Abstract
I realized that Isaac and Connor can both write more eloquently than I can, possibly because of a less science oriented education. So, im going to stick to a familiar format for this next blog post, and hope it works out well for me.
Introduction
We've biked almost 900 miles now, and it feels more possible than ever that were all going to make it to the other side of the country intact. This is largely due to the mulititude of cool people we have met and have helped us on our journey thus far. These include : Rick, Bruce, and Beast from the home bar in Troy, MT; Dennis from outside of Libby (best breakfast ever); and Kevin, who we met in a gas station 20 miles outside of Kilaspell. Along with encouragement and smiles, all of these people also gave us free beer. Were taking an easy day here in Whitefish, MT. Tomorrow Glacier park and the next day (gasp) Logan's pass, 7k feet up in the rockies. Has anyone seen the Fantastic 4 movie yet? i really want to know if its worth going to just for the sliver surfer. He is awesome.
Materials and Methods
4 bikes
4 ambitious friends
about 250 lbs misc. gear for camping, surviving
food/beer/ice cream
chamois cream
Stir well and place 3500 miles from home. Pedal eastward. Occasionally apply chamois cream to prevent and treat chafing. The rest will take care of itself.
Results
900 miles down, another 3000 or so to go. Well let you know more on this section in the future. So far: Isaac has gained some serious leg muscle. Connor is kicking ass on the climbs. Chuck is carrying more weight each day and developing a close relationship with his bike. Beau has added several awesome stickers to his whip, and just bought an awesome pair of sunglasses. (thanks mom and dad, i needed them)
Discussion
We miss everyone, and thanks for your support. Be back as soon as we bike there or run out of money.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Back in the USA
Hey everyone,
Finally got some Internet access at our home for the night, a motel in Whitefish, MT called the downtowner. Tonight we sleep in the lap of luxury, two to a queen sized bed. All is well on the trip, and boy do we have some stories to tell. Lets start in Troy, MT:
So we biked from Creston, B.C. across the border and onto US Route 1, then on down for lunch in Bonner's Ferry, ID. Lunch was at a gas station/cafe that sold Operation Iraqi Freedom hats, and on Mondays they have all you can eat pasta, salad, and garlic toast for $5.95. I had three helpings of each and the biggest slice of apple pie in the world. After lunch we made our way along Route 2 East until we hit the aforementioned Troy, MT and started looking for camping. As we mosied down the main drag a truck pulled up next to us and the driver kindly pointed us down a road towards a possible campsite. Before we were going to camp, however, we needed a nice american-priced pint to wash down the 73 mile day. As we follow the directions to the riverside campsite we were all instantly drawn to a lovely little establishment called The Home Bar. As if the name did not sound welcoming enough, there was also a sign that stated "Campers welcome. Patio Party All Summer." Our choice of bar was clear. A strange series of events follows.
We go into the bar, effectively doubling its patronage, and order a pitcher. Not three delicious sips later a man named Bruce introduced himself as the owner of The Home Bar, and after I told him about our little journey, he immediately led me outside and told us we could pitch our tents in the plush backyard of the bar. That was the first in a series of conveniences this town held for us.
The second convenience was that pitchers at The Home Bar were $6. In Canadia pitchers, or "jugs" as they call them, cost at least $12. We were in heaven. The bartender, Rick, even gave us a pitcher for free because it had too much foam on it. Sparing the gruesome details, the events that followed at that bar made the following day a short bike ride (starting at around 2pm).
The third convenience came when we noticed that Beau had broken a spoke. But not just any spoke. He broke the dreaded Rear Wheel Drive Side spoke, a fix that requires a tool that we did not own. Upon overhearing our misfortune, Bruce pointed us two blocks away to a man named Dennis. Dennis is a retired teacher of forty years in Troy who, it just so happens, fixes bicycles. He was a kind man that sported a Tshirt stating "Nothing scares me, I'm a teacher". His shop is the garage of his home and he had us up and rolling in no time for only $8.
All in all troy was amazing, and to anyone there who helped us, talked to us, or drank with us is reading this: Thanks.
