My last post ended with my Mom arriving from Michigan. So some of you may be wondering what happened next. Some of you may not even have thought that. So to enlighten those who wonder about my wanderings you may proceed to read.
So after my Mom picked me up in the nice town of Leesburg, VA we headed for a hotel. Room had a fridge, stove, microwave, basically a fully stocked kitchen. It was really nice, but I also thought it was a waste. Just think of all those folks who need this stuff and can't afford it. Got dinner from the grocery store because there was no restaurant close by. The following day we spent exploring Manassas Battlefield, where the ground forces first clashed in the Civil War. Little evidence left, mostly just nice quiet fields within the Park. The next day we took the bus into Washington D.C. This place has lots of buildings, I visited 5 briefly. Walked around a lot, especially the beautiful Capital Hill neighborhood. Broke down a bought a pay-as-you-go phone, because it's cheaper than pay phones (which are dern hard to find) and I miss my friends. Took some pictures. My boss contacted me and told me he might not have work for me this summer. Gosh dern, ARG, a bit late notice. Now I have to explore my options and that's stressful. Returned to hotel late evening.
The next day we returned and I wandered some more. Met up with a friend with Colorado and we had a really nice time just sitting on a bench along the Potomac River talking. She's wonderful fun! Enjoyed Chipotle burrito for dinner. Took some nice photos. That night we moved on the Fredericksburg and the next day drove to Williamsburg. I met up with another Colorado friend (made the big time with a National Park Service job!) and we spent a really fun unplanned day together. We got a pizza and soda, played a round of miniature golf, stopped by his house, got some drinks at the local watering holes, threw a frizbee like thing around, went to the local Greek festival for some more good food. Fun days end, back to hotel.
The next day we toured Fredericksburg and Wilderness battlefields. At the former Boy Scouts were placing candles at the graves of the fallen, to be lit that night. The famous Confederate "Stonewall" Jackson met his unfortunate end at the former. Robert E. Lee pounded the stonger Federal forces once again. That night we drove back thru Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Sunday we visited Gettysburg, which has a ton of monuments, also very popular and thus crowded. Seeing it myself gave me a better impression of the landscape. Recommended place to visit. Need to see the movie again. So we saw lots of battlefields, and it was Memorial Day weekend so that was fitting. And after weighing my options I decided to return to Michigan with my Mom.
Memorial Day we spent driving the high speed arteries of the road West thru Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Everyone is in such a rush, difficult to get used to. Arrive back in Ann Arbor that night. The next day lounge around in the morning. In the afternoon I run to visit my fried at work. Run/walk back to the house. About 11 miles total, and so ends my first training run for the local half-marathon on Sunday. The rest of the week I do more stuff. Bake goodies, relax run once more. On Saturday I ride to town, get some new gear, find two books that I really wanted at a used book store (got the third for free. Support your local bookstore). Awesome! Wallace Stegner is a wonderful Western author, a must read!
So today I ran the half-marathon with my awesome friend, Bob. So Awesome!! The clocks on first few miles were off, way off. Didn't have a watch, felt okay, but thinking that two training runs was not enough. Kept running. Good roadside band rocking. Long strech between miles 8-12. Finally Main St. and a gradual climb to the finish. Sprint last part. Done and exhaused, but didn't feel like throwing up this year. Eat food, drink water, look for my friend. So sorry I missed your finish Bob. You Rock!! Get a ride home and take a nap. Hard to walk, will soon be missing two toenails. Dinner with family.
And so by now you may be saying "blah, blah, blah. What about the opitons? What's up my sleeve". So let me explain. In Leesburg, VA I walked into a coffee shop a saw young professionals in suits plugged into their computers. Scared me something serious. It just ain't for me. Plus I still seek adventure and find I can't sleep well in a soft bed. A tent and some forest duff is what I need! So tomorrow I board the Amtrak from Toledo (same place my brothers and I departed for the last journey in January). After a day on the train (hopefully letting my sore muscles recover) I'm getting off in Minot, North Dakota to continue my ride around America. I miss the West and so I'm returning to it, along with my Wallace Stegner books. Stegner in Stegner country, now how could I pass up the chance!
So if ya still want to, you are invited to continue following my journey...
"I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way" Carl Sandburg
Welcome ya'll, This site is dedicated to sharing my stories and photos with family and friends. I hope you enjoy it and leave a comment, marking your passing. Now it's time to get out and ride!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
If not today, then tomorrow, or both
It's been a while since my last update and a lot has happened since. So let me give ya'll a guick summary of the past two weeks since leaving Asheville.
