Already in the second week of this incredible adventure...wow! I wanted to post a little about my thoughts after this first week and will update everyone tomorrow with details of my ride from Mitchell to Dayville.
Looking back to June 10th when my boss and I pulled into Florence, Or. in a driving rain storm perhaps this was to be a metaphor for the entire journey. What seemed to be a gloomy, drab day for the beginning of the ride quickly changed to beautiful sunshine and then back to heavy rain storms for much of the day. The pain from riding is hardly noticeable one day and is so painful the next, if leaves me wondering if it will ever stop and of course it doesn't really stop entirely but becomes manageable. The one thing that is consistent is the incredible people I'm meeting every day...each with their own unique story. The very first day I met up with another cyclist (Ryan) about 5 miles into the ride. Neither of us having ever set on an adventure like this, we have been riding most of the way together, motivating each other, laughing, dealing with challenges...oh and Ryan cooks up an awesome bacon and eggs breakfast and steak dinner too! We have become good friends in just a week and look forward to keeping in touch long after the ride has ended. Many other cyclists including Karolina (AKA That Cycling Chick) who is trying to cycle across the country with no money...she is something else! A great sense of humor and could probably make sailors blush too! Mitchell, a recent college graduate that decided he wanted to ride across the country this summer before going back to school or pursuing a career and he's doing it! He is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. All four of us have crossed paths several times in different places on this trip and over the weekend we were all quests at the Spoke'n Hostel in Mitchell, Oregon (Mitchell is convinced they named the town after him!). This place and the people who run it (Pat and Jalet Farrell) are truly special. The hospitality shown to guests at this facility (A church) should be a lesson for all hospitality companies big and small. They are not only concerned about you as a guest, they are genuinely interested in you as an individual. Thank you Pat and Jalet for everything...I won't forget how special you made me feel. There of course are so many other people I've met along the way...not just cyclists but people at rest areas, stores, restaurants and more who are so curious about what I'm doing and why! Offering suggestions for routes, offering food, water and extending well wishes for a safe and fun trip. Then there is the time for heavy reflection while on my bike...my thoughts turning to Bob, Nick and a dear friend that is battling some serious health issues. I draw such strength from all of them and enjoy the time I have alone with each of them individually at different times of the ride. Going through some steep climbs or in the middle of nowhere, I never feel alone. Then all the continued support from family, friends and co-workers. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate it. The commenting and sharing of photos, stories from my ride. The "great job Dan", "You got this" etc. Thomas and Joni posting photos of Ace on Facebook...it all culminates into, I'm not really riding alone and I am so thankful! What does the next week, month or months hold in store? No way of knowing but I look to continuing this adventure of a lifetime!
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Today's ride from Prinville to Mitchell, Oregon wasn't the longest or the greatest elevation gain in a day but it was painfully slow. There were some steep climbs but I think what really was challenging was the consistent climbing. What looked like flat terrain was really a long...long...gradual climb that has my knees screaming this morning! I was taking it very slow today...partially because I wanted to take it easy part because the ride was tough. Which was hurting more? My knees or my rear end? Sorry I digress... The landscape continued to be a joy to experience! Deer resting in the brush, beautiful lakes and more... Getting closer... Another pass conquered !!! And now the reward...yeah baby!!!
