RIde for Rehab

2007-08-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Day 62- Springfield, MA to Boston, MA- 105 miles

We made it to Boston a few days early. It’s hard to believe the riding is over (at least for now…) I actually woke up the next morning and the first thing I did was to look for the sunscreen to put on. After reflecting on the last 2 months and 2 days I decided to write up some lists of the best and worst of the trip. I also wanted to once again thank, this time via the blog, all of you who road with me during the ride, those of you who extended your warm hospitality and friendship and most of all to those of you who fed me. I may be the only person to ride 3800 miles and I actually gained 2 pounds. Thanks also to everyone who has made a contribution to the Foundation for PM&R or the Spine and Sports Centers at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. I promise you all that the money will be used very wisely to promote physiatry and to care for our patients. Any of you who rode with me and remember stories or situations that were particularly memorable, please e-mail them to me. I am compiling as many stories about the ride as I can. Now for the lists….

Miles ridden- 3780
Days riding- 54
Average miles per day- 70
Total calories burned- per Garmin 305 - 191, 246 calories
Total weight change- gained 2 pounds!
Total feet of ascent- 177,266 feet
Total hours riding- 296 hours
Maximum heart rate- 185
Average speed while moving- 12.6 mph
Estimated # of pedal strokes- 1,440,000 revolutions
Times lost- 17 ( at least)
# dogs chased by- too many to count
# Dunkin Donuts along Route 20 in Massachusetts- 31
Prettiest area- Southern Utah
Best Hike- The Narrows at Zion National Park
Highest point ridden on bike- Monarch Pass, Colorado- 11,400 feet
Worst Cities to drive in- Canton, Ohio and Erie, PA
Best City to ride in- Boston ( seriously)
Worst Hotel- Middlegate, Nevada
Cheapest Hotel- Middlegate, Nevada
Best Hall of Fame- Cooperstown (Baseball) – hands down!
# tires replaced- 2
# flat tires- none
# tubes changed due to slow leaks- 2
# haircuts- 2. ( Great one at Judy’s in Liverpool, NY)
# tubes of sunscreen used- 6
Best meals ( I know you were waiting for this one)- 6 way tie with two honorable mentions for outstanding burgers
In no specific order-1) Adeles- Fallon, NV 2)Hell’s Backbone Grill- Boulder, UT 3) Papaya- Buffalo, NY 4) Pier W- Cleveland 5) Firefly Grill- Effingham, IL 6) Hoffman Lane Bistro- Cooperstown, NY

Best Burgers- Trailhead Café- Escalante, UT and Winstead’s- Kansas City, MO
Best home cooked meal- Jerome and Sally Schofferman’s, Sausalito, CA

Special thanks to the following riders and the honor which they are bestowed:

Jerome “Zachary” Schofferman- Best California Rider
Suzy Sachs- Best Sag Support
Mike Baskin- Best person to ask to go get something to eat with (answer is always yes)
Steve Baskin- Best worrier and Most Cautious Rider
Dana Nelson- Most Tolerant Rider ( rode for 8 days with 4 guys)
Dave Pallelo- Best Technical Support and Tire Inspector. Also Best Vegetarian Rider
Venu Akuthota- Best Rider of Indian Descent
Sonya Stilp- Best Rider with Twins
Scott “the Mayor” Primack- Best Sushi Eater Rider
Debbie Primack- Most Tolerant Sag Support
Glen House- Scariest Driver ( on earth)
Pio Guerrero- Best Host
Jim McLean- Top Fluid Consumer
Heidi Prather- Top Female Physiatrist Rider without Twins
Neil Borg- Best Port-a-Poty Locator Rider
Liu Ya Chun (Rebecca)- Best Combination Young Rider and Sag Supporter
Gerry Cox- Best recumnent Bike Rider
Raja Mehta- Best Father of a Physiatrist Rider
Keith Watson- Best Twin Rider (tied)
Kent Watson- Best Twin Rider (tied)
Leslie Slade-Best Female Rider in Missouri
Joe Ihm- Best Rider with a Sore Butt
Paul Weslowski- Best Tanned Rider
Chris Plastaras- 2nd Best Plastaras Rider
Heather Plastaras- Best Ironwomen Triathlete Rider and Best Plastaras Rider
Gary Gerst- Best Rider over 65 and under 75
Aaron Press- Best Rider I am related to ( Favorite Riding Partner)
Howard Press- Best Photographer on a Bike
Marla Press- Best Sister Rider
Mike Schafer- Best Roller Derby Team MD Rider
Clay Kelly- Best VA Physiatrist Rider
Drew Golz- Best Eater ( no contest- and I really was gunning for this one myself)
Greg Golz- Best Rider on the Oldest Bike- Fastest Downhill, Slowest Uphill Rider
Kathy Fisher- Most Flat Tires Award
Howard Aduss- Best Rider 75 and over
Marcia Aduss- Top Female rider over 60

