps! They always take me the wrong way. They are good in theory and always seem like a good idea, but alas, they smite me in laughter! It actually wasn't that bad this time. the gravel didn't last long before it joined a paved road. Just before Harrisburg 2 dogs surrounded me and barked and chased me down the road. I rode for my life...kicked it into high gear and sped away. When I could catch my breath, my gut hurt from fear and pedaling so hard. Those canines nearly got me, but I was faster. My will out sped their hunger. It was another hot one today. I am glad I got an early start to the day. For about the last 2 or 3 weeks, I have tried to find a host in Eugene. Camping would have to wait its turn. I must've contacted at least 30 different WS hosts...all of which have turned me down. Many told me I wouldn't have trouble finding a host because there are a lot in the city. They were right. There are over 50 or so, but I could not find one for the life of me that was available, even though they are all marked as available! When I finally got an offer, I was sure to take it! Rachel Elise Sanders was a nice girl and invited me to a venue her band, The Dirty Dandelions was playing that night. I didn't end up going because I was exhausted after my long ride. I was hot and tired. Rachel lives with her partner Moth and as I entered, Rachel was getting a haircut. They live in a little eco-village with a community room with couches, sink, piano, etc. My digs was in a little boat treehouse. I had to be careful because of spiders everywhere. I chose not to take a shower because their outdoor shower was filled with large spiders...and that doesn't sit well with me. Vegetation was everywhere. Rachel's friend told me that she was heading out tomorrow to head out on her first bike tour down the coast. Then they started talking about different tours that people go on. Why do people always choose the coast? I mean, it's beautiful and all but it seems like it's over crowded and everyone does it. I see their point, but I do like the coast and there is a lot more to see and tour than just the coast and other "set" routes. This place reminds me of Jared's dwelling in Goleta, CA.
It seems like everyone bikes here. Corvallis was similar. These two towns are very bike friendly, not like Salem at all. Salem is very car-centric. Everyone there is all about their cars, new cars, fast cars, don't scratch my car! One day I long to live in a place that respects the bicycle. Eugene has a really involved bike culture. What happened with Salem anyhow? It sits between bike friendly communities like Portland and Eugene.
Well Rachel is playing in her band (Dirty Dandelions) tonight @ Oakshire Brewing, but like I said, not sure if I'll go on account of me being tired and I have to keep an eye on my bike. This isn't the most secure place in the world. People apparently like to come poke around, especially at night. Hmm. Well anyway, I walked down the road to McDonalds but they were out of ice cream! Can you believe the nerve? Whaaaat? A crime, that is. Instead, I back tracked to Jack-In-The-Box to fill up my bottles with ice because I didn't see any ice in the place I was staying. I walked back and ate a bite in the community hall place - good 'ole summer sausage and crackers with cheese. That's a staple, that is! As I was wrapping up, I was kicked out by some folks who had apparently "reserved" the community room. It was sleepy time anyhow - hot, hot, hot and not too comfortable with spiders around.
July 3 (Eugene to Blue Pool Campground, Willamette National Forest, 60.10 miles) - Eugene - Springfield - Jasper - Dexter - Lowell - Oakridge - Blue Pool Campground. I woke with the sun at 5:00am - was on my bike by 5:30am - 10 miles later I was on my way out of the twin cities. I liked Eugene and Springfield. There was a very nice bike path that led straight through them. I followed this by the river most of the way. I wish the Salem area had more amenities like this. It was a beautiful morning. I wanted to take a dip in the river, but I woke up early for a reason. I knew today was going to be a hard day for number three. I was heading into the mountains. The bike path was long and pleasant, there were offshoots leading everywhere. When I finally made it to 58, the Willamette Highway, there was a lot of traffic. And I mean a lot! That was another reason I rose so early. This was a holiday weekend. The Fourth of July was also the reason that I had a hard time finding a host in Eugene probably. Anyhow, I was grateful I got such an early start. Imagine if I would've woken up a few hours later?! I tried to get a head start, but leaving the city was long and tedious. I don't think I even want to cycle on 58 over 4th of July weekend ever again! This is one of the more dangerous highways I've been on for sure. The cars, trailers, RVs, semi trucks, motor-homes, big rigs, trucks - were unrelenting. All going camping (except for the semis I'm sure). That's just what we need - RVs to dilute the very definition of camping - Oh wait, that's already happened - in this country! No sign of it getting any better either. I wonder if this happens in other countries?
Anywho, I stopped for a break at Lowell covered bridge which is now kind of a museum. Here, by the lake, an Asian guy with broken English took my picture after he saw me set up my gorilla pod to take a selfie. It was a pretty cool place to explore and rest.
Along the highway, I almost freaked out when I read the "Elevation 1000" sign. That means I have only climbed about 600 feet in the last few hours. In about 30-35 miles I must climb another 4,000 feet - ahhhhhh! I'm so tired, my back hurts, my legs sore...hills are the most useless feature in all of creation! Onward I climb through the noise of the traffic...onward.
When I approached Oakridge, I had a mini blizzard at DQ to fill up with ice again and raise my spirits. I am so dehydrated. I drink so much. The water and fluids just go straight through me. I drink, drink and drink, then my throat and mouth become dry again - you have no idea the feeling. I also need to eat better I think - maybe some fruit, fresh fruit. I pulled into the Middle Fork Ranger Station before Oakridge to gather some camping info.
My word - the trash in the ditch! Oregon must not have a litter law! There is so much garbage everywhere. No respect for the environment! I got honked at 4 times today for no good reason at all...leave it to Oregonians. This state has got to learn...learn some respect for other people! Only in OR I tell ya! Folks just love to aggravate!
I made it - I'm here - at Blue Pool Campground in Willamette National Forest. Seven dollars to camp for the night. Can you believe it? Okay, maybe you can. It really isn't that much compared to most places. But still, I have a right to vent about the cost of sleeping outdoors on the ground in a forest! It's so stupid to pay that much to set up a dang tent for one night. But alas, I am grateful, so grateful for the rest. I washed off some in the creek which felt splendid. But now I think I must turn in - I am exhausted. My legs and butt and back are all super sore - and I have even stretched a bunch. LORD, keep me safe and sane! Tomorrow will be another tough day of climbing before I reach Willamette Pass - the Lord will be with me.
Anywho, I stopped for a break at Lowell covered bridge which is now kind of a museum. Here, by the lake, an Asian guy with broken English took my picture after he saw me set up my gorilla pod to take a selfie. It was a pretty cool place to explore and rest.
Along the highway, I almost freaked out when I read the "Elevation 1000" sign. That means I have only climbed about 600 feet in the last few hours. In about 30-35 miles I must climb another 4,000 feet - ahhhhhh! I'm so tired, my back hurts, my legs sore...hills are the most useless feature in all of creation! Onward I climb through the noise of the traffic...onward.
When I approached Oakridge, I had a mini blizzard at DQ to fill up with ice again and raise my spirits. I am so dehydrated. I drink so much. The water and fluids just go straight through me. I drink, drink and drink, then my throat and mouth become dry again - you have no idea the feeling. I also need to eat better I think - maybe some fruit, fresh fruit. I pulled into the Middle Fork Ranger Station before Oakridge to gather some camping info.