Disclaimer: If you think bicycle touring is all sunny days of fun in the sun, are about to take your first tour, or don't like rants please skip the following paragraph.
Out of Asheville: Cloudy skies, killer hill, good thing my legs are fresh, gosh I'm tired, sweating, tired, a bit sore, another hill, bit of end of day rain. Another day, continue hills, downpour, soggy clothing, more rain, more hills. Next day: dense fog, no riding, more rain, bit of sun, more rain. Next day: Cloudy, another detour, no sympathy about trials, downpour, busy traffic into Boone. Next seven days: Rain, more rain, climb, another climb, gosh dern another climb, my legs are so sore, another climb, okay now they are really sore and tire, more rain, when will the sun shine? why can't my legs work? My mileage sucks! More rain, bit of sun followed by more rain and hills. Did I mention the rain, climbs, and my sore legs? Gosh I'm hungry! Another cookie. More climbs and rain....continue for 2 weeks total.
Okay, sorry about that, but that's how I was feeling, thinking, and for the most part experiencing. So what follows is what else took place, besides rain, climbs, sore legs, and hunger. The detour out of Asheville was beautiful and traffic was really light on almost all parts. I really enjoyed the peace and quiet and mountain scenery after the social affairs of the city. After a night camped along a rising creek, with some strange vibes, it was more peace and quiet along mountain backroads. That night I reached the Blue Ridge Parkway and spent the following day waiting out the weather, only wandering outside the tent during a few hours of sunshine. The third day out I actually got to cycle the Blue Ridge. It was nice and enjoyable. I spent the afternoon wandering around Linnville Falls. I was in a rush, I don't know why, so I sat and gazed upon the beauty. I hiked all the viewpoints and watched a Black Racer snake climb a tree and climb into a mice next. One mouse dropped over 20 feet to escape the snake's belly. Then I rode off and found a camping place. I also discovered that most of the pkwy campgrounds don't open until mid-May, this would be a mostly positive aspect.
The next day was an odd set of occurences. It involved rain and more road detours. I descended into Boone, which I was thinking of visiting, but decided not too. Now I had too. I wan't out of the rain and off the bike, through with things. After little sympathy from local bike shops a local gave me a place to stay. Then I saw some folks from the Pkwy, who had just moved from California, a trip that took me 4 months, they did it in 5 days. I happened to look very much like the guy's brother. We had a wonderful dinner party! The young man working at the grocery store had cycled the Trans-Am route 2 years ago. Gosh this was weird and Boone is a nice town! I road out of Boone refreshed and with bags of food the following day.
On Sunday I passed into Virginia, my 10th state, and at the Blue Ridge Music Center got sunny skies and a wonderful small concert from the local musicians. Then I headed North, enjoying Mabry Mill, rested a bit at Roanoke, saw my first bicycle tourist since Florida along the James River, after a grand descent... after a long climb. Ben and I shared a campsite and compared notes on the roads ahead, me heading North, he South. It was good and talking with another cyclist was just what my lagging morale needed. Began seeing some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers as the trail crosses the Pkwy, passed out cookies to folks who walk a long ways. Two days later at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (a good sense of relief, but also a touch of sadness) I descended into Waynesboro for more groceries and a library. Discovered a great shoe cobbler who fixed the failed velcro on my cycling shoes. I also got Appalachian Trail insight, sound advise, and saw a priceless Wright Brothers' made wheelchair. Am very tired, sored, and disgusted of rain.
I spent three days in Shenandoah along the Skyline Drive. With it's national park status and the weekend it was a bit busy, but it gets much busier. Saw a black bear, did laundry, and showered. Felt very good and lifted my spirits. On May 16th, my birthday, I ended up riding my bike. I took a nice hike to a backcountry falls and wandered around. Ate more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A thunderstorm knocked out power at Lewis Mountain so I couldn't buy my birthday meal. Ended up talking with two AT hikers who are tired of walking and the rain. Could not call my best friend in Colorado and that really sucked. We traded woes and then headed on. I decided to head to Big Meadows and got bacon, beer, and eggs. Then the rain got up with me once again. Soaked I set up my tent in the solitute of the forest. Got as dry as possible, wetted my whistle with beer, enjoyed bacon and egg tortillas.
The next day rain threatened. I saw a mother and cubs near Elkwallow. Discovered an AT hut, but suprisingly no hikers. Cleaned things up a bit, read the hut logbook, and camped out. The next day I left the Park and road into Front Royal. I road towards Leesburg and discovered the beautiful Virginia countryside. Lots of farms, horse plantations, and more traffic, even on the backroads. Fortunately I picked up the Washington and Old Dominion rail trail into Leesburg. It was a nice town and I found a Safeway, but no jumbo cookies of my dreams. Hung out at the library until my Mom arrived from Michigan. Then we headed for a nice hotel...and so the journey continues.
