Riding ...

Day 6 riding ... FRIDAY, JULY 20

Newport, OR to North Bend, OR

College Park Community Church

97.7 miles today, average pace 12.2 mph

Total ascent 4,528 feet

Started in the rain and cold again. No complaints, just what it is. Since we rode almost a century today, we knew the cold and rain would be with us, or not. I can't control that, but I can control whether or not I still have a good time and enjoy the ride. And, I love the challenge of completing the ride. I am, however, careful and have no desire to overdo anything just to say I finished!

Tim's derailer broke today. As I understand it, he had just finished a very fast descent, and slowed to start another climb, when it just sheared off. The good news is he was not hurt. The bad news is he will be four days without his bike, three of those riding days.

And today my friends the head winds joined my friends the hills. Again the grades were not bad, mostly 6% or occasionally a 7%, but we did climb 4,528 feet. One rider got in the van because of the weather, another just didn't ride, another was struggling with the hills and rode in the van for one of the 20 mile segments. Look for the picture of Luke at the van after the first 25 miles. He, like all of us, was covered in road dirt; he’s just covered in much more than most of us.

Toward the end of the ride I was about to make one of the last few turns in the city, and was looking for the chalk and street sign to make sure I had the right street and direction, when what do I see just before the turn, but a chalk saying, MALT, with an arrow pointing to a diner. So I pulled in (I was riding by myself at the time), ordered a chocolate malt, hamburger, and fries. (I found out we were having tacos for dinner, not my favorite food group, so I thought I’d dine early.) Then as I was eating, other riders started showing up, and they joined me in dining. 

***Since I was already finished and the others were still eating, I ordered another chocolate malt, just to make sure of my rating. And my ratings? Well, the first malt gets a 7.5, and the second gets a 6.0. The first would have gotten a higher rating, except they use soft serve ice cream.

Day 5 riding ... THURSDAY, JULY 19

Tillamook, OR to Newport, OR

Newport First Presbyterian Church

76.1 miles today, average pace 12.7 mph

Total ascent 4,045 feet

I get up each day and I’m ready to ride. I love the start of each ride, and I love each segment of each ride. And, of course, I especially love the finish of each ride. What I don't like is starting again after the van break every 20 miles, or whenever we stop for any length of time. My legs are the problem, because when I stop to refresh my body with water and snacks, the legs think their job is finished. So when I get back on the bike they immediately start screaming at me, "What do you think you are doing? We just did that, and NOW you want us to do this pedaling again? What are you? Crazy?” So the legs grumble (or worse) until they realize they are expected to keep doing the pedal thing again. This makes for interesting conversation between me and my legs for about the first mile after each stop (so if it appears I’m talking to myself, well, I am).

The kids keep asking me how I’m doing, and I keep answering fantastic! and keep getting strange looks. Actually I am doing fantastic, even if I am hurting, because at 70 years of age, I’m just thankful that I’m able to do these rides.

Really am enjoying the beautiful scenery along the coast. I did not realize Oregon has sand dunes (didn't get any pictures). Beautiful.

***A large group of us went out for ice cream after showers and dinner, to a place called Flashbacks Fountain and Grill. Real ice cream, nice malt flavor, a little weak on consistency, so it gets 7.5 rating.

Peace ...

Day 4 riding ...

Naselle, WA to Tillamook, OR

Bethel Baptist

86.1 miles today, average pace 13.6 mph

Total ascent 3,248 feet

Washington to Oregon. The Oregon coast is just magnificent! Breathtaking views. The climbing was a welcome change from flat. All grades were 3% to 6.5%, so nothing very steep, but we did have length to some of the climbs, but probably not more than a few miles to any of them. The miles were manageable because unfortunately we had no headwinds to go with these climbs.

I was heartbroken today because my new love and windbreak, Luke, deserted me. He went and volunteered to sweep, so I had to work much harder today, and the others I rode with made me share the pulling. Then there is Carmen, who actually beat me to the first van stop, and also to the church. However, I stopped to help Turbo Tom with his flat tire, then we stopped to eat a late lunch before going to the church. Carmen is riding so much better than she was even at the end of the East Coast ride, and I hope she gets strong enough to kick my butt. 

Today I was riding with "the amazing Blake Smith" just long enough to get lost with him. I should have known better, but I didn’t want to be rude, so I stayed with him. He, of course, manages to get lost about every other day, without even trying. Thankfully Sarah noticed that we missed the turn, and called Blake to let us know to turn around. We only rode about an extra mile or so, so not so bad.

I have been greatly enjoying attending church services at all the different churches that we are privileged to stay at. It’s fascinating to be sitting in the service thinking that this is not the way I am used to worshipping. But then, as the service progresses, I find myself thinking that whatever you are comfortable with is the best way. We are all serving the same Christ, so however each worships is the right way. I have started to try getting into each service more and to try to experience what each congregation is experiencing. After I got home from the East Coast ride I attended my church (Lutheran) and of course I was so comfortable with the familiar worship setting. But, it’s good to experience different liturgies and forms of worship, because after all, we are all praying to the same Jesus.