My word - the trash in the ditch! Oregon must not have a litter law! There is so much garbage everywhere. No respect for the environment! I got honked at 4 times today for no good reason at all...leave it to Oregonians. This state has got to learn...learn some respect for other people! Only in OR I tell ya! Folks just love to aggravate!
I made it - I'm here - at Blue Pool Campground in Willamette National Forest. Seven dollars to camp for the night. Can you believe it? Okay, maybe you can. It really isn't that much compared to most places. But still, I have a right to vent about the cost of sleeping outdoors on the ground in a forest! It's so stupid to pay that much to set up a dang tent for one night. But alas, I am grateful, so grateful for the rest. I washed off some in the creek which felt splendid. But now I think I must turn in - I am exhausted. My legs and butt and back are all super sore - and I have even stretched a bunch. LORD, keep me safe and sane! Tomorrow will be another tough day of climbing before I reach Willamette Pass - the Lord will be with me.
July 4 (Blue Pool to Walt Haring Sno Park, 51.75 miles) - Blue Pool - Odell Lake - Crescent Lake - Walt Haring Sno Park. Happy 4th? I dunno...part of me just wants to curl up and die. I climbed over 5000 feet today - elevation sign after elevation sign. Diamond Peak was pretty cool. I rode 17 miles in 4 hours! Up and up I went. My average speed was 4 mph. I finally summited Willamette Pass. But I am utterly exhausted and spent. I hate my bicycle right now - SHUT UP LEGS! I came to the worst ever construction zone in the mountains. There was a tunnel - one way - the flaggar told me I could go. He was in communication with the guy on the other end of the tunnel/construction. While in the tunnel, the pilot car came with a line of cars, then again - then again towards me - one lane - absolutely no shoulder to pull over. I came face to face with a semi and was confused and angry that the construction guys didn't care to wait. Were they trying to kill me? What the heck? Terrible idea of construction folks. I've gone through construction sites before, but not like this! This was not fun...but scary. I was relieved when I came out the other side and was again in a safe zone, if there really are safe zones up here.
I came to Odell Lake and Crescent Lake. I began to question my sanity. I don't feel good. I stopped at a store to get Powerade and a Polish dog - I needed real sustenance. I drank what seemed like 5 gallons of fluids - but it just goes right through me. I don't go pee, I just become parched and dehydrated immediately afterwards. I'm hungry but I can't eat - the thought of cliff bars and other food is repulsive. I don't know what's wrong with me. My throat and stomach are working together to do some harm. I feel awful which drains my energy to ride. My senses are numb. The sun beats down and I can barely keep my eyes open.
What am I doing here? Why have I begun? I hurt. There's got to be something more.
I made it to Hwy 97 and Walt Haring Sno Park which is a free campsite just a few miles north of the town of Chemult. I'm seemingly the only one here save for thousands of flies, mosquitoes and microscopic baby mosquitoes. After setting up my new tent, I walked across the parking lot to the bathrooms and then to an old shed with some chairs. I pulled one of the chairs out to my campsite across the way and began to start a fire. I don't make many fires, so when I can it is glorious! I just hope I'm allowed to on account of the dry year and fire bans. I cooked the rest of my summer sausage...pretty yummy when warm. Before I went to bed, I was sure to dose out the fire as not to set the forest ablaze. I quickly washed up, put everything in tent to keep away critters - and then - zzzzzz.
At about 10:30-11:00pm, I woke up to noisy people driving around in the parking lot...they drove a pickup around the loop at least 15 times I counted....doing doughnuts or something. A few times they stopped and started again. What seemed like an hour or two, they finally left. I was a bit concerned seeing I was the only one camped there that night. As I drifted off the sleep finally, I remembered the sound of the woodpecker earlier and listened to other crazy wildlife...
I came to Odell Lake and Crescent Lake. I began to question my sanity. I don't feel good. I stopped at a store to get Powerade and a Polish dog - I needed real sustenance. I drank what seemed like 5 gallons of fluids - but it just goes right through me. I don't go pee, I just become parched and dehydrated immediately afterwards. I'm hungry but I can't eat - the thought of cliff bars and other food is repulsive. I don't know what's wrong with me. My throat and stomach are working together to do some harm. I feel awful which drains my energy to ride. My senses are numb. The sun beats down and I can barely keep my eyes open.
What am I doing here? Why have I begun? I hurt. There's got to be something more.
I made it to Hwy 97 and Walt Haring Sno Park which is a free campsite just a few miles north of the town of Chemult. I'm seemingly the only one here save for thousands of flies, mosquitoes and microscopic baby mosquitoes. After setting up my new tent, I walked across the parking lot to the bathrooms and then to an old shed with some chairs. I pulled one of the chairs out to my campsite across the way and began to start a fire. I don't make many fires, so when I can it is glorious! I just hope I'm allowed to on account of the dry year and fire bans. I cooked the rest of my summer sausage...pretty yummy when warm. Before I went to bed, I was sure to dose out the fire as not to set the forest ablaze. I quickly washed up, put everything in tent to keep away critters - and then - zzzzzz.
At about 10:30-11:00pm, I woke up to noisy people driving around in the parking lot...they drove a pickup around the loop at least 15 times I counted....doing doughnuts or something. A few times they stopped and started again. What seemed like an hour or two, they finally left. I was a bit concerned seeing I was the only one camped there that night. As I drifted off the sleep finally, I remembered the sound of the woodpecker earlier and listened to other crazy wildlife...
July 5 (Walt Haring to Hagelstein County Park, 64.31 miles) - Walt Haring - Chemult - Beaver Marsh - Collier Memorial State Park & Logging Museum - Hagelstein County Park. Today was long and flat and boring along Hwy 97 with a heavy headwind. I picked up a subway in Chemult (thanks to Stephanie O'Neill for the Subway gift card!). As I came to the junction of 138, the road that leads to Crater Lake, I pulled over to eat a few bites of my subway sandwich. Soon, a guy approached me from the restaurant across the way and said, "We have a restaurant here so it looks bad if people are eating outside - so can you scoot along somewhere else?!" What an ass! Can you believe the nerve. There wasn't anyone even around and excuse me for eating on this public land because I was hungry. Whatever happened to good 'ole hospitality these days? Sheesh. There are so many priests and Levites in this state. The guy said, well you can head a few miles up the road or go along over there, etc. I mean, come on. After riding my bike, I get hungry, why couldn't I just finish my sandwich which would take a few more minutes. Okay...I think I'm done venting...for now. Onward I rode to find another place to eat my food.
Since I'm still in Oregon, I got honked at more today...of course. Jerks! There is nothing good that comes from the horn. Yes, you can use it wisely, but that is a rare experience. The use of the horn by motorists against bicyclists usually does more harm than good. It scares and hurts because you don't see or hear it coming. It could cause accidents and there is no sensitivity or care for the road. No respect.
This has to be the most boring stretch of highway in all of Oregon...and that's saying something. I passed the Sandy Creek Station and finally came to a pleasant downhill after Collier. I came to Collier Memorial State Park & Logging Museum - very cool site. I never knew this place was here. There's a lot in my home state that I ought to explore. I enjoyed walking around and seeing all the old logging equipment from the old and new days. History's a wonderful thing. I met two older cyclists there who weren't currently riding, but instead were there via a car. But since they are bicyclists too, they asked if I needed anything after seeing my heavy-laden steed. I was grateful to talk with them. It's always a pleasant time to meet kind people who are willing to help you out. I am so vulnerable while out and about on a bicycle. They had a floor pump in their car which they allowed me to use to put some air in my tires. They needed it too! They also gave me a banana - potassium for the road! It's nice to meet friendly folk - to offset the ugly ones.
