Brain Injury Survivor, Closing in on 15 Years since
Visited, Writing it up but my words and photos will do this state no justice, Get out here if and when you can.
Hell Raising, Whisky drinking…
The time has FINALLY CAME! My barrel at Maker’s Mark has matured and time to pick me up those bottles of my batch!
Also what timing if you ask me, My brothers getting married and this is now on my way to AZ for his nuptials so a bottle for him of my personal batch is perfect!
Now that Jailer’s Inn where I am staying, nice and cozy since well at least it is not behind the bars.
While next door at the The Old Talbott Tavern and their food they been cookin up since 1779. That was something to check out if you find your way out here.
Safely got out of here with my Whisky in tow. Everything is good.
So Hawaii was a last minute addition to this ride. This segment however was planned as a thank you to my wife and a way to add one more state to this ride. While the first segment across the Continental States depleted my Reserves thanks to weather and other issues, one thing we always have in our house is a dedicated getaway fund. With my wife now on the west coast it only seems sensible to go to one hard to reach cycling location for those of us on the east coast and head out to Hawaii. One of my long-term goals is to ride all 50 states after my injury so this is simply one more State off the list. But with that Hawaii came with great extras. first with the decision on how to do this trip on a budget friendly method. I discovered there was a cruise that circles the islands and actually stops at the islands for more than a reasonable amount of time including multiple days on the important Islands I wanted to see. I compare this to hotels and other options. It turned into a no-brainer.
We boarded the ship for July 4th and were informed it would be near land for the fireworks in the evening. something that both of us were more than happy to hear. So we settled in and got our bearings and set up the multiple excursions we wanted to do, one including a bike ride of an active volcano. I mean I am here to ride in the state of Hawaii after all. From here it took no time before we met a few other couples on board and started talking. The fireworks and food were as expected and we set sail to the first island of Maui where we will spend two days. Both myself and my wife had our first feeling of curiosity if this Cruise would be better than our past experiences. 
The next morning we wake up and Maui with the first planned Excursion to go repelling off waterfalls. My wife was a little nervous as she has never done such a thing before and here I was taking her to waterfalls for the first time. While on this we also met a couple who were on their honeymoon and it turned out we would see them many times in the days to come. Day one of Maui was great and we boarded back to the ship for dinner and to rest the physical beat down the mountains and waterfalls handed to us. well in the ship we did a few of the on ship entertainment, we didn’t get picked for the newly with knockoff but that couple from the falls did. 
That evening a friend of mine who lives in Maui got in touch and set up to meet the following day after we finished surfing. So on day two we went surfing, again for the first time for my wife. She got the hang of it and had some fun. As we got back my friend picked us up and we went off to a local restaurant to get some food that is on the Hawaiian standard, as opposed to General Foods on our ship. Such good and tasty food I must say. My friend also gave us a bag of some local snacking items before we headed back to the ship for departure that evening. 
The next day we were set to do some cycling on the island of Hawaii. The ride was fantastic with my wife by my side, down the lava fields with a great local guide giving us some great stories and information of the island and its volcanic activity. Our guide was also a cyclist who has biked across the United States so he and I had some great conversations. This stop was one day since the island of Hawaii is the largest island and the next day would be on the opposite side in Kona. You could if you chose to do so meet the shipping Kona if you arranged how to get there. But we were more than fine to get back to the ship. Another evening of fun on board events until the next morning. 
Kona, we had our last Excursion that was planned in advance. This was a more relaxing Excursion to see and hold seahorses. We follow this up with some good coffee and relaxing on land. It was a day mostly to relax. This evening I was also invited up to the bridge to meet the captain who is also a cyclist. He had heard of my ride across the country and we talked, got a few photos and an invite to the bow of the ship when we departed to our final location. Up next was another two day Island, Kauai. On the first day we got on land I saw a food truck! The pork sandwich I got was outstanding so the chickens were trying to take it from me. They were a little annoying. We headed over to the beach where I rented a surfboard. Unfortunately the surf was really rough that day and I drank a little more sea water than a human probably should. It was still a fun time. The next day we took a trolley tour around the island instead of the original idea to rent a car since it was just simpler.
In the end the cruise was a fantastic time, and a proper choice. From the onboard events Where we both got picked to be in, to the ability to visit the islands and enjoy them. It was just the easier and cheaper method to see Hawaii. Something I would recommend to anyone going out there for the first time or even if it’s a return trip and they just want to see multiple Islands again.
