Diane Mattingly
Northern U.S. 2010
Miles: 3810 / 3810
Days: 69 / 69
Build Days: 10
Rest Days: 2
Location: Route is over
Bicycle, bicycle, I want to ride my bicycle! Queen seems to know what they are talking about. Who wouldn’t want to bike 3000 miles across America?
My name is Diane Mattingly, born and raised in Leonardtown, Maryland. I’m 21, and will graduate from Carnegie Mellon University this spring with a BS in Chemical Engineering.
College has really shown me how important sports are in my life. I’ve been a runner my whole life, participating in track and field both in high school as well as the collegiate level. I enjoy yoga and biking on off days, and play pick up games of anything as often as the opportunity presents itself. I don’t like to sit still, whitewater rafting, swimming, skiing, ziplining, if it involves physical activity I’m ready to give it a shot. I’m an avid Penguins fan and can’t forget that I live in Steeler Country.
When I’m not on the field, I focus much of my time on energy. I have taken on many projects involving alternative energies such as fuel cells, batteries, and biomass (specifically oil from algae and cellulosic materials). Even conventional petroleum offers new challenges that I hope to solve.
I knew before I started working in the real world I would do something incredible. I have a younger brother, who has helped transform my entire family into a healthier, more environmentally friendly lifestyle. His constant encouragement for me to help others and make a difference in the world is a large portion of my motivation for this trip. One of my best friends in college, Erica, completed this trip two summers ago. Listening to her adventures convinced me that this is what I would do.
I have a long history with the Civil Air Patrol, volunteering my time to help my community, both at local events and in times of crisis. Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, which focuses on helping youth achieve integrity, respect, and volunteer within their own community. I’m very excited to continue volunteering by joining the affordable housing cause.
This trip will be one of the biggest challenges of my life, but I love challenge so sign me up! I am so excited about seeing the countryside, meeting new people, and helping others along the way. In some ways this is my last shot at having three months without obligations, but I can’t think of a better way to spend my time!
Welp, I finally made it back to the east coast and my epic trip is over. I just thought I'd write a quick thank you to everyone who read my blog all summer - whether I know about you or not :). And also to everyone who donated to my cause and trip. I hope that you realize that it was absolutly life changing for me and I'm so glad I spent my summer in my own backyard.
Thanks again!
-- Diane
Thanks again!
-- Diane
Location:Philadelphia, PA
So we woke up this morning with a game plan. We headed to the corner of Robson and Granville for some crepes and smoothies. Then off we went to Stanley park to go roller blading around.
Personally, I loved it! But doug who was a little more roller blading challenged was a trooper. He only fell once, but he spent so much time concentrating on not falling that he couldn't really look around like me. We did the 10k loop around the park and stopped all along the way. I felt like I was back on bike and build, skating along and checking out all the terrain and pit stops as we went. I think I really like exploring this way now.
Here are pictures:
After this, we went to steamworks brewing company for dinner before going to a minor league baseball game. The Vancouver canadians played the Salem-Keizer volcanos. It was a fun game. We met lee smith there which doug really enjoyed :). Came back a little early because we have to wake up at 3:15 to catch our flight tomorrow! Wow. The trip is finally over!
-- Diane and Doug
Personally, I loved it! But doug who was a little more roller blading challenged was a trooper. He only fell once, but he spent so much time concentrating on not falling that he couldn't really look around like me. We did the 10k loop around the park and stopped all along the way. I felt like I was back on bike and build, skating along and checking out all the terrain and pit stops as we went. I think I really like exploring this way now.
Here are pictures:
After this, we went to steamworks brewing company for dinner before going to a minor league baseball game. The Vancouver canadians played the Salem-Keizer volcanos. It was a fun game. We met lee smith there which doug really enjoyed :). Came back a little early because we have to wake up at 3:15 to catch our flight tomorrow! Wow. The trip is finally over!
-- Diane and Doug
Well the highlights of yesterday were checking out the sea wall and Canada Place as well as the capilano suspension bridge.
I slept in while doug went for a run in the morning. My body is exhaused and I can finally catch up on sleep in a real bed.
Then we went to the grocery store for a picnic lunch and caught a shuttle up to the bridge. It is just north of the city.
This bridge is a long swinging cable bridge across a canyon. When we arrived, we got a tour of the history of the bridge by Matt.
During the tour doug first began acting like he was
10 years old, as him and the other little kid freaked out when they saw ice cream. Then we went inside the gift shop for free fudge samples, where again, 10 year old doug and another little kid loved the cookies and cream fudge. Well when we went across the bridge, it was confirmed - doug is 10.
So the bridge was large enough for just two people across, and it moved alot! It was pretty neat to walk across but also to watch other people walk across. We had our picnic on the otherside in the rainforest as we learned on the tour. Who knew there was a rainforest so close?
Then we walked around looking for banana slugs and learning about Douglas firs, red cedars, and hemlocks. I also told a joke - what were tarzans last words? Who greased the vine? Doug just shook his head.
Coming back the bus driver was crazy - he was giving us play by play on the loud speaker of his driving situations. It was funny and he was nice enough.
Then we got off at Canada place and saw this digital whale art. I liked it alot.
By this time is was getting late, so we spent a while walking around to find pho, ate it and then watched a movie. We also wrote and mailed some postcards. Good day.
-- Diane and Doug
I slept in while doug went for a run in the morning. My body is exhaused and I can finally catch up on sleep in a real bed.
Then we went to the grocery store for a picnic lunch and caught a shuttle up to the bridge. It is just north of the city.
This bridge is a long swinging cable bridge across a canyon. When we arrived, we got a tour of the history of the bridge by Matt.
During the tour doug first began acting like he was
10 years old, as him and the other little kid freaked out when they saw ice cream. Then we went inside the gift shop for free fudge samples, where again, 10 year old doug and another little kid loved the cookies and cream fudge. Well when we went across the bridge, it was confirmed - doug is 10.
So the bridge was large enough for just two people across, and it moved alot! It was pretty neat to walk across but also to watch other people walk across. We had our picnic on the otherside in the rainforest as we learned on the tour. Who knew there was a rainforest so close?
Then we walked around looking for banana slugs and learning about Douglas firs, red cedars, and hemlocks. I also told a joke - what were tarzans last words? Who greased the vine? Doug just shook his head.
Coming back the bus driver was crazy - he was giving us play by play on the loud speaker of his driving situations. It was funny and he was nice enough.
Then we got off at Canada place and saw this digital whale art. I liked it alot.
By this time is was getting late, so we spent a while walking around to find pho, ate it and then watched a movie. We also wrote and mailed some postcards. Good day.
-- Diane and Doug
Location:Vancouver
So I have some help writing now. Doug is behind the blogs too now. We are trading paragraphs in tonights issue.
Most of the bike and build team was still in Vancouver today so in the morning we left our hotel and walked the 8 or so blocks to the church where everyone was staying. After checking in with the group we walked over to Robson street to shop. Well, more like Diane dragged me along for the ride to Robson St so she could shop.
To be fair, doug said he might be interested in a jacket because it is cool in Vancouver. But most of the stores we stopped in were my idea. I found a super comfy pair of sweatpants from a company called roots for an awesome price. There is background here of Erica having these sweatpants and me wearing them once and realizing just how awesome they are. So I got myself a pair. Did alot of other window shopping but nothing major. Doug didnt find a jacket, but we didnt look that hard either. Then we met back up with the group at 12:30 to go to the Granville Island Farmers Market, which is like reading terminal in Philly, and the strip in Pittsburgh.
The market area had a ton of shops and so much to look at...I couldn't keep up.
It was nice to walk around that area and get food - we had our apple pie a la mode first before the burgers because we didn't want the ice cream to melt. It worked out well. Later in the afternoon we then took the aquaferry back across the water to put us back in downtown Vancouver.
Well at this point we had done a ton of walking, so we headed back to the hotel for a break. We napped for about an hour before waking back up to have sushi with AK and Denis for dinner. Doug ordered way too much food! The sushi rolls were huge -and we didn't know that. But it was a real good place. It was fun - a double date of sorts. Then we had some hot chocolate and listen to denis tell us about his favorite cross country experience.
Finally we went back to the church and I said goodbye to the team. It was sad. I'll miss everyone - alot. I'm slowly readjusting to real life again.