Twenty or so miles before the park, a huge stormy wind picked up - clouds became dark and lightning flashed to my right and thunder crashed to my left as I approached Upper Klamath Lake. It was dark at about 5:00pm. I rode like the wind - against the wind - racing against time to beat the rain. The rain did come a little. Luckily it did not rain too hard. I was praying to get to the park soon to set up camp before the real storm hit. I was grateful for a shoulder to ride on and the road was flat and the highway past the huge lake went by fast. Through the dark, wind and rain, it was a beautiful ride. After what seemed like a long time, I finally made it to Hagelstein County Park, a place I stayed at a year prior. I remembered the bug and spider infestation. I hurried to set up my tent before the real rain fell from the sky. A few people here came and drove around and left again, but now I am alone. It really is a nice place to camp, even with the bugs. The wind is howling my tent like mad periodically. Of course I had to kill a few spiders to let the many species f bugs know whose boss! I also became convinced that Klamath Lake has it's own weather system. What a beautiful ride here in Southern Oregon.
Since I'm still in Oregon, I got honked at more today...of course. Jerks! There is nothing good that comes from the horn. Yes, you can use it wisely, but that is a rare experience. The use of the horn by motorists against bicyclists usually does more harm than good. It scares and hurts because you don't see or hear it coming. It could cause accidents and there is no sensitivity or care for the road. No respect.
This has to be the most boring stretch of highway in all of Oregon...and that's saying something. I passed the Sandy Creek Station and finally came to a pleasant downhill after Collier. I came to Collier Memorial State Park & Logging Museum - very cool site. I never knew this place was here. There's a lot in my home state that I ought to explore. I enjoyed walking around and seeing all the old logging equipment from the old and new days. History's a wonderful thing. I met two older cyclists there who weren't currently riding, but instead were there via a car. But since they are bicyclists too, they asked if I needed anything after seeing my heavy-laden steed. I was grateful to talk with them. It's always a pleasant time to meet kind people who are willing to help you out. I am so vulnerable while out and about on a bicycle. They had a floor pump in their car which they allowed me to use to put some air in my tires. They needed it too! They also gave me a banana - potassium for the road! It's nice to meet friendly folk - to offset the ugly ones.
Twenty or so miles before the park, a huge stormy wind picked up - clouds became dark and lightning flashed to my right and thunder crashed to my left as I approached Upper Klamath Lake. It was dark at about 5:00pm. I rode like the wind - against the wind - racing against time to beat the rain. The rain did come a little. Luckily it did not rain too hard. I was praying to get to the park soon to set up camp before the real storm hit. I was grateful for a shoulder to ride on and the road was flat and the highway past the huge lake went by fast. Through the dark, wind and rain, it was a beautiful ride. After what seemed like a long time, I finally made it to Hagelstein County Park, a place I stayed at a year prior. I remembered the bug and spider infestation. I hurried to set up my tent before the real rain fell from the sky. A few people here came and drove around and left again, but now I am alone. It really is a nice place to camp, even with the bugs. The wind is howling my tent like mad periodically. Of course I had to kill a few spiders to let the many species f bugs know whose boss! I also became convinced that Klamath Lake has it's own weather system. What a beautiful ride here in Southern Oregon.
July 6 (Hagelstein to Indian Wells Campground, Lava Beds National Monument, California, 63.27 miles) - Hagelstein - Klamath Falls - Merrill - Hill Road - Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Lava Beds National Monument, California. It was ten long miles into Klamath Falls. I finally got some service here to call Dad and figure out the best route to Lava Beds across the border. I got to K-Falls alright but now is when it gets a little tricky. Today was brutally hot - so much sun - so much burn. Thank goodness for my sun sleeves!
I crossed into California via Hill Road. I was unsure if this was a paved road or not and the maps were unhelpful. Even google wasn't clear. I ate a breakfast sandwich as I stared at the beginning of Hill Road that went up to the right and to the left. There was so many rolling hills here - thirty plus miles of no shade and beating, unrelenting sun - Ahhh! I stopped for a break at the Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. The ranger there said he passed me on the way a few minutes ago. This was my first time here - pretty cool. I haven't spent much time in wildlife refuges. It was good to rest up and refuel before my long ride to the Lava Beds. Tule Lake was also very cool. It was so clear with so many dragonflies. It was like floating clouds.
It was $10 to enter the Monument and another $10 to camp for the night at Indian Hills. What flippin' rubbish! The lady at the entrance informed me that the south entrance to the park was closed due to some work on the railroad. The other day another cyclist came through and told her that it wouldn't be a problem for him. They ought to let him through. She wasn't quite convinced that a bicycle could get through where motorists cannot. I don't know why, but I wasn't quite concerned either. The south was were I needed to go and by golly, the south was where I was going to go...one way or another! From the entrance to the campground/visitor's center was the longest nine miles of my life! Holy Cow. So much ouch! Saddle sores, sun burns - the sun was draining my energy so fast. This was all desert after all.
At the campsite, thunder and lightning briefly expressed itself - then sun, sun, sun - it's so hot - desert. How will I ever survive Nevada? How will I even get there? After talking with my neighbor camper who wanted to do some riding too, I crashed for the night next to the site that was blocked off due to underground wasps.
I crossed into California via Hill Road. I was unsure if this was a paved road or not and the maps were unhelpful. Even google wasn't clear. I ate a breakfast sandwich as I stared at the beginning of Hill Road that went up to the right and to the left. There was so many rolling hills here - thirty plus miles of no shade and beating, unrelenting sun - Ahhh! I stopped for a break at the Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. The ranger there said he passed me on the way a few minutes ago. This was my first time here - pretty cool. I haven't spent much time in wildlife refuges. It was good to rest up and refuel before my long ride to the Lava Beds. Tule Lake was also very cool. It was so clear with so many dragonflies. It was like floating clouds.
It was $10 to enter the Monument and another $10 to camp for the night at Indian Hills. What flippin' rubbish! The lady at the entrance informed me that the south entrance to the park was closed due to some work on the railroad. The other day another cyclist came through and told her that it wouldn't be a problem for him. They ought to let him through. She wasn't quite convinced that a bicycle could get through where motorists cannot. I don't know why, but I wasn't quite concerned either. The south was were I needed to go and by golly, the south was where I was going to go...one way or another! From the entrance to the campground/visitor's center was the longest nine miles of my life! Holy Cow. So much ouch! Saddle sores, sun burns - the sun was draining my energy so fast. This was all desert after all.
At the campsite, thunder and lightning briefly expressed itself - then sun, sun, sun - it's so hot - desert. How will I ever survive Nevada? How will I even get there? After talking with my neighbor camper who wanted to do some riding too, I crashed for the night next to the site that was blocked off due to underground wasps.
