Old friend

This is an update to our July, 2010 trip to Wyoming: While I was biking in and around Dubois, WY, I met an old guy (he was 71 at the time) walking across America..just because he could. His name was Jim Bragg, from Wisconsin, and he had sold his farm to some Amish & had plenty of free time. This was his second "season" to be walking & we had a good visit and exchanged e-mails & have stayed in touch. Well, he shows up at our back door on September 21, 2012 & what a surprise! We visit for an hour or so and he is driving this time & headed to Stillwater. Oklahoma for the 50th reunion of his Peace Corps group in Brazil. He did complete his quest in 2011, making it to Astoria, Oregon in three years. What a treat to see him again & help with the book he is writing about the adventure. Thanks, Jim, for looking me up!

Pronghorns!

We're up early today in Ouray, CO, and the sun is starting to creep over the mountain tops & it's cold..38 degrees! Of course since we're leaving it's going to be sunny & 60, but we start tearing down, after some coffee & we're out by 9:25, including short visit with the Haws, who are staying here 6 days! We stop for breakie in Ridgeway & it's ok. On to Montrose and then east on 50 toward Gunnison, Canon City, Pueblo & south on I-25 toward Raton, NM. Looks like it'll be about dark when we get to our KOA in Clayton, NM. East we go on US 87 & it's a nice four-lane & 70 mph, and very deserted. We see hundreds of Pronghorns feeding in the fields, and not on the side of the road. There are also lots of old cinder cones & volcanoes in this area & one you can even drive up to the Caldera..if you had time. Still more sheep, but we finally pull into our KOA about 7:20 & setup pretty quick and then cook some tacos. A long day but should make it an easier drive to Harrah tomorrow.

Million Dollar Highway

Good day from Ouray! I finally got out and looked at some of the roads around here and it's not too biker friendly here at 7719', but the Million Dollar Highway starts right at the end of town & goes up, up, up-to 11,200' in 13 miles. Anyway, I rode up about two miles and traffic is very heavy, with all kinds of vehicles. I stopped and chatted with a guy on a motorcycle headed for Durango & we traded snap shots-then he went up & I went down. I ended up with 12 miles and 1150' of climb, and with threatening skies , I headed back to town & some flatter roads. Just as I got back to camp it started raining harder, so in I went. Now it's 66 & a pretty steady rain. KK walked up to Duckett's Market for some supper items. Tacos here for supper! Shall we go to the hot springs anyway? We'll see.

Blue Mesa Bike

Here it is September 10th already! two football games gone & now we're breaking camp in Gunnison & headed toward Ouray, CO, another old mining town in the Rockies. Another nice day, so when we get all folded up , I suit up & head west on my bike and KK will catch me or something. There's a small head wind, but not much climbing (600) in the 22 miles I ride to Blue Mesa Lake, which is really down! Could be the drought or maybe a winter thing where they let a lot of water out. I jump in the car and off we go to Montrose for a DQ  some KFC, and shopping at Wally...we need a new heater for the camper. On to Ouray at 7700' and it's a neat little town & lots of bars and restaurants & some hot springs too! The million dollar highway is just above us & leads to Silverton..I may try to ride some of it tomorrow. To our campground..the 4J RV Park, right on the Uncompahgre River. Our spot is not on the river, but we'll survive. Setup by 5:00 and then go into town to check out the shops & hot springs..$10 for an all day pass. The town was established in 1886 and was almost a ghost town in the 1970's, but has rebounded with jeep trips galore & motorcycles..oh, and hunters too. Our new heater is working wonders & we're nice & cozy. We have neighbors but they're in bed by 10:00, as I go up to shower. Rain tomorrow?

Monarch Pass

Break camp in Buena Vista & head toward Gunnison and over Monarch Pass at 10,500'-no snow yet, but lots of traffic. We don't stop at the top as we have been there a few times, so over the summit and onto our KOA just west of downtown. It's lovely and lots of green grass and gravel..no dirt or sand! We get all set up by 1:45 and even have the awning out too! A big jet-we're right by the local airport- is making touch & go's as we prepare to go for a bike ride. A road by the camp grounds is excellent & we ride about 7 miles together & I go on for a longer ride. I get back to camp with 22 miles and 600'. It's pretty flat around here and only gains 400' if you go all the way to Almont-about 12 miles. I do see some signs in town for an arts walk, so we do that after supper-grilled ham sandwiches and leftover pasta. Then some shopping in town along with the art & then to the local grocery store to meet up with the Haws. They then come out to our spot for some popcorn & wifi. We are hoping to be able to get the OSU game tomorrow night vs Az, somehow. Maybe on the internet, as it's on the Pac 12 network and I checked in town at a couple of restaurants & no deal. A good day & a lovely campground, so we may stay here for 3 nights instead of two & then go to Ouray on Monday.