Special thanks to –

Disaboom and Solstice Neurosciences for their tremendous support
Joann Smith and Elliot Roth- for allowing me the time off to Ride
Phyllis Anderson- for organizing the Foundation effort
All my partners and the staff at Clark Street and River Forest for covering for me
George Varghese and the staff and faculty at U of Kansas PMR Department
Fred Frost, Gary Clark, and the faculty and staff at Metro Health and the Cleveland Clinic
The Development Department at RIC for their fundraising help
Barnard's Bike Shop in Oak Park, Illinois and Waterford Precision Cycles in Waterford, Wisconsin for building a great bike
Jeff, Debbie, and Aaron Young, Nancy Sachs, Mike and Dorie Geraci, and David, Gabrielle and Jake Dockterman for their warm hospitality ( and for feeding me well)
Everyone who contributed to the Foundation for PM&R and/or the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Gayle and Hannah-my best support team

Final Day- Springfield to Boston, MA- 105 miles

2007-08-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

San Franscisco to Boston

2007-08-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Boys at Niagra Falls

2007-08-11T16:15:00.002-07:00

Still another Hall of Fame

2007-08-11T16:15:00.001-07:00

Team Cooperstown- Aaron Young, Aaron Press, JP, Jeff and Debbie Young

2007-08-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Erie Canal

2007-08-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Funny, the stuff you find at the Baseball Hall of Fame

2007-08-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Team New York ( at dinner, of course)

2007-08-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

2007-08-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

August 4- August 11- The Erie Canal

Many great towns along the Erie Canal. We picked up Team Erie Canal (Howard and Marcia Aduss and Kathy Fisher) in Buffalo and rode and ate our way across upstate New York. We saw the canal and the locks in action. Once again we got lost and ended up riding in a circle for two hours. I think that makes it every state I have been lost in. The problem with this time was that it started raining during those 2 hours, we had flats and, of course, both patch kits didn't have glue that was functional and the spare tube had a hole in it. We stayed at a number of bed and breakfasts, including one that the owner raised llamas. Cooperstown (home of the Baseball Hall of Fame) was awesome. We managed to see a few other halls on the way...Today we rode from Cooperstown to Schenectady (75 miles with the panniers), got there in time, somehow, to rent a car (that's another long story) and make it to Saratoga for the 8th race. Of course, my horse finished dead last.

Greg, Marla, Aaron, JP, Drew and Howie- Team PONY (Penn/Ohio/New York)

2007-08-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

Press Family members at a local eating establishment

2007-08-03T19:47:00.000-07:00

It's been recommended I keep my day job

2007-08-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

2007-08-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Days 50 to 54 - July 31- August 3

Picked up the rest of the new support team- Team P.O.N.Y (Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York) in Cleveland - my sister Marla, and Greg and Drew Golz to add to my brother, Howie and Aaron. We rode for three days along the edge of Lake Erie staying in a beautiful coach house one night and run down motel the next night. (The air conditioning worked fine and the shower had hot water- what else do you need.) WE made it to Buffalo today, of course, after getting lost and doubling back on our tracks. What else is new? More folks coming this week to join and support the ride. Still eating well, wearing lots of sunscreen, dodging lots of road kill, and always asking locals for recommendations on where to eat...