July 7 (Lava Beds to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, 92.68 miles) Lava Beds - FS10 - FS49 - Modoc Scenic Byway - FS45 - Hwy 89 - McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Today was stupid. If there ever was a day to worry, today would be it! Almost 100 miles today with no services - none. I was alone for most of the day in the heat of the day with little shade and water. The road, the sun, the trees and the emptiness were my companions. Today was truly a test of will power. I had very little water with me. I had to ration it out. I purchased a cold Dr. Pepper as I left Indian Hills campground and rode towards the southern entrance of Lava Beds National Monument. Other than that, I had two water bottles full of luke warm water which just heated up during the course of the day. Forest Service Road 10 which meandered its way ten miles through the desert and out of Lava Beds was partly closed due to work on the railroad. In the distance I saw it: a train that was blocking my path, my road, the entrance to the rest of my journey. As I approached the tracks, the train began to move - slowly. I kept riding. He moved just enough so I could pass and go on my way and then proceeded to block the road once again. I waved at the engineer and thanked God as I went on my way along the desert forest road.
Forest Service Road 49 was another 30 miles or so before it linked up with Modoc Scenic Byway. Here there were lots of bees, butterflies and chipmunks - but not many humans. I was beginning to wonder where I was or where this road would lead. Luckily, the majority of this road was downhill. Lava Beds had been at a high elevation and therefore I went down from the south. However, it wasn't smooth going, every few feet there was a small divot that would cause my bike to bump, so I couldn't allow myself to go too fast. My hands were at the ready on the brakes. A few times I almost lost control, once where my water bottle flew out of its cage.
Modoc and Forest Service Road 45 was another 33 miles until Hwy 39. During those 33 miles I was hoping there would be a small gas station or something at the junction of 39. I was running out of water and I needed a break, a pick-me-up. No such luck. It didn't quite help the situation that I was using a California map from 1958 where roads were blue and Interstate 5 didn't exist and towns had different names as well as the highways. It would be a wonder if I would ever make it to Tahoe. When I finally arrived at mile 67, I just stared at the sign across Hwy 39 that pointed to Hwy 89 some 30 miles away to the left and Medicine Lake to the right 3 miles. I needed to go left to hook up with 89. I was tempted to head right to find some civilization. While I was standing there, a pick-up truck pulled up beside me and the driver asked if I was okay and knew where I was going. I didn't seem okay, but what could he do? I knew where I was going, it was just a matter of getting there. That's when he noticed my rear tire was flat. I looked down and sure enough it had no air. That must've just happened because I didn't have any problem previous. I asked if he had some water before he left and he helped by filling one of my bottles. I scurried across the highway, unloaded my bike to take a look at my tire. This was the moment of truth. I have learned how to change flats, but the honest truth was I have never done it on my own - when it really counts. So there I was on the side of a busy highway, with little water and unsure of how to change my rear tire. I wasn't quite sure even how to put the rear tire back on the bike once it was off. I've had trouble with that before. I got it off okay and got out my spare tube. I felt screwed. I had to fix my first flat in the middle of nowhere and on the rear tire - the one that's supposed to be bulletproof.
As I was fixing my flat, two cars stopped and some Russians got out to see if I was okay. The guy I talked with was kind and understanding. I told him I could probably fix my flat but could use a bike shop since I'm not quite sure about my skill. The first thing they did was give me two big cold fresh bottles of water to sustain me as I was running low. If I run out of water everything will go to hell...my energy would fade, my spirits would plummet and I would be at the mercy of the elements. Thank God for the kindness of strangers. The Russians were headed in the opposite direction and were headed towards the city of Weed. The guy offered me a ride to Weed and after some thought, I had to make a decision. I felt helpless and needed to get somewhere safe and fix my bike. Perhaps I would even have to cut my trip short or reroute. This wasn't something I wanted to do in any universe, but when pressed, a decision has to be made. I accepted his offer to ride to Weed. He walked back to his car and after talking with his family and looking at both rigs, walked back across the road and told me he was sorry, but they don't have room for me and my bike after all. I thanked him anyway and assured him I would be okay before they left.
Work on my bike continued. I was trying to change the inner tube when another guy drove up and offered me a ride to Weed, but rather assisted me in finishing repairing my tire. He was a cyclist himself and knew some about bike maintenance. I was very grateful and watched carefully as he replaced my rear tire. It looks so simple and I learned later that it was. When he left me I realized my gears weren't working properly. What now? A few miles down the road I realized I had pinched them when I put the tire back on. So now I was finally on my way. I wasted the better part of two hours on the side of the highway. It was now about 5:00pm and I still had 20 miles to ride.
When you're out slowly moving on two wheels you notice things - things that people in four wheels miss. First, either my mileage is off or the road signs are off. Mileage signs are all over the map. It becomes difficult when you need to rely on them for distance. Soon weird rain began to fall. That's all I can do to describe it - weird. It was coming down as if it were floating - it was hot and no clouds. It was strange to look up - it felt as though I was in a fantastical world. Maybe it was a sign from God. He is up to things that I'm not aware.
You have no idea how good it felt when I made it to the campsite at McArthur-Burney Falls. I had previously tried to secure a WS host in McArthur, but he was unavailable. Apparently the Pacific Crest Trail is close because there were a few backpackers here at the hiker/biker site along with one northbound cyclist. When I arrived, it was already late, about 9:00 and shortly later it began to rain so I raced to set up my tent. It rained hard that night with lightning and thunder crashing. I slept hard that night. Tomorrow would be a new day.
Forest Service Road 49 was another 30 miles or so before it linked up with Modoc Scenic Byway. Here there were lots of bees, butterflies and chipmunks - but not many humans. I was beginning to wonder where I was or where this road would lead. Luckily, the majority of this road was downhill. Lava Beds had been at a high elevation and therefore I went down from the south. However, it wasn't smooth going, every few feet there was a small divot that would cause my bike to bump, so I couldn't allow myself to go too fast. My hands were at the ready on the brakes. A few times I almost lost control, once where my water bottle flew out of its cage.
Modoc and Forest Service Road 45 was another 33 miles until Hwy 39. During those 33 miles I was hoping there would be a small gas station or something at the junction of 39. I was running out of water and I needed a break, a pick-me-up. No such luck. It didn't quite help the situation that I was using a California map from 1958 where roads were blue and Interstate 5 didn't exist and towns had different names as well as the highways. It would be a wonder if I would ever make it to Tahoe. When I finally arrived at mile 67, I just stared at the sign across Hwy 39 that pointed to Hwy 89 some 30 miles away to the left and Medicine Lake to the right 3 miles. I needed to go left to hook up with 89. I was tempted to head right to find some civilization. While I was standing there, a pick-up truck pulled up beside me and the driver asked if I was okay and knew where I was going. I didn't seem okay, but what could he do? I knew where I was going, it was just a matter of getting there. That's when he noticed my rear tire was flat. I looked down and sure enough it had no air. That must've just happened because I didn't have any problem previous. I asked if he had some water before he left and he helped by filling one of my bottles. I scurried across the highway, unloaded my bike to take a look at my tire. This was the moment of truth. I have learned how to change flats, but the honest truth was I have never done it on my own - when it really counts. So there I was on the side of a busy highway, with little water and unsure of how to change my rear tire. I wasn't quite sure even how to put the rear tire back on the bike once it was off. I've had trouble with that before. I got it off okay and got out my spare tube. I felt screwed. I had to fix my first flat in the middle of nowhere and on the rear tire - the one that's supposed to be bulletproof.