-- Diane (and Doug)
Most of the bike and build team was still in Vancouver today so in the morning we left our hotel and walked the 8 or so blocks to the church where everyone was staying. After checking in with the group we walked over to Robson street to shop. Well, more like Diane dragged me along for the ride to Robson St so she could shop.
To be fair, doug said he might be interested in a jacket because it is cool in Vancouver. But most of the stores we stopped in were my idea. I found a super comfy pair of sweatpants from a company called roots for an awesome price. There is background here of Erica having these sweatpants and me wearing them once and realizing just how awesome they are. So I got myself a pair. Did alot of other window shopping but nothing major. Doug didnt find a jacket, but we didnt look that hard either. Then we met back up with the group at 12:30 to go to the Granville Island Farmers Market, which is like reading terminal in Philly, and the strip in Pittsburgh.
The market area had a ton of shops and so much to look at...I couldn't keep up.
It was nice to walk around that area and get food - we had our apple pie a la mode first before the burgers because we didn't want the ice cream to melt. It worked out well. Later in the afternoon we then took the aquaferry back across the water to put us back in downtown Vancouver.
Well at this point we had done a ton of walking, so we headed back to the hotel for a break. We napped for about an hour before waking back up to have sushi with AK and Denis for dinner. Doug ordered way too much food! The sushi rolls were huge -and we didn't know that. But it was a real good place. It was fun - a double date of sorts. Then we had some hot chocolate and listen to denis tell us about his favorite cross country experience.
Finally we went back to the church and I said goodbye to the team. It was sad. I'll miss everyone - alot. I'm slowly readjusting to real life again.
-- Diane (and Doug)
Location:Vancouver
For once I woke up before the alarms at 6 am. We're riding to Vancouver today!! I had to be patient all morning. All I wanted to do was get to second beach and see Doug. But we wouldn't be doing that until noon. Also, a group of guys had taken Nolan in the day before and gotten mad lost, so today we split into 4 groups with leaders. I rode with denis as my leader.
It was cold and rainy, and we were getting lost. What a way to ride in. I had on lots of layers and the last thing I wanted to do was run into the ocean.
We regrouped at the science center and waited until noon to ride over. In the last two miles of the ride, the clouds parted and the rain stopped. It was finally hitting all of us - what we had done this summer.
As we turned the corner to Stanley park we started screaming and cheering past all of our parents and friends. Dropped our bikes, stripped down and ran for the ocean.
It was warmer than expected but there were huge rocks, so I cut my foot up pretty bad by accident. We huged and sang and cheered in the ocean. Finally came back and dipped our front wheels in the ocean. All of my pics are on my camera unfortunatly. You'll have to wait for it.
We spent the rest of the day celebrating and packing bikes and celebrating and saying good bye. We also handed out superlatives, I got most likely to become a spin class instructor.
Great day. Saw doug, and it's nice to have him back. I can't believe I made it the whole way. My trip is over.
These are my lyrics to closing time:
Vancouver
Run into the ocean
And dip your front wheel in the sea
Vancouver
What an epic summer
Its 32 bikes, 1 country
Vancouver
Let's Gather up some hammers
And put up a new house for them
Vancouver
Every plate of pasta
and every last cookie are gone
I know I won't miss my thermarest
No more packing trailers b'for breakfast
I know that my bag is just a mess...it's just a mess
Vancouver
No more flats to bring you down
Or road morphs to pump you back up
Vancouver
Life long friends and memories
Bike and build withdrawl is here.
Vancouver
Every new beginning
Comes from some other beginings end
Stats of the Day
Total Distance: 23.90
Avg Speed: 7.79
Max Speed: 33.23
-- Diane
It was cold and rainy, and we were getting lost. What a way to ride in. I had on lots of layers and the last thing I wanted to do was run into the ocean.
We regrouped at the science center and waited until noon to ride over. In the last two miles of the ride, the clouds parted and the rain stopped. It was finally hitting all of us - what we had done this summer.
As we turned the corner to Stanley park we started screaming and cheering past all of our parents and friends. Dropped our bikes, stripped down and ran for the ocean.
It was warmer than expected but there were huge rocks, so I cut my foot up pretty bad by accident. We huged and sang and cheered in the ocean. Finally came back and dipped our front wheels in the ocean. All of my pics are on my camera unfortunatly. You'll have to wait for it.
We spent the rest of the day celebrating and packing bikes and celebrating and saying good bye. We also handed out superlatives, I got most likely to become a spin class instructor.
Great day. Saw doug, and it's nice to have him back. I can't believe I made it the whole way. My trip is over.
These are my lyrics to closing time:
Vancouver
Run into the ocean
And dip your front wheel in the sea
Vancouver
What an epic summer
Its 32 bikes, 1 country
Vancouver
Let's Gather up some hammers
And put up a new house for them
Vancouver
Every plate of pasta
and every last cookie are gone
I know I won't miss my thermarest
No more packing trailers b'for breakfast
I know that my bag is just a mess...it's just a mess
Vancouver
No more flats to bring you down
Or road morphs to pump you back up
Vancouver
Life long friends and memories
Bike and build withdrawl is here.
Vancouver
Every new beginning
Comes from some other beginings end
Stats of the Day
Total Distance: 23.90
Avg Speed: 7.79
Max Speed: 33.23
-- Diane
Location:Vancouver BC
Welp, we made it to Canada today. I mailed my last pieces in the US and then answered some questions and crossed the border. As we crossed, Angela decided she needed to pee, so she told Kelsey who was still at the window to ask the guard if Canada has bathrooms. So Kelsey did just that, and the guard cracked a smile.
I rode so slow today. It was hillier than expected, but still a good ride. When we got to our host, we were informed they were hosting a day camp, so we couldn't actually come in until 5ish. That gave us like 4 hours of time to do whatever. So we just hung. It's been a long night of inventory and winding the trip down. We aren't in the best area of town tonight but it's only one more day to Vancouver. I think we'll make it.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 40.34
Avg Speed: 12.23
Max Speed: 41.12
-- Diane
I rode so slow today. It was hillier than expected, but still a good ride. When we got to our host, we were informed they were hosting a day camp, so we couldn't actually come in until 5ish. That gave us like 4 hours of time to do whatever. So we just hung. It's been a long night of inventory and winding the trip down. We aren't in the best area of town tonight but it's only one more day to Vancouver. I think we'll make it.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 40.34
Avg Speed: 12.23
Max Speed: 41.12
-- Diane
Location:Surrey, BC
Today is the last day we are in America. The ride was a little crazy. There was little sholder and trucks - always makes for close calls unfortunatly.
The funny part of the day came when I got a flat tire. I was sitting on the side of the road with the tire off my bike, changing the tube when I heard a dog bark. I looked up, through two fences - a wood one and a metal one, and thought I'm fine. Well then I saw a hole in the metal one and the wood one wouldn't stop the dog to begin with. So I jumped up and yelled at AK and put the wheel between the dog and me and started yelling at it. It slowed down and all I could think of is I'm down I can't escape. I have no tire. Well very luckily, the owner was in her yard, and she began yelling at the dog as it got with in feet. I yelled at her I'm just changing a tire, and luckily all casualties were avoided.
Then on the way in I began making up songs. I wrote a Washington song to the tune of
Oh Christmas tree:
Oh Washington oh Washington,
Your mountains aren't really that high.
I climbed on you for five days straight. I sailed down you to eat some grapes.
Oh washington, oh Washington, it's on to oh Canada.
I also wrote a Vancouver song that I will debut in Vancouver of course.
I will also announce now that I'll blog while doug and I are in Vancouver - so you guys can all still keep up. I'll be there till the 31st. It's been an unbelievable trip and it's not over yet.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 76.89
Avg Speed: 14.61
Max Speed: 31.08
-- Diane
The funny part of the day came when I got a flat tire. I was sitting on the side of the road with the tire off my bike, changing the tube when I heard a dog bark. I looked up, through two fences - a wood one and a metal one, and thought I'm fine. Well then I saw a hole in the metal one and the wood one wouldn't stop the dog to begin with. So I jumped up and yelled at AK and put the wheel between the dog and me and started yelling at it. It slowed down and all I could think of is I'm down I can't escape. I have no tire. Well very luckily, the owner was in her yard, and she began yelling at the dog as it got with in feet. I yelled at her I'm just changing a tire, and luckily all casualties were avoided.