Oh yes exiting Utah to enter Nevada on a 120 mile ride was one long empty flat ride. This state was the first and only state I had a support vehicle for the entire state. I made the decision to bring one out because of the distances and time of entry. As it turns out this was a valuable smart move. First I must say thanks to the random woman on I-80 rest stop about 9 mi from Wendover. I stopped here and my support vehicle was already well ahead in wendover. I stopped because it was a rest stop with a vending machine, water and a bathroom. The problem was I stopped not only to relieve the over 2 gallons of water in me but I got struck with a rumble in my tummy. The vending machines were soda only. I asked this one woman who was getting out of her car if she knew if there was a food vending machine, I missed. She didn’t know so I was going to get soda and drink that hoping it would keep me feeling a little full for 8 miles to the end point. Turns out however the vending machine wouldn’t accept dollar bills! This wonderful lady saw me heading over to my bike and asked where I started and was headed. when I answered she said simply “I have apples and grapes if you would like one?” I first said no it’s okay I only have 8 miles. she however had one of her kids get the bag of apples out and essentially said to me to eat one. that one apple, which she offered more after but I said I was fine, it was an amazing apple. Be it because of the ride length of water only or any reason you may think. I like to feel the reason was I at that moment met with and talked to someone who shows exactly what we all should be like. You see something where someone is getting a little bad luck and you can help, you offer to help. I wish I had gotten her name, I thought about it that evening. But the simplest thing, an apple in the middle of the salt flats, resulted in a great conversation and the joy of meeting another who believes as I do.
That aside I arrived in Wendover staying at the casino. Not much to talk about there, I gambled $5 and a penny slot and lost it. had a nice milkshake, but passed out from that long ride.
The following days would be the test of mental fortitude. First was Wells, then Elko however when I got to Elko it was early so I continued to Carlin. This segment had an issue. Signs dictated that bikes must exit right before a tunnel. The exit however was barricaded as closed! There was no other option, I waited and debated Calling the support car, but then bad decisions were made. The tunnel looked quick and I could see the other end, the road was flat, and I saw no vehicles behind me as far as I could see. Well, the tunnel was longer than it appeared. no shoulder and while in there an 18-wheeler came passing by a mere 2 in from my handlebars full highway speed! I had to pull off after I got out of that tunnel to check my spandex. But then I continued and then arrived in Carlin at the hotel. Interestingly, no TV or internet for whatever reason in this town but I did get some really good Chinese food and a beer and a little buddha bottle.
Up next is Battle Mountain because a large storm was forming on the horizon. Then Winnemucca to Lovelock and a decision to continue further another 57 Mi to Fallon. I needed to get through this state fast. My driver had to fly home. Eventually I only had a window and with the weather the way it has been I felt it was better to push than delay and get stuck.
From Fallon to Tahoe I had a wonderful wtf moment. I called all the DMV Departments of every state I rode through. Talked to the people in charge. Did this month before. Got maps that tell me the bike prohibited roads. Every single thing you can imagine. I get into Carson City and my route was to take one of the interstates to get into tahoe. Well, Big giant no bike sign. I pull out the map, nope Road shows it’s okay and shoulder length WTF. Then I open Google Maps and cannot figure out a way to get to Tahoe without using one of two options. Ignore the sign or call in the support car. With the distance I rode (over 100 miles that day so far) and the traffic on the road I decided it was better to be safe than sorry. Called the car and went into Tahoe. In Tahoe I decided to go play Blackjack since they actually did single deck. I spent an hour or so starting with 100 left with 40 so normal Casino luck for me. But it turns out my driver somehow just has luck. I lost a total of $80 in all of Nevada at the casinos. my driver however the exact opposite rolling in the dough.
So I wake up the next day with a route plan to take me as far as Sacramento. This last Mountain I was determined to ignore all the pains since I knew what was ahead of me and how it was 10 miles to get to the summit. I was rewarded well. It took almost 2 hours to get to the summit but the ride down that mountain, the LAST mountain of this ride, was something I never experienced before. 30 miles of Road of pure speed with no need to Pedal. So fast I passed my support car and they missed me passing them at their waiting spot. when I hadn’t seen them on the side of the road for over 15 miles I stopped at a large pull off they should have been and called. I was down to 3500 ft elevation and they were still up at 6,000 I laughed and told them to drive until they see me. continued riding, it was almost 20 minutes before they caught up doing so at 50 miles an hour. I would love to return to that Summit again with my race bike and see what I can clock as top speed. I hit the speed limit in a few areas where it was dropped to 35 miles an hour and had to slow myself down. The views were astounding. no shoulder was not a big deal since I was going the speed of the cars anyway. if you have the fortitude to deal with that and the speed this is one segment I would say to get a driver and go for it. AMAZING!
