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Tom, Jeff and I stop for breakfast in Wenden

Shirl riding along I-60 out of Wenden

Shirl having her first taste of peanut butter and jam sandwich

Riding along I-60 out of Aguila

Dee, Shirl and Jan enjoying the town of Wickenburg

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Shirl riding along with the trucks on I-10 out of Blythe

We finally enter AZ

The long long straight roads on I-60

Jeff preparing our paste dinner in Harcuvar

Leaving Harcuvar on I-60

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Jeff at the Foster Freeze ordering a shake in Blythe

Steve and Dee enjoying the pools.

Shirl preparig the lentils and rice dinner

My dinner

The gang at dinner in Blythe

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Aede and Matty waiting for us at the store in Palo Verde

Steve fixing his flat tire at camp

Map meeting after dinner to discuss the next day's route

Leaving Palo Verde

The town of Blythe

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At Glamis during a break at the store

Jan riding through the sand dunes.

Tom boiling eggs for breakfast

Taking a break in Jacumba

National Cementary in San Diego

Made It Into AZ

The ride from Brawley to Palo Verde on Thursday was a long day leaving at 7am, finishing up at 3:30pm, fighting 15mph head wind the last half of the ride. Our young British who has been riding with an 'older' gentleman rolled into camp at 12:30 despite the head winds. Amazing, such strong riders. We're still in desert terrain with rolling climbs passing more ATVers on the sandy dunes with their toy haulers but starting to see flowering Ocotillos, cactus plants and palo verde trees. The only negative part of today's ride was having to share the road with alot truckers.

Our short ride of only 21 miles to Blythe on Friday gave us an opportunity to relax in the afternoon. Staying at the KOA, we definitely took advantage of the swimming pool and jacuzzi after touring the town and downing burgers and shakes at Foster Freeze. Our delicious dinner of tomato based lentil and rice with veggie and flavored with curry was prepared by the two British. I'll have to try preparing that for Kay upon my return home.

Saturday morning we headed off to ride into Arizona passing Quartzsite still parked with alot of snowbirds. Our route basically followed Highway 60, a long hilly road with no end in sight climbing 2000 ft elevation with a scenery of saguro cactus and mesa plateaus. After sleeping on soft grass at the KOA, tonight we are back on a dry hardpack campground in small town 4 miles east of the town of Hope. Oh my poor back! But at least we did have another great pasta dinner. (Hey Geno, no mac and cheese yet!)

We will be arriving in Phoenix on the 31st, and having our first layover day on the 1st. So I'm hoping I'll get some pictures loaded up on that day.

Having A Good Time

It's Thursday, and today was a long 69 mile ride from Brawley to Palo Verde. Tomorrow we head towards our last California stop, the town of Blythe.

So far I am enjoying the adventure. I have been basically riding each day with the same four guys. We seem to ride at a similar pace. The youngest guy in our tour, I would say around 38 yrs old, from England, flys right by everyone when he rides and is always the first to reach our destination for the day with the five of us following behind him.

The ride has taken us from the ocean over the Laguna Mountain range dropping down (at approximately 70 mph) to the flat desert terrain to the town of Ocotillo this past Tuesday. Unfortunately, another mishap occurred on the big downhill, where the lady from Chicago pulling a bob lost control as the bob started swaying and crashed. After being released from the hospital later that same day, she decided to stay back and rest up and hope to catch a ride to meet up with the rest of us.

Top of the big climb out of San Diego

Rolling hills after the Laguna Mountains


Leaving Ocotillo yesterday to our next destination, Brawley, we rode pass sand dunes parked with RVs with ATVers having a blast over the dunes and through an agricultural area of wheat and corn watered by the Colorado River via canal.

That night in Brawley, it was my turn as the cook for the group and they wanted Chinese food. Was that on purpose since I am the only Chinese in the group? Thank goodness they let me off easy, and we did take out from a Chinese restaurant. WHEW! That was a relief.

Being out in this desert terrain with 90 degree temps, majority of the group is having a hard time with the heat as they are from areas with colder temperatures than Sacramento. So we start our days very early to avoid the heat as much as possible.

Unfortunately at this time I am unable to post any pictures that I have taken. That's it for now......... Need to rest from today's long ride.

First Ride Day, San Diego to Alpine

We all had our bikes loaded and ready to go by 8am, and enjoyed a pancake breakfast before hitting the road. To leave San Diego, we had our first climb of the ride, and the temperature was in the 80's. It fell quite hot to me since we have been in the 60s and low 70s back in Sacramento.

At the Point Loma Youth Hostell getting ready to start the ride.


It was a long day and we had two mishaps during the day. One cyclist's chain broke, and another cyclist had a difficult time with the climb but was able to hitch a ride from a nice samaritan.

