BIG RIDE June 30- July 5 Summary

Day        Destination                         Arrival                   Depart                  Mile

 

15           Hardin MT                           30-June                                1-July                    56

A very very fast 55 miles from Billings to Hardin.  26 mph tailwind kept the speed in the 20’s most of the ride.  Stopped in Hardin and watched the local ladies make rolls and bake bread in the local shop.  Upon arrival at the KOA, setting up the tent was a challenge.  We arrived at our destination before 12 Noon.  Took a side trip to Custer’s Last Stand at the Little Big Horn National Battlefield.  Took the bus tour and strolled through the displays.  Felt strange to ride in a car again, first time in three weeks.  A great dinner in camp catered by Beyond Basil of smoked salmon, beef brisket, great rices and side dishes, lemon bars and assorted deserts. 

Great little bakery with the ladies making rolls

 

The tailwinds were a blessing

Custer's Last Stand at Little Big Horn

 

16           Sheridan WY                      July 1                     July 2                     82

Crossed into Wyoming today and the temp is starting to rise.  A fast ride today with Cathy leading the charge on a mostly flat course.  Crossed the 1,000 mile marker and stopped for a ceremonial picture. Averaged 16 mph and arrived into camp first place.  A wonderful dinner tonight hosted by Terry, Michelle and Red Selig of steak , baked potatoes, asparagus and cold beer.  Among other side dishes , it was excellent.  Tommorrow is a big day of 112 miles so we are all a bit anxious.

 

1,000 Mile Marker



 

 

17           Gillette WY                         2-July                    3-July                    112

Tough day.  Started at 6 AM and got dropped on the first hill 5 miles into it and rode the ride pretty much alone.  Hot with 7 mph headwinds made for a very long day.  Over 3,000 feet of climbing made it a 9 hour on the bike day.  Kept telling myself that this is why I trained so hard for days like this.  The road just went on for miles and the ribbon always seemed to extend upward. Catered BBQ dinner at the Campbell High School was very tasty.  Food has been excellent and plenty of it.  Tomorrow is Team B breakfast duty and a mostly flat course.

Long Day

 

18           Newcastle WY                   3-July                    4-July                    76

Today we got back in the groove and Cathy, Rob and I did the ride in at a good pace despite the headwinds and long rolling hills.  The scenery was sparse although Terry raced an antelope for about a half mile until it could duck under the gate fence.  Starting to get warm and Gatorade is a good drink along with water.  Tonight we are staying at the Weston Senior Center, a converted high school to senior activity center.  Cathy and I lucked out with an indoor spot that has electricity, a bathroom and internet.  Some surprises are so welcome.  Wow it even has a coffee maker and sink.  The seniors are so organized.  Rode to the local store and got a sixer and some snacks . plus we have 2 ½ hours till dinner so now we can relax.  This is the only time that really isn’t scheduled.  After dinner you are so tired that you just fall asleep.  Today I got up at 3:50 am to do breakfast and now the morning routine of packing, bathroom, tent take down, bike prep, load baggage , morning briefing and cue sheets, breakfast and send off.  The next 6-9 hours are in the saddle and then it starts again….Pretty simple but physically, mentally and sometime spiritually grueling.  It is an endurance event.  Tomorrow is the Black Hills National Forest and then Rapid City.

 

The Weston Senior Center knows how to make a point

19           Rapid City SD                      4-July                    6-July                    81

Crossed into South Dakota early in the morning and most everyone was happy to be going into our fifth state.  As luck would have it most of the riders crossed about the same time with Gene taking a group photo.  The ride into south Dakota saw a welcome change of scenery with green grass again and pine trees.  Went through Custer SD , a small town with a big spirit who was getting ready to host a parade, fireworks and vendor fair.  We had lunch outside of town before entering the Black Hills.  Another major construction project saw a five mile shuttle to avoid the logging trucks and dirt packed roads.  Custer State Park was a beautiful area with large rock formations, flowing streams and lakes.  A super long 8 mile downhill was a great way to enjoy the scenery.  Arrived at the school around 12:30 Pm and Cathy did two news interviews with Fox News and NBC, both Rapid City affiliates.  Later that evening we all went to the Firehouse Brew Pub to wish our mechanic farewell.  He will be heading back to Seattle.  Wonderful evening until the local dorm had an open rave party to celebrate the 4^th.  The boom boom bass kept me up and I had to go to the lounge to sleep until 3 AM when I thought it was safe to return to my room.