I was in California at this point of course my final State. I usually don’t talk too much of the state I just entered but that drop was worth it. In the end I stopped at an Old Town Placerville cuz it was really cool looking and I got in here by 1300 PST. I like old towns and figured I have time to kill now, my driver leaves from Sacramento in 2 days but I am now out of the risk zones that Nevada was. I can say the desert can totally Drive someone insane. There is nothing. It is hot. The sun will destroy you if you do not know or understand how to properly cover, I actually saw other bikers going in the opposite direction I could tell they were winging it and I feel really sorry for them because I know by the end of their segment they will have learned why you need to know how to cover. Sunscreen is not enough out there, the temps will kill you if you don’t understand the limits also.
Sometimes you start to see things like a cactus running around throwing beef jerky at you. Other times you see something, Think it’s an illusion then you see a second something and start to go wait. so you pull the bike off to the side of the road and get off to walk back and physically see if you’re losing your mind to only come and find out someone (who was following your journey) decided to write on a large cardboard signs cheering you on your ride and attaching them to the mile markers on the side of Interstate 80 in Nevada. I called my support car to get photos and take the signs with me. Again that was in the middle of the state and made me smile the whole way. Totally awesome that someone did that. This entire ride I have met some amazing people. Either in person or online. It really is amazing what you experience when you are out there. We are so polarized because of the spread of news.
Ghirardelli Square here I come.
Entering into Nebraska brought on some weather issues that were simply irritating. After settling in Omaha I got out my maps and started looking at my route. It was time to make some adjustments to my path. Unfortunately the weather ahead has forced a change of path in a way I hope would not happen. I still got to follow most of my original path through Nebraska but had to change my exit to Colorado into denver. Wyoming was the original path on interstate 80. but the weather and issues have raised concerns and Stern suggestions to take an alternate route or method to cross.
My options were limited, go into Wyoming and use my first “safety net” option there. One I knew about for the concern of elevation issues and my shunt. Or divert where I could go further before I had to figure something out. So I adjusted.
As the day went on the weather started to kick up as predicted, rain, lightning, and wicked wins. This Forced me to stay for an extra day in Omaha then intended. By now I am so far behind schedule I was not going to make an event in Salt Lake City I wanted to be at. On the day I Departed Omaha Taking My Chances with the predicted rain I got to make up for the event I was missing by calling in and taking over the loudspeaker to the people participating. After this call I continued my ride.
About 20 miles from my end location to this ride, Lincoln Nebraska I saw two cyclists on the other side of the road Tire in hand working on replacing a flat. I switched sides to see if they needed anything. it turns out they would. I carry a small pump and patches. Both would be needed. I also had a great conversation with them before we split in our directions. In the end of this ride it turned out I navigated to the wrong Hotel too, fun times. The weather finally started to shift in my favor and off I went to York where I had some really good pecan pie delivered, then off to Grand island.
Grand Island was an interesting ride to get into. I don’t like Bridges and this had a bridge under construction. But I was headed to a home that offered me a place to sleep for the evening. This was one great evening. We talked about the area, rides we have been on, and what it was I was doing this ride for. Interestingly, even when I first got there, there was a moment of wow. You see, they didn’t realize it was me doing the ride as they had seen my website briefly and thought it was someone else, not the brain injury Survivor doing the ride.
I set off the next morning thanking them for the evening and their kindness. Off I went to Kearney for a night, then Lexington where I met another person offering me a place to stay for the evening.
Lexington was a fun destination because I also had a package waiting for me at their post office. finally a new pair of gloves with a cool blinking feature. The gentleman here also took me around town and showed me some nice places. Gave me tips on my route to the North Platte location. For dinner we went to a small Mexican place for what was some amazing food. As I headed out the next morning I was nearing the end of the state, North Platte was a simple stop but I got held up because of a rainstorm that came out of nowhere. looking back it turns out this would not be the first time. When I got my clearing I set out initially I was going to stop in Ogallala but I arrived by 12:30 MST. I had not realized I would now be Crossing time zones, so I figured to keep going to my first stop in Colorado. It feels like I entered a new region where not much exists. Nebraska was huge distances of farms followed by a small town. While a beautiful looking State, the flat aspect makes those winds something to be wary of. I had many say to me before this ride that east to west for the country is the harder way. I had my reasons for East to West as my route went for it. Besides, I like a challenge, many think it relates to the winds, but the winds out here are more north to south than east to west. So that would be a problem regardless of direction. I think I found the actual reason when I looked at my routes and elevation. When you go east to west the entire ride is uphill. It looks flat, but you are always peddling because you were on a shallow uphill slant the entire way. Then when the wind is slightly against you the slant feels even greater. Whereas if you were riding the downhill Direction those winds would give a mild desist, but this is a simple my opinion. Still an interesting state to ride through with some of the nicest people I have met. As I enter Colorado another two items pop up in my email. The first is the most important in my book. I’m going to be talking about wearing my helmet and riding a bicycle safely in Utah, I however didn’t know School ended out here June 5th much earlier than where I am from. So I have to find a way to get out there before that day. Also, I have other groups to speak to in Denver, is it planning on what to do has started.
