The title for this one is a bit odd, but will make sense shortly.
I am in Wolf Point, MT, having ridden 1,211 miles thus far. The last few days have all been in the true Big Sky country of Montana. It is so wide open I can literally see the curvature of the earth at times. The songbirds along the way are my constant companions now as guard rails are less needed given there are no hills to drive off of. But, to the people.
First was Jerry Smith of Galata, MT. His great grandmother came from Norway in 1903 at the age of 16 by herself and after a brief stop in ND, she headed to Galata in February of 1904 and staked her claim. Her Norwegian family still owns their land in Norway now and the families keep in touch. She was very successful and married another immigrant to the area. In 1915 she and her husband decided to go visit their family and her husband booked a trip on the fastest ship available. When she find out what ship it was she told him she had a bad feeling about it and made him book the transit on another ship. If you know anything about WWI and famous ships you are probably already there. The ship she said no to was the Lusitania, and it was on that trip the ship was sunk. There are several stories of people who did not get on that ship, but it is not for me to question his story. It is his family's story and has survived three generations of telling. These are the stories of America and her people and I love hearing them. He was a great guy and knew the history of Galata because it was his story. Besides, we watched the noon weather forecast together in his AC controlled convenience store on a very hot day, and I love watching the weather as much as any Montana farmer does.
Now to the title story.
I stop at every roadside historical marker I see. I have learned a lot, and anyone who knows me knows I love history. The best part is wondering what the story will be about: sheep massacres, Indian history, Montana cattle brands, train robberies like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid, whatever. This specific one is in Saco, MT. Before I got to Saco the only thing anyone had told me about it was the mosquitos are bad there. One woman in Harlem, MT stated she believed a prison for pedophiles should be put there with no place to get inside and all the inmates should be forced to wear nothing but Speedos. Anyway as I pulled up there were two men there talking about the marker, a large square cut monolith with plaques on each side. As I walked up one guy was explaining to the other that they cooked the bear and it tasted awful. If you Google the title for this post you will see a painting by Charlie Russell, famous western painter. The subject is of some cowboys catching and killing a bear using their lassos. As I was looking at the front plaque with a bunch of names on it one of the men pointed to a name and said "that's my grandfather." The name was Ray Campbell 'cook.' The man who told me was Kevin Campbell. His friend was Mike Smith. Kevin never knew his grandfather as he passed before Kevin was born, but his grandma Myrtle told him all the stories. Amy and I have been to the Amon Carter museum in Fort Worth, TX and have seen this painting. Russell took some liberties with the story to paint it but it really happened and Ray Campbell was there and did cook that bear. It was an amazing moment for me to have something I have seen brought to life by a very chance meeting alongside the road in Saco, MT. And that's why I ride. Kevin lives in Malta, MT just west of Saco and his history is also one of Norwegian ancestry. My people...
So instead of one of my pictures, go look up that painting. Even better, go see it in person. It is our story.
Finally, thank you all for the comments. They mean a lot to me on the road, especially on the many long days when I see nobody else and sleep in a small city's park.
Be blessed.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Continental Divide
This will be a relatively short post. Today I crossed the Continental Divide at Marias pass. The last two days of riding have been incredibly beautiful with amazing views of Glacier National Park. The road was fairly easy but again with narrow shoulders. Today I am in Cut Bank Montana. I have ridden a total of 860 miles. After I crossed the Continental Divide it was literally all downhill with a strong wind at my back. At times I could Coast at 15 to 17 miles an hour. I made it into Cut Bank and unfortunately the family that originally agreed to let me stay with them changed their plans. So I'm staying in a hotel.
Words really can't describe the amazing scenery that I saw the last 2 days. It was in some parts mind-boggling and mind-numbing. I suppose the best way to explain it is for you to just go see it yourself. I know that is a cop-out but there is no way with only one picture a day for me to convey all of the amazing scenery. I do however recommend that you drive through Glacier National Park. Riding a bike is really only for the insane.
So I got to wondering about the Bud Light beer cans alongside the road. I decided to start my own very unscientific study of the occurrence of Bud Light beer cans and bottles compared to all other types of beer cans and bottles. It was relatively a simple math count. For each Bud Light bottle or can I added one and for each can or bottle of any other kind of beer I subtracted one. The Bud Light bottles and cans were making a very strong presence. The last two miles into town all other beer cans and bottles finally pulled ahead the final count was Bud Light beer cans and bottles -3. I realize this proves nothing other than a way to occupy my mind for the last 20 miles into Cut Bank this afternoon. But at least it is one approach to determining if I was right regarding Bud Light cans and bottles being the most common thrown out of cars by people who are drinking and driving. At least in Montana. I do not plan to keep up the study throughout the remaining 4000 plus miles of my bike ride.