As I was fixing my flat, two cars stopped and some Russians got out to see if I was okay. The guy I talked with was kind and understanding. I told him I could probably fix my flat but could use a bike shop since I'm not quite sure about my skill. The first thing they did was give me two big cold fresh bottles of water to sustain me as I was running low. If I run out of water everything will go to hell...my energy would fade, my spirits would plummet and I would be at the mercy of the elements. Thank God for the kindness of strangers. The Russians were headed in the opposite direction and were headed towards the city of Weed. The guy offered me a ride to Weed and after some thought, I had to make a decision. I felt helpless and needed to get somewhere safe and fix my bike. Perhaps I would even have to cut my trip short or reroute. This wasn't something I wanted to do in any universe, but when pressed, a decision has to be made. I accepted his offer to ride to Weed. He walked back to his car and after talking with his family and looking at both rigs, walked back across the road and told me he was sorry, but they don't have room for me and my bike after all. I thanked him anyway and assured him I would be okay before they left.
Work on my bike continued. I was trying to change the inner tube when another guy drove up and offered me a ride to Weed, but rather assisted me in finishing repairing my tire. He was a cyclist himself and knew some about bike maintenance. I was very grateful and watched carefully as he replaced my rear tire. It looks so simple and I learned later that it was. When he left me I realized my gears weren't working properly. What now? A few miles down the road I realized I had pinched them when I put the tire back on. So now I was finally on my way. I wasted the better part of two hours on the side of the highway. It was now about 5:00pm and I still had 20 miles to ride.
When you're out slowly moving on two wheels you notice things - things that people in four wheels miss. First, either my mileage is off or the road signs are off. Mileage signs are all over the map. It becomes difficult when you need to rely on them for distance. Soon weird rain began to fall. That's all I can do to describe it - weird. It was coming down as if it were floating - it was hot and no clouds. It was strange to look up - it felt as though I was in a fantastical world. Maybe it was a sign from God. He is up to things that I'm not aware.
You have no idea how good it felt when I made it to the campsite at McArthur-Burney Falls. I had previously tried to secure a WS host in McArthur, but he was unavailable. Apparently the Pacific Crest Trail is close because there were a few backpackers here at the hiker/biker site along with one northbound cyclist. When I arrived, it was already late, about 9:00 and shortly later it began to rain so I raced to set up my tent. It rained hard that night with lightning and thunder crashing. I slept hard that night. Tomorrow would be a new day.
July 8 (McArthur-Burney Falls to Bridge Campground, Hat Creek Recreation Area, 30 miles) McArthur-Burney Falls - Hat Creek Recreation Area (Bridge Campground). Today was supposed to be my ride into Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, what was intended to an easy 40 mile ride became so much more. This morning I cleaned my chain and derailleur with lube. It needed it and I knew I had time to relax and take it easy before my ride south so I could clean and restock at the general store. I purchased some water and supplies at the store, bid farewell to the cute PCT hikers (there was 2 girls and one guy) and was on the road again by 10:00am.
Six miles later I got a flat again. This was because I did not check the tire itself for anything pokey - so it punctured the tube - grrr. Trial and error. A guy eating beef jerky stopped and asked if I was okay. He was nice, but couldn't do much for me. He wished me well. I walked back to where there was a large turn out with a big sign. This was a good place to work on my bike. I was there in the heat of the sun for a good 3 hours because after I changed the tube, my wheel was wobbly and I had no idea why that was. An old gentleman named Dave pulled up and gave me his number and told me to call him if I needed anything or if I was in trouble, but only give him a call if I needed help. As I was fixing my tire for the hundredth time with no success on the wobbliness of my tire, a young man who looked as though he was about 15 rode up on an old mountain bike. He came out of nowhere - not expecting that. He was wearing a fire department T-shirt. He stood there staring at me fixing my tire until I was finished. I half expected him to give me advice or offer help or something, but that didn't happen. I was frustrated. Today was supposed to be an easy day and it was already the afternoon and I traveled 6 miles so far. My bike was a mystery. On the bright side, Mount Shasta loomed large behind me. On the dark side though, I was tempted and put a lot of thought towards riding toward Weed or even Redding, catching a train for home. I was too determined and stubborn to do that though. Onward I had to go. This was my adventure, misadventure though it be...I must do this. Things will get better, I am sure.
It was bloody hot with no way to escape the heat. It was five miles to Burney off the side road which would at least have a gas station where I could get some tools. I learned from the guy eating beef jerky that Hwy 89 would be quiet for sometime if I were to continue on it. But that is exactly where I needed to go. His advice was to go to Burney to get supplies. Just as I finished my maintenance I waved at two touring cyclists head opposite. Now they show up - geez. At first I heeded the guy's advice and began to head to Burney, but I turned around and was like to heck with it...I'm headed to where I need to go dang it!
So at about 1:00pm I was on the road again heading up Hwy 89 which has absolutely no shoulder - super dangerous - semi trucks, trailers, etc... As I made my way along, I came to Hat Creek Recreation Area which was when I encountered my first real thunder storm of the trip. Huge clasps of thunder and strikes of lightning. I was drenched from head to pedal and freezing. It was definitely a change from the heat earlier in the day. How the climate can change! I was forced to pull over to the side a few times to try to get out of the rain - no dice. I pulled into the first campground I saw (Bridge) because I had had enough - my computer also started to fail. It was then a mad dash to set up my tent in the rain and keep things dry - as best as I could. Whew - I made it - in my tent, warm clothes on and listening to rain and thunder and flashes of light - and, and...my tire was flat again - must fix it manana.
Six miles later I got a flat again. This was because I did not check the tire itself for anything pokey - so it punctured the tube - grrr. Trial and error. A guy eating beef jerky stopped and asked if I was okay. He was nice, but couldn't do much for me. He wished me well. I walked back to where there was a large turn out with a big sign. This was a good place to work on my bike. I was there in the heat of the sun for a good 3 hours because after I changed the tube, my wheel was wobbly and I had no idea why that was. An old gentleman named Dave pulled up and gave me his number and told me to call him if I needed anything or if I was in trouble, but only give him a call if I needed help. As I was fixing my tire for the hundredth time with no success on the wobbliness of my tire, a young man who looked as though he was about 15 rode up on an old mountain bike. He came out of nowhere - not expecting that. He was wearing a fire department T-shirt. He stood there staring at me fixing my tire until I was finished. I half expected him to give me advice or offer help or something, but that didn't happen. I was frustrated. Today was supposed to be an easy day and it was already the afternoon and I traveled 6 miles so far. My bike was a mystery. On the bright side, Mount Shasta loomed large behind me. On the dark side though, I was tempted and put a lot of thought towards riding toward Weed or even Redding, catching a train for home. I was too determined and stubborn to do that though. Onward I had to go. This was my adventure, misadventure though it be...I must do this. Things will get better, I am sure.
It was bloody hot with no way to escape the heat. It was five miles to Burney off the side road which would at least have a gas station where I could get some tools. I learned from the guy eating beef jerky that Hwy 89 would be quiet for sometime if I were to continue on it. But that is exactly where I needed to go. His advice was to go to Burney to get supplies. Just as I finished my maintenance I waved at two touring cyclists head opposite. Now they show up - geez. At first I heeded the guy's advice and began to head to Burney, but I turned around and was like to heck with it...I'm headed to where I need to go dang it!