Then on the way in I began making up songs. I wrote a Washington song to the tune of
Oh Christmas tree:
Oh Washington oh Washington,
Your mountains aren't really that high.
I climbed on you for five days straight. I sailed down you to eat some grapes.
Oh washington, oh Washington, it's on to oh Canada.
I also wrote a Vancouver song that I will debut in Vancouver of course.
I will also announce now that I'll blog while doug and I are in Vancouver - so you guys can all still keep up. I'll be there till the 31st. It's been an unbelievable trip and it's not over yet.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 76.89
Avg Speed: 14.61
Max Speed: 31.08
-- Diane
Location:Lyndon, WA
Woke up this morning cold so I put all my clothes on. Then slowly took them all off while doing morning chores, but brought them all with me bc I thought it would be cold at the top of the pass - I mean there is snow up there.
So it was the last day of climbing, and it was time to go with the big boys. Jamie, denis, Nolan, Travis, sam and I set off for the peak. Well I was with them for the first 15 miles, and in the last half mile I began dropping. I'm not too upset about it tho. We were going fast. Kyle kept pulling up next to us playing eye of the tiger on the van speakers on the way up which made it all the more epic. There were also switchbacks so you could see where you came from.
This is the view from atop Washington pass:
I think I developed an extra muscle in my quad from all this climbing. We hit rainy pass next which was no big deal.
On the downhills I let the boys race and go my own pace. I don't need any accidents.
We swam in cold water again after lunch and then went through a pitch black tunnel. It was scary. And epic.
Then Nolan, sam and I pushed until about 8 miles of tonights campground. We saw a gas station and were stuck. After a milkshake I felt better but it had been a long day. I did the last 8 miles on my own and ended up getting lost and adding in a few extra miles. Whatever it was all still fun.
Last town hall. High - all the climbs and sandpoint. Low - having four of us cross tires and Nolan crashing.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 85.47
Avg Speed: 15.87
Max Speed: 40.33
-- Diane
So it was the last day of climbing, and it was time to go with the big boys. Jamie, denis, Nolan, Travis, sam and I set off for the peak. Well I was with them for the first 15 miles, and in the last half mile I began dropping. I'm not too upset about it tho. We were going fast. Kyle kept pulling up next to us playing eye of the tiger on the van speakers on the way up which made it all the more epic. There were also switchbacks so you could see where you came from.
This is the view from atop Washington pass:
I think I developed an extra muscle in my quad from all this climbing. We hit rainy pass next which was no big deal.
On the downhills I let the boys race and go my own pace. I don't need any accidents.
We swam in cold water again after lunch and then went through a pitch black tunnel. It was scary. And epic.
Then Nolan, sam and I pushed until about 8 miles of tonights campground. We saw a gas station and were stuck. After a milkshake I felt better but it had been a long day. I did the last 8 miles on my own and ended up getting lost and adding in a few extra miles. Whatever it was all still fun.
Last town hall. High - all the climbs and sandpoint. Low - having four of us cross tires and Nolan crashing.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 85.47
Avg Speed: 15.87
Max Speed: 40.33
-- Diane
Location:Rockport, WA
Well I'm writing this blog a day late because we were so busy yesterday, but it was the Loup Loup climb.
I've been climbing with the boys all week basically (and Stephanie) because it is just harder to climb slow. At my pace we climb for over an hour and a half so to slow down and struggle for over two hours.
After the climb we found a river with a rapid of sorts following a long sand bar. Only problem, the river was freezing! But we pretended to be salmon and did it anyways. The current was real strong.
Then we entered a town called Winthrop where everything looked like it was from the old west. Leaving there, sam had a flat. It was Nolan, sam and I and as soon as Nolan said it was a shark tooth that caused the flat I knew we were in for a good final 13 miles.
At the camp site, we took a bath in the river - just as cold as the first, and put our milk in there to keep it cold over night.
We spent the majority of the night reviewing grants and determining how much money each group should get. I am definitely partial to grants that have a unique project over grants that are just building homes.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 63.42
I forgot to write down the others.
-- Diane
I've been climbing with the boys all week basically (and Stephanie) because it is just harder to climb slow. At my pace we climb for over an hour and a half so to slow down and struggle for over two hours.
After the climb we found a river with a rapid of sorts following a long sand bar. Only problem, the river was freezing! But we pretended to be salmon and did it anyways. The current was real strong.
Then we entered a town called Winthrop where everything looked like it was from the old west. Leaving there, sam had a flat. It was Nolan, sam and I and as soon as Nolan said it was a shark tooth that caused the flat I knew we were in for a good final 13 miles.
At the camp site, we took a bath in the river - just as cold as the first, and put our milk in there to keep it cold over night.
We spent the majority of the night reviewing grants and determining how much money each group should get. I am definitely partial to grants that have a unique project over grants that are just building homes.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 63.42
I forgot to write down the others.
-- Diane
Location:Early winters, WA
Today the climb began within half a mile of the ride. It was about 12 or 13 miles to the top of Wauconda Pass - 4310 ft. So nothing in comparison to yesterday but still a hike.
Downhill was awesome, I took tons of pictures of the desert mountains around us, but none with my phone because might drop it. Sorry.
At lunch I heard a gross story. Two days ago, Kyle G was bit by a spider on his cheek. Last night he woke up in pain and walked to the hosiptal. The doctor found the bite inside his mouth (yep the spider went in his mouth while he slept). He got a shot of anti-venom and anti swelling because it was a hobo spider. You can wiki it. But gross! I feel bad for him.
Then I waited around at lunch a while so I could ride with AK now that the climb was over. We got chased by a dog - and didn't even realize he was coming till he was half a foot from my pedal. We got scared and the boys infront wouldn't speed up. Luckily he lost interest. Sneak attack.
We also saw a dust bowl storm thing today where in the distance you had a funnel of dust from the ground a few hundred feet into the air. Pretty cool.
Tonight my only prank of the trip finally played out! Nolan, the trip prankster was busted. We had a guy take all his clothes while he was in the shower and replaced them with abbys dress - result he had to wear it the whole walk back :)
Count it!
Then we had a long long affordable housing meeting where we discussed all the grants we recieved and how to split up the money we fundraised. Part two will be tomorrow.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 65.40
Avg Speed: 16.09
Max Speed: 32.58
-- Diane
Downhill was awesome, I took tons of pictures of the desert mountains around us, but none with my phone because might drop it. Sorry.
At lunch I heard a gross story. Two days ago, Kyle G was bit by a spider on his cheek. Last night he woke up in pain and walked to the hosiptal. The doctor found the bite inside his mouth (yep the spider went in his mouth while he slept). He got a shot of anti-venom and anti swelling because it was a hobo spider. You can wiki it. But gross! I feel bad for him.
Then I waited around at lunch a while so I could ride with AK now that the climb was over. We got chased by a dog - and didn't even realize he was coming till he was half a foot from my pedal. We got scared and the boys infront wouldn't speed up. Luckily he lost interest. Sneak attack.
We also saw a dust bowl storm thing today where in the distance you had a funnel of dust from the ground a few hundred feet into the air. Pretty cool.
Tonight my only prank of the trip finally played out! Nolan, the trip prankster was busted. We had a guy take all his clothes while he was in the shower and replaced them with abbys dress - result he had to wear it the whole walk back :)
Count it!
Then we had a long long affordable housing meeting where we discussed all the grants we recieved and how to split up the money we fundraised. Part two will be tomorrow.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 65.40
Avg Speed: 16.09
Max Speed: 32.58
-- Diane
Location:Republic, WA
So it's day two of the climbs, and it was a close one. We had a really pumped group this morning - denis, sam, Nolan, and heather who made it well known they were going to kill the climb. So over breakfast I debated joining the group or not, and decided with camping and more passes to come, I would make a b team to climb with. So chris and Michael and I set off.
Before lunch and the climb we were chased by the littlest dog ever which we thought was hilarious.