Random notes.
I mentioned before there are all kinds of things thrown out along the highways in America. I decided to keep two of them. One is a Batman ring. Obviously, because it's a Batman ring. The other thing which has come in very handy is one of those really ugly River guide hats. The ones with the large bill and the neck flap on the back. It has become a great find.
The picture below is kind of an obvious choice. It was a momentous and emotional moment for me. The bike has not told me how it felt.
Words really can't describe the amazing scenery that I saw the last 2 days. It was in some parts mind-boggling and mind-numbing. I suppose the best way to explain it is for you to just go see it yourself. I know that is a cop-out but there is no way with only one picture a day for me to convey all of the amazing scenery. I do however recommend that you drive through Glacier National Park. Riding a bike is really only for the insane.
So I got to wondering about the Bud Light beer cans alongside the road. I decided to start my own very unscientific study of the occurrence of Bud Light beer cans and bottles compared to all other types of beer cans and bottles. It was relatively a simple math count. For each Bud Light bottle or can I added one and for each can or bottle of any other kind of beer I subtracted one. The Bud Light bottles and cans were making a very strong presence. The last two miles into town all other beer cans and bottles finally pulled ahead the final count was Bud Light beer cans and bottles -3. I realize this proves nothing other than a way to occupy my mind for the last 20 miles into Cut Bank this afternoon. But at least it is one approach to determining if I was right regarding Bud Light cans and bottles being the most common thrown out of cars by people who are drinking and driving. At least in Montana. I do not plan to keep up the study throughout the remaining 4000 plus miles of my bike ride.
Random notes.
I mentioned before there are all kinds of things thrown out along the highways in America. I decided to keep two of them. One is a Batman ring. Obviously, because it's a Batman ring. The other thing which has come in very handy is one of those really ugly River guide hats. The ones with the large bill and the neck flap on the back. It has become a great find.
The picture below is kind of an obvious choice. It was a momentous and emotional moment for me. The bike has not told me how it felt.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Dear Montana, and some random thoughts
I am currently in Whitefish, Montana. I've ridden just about 670 miles thus far. The people continue to be awesome. I stayed with a retired radiologist, turned professional violin maker and his RN wife in Sandpoint, ID. QZ and Mark were just simply wonderful. Mark worked a full career as a radiologist and then pursued his passion to be a violin maker with a four year degree from a college in salt lake city. His violins are simply beautiful and for someone like me who wants to work with wood it was awesome to share a passion. QZ had book club that night so I didn't get to spend as much time with her but what I did made it clear she is awesome too. Mark's 92 year old mom was visiting as well. Magnificent all!
Random thoughts from the road:
Metal guard rails are noisy. They are constantly pinging, singing, popping, and clanking as they warm up in the sun. They have become my constant companions so we spend a lot of time admiring each other. They overlap the rails so the overlap is always aligned to the direction of travel. This way if you hit them they don't impale the vehicle when they peel off. I wonder how long it took to figure this out. I don't however recommend you try to pay them as much attention as I do. I am already very close and personal, you do not wish to be.
The most common empty beer can, by far thrown on the side of highways is Bud Light. I have literally tracked a six pack as the occupants consumed it through some very hilly country here in Montana.
Rumble strips vary by state. WA and ID like them in the center. Montana only puts them on the shoulders (more about this in my letter too Montana). So now when I hear a rumble strip behind me I pucker up, really hard.
Montana has a non profit group who puts little metal crosses at every fatal traffic accident location, one per person killed. As a cyclist I do not enjoy seeing these. The roads are challenging enough without the constant reminder not everyone makes it home. Which brings me back to rumble strips. They need to be in the middle. I think this would help a lot to let drivers know they are crossing into oncoming traffic. Many of the fatalities are either head on, or deer related. Alcohol is a huge factor as I learned from the teacher/ EMT and his PA girlfriend I stayed with last night in Eureka, MT.
So, if you are tracking this, by luck I have only stayed with people in medical related fields of work. Not some master plan, just how it worked out. I've asked others to stay with them but thus far only the medical warmshowers people have replied. We'll see if it is a fact.
