Monday, Jul 10, 2017 Day 22 Across America North

. . . and free WIFI and ESPN too! 

Percival Prairie Dog makes an appearance (photo by Marty Stabler)

Bison are revered in these parts

Crazy Horse 

Entrance to monument

Lots of hills to get this photo!

Washington from the side on entrance to park

Mt. Rushmore:  Legendary and still captivating

Wearing the Solivita colors while enjoying the moment

The architect of this tremendous sculpture:  Gutzon Borglum

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While it eventually becomes easy to get in the groove of riding 80-100 miles a day, some days are filled with both physical exertion and sensory overload.  The physical challenge was a lot of climbing (5500+) over 74 miles, but the real stimulation involved the sights and sounds of the South Dakota countryside.  The openness and vastness of this part of the country never escapes me.  While we rode on a main artery from Hot Springs to Rapid City most of the way, there were few/no roads to our left and right most of the time.  I saw lots of cows and a few horses and little or no crop farming.  We were all on the lookout for bison, but only one group of riders got the benefit of Mike Munk's scouting efforts--he went down a road none of us would take on our own, sighted the bison and then waved the following groups in.  He loves to do that stuff!

I did rediscover something that was memorable from my first ride across America in 2006.  Today I again witnessed the Prairie Dog Early Warning Network.  The prairie dogs inhabited a vast area on our right about 10 miles into our ride.  I could hear them alerting their buddies up the road as I drove past so that by the time I neared the end of their colony they were almost standing up and waving to me as I drove by---okay, I said "almost."  They are definitely cute and they numbered in the thousands in this one small area.

Of course the highlight of the day was seeing the Crazy Horse sculpture from afar (we did not enter the park), and then Mt. Rushmore from a variety of angles.  We entered the park from the south west and our ride leaders were waiting for us as we approached a spectacular profile view of George Washington.  While I had previously seen the head-on view of Mt. Rushmore, I had not had this terrific opportunity (see photo above).  Shortly after getting the profile photo, I pedaled around the mountain to the main entrance and, along with 10,000 of my closest friends, walked up the entrance lined with all the state flags and viewed Mt. Rushmore from just above the amphitheater.  I absolutely love this monument to these men that played pivotal roles in building America.  I am still in awe at the quantity and quality of the work involved to shape this magnificent presentation.  It is inspiring!

After filling up my patriotism tank, I knew I still had about an hour of work left to get to the hotel in Rapid City.  Fortunately, the 4 or 5 climbs were not as steep or as long as some of our previous challenges, so I took my time for this last leg.  One item of note: on one downhill, I was sitting straight up, using my brakes regularly and still going over 40 mph--10 percent grades down come fast!

Stay healthy,

Steve

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Sunday, Jul 9, 2017 Day 21 Across America North

Goodbye Wyoming, and Hello South Dakota!

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After a spartan breakfast in Lusk, Wyoming, we left the hotel early:  first group at 6 and second group at 7.  Leaving at the crack of dawn allows us to get on the road before a lot of traffic would be on highway 18 and we also get a jump on the heat wave that is sweeping the west.  The temp was 67 degrees when we left and we had a light tail wind early on.

I felt rested and good as I enjoyed the cool temps and push from behind from mother nature.  About 10 miles from the first SAG stop, I caught up with Mike Munk and Karen Bauer and tagged along with them for the next 10 miles.  There is endless open range and rolling hills along this sparsely populated route.  While there were few cars along the way, it was obviously a prime truck route, validated by the 18 wheelers blowing by at 70-80 mph.  Most of them give us a wide birth when we are riding on the white line because the shoulder is either extremely narrow or covered with rumble strips.  When we are able to use the shoulder to ride, the 18 wheelers really are not close at all.

After the SAG stop, I headed out alone and unafraid until my Garmin computer started malfunctioning.  After riding slowly and trying to get it to work correctly, I realized that I could complete this ride with a grease pencil and my palm!  In other words, there were few or no turns ahead and I knew how to find the hotel without a computer.