5th State on July 4th
 

20*         Rapid City SD

Rest Day …well needed.  Laundry, bike wash and then extra duty of mid term exams review.  Got up at 4 30 AM after a short night rest to get it done.  But then the tourist fun began.  A doctor  friend of Kenny bought us all lunch at a local Nepal restaurant.  Then off to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  BIG RIDE  rented us a big van so we could all go together.  Stopped at the Naked Winery and Brew Pub for a tasting and live music then  Walgreens for essentials and back to the dorm at South Dakota School of Mining and Technology for prep on tomorrows century ride through the Badlands State Park and rise of the temperatures. 

 

BIG RIDE June 25 - June 29 Summary

Day        Destination                         Arrival                   Depart                  Mile

                                                              

10           Avon MT                              25-June                26-June                99

We started the day with breakfast in the school cafeteria.  Good food choices,  oatmeal , bran muffins coffee, fruit and toppings.  Late load of truck at 6:45 am.  Today is 98 miles through “Big Sky Country”.  What a great ride. Open range with cattle as far as you can see in all directions.  Plenty of climbing and long sweeping descents, lucky for sleep in a cabin at the campground.  Excellent dinner by Avon Café, salmon, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and great pie – wow cherry , apple , coconut cream.  Shifting of the bike needs fine tuned with standing a bit unnerving.  Small muscle fatigue but all in all the training has paid off big time.  Some riders are having knee issues, Karolina sagged after the 23 mi check point.  Most riders are strong and finish with very little problem.

Our Little House for the night

 

 

11           Townsend MT                   26-June                27-June                61

Started with the Avon Café and their excellent homemade sweet rolls , coffee and a good breakfast in the dining hall that is a church group camp.  Started the day in the rain for the big 4.5 mile climb up the Rockies through MacDonald Pass, elevation 6320 ft.   Slow and steady to the top.  Cold and wet, could not feel my toes or fingers and could see my breath.  What an adventure.  Trained along time for this climb over the Western Continental Divide and wanted to enjoy it.  After the top, the descent was almost 12 miles.  Steep turns followed an almost constant downhill into Townsend.  Not a real long day but very memorable , a major treasure of the trip.  Checked in back home to wish Ben a Happy 26^th Birthday, first one I ever missed.

Highest Point of the trip - Western Continental Divide

 

12           Harlowton MT                   27-June                28-June                101

Today was a century day and what a ride!  The tailwind was excellent and the group moved very fast.  The ride started with a steady climb of almost 3 miles and then a long, long downhill.  After lunch there was a steady tailwind that approached 17 mph.  The final 15 miles was very,  very fast.  Rolled into Harlowton and have an overnight in a really friendly church that open the doors and let us use the social hall for cooking and most of the school rooms as bedrooms.  Super nice people.  The rides are getting easier as the group builds in strength.  Tomorrow is a bed night.  Yea!  Today also marks the quarter (25 %)  mark both in miles and days of the trip

Cathy mixing it up with the Harleys

 

 

The Long and Winding Road

 

 

13           Billings MT                           28-June                30-June                                92

Another unbelievable tailwind, almost 20 with faster gusts  did the first 46 miles in 2 hr and 15 min. Big Sky country is the right term, in some places you could see in all directions for miles and miles.  Prarie dogs sitting up watching the wind blow , families of them on top of mounds of dirt.  No major problems beyond an upset stomach or sore muscles.  Tonight is Big Ride Bed Night 3 at Montana State University in Billings a nice school, free laundry and bikes in the room.  Dinner was beyond basil in the local park, steak, salmon cakes, salad and birthday cake for Charles who is 52 tomorrow.  A few heinekins and the stage is set for a good night sleep. 