Team Ohio- Aaron, Mike, JP, Howie, and Clay

2007-07-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

Muncie , Indiana to Lima, Ohio

2007-07-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

Day 45-49 Lima, Ohio to Cleveland

2007-07-30T15:09:00.002-07:00

After loosing my support team in Indiana I rode three days of just over 300 miles to get to Canton, Ohio. ( with those dreaded panniers and, indeed, the floor pump.) Many nice little towns, lots of nice people, except outside of Canton- everyone seemed to want to run me off the road. I wonder if they know I went to Michigan. I took a little short cut around Wooster, Ohio that added 28 miles to my ride. Add Ohio to the number of states I have been lost in while cycling. Aaron and my brother, Howie, joined me in Cleveland yesterday. We rode with Mike Shaffer and Clay Kelly ( two physiatrists from Cleveland- who are both very good riders!)in a beautiful loop around Cleveland. Today (Aaron's 18th birthday!) we went to the Football Hall of Fame. Tomorrow the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2007-07-30T15:09:00.001-07:00

The Ride for Rehab Meets the Hellbombers of the Burning River Roller Girls League

2007-07-30T06:55:00.001-07:00

You never know what you'll find on some back road...

2007-07-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Support Crew- Chris, Heather, Colleen, Mary Rose, John and Jack

2007-07-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

July 26- Mansfield, Ohio (Day 45)

2007-07-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Some random thoughts about riding across country 9at leat up until now)

It's amazing how much time you have by yourself when you are riding all day. Some of these towns don't have a place to eat but do have a car dealership (usually Ford), a NAPA auto parts, a pest control company and a shop selling paint ball supplies. If the population of a town is over 1,500 or 2,000 chances are there is a MacDonalds or Taco Bell. The BMI (basal metabolic index) increases exponentially from west to east. There sure are a lot of fast food restaurants and dogs that bark at me. (most just bark now and don't chase me very much- it must be my imposing dork bag and butt flag on my bike) People are very friendly in general, especiaily in Kansas. Most people look at me like I have 2 heads when I tell them where I am coming from and where I am going. You can always find a decent place to eat if you talk to the locals- you can tell who likes to eat, believe me. It's very interesting driving or riding through the neighborhoods in all of the towns. Only riding across country can you ride through Paris (Illinois), Lebanon (Indiana) and Brazil (Indiana) in a 48 hour period. You know it's tough when you ask someone for the best place to eat and they say "Denny's". The amount of road kill also increases exponentially from west to east. (maybe more cars, maybe more animals- today I saw at least 10) It's very confusing waking up every morning in another hotel room. The same motel chains cost more when they are located in cities with larger populations. Gatorade gets old quick. It's a lot easier to sleep well when you ride all day...

Team Illinois- Paul, Chris, Heather, Joe, Gary plus one

2007-07-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Missouri 3- plus one. Jim, Neil and Heidi

2007-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

2007-07-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Illinois in 3 days-

I was transferred over to team Illinois on Friday AM, July 20th- Joe Ihm and Paul Weslowski from RIC and a friend and former patient, Gary Gerst. Heather and Chris Plastaras joined us on Sunday. Its great to have people to ride with. The only problem is I can't remember which person I told which story. We were chased by a couple of wimpy little dogs today. Both were no bigger than most of my meals. I think I could have taken either one. We found an exceptional restaurant in Effingham called the Firefly Grill. Yes, I said in Effingham. I know I talk about food too much, but it does make up a lot of my awake thoughts on the road. 7 states down,5 to go.

Can you image explaining that you are from here?

2007-07-18T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Katy Trail- Clinton, MO (with Heidi and Jim)

2007-07-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

A Front in Kansas- I did not see the woman on the broom

2007-07-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

2007-07-18T18:32:00.002-07:00

July 16-17-18 Three Days on the Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is a beautifully maintained crushed gravel trail that runs across Missouri. It is the longest rails-to-trails trail in the US. The roads are great, shaded by trees over much of the trail, coursing along the Missouri River at points and along some large bluffs. The weather has been hot. (What was I expecting in Missouri in July). We passed some interesting towns- Tightwad, Missouri and Peculiar, Missouri. The two B and Bs ( Bed and Breakfast) that we stayed at were great, especially the second B. I think I may be on pace to actually gain weight at the end of 3800 miles of cycling.