Our short day (explanation above) landed us smack-dab in the middle of nowhere. We thought we might find a campsite along route two between Libby and Kilaspell, but we were mistaken. So with around two hours of light left we decided to knock on the door of one of the farmhouses in the area to see if we could pitch our tents in their lawn. The first house was a bust, there were dogs. The second house, however, was a dream come true.
Chuck and I bravely strode up a gravel driveway towards a beautiful old A-frame log cabin. Although there was a dog at this house, it was far too small to scare us down the road again. Before we even had the chance to knock on the door, a man came out on the porch, smiled and asked "What can I do for you?" We explained our situation and he said he'd be happy to have us stay with him. We dragged our bikes up and were introduced to quite possibly the kindest man on earth, Dennis Frank. Before we knew it he had brought us out a couple beers and some food to snack on. After helping us build a campfire he set up some chairs and we chatted for a couple hours. After it got late he went back in the house, only to emerge five minutes later to announce that he was cooking us breakfast the next morning. And what a breakfast it was. He made us coffee, eggs, blueberry pancakes, and slow roasted pork ribs. And he made a ton of food. Being the polite young men we are, we did our darnedest to finish the food he cooked. For me that meant eating 5 eggs, 5 pancakes, a slab of pork, and to wash it all down 4 cups of coffee and a glass of V8. As if that wasn't enough, he also sent us off that morning with homemade venison sausages and the reassurance that we all possessed the character trait known as Gumption. Oh yeah...he's gettin a postcard.
Yesterday's ride was our longest, but totally boring. 78 miles of the country none of you need to visit. Today we had a hot and flat-tire ridden 20 mile ride to Whitefish where we now reside. This weekend we are doing a slow tour of Glacier National Park, partially because we need some recovery time after 12 straight days of riding, and partially because we arent allowed across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass until it reopens on Sunday.
A couple Shout Outs:
Mom and Dad: Everything's great. No bear sightings yet.
Mia: Miss ya.
Chappell: Get a road bike.
Adam: Get a road bike.
Stan: I heart You.
Marge: You have to find us on this trip, not the other way around.
Keep up the comments everyone, its great to hear from all of you, we miss you too.
Tall Man out.
Finally got some Internet access at our home for the night, a motel in Whitefish, MT called the downtowner. Tonight we sleep in the lap of luxury, two to a queen sized bed. All is well on the trip, and boy do we have some stories to tell. Lets start in Troy, MT:
So we biked from Creston, B.C. across the border and onto US Route 1, then on down for lunch in Bonner's Ferry, ID. Lunch was at a gas station/cafe that sold Operation Iraqi Freedom hats, and on Mondays they have all you can eat pasta, salad, and garlic toast for $5.95. I had three helpings of each and the biggest slice of apple pie in the world. After lunch we made our way along Route 2 East until we hit the aforementioned Troy, MT and started looking for camping. As we mosied down the main drag a truck pulled up next to us and the driver kindly pointed us down a road towards a possible campsite. Before we were going to camp, however, we needed a nice american-priced pint to wash down the 73 mile day. As we follow the directions to the riverside campsite we were all instantly drawn to a lovely little establishment called The Home Bar. As if the name did not sound welcoming enough, there was also a sign that stated "Campers welcome. Patio Party All Summer." Our choice of bar was clear. A strange series of events follows.
We go into the bar, effectively doubling its patronage, and order a pitcher. Not three delicious sips later a man named Bruce introduced himself as the owner of The Home Bar, and after I told him about our little journey, he immediately led me outside and told us we could pitch our tents in the plush backyard of the bar. That was the first in a series of conveniences this town held for us.
The second convenience was that pitchers at The Home Bar were $6. In Canadia pitchers, or "jugs" as they call them, cost at least $12. We were in heaven. The bartender, Rick, even gave us a pitcher for free because it had too much foam on it. Sparing the gruesome details, the events that followed at that bar made the following day a short bike ride (starting at around 2pm).
The third convenience came when we noticed that Beau had broken a spoke. But not just any spoke. He broke the dreaded Rear Wheel Drive Side spoke, a fix that requires a tool that we did not own. Upon overhearing our misfortune, Bruce pointed us two blocks away to a man named Dennis. Dennis is a retired teacher of forty years in Troy who, it just so happens, fixes bicycles. He was a kind man that sported a Tshirt stating "Nothing scares me, I'm a teacher". His shop is the garage of his home and he had us up and rolling in no time for only $8.