 

 

 

Overlooking Billings Montana

14*         Billings MT

Life in Billings is pretty simple.  Coffee at the gas station, free laundry at the dorm, bike wash and tire change, new shoes and new gloves.  Rode around town to check it out and get lunch and a cold summer shandy for later.  Blogs, school work  and relaxing.  A great rest day.  Gene the mechanic / EMT   added a rubber ducky with helmet to Cathy’s bike.  Super nice guy who looks after us all the time.   Three cheers to Charlton, Lynn, Gene and Will a super support group.

BIG RIDERS having breakfast at the "Mint"

BIG RIDE June 21 - June 24 Summary

BIG RIDE JUNE 21 - JUNE 24 SUMMARY

News about the ride:

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2014/06/19/Moon-couple-biking-across-America/stories/201406190013



Day        Destination                         Arrival                   Depart                                  Mile

                                                             

6              Sandpoint ID                      21-June                22-June                                76

Say good bye to Washington and crossed into Idaho.  Each bend in the road is a whole new gasp!  Stayed in a small town camped at the local health club..  Some minor bike problems, cathy rear tire flat.  Went to the Hydra steak house for dinner.  Walked back to the HS for early sleep.  Biking is just fab.  Reporter me us at town entrance for a picture and interview.    The roads have been super and not problem with drivers.

Gonzaga University

Morning roll out

 

Gene to the rescue

Starting the climb into the Rockies

 

7              Thompson Falls MT         22-June                23-June                                88

 90 miles on route 200, very scenic.  Longer miles but no physical issues.  Just a blast so far.  Crossed into Montana and the higher mountians.  Beautiful lake front homes and  smooth rolling hills.  Bike is smooth, snack zone is great and Cathy loves it.  Snow covered peaks in the distant.

 

Cathy , Paul , Anita and Karolina

8              Missoula MT                      23-June                25-June                                101

What a start to the day.  Sprinklers came on at 1 30 and everyone scrambled for the gym, I slept right through it.  First Century ride to of the trip with  breakfast at Minnies where the pancakes are a foot across and the sausage patties fill a side dish.  ,   I had oatmeal and lots of coffee till it was time to start riding.  First fifty was very smooth with lunch looking out to the snow covered Rocky Mountains a preview of what’s to come.  As we entered the rockies, did a 4.5 mile climb.  Tough introduction,  temps kicked to 85 degrees.  The scenery is just fabulous.  Group is riding well together.

Camp spot with a shower in the distance...dusk colors of purple and blue

9*           Missoula MT

Rest Day…Yea  ..Dorm life at University of Montana at Missoula .  Home of the Grizzlies

Cafeteria across the courtyard with a good selection for Dinner and breakfast…Biked to Sinclair Gas Station in the morning for coffee and found a chair next door at a landscaping company for a comfortable place to watch the morning enfold.  Campus  walk , then bike clean , found the university pool for a ½ mile swim, cold adult beverage and blog updates.  Very little responsibility on the road like this, very basic needs, but high physical requirements.  Body is doing well.

BIG RIDE June 12 - June 20 Summary

Prologue

The dream of crossing the United States by bicycle was one that started in June of 1994.  The vision of setting life goals was first documented based on Steven Covey’s book First Things First.  The Bucket List was attributed to Jack Nicholson from the movie of the same name.  This adventure was one of about eight, another one being watching the Tour de France.  On top of the Pyrenees Mountains watching the race I knew it was time to start planning the next Bucket List item, crossing the US by bike. In January of 2013 registration was completed to undertake the feat with the group starting in June 2013.  Cathy wanted to participate but needed an additional year to get in shape for the ride so it was delayed a year.  Starting in December of 2013 training began and registration was completed to join the BIG RIDE in 2014.  In January 2014 we both started to attend spinning classes which was a twice weekly and sometimes daily routine.  Often the classes were followed with a circuit of weight training and sauna.  Diet became an important training component beginning in March of 2014.  Research was conducted on the optimal combination of carbs, proteins and fats.  Food consumption changed from eat for taste to eat for fuel. Significant weight loss occurred with the goal of 168 lbs. achieved in May 2014.