All of the churches we stay at are very much appreciated. Some provide snacks when we arrive, then dinner, then breakfast as well. Some don't provide any meals, but allow us to use their kitchen, pots, pans, utensils, and refrigerator. Some just let us sleep there and we have to eat out, or just provide a cold meal from our coolers. Whatever is provided is all greatly appreciated because it saves money that stays with The Fuller Center, even though we have a sponsor that covers these expenses.

Tonight we had a presentation for Allen. We all chipped in to give him a new duffle bag, and announced that tomorrow night we’ll have a new pair of running shoes for him (both his duffle and shoes have seen much better days, so we were thrilled to be able to surprise him with these items).

Peace ...

Day 3 riding ...

Chehalis, WA to Naselle, WA

Naselle Assembly of God

89.6 miles today, average pace 14.2 mph

A number of bumps (some are calling hills), really not just flat

A great breakfast provided by Faith Baptist Church. Several members were up early to cook for our 5:30 breakfast, and what a breakfast it was! 

A nice ride again, in a paceline after Jenn, Luke, and Eric caught up with me (I had left before them). I had been riding by myself and they let me pull them for a while, until Luke finally pulled ahead because, as he said, "You look like you could use a rest." Now Luke is a big guy, and we had headwind, so this was a great draft--I would really, really enjoy Luke’s pulling me any time I’m on my bike. When he sat up and stretched, with hands outstretched to the side, I told him that if he would do that all the time I would pay him to pull me. It felt like riding behind a semi-truck, no kidding! 

Later then, when riding by myself again, I got to thinking about riding hands free of the bars. I have not been able to do that since I was a kid. Of course a kid with his first bike wants to show off by riding hands free, but is scared to try it, maybe until a lot of his buddies are doing it. Then he does it and is successful (meaning he doesn't crash) and he’s now showing off to the girls just like his buddies do. So that leaves me with the dilemma: do I try it now? do I not try? I’ve done it before (ok, ok, many, many years before). Most of these kids can do it, why not me? I have a good bike, it should be simple! Just let go and keep peddling. It would come in handy a lot of times. Like taking my helmet off for a second to let the bug out, or getting the lid off my chap stick, or drinking my chocolate malt easier, etc., etc. Well, maybe I’ll not try now. Maybe I’ll try it after this West Coast ride, or maybe after our epic ride in September, or maybe this winter with some soft snow around me, or maybe I’ll just wait until I’m 80. Yeah, that sounds like a much better time. 

When I’m sitting alone in the evening trying to put this blog together, I realize I could really use a voice recorder on my bike that I can use with one hand, since I can’t seem to remember all the things that happen during the ride that I want to blog about. But, this will have to do. 

Peace ...

Day 2 riding ...

Tacoma, WA to Chehalis, WA

Staying at Faith Baptist Church

58.4 miles today, average pace 15.7 mph

A number of bumps (some are calling them hills), really not just flat

A very nice day riding. Cool temperatures all day, mostly cloudy all day, now sunny this afternoon as we get showers and relax. There’s a Baskin Robbins 2.5 miles from the church, but too far to walk, and I don’t want to ride and get sweaty again after my shower. Maybe I’ll reconsider after dinner the church is providing for us. With this larger group it’s more difficult to make excursions because it takes gas money, and we have three van loads if everybody wants to go. 

We did have another fall today, but nothing serious (not serious means it wasn’t me who fell). But Susan, who did fall, has a sore side, a sore hand, and some road rash. We spent about 10 miles riding on a very nice trail. Only a few bumps in the blacktop, and some intersections that we had to slow down for, and we were able to ride side by side, visiting as we rode, getting to know each other a little more. Very pleasant and a nice pace. Sarah rode with her Aunt Sher for about 4 or 5 miles on this trail. I was riding with Jim a lot today, following him in a nice paceline, and then some on the trail. Turbo Tom was also with this paceline. I also got to ride a lot with Sarah today, because she was nice enough to slow down so I could keep up.

Getting to know another great group of riders is always a highlight of these trips. Already see a lot of helping and encouraging each other, as well as friendships developing. 

Another great dinner, provided by Faith Baptist Church. After dinner a group of us did an intervention with Allen by getting him to take us to the Nike outlet store, and then the group tried to buy him new shoes before his fall off his feet. Unfortunately the store did not have the style Allen was hoping to get, so we’ll try again at the stop after next. 

I don't know why everybody doesn’t sign up for an adventure like this. They are missing an important life development opportunity. Wake up, "geezerville" and the rest of you.

Washington State has been just beautiful, and as night approaches we have a most beautiful sunset.

Peace ...