As I completed the last climb of the day and rolled down the hill into Hot Springs, the heat from the town below started to hit me right in the face.  By the time I rolled into the hotel at 11:13 am, I am sure it was 100 degrees. Whew!

After most of the other folks arrived, Greg Pryor and Tom Menley stopped by to ask David Holloway, my new room mate, and I to join them in checking out the nearby "hot spring."  We walked about a quarter of a mile and saw a number of people in a nearby creek/spring.  We eventually waded in ourselves and decided that this "hot spring" was about 75 degrees and quite a bit cooler than the hot springs that most of us had experienced.  Nevertheless, this got us out of our hotel room and gave us a small glimpse of a natural wonder that is the prize of Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Lusk, WY to Hot Springs, SD GoPro Video by Dirk Lohry

Lusk, WY to Hot Springs, SD

Stay Healthy,

Steve

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Saturday, Jul 8, 2017 Day 20 Across America North

Goodbye to John Hayes and Bill and Kathy Kowalik

Second SAG stop photo for Declan, my grandson!

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After exchanging hugs with Bill and Kathy Kowalik and John Hayes, it was off to Lusk, Wyoming for 106 miles of fun in the sun.  I cruised the first 20 with a couple of different groups, and then rode with Mike Munk for most of the way to Lusk.  Mike is an exceptional rider at 70 years young, and he was feeling frisky today.  We took turns knocking down the wind that seemed to vary quite a bit throughout the day.

One of the highlights was turning off the Route 18 into the town of Lost Springs, population 4!  Riding up the street I remember seeing a bar on the left side and two signs of doors on the right side that read "Toilet" and "Jail".  What more does any town need?

It was definitely good to have someone to share the wind with over those 2 or 3 hours.  We rolled into Lusk at an overall 21 mph+ pace, although my Garmin cycling computer had a few issues, so my official statistics are not accurate.  Another day and another 100 miles plus closer to the Atlantic Ocean!  After checking in, we scooted about 100 yards down the road to the other side of the hotel where the local diary bar was doing some great business.  A cold milkshake after riding 100+ miles in the heat is absolutely nirvana!

Since Lusk is a really small town, ABB put together a pizza party for us for dinner and we relaxed around the hotel green space with pepperoni, sausage, and artichoke pizza.

Click below for GoPro Video by Dirk Lohry

Casper to Lusk

Stay healthy,
Steve

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Friday, Jul 7, 2017 Day 19 Across America North

The Casper Fair lives!

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The day off in Casper was definitely welcomed as we now have completed 1359 miles and more than 43,000 feet of climbing.  After the ride, I hit the hot tube and pool for some relaxation and stretching after the 119 mile ride.  The evening meal together at the Ramada Inn was a chance to tell all our friends goodbye that were leaving (Larry, Rose, Theresa, Eric, Bill, John), and was our chance to welcome the three riders who will join us for part of the ride (Richard, Dan, and Bob).  And like most nights, I think I was asleep by 9:30 pm!

The day off is always a chance to clean your bike (check), do laundry (check), and get some form of light exercise to maintain flexibility.  One of my fellow riders, Jeanine, found a local aquatic club where she and I, and one other lady, Barb, could swim.  It only took me a few laps to remember what swimming at 5000 feet above sea level is like!  I swam about 500 yards and then relaxed in the hot tub overlooking the beautiful mountains that are to the south of Casper.  Eventually, I got out of the hot tub and walked along the "lazy river" along with several septuagenarians.  As the 85 degree water walked me along, I felt like a race horse enjoying my leisurely leg stretches in the warm down pool.  The swim and the walk really helped me stretch, something I think will pay dividends over the next 2300 miles!