Onward!
On day two of writing I entered Easton Pennsylvania the town where the Crayola Factory is located. The route from New Jersey to Easton was filled with frustrating moments. from ice covered paths to Long never ending climbs there was even snowfall at one point. When I arrived in Easton the hotel Grand Estonia Suites offered me a reasonable price and a warm welcome. To my surprise when I checked in and arrived at my room I had a full Suite. It included a kitchen, living room and a bedroom. It was a great place to rest after the ride.
As the day went on, the snow continued to fall and I decided to stay a second night in hopes of better weather. I also knew my wife’s class recently visited the Crayola Factory and that her students were watching my ride. So I took the time and talked to my wife and we set up a time for me to Skype in and talk to the class with the familiar Crayola Factory in the background. It was great talking to the first grade class where I also spoke about bike safety and wearing a helmet.
The next day I departed Easton headed to Ohio. It was a rough and long 63.3 miles mountain that made New Jersey feel flat. I stopped at the Mainstay Suites in Barnesville, the hotel was brand new and nice.
Next day when I woke up the rain had fallen but it was clear to ride. It’s just another 56.3 miles to Lewisburg, as I learned on this ride the mix of coal dust and water can be deceiving and look like pavement. It was about 20 miles in when my bike sunk into the black mud and I went down with it. With luck this happened when I was going slow and I suffered no injury. My bag in the bike got a small hole but nothing to be concerned with. When I arrived in Lewisburg I was in a nice older town and then decided to stay two nights to get a rest, service the bike, and have some great food.
At this point I’m beating my legs are hurting and the mountains have not ended. My distance is the maximum I can go before the next hotel and I have to get through it. I leave Lewisburg for another 54.8 mile ride to State College PA. I have to keep moving because of an incoming storm. I also know that once I hit State College my route would start to drop. mountains however were to be persistent for a few hundred more miles.
In State College the Super 8 welcomed me by talking about the ride and where I was going. locals gave me tips on cycling a state college to Clearfield. The town was also a college town with food delivery from every place including McDonald’s! The rain swept in and I stuck around for two nights. Later it looked like I would get a clearing to head to Clearfield, I was wrong. but thanks to the tips I knew who to call for support and I was saved from a shoulder less Road thunderstorms and low visibility and because of that sometimes in life you face difficulties and need the help of others this is one of those times.
From Clearfield my route drops since hotels are closer. I had some rain keep me in but people asked about the ride and why. I was in Super 8 and Clearfield and Brookville and the hotels were great. They were clean with internet and breakfast.
From Brookville I headed into what seems like a different world than eastern PA. In Clarion I headed to a bread and breakfast called The Clarion house. I called the owners before I got into town to see if they had a room and they did. Unfortunately, I’ve been delayed by a day from that call because of the rain. but the owners greeted me and still had a room. to top it off the owners last year had a guess who ran across the country, Jessica Goldman. As I know and talked to Miss Goldman and an Associate of mine I reached out to her because I realized that means I am now on part of the route she took. Meanwhile, I found a nice coffee shop and met a former Marine who hiked the Appalachian Trail North to South and is setting off to hike it again but this time South to north. It was great talking to another who is set out on a long Expedition and getting some tips.
The next day I got up and departed. Initially I had the intent to stop at Emlenton, but the problem was I got there at 11:30 a.m. Stopped at a local gas station that had food for lunch and I ate a burger. I knew it was only 20 miles to Grove City where Miss Goldman had told me of a nice place to eat and stay overnight. I’d set off since the day was nice and it was only noon.
When I left and started across the bridge I saw my final test of PA. The mountain leading out of this town was almost vertical. I stuck to my low gear and Road casually until I hit the first turn. The shoulder of the road, while huge, was filled with sand and salt from the winter. My rear wheel just spun and I had to change to walking one mile over this mountain. When I reached the top I smiled. I knew that climbs like that were gone for some time and I continued into Grove City.
As I entered Grove City I called the recommended Bed and Breakfast terra nova House. Thanks to my luck there was a room open and a really nice owner. We talked and I asked for some food recommendations and it was the same as Miss Goldman’s Nonni’s Corner Trattoria. I figured at this point I know where I am eating dinner and wow this was one heck of a suggestion. The meatballs were tender and tasty, the pasta with garlic and olive oil had a nice abundance of sliced garlic and the cannoli for dessert was a restaurant made piece of art. The best part was that while in the town people remembered Miss Goldman knew about TBI and its impact, and supported the effort to help the public understand. They also knew that PA for cyclists and Runners Crossing it’s one tough challenge.