The climb was 22 miles. And Josh and Nolan wrecked the a team, leaving the rest of the a team straggling up the mountain. We were Stopped on the side when they passed us (we left before them). So we jumped back in just after sam. Well this was a mistake because it gave me someone to chase. So I dragged Michael and chris up slowly catching sam. I was trying to keep them with me but they got too tired. Then next thing I knew I was 400 meters in front of sam too. I just felt good and was going for it. Well about a 1/2 mile from the very top I stopped take a photo of the view and that's when I realized I was not okay. Some how in climbing 22 miles I got tired and used all my energy. So I waited on the side of the road and yelled at sam to give me his gatorade (I didn't have any just water). He tossed me his bottle as he went by but it started rolling down hill, so I went and caught it as quickly as possible. I made the last 1/2 mile of the climb with sam to the summit.
Then it was time for the downhill. Even tho the sun is out, it is still cold because of the elevation. So I put my new arm earners on and began the decent. I was struggling. And it was downhill. Another red flag. I made it into town tho, and stopped at the first gas station I saw. I got a twix bar, starburst, ramen noodles, and poptarts. I sat down and ate the twix. Then I coaxed myself back on the bike to go the last 3 blocks to our host site, where I ate the rest of the food and realized how bad of shape I was in. I laid down and passed out. I woke up a few hours later and feel good again. This is what we call here as being on the verge of bonking.
Tomorrow is another day and another climb. Well see how the legs feel.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 76.51
Avg Speed: 15.16
Max Speed: 34.25
-- Diane
Before lunch and the climb we were chased by the littlest dog ever which we thought was hilarious.
The climb was 22 miles. And Josh and Nolan wrecked the a team, leaving the rest of the a team straggling up the mountain. We were Stopped on the side when they passed us (we left before them). So we jumped back in just after sam. Well this was a mistake because it gave me someone to chase. So I dragged Michael and chris up slowly catching sam. I was trying to keep them with me but they got too tired. Then next thing I knew I was 400 meters in front of sam too. I just felt good and was going for it. Well about a 1/2 mile from the very top I stopped take a photo of the view and that's when I realized I was not okay. Some how in climbing 22 miles I got tired and used all my energy. So I waited on the side of the road and yelled at sam to give me his gatorade (I didn't have any just water). He tossed me his bottle as he went by but it started rolling down hill, so I went and caught it as quickly as possible. I made the last 1/2 mile of the climb with sam to the summit.
Then it was time for the downhill. Even tho the sun is out, it is still cold because of the elevation. So I put my new arm earners on and began the decent. I was struggling. And it was downhill. Another red flag. I made it into town tho, and stopped at the first gas station I saw. I got a twix bar, starburst, ramen noodles, and poptarts. I sat down and ate the twix. Then I coaxed myself back on the bike to go the last 3 blocks to our host site, where I ate the rest of the food and realized how bad of shape I was in. I laid down and passed out. I woke up a few hours later and feel good again. This is what we call here as being on the verge of bonking.
Tomorrow is another day and another climb. Well see how the legs feel.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 76.51
Avg Speed: 15.16
Max Speed: 34.25
-- Diane
Location:Republic, WA
So started the day with cage and Tony. We got to Washington and then got some fruit from safeway. At lunch I ate alot as usual, and it was super easy at this point. Well no one told me we had to climb today. And after lunch it began. We were headed up chewelah mountain which apparently means snake in the grass.
This is the view from atop:
The pass was at an elevation of 4046ft. Today was the start of 6 passes in 5 days. So get ready legs!
When we got into the host, Denis came in sadened that he lost a flip flop at some point today. So I went to the thrif shop and bought him some hugh heffner style slippers for 98 cents. He loves them! And they will work for the last week of the trip.
Tonight we went bowling, and after took one of denis' new slippers. We framed AK and are all enjoying the prank.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 72.08
Avg Speed: 14.45
Max Speed: 38.36
-- Diane
This is the view from atop:
The pass was at an elevation of 4046ft. Today was the start of 6 passes in 5 days. So get ready legs!
When we got into the host, Denis came in sadened that he lost a flip flop at some point today. So I went to the thrif shop and bought him some hugh heffner style slippers for 98 cents. He loves them! And they will work for the last week of the trip.
Tonight we went bowling, and after took one of denis' new slippers. We framed AK and are all enjoying the prank.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 72.08
Avg Speed: 14.45
Max Speed: 38.36
-- Diane
Location:N 2nd St W,Chewelah,United States
So not 10 miles into our ride today we had a pile up - and I got out of it standing. The line order went like this: Stephanie, Josh, Sam, Me, Nolan. For some reason, Stephanie put on her brakes and didn't tell any of us - and our tires are like 3-4 inches from eachother. Josh slammed his on, and the wheel crossing began. Sam and I were sandwhiched with both our wheels crossing the wheels of the people ahead and behind us. I felt nolans wheel on mine, and I reached back almost like a baton pass and grabed ahold of his bike. I got out of Sams back wheel and steered over and hit the brakes. Nolan went down in slow motion, but he's the only on who fell. It could have been so much worse.
Made it to first lunch pretty fast, and then on to Idaho.
Steph and Josh always make the letter abreviation under the state signs.
Just before second lunch, we met hippy John in the blue bomber. He was a man on the side of the road, living out of his van. It was wild.
At second lunch we took a little swiming break, and then rolled in to Sandpoint.
We went to this bar called the dive - they had a mechanical bull. You also threw peanut shells on the floor and there were dogs inside, reminding me of the green door. It was fun to ride it and I like to think I wasn't too bad - it's all about leg and stomach strength.
We also had a day off in sandpoint today, and a group of us went water tubing and skiing on the lake. We rented a boat and off we went - some of the guys knew how to drive it and it was an awesome day on the water. Nolan was real good at water skiing and I spent quite a bit of time on the back of the tube - I was steering it so that I wouldn't get thrown off. Everyone else has tons of pictures.
When I got back from that, it was mail drop and I was like why do I have a huge pile?? So unexpected - but totally awesome. Thanks to everyone for sending cards :). I can't believe it's less than 500 miles and 8 days to go before I'll have riden my bike the whole country. I've also come to realize just how many people read my blog. Not even people I know - random coworkers and my friends from school and family. Knowing people read it had made me keep up with it this summer and really feel alot of support from everyone because they care enough to read it. Thanks!
Stats from Yesterday:
Total Mileage: 98.04
Avg Speed: 16.31
Max Speed: 31.96
-- Diane
Made it to first lunch pretty fast, and then on to Idaho.
Steph and Josh always make the letter abreviation under the state signs.
Just before second lunch, we met hippy John in the blue bomber. He was a man on the side of the road, living out of his van. It was wild.
At second lunch we took a little swiming break, and then rolled in to Sandpoint.
We went to this bar called the dive - they had a mechanical bull. You also threw peanut shells on the floor and there were dogs inside, reminding me of the green door. It was fun to ride it and I like to think I wasn't too bad - it's all about leg and stomach strength.
We also had a day off in sandpoint today, and a group of us went water tubing and skiing on the lake. We rented a boat and off we went - some of the guys knew how to drive it and it was an awesome day on the water. Nolan was real good at water skiing and I spent quite a bit of time on the back of the tube - I was steering it so that I wouldn't get thrown off. Everyone else has tons of pictures.
When I got back from that, it was mail drop and I was like why do I have a huge pile?? So unexpected - but totally awesome. Thanks to everyone for sending cards :). I can't believe it's less than 500 miles and 8 days to go before I'll have riden my bike the whole country. I've also come to realize just how many people read my blog. Not even people I know - random coworkers and my friends from school and family. Knowing people read it had made me keep up with it this summer and really feel alot of support from everyone because they care enough to read it. Thanks!
Stats from Yesterday:
Total Mileage: 98.04
Avg Speed: 16.31
Max Speed: 31.96
-- Diane
Location:Sandpoint, ID
So today was so full of all sorts of adventure. Aunt Mary Faith is very good at predicting routes because we are in Libby tonight and took highway 37 here along the koocanusa lake. I started the morning with chris and Michael and Sarah, but the road was weird, and we couldn't tell if we were going uphill or downhill - only by the speed and effort put into our bikes. We think it's because the rock cliffs went up at an angle skewing the visual look of the road. Anyways, this is the view I had all day:
I rode for about 6 miles by myself and it was sweet because I stopped and all I could hear was nature. It's a cool feeling.