Dear Montana,
I have very much enjoyed your wonderful people, eye dropping scenery, and rolling, somewhat hilly terrain. You truly are Big Sky Country. But, you are small shoulder country too. I can only surmise that you despised 80's fashion and made it a part of your state ethic to oppose them in any way, including your roads. White painted stripes do not constitute what the rest of the country would consider a proper shoulder. Especially if the white stripe was once painted on the loose gravel residue of a shoulder. I propose we let bygones be bygones and recognize there is a place for shoulders in this world: ON THE SIDE OF HIGHWAYS!!
Tomorrow I will cross the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, and then it is mostly all down hill. I have averaged just about 55 miles per day, every day. I figure it will jump up to 70-80 when I am not going up hills at 3.5 mph. My beard is coming in nicely, and YES, I am enjoying myself a lot.
Random thoughts from the road:
Metal guard rails are noisy. They are constantly pinging, singing, popping, and clanking as they warm up in the sun. They have become my constant companions so we spend a lot of time admiring each other. They overlap the rails so the overlap is always aligned to the direction of travel. This way if you hit them they don't impale the vehicle when they peel off. I wonder how long it took to figure this out. I don't however recommend you try to pay them as much attention as I do. I am already very close and personal, you do not wish to be.
The most common empty beer can, by far thrown on the side of highways is Bud Light. I have literally tracked a six pack as the occupants consumed it through some very hilly country here in Montana.
Rumble strips vary by state. WA and ID like them in the center. Montana only puts them on the shoulders (more about this in my letter too Montana). So now when I hear a rumble strip behind me I pucker up, really hard.
Montana has a non profit group who puts little metal crosses at every fatal traffic accident location, one per person killed. As a cyclist I do not enjoy seeing these. The roads are challenging enough without the constant reminder not everyone makes it home. Which brings me back to rumble strips. They need to be in the middle. I think this would help a lot to let drivers know they are crossing into oncoming traffic. Many of the fatalities are either head on, or deer related. Alcohol is a huge factor as I learned from the teacher/ EMT and his PA girlfriend I stayed with last night in Eureka, MT.
So, if you are tracking this, by luck I have only stayed with people in medical related fields of work. Not some master plan, just how it worked out. I've asked others to stay with them but thus far only the medical warmshowers people have replied. We'll see if it is a fact.
Dear Montana,
I have very much enjoyed your wonderful people, eye dropping scenery, and rolling, somewhat hilly terrain. You truly are Big Sky Country. But, you are small shoulder country too. I can only surmise that you despised 80's fashion and made it a part of your state ethic to oppose them in any way, including your roads. White painted stripes do not constitute what the rest of the country would consider a proper shoulder. Especially if the white stripe was once painted on the loose gravel residue of a shoulder. I propose we let bygones be bygones and recognize there is a place for shoulders in this world: ON THE SIDE OF HIGHWAYS!!
Tomorrow I will cross the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, and then it is mostly all down hill. I have averaged just about 55 miles per day, every day. I figure it will jump up to 70-80 when I am not going up hills at 3.5 mph. My beard is coming in nicely, and YES, I am enjoying myself a lot.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
First ten days down
Hard to believe I am ten days and 549 miles into this, or about ten percent done. Currently staying with the dad of a CDR I worked with in my last job. I am in a beautiful location in eastern MT, Noxon. Staying here for an extra day to recuperate.
So, you want to know what it is like you ride a bike across America?
First, grab a piece of leather, soak it in salt water, wrap it around a small diameter piece of wood, then firmly smack it against your nether regions for about eight hours straight. This is the process of conditioning a Brookes leather sale to form to your backside. Thus far the saddle is winning.
Next, go stand at the edge of a road with a white stripe along it. Crouch into a bike riding position and walk along that road for two hours straight staring straight down. This is similar to riding up a mountain pass. I am sure the views are incredible but at my slow, wobbly pace this was my view up and over the passes in Washington.