I spent the evening with Bill and Kathy Kowalik, and John Hayes, by first visiting the nearby Casper Fairgrounds.  Although the play doesn't open until Tuesday (today is Saturday), there were still many rides set up and lots of food booths getting squared away.  Since we had no volunteers to do the rides that would guarantee you would hurl, we adjourned to a nice Mexican restaurant just minutes away.  Bill and Kathy are off to explore some of Wyoming before returning to Bend, OR where they have just recently moved after living in Australia for the last eight years while working for Chevron.  John is off to New York to meet his wife for several stops in the US before returning home to Perth, Australia.  I will definitely miss the joy and fun that all of these folks brought to this group.

****CAC Fundraising update---We have raised $2880 for the CAC as of today!  Thank you to one and all for the help for these great kids.******

Stay healthy,

Steve

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Thursday, Jul 6, 2017 Day 18 Across America North

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What a day, what a day!  We'd expected a long, hot, headwind filled day, and instead it was just long! the ride from Riverton to Casper, Wyoming is 119 miles and the terrain is rolling and unforgiving.  The rolling part is easy to understand and was absolutely enjoyable as the down hill runs enabled me to carry enough momentum so the uphills were short and not too steep.  The unforgiving part is a description of the terrain that surrounded our ride.  While I'm told a few of our riders saw antelope today, I saw nothing but scrub brush and prairie for the whole 4 hours and 35 minutes of rolling time.  

I did stop and take a photo of Hell's Half Acre, a unique looking indentation into the ground where the Native Americans used to herd the bison in order to trap/kill them.  Other than this featured photo op, I kept my head down and rode one of my fastest 100 mile times (4:35) and finished up the whole 119 in 5:34 (that includes the 4 miles of bike path riding to the hotel at 8-10 mph along the rapidly flowing North Platte River).

After all the riders arrived and we cleaned up, we gathered for a terrific meal at the hotel and said goodbyes to those riders who will leave the group here at Casper.  I will truly miss seeing and talking with my Perth, Australia friend, John Hayes, as well as my lifetime friend, Larry Fariss, who has done a number of these rides with me in the past.  Ride safely my friends so we can do this or something like this again soon!

Click below for GoPro Video by Dirk Lohry

Riverton to Casper

Stay healthy,

Steve

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Wednesday, Jul 5, 2017 Day 17 Across America North

The mountains disappeared during this ride and the "Old West" appeared!

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The ride from Dubois to Riverton, Wyoming was soooooo much fun!  Raise your hand if you would not enjoy a 79 mile, mostly downhill ride with winds blowing at your back most of the time!  Okay, put your hands down.  It was so much easier than the previous 3 or 4 days and it came at a perfect time.  Tomorrow is a 119 mile from Riverton to Casper, Wyoming and we climb 2660 feet along the way.  No big mountains, but lots of rollers across what looks like a relatively barren desert.  But I digress!

I rode with a group of about 7 for the first 10 miles, just loafing along until I had my first flat tire.  I encountered one of those pesky wires from somebodies steel belted radial.  My room mate, Bill Kowalik, kindly ended me a hand for the tire change and soon after we got the process going, our ride leader, Judy, and our mechanic, Jim, pulled up on their bikes (they get to ride every other day for at least a portion of the day's ride).  I was back in business after about 10 minutes and I rode will Bill for about 30 minutes before I put my head down to catch the other kids!

The farther I rode into Wyoming the more "western" things looked.  As the Tetons and other hills faded into the west, the painted landscapes appeared and the brown tones flourished.  I rolled into the first SAG stop, quickly refueled and left there solo for the next hour.  At the next SAG I joined up with my buddy (and former ride leader) Mike Munk, and the two of us pulled one another along for the last 20 miles into Riverton.  We tried not to kill each other, but we did make one another push here and there!  I think we saved quite a bit for tomorrow's challenge.  Can't wait!

Click below for GoPro Video by Dirk Lohry

Dubois to Riverton

Stay healthy,
Steve

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Tuesday, Jul 4, 2017 Day 16 Across America North

Plan B--carry the bikes and team through Teton National Park

God's handiwork!

Breathtaking Tetons along our route

Wearing your favorite jersey, Mom!  Happy 4th!