Leadville

Well, a good day in Colorado! We're all up early, thanks to some Cuban barking dogs next door & off to town for breakfast at Jan's & it was great! Fab pancakes & omlets. On up the road to Leadville, an old mining town where many people got rich, lost it all and made more mining for gold, lead & silver. The "Matchless Mine", "Little Johnnie's Mine", and many more scattered about the area & some still working. Also some great views from 11,600' down into the valley & some massive "fourteeners" in sight too! There was some shopping too & once again, lots of Bars & restaurants. I found a new biking jersey with Leadville the central theme. I should have put my bike in the car as it would have been a nice downhill, 34 mile ride back to Buena Vista! (Leadville is around 10,200' & Buena Vista is 7,950') Oh well, I got in 26 miles after we got back, with about 5 miles up the Cottonwood Road. Now to cook supper...pasta, peas & cheese bread. Off to Gunnison tomorrow.

Colorado-2012

OK, a two week trip to the Rocky mountains, with biking, hiking & eating our way around central Colorado with our friends, Terry & LaFonda Haws. We're two days into the trip & not much biking,as the altitude & long drive wore us out. The first night was in Cotopaxi, and a lovely spot right on the Arkansas River. Now we're onto Buena Vista, CO & a real nice KOA spot overlooking the valley on the eastern slope of the Rockies, with a great view of the collegiate range. A good 20 mile ride today, but not much climbing..maybe more tomorrow. We did drive up to Cottonwood Pass at 12,126' & blue skies & 56 degrees at the Continental Divide. The Haws went up to a ghost town, St Elmo's & feed a herd of chipmunks. Some good sleeping here at 8,000' and those 50 degree overnights.

Pinehurst and beyond

Well, here we go to the east to visit the Blasingames, who are attempting to relocate to North Carolina. Don's brothers, Dave & Lee live there and there's golf, so maybe it'll work. On our way there, we biked a few miles in Tennessee, on the Natchez Trace, and then in North Carolina & then to Pinehurst. It was a good visit & I broke in my new Cannondale, Supersix, with miles in TN, NC, WV, PA, IN & IL. The rest of the trip was up to Pittsburgh, PA & some more biking, visiting old friends & eating! It was a great trip & KK enjoyed being with her old tennis buddies as they went over to Cinicnnati & a pro tourney. Then there was the episode wher we had to retrieve the Turks car keys and meet them half way from Cincy to Pitt with the keys-Jerry lost them on a rollercoaster ride at King's Island. I mean, what are friends for anyway? They were eventually found but way too late for their return trip to Pitt. I ended up with over 400 miles of riding when we got back home on August 23rd-one day after our 48th wedding anniversary! See you in Colorado!

Sat-August 20th-The Final Climb

Our last night on the road at a so-so Super 8 in Lynchburg, VA...at least George could do some more laundry. A pretty lousy breakie to start our day, so it's pack up , load up & head back to the Parkway. It's a 20 mile drive back to James River & the start of the ride. George & Don will start from here and I'll drive to the end (MM -0-) & head back south to meet up with them. They're at the lowest point of the Parkway, 630 feet and will have some good climbs today. They're off about 9:45 & I head north for Rock Fish Gap..62 miles away. I get there and the Ho-Jo's, gas stations & motel are all closed down, but people are parked all over the place, so I do too. Kind of eerie, but I talked to some bikers and it's pretty safe. Off I go and it's a climb to start for me too & lots of bikers, hikers & even some gals picnicking. I get in about 23 miles before running into the pair and I even took a short nap along the way. Back to the north we go & a short stop at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center & only 6 miles to go! YEA! We made it and no problems with the car or contents. Load up the bikes, dress for the trip back to Pitt and off we go. What about dinner!!!?? Some discussion & it's Chilli's in Staunton, VA, and it turns out to be a good choice. No waiting & a good meal. Oh, I road 40 miles today & climbed 3700', George & Don both had 64 miles & 7200' of climb. We all averaged over a mile of climb every day and Don had more miles than me or George, with over 500 miles. All-in-all, it was a good trip, with everyone getting the miles & climbs they wanted & some excellent planning by Don..THANKS!!!