2007-07-18T18:32:00.001-07:00

2007-07-18T18:30:00.001-07:00

2007-07-18T18:28:00.001-07:00

2007-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Day 34- Missouri (the beginning of the KATY trail)

After trashing the state of Kansas the past week, I realize there are a lot of very positive things about riding across the state. The roads are very well maintained. (Probably the best of any state so far. They probably want those hogs and cattle to have a smooth ride before they end up on someone's plate for dinner.) The food is great in Kanssas City- especially the triple cheeseburger at Winsteads and the chicken and ribs dinner at Oklahoma Joe's- a rib place in a gas station. And finally, the people in this state are by far the nicest overall that I have met on this trip and rival people in Iowa as the nicest people in the world. Whenever someone gives you directions or change from a purchase there is this incredible warmth and niceness about it. It is really quite nice and friendly.
Some other misc. thoughts from my first month and first 2000 miles. The days are going from "how many miles until I'm done today" to " I wonder what the next little town looks like and what kind of food they have". I haven't had much time to watch TV and don't miss it much. I have seen about 10 seconds of the Tour de France ( which will be much shorter than the Ride for Rehab, even though they will ride over 2000 miles at much faster speeds and riding 2 inches from the guy in front of them going 45 mph) My only "performance enhancing" products are Kansas City ribs or a daily Cherry Coke. My impression of hotels has changed drastically. Anything with air conditioning that works, a bed and pillows and a flush toilet are quite exceptional. The Econolodges feel like a Hilton Hotel.
I forgot to mention a family we ran into at the Colorado-Utah border that was travelling from Davis, California to Washington DC to take a petition to their congressman encouraging him to clean up the air. There is a husband, wife, 13 year old son and a nine year old. They are traveling, unsupported, across country, camping out, schlepping a ton of stuff, state to state. The 13 year old is carrying about 50 or 60 pounds on panniers. The dad is riding a tandem with the 9 year old with front and back panniers, and the mom is lugging a Burley full of stuff. We called them the Incredibles, because it is pretty incredible watching them keep on trucking across country.

2007-07-15T12:09:00.001-07:00

2007-07-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

July 9-13 Days 28 to 32. Kansas- West to East. My streak of 29 days without rain ( or rarely a cloud in the sky) came to end with rain in Kansas. These are the Great Plains. They are "great" big stretches of fields and corn and very "plain". I was chased by 2 more dogs today, raising the total to 3 for the entire trip (all in Kansas) Had a great dinner tonight with Dr. George Varghese and a bunch of physiatrists from the Kansas City area. Any day riding is pretty good, but I don't think I will miss Kansas that much. (or those dogs)

Kansas. 400+ miles. Enough said.

2007-07-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

2007-07-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

2007-07-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

2007-07-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

I have now been in Kansas for a little over 24 hours and have some very strong opinions already. It is very flat. The winds are very strong. I rode about 30 miles today leaning to my left to keep myself from falling over to the right due to the strong cross winds. There are a lot of pigs and cattle in this state. Last night we stayed in Leoti, Kansas at a little motel. Little did we know when we checked in that there was a huge stockyard across the street. Well, when the winds shifted a little you can image the drop in the air quality for next 12 hours. Also when these huge 18 wheelers hauling hogs or cattle fly by you going 80 miles per hour, they leave an olfactory wake up call- the Kansas first cranial nerve test. We were chased by our first attack dog today as he "escorted" off his property. We met a 30 year old guy who was travelling around the world and hoping to ride "indefinetly". He had his own solar panelled bike with lights and gadgets all over. There is definitely something different about people over 30 years old who ride, unsupported, across country by themselves. There is probably something off about anyone who would ride across country. Period.

2007-07-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

2007-07-10T14:04:00.000-07:00

2007-07-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pio Guerrero, Glen House (yes, the same driver who caused me to age the last few days) and JP at Pike's Peak

2007-07-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

View fom the top of Pike's Peak. 14, 110 feet. Near Colorado Springs, Colorado.

