LIFE ACROSS AMERICA 2010

The ride today was from Grand Junction to Montrose, 68 miles … a climb of about 3500 feet and as usual a 15-20 mph cross wind and again what seemed to be our typical “wind in your face” kind of day that we’ve been experiencing each day so far.

There are some beautiful areas along this ride … the Rattlesnake Gulch … lots of views of the local rivers and the Rocky Mountains off in the distance. ( BTW, does anyone know where the “Utes” Indians lived? Was it on the rim of the Black Canyon?)

Also in the area are the San Juan Mountains, the Black Canyon National Park, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River,and the Blue Mesa is the largest manmade lake in Colorado.  So if you into fishing … this area is the thriving gateway to the wonders of western Colorado and is still considered the “Wild West’.  It is a  definitely beautiful area and a lovely place to visit and cycle through. (I can’t imagine what the cold winters would be like where everything is frozen.)

Here is an interesting tidbit … Did you know that the Gunnison river drops more elevation in 48 miles through Black Canyon than the entire 1500 mile long Missisissippi River, that’s an average of 96 feet per mile, and it drops 480 feet in one 2 mile stretch.  Wow!  Maybe that’s why the canyon walls are so steep?

Having said all that … it was not an easy day for me … especially after doing a hard 102 miles yesterday … my legs and back was screaming for relief … not to mention the pain that the “seat” was inflicting on my “butt”. 

We decided to “sag” for a few miles today to save our strength for the major climbs coming up tomorrow and the next day … 8000 feet and then Monarch Pass … 11,312 feet.

When we rode into the town of Delta, we stopped at the  City Market and picked up some Curel … which will hopefully cure the “butt” discomfort, or at least allieviate it enough so that I can climb with a minimum of pain.(although I have a great poem titled “Pain Is My Friend)

In Delta,  we decided to stop at a restaurant for a hamburger and something to eat … after that we started riding the final 20 miles toward Montrose in the headwind, etc.  ( After a few miles … that’s when we decided to “sag” in because Adella was hurting also.)

As we pedaled along the highways we saw a crew of men working on the highway, so we stopped for a picture with them right in the middle of their project as they were fixing the  road. 

 They were “good sports”, took a picture with us and wished us a lot of luck on our journey. (Check out the pictures on Facebook.)

When we got to the EconoLodge  hotel on Main street … we all pitched in to help upload the luggage.  It’s nice place and a lot better than where we stayed last night!

Adella is going out this afternoon with some of the other cyclists to visit the Black Canyon National Park … which is a major tourist attraction.  (I’ll bet she takes some awesome pictures.)

It’s interesting how the older we get … our mind plays tricks on us.  I really didn’t remember today’s ride as being “tough” in 1996 until I decided to review my 1996 Journal of our Life Across America ride, and here is an excerpt from our 1996 Life Across America ride with (at the time) 13 year old son, Aaron and I:

• Today we started out from Grand Junction, Colorado. Then we rode 68 miles to  Montrose, Colorado, the first 29 miles were really tough because we not only were climbing 3500 feet but we had a 30 mph wind in our face.  So I was really happy to see the first sag stop.  Aaron was really struggling today in the wind and couldn’t even draft at 8 mph, so asked him if he wanted to get into the sag wagon and he said “yes” so he took it easy today.
• After he got into the sag, we started riding again and the scenery is really changing, much more mountainous and very high mesas with much more greenery everywhere.  We have crossed the Colorado River several times and each time we see it I am amazed of the sheer power of the water rushing on its way to the Colorado Dam.  It is so powerful and its scary to think that man could harness that kind of power.

So as you can see … sometimes our memory “buries” the tough memories … in an effort to keep us positive and uplifted! Hmmmm?

Talk to you later … and a special “thanks” to Jennifer S. and to Julie Scott from Bonfils.

Today was a wonderful ride of 102 + miles, and the weather was beautiful. 

The morning started out a little chilly and the wind Gods were nice to us for most of the day … some tailwinds and some downhills.