Disclaimer: If you think bicycle touring is all sunny days of fun in the sun, are about to take your first tour, or don't like rants please skip the following paragraph.
Out of Asheville: Cloudy skies, killer hill, good thing my legs are fresh, gosh I'm tired, sweating, tired, a bit sore, another hill, bit of end of day rain. Another day, continue hills, downpour, soggy clothing, more rain, more hills. Next day: dense fog, no riding, more rain, bit of sun, more rain. Next day: Cloudy, another detour, no sympathy about trials, downpour, busy traffic into Boone. Next seven days: Rain, more rain, climb, another climb, gosh dern another climb, my legs are so sore, another climb, okay now they are really sore and tire, more rain, when will the sun shine? why can't my legs work? My mileage sucks! More rain, bit of sun followed by more rain and hills. Did I mention the rain, climbs, and my sore legs? Gosh I'm hungry! Another cookie. More climbs and rain....continue for 2 weeks total.
Okay, sorry about that, but that's how I was feeling, thinking, and for the most part experiencing. So what follows is what else took place, besides rain, climbs, sore legs, and hunger. The detour out of Asheville was beautiful and traffic was really light on almost all parts. I really enjoyed the peace and quiet and mountain scenery after the social affairs of the city. After a night camped along a rising creek, with some strange vibes, it was more peace and quiet along mountain backroads. That night I reached the Blue Ridge Parkway and spent the following day waiting out the weather, only wandering outside the tent during a few hours of sunshine. The third day out I actually got to cycle the Blue Ridge. It was nice and enjoyable. I spent the afternoon wandering around Linnville Falls. I was in a rush, I don't know why, so I sat and gazed upon the beauty. I hiked all the viewpoints and watched a Black Racer snake climb a tree and climb into a mice next. One mouse dropped over 20 feet to escape the snake's belly. Then I rode off and found a camping place. I also discovered that most of the pkwy campgrounds don't open until mid-May, this would be a mostly positive aspect.
The next day was an odd set of occurences. It involved rain and more road detours. I descended into Boone, which I was thinking of visiting, but decided not too. Now I had too. I wan't out of the rain and off the bike, through with things. After little sympathy from local bike shops a local gave me a place to stay. Then I saw some folks from the Pkwy, who had just moved from California, a trip that took me 4 months, they did it in 5 days. I happened to look very much like the guy's brother. We had a wonderful dinner party! The young man working at the grocery store had cycled the Trans-Am route 2 years ago. Gosh this was weird and Boone is a nice town! I road out of Boone refreshed and with bags of food the following day.
On Sunday I passed into Virginia, my 10th state, and at the Blue Ridge Music Center got sunny skies and a wonderful small concert from the local musicians. Then I headed North, enjoying Mabry Mill, rested a bit at Roanoke, saw my first bicycle tourist since Florida along the James River, after a grand descent... after a long climb. Ben and I shared a campsite and compared notes on the roads ahead, me heading North, he South. It was good and talking with another cyclist was just what my lagging morale needed. Began seeing some Appalachian Trail thru-hikers as the trail crosses the Pkwy, passed out cookies to folks who walk a long ways. Two days later at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway (a good sense of relief, but also a touch of sadness) I descended into Waynesboro for more groceries and a library. Discovered a great shoe cobbler who fixed the failed velcro on my cycling shoes. I also got Appalachian Trail insight, sound advise, and saw a priceless Wright Brothers' made wheelchair. Am very tired, sored, and disgusted of rain.
I spent three days in Shenandoah along the Skyline Drive. With it's national park status and the weekend it was a bit busy, but it gets much busier. Saw a black bear, did laundry, and showered. Felt very good and lifted my spirits. On May 16th, my birthday, I ended up riding my bike. I took a nice hike to a backcountry falls and wandered around. Ate more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A thunderstorm knocked out power at Lewis Mountain so I couldn't buy my birthday meal. Ended up talking with two AT hikers who are tired of walking and the rain. Could not call my best friend in Colorado and that really sucked. We traded woes and then headed on. I decided to head to Big Meadows and got bacon, beer, and eggs. Then the rain got up with me once again. Soaked I set up my tent in the solitute of the forest. Got as dry as possible, wetted my whistle with beer, enjoyed bacon and egg tortillas.