The Peaks of Otter

Wow! My average per day for August has now gone up to 35 miles & climbing! Not too bad for an old guy. Anyway, we're up about 7:30 & start packing on a cool,cloudy day. We take most of the stuff down to the car & then go for a breakie at the Holiday Inn restaurant-not free this time-and it's a buffet, with a waffle & omelet bar. It's a good start to the day & lots of food. Load up the bikes & a short drive up to the BRP, where me & George will head north toward the James River center..about 62 miles & Don will drive up there & park the car & head south . Once again, he'll have as many miles as we do. Rain is in the forecast , but maybe we'll get lucky today. Off we go & a few stops for pics & views and snacks, before rolling into The Peaks of Otter store where I find a "Big Bopper" ice cream sandwich..FAB! (It's almost a meal!) We did get some sunshine by 1:00 & man, did it feel good! Then over to the Peaks of Otter lodge for lunch & is it great! I had a veal meatloaf sandwich & mackies & George had the fried green tomatoes & quiche, as we watched a family fish in the beautiful lake. Nice view from our table of the "Peak" too! Don shows up just after we ordered, but decides to go out and get more miles..go figure. Then we all meet up and head north & some tough climbing-one of six miles- and then the final descent to the James River-a 13 mile downhill at speeds of 30-40 mph! My average speed went from 10.0 to 11.5 on this portion! 63 miles for me today & 5900' of climb. Don had 62 miles & 7500'; George had the same as me. We load up the bikes for a 20 mile drive to our Super 8 motel in Lynchburg, VA. We made it, and now some showers & a walk next door to Macadoo's for supper. Really good burgers, sandwiches, nachos & brews..a good choice & no driving. Back to the room to journal, blog & discuss tomorrow's route. It's our last day & I will drive up to Waynesboro...MM -0-(Mile Marker zero) and ride back. The Skyline Drive starts here, but we're going to drive back to Pitt today. I have 386 miles for the week & 40,900' of climb. Don has 466 miles & 51,000', George 359 miles & 41,000'. Don will easily get his 500 miles for the week & then some. Don is out for the night at 9:30.

Thunder-ration

Once again, we slept in until 7:30 & good sleeps too! A very light breakie here at the Day's Inn, but we take fruit too, for the ride and after loading up, Don & I take off for the BRP. It's George's time to drive & he will head for Roanoke & our hotel for the eve..a Holiday INN! Will he park on the Blue Ridge or go to the hotel? Up to the Parkway at MM 200 & off we go, northbound for MM 121. It's a beautiful day, but storms are predicted for the afternoon-40% chance. (Sunny & 75 at the moment-9:15) We stop for a few pics, some historical markers & a pretty long break at the Mabry Mill, where we have a picnic by the mill pond & a few ducks. Be sure & get more water & back on the road, hoping to meet up with George about 55-60 miles up the BRP. But first, we stop at an overlook-of which there are many-and Don finds a woman in need of help. it's Juanita, from Floyd, VA & her car is dead & wants us to call, but we don't have any service. We go on to the next area, where Don finds some Park workers & calls the number she gave us & they will go up & check on her. OK, a good deed! Off we go and here comes George at about 64 miles & now we're together & the car is at the Hotel. It's been thundering a lot & we've apparently missed some rain, but it's getting darker & more thunder. As we approach the massive 11 mile downhill into Roanoke, it starts to rain, so we stop & put on our rain gear, but it gets much harder & we stop to try & get out of it, but the lightning is really bad. About 45 minutes later, it lets up & off we go downhill, with our brakes on, being very cautious, but finally ,shaking and all, we get into town & take the route over to the huge 5-story hotel. We get a few rags to clean the bikes, check in & hit the showers. Today's stats: 86 miles & 7400' for me & Kirkwood. George gets 44 miles & 4920' of climb & we're pretty wet after all that, and I think there was some hail too, but not while we were riding. Off to supper, after some good Ole' boys jump start our car-we left the lights on!- and we pick a great spot! Montano's International Restaurant, and talk about beer choices! let's have a local micro-brew! The food is FAB! Spaghetti, with clams(me), spaghetti with meatballs (Don), George had the shrimp Montano & a great waiter, Chip. Back to the room to blog, check the weather & plan for tomorrow. (Can't even get dem Stillers on TV.) It's 9:30 & we're still up! Kirkwood will be gone real soon.