After stopping at a grocery store to purchase items for dinner and arriving at our campsite around 6pm, we did enjoy a delicious dinner of salad, roasted chicken and mash potatoes.

Tuesday morning we head out and have another long climb and head to Ocotillo, which is approximately a 60 mile day.

Quick Tour Update

So far, so good today. Everyone is very nice and seems to want to work together as a group. It's interesting as the different personalities start emerging. Today, we had an easy ride around the city and visited the Point Loma Lighthouse area. We also did the tradition of dipping a rear wheel into the ocean, but we only used one person's bike and took group pictures. Yesterday, it was very cold with the ocean breeze, but today was a very nice southern California day with warm gentle flows. We are all looking forward to our start tomorrow. My group gear is the cook stove. More to come!
Visiting the beach before the official start.

Andy, the rider leader.

My Arrival in San Diego

After an early morning flight on Saturday, I am relieved to write that both my bike and I landed safely in San Diego. After spending two hours at the terminal unboxing the bike, loading up the panniers, and talking with curious passers-by, I was ready to go.



I rode off to meet up with the other members of the tour at the Point Loma Hostel where we are spending the weekend until we actually take off Monday morning.





After having lunch, I rode to enjoy a view of the ocean. In the evening, the entire group met with the ride leader, and discussed the protocals and how the group will operate together each day. With answers to my questions, I can now relax and start enjoying this adventure.





Majority of the other tour members also arrived on Saturday. As some of you may know that I had a hard time deciding which bike to take on the tour...recumbent (for comfort, but tough on the hills) or my tour bike. There are two recumbents on the tour, making me wish I had brought the recumbent....oh, well.

Today was a day of group discussions and a Shakedown ride through San Diego. Tomorrow it is Hit the Road Day. I'm excited.

Breakfast at Harry’s

This morning, the day before my departure, I met with good friends Geno and Dick for a last farewell breakfast at Harry’s Café, one of our favorite eateries in the downtown area of Sacramento. It is small, nicely decorated, locally owned, and serves great coffee and food in a very relaxed atmosphere. A good place to sit and talk about the events of the day during the lull of a work week morning! Unplanned, my brother Tom and his partner Bob also happened to be there this morning, so I had a great time visiting with everyone. The first picture shows Dick, Geno and I and the second is of Tom and Bob.




Locally, the warmth of spring has taken hold and the air permeates with the fragrances of many colorful blossoms that reside in this region of the valley along the Sacramento River. It’s a good time of year, my favorite, so it’s hard to think I’m leaving for two months on such a difficult journey when everything around, in nature and locally, is so inviting and joyously anew with winter’s end. But, alas, my sojourn is just ahead and I must hold steadfast to my vision. For, there is much to be discovered about myself and the world below my shores.

See you on the road, Herb

Hawks on the Move

A side note! A few days back, I got a forwarded e-mail from Geno originally from the Borrego Valley Hawkwatch group in southern California stating that record numbers of hawks have been spotted migrating north from their wintering grounds. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to witness parts of the mass northerly bird migration as I ride east from San Diego during the bike tour. The picture below of kettling hawks speaks for itself. Hmmm, perhaps I should bring my binos!

Packed and Ready To Go

Well, I've said my "Goodbyes" and all my family and friends are back about their lives after wishing me well. Now, I'm all packed and ready to go, but I still have a few days before leaving. It does feel good however to have everything packed. After many months, I'm one final step closer to the big trip. I can only hope the bike makes it through the flight undamaged. To help in that cause, I'm using the largest bike box available (69x40x9) in hopes that it necessitates added or special attention. The box contains primarily my bike with empty panniers attached for protection. Most of the equipment is in the duffle bag which will be checked in and the backpack contains mostly clothing.

Mentally, I'm tired of training and just want to start riding for better or worse. Physically, I don’t feel I’m in top condition since I have had to fight with some comfort issues and minor injuries during training. Either way, it’s a go. What ever happens in the future will happen. My plan is to ride easy and enjoy.

Bon Voyage

During the past weeks, I've gotten together with family and good friends whom all have cheered me onward and wished me well on my great journey. I also received e-mails of encouragement and support from friends afar.

For some time now as Kay would attest to, I had been overly intense and focused on the equipment needed for the tour as well as training, and dealing with nerves and anxiety. Seeing and hearing from family and good friends, like the Masuda’s and the Fraschetti’s, forced me out of myself and allowed me to air my feelings and concerns, and to laugh at myself. Surely, this will be long and hard, but I’ll just have to take it one day at a time. Bike touring has been an activity that I have loved doing and now I have a chance to do something that many touring bicyclist have dreamed about. The support and talks with everyone seemed to settle me and reminded me of my dream to ride across the country. As I write this, I am still nervous, but I’m also excited about the adventure ahead. Next Saturday, I will fly to San Diego to begin my journey.

