Day 11 (of 22) riding ...

FRIDAY, JULY 27

Redway, CA to Ukiah, CA
Staying at Ukiah United Methodist Church
96.7 miles today, average pace 12.4 mph
Total ascent 5,203 feet (grades mostly 6% with a 7% here and there)

A false report yesterday. The final hill we climbed (that I had to walk some of), I reported as 12% grade. I found out this morning on the way down it was actually a 15% grade which explains why I had to walk it, because I have done 12% before and was surprised I could not make that climb. Going too slow I don’t get an accurate reading, and going downhill too fast I don’t get an accurate reading. So, this morning I went down the hill at a reasonable rate and got the reading of 15%. Then I checked it on a highway downhill that was marked as 7%, and it was right on.

Today was mostly a bummer for me. I started the ride and just could not find my legs. I was working much too hard and not getting any rhythm or speed going. I struggled almost the entire first 25 miles. I was the last person, and riding just in front of the sweeps; Jason was sweeping and was very supportive of my feeble efforts. I didn’t spend much time at the van stop, because I didn’t want to keep the sweeps out any longer than necessary. The second 25 miles I was feeling a little better, and actually caught up with some riders. I think they must have stopped for pictures or something. Then there was another group of riders struggling with a flat tire ‘cause they couldn’t get the tire off the rim. I wasn’t needed so I went on ahead of them. On the third leg I was struggling badly again, but at least I wasn’t back in front of the sweeps. The last 20 miles was a little better again, but I had gotten a flat just before the stop. A rock punctured the sidewall of my front tire, but after I changed the tube it managed to hold air the rest of the way. So, of course, I changed the tire tonight.

We enjoyed another great meal tonight, provided by a small group of the congregation. We then had a presentation to this small group of about 5 or 6 people. The presentation went well, and Allen had asked me to speak again. For a change, I think I managed to stay with what I wanted to say, and got in all the points I wanted to make.

Now it's close to bedtime. I’m sharing a room with Turbo and Chris, and these ‘old guys’ need to be in bed at 9:30, which is before official lights out at 10:00. So I'm typing this in the dark on my iPad and trying to be quiet.

Two more days of riding (only about 65 miles each day) and we'lll be in San Francisco to enjoy a day off on Monday. Somehow I thought we only had one more day of riding with a day off on Sunday, but, I thought wrong ... oh well.

Peace ...

Day 10 (of 22) riding ...

THURSDAY, JULY 26

Eureka, CA to Redway, CA
Staying at New Wine Fellowship
76.9 miles today, average pace 13.3 mph
Total ascent 3,127 feet (grades mostly 6%, last hill to church was 12%)

We started the morning in a very heavy mist, which means we were getting wet. It was also a little cold, which means we were wet and cold. In other words, we were off on another great ride, heading for The Avenue of The Giants.

By the end of the first 20 miles, no more mist, and well before the end of the ride it was fairly warm. Some climbing today but nothing hard except the last hill that I actually had to walk a little. Again, in other words, another beautiful day of riding.

Looking forward to a ride tomorrow of about 95 miles, and the weather will probably be getting hot by the end of the day. Allen just announced lights out at 9:30 and breakfast at 5:00, for an early start to allow us to hopefully beat some of the heat.

By the end of this trip I will have ridden over 6,400 miles for The Fuller Center: last year from Salt Lake to DC; this year from Nashville to Jackson; then down the East Coast; and now riding down the West Coast. I have seen so much fantastic scenery throughout this country, finding something beautiful almost every place we have ridden. At this time two areas stand out: the West Coast shoreline, and the total magnificence of the trees of the redwood forest--I am in total awe of these trees. I look forward to what lies ahead!

Tired and heading to bed.

Peace ...

Day off ...

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

Eureka, CA
Staying at Faith Center Foursquare Church

Up early and walked about a mile to a breakfast place with Turbo and Tim. Good conversation and a relaxing time for the start of our day off. After breakfast we made another mile walk to a sporting/bike store for more chamois butter and honey wafers. And, I found a merino wool (my favorite) long sleeve shirt on sale. However, I didn’t have my drivers license so they wouldn’t let me purchase without it. So, hmmmph, I decided I didn’t need those items after all.

More walking to go for lunch (a lot of walking for me for one day). I ended up at the same table for lunch with the pastor from the church. Turns out he is a marathon runner, and won the Portland marathon in a time of 2 hours 19 minutes. Young Chris had gone for a run with him this morning and was looking haggard afterwards, but greatly enjoyed the run.