For my last two stops in PA entered into what soon began to feel like a different place than I am used to. I left Grove City to head into Warren Ohio and a single 44 mile ride and I got a beautiful day for it. The roads and hills were nice and smooth compared to before. The winds were finally calm. I stopped about one mile from the PA / Ohio Border and took a photo of my bike, drank some water, ate some beef jerky from my local purveyor and smiled. I knew one of my toughest States was behind me, I knew I was about to link up with a bike route for a few hundred miles, I also knew I was much closer to California and the return to my wife.
With this I got back on the bike and rode into Ohio…
So I entered into Illinois for my first stop in Joliet. The hotel is situated next to the normal food, but was a nice place to rest before continuing to Peru. Nice farmland and flat roads. Not much else to note.
When I left Peru heading into Annawan the ride got more interesting. I eventually entered Princeton where I was greeted by a nice historic Old Town. First I saw an Elks Lodge that was open and I stopped by. I was given some information about the roads ahead and asked where I was from and headed. Then as I continued through town I thought for a moment to check out some of the directed signs for things to see and ended up at a city hall. One day I will have to come back here and check out the old historic red Covered Bridge. it was a little off path and I wanted to make it to Annawan.
As I left Princeton I got to the Canal Trail on my map. This is my path to Annawn and eventually Rock Island. Riding the trail was fun. There was a nice River next to me and some shade. The first day was short when I entered Anna Juan. When I asked about food, if anyone delivered, I was simply told the town was small and no place delivers. It turns out my choices were limited to Subway or walking into town to a place called The Purple Onion. As I’m on an expedition and I like local places I went into town. This location had a limited menu but it had hamburgers, barbecue beef sandwiches, and a salad bar. This was all I needed. It was tasty.
The next morning I woke up and headed back to the trail. It was time to head into Iowa. I got a mile down the road and stopped to check my map when another bike Road up. the usual conversation of where are you from, where are you headed. It turns out the biker is local and road from Davenport. I got some info on the trail ahead with where I needed to shift off because of washouts. From here it is the trail all the way to iowa. meeting local Fishers and other cyclists. From one week 250 Mi they’re really not much. You should totally check Bent River Brewing Company in Illinois. That was one good lunch beer and burger.
When I entered Utah I was taken back by the ultimate beauty that is this state. There was no bad view in any direction. My time in Utah was also very busy from talking to students to media interactions.
First night was in Provo, a nice older town. From here I had to head up to Sandy Utah because on June 3 I was set to speak to the children at the local school. The talk was about wearing a helmet during summer activities like cycling. Brain Injury Alliance of Utah helped organize this and some luck happened. FOX 13 Utah had interest. My day on the 3rd was crazy and fun. First was talking to the students followed by catching a lift to the FOX studio since I was being brought on LIVE TV that evening.
Of course after finishing at FOX it was getting late and I had to get to Ogden to visit one of my sponsors Elete Electrolytes. I decided to catch the train. I must say Utah thought these trains out. Specific cars were for bikers and had racks for our bikes. The ride to Ogden was fun because of the other cyclists on the train. We talked and then when we exited they showed me around quickly before I headed to my hotel.
The next day I met up with Elete Electrolytes. After seeing the facility and talking with a few employees the owner took me around and showed me some of the sights. First was the Air Force museum then Antelope Island where we walked to the Great Salt Lake. It really is a hug lake. I spent the night there before I got a call that FOX wanted more footage the next morning.
So when I woke up knowing I could not cover that mileage I got to the train. To a surprise the conductor looked at me and said “I saw you on TV last night!” From here I was on the train when I noticed my helmet was gone. I made a call down to the person at the end station and said I need to walk and get a helmet before we can do anything. A few hours later filming was done and before I left I had to take one photo. Turns out that photo would be used more than I thought. But lots of fun.
I really didn’t want to leave this city. So nice, but I had to keep going I am so close to San Francisco I can taste that Ice Cream I am going to have when I hit the end point. Only a couple weeks left!
As I entered into Ohio I had the pleasure of passing through the approach for an Airforce Runway. It was a beautiful day and resulted in some really nice photos of an AC-130 landing. I then continued to my first destination Warren Ohio.
Once in Warren and checked in I looked at my bike because of a suspicious noise. It turns out I had a small mechanical issue so I would be staying for an extra day. I looked online and found some food in the vicinity of my hotel and went to get dinner.
To my surprise my dinner was some of the best hamburgers I have had. Sunrise Inn of Warren Ohio has some creative burgers and thanks to my first meal I went back 2 more times the next day. If you are ever in the area you should get a meal at this place. One of my burgers they made had Mac N’ Cheese buns.