Can you see the relief in my face?  Whew!

Dubois, Wyoming welcome to ABB Team

Elk antlers and a Grizzly Bear Statue--Welcome to Dubois, Wyoming!

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Today's ride was absolutely magnificent!  After a delightful evening in Jackson, Wyoming, we executed "Plan B" for the first 30 miles through Teton National Park.  I call it Plan B because our first choice was to ride through the park and enjoy the wondrous floor that surrounds Jackson Hole.  The basin would have been a pleasant ride, but due to a bit of bureaucracy, we instead loaded our bikes onto the three vans, enjoyed a comfortable ride through the national park, and then began our ride from there.  So instead of riding 86 miles, we had a terrific time with 56 miles.  As I have stated here many times, "life happens" out here on the cycling road, and this was just a small event that we all rolled nicely with and we still made great memories along the way.

As you can see in my photos above, the views are startlingly beautiful!  It hit me many times along the ride how blessed I am to live in a country that has so many wonderful gifts to share with its people and visitors to our great country.  The ride and my surroundings reminded me how thankful I really am to live in America and be an American.  No politics here, no agendas, no bull.  I LOVE MY COUNTRY!

Click below for Dirk Lohry's great GoPro Video from Jackson to Dubois, WY

Jackson to Dubois, WY

While we did climb 3800 feet today, it was not as steep and painful as the previous day where we climbed two passes and faced a significant headwind.  The climb to the summit at 9584 ft was about 4-5 miles and I was able to keep one gear in reserve versus yesterday, when I was using my easiest gear for the last 1.5 miles.  When I saw our support van at the summit I was pleasantly surprised as I thought I still had a couple more miles to go.  After taking a few photos, eating a couple fig newtons and filling my water bottles, I was ready for the descent and arrival at the Stagecoach Inn in Dubois.  This descent was not nearly as difficult because it was not nearly as steep as I experienced yesterday.  In fact, throughout the 5-6 miles downhill, I don't think I used my brakes even once, and instead just hoisted by size 44 long shoulders to slow down.  It was tremendous fun!

As I arrived in Dubois, I linked up with one of our newest cyclists,  Rose, and we pedaled into town and noticed a long line of cars.  Subsequently, we courteously moved along on the adjacent sidewalk as we realized that the police had stopped the cars for the 4th of July Parade.  As we respectfully moved around a few walkers and dogs, we suddenly realized that we were now IN the parade, moving at about 5 mph alongside World War II vintage tanks, armored personnel carriers, mobile artillery and array of beautifully restored vehicles.  A local guy apparently owns about 20-30 of these pieces and they were in impeccable shape.  All of the drivers of this US Army equipment were throwing candy, bagged pretzels and other treats to the nearby kids and on-lookers.  Consequently, Rose and I paid close attention so we did not have a collision with the kids that were jutting onto the road for the treats.  We literally rode in the parade for almost an entire mile and were well received all along the way.  What a memory!

Stay healthy,

Steve

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Monday, Jul 3, 2017 Day 15 Across America North

Beautiful road near Twin Falls, ID along canola field

Leaving Idaho for . . . 

. . . climbing in Wyoming!

Danger Will Robinson, Danger! (Google Lost in Space!)

Town Center, Jackson, Wyoming

Bill Kowalik stands next to Jackson's Elk Antler Arch

No kidding, the bear asked ME to dance!

You must see Jackson to put this in context!

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There was a buzz in the air at breakfast as my fellow riders anticipated a long, challenging ride in the Tetons today.  The ride started off smoothly with light winds and a slight chill in the air.  We passed acres and acres of canola as seen in the photo above by Marty Stabler.  I felt pretty good early on and pulled my buddy, Mike Munk for about 10 miles before we split up.  Our first SAG (Support and Gear) rest stop was about 25 miles down the road and was near the beginning of the days first climb.