Lunch was atop a cliff, where people made rock towers and I pelted lesil with silly string and water ballons for her birthday.
After lunch, we wanted to swim but were above the water level. So we found a road to take us down there - problem is if you go down you have to come up. The water was freezing, but that didn't stop us, in we went and it was awesome. Then coming back up the hill, it turned out didn't take as much effort as we thought, so that was just as good.
Coming into town, we saw another swimming opportunity so in we went again, then laid around for a while before getting back on the bike. I'm learning to take any situation and have fun with it. It rocks.
After dinner was town hall where we handed out the competitive grants. These are grants affordable housing organizations submit that we as a group discuss and then allocate out the money we raised to do the trip. It's pretty cool - so I'll be reading those apps over the next few days.
Sam and I had a heart to heart tonight about bike and build ending and what life is gonna be like after. He brought it up becuase he's at a cross roads - and I think alot of people are on this trip. I'm obviously in a different spot because I have a job when I get back. And I'm very glad I do. But it's also good that the people who don't have plans can talk about it together and figure stuff out. We are all at formidable points in our lives and people here have the potential to do big things. I think part of this trip is getting to know yourself and figure that out. I've learned I'm happy with where I am at. Anyways enough of that.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 74.58
Avg Speed: 14.02
Max Speed: 36.19
-- Diane
I rode for about 6 miles by myself and it was sweet because I stopped and all I could hear was nature. It's a cool feeling.
Lunch was atop a cliff, where people made rock towers and I pelted lesil with silly string and water ballons for her birthday.
After lunch, we wanted to swim but were above the water level. So we found a road to take us down there - problem is if you go down you have to come up. The water was freezing, but that didn't stop us, in we went and it was awesome. Then coming back up the hill, it turned out didn't take as much effort as we thought, so that was just as good.
Coming into town, we saw another swimming opportunity so in we went again, then laid around for a while before getting back on the bike. I'm learning to take any situation and have fun with it. It rocks.
After dinner was town hall where we handed out the competitive grants. These are grants affordable housing organizations submit that we as a group discuss and then allocate out the money we raised to do the trip. It's pretty cool - so I'll be reading those apps over the next few days.
Sam and I had a heart to heart tonight about bike and build ending and what life is gonna be like after. He brought it up becuase he's at a cross roads - and I think alot of people are on this trip. I'm obviously in a different spot because I have a job when I get back. And I'm very glad I do. But it's also good that the people who don't have plans can talk about it together and figure stuff out. We are all at formidable points in our lives and people here have the potential to do big things. I think part of this trip is getting to know yourself and figure that out. I've learned I'm happy with where I am at. Anyways enough of that.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 74.58
Avg Speed: 14.02
Max Speed: 36.19
-- Diane
Location:Libby, MT
Today I woke up in a fantastic mood. It was Sadie Hawkins date ride day, so Angela and I set off with steph as our third wheel since her date Andrew was in the van. Also, we double dated with AP and Kelsey.
After an hour in bike shops, we set off for eureka, MT. We found lunch early, and took some biker photos -
And also enjoyed some super burgers and fries. Then AK and I sat around on a swing in the shade for an hour.
After lunch I was not feeling the biking fast thing, so at a snails pace we continued on. We saw the most beautiful lake ever. It was a georgeous blue green color surrounded by pine tree mountains. It was called lake dicky and we had to stop. When we got there, we met these people who took us water tubing - yup that's right I went water tubing today in a lake so clear you could see 25 feet down. Awesome. After that we swam a bit before getting back on the bike.
We stopped again later to pet some horses. They were so nice and wanted to be right in your face. I fed them some grass.
When we got into the host, we heard about the funniest naked mile experience. Some people have been planning all summer to do a naked mile on the bike. Well I guess today they tried it, only to have the first car that came upon them be the sheriff! So funny. They didn't get in trouble but hilarous for the rest of us. I won't be doing it that's for sure.
Stats of the Day:
60.43
15.09
35.19
-- Diane
After an hour in bike shops, we set off for eureka, MT. We found lunch early, and took some biker photos -
And also enjoyed some super burgers and fries. Then AK and I sat around on a swing in the shade for an hour.
After lunch I was not feeling the biking fast thing, so at a snails pace we continued on. We saw the most beautiful lake ever. It was a georgeous blue green color surrounded by pine tree mountains. It was called lake dicky and we had to stop. When we got there, we met these people who took us water tubing - yup that's right I went water tubing today in a lake so clear you could see 25 feet down. Awesome. After that we swam a bit before getting back on the bike.
We stopped again later to pet some horses. They were so nice and wanted to be right in your face. I fed them some grass.
When we got into the host, we heard about the funniest naked mile experience. Some people have been planning all summer to do a naked mile on the bike. Well I guess today they tried it, only to have the first car that came upon them be the sheriff! So funny. They didn't get in trouble but hilarous for the rest of us. I won't be doing it that's for sure.
Stats of the Day:
60.43
15.09
35.19
-- Diane
Location:Eureka, MT
Today rivals Portsmouth for best build day of the trip. Jamie, Dennis and I built a closet and stair rail from scratch today. They are both architects, and me? Well I can cut wood and do math. So I absolutly learned alot today about building structures. It was awesome.
I did have one golden moment whether the boys wanna give me credit for it or not. We were building a criple, and the one piece was only 2 inches long. When you used the nail gun, it split the wood right away. So they were stuck and I had an idea. We needed a 3.5 x 2 inch block, so I cut the wood so the grain would run the long end (3.5 in) and suggested we hand hammer because it's less pressure. Dennis initially said it wouldn't work, but I went and cut the piece anyways, and gave it to him, and what do you know...we had a cripple. Success!
After the build, I put new brakes on my bike and cleaned it up. Then I got sent on a chocolate donut scavenger hunt for my Sadie hawkens date...(I volunteered to be a 'guy' so that there would be even numbers). And also so that I wouldn't have to ask anyone :). It was awesome. I grabed a glass of milk and followed the clues to AK! Best ride buddy ever!!
Oh and Aunt Mary Faith said take more pictures, so this is our view -
I folded up all the tents also so that they wouldn't get wet tomorrow morning, making drying them useless.
Stats from Yesterday:
Total Mileage: 81.45
Avg Speed: 15.12
Max Speed: 33.46
-- Diane
I did have one golden moment whether the boys wanna give me credit for it or not. We were building a criple, and the one piece was only 2 inches long. When you used the nail gun, it split the wood right away. So they were stuck and I had an idea. We needed a 3.5 x 2 inch block, so I cut the wood so the grain would run the long end (3.5 in) and suggested we hand hammer because it's less pressure. Dennis initially said it wouldn't work, but I went and cut the piece anyways, and gave it to him, and what do you know...we had a cripple. Success!
After the build, I put new brakes on my bike and cleaned it up. Then I got sent on a chocolate donut scavenger hunt for my Sadie hawkens date...(I volunteered to be a 'guy' so that there would be even numbers). And also so that I wouldn't have to ask anyone :). It was awesome. I grabed a glass of milk and followed the clues to AK! Best ride buddy ever!!
Oh and Aunt Mary Faith said take more pictures, so this is our view -
I folded up all the tents also so that they wouldn't get wet tomorrow morning, making drying them useless.
Stats from Yesterday:
Total Mileage: 81.45
Avg Speed: 15.12
Max Speed: 33.46
-- Diane
Location:Whitefish MT
Talk about a loaded day. After our tent nearly collapsed last night, we woke up at 4 to begin the day. If we didn't wanna have to take the shuttle, we had to be 50 miles through the ride by 11 am. 5 hours including a climb and 50 miles as sweep I knew I wasn't gonna make it, and worse than anything I didn't wanna shuttle. I wanted to bike the pass.
Well either way, I started the morning with a flat as my nozzle came off my tube. So I changed it. As we rode up on Liz and Kate and Kelsey it was clear people have different priorities on bike and build. The three of them wanted to stop everywhere and take pictures and didn't care if they made it down the mountain by bike or shuttle. On the other hand while I would have liked to take my time because we were restricted by the pass closure to bikes at 11 am, I knew I wanted to be through there because I wanna bike the whole way. So like I said, luckily they were willing to switch with us. And off we went to make up for lost time.