So at about 1:00pm I was on the road again heading up Hwy 89 which has absolutely no shoulder - super dangerous - semi trucks, trailers, etc... As I made my way along, I came to Hat Creek Recreation Area which was when I encountered my first real thunder storm of the trip. Huge clasps of thunder and strikes of lightning. I was drenched from head to pedal and freezing. It was definitely a change from the heat earlier in the day. How the climate can change! I was forced to pull over to the side a few times to try to get out of the rain - no dice. I pulled into the first campground I saw (Bridge) because I had had enough - my computer also started to fail. It was then a mad dash to set up my tent in the rain and keep things dry - as best as I could. Whew - I made it - in my tent, warm clothes on and listening to rain and thunder and flashes of light - and, and...my tire was flat again - must fix it manana.
July 9 (Hat Creek to Summit Lake South, Lassen Volcanic National Park, 32.81 miles) Bridge Campground - Hat Creek Recreation Area, Old Station - Lassen Volcanic National Park. I got up early to change my flat - yet again. I am beginning to be an expert at this. Live and learn, No? My hands hurt afterwards though. It is tiring work. It was wet this morning - wet and cold. I hung up some of my clothes to dry while I fix my bike.
Well I am on my way now - not sure where, but I am cold and wet still - gotta move. Moving makes me warmer and dryer - getting the blood pumping!
I came to Old Station where there is a ranger station. The nice young man there helped me out - more or less. I basically had a decision to make - either way it was going to be tough. I wanted to go through Lassen, I really did, but more than once person had told me the elevation ascends up to 8900 feet. That's quite high, plus my bike needed work. I really needed to find a bike shop. The alternative was to go to Susanville around the mountains - also the ranger said that Quincy might have a bike shop - might! That was my best bet, but it would still be a few days either way I went. The young ranger, in between helping other customers, provided some options, none of which jumped out at me. I studied the national forest map for some time. After delaying for far too long, I had to leave if I was going to make it very far. I resupplied at the gas station across the way where I met Paul, a fellow cyclist heading north to Oregon and Canada to meet some buddies - long trip. He had just rode up from Lassen and said it was awesome - simply spectacular. I borrowed a California map from the gas station attendant and finally made the decision to put faith in my bicycle and ride through the Park. I came all this way after all! I feel like I'd regret it if I went around.
As I entered the park ($10.00 entrance fee), I encountered yet another huge thunder storm. This storm was worse than the last. The higher I go, the stormier it gets. I checked the map and noticed there are three campsites in the national park. The first one was right near the northern entrance, the second in the middle of the park near the summit and the third was 29 miles away near the southern entrance. It would be nice if I could make it to the Southwest Camp so I can leave early the next day. If not, I'll make it to Summit Lake. I took a few shelter breaks in the forest and at bathrooms along the way. I approached Eskimo Summit at almost 6,000 feet and waited there, but the rain was not letting up. It was dumping! Thunder was loud! I was cold and wet. I looked miserable I kept climbing. At one rest break in the forest on the side of the road, I made three crosses and placed them on a branch. It was a reminder that God has not forsaken His child. He remembers me and will be with me. His voice is in the wind and the rain and his works in the thunder.
Finally made it to Summit Lake at 7000 feet! Here I set up camp for the night. The place was basically flooded. I stopped at the first bathroom to get dry even for a minute. What is odd or unsettling as a human here, is that during these tough situations, no one talks to me, no one seeks out and wonders. Well, maybe they wonder...probably think I'm an idiot or crazy or insane, but no one offers a hand or comfort or warmth. Not everyone, but the major public. At least here in Lassen. Even through the raindrops and cloudy weather, it had a unique beauty to it. God's creation is always beautiful. The rain was still coming down hard. With hail on the ground, I set up camp with the aid of bear lockers, and crawled in my bag and slept.
Well I am on my way now - not sure where, but I am cold and wet still - gotta move. Moving makes me warmer and dryer - getting the blood pumping!
I came to Old Station where there is a ranger station. The nice young man there helped me out - more or less. I basically had a decision to make - either way it was going to be tough. I wanted to go through Lassen, I really did, but more than once person had told me the elevation ascends up to 8900 feet. That's quite high, plus my bike needed work. I really needed to find a bike shop. The alternative was to go to Susanville around the mountains - also the ranger said that Quincy might have a bike shop - might! That was my best bet, but it would still be a few days either way I went. The young ranger, in between helping other customers, provided some options, none of which jumped out at me. I studied the national forest map for some time. After delaying for far too long, I had to leave if I was going to make it very far. I resupplied at the gas station across the way where I met Paul, a fellow cyclist heading north to Oregon and Canada to meet some buddies - long trip. He had just rode up from Lassen and said it was awesome - simply spectacular. I borrowed a California map from the gas station attendant and finally made the decision to put faith in my bicycle and ride through the Park. I came all this way after all! I feel like I'd regret it if I went around.
As I entered the park ($10.00 entrance fee), I encountered yet another huge thunder storm. This storm was worse than the last. The higher I go, the stormier it gets. I checked the map and noticed there are three campsites in the national park. The first one was right near the northern entrance, the second in the middle of the park near the summit and the third was 29 miles away near the southern entrance. It would be nice if I could make it to the Southwest Camp so I can leave early the next day. If not, I'll make it to Summit Lake. I took a few shelter breaks in the forest and at bathrooms along the way. I approached Eskimo Summit at almost 6,000 feet and waited there, but the rain was not letting up. It was dumping! Thunder was loud! I was cold and wet. I looked miserable I kept climbing. At one rest break in the forest on the side of the road, I made three crosses and placed them on a branch. It was a reminder that God has not forsaken His child. He remembers me and will be with me. His voice is in the wind and the rain and his works in the thunder.
Finally made it to Summit Lake at 7000 feet! Here I set up camp for the night. The place was basically flooded. I stopped at the first bathroom to get dry even for a minute. What is odd or unsettling as a human here, is that during these tough situations, no one talks to me, no one seeks out and wonders. Well, maybe they wonder...probably think I'm an idiot or crazy or insane, but no one offers a hand or comfort or warmth. Not everyone, but the major public. At least here in Lassen. Even through the raindrops and cloudy weather, it had a unique beauty to it. God's creation is always beautiful. The rain was still coming down hard. With hail on the ground, I set up camp with the aid of bear lockers, and crawled in my bag and slept.
July 10 (Lassen to Lake Almanor North Campground, 54.31 miles) Lassen Volcanic - Childs Meadow - Lake Almanor (North Campground). What a day! Not so stupid! Things may be looking up for me, although I still have no service. I made it an early morning because I knew I had to climb the rest of the way up Lassen to the peak summit of 8,511 feet, the high point on Lassen's road. This is the highest I have been on a bicycle. It was gorgeous up here - cold, but pretty. I took a look up towards Mount Lassen and wished I could climb it. I would've if I had more time and the means to put my bike somewhere. Now it was time to make the descent. My brakes need work though. Amazing views of the mountains in the clouds, the valley, craters, snow and the sulfur bubbles and steam - pretty cool - reminded me of Yellowstone a bit. They sure stunk though! Pewww. As I came down, I saw a few cyclists heading up the mountain. I do not envy them. Been there, done that. I refilled my water at the visitor's center and headed back down...down...down.