Below is a picture of long time friends from the Lodi and Stockton area during a gathering to send me off. We met in the early ’90 while riding the California Tour North, a supported 5-day bike tour through Sacramento to San Francisco. We spent a leisurely day riding tandems from South Sacramento through old town and the popular midtown area followed by dinner. Their excitement for me and well wishes warmed my heart.

I am truly thankful for good friends and family. It’s time to get packing!

Who's Who!

Excerpts of e-mails from some of the riders:

“I'm Steve Shapland from Aurora, CO. I'm currently in Yuma, AZ. I'm a retired software engineer. I consider woodworking my primary hobby. I'll be celebrating my 60th somewhere in the vicinity of Mobile, AL. I've done 2 Ride The Rockies (6-7 day supported rides) and numerous MS150s 2 day supported) in Colorado. It has been a few years since I've done any serious riding, but I've managed to rack up 1K miles this year. I'm riding a 2007 REI Novara Randonee with front panniers and dragging a BoB YAK...” Steve

“Hi All--It's been nice to hear from some of the group. My name is Dee Reddick, and I live on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am really excited about our upcoming trip. I am a retired nurse, and currently own a small women's fitness center (Curves) near my home. I love to ride but most of my riding has been Rails to Trails. My family and I spend much of our free time in the small town of Ohiopyle, PA., where we love to raft and kayak. The Pittsburgh to D.C. bike trail runs right through the center of town. My bike was built by a frame builder in California named Bruce Gorden and is already en route to a San Diego bike shop for finishing touches. I look forward to meeting you all -- and beginning our journey...” Dee

“Hi everyone, I'm Tom Gamage age 57 from Watertown NY, 20 miles from the Canadian border on the eastern end of Lake Ontario. I've done a supported cross country on a northern route in 2006, a self contained Pacific Coast from Bellingham WA to San Francisco last Sept with Adventure Cycling and a few 2-3 week self supported solo trips. My training for this trip has cross country skiing and indoors on bike trainer due to snow covered roads and cold temperatures. I'm really looking forward to getting away from winter and starting this trip. I'll be arriving at the hostel in San Diego on the 19th. Looking forward to seeing everyone...” Tom

“Hello all! I'm Eileen McGinnity from Conifer CO (in the foothills west of Denver, at about 9,000' elevation ASL). My husband, Frank Fransioli, and I will be joining this merry band and are really excited about it. My cycling has been mostly one-week-long supported rides such as Ride the Rockies 10 or so times, a ride across Indiana, and some weekend rides such as Courage Classic. We also did a couple of self-supported rides across Colorado. I am a recently retired principal of a Denver-based health care consulting company. I look forward to celebrating my 53rd birthday wherever we may be on April 20...”

“Hi everyone! My name is Kristine (age 58) and I live in a four-flat on the northside of Chicago - not all that far from Wrigley Field. I've been looking forward to The Southern Tier for months now, but it wasn't until a couple of weeks ago that it finally hit me - it's actually going to happen! Like many of you, I've cycled a number of supported rides - three in Michigan and one in Missouri. I've been biking to work for many years, but my commute is a mere three (flat) miles. This will be my first self-contained ride and I have a new Cannondale Women's Warrior and Yak to break in. I teach a few Writing Composition classes to college freshman and I've been at Barnes & Noble Bookstore part-time for ten years...” ~KM

“Hi guys! Its great hearing from everyone! My name is Richard Beeman (Dick) from San Diego and looking forward for many years to this ride. I've been on many self organized, self contained tours in the past 15 years but never more than 7 days at a time. Now that I'm a retired Physician Assistant and Army Officer (age 61) I have the time and permission from my still working wife to do some things I have been dreaming about. See you all soon...” Dick Beeman

Hi all. With only a week until the start of our adventure I thought it was time to chime in with a brief email introduction. I am Jeff Holm, recently retired from WA State government service and looking forward to our upcoming trip. My most recent self-supported touring experience was several years ago - a three week trip my wife and I took on our tandem across the Northern Cascades to Glacier MT. I will be riding a new Surly LHT on the Southern Tier and am looking forward to discovering the zen of extended touring with you all. I will be arriving in San Diego on the 21st. Until then.........Jeff

Andy's Tips for the Road

• Enjoy yourself.
  
• Listen to your body. When you are tired you are prone to making mistakes.
  
• This is not a competitive event. Stop and talk with the locals along the way.
  
• Take this one day at a time. Worry about the big climb when you are at the bottom of it.
  
• Help your fellow team members.
  
• Share your biking expertise and daily experiences.
  
• Keep your anger at home.
  
• Use common sense and obey the rules of the road at all times. You do not have a relationship with the drivers of the cars on the road.
  
• Your leader will make the final decisions.
  
• You must have a sense of humor when conditions are tough.
  
• Be prepared for the tour and review the various lists you have received from ACA.
  