All in all troy was amazing, and to anyone there who helped us, talked to us, or drank with us is reading this: Thanks.
Our short day (explanation above) landed us smack-dab in the middle of nowhere. We thought we might find a campsite along route two between Libby and Kilaspell, but we were mistaken. So with around two hours of light left we decided to knock on the door of one of the farmhouses in the area to see if we could pitch our tents in their lawn. The first house was a bust, there were dogs. The second house, however, was a dream come true.
Chuck and I bravely strode up a gravel driveway towards a beautiful old A-frame log cabin. Although there was a dog at this house, it was far too small to scare us down the road again. Before we even had the chance to knock on the door, a man came out on the porch, smiled and asked "What can I do for you?" We explained our situation and he said he'd be happy to have us stay with him. We dragged our bikes up and were introduced to quite possibly the kindest man on earth, Dennis Frank. Before we knew it he had brought us out a couple beers and some food to snack on. After helping us build a campfire he set up some chairs and we chatted for a couple hours. After it got late he went back in the house, only to emerge five minutes later to announce that he was cooking us breakfast the next morning. And what a breakfast it was. He made us coffee, eggs, blueberry pancakes, and slow roasted pork ribs. And he made a ton of food. Being the polite young men we are, we did our darnedest to finish the food he cooked. For me that meant eating 5 eggs, 5 pancakes, a slab of pork, and to wash it all down 4 cups of coffee and a glass of V8. As if that wasn't enough, he also sent us off that morning with homemade venison sausages and the reassurance that we all possessed the character trait known as Gumption. Oh yeah...he's gettin a postcard.
Yesterday's ride was our longest, but totally boring. 78 miles of the country none of you need to visit. Today we had a hot and flat-tire ridden 20 mile ride to Whitefish where we now reside. This weekend we are doing a slow tour of Glacier National Park, partially because we need some recovery time after 12 straight days of riding, and partially because we arent allowed across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass until it reopens on Sunday.
A couple Shout Outs:
Mom and Dad: Everything's great. No bear sightings yet.
Mia: Miss ya.
Chappell: Get a road bike.
Adam: Get a road bike.
Stan: I heart You.
Marge: You have to find us on this trip, not the other way around.
Keep up the comments everyone, its great to hear from all of you, we miss you too.
Tall Man out.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Accidental Accomplishments in the Silkameen Mountains... The Sirens Cry for Chuck Blood... A Town Where You Can Trust the Cops...
We are starting to feel hard. Legs, minds, spirit. Last night we slept under a roof for the first time in 7 nights. We refer to 50 mile days as "half days" and have come to accept ascents which the locals can only describe by sound (the one that accompanies a steep and sudden upward motion of the angled palm) as normal.
Because on the other side there is a 20 mile descent. We unknowingly climbed two of Canada's four highest passes. Which were worth every penny on the other side flying into Osoyoos (think a beautiful mountain lake town which has a main industry of fruit, wine, and tourism) at 55km/hr. It feels like skydiving.
I literally found saliva flying out of my wide open grin.
Beyond that, we've avoided any mechanical problems for three (3) days now. The Karma Dragon has seen our determination and is beginning to respect us. Excellent weather. Fair winds. Incredible suntans.
We cross back into the states today into northern Idaho. We have traveled more than 600 miles and are finding a better rhythm every day. It is starting to feel normal to be on the bike. That travelin' bone is rattlin'. Can't stay in any place to long or we get a little anxious.
Hope everyone is well.
Our top speed so far is 43.5mph and Chuck is still alive.
Because on the other side there is a 20 mile descent. We unknowingly climbed two of Canada's four highest passes. Which were worth every penny on the other side flying into Osoyoos (think a beautiful mountain lake town which has a main industry of fruit, wine, and tourism) at 55km/hr. It feels like skydiving.
I literally found saliva flying out of my wide open grin.
Beyond that, we've avoided any mechanical problems for three (3) days now. The Karma Dragon has seen our determination and is beginning to respect us. Excellent weather. Fair winds. Incredible suntans.