Since I am a fast climber comparitivly, I would stop on occation and take pictures and catch back up. The scenery was amazing dispite the fog and rain. It reminded me of the japaneese countryside. Glacier is somewhere I would wanna come back and spend a week at.
Well the real challenge came when we reached the contential divide. We had 33 miles to go and only an hour and 15 mintues to do it. Now if you pay attention to my stats ever, you'll realize that normally we go about 15 or 16 mph. So determined we set off. Even though 12 miles were downhill, it was switchbacks so we couldn't take off. Not to mention the decent was freezing my arms were shaking and my teeth chattering and I had plastic bags around my feet to keep the wind out.
We got to the bottom and Dennis pulled but then didn't eat enough and trailed off. Sam, whose shifter broke at the bottom on the otherwise only had 2 gears, so we dropped him on a hill, and then it was jillian and I. So I did math while I pulled above 20 mph for 45 minutes pacing to reach the designated spot before 11 am. Sam and Dennis did catch back up but I still pulled. It was epic. I learned alot right there about how you can cycle vs run based on how your legs feel. Conclusion: we made it to mile 50 at 10:59! Awesome. I had a huckleberry milkshake to celebrate.
After lunch, Kyle said he was leaving and was only going to go about 15. Thinking my legs were horribly tired from the climb and the pull I thought going slow would be perfect. Think again... Kyle never went below 20...and at least I wasn't pulling but dang did we roll today.
I picked up some new brakes from the bike shop. After 5000 miles and that decent today mine are shot. Had some huckleberry ice cream and we build tomorrow. Should be real good.
I don't have the stats but I'll put em up tomorrow. I wish I had pics to post but I can't pull my phone out when it rains. I'm so glad I made it the whole way without having to shuttle. I could have been in such a bad mood. But we have an awesome team and in the end everyone was happy. Love it!
Didn't see any bears. Perfectly okay with that.
-- Diane
Well either way, I started the morning with a flat as my nozzle came off my tube. So I changed it. As we rode up on Liz and Kate and Kelsey it was clear people have different priorities on bike and build. The three of them wanted to stop everywhere and take pictures and didn't care if they made it down the mountain by bike or shuttle. On the other hand while I would have liked to take my time because we were restricted by the pass closure to bikes at 11 am, I knew I wanted to be through there because I wanna bike the whole way. So like I said, luckily they were willing to switch with us. And off we went to make up for lost time.
Since I am a fast climber comparitivly, I would stop on occation and take pictures and catch back up. The scenery was amazing dispite the fog and rain. It reminded me of the japaneese countryside. Glacier is somewhere I would wanna come back and spend a week at.
Well the real challenge came when we reached the contential divide. We had 33 miles to go and only an hour and 15 mintues to do it. Now if you pay attention to my stats ever, you'll realize that normally we go about 15 or 16 mph. So determined we set off. Even though 12 miles were downhill, it was switchbacks so we couldn't take off. Not to mention the decent was freezing my arms were shaking and my teeth chattering and I had plastic bags around my feet to keep the wind out.
We got to the bottom and Dennis pulled but then didn't eat enough and trailed off. Sam, whose shifter broke at the bottom on the otherwise only had 2 gears, so we dropped him on a hill, and then it was jillian and I. So I did math while I pulled above 20 mph for 45 minutes pacing to reach the designated spot before 11 am. Sam and Dennis did catch back up but I still pulled. It was epic. I learned alot right there about how you can cycle vs run based on how your legs feel. Conclusion: we made it to mile 50 at 10:59! Awesome. I had a huckleberry milkshake to celebrate.
After lunch, Kyle said he was leaving and was only going to go about 15. Thinking my legs were horribly tired from the climb and the pull I thought going slow would be perfect. Think again... Kyle never went below 20...and at least I wasn't pulling but dang did we roll today.
I picked up some new brakes from the bike shop. After 5000 miles and that decent today mine are shot. Had some huckleberry ice cream and we build tomorrow. Should be real good.
I don't have the stats but I'll put em up tomorrow. I wish I had pics to post but I can't pull my phone out when it rains. I'm so glad I made it the whole way without having to shuttle. I could have been in such a bad mood. But we have an awesome team and in the end everyone was happy. Love it!
Didn't see any bears. Perfectly okay with that.
-- Diane
Location:Whitefish, MT
Talk about an epic day.
I was heating up even though I was freezing.
It was gorgeous even though it was raining.
The mountains were there even though you couldn't see them.
I can't even describe glacier. (and I don't think I can spell it either but oh well). The climbs the decent amazing. And all in the soaking rain.
We are sleeping in tents in the pouring rain. It's about to get real. We were very creative this afternoon building shelters and keeping bags dry. Awesome. I got two flats on the road from staples in my tires. And in the end, today was epic. Epic.
Also, said goodbye to mark. Here's his lyrics - to John denvers leaving on a jet plane. So sad.
All marks bags are packed
He's ready to go
He's standing here with a pbj
He Hates to remove his shammies and say goodbye
But the dawn is breaking
The trailers packed
The van is waiting
He's shipped his bike
Already We're so lonesome We could bonk
So bike into Vancouver for him.
Kira said she'll wait for him
Shell hold him and never let him go
Cuz marks leaving on a bush plane
Back to groceries once a year
Man oh man he hates to go.
There's so many photos Hes snapped of you
So many builds Hes filmed us do
I tell you now the best he's ever seen
Everyplace we've been He'll tell his kids
Everysong He sings He'll wave his flag
When He gets home He'll dream of all of us.
So bike into Vancouver for him.
Kira said shell wait for him
Shell hold him and never let him go
Cuz marks leaving on a bush plane
No more root beer floats this year
Man oh man he hates to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me ride with you
Close your eyes I'll be sawing logs
I'll dream about a year to come
When I come back for CWM
About the times I won't have to say
Bike into Vancouver for him.
Kira said she'll wait for him
Shell hold him and never let him go
Cuz marks leaving on a bush plane
We won't be listening to stories no more.
Man oh man he hates to go
But marks leaving on a bush plane
It's the end of bike and build for him
Man oh man he hates to go.
Stats of the day:
Total Mileage: 66.98
Avg Speed: 13.46
Max Speed: 35.34
-- Diane
I was heating up even though I was freezing.
It was gorgeous even though it was raining.
The mountains were there even though you couldn't see them.
I can't even describe glacier. (and I don't think I can spell it either but oh well). The climbs the decent amazing. And all in the soaking rain.
We are sleeping in tents in the pouring rain. It's about to get real. We were very creative this afternoon building shelters and keeping bags dry. Awesome. I got two flats on the road from staples in my tires. And in the end, today was epic. Epic.
Also, said goodbye to mark. Here's his lyrics - to John denvers leaving on a jet plane. So sad.
All marks bags are packed
He's ready to go
He's standing here with a pbj
He Hates to remove his shammies and say goodbye
But the dawn is breaking
The trailers packed
The van is waiting
He's shipped his bike
Already We're so lonesome We could bonk
So bike into Vancouver for him.
Kira said she'll wait for him
Shell hold him and never let him go
Cuz marks leaving on a bush plane
Back to groceries once a year
Man oh man he hates to go.
There's so many photos Hes snapped of you
So many builds Hes filmed us do
I tell you now the best he's ever seen
Everyplace we've been He'll tell his kids
Everysong He sings He'll wave his flag
When He gets home He'll dream of all of us.
So bike into Vancouver for him.
Kira said shell wait for him
Shell hold him and never let him go
Cuz marks leaving on a bush plane
No more root beer floats this year
Man oh man he hates to go
Now the time has come to leave you
One more time let me ride with you
Close your eyes I'll be sawing logs
I'll dream about a year to come
When I come back for CWM
About the times I won't have to say
Bike into Vancouver for him.
Kira said she'll wait for him
Shell hold him and never let him go
Cuz marks leaving on a bush plane
We won't be listening to stories no more.
Man oh man he hates to go
But marks leaving on a bush plane
It's the end of bike and build for him
Man oh man he hates to go.