Two other major areas of concentration were fund raising and gear preparation. The BIG RIDE is a fund raiser ride dedicated to the support of the American Lung Association.  The idea of combining the bucket list item with a health awareness campaign was a good match.  Additionally the crossing  was a route that looked favorable and time frame that worked with the work schedule requirements of teaching.  Minimal fund raising was set at $ 7,000 with a $500 registration fee.  A goal was set at $10,000, always liking even numbers that are easy to remember.  The outpouring of support has been nothing less than incredible.  Support goes beyond monetary funds to include spiritual, prayers, life stories filled with joy and sadness and short smiles of approval and amazement.  The research that documents the effect of air quality and pollution has taken on a bigger meaning and now rivals that of a bucket list item in its importance.

The gear and logistics preparation are important , however not the time consuming task that training and fund raising demands.  Most nights will be camping with a good , waterproof tent essential.  Gear bags that are also waterproof and sleeping bags, pads and other camping equipment were collected or purchased.  Most essential gear item is of course, the bicycle.  The Surly Long Haul (Paul)  Trucker was purchased in 2008 and a good choice.  Cathy’s bike is a new Pedego E-bike, bright orange and a real beauty.  Extra batteries for the long ride days with rear panniers and extra storage capacity.  The stage is set.

 The BIG RIDE route:

Day        Destination                         Arrival                   Depart                  Mile

                                                        

0              Seattle WA                         12-June                16-June               

Left Pittsburgh and arrived in Seattle on Thursday June 12 via Houston on Southwest airlines.  Put a big V across the US, with an eight hour trip.  Many hurdles today, packing the bikes, going to the airport and checking the bikes as cargo.  Southwest was very nice, with the bikes no problem at $75 each.  Upon arrival, the TSA opened the boxes but for top inspection only.  In Seattle a limo ( Chevy suburban)  took us to the hotel  with both bikes and all the luggage.  The hotel is a real luxury compared to camping, a late dinner at a Pancake house and called it a day.

Two bikes and four gear bags

 

Fri June 13

Assembled the bikes after a few cups of coffee and breakfast in the hotel.  All went smooth, a short checkout ride to Marymoor park and saw a few sites.  Busy town Seattle, but the bike trails surrounding the area are amazing.  Most paved and well used. Met the Director, Charlton and his son Will also met a BIG RIDER, Terry Sigle.  Walked to Fred Meyer for supplies,  a 12 pack of Heineken and some snacks.

 

Sat June 14

Check out ride to Seattle for the rear wheel dip.  Chilly and damp,  but a wonderful ride,   65 miles round trip and a look at the Seattle city profile including the Space Needle and saltwater of the bay.  A lap on the Velodrome and I'm ready to go .Upon return, Whole foods for a snack and Promograte Bisto for dinner.  Bikes are ready.

 

Marymoore Velodrome

 

Sun June 15, 2014

Walked to a local church, Redmond Redeemer and attended service.  Everywhere we go, people are amazed at the trip and all wish good luck and support.  Pre ride meeting from 1 PM to 4PM to cover logistics, safety, meet the fellow riders and to share stories of support and encouragement. Almost received the oldest rider award but one other ride, Rob Wilson , beat me by 6 months. Several alumni are present to answer questions and give support.  All are very excited to get started.  Couldn’t sleep at all with anxiety for the start, training doubts , and overage on the baggage weight limits.  The logistics alone for this trip are difficult to imagine.  It is so nice to have Charlton and Lynn as Director and Assistant Director to plan the route, meals overnight stays and support.