2007-07-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

Garden of the Gods Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Days 24-28, July 4-8,2007

2007-07-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

I spent a couple of wonderful days in Colorado Springs with the folks from Disaboom and had the opportunity to see the Garden of the Gods and to go up to Pikes Peak. Glen House and Pio Guerero were great hosts. I did experience one of the scariest moments in my life the other day driving with Glen. Glen, a C7 quadriplegic, drove us from Denver to Colorado Springs. Since we were in a bit of a hurry to get to the USOC (Olypmpic Committee) we stopped for Chick-Filet sandwich at a drive thru fast food place. Well, watching Glen eat a sandwich, drink a Coke, drive 80 mph and show me the sites, pointing out places of interest was more frightening than any descent down a mountain. I thought that was bad until the next day when he drove us up to Pikes Peak with hair-pin turns, no guard rails, some hail, and Glen doing pressure reliefs with no hands on the wheel every few minutes. And I wonder why I have gray hair. I guess Kansas (flat with no hair pin turns) looks pretty good right now.
Sunday- Pueblo to Eads Colorado- 90+ miles, 100+ temperatures but a great day. Scott and I yapped for hours, drank lots of fluids, and got in at 6pm after a long day. Pretty flat out here in Eastern Colorado.

2007-07-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Monarch Pass- 11,312 feet

2007-07-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Colorado 4- Everest, Sonja, Venu and Clark

2007-07-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Great day of rest in Telluride. Ate a lot. Went to the library. Took a nap. The next few days I rode with Venu and Sonja who took turns riding with me while the other watched the boys. Six month old twins vs. riding all day- I am not sure which is harder. Climbed up Monarchs Pass (11,200 feet) which will be the high elevation point of the ride. At the top I met a U of Illinois student who was riding from NY to San Diego who lives less than 3 miles from me in Elmwood Park. Arrived in Colordo Springs yesterday and met up with Glenn House and Pio Guerrero, two physiatrists in Colorado Springs. Glenn's company, Disaboom, has been a tremendous sponsor of the ride supporting the AAPMR. We took a tour of the US Olympic Training Center with Charlie Huebner, the Chief of the Paralympics and Mike Mushettt, the Director of Outreach and Development. The place is amazing in all respects. We met the paralympic sled hockey team that was training there. I gave a talk to a community group at Penrose Hospital and ate a wonderful, traditional Colorado dinner- elk, deer, and other wild animals at a local restaurant overlooking Pike's Peak. I did weigh myself the other day. I weigh exactly what I did when I left. Ride to Eat. Eat to Ride.

2007-07-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

2007-07-07T07:38:00.001-07:00

A and W Root Beer- Blanding, UT- Life is Good

2007-07-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

2007-07-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

The UTah Four ( plus one)

2007-07-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Day 18 to Day 21- Blanding, UT to Telluride, Colorado

2007-07-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Blanding- Day 18. We planned to take the day off today to drive up to Arches National PArk, about 80 miles north of Blanding. The park was beautiful with many great sites. Pictures to follow later. We went on a supposed 3.0 mile trail (1.5 to one of the Arches and back) and it took over 2 1/2 hours. I managed to get lost on a trail to complete the "lost at least once in every state I have traveled" title. I think it should be hard to get lost in Kansas...The Utah 4 (Steve, Mike, Dave and Dana) have been wonderful to travel with. They are all really strong riders ( much stronger than I am) yet they have taken turns driving to allow me to ride all day. Dave has fixed my tires three times now, put up with sharing a room with me, and despite being a vegan, tolerated some of the less than desirable eating establishements we have frequented. Steve has been the cautious one for us, keeping us from doing something stupid (steep downhills with 90 degree turns and cattle guards at the bottom) and been a library of knowledge on about everything. We all decided it would be very scary to spend five minutes in that man's brain. Dana has put up with the four of us ( no small feat), did laundry for us a few times, and slowed down her pace riding to keep me company because I was so far back. Mike was always there when I needed someone to eat something with. I think he also always hungry.The first three weeks have been especialy fun because of my traveling companions- California Jerome, Nevada Suzy, and the Utah 4. I am now in Telluride and passed off to Venu Akuthota and Sonja STilp and the beautiful Akuthota boys - Everest and Clark (age 6 months- pictures to follow) Today I am resting in Telluride- no hikes today. My first three week totals according to Garmin 1248 miles, 104 hours of riding, 65,000 calories burned, 64,912 feet of climbing and 56,573 feet of descent. Actually, I feel pretty good.

