so often i sit down at the computer, when i get to one, and don't really know what to write. i always figured that i'd have something to say, lots to say, whenever i would get to one, but i'm finding it to be otherwise. tonight we're in Douglas, WY and it's about as windy as i've seen it so far this trip. i just talked to dad about an hour ago and he said he'd been blown UP a hill at 35mph! i didn't get that kind of wind on my trip in, oh well. we've got 1-2 days left in Wyoming and then it's into Nebraska for a bit, and then on to Kansas, i guess.
we seem to be out of the major rains for now, just some thunderstorms that roll through rather quickly.
as i rode over what was likely our last mountain pass for a long, long time i was both happy and sad. i'd definitely rather ride up and down mountains for the duration of the trip, but mountains usually mean shorter days. so leaving the mountains means we should be able to move a little further across the map each day, and if the winds are favorable we'll inch along that much quicker, or at least with a little more ease.
a few nights ago we were in Jeffrey City, an old uranium mining town about 60 miles outside Lander, on the way to Rawlins or Casper. what a place that was. i met an artist-fellow who'd just bought a building and lot for $5000 and had to put a roof on the place that cost another $10K, twice the cost of the building and lot! anyways, the town population once was about 3-5000 and is now about 50. at the bar/cafe they won't take a credit card and charge $2.25 for a glass of whisky (Jack or Jim), everything else is cheap too and the breakfast was HUGE! i suppose it's the kind of place your could escape from the world, there's ranches, sage, some granite (i think) and that's it. no gas, no groceries, just about no nothing. oh, there's pronghorn deer too.
i'm sitting at this computer at the KOA and it's running SUSE Linux, what a surprise. and since i'm at a KOA i'm heading for the shower to wash away today's salt/sweat accumulation...i guess that last night we were camped at one of the premier river trout fishing in the country on the North Platte outside Alcova, fyi.
ok. be well,
ross
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
more and more and more
we left Jackson the other day, I guess it was Friday?
Saturday we climbed over Togwotee Pass on our way to Lander.
We woke Saturday morning to a temperature of 37F and a light rain/mist, I over fueled with the end of a bag of cereal, whole milk, and a brownie I'd picked up the day before at Dornan's at the entrance to Teton National Park as I was on the lookout for fuel and elk and bison. After less than thirty minutes of climbing I was overheating despite the lower temp of 34F and rain that had given way to falling snow. While pedaling upwards and into that grey horizon I was wondering at the absurdity of some of these endeavors so many of us embark on, oftentimes knowing full-well what is in store. I don't necessarily think the experience is always pleasurable during, but afterwards when out of the elements while eating and drinking, warm and dry, the unsavory becomes savory. But I also realize that I was at the foot of Memorial Day weekend, a weekend that has been notoriously bad for members of the OMC (Oregon State University Mountain Club) and mountains. We lost some dear friends one year, and dear toes another. Cornelius's smile was never out of my periphery that day. As many mountaineers and climbers will tell you, it is oftentimes the descent that wreaks the most havoc. This rang true for me that day. I was hot with sweaty and snowy clothes as I crossed that 9658Ft mountain pass and began the thirty mile drop to Dubois. At first the cold was an afterthought, but after a few miles at more around 30mph in driving 35F rain I was freezing...luckily, just as my teeth began to chatter I came upon the Lava Mountain Resort where I dripped, drank cocoa, tucked into some chili, and warmed slightly. I left and a few miles down the road the rain gave way to a luxurious tailwind and it was smooth sailing across the Wind river and into Dubois. Behind me my dad was having his own adventures in the snowy pass, the lucky bugger got to see a moose while eating a burrito at Togwotee Lodge, I only saw a few mule deer that day, looking less comfortable than I must have on the descent.