Adella decided to ride by herself and gave me permission to ride with some of the other riders … so I rode with other groups, sometimes by myself and finished up riding with Scott, Lester and Robb as we finished the day. (see Facebook photos)

The terrain was lots of desert with some amazing vistas of the Colorado river and the upcoming mountains … by the time I finished today I was exhausted … because a great day of riding will do that to you … you keep trying to take advantage of the tailwind or you want do you best to enjoy the downhill … which means you must work harder to keep up the heightened pace that you’ve selected for yourself or provided by those you are riding with … in a paceline! 

Either way … you are expending a lot more energy to finish that 102 miles before the winds change, and make your beautiful day of cycling turn into a “day of torture”.

Once we arrived at the hotel … Adella and I walked over to Denny’s to order a Western Burger and a large chocolate and strawberry milkshake. 

As soon as we walked in … we met a very interesting  local couple John and Virginia Trujillo … Virginia was very friendly and wanted to know all about our nation-wide blood drive and why we would even want to do such a crazy thing as ride across America on bicycles.  So I was able to share my blood recipient story and give her one of our Life Across America business cards.

By the time we had finished dinner, another couple, Frank and Helen came up and introduced themselves and after hearing the story and what we were doing … Helen offered to pray for our safety and to help us finish the trip still in good health.

Grand Junction seems to have a lot amount of retirement age “seniors” in the area and it really is a beautiful to visit or take a vacation.

Because I was riding so hard today … I didn’t take as many pictures … so check them out on our “Give Blood” account on Facebook.

Talk to you soon.

Today was supposed to be an easy downhill with just a couple of climbs … oops, not quite like that!

Well I must say the first 30 miles out of the 67 miles … were exactly like that … then we stopped at our scheduled SAG stop.

And from there on … it became the “windy day” nightmare … a steady heavy “in your face” headwind, which justs wears you out and then about 7 miles away from the hotel … I get a flat on the rear tire … from a tiny little piece of wire.  I was lucky enough to find it and pull it out without breaking the wire off into the tire.

So Adella helped me to change the tire by holding the bicyle upright, until I could figure out how the new Shram derailleur was supposed to fit onto the chain, etc.  (the little tire pump with the compressed air setup worked like a charm … again!)

So we made it to the hotel at about 2:30 p.m. instead of the 12:00 p.m. we had orginally thought we would arrive.

Lots of the cyclists … went over to visit the “Arches National Park” and some even went “whitewater rafting” … brave souls they are … to do that after cycling all day and then planning on cycling 96 miles tomorrow to Grand Junction, Colorado.

Adella and I decided to spend a quiet afternoon at the hotel.

So Adella rode over to Blimpy’s and bought us a sandwich … while I washed and dried our cycling clothers in the hotel laundry.

It amazing some of the deep “life experience”  conversations that take place in the laundry … between Scott, Cindy, Freddie, Judy, Adella and I.

After we finished we went upstairs to clean up and get ready for route rap, mechanic’s time, and dinner.

Before I forget it … today was Father’s Day and I’ve received phone calls or email from Amy, Gail, Aaron, and Katrina so far.

Guess what I recieved for a Father’s Day gift from Adella and Amber?  A bicycle “toot horn” … it is really cool and makes enough “noice” that it really will scare the dickens out of some unsuspecting cyclist.

To my good friend … Warren H. … thank you for all your help with designing the paint job on my Life Across America bicycle … you are amazing!

Also to Gail, Katrina, Alex, Aaron, Amy, Adella and Amber (and my friends) thanks for the emails and phone calls … you made this Father’s Day an incredible day for me!  Thanks for remembering!  I love you all!  (I am so blessed to have “family and friends” like each one of you!)

What an interesting ride today!

Adella didn’t get much sleep last night because she took a very late phone call from a “friend”, which means I didn’t get much sleep either.

So when we woke up today we were very tired … yet … John P. who helped us co-ordinate our appearances at the blood drives over the last 2 days … was invited to ride part of the day with us. (He decided to ride with us this morning up Hiwy 6 to where the wind turbines were and we had a great time riding with him. (in fact we rode very close to his home)

The closer we cycled to Hiwy 6 … the windier it got … and I mean really windy. (I guess that’s why they decided to put wind turbines there, eh?)