2007-07-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

2007-07-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

2007-06-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

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2007-06-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Day 16- June 27 Torrey to Hanksville

Day 17- June 28 - Hanksville to Blanding, UT

According to my Garmin device, yesterday burned about 5000 cal during the riding. I think I ate about 7000 though.. There are two types of music on the radio out here- Country or Western. That’s it. I did not mention that Dave is an auto mechanic and very handy fixing bikes. Fortunately for me he noticed my tire was messed up (the tread was separating) and changed out the tire. He and I share a room. Imagine that, the most mechanically inclined person I know and then me who needs help changing a light bulb. He is young, a strong rider, and a vegan. I am older, much softer, and eat anything that once moved. I do have more hair then him, though. He is the only person in the group this week that can read a menu at a restaurant without reading glasses.
Lots of long downhills with the ascents. So far this week we have gone up about 14,000 feet. Over 48,000 since the beginning. Still really hot in the afternoon. I somehow managed to loose my driver’s license while registering at a hotel in Milford, Utah. It took about thirty minutes to sign in, print up the receipt and run the credit card. Thank goodness for technology. It might have taken two minutes by hand.. In the meantime I left my card there. Tonight we will partake of the “double –back phenomenon” which is getting more popular the longer the trip goes on. It is when the restaurants (used loosely to describe places where there is food to eat) are limited and there was a pretty good place in the previous town. We will double back to Torrey tonight to get a decent meal, then drive back here to Hanksville for the night and then take off in the morning.
Hanksville to Blanding- some really beautiful areas as we rode by Lake Powell briefly. Blanding (population 3200) looks like a thriving metropolis compared to most the cities that last few weeks. They even have an A&W. Life is really good. I got my driver’s license back today too. .

2007-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

2007-06-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

2007-06-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

2007-06-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

June 25 and June 26, Rubys Inn to Escalante and Escalante to Torrey, Nevada

Escalante to Torrey was about 4000 feet of climbing, up to 14% grades for small sections. Burned a lot calories- but made up for it by eating very well. Some of the downhills were a bit scary (see picture of Steve's hair after a descent). Met some nice people- the Dean of the Agriculture School at UC Davis and a wine maker from California. My kids call me Mr. Howdy for talking to anyone about anything, but it pays off when you ask where the best places to eat are. We ate at Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah for dinner last night and then again for breakfast today. The afternoons have been over 100 degrees.

2007-06-24T20:56:00.000-07:00

2007-06-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

2007-06-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

June 24- Bryce Canyon and Zion National PArk,

First of all I spelled Dave's name wrong yesterday. His las name is spelled Pilotto. I don't want angry e-mail from his family. Bryce CAnyon and Zion were amazing as anyone who has ever been there can attest. I enclosed a couple of pictures from today including my favorite part- a hike in the Narrows at Zion where you continue a trail by walking in the river at the bottom of the canyon. Lots of tourist around from all over the world. A bit congested with people at times.

2007-06-24T07:12:00.000-07:00

Day 12- Milford to Ruby’s Inn, Nevada ( near Bryce Canyon)

After getting me to Milford, Suzy left to return home. My new companions for the week- Steve and Mike Baskin, Dana Nelson, and Dave Pilatto- arrived from Salt Lake City.. Today’s ride went surprisingly smooth for 80 miles of riding (and 15 miles in the car along Interstate 15) . We packed all five of us into a van (including the bikes) thanks to the capable packing job of Steve (the world’s--self proclaimed-- greatest dishwasher packer). The scenery is beautiful. The weather is hot. The hills are long but not terribly steep. Met some interesting people in Panguitch, Nevada (see pictures) during a motorcycle rally. Had some great brisket at the Cowboy Café. Discovered it might have been a little early to be eating that stuff with 30 miles more riding later that day. Big buffet for dinner. (I said I was not going to talk about how much I ate every day.) Tomorrow we are taking the day off to see Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.