While the climb to the first pass at 6200 feet was long, there were not exceedingly steep sections and we had a consistent tailwind all the way to the top.  The temps definitely picked up and by the time I arrived at the second SAG at the first pass, I was dripping!  After a banana, fig newton, and two strawberries, I was on my way down the pass at speeds as high as 42 mph.  The road had a number of twists and turns and I found myself braking regularly, but still descending the 4-5 miles around 38-39 mph.  After rolling to normal speed in the town of Victor, I was at mile 66, only 11 from the top of the next pass at 8200 feet.  The next five miles were reasonably flat, as I crossed the Idaho/Wyoming border, took a few photos and began the climb that would end at mile 77.7.

Click below for GoPro by Dirk Lowry link

https://youtu.be/AyJ4F3Q1vec

I will spare you the gory details but suffice it to say I was using my easiest gear for the last 1.5 miles and I was moving at about 5-6 mph.  It was long and painful, and I seriously considered taking a break on numerous occasions.  When the crest appeared I was extremely grateful as I had very, very little left in my tank at that point.  After a few photos of the surrounding area, I descended the 6 miles at almost 47 mph, and I was slowing constantly, but still clocking on the right of 40 mph.  My bike handled perfectly and I was warm for the whole ride down.  the last 8 miles to the hotel was a trek through the outskirts of Jackson and then into town itself.  We are staying just a few blocks from town square and had an opportunity to explore and see more of this magnificent town.  I am ready for a good night's sleep!

Stay healthy,

Steve

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Sunday, Jul 2, 2017 Day 14 Across America North

Waking up on a bicycle with a tail wind is pure joy!

Panoramic view of the Snake River at Idaho Falls with Karen Bauer's head/helmet in lower right of photo!

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Today's 67 mile ride was probably our easiest yet.  We rolled along still more country roads, looking for known "dog criminals" and believe it or not, all were docile, obedient and dressed in their Sunday best for church.  Okay, maybe just docile and obedient. Bottom line is that none of the dogs with prior arrest records chased or harassed any of our riders!

With a tail wind easing us along, all the riders moved along nicely, with only two flat tire sightings along the way.  Many of my contemporaries were riding in pace lines, drafting behind 5 or 6 other cyclists as we initially moved in a no wind condition.  I rode behind Alastair and Chris, our tandem team, along with about 3 other bikes until about the 10 mile point and then I pulled them all along at about 20 mph for almost 10 more miles.  I eventually had to break up the pace line (accelerate away) because the road had so many "land mines" (indentations in the pavement) that I could barely avoid them or call them out to the riders behind me.

GoPro Link to see today's ride by Dirk Lohry

Pocatello to Idaho, Falls, ID

The winding road made the ride a lot more interesting although the "chip and seal" roads were slightly annoying the last hour.  The constant vibration on one's seat and handlebars is almost like you would experience by riding over cobblestones--tolerable, but a bit tiresome later in the day.

The ride finished on a high note as we wheeled into Idaho Falls and enjoyed the beauty of the falls along the Snake River.  The water is extremely high due to the immense snow melt from the nearby mountains.  The photo above provides a glimpse of the power and the beauty of Idaho Falls.

Tomorrow is the big 91 mile day with 5500 feet of climbing into Jackson, Wyoming.  I could sense a little anxiety in the afternoon rap meeting where we discuss the plan for the next day.  The first steep climb is from about 5000 feet to approximately 6800 feet and the second climb is from 6000 feet to the Teton Pass Summit at 8431.  I will give you the blow by blow details tomorrow evening!

Stay healthy,

Steve

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Saturday, Jul 1, 2017 Day 13 Across America North

Greg, Bev and Alan on the long, lonely road

Wind Power Across Idaho

. . . and the road to Pocatello is just as straight!

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Sometimes cycling across America can be exciting, adventuresome, and uplifting.  Other times it is merely cycling between two cities with 50 of your closest friends.  Today was an "other time" where we traveled 86 miles, climbed 1200 feet and moved from Burley to Pocatello, ID.  Please note, even on the inglorious, uneventful rides there is still the joy and fun of cycling down a road you've never seen before.  With the wind in our face for almost all of the 86 miles, Marty Stabler and Hao Tan captured some of the highlights of the ride.