We took a couple of pictures with John and then he turned back toward home and we continued onward up the Spanish Fork valley and climbed the mountain, 4-6 percent grade and a 5-6 mile climb and it seemed to go on and on. Basically it was exhausting … must have been the busy day yesterday coupled with the lack of sleep.

Adella was so exhausted she was falling asleep on the bike … so she opted to ride in the SAG wagon for awhile. Good decision on her part.

Even though I was exhausted I continued to ride, finished another 6 mile climb of 4-6 percent climb and then I hooked up with Robert and Don … after I caught my 2nd wind … we had a blast because Robert was stopping to take pictures and shoot takes for his documentary that he is putting together. We had some very long downhills that would have been great except for the 15-20 mph wind that made it very difficult to enjoy the downhill part of the ride.

One place we stopped was at the Hilltop Country Service store … an old time general store that was founded by Orrin Elmer who knew and was a friend of Butch Cassidy, they even had a old time picture of them together. The owner was still alive back in 1996 when Aaron and I rode through the area … sadly he died last year … his granddaughter, Amanda, is now caretaker of the store. Check out the pictures that we took at the store … it was fun to visit the store and hear the stories about her grandfather and
great grandfather.

Then we continued to ride to the Holiday Inn in Price … showered up, had route rap, mechanix honor, and then had an excellent dinner.

We are looking forward to riding to Green Valley tomorrrow … only 60 miles!

Talk to you soon.

What a busy day for us … 65 miles to Provo from SLC airport.

Up early to breakfast … then loading and off to the bike trails on our way to Provo.

Right away an irresponsible driver ran into one or two of our cyclists … luckily they didn’t seem to be hurt too bad, yet,John’s bike was trashed. Later in the day I heard he had bought a new bike and is now back on the road again.

Also rumor has it there was another “slow motion” fall over as one of our cyclists came to a stop … no one hurt bad, thank goodnes.

Adella spent a lot of time finding our way to the In and Out Burger on our way to our 1st blood drive in Orem, then the 2nd blood drive at the Best Buy (using a mobile coach) and finally the 3rd blood drive at the Edgemont Stake Center … where they had a fabulous turnout (I’m not sure of the numbers) At this blood drive at least 5 of Adella’s friends showed to give blood. So we spent quite a bit of time there, thanking donors for giving blood and taking pictures with them. (see Adella’s Facebook pictures.)

Because of the late exit from the 3rd blood drive, we barely made it to dinner and then finally made it back to the room.

Tomorrow is another 75 miles to Price, Utah, then 67 miles to Green River.

Thanks for following our progress … talk to you tomorrow.

Today is a “rest day” for us. Boy is my body grateful for that!

I woke up early after a good night’s sleep and we’re looking forward to particpating in a local blood drive hosted by the LDS Business college and ARC.

Last night we had an interview with Hikari from the Deseret News … she is an amazing young lady and has a lot in common with Adella.

This morning we will be doing another “live” phone interview with KZST 100.1 FM in SR, CA., with Brent (the DJ) at 6:50 A.M.

As I take a moment to reflect on the “experiences” of this trip … I must say how grateful I am for our family, our friends, and the blood donors who saved my life! (Without the “blood donors” none of this would be possible.)

So for those who are reading this post … don’t forget to say “I love you” and give a “big hug” to those closest to you … sometimes they are overlooked in the “hustle and bustle of a very busy life”.

I want to thank ABB and the staff leaders for the amazing support they are giving to all of the cyclists of this incredible journey we are all sharing … Michelle, Alex, Gerard, Judy, and Pam you are amazing!

To our fellow cyclists on the big CCC 2010 … thanks for sharing your incredible talents with us … it inspires Adella and I to become better cyclists, better friends, and we are grateful for each of you because you teach us something positive.

To Ken K … it was heart-warming to see you back on your feet last night at “route rap” after your crash … it was obvious to me that many prayers were answered and as I watched you walk into the room … tears of joy, welled up in my eyes.