I thought I’d go to the new Batman movie with the group, but they were riding their bikes, and I really didn’t want to leave my bike chained up outside, unattended, for over two hours. So I walked back to the church and did some laundry since the church had washer and dryer available for us to use.

There is a fountain in front of the church building with benches around it. I was feeling melancholy, sitting at the fountain, meditating. Then I lay down on the bench. Next thing I knew, my leg had fallen off the bench, jarring my back, and abruptly woke me up. No damage to my back, but it sure scared me. Not sure how long I slept, but I’m now hoping I can still sleep ok tonight.

Dinner time, so we took a taxi to old town, (no more walking), and I enjoyed dinner with Luke and Turbo Tom.

We’ll be back on our bikes early tomorrow morning, and I’m looking forward to another beautiful ride through an even more spectacular redwood forest.

Peace ...

Day 9 (of 22) riding ...

TUESDAY, JULY 24

Crescent City, CA to Eureka, CA

Staying at Faith Center Foursquare Church

87.2 miles today, average pace 11.9 mph

Total ascent 4,445 feet (grades mostly 6% to 8%)

Felt like I was back climbing in Colorado this morning. We left the church, and after a quick warm-up, found ourselves on about a 7 mile climb of about 7% to 8% grade. The bike performed great, and so did I, even with a left knee that I could not push real hard. I had enough gears to still make it up ok. The last 5 days we have climbed a total of 18,074 feet, or an average of 3,615 feet per day.

The first climb took us up into a redwood forest. Reading about these trees, and seeing pictures of them, simply does not do justice to the magnificence of these trees as seen in person. To stand next to them, in the middle of a whole forest of them, is just breathtaking. We came to a regular road sign, "Big Tree" with an arrow pointing to, of course, a big tree. Since they are all big trees I found this terribly funny, until about 500 yards another sign, "Big Tree Recreational Area” which I found equally funny, realizing my mistake.

We have been on Hwy 101 a lot, but Allen keeps finding side roads that keep us away from as much traffic as he can. This also keeps giving us tremendous views of the redwoods and the ocean and shoreline. I managed to stay with a group of about 7 or 8 who were riding through the forest together, stopping and taking pictures, and experiencing this forest together. The routes we have been on on the West Coast ride have been so much more beautiful than the routes we were on on the East Coast. I’m so glad I’m able to experience this adventure.

I rode most of the last two quarters with Sarah D. again. We were both dragging along for most of the way, tired, but enjoying the sights and the slow pace on some rough narrow side roads and trails. The last 7 miles we were back on 101 with a wide shoulder and a better road, and I told Sarah that I was going to kick it up a notch to get us to the church for our shower. She was tired, but agreed to try to rock it in, which we did at a little better pace than we had been going.

A family from the church had us over to their house for dinner. They had a large pot of beef vegetable stew, rolls, cheese, etc, followed by two large containers of ice cream. This was followed by card games and fellowship. A great evening!

Tonight a group is watching a Batman movie here at the church, and some are planning to see the new Batman movie tomorrow on our day off. Stay tuned!

Peace ...

Day 8 (of 22) riding ...

Port Orford, OR to Crescent City, CA

Staying at Foursquare Gospel Church

85.1 miles today, average pace 13.2 mph

Total ascent 3,852 feet (grades mostly 4% to 6%)

Weather was perfect today. A little chilly this morning, but it turned warmer as the day progressed. Sunny and gorgeous the rest of the day. 

I rode near the back with Carmen almost all day. She had a flat about 10 miles into the ride, but after that we had no trouble. Carmen seems to be getting stronger every day, and is riding quite well; she continues to improve so much from when she started the East Coast ride.

T.O.M. (The Old Man), however, was struggling today. The first 25 miles were just fine, but somewhere on the next 20 miles the left knee started hurting, then it was ok, then it bothered again. By the time I got to the last 20 miles, I could not even get up out of my saddle. I did my exercises at the church before dinner, and my IT band was really sore. We have showers at the church, so it’s much easier to get the exercises in when we don’t have to load up in the van to go to showers like we have to do at most church locations. We need more hours in the day on these adventures! The hours just seem to fly on the ride, then before we know it, it’s lights out to be ready for an early breakfast, then time to ride again.