Seattle ... day one riding ... July 15

Seattle, WA to Tacoma, WA

Staying at Urban Grace Church

39 miles today, average pace 13.1 mph

Rolling hills most about 9% the worst 13% (but nothing more than about 1/2 mile)

West Coast, we are here! Watch out for us and give us plenty of room, please. 

Today I lost my cool a little bit. I recruited a rider, Al, from our host church to ride with us to Tacoma, and I was following him when a car passed us and then turned right into a shopping center right in front of Al. He didn’t know the car was turning because he was alongside the car and to the back. He did manage to hit the brakes before running into the side of the car, and then grabbed the car to keep himself upright and hung on as he rode the car thru the rest of the turn, where the driver finally stopped the car. The good part about this was that the only injury or damage was that the handlebars needed to be straightened. The bad part was that I raised my voice very strongly to the driver. (The good part about that was I did not cuss, and I did apologize to her for yelling at her once I knew that Al and his bike were OK.)

The rest of the ride for me was uneventful, just some rain to deal with and the effort made to stay warm enough in it. One other rider had a fall, with a swollen ankle and some road rash.

I’m finally learning how to find retail stores thru Google and to map them to see how to get to them. Funny what wanting a chocolate malt will encourage one to do! So, off 6 of us went for a 1.2 mile walk, one way, to get our ice cream. To Baskin Robbins no less, and I was not expecting much after my experience with the other chain on the East Coast ride that did not even have malt. So I got my chocolate malt, a large of course, and asked for two straws. It passed the two straw test with flying colors, as I was able to use the two straws as a spoon to scoop up the malt, so the thickness was outstanding. Taste was very good, just a little heavier with the malt would have been even better. Consistency also was outstanding. They used real ice cream, not soft serve. 

***So, Baskin Robbins’ malt in Tacoma, WA gets a 9.5, and thus has set the standard for the rest of the trip! I was very impressed. Now I have to find another Baskin Robbins to see if the chain has any consistency.

Peace ...

Home ... July 1

It was so nice to be home Sunday evening after five weeks away. Then we left Tuesday for a business trip to Chicago, which also included a visit with Joel and Jen. Our new facility at Cragin Metals has come together very nicely -- great job done by Joel, Jen, Stanley, Wayne, and all the shop staff. Cragin is poised to grow, expand, and improve operations dramatically. We’re proud to have such great people working with us.

Returned home to rain and much cooler temperatures than in Chicago. Monday the van,     trailer, and five West Coast riders (Allen, Rae, Carmen, Chris, and Burgess) arrived to stay for a couple days’ rest. Allen drove the van from Key West, FL to Americus, GA, home of The Fuller Center, then loaded it up again with gear and riders to head to Seattle. Two days of driving and they arrived at our house to take a break from being in the van. 

In Key West I had boxed my bike up for Allen to carry up to Seattle for me, saving me some shipping costs. I pulled the bike off the trailer when they arrived, had it serviced, and boxed it back up to go back on the trailer to Seattle.

Tuesday we all got our bikes out and rode out to The Raptor Education Foundation in Brighton, a round trip of about 36 miles (where I volunteer when I’m not out on a Fuller Bike Adventure). I even got a chance to help Anne with a couple of birds before heading back home. 

The Anthem bike club hosted a pot luck for us that afternoon, with about 35 riders participating. Allen gave a brief presentation, we all introduced ourselves, then enjoyed fellowship, food, and Aspen Lodge amenities, including the outdoor pool. 

Everyone was up early Wednesday morning for a 5am breakfast at our house. Then all items got loaded on the trailer, and the group was joined by Jenn, a first-time Fuller biker. I’ll fly out Friday to meet them in Seattle. We’ll have some orientation Friday, a full orientation along with a practice ride Saturday, and Sunday we start another adventure down the West Coast to San Diego. 

Peace ...

Final day riding ... June 30

Marathon, FL to Key West, FL

Staying at Impact Community Church

53.17 miles today, average pace 14.7 mph

Flatter than Flat

OK, OK, OK, etc. (yes, I made it home, so quit bugging me now, eh?)

I have arrived at the end of my second Fuller Bike adventure this year, this one the East Coast from Saco, ME to Key West, FL. We all stopped about 5 miles out to regroup so we could all ride in together. We stopped at a beach as close to the end as we could get, took pictures, and Allen handed out metals for our accomplishment. (I hope I packed mine with my bike since it did not arrive home with me.) More pictures were take  at the closest point to Cuba, with a big marker to line up in front of to take the pictures. Lots of people were waiting in line at this point.
From Facebook:

Cyclist Tom "Geezerman" Weber is going to be so ANGRY if you don't read the wonderful article he penned for the Wilmington Star News!

http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20120703/ARTICLES/120709902

More later, but I’m trying to get ready for the West Coast after a trip to Chicago after finishing the East Coast.

Peace ...