Yesterday we rode out of Dubois and into Lander, the sun was shining but the wind was unfavorable for the last 60 or so miles making the trek seem more difficult than usual, probably we were jaded by the first fifteen miles with a ripping tailwind. In Lander we set up camp at the city park and narrowly escaped an exciting hailstorm, we now know what it sounds like inside a popcorn popper! The storm eased long enough for us to cook, but then it picked up again and rained all night and was still going strong this morning, POURING this morning. So we checked in for the day, did laundry, dried everything, and are anticipating more rain tomorrow. Tomorrow we ride, however.
It is looking like we're in for a change of route. We'd planned to head for Rawlins and then trend south into Colorado but now think we'll head for Casper and follow the Platte river into Nebraska and then make our way into Kansas.
Mom, I'm sending more stuff home. Don't worry, you won't need the gas mask this time. Speaking of sending, send me your address (any of you) and maybe I'll get a postcard off to ya'.
I guess we went from unseasonably dry and hot conditions to the opposite, cold and wet, maybe it's a Wyoming thing? One thing is for sure, this weather doesn't often bring out the best in a person and we've had our spats, thankfully no hard feelings have lingered. Speaking of the weather, I'm a little nervous to head to the plains since they're getting nailed by tornadoes and I really don't want to have to deal with those sorts of winds...
And one last thought to any of you biking around in the rain, just be glad you're not loaded down and riding in it all day long. I assure you that you'll get to where you're going a whole lot faster than we will. I sound like I don't like riding in the rain, some of you know that's not entirely true as I've dragged more than one unknowing soul on bike rides in diabolical weather. Be comforted in the knowledge that you are with me on this ride, too.
ta-ta for now,
ross
Saturday we climbed over Togwotee Pass on our way to Lander.
We woke Saturday morning to a temperature of 37F and a light rain/mist, I over fueled with the end of a bag of cereal, whole milk, and a brownie I'd picked up the day before at Dornan's at the entrance to Teton National Park as I was on the lookout for fuel and elk and bison. After less than thirty minutes of climbing I was overheating despite the lower temp of 34F and rain that had given way to falling snow. While pedaling upwards and into that grey horizon I was wondering at the absurdity of some of these endeavors so many of us embark on, oftentimes knowing full-well what is in store. I don't necessarily think the experience is always pleasurable during, but afterwards when out of the elements while eating and drinking, warm and dry, the unsavory becomes savory. But I also realize that I was at the foot of Memorial Day weekend, a weekend that has been notoriously bad for members of the OMC (Oregon State University Mountain Club) and mountains. We lost some dear friends one year, and dear toes another. Cornelius's smile was never out of my periphery that day. As many mountaineers and climbers will tell you, it is oftentimes the descent that wreaks the most havoc. This rang true for me that day. I was hot with sweaty and snowy clothes as I crossed that 9658Ft mountain pass and began the thirty mile drop to Dubois. At first the cold was an afterthought, but after a few miles at more around 30mph in driving 35F rain I was freezing...luckily, just as my teeth began to chatter I came upon the Lava Mountain Resort where I dripped, drank cocoa, tucked into some chili, and warmed slightly. I left and a few miles down the road the rain gave way to a luxurious tailwind and it was smooth sailing across the Wind river and into Dubois. Behind me my dad was having his own adventures in the snowy pass, the lucky bugger got to see a moose while eating a burrito at Togwotee Lodge, I only saw a few mule deer that day, looking less comfortable than I must have on the descent.
Yesterday we rode out of Dubois and into Lander, the sun was shining but the wind was unfavorable for the last 60 or so miles making the trek seem more difficult than usual, probably we were jaded by the first fifteen miles with a ripping tailwind. In Lander we set up camp at the city park and narrowly escaped an exciting hailstorm, we now know what it sounds like inside a popcorn popper! The storm eased long enough for us to cook, but then it picked up again and rained all night and was still going strong this morning, POURING this morning. So we checked in for the day, did laundry, dried everything, and are anticipating more rain tomorrow. Tomorrow we ride, however.
It is looking like we're in for a change of route. We'd planned to head for Rawlins and then trend south into Colorado but now think we'll head for Casper and follow the Platte river into Nebraska and then make our way into Kansas.