When I woke up the next morning I went to Thumm’s Bike Shop since I did not have the tools to fix my issue. I also had a fear the problem would be more than just a loose item. With luck it was a simple torquing of my bottom bracket. Thumm’s took care of this in a few minutes and I was ready for the next day. Fun note: This family owned bike shop has been in existence since 1909.
The next morning I headed to Twinsburg before descending into Cleveland where I was going to spend a few days to recover from Pennsylvania riding.
In Cleveland I had some great food, a friend visited from Canada, and a fantastic last dinner at Hofbräuhaus Cleveland. One surprising thing with Cleveland however was how quiet it is. The roads were light on traffic. The people were fun to talk to. It was not what I expected.
As I rode heading to my next state I encountered other riders and had some great conversations. I Talked about why I was riding, got some advice for future stops, and had someone riding with me for some distances. Really a pleasure from being solo the entire time.
When I got into Bowling Green weather had started to get a little rough but I found a nice hotel with food very close. After the day of rain I started on to my next ride very early due to wind predictions. As one would expect the forecast was slightly wrong and the winds kicked up much earlier. I had already planned a short route but my last 2 miles were in headwinds above 25mph. Once in Napoleon I swung by the Elks club but they were not open so I proceeded to the hotels. It was here I clearly chose wrong.
I had two choices, Holiday Inn Express Suites & Knights INN. Well I didn’t have enough points to drop the Holiday Inn to a low enough price to justify when I had the Knights INN 100 feet away. Now I am use to the cheaper hotels. I actually am more frequent to staying in Super 8’s. I actually have found all my Super 8’s to be more than acceptable and very accommodating. This Knights Inn however. The wallpaper was coming off the walls, the shower needed to be redone or something because of moldy lines, the sheets had holes in them and the room was drafty. The building was old but wow. The price for this hotel was only slightly less than I pay for Super 8’s. I considered setting up my tent in the room. I checked for all the usual concerns like bedbugs and in that area the hotel was acceptable and the TV & Wifi did work. I really had no option so I stuck it out. However regardless of the next day’s weather I was heading to Defiance where the Super 8 before my exit to Indian was.
The next morning I packed up and found no breakfast at the Knights Inn so I ate one of my protein bars and moved on. It was 0730EST and I needed to beat predicted high winds for 18 miles. The winds were steady and made that 18 miles take almost 4 hours. But I wasn’t going to push it. I had all day. Defiance was my last stop in this state because the next hotels were 44 miles minimum. While riding as I approached the final mile another cyclist and I started talking up to the parking lot across from my hotel. Great conversation and this cyclist was asking of the rail trails I rode to get to Defiance.
Once at my hotel I talked with the manager for a little and I had mentioned the last hotel I was in up in Napoleon was so bad I would have rode here in the rain. Without pause Knights Inn came out of her mouth. As it turns out everyone here knows how bad that hotel was. Lesson learned I suppose.
I settled in looked at the weather and was a little disappointed because the winds were going to be moderately high the next day. I attempted to sleep with the intent of an early start so I could get to a side track destination over the border. Unfortunately I had stomach issues all night, then when I woke up the Temperature was 31F with winds over 8mph predicted to hit 30 by noon. Add to that my sinus and stomach acting up I figured I would wait a little and see. Come 1000EST the temperature rose to 42F winds steady at 15 gusting to 25. This created a feeling of 29F. I called it. Giving up my side track to make up for the lost day. Luckily there was a Meijer across the street so I got some food and spent the day catching up on lost sleep and heating back up.
Ohio was nice and flat, when the winds were “normal” this state was wonderful to bike in. I went 90 miles one of the days simply because I had the time and was feeling great. Hotel’s were close which saved me for the windy days. Onward to my next state.
Entering Iowa was a really nice ride along the Mississippi right until I had to cross over on the bridges. I really do not like bridges and these were long and a little windy. The view however was beautiful. Once I got into Iowa there was a street fair on a road I had to go down so I got off and walked. But the town fair was cool to see. They had one of the old firetrucks out too. I was about 3 miles from my hotel and I was ready to relax.
Once settled in my hotel in Davenport Iowa I looked where to get dinner and some food since I was spending a couple nights. But I also got in contact with an associate that lived in the area. The next day we met up and I was shown around. We went to a local micro-brew (This was just over the bridge in Illinois) for lunch and a good burger. After lunch we went back over to LeClaire, Iowa where I learned that every year they have a Tug of War with the town in Illinois over the Mississippi river. One day I want to see this.
When I left Davenport a few days later I was off to Iowa City. The ride was nice right till I entered Iowa city, where it turned out construction was happening for a segment of my route. Instead of trying to find an alternate I walked my bike till I got into the University. Finally checking in to my hotel I was told of a BBQ place down the street Bandana’s Bar-B-Q where I got some nice smoked beef. Upon returning to my room I had a message about a Reporter wanting to meet up with me.