As I think about this life changing experience that Adella and I are sharing this summer … a quick thought about families as given by Henry B. Eyring:

“Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child’s life to put feet firmly on the path home. Parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles are made more powerful guides and rescuers by the bonds of love that are the very nature of a family.”
Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them on Their Way Home, Ensign, May 2010, 23

Well that’s it for now … we’ll check in later.

Well it’s later so I’m checking in now … on our rest day we met up with John, PR director with ARC in SLC area.

We attended a blood drive at the LDS Business College which was very successful … their goal was 30 units because it is the summer and 50% of the students are away from school … yet, I think they are about 42 units donated … not sure of the final count yet it was a very successful blood drive and a happy day for Adella who was able to visit with a lot of students and teachers. We even were able to visit with Matt (who introduced Adella and Gail to what the school had to offer) also we had a chance to visit with Pres. Larry Richards of LDSBC)

It was a nice day and to enjoy it more … check out the pictures that Adella posted on Facebook.

Thanks for all your support.

Today started out really early … 0330 hrs.
Breakfast at 0445 hours. Loading at 0600 hrs.

Once loaded we were off on I-80 across the Salt Flats, we started out with very little wind …. a beautiful sunrise and 120 miles to go our first SAG (support and gear) was at 42.5 miles and our 2nd SAG was at 91 miles.

About 30 miles into the ride Adella’s knee started bothering her … so she decided to ride in the van so she could “ice” it and rest it for awhile.

It is a good thing that she did … because the wind really started picking up … with gusts of 25 – 45 mph.

I finished all 120 miles with a 15.8 average and I must say this was the toughest and longest ride so far on this trip.

Jen called us and let us know that we had an interview with Hikaki Loftus a reporter from Desert News at 4:30 p.m.

We went to the interview and it was done very well … it may come out on Friday …

We went to route rap and Ken showed up … he had been injured a couple of day ago … in a paceline crash and ended up with shoulder and hip problems and couldn’t ride anymore for about 2 months.

Believe it or not … he was up on a “walker” and looked really good … even with “road rash” , etc. All of us were very happy to see him and we gave him a round of enthusiastic applause. He went to dinner with us.

Adella is out enjoying her SLC friends and helping us get ready for the big day tomorrow … the Blood drive at LDS Business college (11:00 -4:00 pm)

We’ll talk to you tomorrow, when we have a radio interview on KZST 100.1 FM at 0645 hrs.

Today was a marvelous day! Adella finished her 1st Century ride. (106 miles) and she did it with all the following challenges … a monster climb, prevailing southerly cross winds, along with rain, etc., etc.

Yet she did it … I’m so proud of her … it was a tough ride today and she came out a winner!

We rode through some really pretty scenery today … and … that’s probably the “greenest” that I’ve seen the desert in a long time!

Check outAdella’s pictures on Facebook … especially my encounter with a “sidewinder” snake … it was so cool looking and still alive when I took the pictures, although it was last seen headed from the freeway traffic … I’m not sure if it’s still alive now because there were lots of big trucks passing by us.

106 miles with hills, rain, and heavy cross winds have a way of “taking a toll” on your body … boy am I beat tonight.

Yet … we have to get up early tomorrow 3:30 a.m. because of the time change … so we can be on the road by 6:04 a.m. because we have another century … 116 miles into the airport at Salt Lake City … so it all depends on the predicted storm and which way the winds are blowing … if they are “westerly” from the west … it means that we will have a “tailwind” … so I’m praying that the “wind Gods” will be nice to us.

Then finally a “rest day” although we have several blood drives scheduled for the Salt Lake City area and even will be able to visit some of the local children in “Primary’s Children” hospital in SLC.

So it looks like we’ll be very busy on our “rest day”.

Talk to you soon.

Today started off with good weather, just a little bit of wind and warm enough to enjoy the bicycling.

Michelle (staff leader and mother to all of us) was nice enough to go to McDonald’s and pick up some extra food for breakfast. She always does a great job … way above the required effort … thank you Michelle.

After breakfast we loaded our luggage on the ABB trailer. Pretty much a daily routine now.

Adella decided to ride by herself and with other cyclists today. So we started separately … I rode with Phil, John, and Ken.