Stats of the day:
Total Mileage: 66.98
Avg Speed: 13.46
Max Speed: 35.34
-- Diane
Location:Glacier National Park
Today was by far the hardest day I've had on the bike. The wind was incredible and I felt even deep in the pace line it was a struggle. I feel bad sometimes because I know other people have to work harder to go as fast as I do sometimes so in situations like this I figure if I pull longer we are all putting in the same effort.
Well with about 15 miles before lunch, I joined with Dennis and Angela. We sang all the songs we knew at the top of our lungs to try and take our minds off the wind. By the time we got into lunch, all I wanted were chocolate donuts. So I bee lined for the gas station.
It was hard to get me out of lunch, but reluctantly, Michael and I set off. We were both in the kind of mood where we got temporary turrets. We decided to stop every 10 min for a break.
Finally we got in but it was rough. Wow. Also what kept me going was that is was mail day which meant i got my package! Cookies were great - everyone liked them although i ate about 8 myself. Also doug wrote a very hilaious letter to me. Thanks buddy - just what I needed after a tough day.
Cool thing tho - we saw the Rockies today in the distance.
- i've now biked from the east coast to the Rockies
- I have to climb that tomorrow and it's gonna be awesome!
Also I made up a song about Montana today - (tune of oh suzanna)
Oh Montana!
Oh don't do meth for me
Cuz I come from north Dakota
With a mountain still to see.
After a shower I cleaned my bike up all pretty and then had a good chat with Sam about the summer. We took mark out to the bar for a final drink (he leaves to go back to alaska after tomorrows ride). I stole Takas awesome toast as I was last in the circle to say good things about him. It went like this:
Saying Mark without thinking Broz is like saying arkansas without Alaska, sauna with out ahhhh, and bike without build. So drink up, here's to mark Broz.
I think it was a hit.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 67.95
Avg Speed: 13.48
Max Speed: 26.88
-- Diane
Well with about 15 miles before lunch, I joined with Dennis and Angela. We sang all the songs we knew at the top of our lungs to try and take our minds off the wind. By the time we got into lunch, all I wanted were chocolate donuts. So I bee lined for the gas station.
It was hard to get me out of lunch, but reluctantly, Michael and I set off. We were both in the kind of mood where we got temporary turrets. We decided to stop every 10 min for a break.
Finally we got in but it was rough. Wow. Also what kept me going was that is was mail day which meant i got my package! Cookies were great - everyone liked them although i ate about 8 myself. Also doug wrote a very hilaious letter to me. Thanks buddy - just what I needed after a tough day.
Cool thing tho - we saw the Rockies today in the distance.
- i've now biked from the east coast to the Rockies
- I have to climb that tomorrow and it's gonna be awesome!
Also I made up a song about Montana today - (tune of oh suzanna)
Oh Montana!
Oh don't do meth for me
Cuz I come from north Dakota
With a mountain still to see.
After a shower I cleaned my bike up all pretty and then had a good chat with Sam about the summer. We took mark out to the bar for a final drink (he leaves to go back to alaska after tomorrows ride). I stole Takas awesome toast as I was last in the circle to say good things about him. It went like this:
Saying Mark without thinking Broz is like saying arkansas without Alaska, sauna with out ahhhh, and bike without build. So drink up, here's to mark Broz.
I think it was a hit.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 67.95
Avg Speed: 13.48
Max Speed: 26.88
-- Diane
Location:Cut Bank, MT
Rode through Havre today, which is not pronounced like Favre sorry. They had an underground city there at one point which is pretty cool. This caused a series of stops in which we traveled about a mile in over an hour.
I first convinced Angela and lesil to get chocolate donuts from me at the gas station. Then we stopped at walmart, where we met syvia, the hot mamma from Montana. She was about 60 and pretty crazy. But funny for sure.
We got back on the bikes finally and made it to lunch. At lunch I used the weirdest gas station bathroom. Gas was 1.93 and when we walked in no one was inside. So we used the bathroom, and then while walking out saw a vending machine that sold 65 cent cans of bud light. It was weird.
Another group came upon a fire just before lunch. The suspicion is that a cigarette butt started it, but when their water bottles failed and the wind blew it bigger they called the fire department. Bike and build prevents forest fires now too.
After lunch I raced a train. It was going pretty slow so I decided to go for it. The conductor was cheering me on as I hit 31 mph. It was fun for about a half a mile. Then I was just tired.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 84.32
Avg Speed: 16.48
Max Speed: 31.96 - did it on flat ground!
-- Diane
I first convinced Angela and lesil to get chocolate donuts from me at the gas station. Then we stopped at walmart, where we met syvia, the hot mamma from Montana. She was about 60 and pretty crazy. But funny for sure.
We got back on the bikes finally and made it to lunch. At lunch I used the weirdest gas station bathroom. Gas was 1.93 and when we walked in no one was inside. So we used the bathroom, and then while walking out saw a vending machine that sold 65 cent cans of bud light. It was weird.
Another group came upon a fire just before lunch. The suspicion is that a cigarette butt started it, but when their water bottles failed and the wind blew it bigger they called the fire department. Bike and build prevents forest fires now too.
After lunch I raced a train. It was going pretty slow so I decided to go for it. The conductor was cheering me on as I hit 31 mph. It was fun for about a half a mile. Then I was just tired.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 84.32
Avg Speed: 16.48
Max Speed: 31.96 - did it on flat ground!
-- Diane
Location:Chester, MT
Rode the day with Liz, and about a mile before lunch my back tire was low. So I rode it in anyways and ate lunch first. I've been craving chocolate donuts lately, so I had some of those. Then I pryed a small rock out of my tire and changed the tube. This was of course the best place to get a flat since I could use the big pump. So two flats in a row - I'm heating up.
Just before leaving, a stray dog appeared and raised it's leg over kyles helmet. It got a sprinkling as we yelled at it, but heathers camelback took the most of it. So glad it wasn't mine.
After lunch the wind picked up and it was Sarah me and Liz. Sarah was having the hardest day of the trip (just a bad day for her body), so I pulled both of them the 25 more miles into chinook. I really like pulling and working hard on the bike.
Upon arrival I spent an hour perfecting my song about mark. Mark is leaving us in glacier to go back and teach in America, so I rewrote John denvers song leaving on a jet plane. I'll post the lyrics when I perform it in glacier.
Then the past two days I've had about 2 hours between when I am hungry and dinner, so I took a nap so I wouldn't have to be upset I couldn't eat yet.
Town hall tonight, and I don't have any lows because my lows are my highs.
-falling out of the tent and getting all those flats with Angela.
Town hall wasn't as painful tonight as it normally is so that's good too.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 68.85
Avg Speed: 14.33
Max Speed: 20.66
-- Diane
Just before leaving, a stray dog appeared and raised it's leg over kyles helmet. It got a sprinkling as we yelled at it, but heathers camelback took the most of it. So glad it wasn't mine.
After lunch the wind picked up and it was Sarah me and Liz. Sarah was having the hardest day of the trip (just a bad day for her body), so I pulled both of them the 25 more miles into chinook. I really like pulling and working hard on the bike.
Upon arrival I spent an hour perfecting my song about mark. Mark is leaving us in glacier to go back and teach in America, so I rewrote John denvers song leaving on a jet plane. I'll post the lyrics when I perform it in glacier.
Then the past two days I've had about 2 hours between when I am hungry and dinner, so I took a nap so I wouldn't have to be upset I couldn't eat yet.
Town hall tonight, and I don't have any lows because my lows are my highs.
-falling out of the tent and getting all those flats with Angela.
Town hall wasn't as painful tonight as it normally is so that's good too.
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 68.85
Avg Speed: 14.33
Max Speed: 20.66
-- Diane
Location:Chinook, MT
Well Angela started the day with a flat tire and before it was all over the two of us would have 4 flats in all.
We had been warned we were about to go through serious mosquito territory in the next 2-3 days. Even riding we were warned we'd be bit. So I brought the bug spray in my cammelback today.
About 9 miles into the ride Angela got her first flat. I gave her my tube so that it would go faster. Back on the road, and we made it to lunch with out any mosquito bites.
At lunch I took a 10 min nap and a train came by. It blew it's whistle so loud I thought I was laying on the tracks for a second.
Four miles out of lunch Angela got anoter flat. We went through 3 tubes changing that one because we had holes in all of em. We even flagged the van down for help while angela ran away from an angry bee, but still no Mosquitos.