At Childs Meadow I bought some things and on I went. In the store, the lady asked if I was coming down or going up the mountain and I assured her I was coming down. She said that was good. Ha. I came back down to 4, 5,000 feet...back to the busy 89/86 with no shoulder - almost a negative shoulder, that's how bad it was. It started to rain once again. At this point I welcomed the wet. I learned to be grateful for it. The sun would come, the it would rain...and back and forth it went...again and again. Two female cyclists passed me like I was standing still - what's new? They were also loaded...kinda cute too. They were in the zone. The first said hi as she passed, but the second was rude and ignored me even when I was run off the road by some jerk who honked loudly after they passed me in the rain - first time in Cali!
Why are people so compassionate towards other humans living on this planet? We are all trying to co-exist. I'm not a threat, not trying to hurt anyone. It makes no sense - none of this does. What on earth are we doing here? Rush, rush, rush - everyone just loves their cars, tailgating and going fast - that's all they do - makes it hard for someone like me to exist in the same world.
Made it to Lake Almanor Campground on the north side. Eight dollars for one night? Robbery! There's a chipmunk here that's playing games with me. I think he wants my food. At least I can semi-dry my stuff, lay my stuff out on the tables and hang them in the trees, clean up and eat. Tomorrow I hope to find a bike shop in Quincy! My poor bike is holding up, but it would sure be nice to make sure! It's cold here when the sun goes by-by. As I drifted off to sleep, or at least tried to, the neighbor campers kept me up with their loud voices and curses and drinking. What ever happened to quiet hours and respect?
At Childs Meadow I bought some things and on I went. In the store, the lady asked if I was coming down or going up the mountain and I assured her I was coming down. She said that was good. Ha. I came back down to 4, 5,000 feet...back to the busy 89/86 with no shoulder - almost a negative shoulder, that's how bad it was. It started to rain once again. At this point I welcomed the wet. I learned to be grateful for it. The sun would come, the it would rain...and back and forth it went...again and again. Two female cyclists passed me like I was standing still - what's new? They were also loaded...kinda cute too. They were in the zone. The first said hi as she passed, but the second was rude and ignored me even when I was run off the road by some jerk who honked loudly after they passed me in the rain - first time in Cali!
Why are people so compassionate towards other humans living on this planet? We are all trying to co-exist. I'm not a threat, not trying to hurt anyone. It makes no sense - none of this does. What on earth are we doing here? Rush, rush, rush - everyone just loves their cars, tailgating and going fast - that's all they do - makes it hard for someone like me to exist in the same world.
Made it to Lake Almanor Campground on the north side. Eight dollars for one night? Robbery! There's a chipmunk here that's playing games with me. I think he wants my food. At least I can semi-dry my stuff, lay my stuff out on the tables and hang them in the trees, clean up and eat. Tomorrow I hope to find a bike shop in Quincy! My poor bike is holding up, but it would sure be nice to make sure! It's cold here when the sun goes by-by. As I drifted off to sleep, or at least tried to, the neighbor campers kept me up with their loud voices and curses and drinking. What ever happened to quiet hours and respect?
July 11 (Lake Almanor to Plumas-Eureka State Park, 71.63 miles) Lake Almanor - Greenville - Indian Falls - Quincy - Spring Garden - Cromberg - Mohawk - Plumas-Eureka State Park. This morning I started off a bit dizzy when I came to Greenville, but recovered pretty quickly. I took a rest at a nearby forest service campground right off the highway, found a bathroom to take a quick dump in. Coming into Quincy, Hwy 89 is the most dangerous road I have been on on my bike - tons of traffic, winding roads, hills, no shoulders, hidden shoulders, blind corners...turn outs or "safe zones" as I liked to call them came every once in a while but I had to pedal fast to get to them before I was devoured by an automobile.
I was unable to find a bike shop in Quincy, but they did have Subway and Safeway! That's the way! A bike shop would have to wait, but that didn't stop my bike reminding me that it needed a doctor. About ten miles from the state park, I got another flat. I unloaded on the side of the road by the entrance to a farm. A guy stopped by and offered to help, but I was worried. I had no more tubes so I had to patch my tube. I hope it'll hold. I told him I should be able to patch it. Shortly thereafter, a woman pulled up and asked about my situation and told me that she was going to be heading back this way in about an hour and if I was still here she would help me out/give me a ride. I told her I was trying to make it to the state park about ten miles up the road.
Down the road, I came to a junction and saw a sign for the park near a tavern - it was all uphill. I began to ride but my tire was failing. It was getting dark now but I had no choice but to walk the rest of the way - longest walk of my life - five or six miles straight up hill. Why are all these parks situated so far out of my reach? I like the ones right by the road, but they are either on a long gravel/dirt road or up or down a huge long hill! When I reached the park it was already dark and I had to walk about a mile to the campground itself while the little "camp museum and visitor center" was closed. As I arrived, I still had a heck of a time finding a place to lay my head. Was I ever going to sleep today? I circled the place a couple four or five times. There were at least 70 sites. It was pitch dark and was hard to see anything, but every place seemed like it was taken and no one seemed willing to help a weary traveler with only a bike. The campground host wasn't even there. It was cold and...did I mention dark? I was at a loss of what to do. I had a flat and I needed a place to sleep. I eventually had to stop at the camp host table and take a load off. Why can't I camp here? He's not even here...never even came, wouldn't even know. Every site was taken except for one, site number 30 which was "closed." Why was it closed? Who knows. Probably had a good cause, but I will never know. I passed it a couple times and finally decided that that was my best, err...only bet. What else could I have done? I would minimally camp here and leave early the next morning.
I mean, the nerve of some people. The campground was jammed pack and for $35/night? Goodnight!! No one was willing to help a brother out. At least for me it was free. I would leave early the next morning before anyone arose and not look back.
I forgot to mention that I got honked at earlier today for just standing on the side waiting for cars to pass. I mean, that's all I could do at times without getting hit...stop and wait...and make my move. I hope Nevada's hospitality is much better...
I was unable to find a bike shop in Quincy, but they did have Subway and Safeway! That's the way! A bike shop would have to wait, but that didn't stop my bike reminding me that it needed a doctor. About ten miles from the state park, I got another flat. I unloaded on the side of the road by the entrance to a farm. A guy stopped by and offered to help, but I was worried. I had no more tubes so I had to patch my tube. I hope it'll hold. I told him I should be able to patch it. Shortly thereafter, a woman pulled up and asked about my situation and told me that she was going to be heading back this way in about an hour and if I was still here she would help me out/give me a ride. I told her I was trying to make it to the state park about ten miles up the road.
Down the road, I came to a junction and saw a sign for the park near a tavern - it was all uphill. I began to ride but my tire was failing. It was getting dark now but I had no choice but to walk the rest of the way - longest walk of my life - five or six miles straight up hill. Why are all these parks situated so far out of my reach? I like the ones right by the road, but they are either on a long gravel/dirt road or up or down a huge long hill! When I reached the park it was already dark and I had to walk about a mile to the campground itself while the little "camp museum and visitor center" was closed. As I arrived, I still had a heck of a time finding a place to lay my head. Was I ever going to sleep today? I circled the place a couple four or five times. There were at least 70 sites. It was pitch dark and was hard to see anything, but every place seemed like it was taken and no one seemed willing to help a weary traveler with only a bike. The campground host wasn't even there. It was cold and...did I mention dark? I was at a loss of what to do. I had a flat and I needed a place to sleep. I eventually had to stop at the camp host table and take a load off. Why can't I camp here? He's not even here...never even came, wouldn't even know. Every site was taken except for one, site number 30 which was "closed." Why was it closed? Who knows. Probably had a good cause, but I will never know. I passed it a couple times and finally decided that that was my best, err...only bet. What else could I have done? I would minimally camp here and leave early the next morning.