On the way to the SAG stops we were able to see some swallows flying around their nesting area under an I-80 overpass that we had to ride through … see Adella’s Facebook pictures.

There were lots of climbs today … a total of about 9 miles … extremely tough on me.

Adella did really well again today … she is riding and climbing very strong now.

We rode through some beautiful country today in the Carlin valley area (near the tunnels)

Then another 18 miles to Elko … (more to come later)

When we arrived in Elko we went to Burger King to have a bite to eat.

Adella spoke with a family also there eating: Joe, Pam and their little girl (Jenna).

They were very curious about America by Bicycle and our nation-wide blood drive since they were “blood donors” … they and Jenna offered to donate some money to our cause and we politely turned them down, took their pictures and thanked them for being so gracious … and … offered them our card and website and said they could donate to the Foundation of America’s Blood Centers. Jenna (their little girl was really excited about going to Facebook “Give Blood” and looking for her picture there.

Afterwards we helped unload luggage and cleaned our bikes … showered up and our now waiting for mechanic call and route rap.

Today was a great day!

Adella and I got up early, said our prayers and read scriptures together, then packed up and were able to carry our bags and load them on the trailer … then we went to breakfast and then off to Battle Mountain, NV.

We didn’t ride together today … she gave me permission to ride with the “big dawgs” … however … they were already gone so I rode by myself and actually felt really good … a slight tailwind and a perfect day for riding.

As I was approaching our big 3.8 mile climb on Golcando Summit … Sean came ripping up behind me and said “you’re a hard guy to catch” … then we started to climb and I settled into my normal 6-7 mph spin cadence … as Sean easily started moving away from me up the mountain …

Then along came Judy (one of staff leaders who happened to be riding today), she said “hi” and easily walked away from me.

As I struggled along, I finally caught up with my cycling buddy, Rand and slowly edged up the mountain toward Golcando summit.

Occasionally, I thought I saw a cyclist in a lime green cycling jacket starting to slowly catch up with me … I thought it might be Adella (but I said NO) because I knew she was still eating when I left the restaurant.

So when I finally made to the summit and stopped to “top off” with water and grabbed a couple of snacks. (Rice Krisipies and Oat Honey snacks)

As I got ready to leave … here comes Adella … way to go “daughter” you are amazing!

I asked her if she wanted to ride to together down the mountain? She said “no” and said “go get’um Daddio!

And I did just that … I let it “rip” on the down hill and rumor has it that it was a 40 mph downhill … I said “hi” to George and Phil as I peaked out on the hill.

Phil (an incredible cyclist with amazing endurance … decided it was time to reel me in … it took him a few minutes and I was still moving at 20 mph as he pulled up next to me, we chatted for a couple of minutes and he said to me “grab a wheel” and we’ll see if we can catch up to Kenneth and Big John.

I did and it took us quite a while but we did catch them and then we rode together for many miles … I hung on with them for many miles at 23-27 mph.

Finally about 5 miles west of Battle Mountain as we climbed over an overpass on I-80, I fell back a little and then I could not “catch back up” … even though, I was still holding 23 mph yet Phil was pulling like the “Lance Armstrong” he is … what an incredible cyclist … he must have pulled 20 miles today and his heart rate stayed steady from 103-120 bpm … Wow!

Finally we arrived at Battle Mountain exit and I was about 30 secs behind them as they exited …

It was a great day of cycling for me and then it wasn’t too long until Adella pulled up behind us at the America’s Best Value hotel … she had a 17.3 mph average and I ended up with a 18.0 mph average … as compared to Phil’s 19.1 mph average … however he stopped for pictures, etc.

Today was a laundry day … so we were able to wash all of our dirty clothes.

Tomorrow is another 72 mile day to Elko, NV. Then a 106 mile day to Wendover … finally a 116 mile day to Salt Lake City.

Tonight after cleaning our bikes … route rap and dinner … Adella and I will study our PMG manual to help us understand all the things we should be learning about the gospel.

It was a great day and I want to thank Carole, Charlie and D.C. for your incredible emails the last couple of days you are amazing friends.

Talk to you tomorrow.