We cross back into the states today into northern Idaho. We have traveled more than 600 miles and are finding a better rhythm every day. It is starting to feel normal to be on the bike. That travelin' bone is rattlin'. Can't stay in any place to long or we get a little anxious.
Hope everyone is well.
Our top speed so far is 43.5mph and Chuck is still alive.
A short detour...
Well, since we last spoke our motley crew ascended two of the four longest climbs in Canada. The first was Anarchist Mountain which was straight out of Osoyoos, it was a 26km continuous incline and took us about three hours. The next day we went through a couple towns, one of which was Grand Forks, B.C. , a town "famous for its sunshine and borscht." Then summited mount Paulson at 1535 meters. We camped at the top in Nancy Green Provincial Park and enjoyed a 17 mile decent the following morning to Castlegar, B.C. While doing laundry in Castlegar a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer told us that we could avoid doing a third huge pass in three days by heading north to Nelson, B.C. and it is from there that I am writing this post.
The police officer did have one warning for us that I admit was a little unsettling. He said that when you get up here in glacier country that there are 3-4 foot marmots that will literally eat the tires off of your car/bike. The only way to prevent these beasts from eating your tires is to put fences around them. So, the plan is to find one that is really young, tame it, and then train it so we can sick it on any car that does not give us the proper leeway on the road. And, if we have time, train it to crawl into Chuck's sleeping bag while he sleeps.
So, today its a quick ride up to Balfour then down towards Creston on our way into Idaho. That's right, we'll be back in the good 'ole U.S. of A in no time. Look for us on the news for the most baller Independence Day fireworks display you've ever seen.
Tall Man out.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Desert Wine Country
Hey all,
We're here in sunny Osoyoos, B.C. enjoying the views and hoping that we can get some of those to you. I'm trying to get pictures up as soon as possible but its proving more difficult than previouly imagined. So, long day yesterday through the low country between the Cascades and the Moshanee Mountains. A few flats and some of the longer (although not steeper) climbs we've encountered. We've got another 25k of climbing to get out of this valley ahead of us but I think we're prepped at this point.
The pictures are, from the top:
- Beaufallo, Bro D. and myself drinking a pint at 6AM in Dulles.
- Beau and Jeff Stratego Showdown
- Beau at the highest point in our journey thusfar
- Connor at the Rambo Bridge in Hope "GET OUT OF TOWN, DRIFTER!"
- And finally, a riding pic.
We're getting better at this slowly but surely, I hope everyone back home is doing as well as we are.
Tall Man out.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Allrighty. Been a while since the last post...who's runnin' this joint anyway?
We had an interesting few days since Vancouver. Saturday night was a rainy one, and the weather continued through Sunday. The riding remained to be relatively flat for sat/sun. We finished off Monday in a town called Hope, BC. You all may know hope as the Chainsaw Carving Capital of Canada, but it is also a shooting location for everyone's favorite Rambo movie Rambo II: First Blood. We even on the very sidewalk along which Sly himself rode a stolen motorcycle (this year happens to be the 25th aniversary of the filming).
Leaving Hope behind, however seemed to be somewhat of an omen as it ended up being a lot of climbing, as Beau already mentioned it. It is really interesting to see a sign stating "Check Fuel, No Supply for 75km". Especially when biking. This morning we passed through that very supply spot at Manning Park Resort. Tonight we camp about 20km outside of Princeton, the town we are currently in. Hopefully we make a town called Summerville tomorrow night for dinner. This area is strikingly beautiful, snowpeaks only 500 ft above our heads.
Favorite recent quote: As Beau rides over a banana "Oh my God that was slippery!"
O.K. long climb up to camp tonight, Tall Man out.
We had an interesting few days since Vancouver. Saturday night was a rainy one, and the weather continued through Sunday. The riding remained to be relatively flat for sat/sun. We finished off Monday in a town called Hope, BC. You all may know hope as the Chainsaw Carving Capital of Canada, but it is also a shooting location for everyone's favorite Rambo movie Rambo II: First Blood. We even on the very sidewalk along which Sly himself rode a stolen motorcycle (this year happens to be the 25th aniversary of the filming).