2007-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

2007-06-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

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2007-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Day 10 – Ely to Baker ( Still Nevada, but just barely)

Today I realized why I rented the satellite phones. Too bad one is broke and needs to be sent back and I lost the other one for a few hours on my ride into Baker when I needed it the most. Today was the only day I got lost in Nevada, which is hard to do since there really is only one road across the state in the northern part. The one turn off I was supposed to take, I missed. Hard to believe since it was about the only turn the last 300 miles. Anyway, I went straight for 6 miles while Suzy ( driving the sag car) went to where we were supposed to go. ( 6 more miles down the correct turn) When I went to look for my satellite phone, I could not find it. It had fallen off my bike somewhere. Suzy had no cell coverage and a non-functioning satellite phone. Fortunately, she drove around and found me an hour or more later and after driving around looking for the lost phone, it showed up at the gas station/motel/casino where I had inadvertently rode to. Well, I least I have one working cell phone in case I need to check on something important, like the score of the Cubs game.

Day 11- Baker to Millford, Utah

Hopefully, there are no casinos in this state. Stayed at a great little motel called the SilverJack in Baker. Homemade food. The real deal. Met a husband and wife with their two year old son traveling the National Parks in the US over the last month. Met a couple on a tandem, stranded here the night because their bike broke down, traveling form Newton, Kansas to San Jose.

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Day 6- Fallon to Middlegate Station ( not really a city)

Breakfast in the casino at 7 AM Half a dozen people were already there on the slots and drinking beer, most senior citizens ( this was Sunday AM). Went through more desert to Middlegate Station. Slightly smaller than your average drive thru Macdonalds. The Middlegate Motel, so to speak, is a trailer divided into four rooms with two out-houses also.

Day 7 – Middlegate to Austin, Nevada

It is really great having Suzy with me to be the sag car. We arrange a time to meet down the road and she drives ahead of me. The only thing between these two spots is The Shoe Tree and bar/restaurant and newly open motel in a small town called Cold Springs. The Shoe Tree is right outside Middlegate Station and is a huge tree with hundreds of pairs of shoes ( and one set of cattle hooves) hanging from it. The story goes that some guy threw his wife’s shoes up in the tree to keep her from leaving him. Once they reconciled, he threw his shoes in the same tree and the legend has grown since..
In Austin at dinner some young kid walks in and sits down at the table next to us by himself. Since we were the only three people in the restaurant, we ask him to join us and ask where he is going. Simon is a 20 year student, just graduated high school, from Switzerland who is riding east to west cross country. He started 2 months ago in Virginia after a three week ride on a carrier ship to Richmond. He is planning on riding for another two months to the West Coast then into Canada. He is carrying over 65 pounds of gear. The kid looks twelve and is about 5’10, 145 pounds. Suzy looked at me and said “You never looked more like a lightweight” No fooling.
At the gas station a couple walks in and the guy has a Cubs hat on. The were from Frankfort, Illinois on their way back home. Small world.

Day 8- Austin to Eureka,

You know you are in a remote spot when the sign on the television says “ Available Channels 2, 6, and 9. Weather permitting” Left early in the AM to avoid the heat. Was able to get laundry done today at the laudrymat/food store/casino. The stores in Nevada are all very versatile. The laundry machine was the only machine without a lever on the side. Thank goodness for Books on Tape. It gets real quiet in the middle of Nevada. I lost one dollar playing the video blackjack waiting for the laundry. I’ve lost money in all the big gambling cities ( Las Vegas, Atlantic City) , its time to start losing at the small ones too.

Day 9 – Eureka to Ely

Had the pleasure of riding on freshly laid asphalt today. Saw a real wildfire in the desert. A number of volunteer fire department people were there including some woman who looked at least 70 hauling some hoses around. I did learn to be careful spitting while riding a bike into a strong headwind.