Most importantly though, and the main reason for the ride are the people. I stayed with a couple in Republic, WA who are the third generation owners of the Republic Drug Store (the attached photo below). Patty and Rob are both pharmacists, and both grads from my alma mater, go Huskies. Rob's grandfather bought the store in 1903, and rebuilt it in 1918 after a fire destroyed most of downtown. Robs sister and her husband came over from Seattle and we had a lively discussion about salmon politics. If you have lived in Washington our Alaska you know how heated these discussions can be. The discussion we had was not heated but it certainly covered all of the various points of view. We had representatives for both of the main camps of thought and it was a great topic. Throughout the night the topics carried from one to another and it was a great insight into the realities of a business owner in small town America, also well traveled and interested in global realities. They were wonderful people, and I forgot to mention sockeye and pink salmon for dinner!!
The next group of people I want to talk about were the drug addicts I met at the visitors center in Tonasket WA. The center had a bike friendly spot behind the building, but when I arrived there were two men and one woman occupying it. It was sad to see they all looked like the faces of meth during and after photos. Although polite and informative the hunger for a fix was in their eyes. We chatted for a bit and I left to find a cheap motel room instead. I would like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt but when the drug takes ahold of someone they stop making good decisions and I didn't want to be one of their bad ones. When I left the next day I rode by and saw they were still there sleeping.
I have met lots of tremendous people along the way, and the final story is quick. I stopped in Newport, WA to get a hamburger after a very rainy ride. The McDonald's was closed for renovation so I stopped under the awning if the credit union next door, looking like a six fall tall wet rat. A man was waiting for his wife to come out and we started talking. His name is Ranger Rick, with 39 years as army medic and special forces. He and his wife hgav me some great info and then prayed over me. It was the exact thing I needed after a very lousy day.
Although very hard thus far the scenery has been beautiful and the people are amazing. What I am finding is we are all normal, and all unique. Big surprise I know. And yes, I needed to ride 5000 miles to figure out the obvious.
So, what hurts.
My butt pretty much always does. My hands are numb from holding the handlebars, and I finally figured out sunscreen is good on your legs too.
The really hard climbing is over. I have a few more days of smaller climbs through MT but after that my route maps don't even provide a vertical relief profile on them.
I don't regret a minute of it but (butt!) I am looking forward to some flatter territory.
So, you want to know what it is like you ride a bike across America?
First, grab a piece of leather, soak it in salt water, wrap it around a small diameter piece of wood, then firmly smack it against your nether regions for about eight hours straight. This is the process of conditioning a Brookes leather sale to form to your backside. Thus far the saddle is winning.
Next, go stand at the edge of a road with a white stripe along it. Crouch into a bike riding position and walk along that road for two hours straight staring straight down. This is similar to riding up a mountain pass. I am sure the views are incredible but at my slow, wobbly pace this was my view up and over the passes in Washington.
Most importantly though, and the main reason for the ride are the people. I stayed with a couple in Republic, WA who are the third generation owners of the Republic Drug Store (the attached photo below). Patty and Rob are both pharmacists, and both grads from my alma mater, go Huskies. Rob's grandfather bought the store in 1903, and rebuilt it in 1918 after a fire destroyed most of downtown. Robs sister and her husband came over from Seattle and we had a lively discussion about salmon politics. If you have lived in Washington our Alaska you know how heated these discussions can be. The discussion we had was not heated but it certainly covered all of the various points of view. We had representatives for both of the main camps of thought and it was a great topic. Throughout the night the topics carried from one to another and it was a great insight into the realities of a business owner in small town America, also well traveled and interested in global realities. They were wonderful people, and I forgot to mention sockeye and pink salmon for dinner!!
The next group of people I want to talk about were the drug addicts I met at the visitors center in Tonasket WA. The center had a bike friendly spot behind the building, but when I arrived there were two men and one woman occupying it. It was sad to see they all looked like the faces of meth during and after photos. Although polite and informative the hunger for a fix was in their eyes. We chatted for a bit and I left to find a cheap motel room instead. I would like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt but when the drug takes ahold of someone they stop making good decisions and I didn't want to be one of their bad ones. When I left the next day I rode by and saw they were still there sleeping.
I have met lots of tremendous people along the way, and the final story is quick. I stopped in Newport, WA to get a hamburger after a very rainy ride. The McDonald's was closed for renovation so I stopped under the awning if the credit union next door, looking like a six fall tall wet rat. A man was waiting for his wife to come out and we started talking. His name is Ranger Rick, with 39 years as army medic and special forces. He and his wife hgav me some great info and then prayed over me. It was the exact thing I needed after a very lousy day.
Although very hard thus far the scenery has been beautiful and the people are amazing. What I am finding is we are all normal, and all unique. Big surprise I know. And yes, I needed to ride 5000 miles to figure out the obvious.