So the next morning before I left with the intention to end in Grinnell, Iowa I met up with a reporter from Iowa City Press Citizen. Finally, on the road I get a message about 7 miles out that CBS Iowa City wanted to meet me on the road! Of course I was all for this and hung out waiting for the reporter. Everything was going great and when I rode off I looked forward to watching the report on TV that evening. The sky was clear and winds were nice, for now…
20 miles later as I roll into Marengo, Iowa the winds suddenly start kicking up something wicked. As I stop in front of the only hotel between Iowa City and Grinnell I look at the horizon and see the ominous black cloud forming as a front. I decided to stay at Sudbury Court Motel. This place had an interesting appeal. It was one of the few times I have seen a neon tube sign for a hotel. I ended up staying here for 2 nights because the weather just stuck as crazy rain. On the first night I went to Lucky 6 Lanes for dinner where I had talked with some really friendly local residents who asked about my ride. The food was also fantastic.
Finally 2 days later I was able to head on to my first intended stop Grinnell. But since the ride and weather were going well I went further to Newton, Iowa. Another nice town where I had sights for Des Moines the next day so I could rest for a day.
On my way to Des Moines however there was some interesting moments. First was when I was about to cross over Interstate 80 I saw a pull off stop. Yes, that sounds normal right? Not exactly, I was in the middle of simply farmland, so nothing notable but this stop. There was no gas station or convenience store but a huge sign for an Adult Store. In the middle of nothing off a major interstate is an Adult Store with a huge parking lot. I kept moving and another 12 miles later as I head down a hill with all this farm land around me I see something in a field to my left. I came to a stop not believing my eyes. I found a sole Zebra right outside Altoona. The only animal in the field. This time I took a photo. Really not something I expected to see.
After this I stopped at a Dairy Queen in Altoona where I got some direction from local’s on getting to my hotel. Once settled in I looked into what I would do the next day. That evening I went outside and stepped off the curb wrong. So added to my list for the next day was Target Pharmacy to get a knee brace. I walked 1.5 miles to the mall in the morning where I found a cool local store and a Movie theater we need in my state.
This place Flix Brewhouse drew me in for a few reasons. First you could eat there without having to see a movie, and second they made their own beer! To add to the aspect of a movie theater that serves real food when you are watching a movie, their price for food was normal. The beer was also really good, outside their normal brews they make specific ones for movies. I got the Age of Ultron.
After resting I was faced with some really rough decisions on what to do. Winds were high and not in my favor. But I had to get to the next state soon. I am running short on time before my window for an essential support is available to be on my Nevada segment. Off I went into the Headwinds first to Stewart, then Atlantic Iowa.
It was in Atlantic Iowa I was told of a nice local place to get my dinner. Oinker’s. They make pork burgers and their own sauce. The burgers are even shaped to look like a pig! It was a really good dinner. Finally the next morning I was off to get into Omaha Nebraska. The winds were cross winds, and I had 63 miles before the next hotel on the route. It was this ride that cemented the reality Iowa is not flat. For all 63 miles I had constant up and down the entire way. 9 hours later I reached my hotel. But my last act in Iowa was looking like a fool at the state line. Acts from standing on the line saying I was in two states at once to jumping back and forth over the line saying the state I was in. People did look at me funny but how many of them were at the end of 63 miles of riding?
Now to conquer Nebraska…
I entered Colorado later but also earlier than expected. Later because I am 2 weeks behind as it is, but earlier because I got to double up on my last ride in Nebraska.
First thing to note is Colorado grows lots and lots of cows. Miles upon Miles of cows. My initial stop was a simple 5 miles into the state at Julesburg CO. While an old town with some history it was almost like a ghost town to me. The hotel was something else. While on the phone with my wife in the evening we were treated to an audio show of the couple upstairs. Oh what an interesting night that was. But there was no other hotel options for over 40 miles.
The Next day I head out to Sterling CO. One long empty length of road and cow. As I enter into sterling I saw what this weather is doing out in Colorado. The town is under water everywhere you can imagine. I watched a guy use his rowboat to get from his home to the street. Many cross paths to the interstate were also closed due to flooding. When I finally get to the hotel I was staying at people were checking in because they were evacuated from their homes. There really has been some crazy weather. I was two days out of Denver at this point and ready to ride the interstate to get there. Next stop was Fort Morgan where I met another cyclist who was riding all around eventually to the east coast. Then I came to Denver.