Mom, I'm sending more stuff home. Don't worry, you won't need the gas mask this time. Speaking of sending, send me your address (any of you) and maybe I'll get a postcard off to ya'.
I guess we went from unseasonably dry and hot conditions to the opposite, cold and wet, maybe it's a Wyoming thing? One thing is for sure, this weather doesn't often bring out the best in a person and we've had our spats, thankfully no hard feelings have lingered. Speaking of the weather, I'm a little nervous to head to the plains since they're getting nailed by tornadoes and I really don't want to have to deal with those sorts of winds...
And one last thought to any of you biking around in the rain, just be glad you're not loaded down and riding in it all day long. I assure you that you'll get to where you're going a whole lot faster than we will. I sound like I don't like riding in the rain, some of you know that's not entirely true as I've dragged more than one unknowing soul on bike rides in diabolical weather. Be comforted in the knowledge that you are with me on this ride, too.
ta-ta for now,
ross
Thursday, May 22, 2008
inevitibility
I guess that it was inevitable that we'd get hit by some rain, though we haven't ridden in any yet, we'll be in it tomorrow. the sun was blazing as we made our way across Idaho and even our first day in Wyoming as we rode from Alpine to Jackson two days ago. Yesterday was our designated rest day in Jackson, it rained and rained and rained and rained all day today as well, so we opted to stay put and wait for warmer temps (it's supposed to be 50F in Jackson tomorrow and still wet). The potential for snow on the roads was the real deciding factor for us.
We met so many nice folks in Idaho. In Fairfield, up on the Camas Prairie we were taken in by a family, they gave us their lawn for the night, washed our clothes, allowed us to shower (or maybe insisted on it due to our collective odor), and cooked us dinner and breakfast the next morning. Dad had a tire blow out the following day, just as I had reached him after hanging back in town for a little while. I was convinced that after our little fiasco with thorns upon entering Idaho would be the first chapter in a novel of disasters, how wrong I was, and how thankful I am for that.
I must admit that over the years I've not given the Idaho landscape the credit it deserves. It is not as varied as Oregon but is stunning nonetheless. I'd love to go back someday and tour the mountains. The roughly thirty miles of climbing out of Mountain Home was such a delight! Thankfully there's more climbing to come. I must admit that I'm a little worried that Nebraska and Kansas will make me a batty.
We're staying in Jackson with a friend from Orono and a few other mainers which is nice. As strange as it was to sleep indoors the first night here it's amazing how easily I have welcomed it. I am getting a little stir-crazy having not ridden for two days now but when I look outside and the water dripping off the roofs it's real easy to stay put a little longer. This extra day in town even gave me the opportunity to bake some bread! It just came out of the oven and looks pretty good, unfortunately one of the loaves stuck to the pan and has a motley bottom.
I guess that tomorrow we'll have to head out, I think we're both ready to move on. Then again, staying in Jackson with Ronnie, Kyle, Dan, and Chris would be nice, it has been awesome.
I'm finding that my mind is wandering less and less as all I am concerned with these days is taking care of my physical needs. Riding, eating, and sleeping. And that's about it.
Ride On.
We met so many nice folks in Idaho. In Fairfield, up on the Camas Prairie we were taken in by a family, they gave us their lawn for the night, washed our clothes, allowed us to shower (or maybe insisted on it due to our collective odor), and cooked us dinner and breakfast the next morning. Dad had a tire blow out the following day, just as I had reached him after hanging back in town for a little while. I was convinced that after our little fiasco with thorns upon entering Idaho would be the first chapter in a novel of disasters, how wrong I was, and how thankful I am for that.
I must admit that over the years I've not given the Idaho landscape the credit it deserves. It is not as varied as Oregon but is stunning nonetheless. I'd love to go back someday and tour the mountains. The roughly thirty miles of climbing out of Mountain Home was such a delight! Thankfully there's more climbing to come. I must admit that I'm a little worried that Nebraska and Kansas will make me a batty.