So, what hurts.
My butt pretty much always does. My hands are numb from holding the handlebars, and I finally figured out sunscreen is good on your legs too.
The really hard climbing is over. I have a few more days of smaller climbs through MT but after that my route maps don't even provide a vertical relief profile on them.
I don't regret a minute of it but (butt!) I am looking forward to some flatter territory.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Climbing over rainy pass, met some great people
For those of you who are still bothering to read this, thank you. For those of you who like statistics, here are a couple.
Total miles ridden: 246.
Total number of bugs that hit my head or face yesterday: 21
Maximum speed coming down the road from Loup Loup Pass: 41.9
I said I wasn't going to do statistics, but several of you asked for some indication of the numbers. I probably won't post number of bug hits again. I figure it will be a constant statistic and although amusing will become very boring. If there happens to be a spectacularly impressive bug hit, one which requires stopping and cleaning my face I will be sure to tell you.
On to some people I've met. First I'd like to talk generally about drivers on the road. Most drivers are very courteous and give me lots of room. I have come to associate a sound which as a driver is not good but as a bicycle Rider is very good. That is the sound of a car coming up behind me which crosses over into the other lane to give me lots of space. That is the sound of the wheels crossing the rumble strip in the center lane. This sound lets me know they have seen me and are going to give me space. When you are averaging 3 miles an hour up a hill it becomes a very comforting sound. The alternative are those people who choose to stay right in their Lane and give me no space. That rumble strips sound is exactly what I like to hear. Another point for drivers, when you see a wide shoulder and wonder why the bicycle Rider is not using it, it is because it is covered with all kinds of debris. I have come to believe I could build anything on the face of this planet simply by collecting debris from the side of the road. So drivers are in general the first group of nice people I've met.
Now to individual people. Unintentionally I rode twice as far 2 days ago as I had planned to. Instead of stopping somewhere short of Rainy pass I ended up doing all of Rainy and Washington passes. This was the first day this season the pass was open to any traffic. When I rolled into town later that night after 12 hours on the bike I was exhausted. The tank as they say was on empty. The town I came in to was Winthrop Washington. Just before town is a wonderful couple named Jim and Karen. They operate a camp just for bicyclists. They have been doing it for many years. It offers a place to pitch a tent, take a hot shower with a solar and gas-fired still, and use a regular toilet one sits on, vice finding a bush along the side of the road. After the very long and arduous day I had had it was wonderful to meet a couple who share what the have. They both informed me that I was by far the earliest across the pass bicycle Rider they had seen, by nearly a month. I had not intended to be the first and certainly not by a month. I kept wondering as I left Oak Harbor Washington and started on the main bicycle route why I didn't see any other bicycle Riders. It is because they all have brains that function properly.
The next morning I rode into Winthrop. The place was very busy with their annual celebration called 49ers days. This is an annual celebration they have been doing since 1945. They have a parade and Cowboys and everybody comes from far around to spend the weekend in Winthrop. I stopped to have breakfast at a place called three fingered Jack's. It was packed. A couple was sitting at a table for 5 and was just getting ready to leave. They let me sit with them and after they departed I asked the next two couples who came in if they wanted to sit with me. I would look rather silly hogging a whole table for five people. First I met Judy and Jeff. They had driven over from Spokane Washington to celebrate the parade and festivities. Judy and Jeff had not originally been married to each other. They had actually married a brother and sister and had become good friends. Unfortunately both that brother and sister had passed away from cancer. So Jeff and Judy after many years of wonderful friendship, and the loss of dear loved ones decided to get married. Jeff had been a Navy SEAL and retired as a chief petty officer. His first Tour of Duty was in Vietnam and he lost his entire Squad in a firefight. It was obvious to see how much he loved those men and how much he had loved the Navy through his 22-year career. Judy is an artist and she paints in acrylic and pastels. As I was leaving to use the restroom and when I returned Jeff had already paid my bill. The next couple to sit down was Jason and Toni. They were both from Everett Washington and head come over to camp for the weekend. Jason had served four years in the army as an infantryman and as a mortarman. Toni
was his girlfriend and it was obvious they were going to end up married. They had a natural ease with each other.
So as I said the point of my blog and a big portion of this trip is to meet people who have not been in the military. I do believe God puts people in our path who we need to meet. So when you are by yourself and he gives you a table for 5 ask for others to join you. You will not regret it.