Detour-King of The Road

YEA! Pay day for me & the Mrs! It's my turn to drive today so I may check out a bike shop for a look at my bad wheel. I discovered yesterday that my rear wheel was fractured, so it's probly a new one for me, so I can finish the trip. We do sleep in 'till 7:30 & slowly start getting around, packing, dressing & loading before strolling over to the Winner's Circle for our "free" breakie. We all pick the pancakes, sausage & coffee..George throws in a couple of poached eggs ($2 extra!). Back to the room to finish loading & up to the Parkway. There's a major detour due to construction 10 miles north of us, so they'll have to ride off of the BRP & back, and about 10 extra miles...Kirkwood loves that! (Plus, they see a FAB trailer for sale or rent. I saw it too and it was a cute very old & small camper.) I head out and stop a few times for pics, views & construction, before getting to the Days Inn in Fancy Gap, VA just before noon & the gals at the desk help me out with directions to the bike shop & off I go to Mt Airy, NC for the Foothills Cycling Center & what a neat shop & owner! He was great & even had two options for me..an older & better wheel -Titan Aluminum-or a Bontrager-new. I chose the Titan, so he fixed it up & even included the tire & tube for 82 bucks! UNBELIEVABLE! So I got a set of cleats too & was on my way back...THANKS A MILLION! I'm back at the hotel & check into the room & unload the stuff by 2:15 & on the bike by 2:30 & headed up to the BRP. (I even managed a Subway sand on the way back.) I don't even make it 9 miles when I run into the pair & they can't believe the wheel story. I'm going to stay out for a few more miles & Don decides to go with me..so what's new? George goes on to the motel & we ride south to Cumberland Knob, get water, restroom & head back to MM 200 & to the hotel by 6:00. I end up with 40 miles & 3500'; Don has 92 miles & 6750'; George 69 miles & 5260'. I clean my chain, while Don showers. And after my shower we're off to supper in Mt Airy, right down Andy Griffith Parkway at "13 Bones"a cute, and good restaurant. I have chops with JD seasoning, Don has BBQ chops & George has Baby back ribs..which he eats with a knife & fork. (I might add here that he also ate Buffalo chicken wings with a knife & fork!) We did pass some garden shops that had massive pink flamingos for sale, but a little too large for our car...sorry KK. Back to the room by 9:00 & some blogging, e-mails & movies. Rain tomorrow? 40% chance. Off to bed about 10:30.

Lin Cove Viaduct

A good sleep by all & a pretty good breakfast at the Spruce Pine Inn, run by a Christian Organization in the town, plus some extras we take for lunch. Load up the bikes and drive the 6 miles back up to the BRP by 9:30 & Don takes off to the north in the car. Our destination today is Mile Marker (MM) 257. George & I mount our bikes and away we go! We stop for a few pics, water, rest & some beautiful overlooks. Our first wild life! A deer bounds in front of us at one point, but we miss him. We do see a lot of cyclists today & most headed south. There's a lot of auto traffic today too and oops, George has a flat! And while he is fixing it, Don comes rolling by, so we all head north together & climb, climb, climb. We have mostly snacks & food we got at the Inn to nourish ourselves, as there are no restaurants on the Parkway & our lovely Park Service charges 2 bucks for a small bottle of water. It's another tough day of climbing, but also some huge downhills at 42 mph. I end up with 76 miles & 9100' of climb; Don has 78 miles (and he drove!) and 8560'; George ended up with 76 miles & the 9100'. Put the bikes on the car & a drive to West Jefferson, NC & our hotel- a Best Western Eldreth Inn. It's pretty nice & a big room, ground floor & a restaurant included. No phone service, but wifi is good. Check in, shower & go over to the Winner's Circle restaurant for a great meal..pasta, with chicken, salad bar & good service! Back to room to blog, check mileage, climbs & George goes off to do laundry. I do find a small fracture in my rear wheel..what to do? (sleep on it I suppose.)

Pisagh winds

Up at 7:15-much better than 6:30-and man, is it cool (53) and windy! The trees are bending over & the fog is going by at 30 mph, or so it looks. Start packing up our things before walking over for our "free" breakie at the Pisagh Inn restaurant. Once again, it is a great meal & partially offsets the high price (140)..pancakes, sausage, coffee. back to the room to finish packing, load up & head out north bound. I've got on tights, long sleeves & a jacket..Don only has a jacket & he's shivering. It's pretty nasty and really windy, but dry. George is driving today so off he goes, 70 or so miles up the Parkway. A massive downhill to start the day & lots of tunnels..turn on yinz'z lights! The Asheville Visitor center is 24 miles away and we get there with an average speed of 20.5 and not much climbing. Get some water, Parkway pins & off we go & it's warmer so off comes the stuff. Now a big climb to 5600' at a small visitor center where it's much cooler & windy. (Back on with the stuff!) Where will George meet up with us? After a short rest, it's back on the BRP & another tunnel, ups & downs before we find George at about 58 miles into our portion. (Oh, there are 26 tunnels on the Parkway in NC!) A few stops at overlooks & pics of the local flora & fona, before rolling into the spot where our auto is parked. The otehers ride down & it's very heavy traffic. No problems for the day & 80 miles for me & 10,800' of climb! Don had 88 miles & 11,050' of climb & George had 48 miles & 5900'. I get in the car and drive to our hotel for the night-The Spruce Pine Inn, in Spruce Pine, NC. It's an old school house that has been renovated & is very nice. It's kinda tough to find but we come thru & hit the showers, log into the net & prepare for supper. We finally end up, after driving 20 miles, at the Western Sizzlin'. Not a great place, but their buffet is super & plenty of it, plus cherry cobbler! Back to the hotel to blog, and it takes me a while to get caught up, while the others check e-mails, watch the weather channel and chat about tomorrow. Don will sag & meet us at some point & probly end up with as many miles as we get.