I took off quickly and really felt good after a lethargic day yesterday.  My legs felt rested and since the wind was still light, I was sliding along nicely.  I eventually caught up with some of the riders that leave a little earlier than our main contingent and I rode about 10 miles with my lifetime friend, Larry Fariss.   Those miles literally disappeared as we recalled stories that started as far back as 1983 when we met each other at the starting line of a running race in Hawaii.  While the environment was a bit lonesome and isolated today, it was the perfect setting to catch up with a great friend.

Day 13 Daily Video Burley to Pocatello, ID

When we finished I asked many of my fellow riders which part of the ride did that dislike most:  1) the persistent headwind 2) the unplanned 2-3 mile ride on a very gravelly dirt road, or 3) the unexpected encounter (nasal, that is) when we passed the Pocatello Solid Waste Treatment Plant.  I am still tallying the results!

Stay healthy,
Steve

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Friday, June 30, 2017 Day 12 Across America North

Shoshone Falls

Scavenger Team Photo

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls

Poppa Steve Catching Rainbow for Declan!

Scavenger Hunt team:  Bill, Mike, Steve, John

Downstream from Twin Falls

Twin Falls

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Today was a planned short, easy day from Twin Falls to Burley, only 39 miles and 1150 feet of climbing.   Since the distance was significantly shorter than most of our rides, we had two "optional sights" to see that would add about 7 extra miles but almost 1000 feet of climbing.  With the wind in our face pulling out of the hotel parking lot, most of us departed for Shoshone Falls and Twin Falls, both amazing water flows on the Snake River.  Shoshone Falls is known as the Niagara of the West and has a 212 foot drop.  The photos above of the falls were courtesy of Deb Alesantrino, Hao Tan, John Hayes, and your truly!

Another activity added to our daily slate of events was a cycling scavenger hunt.  The ABB staff gave us about 8 different tasks and we picked stuff up on the way and after our arrival at the hotel.  We had a lot of fun with this and even Where's Waldo made an appearance at our event!

GoPro Video of Twin Falls to Burley by Dirk Lohry

Twin Falls to Burley, ID

Today's 10 mph headwind was a glimpse of the challenge for tomorrow.  We head to Pocatello, a scant 85 miles down the road with 1200 feet of climbing.  We are now sitting at about 4,000 feet above sea level, so this ride will present winds, distance, and altitude challenges.  Could be worse--temps should still be moderate throughout!

Stay healthy,
Steve

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Thursday, June 29, 2017 Day 11 Across America North

A portion of the Snake River story

Legendary Snake River

Endless miles of irrigated farming!

Bridge Across Snake River--it shakes!

Always a pleasant sight!

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Just like at home, "life happens" out here on the cycling road.  Yesterday's 97 mile ride from Mountain Home, ID to Twin Falls, ID was a great day of riding followed by some downright sad internet speed!  I tried several times to use the WIFI to get my work done, but decided that I will yield to the electron Gods and knock out the highlights of 29 Jun on 30 Jun!

The morning was cool and a bit less windy than expected, but I was feeling good out of the gate!  As depicted above, there is endless amounts of farmland and giant irrigation systems to grown corn, wheat, potatoes, beans, and who knows what else.  The wonderful photo above of the fields and sprinkler system was taken by Hao-Tong Yan, a 20 year old sophomore at Swarthmore College.

And if you want to watch the daily GoPro video by Dirk Lohry, use this link below:

Mt. Home to Twin Falls

As the morning progressed the wind picked up and we had about 10-15 mph on our tail for the whole 5 hours.  The highlight of the trip was crossing the incredible bridge photographed by Hao.  This bridge is the scene for lots of BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth) jumpers who parachute off this amazing span.

Will keep this shorter and sweeter so as to get 30 June's entry done also!

Stay healthy,

Steve

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