The picture of me was taken as I came over rainy pass. It is boring, but probably one of those mandatory photos.
Total miles ridden: 246.
Total number of bugs that hit my head or face yesterday: 21
Maximum speed coming down the road from Loup Loup Pass: 41.9
I said I wasn't going to do statistics, but several of you asked for some indication of the numbers. I probably won't post number of bug hits again. I figure it will be a constant statistic and although amusing will become very boring. If there happens to be a spectacularly impressive bug hit, one which requires stopping and cleaning my face I will be sure to tell you.
On to some people I've met. First I'd like to talk generally about drivers on the road. Most drivers are very courteous and give me lots of room. I have come to associate a sound which as a driver is not good but as a bicycle Rider is very good. That is the sound of a car coming up behind me which crosses over into the other lane to give me lots of space. That is the sound of the wheels crossing the rumble strip in the center lane. This sound lets me know they have seen me and are going to give me space. When you are averaging 3 miles an hour up a hill it becomes a very comforting sound. The alternative are those people who choose to stay right in their Lane and give me no space. That rumble strips sound is exactly what I like to hear. Another point for drivers, when you see a wide shoulder and wonder why the bicycle Rider is not using it, it is because it is covered with all kinds of debris. I have come to believe I could build anything on the face of this planet simply by collecting debris from the side of the road. So drivers are in general the first group of nice people I've met.
Now to individual people. Unintentionally I rode twice as far 2 days ago as I had planned to. Instead of stopping somewhere short of Rainy pass I ended up doing all of Rainy and Washington passes. This was the first day this season the pass was open to any traffic. When I rolled into town later that night after 12 hours on the bike I was exhausted. The tank as they say was on empty. The town I came in to was Winthrop Washington. Just before town is a wonderful couple named Jim and Karen. They operate a camp just for bicyclists. They have been doing it for many years. It offers a place to pitch a tent, take a hot shower with a solar and gas-fired still, and use a regular toilet one sits on, vice finding a bush along the side of the road. After the very long and arduous day I had had it was wonderful to meet a couple who share what the have. They both informed me that I was by far the earliest across the pass bicycle Rider they had seen, by nearly a month. I had not intended to be the first and certainly not by a month. I kept wondering as I left Oak Harbor Washington and started on the main bicycle route why I didn't see any other bicycle Riders. It is because they all have brains that function properly.
The next morning I rode into Winthrop. The place was very busy with their annual celebration called 49ers days. This is an annual celebration they have been doing since 1945. They have a parade and Cowboys and everybody comes from far around to spend the weekend in Winthrop. I stopped to have breakfast at a place called three fingered Jack's. It was packed. A couple was sitting at a table for 5 and was just getting ready to leave. They let me sit with them and after they departed I asked the next two couples who came in if they wanted to sit with me. I would look rather silly hogging a whole table for five people. First I met Judy and Jeff. They had driven over from Spokane Washington to celebrate the parade and festivities. Judy and Jeff had not originally been married to each other. They had actually married a brother and sister and had become good friends. Unfortunately both that brother and sister had passed away from cancer. So Jeff and Judy after many years of wonderful friendship, and the loss of dear loved ones decided to get married. Jeff had been a Navy SEAL and retired as a chief petty officer. His first Tour of Duty was in Vietnam and he lost his entire Squad in a firefight. It was obvious to see how much he loved those men and how much he had loved the Navy through his 22-year career. Judy is an artist and she paints in acrylic and pastels. As I was leaving to use the restroom and when I returned Jeff had already paid my bill. The next couple to sit down was Jason and Toni. They were both from Everett Washington and head come over to camp for the weekend. Jason had served four years in the army as an infantryman and as a mortarman. Toni
So as I said the point of my blog and a big portion of this trip is to meet people who have not been in the military. I do believe God puts people in our path who we need to meet. So when you are by yourself and he gives you a table for 5 ask for others to join you. You will not regret it.
The picture of me was taken as I came over rainy pass. It is boring, but probably one of those mandatory photos.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Mike Merikle, first day, pic is not of Mike
Just a quick note to mark the fact I left oak harbor and started east. The pass I had to wait for will open this Friday, about the same time I get there our maybe a day before.