I mean, the nerve of some people. The campground was jammed pack and for $35/night? Goodnight!! No one was willing to help a brother out. At least for me it was free. I would leave early the next morning before anyone arose and not look back.
I forgot to mention that I got honked at earlier today for just standing on the side waiting for cars to pass. I mean, that's all I could do at times without getting hit...stop and wait...and make my move. I hope Nevada's hospitality is much better...
July 12 (Plumas-Eureka to Lakeside Campground, Tahoe National Forest, 53.39 miles) Plumas-Eureka - Graeagle - Calpine - Sierraville - Hobart Mills - Tahoe National Forest (Lakeside Campground). At 5:30am I woke with the sun, packed my gear up, pumped up my dead tire and left the park unnoticed! Whew. At the little tavern at the end of the road, charged my phone to 60% outside while I again patched my flat. It doesn't seem to be holding. Luckily it is a slow leak, but it needs to hold.
On the road again - at Graeagle, where I tried to contact a WS host, but they again were unavailable, it seems to be more bike friendly - more signs and more actual bikers in this region. It's funny how it can change just like that. There were a lot of hills and a lot of countryside today. I came to Sierraville and had lunch and refueled. I believe it was here that they charged me 50cents or so to fill up with ice. Only a handful of the thousands of places charged money for ice and water - here and Navajo country later on.
At this point my goal was to find a bike shop in Truckee before I head into Tahoe. However, with a failing flat and the grueling hills and the late hour, I found a campground five miles North of Truckee. I will head in tomorrow morning to find a bike shop and then it is Tahoe-bound!
On the road again - at Graeagle, where I tried to contact a WS host, but they again were unavailable, it seems to be more bike friendly - more signs and more actual bikers in this region. It's funny how it can change just like that. There were a lot of hills and a lot of countryside today. I came to Sierraville and had lunch and refueled. I believe it was here that they charged me 50cents or so to fill up with ice. Only a handful of the thousands of places charged money for ice and water - here and Navajo country later on.
At this point my goal was to find a bike shop in Truckee before I head into Tahoe. However, with a failing flat and the grueling hills and the late hour, I found a campground five miles North of Truckee. I will head in tomorrow morning to find a bike shop and then it is Tahoe-bound!
July 13 (Lakeside to D.L. Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe, 44.09 miles) Lakeside Campground - Truckee - Lake Tahoe - Tahoe City - D.L. Bliss State Park. Got up early (see a theme here?) to bug out and into Truckee. There I stopped at the ranger station and charged my phone some. I had time. I meandered the town with the help of Google and found Cycle Path, a bike shop inside a larger outdoor store. In this region there are a lot of combination shops. Cycle Path wasn't much help, plus they didn't have my 700x32c size tubes - they ordered some but haven't arrived yet. The older gentleman listened to my problem and just spat out some bicycle jargon and said, "well it could be this, blah blah blah...usually what happens is this....blah blah...without knowing so much, blah..." He was unhelpful. He even said he couldn't get to my bike today anyway. He sent me across town to Paco's Bike and Ski Shop. They happened to help me right away and were super nice. I told the lady in there my predicament and she realized that I needed to get it fixed and get on the road right away...so she want to the mechanics to see what they could do. I mean, I don't have a car, I can't just come back another day, etc. I am a traveler passing through. Bike shops should understand that - more than anyone. The young man who was working on my bike did not charge me for the labor! Thank you Lord. He replaced my shifting cable after seeing it pinched (from way back north of Lassen) and put a new tire on my rear. I purchased some new tubes, patch kit and also decided to replace my chain while I was there so I can have peace of mind rather than being stuck in Nevada with a broken chain. They asked me where I was heading and I told them I was trying to make it to Lake Tahoe. "Well, you're just about there!" It's funny, I get that question a lot and prior to this, in Oregon and northern California all I've said was I'm trying to make it to Lake Tahoe. Some thought that was a long way to ride. And now, I'm just about there!
Dairy Queen for lunch - tasted so good and I deserved it! Off to Tahoe - finally!
There is a huge bike community here. I really liked the town of Truckee. There is a bike path all the way from Truckee to the lake and then of course most of the way around the large lake - so helpful. I met a guy cycling and asked about my trip. I enjoy talking about what I am accomplishing! Another couple along the path also asked and gave me some wonderful fresh California cherries as they welcomed me to their state. They were so delicious. I continued along the path around Lake Tahoe. The lake is humongous. I was heading to the state park on the south edge of the lake. There was a huge hill on the way up to D.L. Bliss State Park - huge! I passed a hitchhiker girl and entered the park. I was the only hiker/biker in the whole place - kinda nice, kinda not. I set up camp and went to charge my phone and camera, then hiked a little above the lake and briefly skyped home. Tahoe is a huge lake, I think I said that already. I love just looking at it! It's simply amazing. So blue - I can't believe how blue it is! Does it freeze in the winter I wonder? It must look wonderful.
I FREAKING RODE MY BIKE TO TAHOE! Can you believe it? This was my first goal, my first destination. I had told people that once I got here I would see how I feel. The truth is I didn't have much of a plan except to continue my original itinerary southeast. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would make it this far - but I did. I amazed even myself. Now I have to get some sleep. For tomorrow I will emerge into my 30th state - NEVADA!! Dun...Dun...Dun...
Dairy Queen for lunch - tasted so good and I deserved it! Off to Tahoe - finally!
There is a huge bike community here. I really liked the town of Truckee. There is a bike path all the way from Truckee to the lake and then of course most of the way around the large lake - so helpful. I met a guy cycling and asked about my trip. I enjoy talking about what I am accomplishing! Another couple along the path also asked and gave me some wonderful fresh California cherries as they welcomed me to their state. They were so delicious. I continued along the path around Lake Tahoe. The lake is humongous. I was heading to the state park on the south edge of the lake. There was a huge hill on the way up to D.L. Bliss State Park - huge! I passed a hitchhiker girl and entered the park. I was the only hiker/biker in the whole place - kinda nice, kinda not. I set up camp and went to charge my phone and camera, then hiked a little above the lake and briefly skyped home. Tahoe is a huge lake, I think I said that already. I love just looking at it! It's simply amazing. So blue - I can't believe how blue it is! Does it freeze in the winter I wonder? It must look wonderful.
I FREAKING RODE MY BIKE TO TAHOE! Can you believe it? This was my first goal, my first destination. I had told people that once I got here I would see how I feel. The truth is I didn't have much of a plan except to continue my original itinerary southeast. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I would make it this far - but I did. I amazed even myself. Now I have to get some sleep. For tomorrow I will emerge into my 30th state - NEVADA!! Dun...Dun...Dun...
Such a good read. I could feel your pain, I could feel your joy. You are brave, you are courageous, and you are an ultimate adventurer! I can hardly wait to read your trials on the next part of your trip. God's angels ride on your shoulder.😎
ReplyDeleteThanks Aunt Denise. I appreciate your kind words!
DeleteWHOA!!! This is intense. I love it!
ReplyDelete