The next day rain threatened. I saw a mother and cubs near Elkwallow. Discovered an AT hut, but suprisingly no hikers. Cleaned things up a bit, read the hut logbook, and camped out. The next day I left the Park and road into Front Royal. I road towards Leesburg and discovered the beautiful Virginia countryside. Lots of farms, horse plantations, and more traffic, even on the backroads. Fortunately I picked up the Washington and Old Dominion rail trail into Leesburg. It was a nice town and I found a Safeway, but no jumbo cookies of my dreams. Hung out at the library until my Mom arrived from Michigan. Then we headed for a nice hotel...and so the journey continues.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Asheville
In my numerous entries I have never once dedicated a whole post to one city, until now. My excuse is that I haven't spent so much time in one place since the trip began. I only planned to stay for two nights, yet because of the limited planning I do it just happened.
I rolled into Asheville tired and frazzled from my rush thru busy traffic and narrow roads. Getting into town was a 20 mile act of desperation that I surely wasn't expecting. But I made it and called my host. By the time he arrived I had settled down and stopped sweatings so a beer at the local brewery was in order. After this initial introduction we road to his house which is at the top of a short, but steep hill. I was out of food so we had more cycling to do to the local grocery store. My legs were tired and my brain was fried. Mike, my host made a wonderful curry rice dish as we traded cycling stories and he gave me the low down on Asheville. Then it was time for bed. What follows is a brief, but hopefully somewhat exciting account of my activities over the next few days in and around Asheville.
The next day I wandered around Asheville on foot. Most people, most recently myself, believe that Asheville is bike friendly, but this is a wrong perception. The city is working on it and there are plenty of bike commuters, but there is much work still to be done, and Asheville on Bikes is leading the charge. I found my way to the Thomas Wolfe memorial and discovered another famous author. Then I wandered around town somewhat aimlessly. Along the way I visited local bookstores, the food co-op, the local library, and the bicycle co-op. Then I headed for the house and Mike and I headed for a friend's house for a splendid dinner. I'm getting spoiled quick! From there we eventually made our way to a bar previewing a movie which documented a local dance competition. In the course of the film dances were concieved, practiced, and performed in only 48 hours! Then it was time for some salsa dancing. Ah, how I miss Mexico. Speaking of which I have stopped mentioning my foray into Mexico because of the recent scare and the now inevitable question "You don't have swine flu do you?".
The next morning I spent hours on the Internet catching up on things I'd been putting off. Then I rode to the local bike shop to get a new chain and cassette. It cost almost a hundred bucks and I hate spending money, yet it's much cheaper to maintain than a car. I also discovered that two of my New Orleans hosts were passing thru and excitedly made tenative plans to get together. I got some groceries and headed back to the house. The frozen pizza wasn't good, but I was starving. I made some chocolate chip cookies from frozen dough; improvizing baking sheets and smoking the place out. Fortunatly the fire department was flushing the fire hydrants 100 yards away so now worries. Around four Mike got back from work and then his friend Matt showed up. We ended up heading out to Hot Springs to clear trees and mark the race course for this weekends ride. Riding my bicycle on some single track was fun. We ate in town and did stuff and then headed back to Asheville.
The next morning I met my New Orleans hosts and it was incredible to see some familiar faces again. I am so excited for their ride across the country. I didn't do much the rest of the day. But the next day I went to the elementary school where Mike teaches 6th grade and told the class about my travels. Then I answered some questions, good ones too, since the class is going on their own end of semester bike tour. I road back to the house in the rain, but enjoyed it with the knowledge that I could throw my clothes in the dryer. Then I walked to Matt's place of work and we headed out to Hot Springs for the French Broad River Festival. We eventually met Dave there and set up the yurt for the mountain bike race put on by Asheville on Bikes. I hung out in the yurt not doing much, except talking to a lot of folks and drinking beer. Stacey had a wonderful Southern accent, hard to find these days. Tracey's husband made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies. Things were good, people were enjoying themselves, and the bands were pretty good. The music and going ons continued until long after I had gone to bed.
The next day a lot more people signed up for the bicycle race, which took place in the rain. Folks came off the course muddy and wet, but with smiles on their faces. I hung out, wandered around, and then went into Hot Springs. It was good to get away from the noise for a bit and get some solid food to add to the liquid. Met some more folks, listened to some more music, drank some more beer. Later that evening before the award ceremony an awesome Zydeco band really got the crowd pumped and dancing. As darkness fell I wandered around a bit, but mostly hung around the yurt chilling. People are becoming tired and more mellow. More fun and excitment. Eventually went to sleep.