Mike is an old shipmate of my father in law. He spends just about every day riding around Whidbey island. Chip told me to look out for him and I saw him on my test ride yesterday. We chatted briefly and he gave more some encouraging words to ride with. Considering he is probably 75 and is still riding, A LOT, he probably knows what he is talking about.
The picture is of Washington's state mascot, the slug. It was making high speed toward my shoe before I started my ride yesterday and given I am only taking one picture per day this is the one you get. Today's picture is of me riding across Deception Pass bridge. A very normal and boring selfy so I will not share it. Everyone who did this ride has that picture. It looks like me, riding across a bridge. Use your imagination if need be. I was clothed so try not to imagine it otherwise.
Mike is an old shipmate of my father in law. He spends just about every day riding around Whidbey island. Chip told me to look out for him and I saw him on my test ride yesterday. We chatted briefly and he gave more some encouraging words to ride with. Considering he is probably 75 and is still riding, A LOT, he probably knows what he is talking about.
The picture is of Washington's state mascot, the slug. It was making high speed toward my shoe before I started my ride yesterday and given I am only taking one picture per day this is the one you get. Today's picture is of me riding across Deception Pass bridge. A very normal and boring selfy so I will not share it. Everyone who did this ride has that picture. It looks like me, riding across a bridge. Use your imagination if need be. I was clothed so try not to imagine it otherwise.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
The back story to my bicycle ride across the USA.
Yes, another blog about a guy riding his bicycle across America.
Dear Friends and Family, or anyone else who wanders across this,
I recently retired from the Navy after 29+ years of active duty service. Counting time in NJROTC and ROTC in college I have worn a Navy uniform since 1980 with the exception of one year in High School when my family moved to WA (the state, not D.C.). Having spoken with a lot of people who left the Navy because they wanted to, or were told to go the main thing I discovered was the need to develop a personal transition plan. You also need a professional plan but I am not there yet. That will happen when I complete this ride and need to find a job, or drive my wife nuts being home all day.
For me, the ride across America on a bicycle is the way to personally transition. Many have asked why, usually looking at me like I have a grasshopper stuck to my forehead or they just come right out and say I am crazy. The Forrest Gump references are all appreciated, each and every time I hear it.
Why am I doing this:
Because I have almost 38 years wearing a uniform. I need to take off that armor and prepare to deal with the world without it on.
I want to meet the 99.5% of Americans (or at least a subset of them) who have never served in the military.
I want to see places in America I have never been to before.
And finally, there is one reason I may share when I get back.
Where am I riding?
I will start in Oak Harbor, WA next week at my in-laws' home and follow four AdventureCycling.org routes: Northern Tier, Lewis and Clark, Underground Railroad, and Southern Tier. The easiest way to explain it is two rights, then two lefts. I will officially start the route in Anacortes, WA and from there ride east until Bismarck, ND. I will take my first right there and follow the Missouri River, then another right at the Mississippi River, thence south to Pensacola, FL, take a left at P-Cola, then another left at St. Augustine, FL, and end up back here at Neptune Beach, FL. So two rights, then two lefts, then home. Calculated distance is about 4,800 miles. I figure I will do something in excess of 5,000 miles with side trips, etc. It will take as long as it takes. I'm retired remember.
My personal rules:
I will not bore you with updates about the scenery, or miles ridden each day, or pictures of sunsets I take along the way. There are lots of great blogs about those kinds of rides. You can check out several on CrazyGuyonaBike. I have promised my wife a proof of life check every day when I stop. I will not be trackable on some kind of GPS device updated to the cloud.
I will take one picture a day. With one exception below. I am doing this because I first wanted to do this when I was ten years old in 1976 during the BikeCentennial. Therefor I am largely treating it as though I did the ride back then, and back then we didn't have digital cameras loaded with photos we never look at again other than to bore to tears people we think need to see how much better our life is than theirs.
I am not using a GPS device loaded with map software. I am using an old-fashioned bike computer and a bunch of maps from AdventureCycling.
I plan to sleep in a tent, stay with people I meet, use WarmShowers hospitality, and occasionally rent a motel room for the night.
I will blog about the people I meet along the way, with their permission. Once a week I plan to stop and force myself to meet someone unlike me to get to know their story. If they allow me, I will share it with you. The main point of this is for me to get to know that other 99.5%. I am excited about it.
What can you do for me?