Leaving Hope behind, however seemed to be somewhat of an omen as it ended up being a lot of climbing, as Beau already mentioned it. It is really interesting to see a sign stating "Check Fuel, No Supply for 75km". Especially when biking. This morning we passed through that very supply spot at Manning Park Resort. Tonight we camp about 20km outside of Princeton, the town we are currently in. Hopefully we make a town called Summerville tomorrow night for dinner. This area is strikingly beautiful, snowpeaks only 500 ft above our heads.
Favorite recent quote: As Beau rides over a banana "Oh my God that was slippery!"
O.K. long climb up to camp tonight, Tall Man out.
Rural Canada is pretty
Well, since we last spoke, the four of us have been pedaling through the Canadian countryside as fast as we can manage. Weve had a few more mechanical problems, but nothing we cant fix and ride on. Yesterday we summited our first peak - Allison Pass (big ups to tom) at about 1300 meters. It almost killed chuck, but today hes raring for more. The awesome thing about climbing hills all day is the next morning to get to ride down big hills. Huge hills. The first 45 minutes today we did about 15 miles. This post is from Princeton, BC, a tiny little town that will only be remembered for poor chineese food in about 2 hours. Okay, ill let isaac write now, hes much better at it. Well try and add some pictures soon. See ya. - beau
Friday, June 15, 2007
Last day in Vancouver
Hey everybody. Ive never written in a blog before, so forgive me if the writing is a little awkward. Isaac and i are at an internet place near our awesome hostel in Vancouver. Our time here has been split evenly between running errands to get stuff for our trip and partying it up with some new friends. The people here are really friendly, and the city is beautiful. The first rainy day we encountered was today, but the rain really stopped before we even got out of bed. Our lofty goals for today include fixing connors rear wheel and chucks crankset (he needs a smaller one for the rockies, for sure), getting isaacs ears lowered, and washing our foul smelling clothes. With all 4 of us in one room, it smells like a high school locker room in there.
Alright, well, we had better get to our other tasks. For the record, id like to say that before last week, Chuck had never ridden his bike farther than connors house, nor had he EVER slept in a tent. hahah. - beau
Alright, well, we had better get to our other tasks. For the record, id like to say that before last week, Chuck had never ridden his bike farther than connors house, nor had he EVER slept in a tent. hahah. - beau
Thursday, June 14, 2007
So it begins (er...began)
Hey all,
Late start on publishing here, but here it is. So far the trip has gone thusly:
Before the biking:
Late start on publishing here, but here it is. So far the trip has gone thusly:
Before the biking:
- Flight from Dulles to Seattle (abooooooring).
- Seattle with our ever-so-generous hosts the Millan's was an appropriate time to get all of our stuff on lockdown before setting out. Many thanks go out to them.
On the road:
- Day one: Quote of the day (week?trip?): "Hey Beau, how do you use the gears?" Mind you that this was about 2 min before departure from the Millan's. Late start followed by two flat tires made for a short day. 40 Miles from Seattle to Snohomish, WA. Awesome pub in town called the Riverside Alehouse, we met some really nice folks, got a discount on our pints for being so awesome. Because of our late arrival in town we set up camp at approximately 9PM in a public park by flashlight.
- Night one: Hilarity ensues. A couple card games followed by an amazing realization: Chuck had never slept in a tent before.
- Day two: Good, fast, uneventful riding from Snohomish to Larabee State park, 74 mi on the day. Getting into the rhythm for drafting, feeling good about the distance.
- Night two: Very tired, first time cooking food at the campsite, straight to bed.
- Day three: Some feisty rodent thought the food we left on the table was for him. Items lost: One (1) bag of Pepperidge Farm cookies, and a big bag of Endurox. Slow ride to just south of Vancouver and a train into town (before you even think it, we were'nt allowed to cross the bridges into the city, no lazy boys on this trip.) Mechanical issues are starting to show themselves, Vancouver has plenty of bike shops...repairs are underway.
- Night three: We're staying in a hostel called The Cambie in downtown Vancouver, it has its own bar downstairs. Everything is just falling into place in this town, rather serendipidous.
Allrighty, a lot covered in that post, we'll update as much as possible. Peace.
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