Well about 4 miles after that, my back tire was low. I decided I'd just try and pump it up and not worry about it but sure enough a mile later it was low again. So out came the tube and I changed that sucker. My perfect record shattered. But still no mosquitos.
Well luckily after that Angela and I made it with no more flats. When the van came I let her use my extra tire which is way better than the stock kenda.
Still a real enjoyable ride, and when we got in everyone else talked about how bad the mosqutos were holding to their legs while biking. It's like angela and I took a different route or something.
Dinner tonight was pasta we made. I really miss it when we don't have dinner provided. Less than 3 weeks remaining in the trip. It's pretty crazy - and we still have to do the rockies.
Stats of the day:
Total Mileage: 71.87
Avg Speed: 14.62
Max Speed: 25.34
-- Diane
We had been warned we were about to go through serious mosquito territory in the next 2-3 days. Even riding we were warned we'd be bit. So I brought the bug spray in my cammelback today.
About 9 miles into the ride Angela got her first flat. I gave her my tube so that it would go faster. Back on the road, and we made it to lunch with out any mosquito bites.
At lunch I took a 10 min nap and a train came by. It blew it's whistle so loud I thought I was laying on the tracks for a second.
Four miles out of lunch Angela got anoter flat. We went through 3 tubes changing that one because we had holes in all of em. We even flagged the van down for help while angela ran away from an angry bee, but still no Mosquitos.
Well about 4 miles after that, my back tire was low. I decided I'd just try and pump it up and not worry about it but sure enough a mile later it was low again. So out came the tube and I changed that sucker. My perfect record shattered. But still no mosquitos.
Well luckily after that Angela and I made it with no more flats. When the van came I let her use my extra tire which is way better than the stock kenda.
Still a real enjoyable ride, and when we got in everyone else talked about how bad the mosqutos were holding to their legs while biking. It's like angela and I took a different route or something.
Dinner tonight was pasta we made. I really miss it when we don't have dinner provided. Less than 3 weeks remaining in the trip. It's pretty crazy - and we still have to do the rockies.
Stats of the day:
Total Mileage: 71.87
Avg Speed: 14.62
Max Speed: 25.34
-- Diane
Location:Malta, MT
Decided to ride with Kyle Lee today since I really haven't ridden with him yet. We had some good convos - he's studying to be a catholic preist and everyone knows it, but we really didn't talk to much about religion, we talked about other stuff.
When we got in, I played raquetball for a few hours, then Angela and I went to a bar for a drink. We ended up talking to the lady for like 2 hours - she told us lots about the area and the Indian culture. It was cool. Unfortunatly this made Angela late for dinner crew, and she told me how her chore group doesn't really get along - I never realized before because ours works so well together. Oh well.
Then of course we went to the rodeo! It was alot like the st marys fair.
Stats of day:
Total Mileage: 50.81
Avg Speed: 16.41
Max Speed: 25.92
-- Diane
When we got in, I played raquetball for a few hours, then Angela and I went to a bar for a drink. We ended up talking to the lady for like 2 hours - she told us lots about the area and the Indian culture. It was cool. Unfortunatly this made Angela late for dinner crew, and she told me how her chore group doesn't really get along - I never realized before because ours works so well together. Oh well.
Then of course we went to the rodeo! It was alot like the st marys fair.
Stats of day:
Total Mileage: 50.81
Avg Speed: 16.41
Max Speed: 25.92
-- Diane
Location:3rd St S,Glasgow,United States
We've been treading along the edges of Indian reservations for a while and found ourselves in the dead center of one tonight.
It was a 54 mile day but it was one of the hardest yet. Wind and rough roads made it slow, and with a sholder only big enough for one rider, a little boring too.
Sarah, Michael, and I made it here first - we just wanted the ride over. Close call with a few dogs, and passed through a town called poplar which is supposedly real rough.
We got to go swimming at the local pool and then headed down to the annual pow wow which happened to be occuring while we were here. It was really cool to see all the outfits and dancing and drums. We weren't allowed to take photos tho sadly.
I learned alot about the indian culture and how a reservation works. And the laws, like it being illegal for a white person to touch an eagles feather here.
Montana has it's own rules - you do what you want as long as you don't cause no one else trouble, but I'm learning real quick it's a rough area, compared to other places we've been. Life just has less comodities than I'm used to.
Tomorrow is another short day, but hopefully it will be less windy and be an easier ride.
3 weeks left - incredible. Oh and I forgot to mention yesterday that I had an ephiphany of sorts. I realized that I can't remember the last time I have been so relaxed and care free. I bike everyday and that's all there is to it. I see awesome things, I don't know what will happen, but I don't have to worry about much other than packing my bag. Love it!
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 55.30
Avg Speed: 13.64
Max Speed: 30.51
-- Diane
It was a 54 mile day but it was one of the hardest yet. Wind and rough roads made it slow, and with a sholder only big enough for one rider, a little boring too.
Sarah, Michael, and I made it here first - we just wanted the ride over. Close call with a few dogs, and passed through a town called poplar which is supposedly real rough.
We got to go swimming at the local pool and then headed down to the annual pow wow which happened to be occuring while we were here. It was really cool to see all the outfits and dancing and drums. We weren't allowed to take photos tho sadly.
I learned alot about the indian culture and how a reservation works. And the laws, like it being illegal for a white person to touch an eagles feather here.
Montana has it's own rules - you do what you want as long as you don't cause no one else trouble, but I'm learning real quick it's a rough area, compared to other places we've been. Life just has less comodities than I'm used to.
Tomorrow is another short day, but hopefully it will be less windy and be an easier ride.
3 weeks left - incredible. Oh and I forgot to mention yesterday that I had an ephiphany of sorts. I realized that I can't remember the last time I have been so relaxed and care free. I bike everyday and that's all there is to it. I see awesome things, I don't know what will happen, but I don't have to worry about much other than packing my bag. Love it!
Stats of the Day:
Total Mileage: 55.30
Avg Speed: 13.64
Max Speed: 30.51
-- Diane
Location:Wolf Point, MT
Today was an awesome day from mile 0 to 97. We woke up from camping at 5am. I opened my tent to go get my bag out of the van (only space for people in the tents), and opened the door about a quarter of the way and decided I could jump out. Well that was a mistake because I didn't make it and tripped/fell. My whole tent thought it was hillarious and I did too. It was a great way to wake up.
When we finally left, we got stopped at around mile 3 due to a buffalo in the middle of the road. The van drove up to it and it slowly moved off the road. 3 riders followed and the buffalo started to charge them a bit. While all this was going on, I decided it was my chance to make my move, so off I went. The buffalo (named Bill) started me down from about 20 meters away. Pretty freaking cool!
We were at lunch in no time and spent the day enjoying the scenic views. We also entered the best state ever - Montana!! (that's for you Erica)
Tons of rolling hills today, and now that I was over my sickness I loved climbing them. About 3 miles out, we found the Missouri river. So down we trecked for a swim break. The water was so cool, but the current was really strong. I didn't go out past my knees because of it.
I'm guessing phone service will be spotty all through Montana, so when I have wifi I can post, but like today, I may be posting multiple blogs on the same day.
Stats of the day:
Total Mileage: 97.94
Avg Speed: 15.84
Max Speed: 31.08
-- Diane
When we finally left, we got stopped at around mile 3 due to a buffalo in the middle of the road. The van drove up to it and it slowly moved off the road. 3 riders followed and the buffalo started to charge them a bit. While all this was going on, I decided it was my chance to make my move, so off I went. The buffalo (named Bill) started me down from about 20 meters away. Pretty freaking cool!
We were at lunch in no time and spent the day enjoying the scenic views. We also entered the best state ever - Montana!! (that's for you Erica)
Tons of rolling hills today, and now that I was over my sickness I loved climbing them. About 3 miles out, we found the Missouri river. So down we trecked for a swim break. The water was so cool, but the current was really strong. I didn't go out past my knees because of it.
I'm guessing phone service will be spotty all through Montana, so when I have wifi I can post, but like today, I may be posting multiple blogs on the same day.
Stats of the day:
Total Mileage: 97.94
Avg Speed: 15.84
Max Speed: 31.08
-- Diane
Location:Culbertson, MT
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