Pray for me. Seriously. But I want you to pray that God uses me to fulfill His will. I am not asking you to pray for my safety. Safety means I may not be put in situations to meet people and get to know God's creation the way I think He wants me to. So pray that he would use me to fulfill His will. I do not plan to be reckless. I have a family I love and I plan to rejoin them at the end of this ride.
Support an organization of your choice helping wounded veterans. Team Red, White, and Blue is a personal favorite of mine. Wounded Warrior is based here in Jacksonville and is doing some great things. Or, pick one of your favorites and donate your time, talent, and money.
So, why ride instead of hiking the AT, or climbing a mountain, or going on a retreat of some kind? Because I am a bicycle rider - a pedaling man. A bike has always meant freedom to me. Some people are runners, golfers, gamblers, volunteers, etc.
I ride.
Dear Friends and Family, or anyone else who wanders across this,
I recently retired from the Navy after 29+ years of active duty service. Counting time in NJROTC and ROTC in college I have worn a Navy uniform since 1980 with the exception of one year in High School when my family moved to WA (the state, not D.C.). Having spoken with a lot of people who left the Navy because they wanted to, or were told to go the main thing I discovered was the need to develop a personal transition plan. You also need a professional plan but I am not there yet. That will happen when I complete this ride and need to find a job, or drive my wife nuts being home all day.
For me, the ride across America on a bicycle is the way to personally transition. Many have asked why, usually looking at me like I have a grasshopper stuck to my forehead or they just come right out and say I am crazy. The Forrest Gump references are all appreciated, each and every time I hear it.
Why am I doing this:
Because I have almost 38 years wearing a uniform. I need to take off that armor and prepare to deal with the world without it on.
I want to meet the 99.5% of Americans (or at least a subset of them) who have never served in the military.
I want to see places in America I have never been to before.
And finally, there is one reason I may share when I get back.
Where am I riding?
I will start in Oak Harbor, WA next week at my in-laws' home and follow four AdventureCycling.org routes: Northern Tier, Lewis and Clark, Underground Railroad, and Southern Tier. The easiest way to explain it is two rights, then two lefts. I will officially start the route in Anacortes, WA and from there ride east until Bismarck, ND. I will take my first right there and follow the Missouri River, then another right at the Mississippi River, thence south to Pensacola, FL, take a left at P-Cola, then another left at St. Augustine, FL, and end up back here at Neptune Beach, FL. So two rights, then two lefts, then home. Calculated distance is about 4,800 miles. I figure I will do something in excess of 5,000 miles with side trips, etc. It will take as long as it takes. I'm retired remember.
My personal rules:
I will not bore you with updates about the scenery, or miles ridden each day, or pictures of sunsets I take along the way. There are lots of great blogs about those kinds of rides. You can check out several on CrazyGuyonaBike. I have promised my wife a proof of life check every day when I stop. I will not be trackable on some kind of GPS device updated to the cloud.
I will take one picture a day. With one exception below. I am doing this because I first wanted to do this when I was ten years old in 1976 during the BikeCentennial. Therefor I am largely treating it as though I did the ride back then, and back then we didn't have digital cameras loaded with photos we never look at again other than to bore to tears people we think need to see how much better our life is than theirs.
I am not using a GPS device loaded with map software. I am using an old-fashioned bike computer and a bunch of maps from AdventureCycling.
I plan to sleep in a tent, stay with people I meet, use WarmShowers hospitality, and occasionally rent a motel room for the night.
I will blog about the people I meet along the way, with their permission. Once a week I plan to stop and force myself to meet someone unlike me to get to know their story. If they allow me, I will share it with you. The main point of this is for me to get to know that other 99.5%. I am excited about it.
What can you do for me?
Pray for me. Seriously. But I want you to pray that God uses me to fulfill His will. I am not asking you to pray for my safety. Safety means I may not be put in situations to meet people and get to know God's creation the way I think He wants me to. So pray that he would use me to fulfill His will. I do not plan to be reckless. I have a family I love and I plan to rejoin them at the end of this ride.
Support an organization of your choice helping wounded veterans. Team Red, White, and Blue is a personal favorite of mine. Wounded Warrior is based here in Jacksonville and is doing some great things. Or, pick one of your favorites and donate your time, talent, and money.
So, why ride instead of hiking the AT, or climbing a mountain, or going on a retreat of some kind? Because I am a bicycle rider - a pedaling man. A bike has always meant freedom to me. Some people are runners, golfers, gamblers, volunteers, etc.
I ride.
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