***A group headed out for a 1.5 mile walk for ice cream, and they asked me if I wanted to go. I fought with all my might, but after 85 miles pedaling, I didn’t have much resistance. My chocolate malt was only a 7.0 tonight, but the large bacon hamburger and fries were very good. Not something worth starting a rating system for, but very good.

After we finished eating food and ice cream Turbo Tom suggested taking a cab back, and I quickly got on board with that idea. It took a bit of arm twisting, but Chris finally agreed to the cab ride also. Jenn said she wanted to walk back because she claimed she has gained weight, and Eric decided to walk with her; imagine that! The folks at the restaurant called the cab for us, and they told us how nice the cab drivers are here. Sure enough, after telling Rick, the cabbie, why we are in town, he wouldn’t take any money for the cab ride. So, I gave Allen the money the cab would have cost, as a donation to The Fuller Center. So, thanks, Rick, the cabbie!

We have started our second segment, have gone from Washington to Oregon, and today we crossed into California, where we’ll spend the rest of the trip. California really is a long state, eh?

Peace ...

Day off ...

SUNDAY, JULY 22

Port Orford, OR

Staying at American Legion

I sneaked off this morning and enjoyed a very nice breakfast at a local restaurant. Eggs perfect, good sausage and bacon, and the largest pancake I have ever seen.

Went back to ‘camp’ and wrote some notes for my presentation at Zion Lutheran Church, which I think went well. We were invited to fellowship after church and enjoyed conversation with an older congregation. Very nice and receptive folks, just like we meet every place we go.

***Lunch was on our own, with most of us eating at a local restaurant for fish dinner. Chocolate malt was about a 6.5, lacking somewhat in taste and consistency. Food, however, was excellent. 

Our day continued back at camp where we got laundry ready, took a walk to the beach area, had nice visit with the owner of a local art gallery, and wandered around this very pleasant small Oregon town. Next ate dinner, did cleanup, had a meeting covering new chores for each chore group, sorted and put away laundry, and organized to get ready for next morning’s 5:30 breakfast. Time for a card game, conversation, and lots of computer (Facebook, etc) time. Just another day on the road. We’ll have a couple of long days ahead, followed by another day off. 

I have been riding with my good buddy Sarah Doren a lot lately. She was on the trip last year, so it’s great riding with her again, getting to know her even better. Her Uncle Tom and Aunt Sher are on this adventure, he, the van driver and she, one of the riders. Great folks.

Here’s Sarah, trying to figure out how to get a tire off. She and I were sweeping this particular ride, changed a tire that was bad, so she just wrapped it around herself. However, getting the tire off proved more difficult than getting the tire on!

Peace ... 

Day 7 riding ...

North Bend, OR to Port Orford, OR
Staying at American Legion

56.4 miles today, average pace 13.8 mph

Total ascent 2,484 feet (grades between 6% and 11%)

We have now finished 7 days of riding, for a total of 503 miles, which is only 72 miles per day. Our average for the entire trip is 75 miles per day. We had a short day to start and a short day today, but 7 days riding in a row is a lot to start this adventure. Some of the riders have been struggling with the hills, with good reason, but riding like champions, sucking it up and enjoying it, ending the day with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, and rightly so. I’m proud to be a part of this amazing group.

The first segment is over, two riders have left, and we picked up one rider, so I think we now have 31 total participants. The support van was on top of it today big time. They stopped and chalked a very large SLOW FCBA in the middle of the road to warn the riders of a very bad road condition which could have easily caused an accident. 

We are only a few blocks away from this beautiful view of the ocean. A group walked all the way down to the beach, after showers at the high school, and walked around for a while. I watched them from up high. I’m finding that I prefer riding my bike up steep hills rather than walking up them.

A day off tomorrow, and much needed. A lot of rear ends need a break from the saddle, mine included! I have three too many hot spots working up to no good. Not sure what is on tap for the day off besides resting up. Some were hoping for the new Batman movie to be playing, but they only have Snow White and the Hunchback or some such title. The wind coming off the ocean is a bit of a challenge, but refreshing at the same time. Actually it may be blowing out rather than in, Interesting.

A side note to my bike adventure: the following link is a YouTube video of my amazing daughter-in-law speaking in front of 34,000 youth in the Superdome in New Orleans.You should watch it!

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DkM9Y5S3UYi8&v=kM9Y5S3UYi8&gl=US

Ok, I have chores to attend to, so more tomorrow if there is anything to report on.

Peace ...