Checking over my bike I discovered a spoke that came out and others were loose. In the heart of Sisters is a bike shop called "Blazin Saddles" I called them and they said they could take a look at it first thing in the morning. As I approached the bike shop I saw a gentleman on his bike near the intersection. I went up and introduced myself...his name was Brad. He had started his cross country ride on the east coast and had reached Sisters in only 41 days! Amazing!!! Early congrats on completion of your ride Brad! They said it would take an hour or so to get the shop opened and complete the necessary repairs. I gave the gentleman my phone number and walked into town. When I saw Sisters Coffee Company I had to go in! What a neat place! I got my coffee and sat outside admiring the charm of the small mountain town. I headed back over to the bike shop and they were just finishing up with my bike. Everyone in the shop was very pleasant and helpful...highly recommend Blazin Saddles if you find yourself needing repairs or gear in Sisters, Oregon. Next stop was the Post Office so Ryan could ship home some of his gear to lighten his load. He had a lot of stuff and I'm sure it was much easier for him once all that weight was off his bike. We then began our day with a light rain falling. It wasn't as demanding as a couple days ago but just enough climbs to keep us honest, finishing up in Prineville, Or. this afternoon. Miles today 38.4
Elevation Gain - 1,110 Cumulative Miles - 210.9 Next Stop - Mitchell, OR I started the day out taking it very easy...I had no idea how challenging the day would become! The first part of the ride was so relaxing, beautiful scenery and even ran into Karolina for the 3rd time on my trip. She is from Poland and believe it or not she is trying to cross the USA with NO money...WHAT??? Good luck Karolina! Continuing on, enjoying the smell of the occasional campfire and doing a lot of reflection. It was as if Bob and Nick were right there with me. Thinking about my friend Doug, praying he gets better soon. I wasn't planning on riding far today...plans were for a short, relaxing ride but with such beautiful scenery it was really hard to stop....wondering what was around the next corner. Then, before I knew it I was at the base of the McKenzie Pass! I thought about pitching my tent and tackling it the next day but decided to press on. I could tell immediately that this was going to be a rough afternoon. The uphill climbs were relentless...no breaks anywhere! About 7 miles in, the road was closed to all vehicles except bicycles so that was awesome! The miles went on ever so slowly...I was always looking ahead hoping there would be a downhill run just a little bit, but nothing! This was grueling, I didn't see anymore cyclists along the route until the end of the day so I out there alone to conquer this enormous challenge. The steep climbs seemed to never ever end! I have 2 water bottles and had only a 1/3 of one left so that was concerning to me. I did my best to ration what I had left as best I could. I got off my bike on more than one occasion and walked for a while. I remember sitting on a guardrail wondering how much further can this possibly go for? I noticed the height of the trees ahead seemed to lower and I could see a little open space. I was so hopeful that the summit was near and it was. I few more climbs and turns and there it was! I MADE IT!!!! I was totally wiped out but knowing I did it was a feeling I'll never forget. Then I look over to my left and there was Karolina again...we briefly celebrated our victory and got ready for the glorious descent into Sisters, Oregon. 15 miles of nothing but coasting (and fast!) aaaahhhh!!!! As demanding as today was, this was the reward at the top! McKenzie Pass was the toughest part of my ride by far but has helped prepare me for what still lies ahead.
Total miles today - 59.7 Elevation gain - 4,626 ft Cumulative miles - 172.5 Yes, Nimrod is the actual name of the town :) I got started about 8:30 this morning. The weather had cleared and was in the mid 50s...perfect! My riding companion, Ryan was going to be getting started later as he was waiting for the local T-Mobile store to get his phone replacement in. I headed out on to the Mckenzie Scenic Highway and boy was it ever scenic! Beautiful...
Completed the first day from Florence to Eugene Oregon. 64.2 miles, 2213 ft elevation gain. Hadn't planned on going that far the first day. A lot of rain but beautiful! Met Ryan who was riding for his mother that died of breast cancer. We took several detours off the main route that went along the river on dirt roads. Except for one encounter with two very angry dogs,it was perfect! Found out just how fast I can ride and how loud I can scream! Got into Eugene about 8:45 and got a hotel room for the night. Awesome first day!
Today I was interviewed by Six On Your Side in Boise. Thank you Karen and Stephanie :)
Hard to believe but the moment is almost upon me! I know you'll be there helping me up those steep mountain passes and enjoying the exhilaration with me as we soar down the mountain on the other side. I love and miss you so much Bob...
After a lot of research I've decided to go with the Garmin Edge 1000 GPS cycling computer.
Purchased from Amazon, below are the features that appealed to me.
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