 

 

 

1              Easton WA                          16-June                17-June                91

First day,  If you think I’m an English major and can do daily Blog entries, Forget About It.  What a rude start..Cold rain, rain cold, did I say that ?  52 degrees, busy roads and then…   a really plesant climb to Squaolamine falls.  Mist and cold.  Then..6 lanes of I 90  trucks with every imaginable discharge on the birm.  A test of cycling ability, endurance and spirit.  Finally a downhill into Easton State park for a relaxing night of Jake brakes and train traffic, not what the mind imagined.    A great dinner by the alumni that was fantastic…went to bed at 7:15 exhausted, wearing every bit of warm clothing. 

Charlton DuRant, Ride Director "Keeping the group together is like herding cats with their tails on fire"

 

 

BIG RIDE 2014
Front: Karolina, Cathy, Beka, Jennifer, Lisa, Lynn, Anita
Back: Charlton, Paul, Charles, Jeffery, Terry, Gene(hiding), Kenny, Kevin, Rob

I 90 outside Seattle 52 degrees and pouring

 

Will DuRant
 



Charles and Lisa

 



Snoqualmie Falls

 

2              Vantage WA                       17-June                18-June                72

White board of low of 42 and high of 52 and rain.. so much for the weather man.  After a cold start at 7 am, up at 5 am.  Tail winds most of the way.The ride was fantastic….Absolutly… the longest downhill of the trip 11.5 miles down from a windmill power station.  Into Vantage where the locals say the river is down 39 ft due to a crack in the dam,  no people but we had a beer overlooking the gorge and enjoyed the view. 

 

 

 

Karolina

Cascade Mountains
 

 

 

 

 

Climbing the Cascades

 

3              Odessa WA                         18-June                19-June                83

Started by crossing the Columbia River as a group on I 90 and starting the 1.8 mile climb out of the river valley.  Continue through rolling hills and some slight headwinds.  Not many places to use the bathroom so Cathy stopped and was interrupted by two foxes that came out of nowhere to about 10 ft away.  We were on the bike quickly as they trotted up the hill and into the sage brush.  Weather is most enjoyable for cycling with blue skies, puffy clouds and slight cool breezes.  Another nice downhill and into a small Washington town, Odessa.  Camped in the high school playground.  Dinner prepared by the FBLA students.  What a marvelous group of volenteers that go the extra mile to  be nice and help us on our trip.  Their generosity is overwhelming. 

Gene - Super Mechanic and EMT with Blue Thunder

Jennifer and Kevin

Columbia River

 

4              Spokane WA                      19-June                21-June                77

                Deserted roads that almost look like Arizona.  Super riding with miles of miles of winter wheat, plant it in the fall and the winter snow melts and it grows in the spring.  Several  gradual climbs with the longest of 9 miles.  Mostly , fast riding with few stops. The group is well prepared with good equipment and adequate training. Some are fast with average speeds of 17 MPH for the day, while others are using the first days as prep for the long haul.  We are doing very well with no health issues and minor bike adjustments.  The route was four lane and busy going into Spokane , a major metro area.  Arrived safe and checked into the dorms for our first BIG RIDE BED NIGHT.   Let the eating begin, wow , walk to the Bar and 3 Summer Shandy’s ,a beef and cheddar, fries ,  What a better appetizer?  Walk with the gang to the dining hall and had salad, chicken dinner, apple and cupcake.  Stayed up till 10 pm and slept the whole night through, first time in 5 years.

 

5*           Spokane WA

Rest Day.  Good day to relax and recharge.  Early Starbucks trip to the store, Laundry , bike clean and adjust then a trip to Wolfee’s for a Cheeseburger, Fries , Vanilla Shake.  50’s dinner with all the memories, most enjoyable.  Walk around Gonzaga University and drinking water in 20 oz cups to rehydrate.  Dinner at Brew Pub with the group.

 

 

 

 

See Cathy's blog at:

 

http://aerotechdesigns.wordpress.com/

 

BIG RIDE INFO:  WWW.BIGRIDE.ORG

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY: 

 

" I DREW A LINE IN THE SAND AND IT WENT FROM COAST TO COAST "   PCR

 

 

Bags are packed and ready to go

Ready to go

Latest news..THE BIG RIDE AT CCBC

www.ccbc.edu