The next day it was raining again. Folks woke up and packed up. Tearing down the yurt was amazingly easy! Took the scenic route back to Asheville. The festival was a blast, but I'm tired and ready for some peace and quiet. Took a nap, found a new book to read, had a good dinner. Worked out the route to the Blue Ridge Parkway and then went to bed. So I've been in and around Asheville for 6 days and now I really need some rest. I'll surely get some climbing and simple food as the journey continues.
I rolled into Asheville tired and frazzled from my rush thru busy traffic and narrow roads. Getting into town was a 20 mile act of desperation that I surely wasn't expecting. But I made it and called my host. By the time he arrived I had settled down and stopped sweatings so a beer at the local brewery was in order. After this initial introduction we road to his house which is at the top of a short, but steep hill. I was out of food so we had more cycling to do to the local grocery store. My legs were tired and my brain was fried. Mike, my host made a wonderful curry rice dish as we traded cycling stories and he gave me the low down on Asheville. Then it was time for bed. What follows is a brief, but hopefully somewhat exciting account of my activities over the next few days in and around Asheville.
The next day I wandered around Asheville on foot. Most people, most recently myself, believe that Asheville is bike friendly, but this is a wrong perception. The city is working on it and there are plenty of bike commuters, but there is much work still to be done, and Asheville on Bikes is leading the charge. I found my way to the Thomas Wolfe memorial and discovered another famous author. Then I wandered around town somewhat aimlessly. Along the way I visited local bookstores, the food co-op, the local library, and the bicycle co-op. Then I headed for the house and Mike and I headed for a friend's house for a splendid dinner. I'm getting spoiled quick! From there we eventually made our way to a bar previewing a movie which documented a local dance competition. In the course of the film dances were concieved, practiced, and performed in only 48 hours! Then it was time for some salsa dancing. Ah, how I miss Mexico. Speaking of which I have stopped mentioning my foray into Mexico because of the recent scare and the now inevitable question "You don't have swine flu do you?".
The next morning I spent hours on the Internet catching up on things I'd been putting off. Then I rode to the local bike shop to get a new chain and cassette. It cost almost a hundred bucks and I hate spending money, yet it's much cheaper to maintain than a car. I also discovered that two of my New Orleans hosts were passing thru and excitedly made tenative plans to get together. I got some groceries and headed back to the house. The frozen pizza wasn't good, but I was starving. I made some chocolate chip cookies from frozen dough; improvizing baking sheets and smoking the place out. Fortunatly the fire department was flushing the fire hydrants 100 yards away so now worries. Around four Mike got back from work and then his friend Matt showed up. We ended up heading out to Hot Springs to clear trees and mark the race course for this weekends ride. Riding my bicycle on some single track was fun. We ate in town and did stuff and then headed back to Asheville.
The next morning I met my New Orleans hosts and it was incredible to see some familiar faces again. I am so excited for their ride across the country. I didn't do much the rest of the day. But the next day I went to the elementary school where Mike teaches 6th grade and told the class about my travels. Then I answered some questions, good ones too, since the class is going on their own end of semester bike tour. I road back to the house in the rain, but enjoyed it with the knowledge that I could throw my clothes in the dryer. Then I walked to Matt's place of work and we headed out to Hot Springs for the French Broad River Festival. We eventually met Dave there and set up the yurt for the mountain bike race put on by Asheville on Bikes. I hung out in the yurt not doing much, except talking to a lot of folks and drinking beer. Stacey had a wonderful Southern accent, hard to find these days. Tracey's husband made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies. Things were good, people were enjoying themselves, and the bands were pretty good. The music and going ons continued until long after I had gone to bed.
The next day a lot more people signed up for the bicycle race, which took place in the rain. Folks came off the course muddy and wet, but with smiles on their faces. I hung out, wandered around, and then went into Hot Springs. It was good to get away from the noise for a bit and get some solid food to add to the liquid. Met some more folks, listened to some more music, drank some more beer. Later that evening before the award ceremony an awesome Zydeco band really got the crowd pumped and dancing. As darkness fell I wandered around a bit, but mostly hung around the yurt chilling. People are becoming tired and more mellow. More fun and excitment. Eventually went to sleep.
The next day it was raining again. Folks woke up and packed up. Tearing down the yurt was amazingly easy! Took the scenic route back to Asheville. The festival was a blast, but I'm tired and ready for some peace and quiet. Took a nap, found a new book to read, had a good dinner. Worked out the route to the Blue Ridge Parkway and then went to bed. So I've been in and around Asheville for 6 days and now I really need some rest. I'll surely get some climbing and simple food as the journey continues.
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