As many of you know weather has been anything but cooperative since I left on this ride. I have biked through snow, rain, head winds in excess of 30MPH. I had to divert my route to Denver instead of I80 through Wyoming. So I enter into Denver. The states preceding Colorado were a steady climb. Elevation slowly rose until my Denver location of 5230 Feet ASL. I am from a location where I reside at about 300ft ASL. I had started to feel pressure in my head early on in the climb but it was more an annoyance. The moment I crossed 4500 ft things started getting harder to deal with.
I entered Denver on May 26th after a long 75 mile ride. At one intersection I had to hustle through and I felt the impact for the first time. I had to stop to catch my breath. My head was still the mild pressure and I just thought maybe the breath issue was more from distance of ride than elevation.
That evening I was speaking and all went well I got to meet many people some with injuries similar to mine. We had a great evening and I was asked if I would speak to a local group Adaptive Adventures the next day. I was of course more than happy to do so. They do some great work for people with disabilities.
So I wake up the next morning and the world has changed. My head was even worse with pressure, I was getting winded going up some stairs. I went through the day as I would normally. But when I got back later in the afternoon I slept, and slept some more. This went on for days. Finally a decision had to happen. I was not acclimating. This is something new for me. I have climbed and been at elevations higher than this before my injury many times. Maybe it’s my shunt, maybe it’s just a side effect from the injury, or maybe just age.
While here however I had a good time, I talked with 3 separate groups, I had some really good burgers and tried two local beers.
But Today 5/30/15 I give in, Colorado wins this round. I am heading over to Utah for the slightly lower elevation in hopes it reverses the current pressure for a little. I also have to be there for a speaking on June 3 as it is and this is one very important engagement I want to be at. It fits the reason for this ride on many levels. I am loosing a few miles off the overall with this. But acting on this issue and knowing I will have a few other elevation spots I am bringing out a support car for Nevada and entrance to California. This way I can lighten my load and move faster in hopes I can keep in the window before issues set in.
You learn things when you go out on adventures like this. Next time when I come back to go for this mountain I will have a car following.
It is a beautiful state and Denver has one amazing view of the mountain. I only wish my head would feel normal.
Onward I go, a little upset but I do know I tried, but when my head, vision, and breathing are all being impacted I know when I need to move on. Living requires some discretion on the risks you accept alone.
The entry from Tahoe NV was already written but what an entry. I see it in my sleep.
Of course once I got in my first town was Placerville CA. I chose to stop here because of the old town history and a highly rated BBQ place called Hog Wild. Walking the street was great but the Smoked Beef Brisket I ate for dinner at Hog Wild officially beat out any I have ever had. Perfectly made, Perfect flavor, and the shoefly pie desert was awesome. I only spent one night here before heading out to Roseville CA. I am not on flat lands and a short distance from my end.
Once in Roseville CA I settled in for a few days. That one week across Nevada was enough to put me down for a day or two. Had some awesome food at FAT’s and sent my support driver off to fly back home. They were a great item for Nevada because it allowed me to lighten up and get through that state fast. From Roseville I met up with a contact I had out here who was helping secure some media for me.
This started a sequence of lots of hopping around and some fun. First interview got cut a little short because of a more pressing news matter but I and George Visger still got on live with Good Day Sacramento. Most would have thought “well I still got live time so that’s awesome” as I also thought. But as it turns out when I went to take a photo at the studio I was asked if I could come back in a few days later to do another segment. The host Cody Stark was tons of fun to talk to and of course I would come back. So Sunday came around that week and I was back at the studio. Another great segment done and I was getting ready to ride off in a couple days.
As I stuck around in Sacramento I got some great Thai food, had a really nice hotel room at Vagabond INN which was a super short walking distance from Old Sacramento, and a chicken fried steak that was just amazing at Perko’s Farm Fresh right next door to my hotel. I also had to stay a few more days because George Visger and my other contacts wanted to have a send off from a local place before I head out my short distance to a few planned stops before I meet my wife in San Francisco on June 29th.
I left Sacramento heading to Fairfield CA and on the way stopped in Davis for Redrum Burgers. Talk about tasty and worth the stop. I had this delicious Kangaroo Burger that makes me want to ride back just for another. But this was a quick stop, I kept heading on I needed to get to Fairfield for a tour of the Jelly Belly Factory. I love some good jelly beans. Unfortunately the heat rose and I had to stop in Vacaville.
The next day came and off I went, Jelly Belly the next day turned into a great time. Wallet emptying time.. But after that I was set for my final day’s. I set off to Vallejo and on 06/29/15 got to Sausalito to ride The Golden Gate bridge and meet my wife. The weather was great and I got some nice photos of the bridge, all while remembering I hate bridges.
Once finished I surprised my wife with a trip to Hawaii, a wedding anniversary gift and thank you for being there the entire time from the injury. I also will be riding while we are there so I can add another state to my list.
Thank You for sticking around through this ride, and stay tuned for the future rides!