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Day 1- Sausalito to Davis, California

In less than 24 hours I have been reminded of the first five of the major rules of bicycle touring. #1- count on any map you are using to be inaccurate, outdated, and short or usually long on distance.. After leaving Vallejo with some folks from Kaiser Permanente Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, after a very warm welcome, we proceeded to get lost no less than half a dozen times. All total about 4-5 extra miles of riding. #2- be weary of any directions people give you. Every person said “It is only about 2 miles” and my now, personal favorite “You can’t miss it” Somehow we still missed a lot of can’t misses. #3 There is always some construction you will have to go around to lengthen the trip. #4- carrying your gear in panniers ( saddlebags) significantly increases the weight you are carrying (30+ pounds in my bags- too many adapters and chargers) and although it did not feel terrible training in Chicago, I am currently not riding in Chicago. Out west they have things called hills and bigger things called mountains that significantly increase the challenge ( I didn’t quite think about that). #5 Don’t assume that because you are staying in a big college town there will be plenty of hotel rooms. A small detail I forgot to check- it was graduation week at Davis. Add 3 miles to find a hotel room outside of town.

After leaving the ferry in Sausalito for SF and then Vallejo, Jerome Schofferman, my cycling cohort for the week, took off with three PM&R staff from Vallejo for the ride to Davis. Long, hard day. Next time, more training on real hills with the additional weight.

Day 2 – Davis to Placerville

More up and down hills with additional weight. Rule #6- you need to charge the sophisticated GPS/odometer gadget to work more than one day at a time. Ran into more construction- add 5 extra miles. This time ended up driving on newly laid hot tar that spit chunks on to our tires. Very pretty along American River Trail. More bad directions- add three miles.
After arriving in Placerville and riding around for an hour, totally beat, we finally called a cab to take us to the hotel which turned out to be two blocks away. Met Mike the Beast from Sacrammento who is training for a 1200 km in less than 80 hour ride. I feel like such a light weight. Placerville is pretty old mining town.

Day 3- Placerville to South Lake Tahoe

Started up the hill ( 45 miles all up hill ) and hitched a ride part way up with a young kid in a truck. Very smart move ( remember rule 4- the one about the panniers, hills and mountains.) Stopped at a spa owned by a former Vegas pit boss who had lots of stories to tell. Actually, it seems like everyone we meet has lots of stories to tell.

Day 4- South Lake Tahoe to Carson City

Nice climb, big downhill to Carson City. Stopped at the Nevada museum- guns and slot machines were the highlight. Also stopped at the oldest continually running bar in Nevada. 10 AM and the regulars were all starting to show up.

Day 5 – Carson City to Fallon

Had lunch at a Casino/restaurant in the middle of nowhere ( which is where most of Nevada is) . Lots of dessert. Suzy, a friend from Chicago, arrived today, to help as the sag wagon for the next week across Nevada. Saw Oceans 13 in the local theatre.

Day 6- Fallon to Middlegate Station ( not really a city)

Breakfast in the casino at 7 AM Half a dozen people were already there on the slots and drinking beer, most senior citizens ( this was Sunday AM). Went through more dessert to Middlegate Station.Slightly smaller than your average drive thru Macdonalds
Motel, so to speak, is a trailer divided into four rooms, two out houses also.

2007-06-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

D-Day minus One, (Departure DAy minus one)

I have never done a blog before but I will do the best I can. I have been told to download pictures, download the route, tell something interesting that happens ( not including how much food or how many meals I eat each day!) and don't go on and on about how beautiful the mountains are. I have trained for a number of months now and feel somehwere between terribly excited and a bit apprehensive- kind of like going to college freshman year. My son, Aaron, actually got up at 6 AM to take me to the airport. Not bad for a recent high school graduate- getting up early to send the old man off. For people that have asked what did I do to train for this you can go to the website www.trainingpeaks.com and put in the user name: jpress and the password: password and you can see the schedule that Rob Kelley my trainer from Training Peaks put together for me. The two maps that are below on the blog are courtesy of Garmin and LaSalle Bank. They set me up with the GPS system and technology that allows even me to download the course and all the data from my bike to the blog site, assuming I don't mess it up. The technology is great and allows anyone to look at the route, the elevations, etc. as well as the route on Google Earth. I will try to download the data every few days or when a computer is available. Up early tomorrow, taking the ferry to Vallejo and onward.

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