Up, Up, Up, down ,down. down

What the?!!! George set the alarm for 6:30--STOP THAT!- & we don't know why, but we're up and the weather in cool & wet The fog is thick, but we walk across the street to Hardee's for breakie..those tasty Cinnamon-raisin biscuits & fried bologna breakfast sandwich! The rain has stopped, so we get ready & head up to the BRP for the start of this adventure. I ride up with Don & George, take a few pics & head back to check out of the motel & drive to the ending point of today's ride-60 miles. I'm sagging as George hasn't ridden this road at all. Off they go! I get back, check out & start the drive and checking on the riders..they're having a ball climbing! Man, is it foggy! I get up to the 6000' level and you can't hardly see 20 feet. I get to the Pisagh Inn, where we will be this eve & park the car, have a great lunch ( chicken pot pie) & head out to meet the guys at some point on the Parkway. I stop a few times, take some pics, visit with some travellers & fiannly meet up with Don & George after about 22 miles. Now the three of us go notrtherly for the Pisagh Inn. Lots of climbing at 5-7 MPH & downhills at 40! There was no water for 60 miles except at a very small visitor center & they were 2 bucks a bottle. Into Pisagh after 63 miles for them and 40 for me. They climbed 10, 560' in their miles and I had 4200" . A goo dday & we go to the Inn restaurant for dinner & not only are the views fantastic but the food & service is FAB! I had the Country fried chicken & really great mackie's & cheese. George had the Rainbow Trout, baked potatoe & veggies. Don had the homemade meatloaf & fixin's. A couple of mirco-brews & a great evening!.

South to Cherokee

I'm up at 7:15 & I have my stuff all ready for the bike trip & Don comes by at 8:15 and we load up & off we go for Wash, pA to meet up with a new guy, George Liener. We arrive early & have some breakfast bisquits & coffee, until George shows up, driven by his wife, Jenny. Looks like a good guy & we hit it off. load up & off we go to I-79 and a long day's drive to Cherokee, NC. Alunch stop & fuel in Beckley, WV. Lunch at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant & it's pretty damn' good with the lunch specials! (George could pass for Steven Spielburg, the cap & all.) back on the road & even a few miles in TN, before rolling into Cherokee about 7:15 & check into the Great Smokey Inn. We attempt to eat at their restaurant, but it was pretty sad..service & food..they were out of this & out of that. But we manage to eat supper, shower & get ready for tomorrow (and ride two miles before hitting the sack at about 10:30) Lots of climbing on Sunday, with the Blue Ridge-BRP-luming just down the road.

Hilly Westen Pa

YEA! we're in Pitt & a nice sunny & cool day as we get around . I call Marty but they'e shopping, so I go over to the Hennings & visit for a while, but I have a date with Kirkwood & friend for a tuneup ride for our Blue Ridge trip on Saturday. (It turns out to be 53 miles & 4500' of climb.)

Bike the Pike

we're up early, have breakie at the hotel-Super 8- and on the road by 9:00 and headed for Centerville, IN & a stop at Webb's Antique Mall. A quick stop for lunch in Greenfield, IN and some great subs at Penn Station-east coast subs. Lots of construction on I-70, but we roll in to Webb's & KK goes in to shop & I suit up for a bike ride on Old 40, the National Road.(18 miles & 500')

Off to Pitt

We barley got things washed & repacked before we head off toward Pittsburgh & some tennis, biking & visiting with old friends. I ride up to the nursing home to visit mom & KK joins me about 10:00. Mom's getting her hair done, so that should make her happy. We're on the road around11:00 & headed to the turnpike, after a Sonic toaster on the way out.

sat-august 6th

Yea! our overnight in La Junta ,Co at the KOA was fine, but way too many trains & barking dogs. A couple of cinnamon rolls & coffee. I suit up and get in a quick 10 mile ride & we start to pack up for our final day of driving back to Harrah.