We're staying in Jackson with a friend from Orono and a few other mainers which is nice. As strange as it was to sleep indoors the first night here it's amazing how easily I have welcomed it. I am getting a little stir-crazy having not ridden for two days now but when I look outside and the water dripping off the roofs it's real easy to stay put a little longer. This extra day in town even gave me the opportunity to bake some bread! It just came out of the oven and looks pretty good, unfortunately one of the loaves stuck to the pan and has a motley bottom.
I guess that tomorrow we'll have to head out, I think we're both ready to move on. Then again, staying in Jackson with Ronnie, Kyle, Dan, and Chris would be nice, it has been awesome.
I'm finding that my mind is wandering less and less as all I am concerned with these days is taking care of my physical needs. Riding, eating, and sleeping. And that's about it.
Ride On.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
marching on [thorns]
we crossed into idaho two days ago. oregon wasn't easy at all. i don't think they know how to build a flat road in the state. i'm not complaining, but i'm saying...we move at a relatively slow speed. the first few days i pushed too hard and have payed for it with a nagging knee pain ever since. having slowed down the pain seems to have abated, more or less. there's a great story about a simultaneous double-flat that we brought upon ourselves by crossing over some horrendous patch of roadside thorns. it all ended with the application of about ten patches on four tubes, three broken valve stems (he did it to all three), only three working tubes for two bikes (four are required), and two nights in a small motel in Parma, ID. we lived to tell the tale and i'm sitting here in Murphy, ID about 53 miles from Parma. i got into town and discovered the only store here is closed on tuesdays (it's tuesday, by the way) and that we can camp on the museum lawn but the sprinker system might come on at some point (that already happened to us once so it shouldn't be too much of an issue).
we just keep rolling along and are having a great time. as we wander the roads so too does my mind--to many familiar places, voices, and faces.
on a lighter note, i can't say i miss sitting in front of a computer all day. i can say that i miss you all, however.
no epiphanies or profound realizations, i did read an old Kung Fu book and have rolled this around in my head: suffering is as private as death. but that's not at all relevant to our journey.
oregon is amazing, i hope i feel the same about the rest of 'em.
have fun and much love,
ross
we just keep rolling along and are having a great time. as we wander the roads so too does my mind--to many familiar places, voices, and faces.
on a lighter note, i can't say i miss sitting in front of a computer all day. i can say that i miss you all, however.
no epiphanies or profound realizations, i did read an old Kung Fu book and have rolled this around in my head: suffering is as private as death. but that's not at all relevant to our journey.
oregon is amazing, i hope i feel the same about the rest of 'em.
have fun and much love,
ross
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Prologues
Yesterday I pedaled from my hometown of Silverton out to Neskowin beach. The weather was lovely, albeit breezy (though not nearly as bad as those blustery spring afternoons in Maine). There is something unique to riding a bike to the ocean. For me, pedaling to the sea feels like pedaling to the end, from which there is nothing but an undulating body of water unawares the human condition. It's especially nice to arrive at the Pacific as golden waves crash upon the endless, sandy beach--the alternative being a driving rain brought forth by an angry Poseidon.
Somewhere along the way amidst the past few years my home became Maine. I was beginning to forget some of the not so subtle details of the Oregon landscape. As I rode through the coastal mountains yesterday I couldn't help but stare at the moss covered trees crowding the slopes or the tributary streams snaking through the valleys; at times I am convinced there remain places forgotten by Time.
I guess that tomorrow we begin our journey East, it'll be interesting riding with all this extra junk. Sure, I've ridden plenty of miles with stuffed jersey pockets but now having four bags to put too much miscellany into is proving to be something of a conundrum. I cannot seem to resist the temptation to stuff them to the brim unnecessarily...So long as there's room for a bottle of beer and a loaf of bread I'll manage!
So, that's me, for now.
Have Fun,
r
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