• Leave room in your packs for group gear and group food.
  
• There is a zero tolerance for disobeying the safety rules.
  
• Don't worry about cooking for the group - There is never any shortage of helpers at dinner time.

The Bike

After a lot riding and a variety of adjustments, it looks as if this will be the bike I take on Southern Tier Tour. I originally thought to take my recumbent, but I really don't like working so hard on the climbs.





I am amazed how small adjustments impact comfort and ride ability. Several adjustments worth noting are:

• The steer tube extension by Delta which allows me to raise the height of the handlebar to maximize comfort.
  
• The addition of auxiliary brake levers on the top part of the handlebar so I can ride more upright safely.
  
• The change from my Brooks (with a cutout) to the Selle Anatomica saddle.
  

I have ridden with the Brooks saddle for the past year. However, after my last long hard ride in the foothills east of Ione, I decided to give the Selle Anatomica another try. I’m a cautious and conservative person, so I’ll only say; “So far, so good!” Selle Anatomica saddles are made of leather similar to the Brooks, but the center ridge of the saddle has been cutout and the leather is softer. The saddle is well known for its comfort by those who have used them.

Something Else Interesting About Our Ride Leader

It appears Andy MacIntyre, our rider leader, is a photographer who was exhibited at Mokka Gallery in Newport, KY. The following excerpt was found on the Internet:

"Images from the Road and Trail; contd., is the third exhibition of local adventurer Andrew MacIntyre’s photographs from his bicycle tours across the United States. While leading tours in 2006 from San Diego to St. Augustine (twice), and Anacortes, WA to Bar Harbor, ME, he collected over 10,000 images of wildflowers, stunning panoramas, working cowgirls and their dogs, lonely figures riding mountain tracks and desert roads, and many images of touristy roadside kitsch. New for Andrew is his “on-the-road” portraiture. Portraits include “Anne on her 50th birthday” – a lady paddling a canoe on a quiet upstate New York Lake, “Two Prayers” – a man prays over his meal while his terrier watches intently, “Jeremy at 19” – a portrait of a young man in a New Mexico firehouse, “Pecan buyer in Mississippi” – a man waits for locals to bring him sacks of pecans gleaned from roadsides, “Anne on the Roof” – a touring cyclist rests at the end of her cross-country trip. Other images include, “Crater Peak” - a jay perches on his hand with Crater Peak in the background, “Support Our Troops” – an inspiring mural of a modern Spirit of America from the Southwest, and his very popular “Rainbow Flowers” series.

All The Riders

All the riders and where they are from.

Richard H. Beeman	San Diego	CA
Douglas Bittner	San Clemente	CA
Nicholas Q. Bonnell	San Francisco	CA
Frank Fransioli	Conifer	CO
Tom Gamage	Watertown	NY
Jeff Holm	Olympia	WA
Herb Lee	Sacramento	CA
Kristine Martin	Chicago	IL
Eileen McGinnity	Conifer	CO
David Olson	Murphys	CA
Janice Peebly	Alexandria	VA
Dee Reddick	Pittsburgh	PA
Aede Schoustra	Den Haag	NETHERLANDS
Stephen P. Shapland	Aurora	CO
Matthew Stobbart	Harrogate	UNITED KINGDOM
Shirley Thomas	Leicester	UNITED KINGDOM

The Gang

This will be an international group of riders. Including the ride leader, there are 17 people in total. The leader, Andy MacIntyre, is 52 years of age living in Kentucky. He rode this route in 2005, and led tours twice in 2006, once in 2007. In Andy’s words, “I love this route! You get some of the best that the USA has to offer!” He also led the 2005 Great Divide Ride and the 2006 Northern Tier Expedition.

Some things about Andy! He rides a Surly Karate Monkey with disc brakes and uses Ortleib panniers. He prefers Continental Top Contact Touring tires (700x37c) with tire liners. He likes to travel very light so he plans to use a sleeping bag/bivy sack rather than a tent. He carries 3 pairs of short pants, 3 shirts, a nylon jacket and one set of rain gear; and rides in Shimano sandals. If it gets really cold, he'll just buy some cloth or whatever he needs along way.

As for the rest of the gang, there are 11 men and 5 women representing the following States and countries:

California (5)
Colorado (3)
New York (1)
Pennsylvania (1)
Virginia (1)
Washington (1)
Illinois (1)
Netherlands (1)
United Kingdom (2)

Wish us luck!

The Itinerary

Daily Itinerary for the Southern Tier Tour

Day	Date	Overnight Location	Daily Mileage
1	Mar 22	San Diego, CA – 7pm Introduction Meeting	0.0
2	Mar 23	San Diego – Discussions & Shakedown Ride	tba
3	Mar 24	Alpine	37.5
4	Mar 25	Ocotillo	57.5
5	Mar 26	Brawley	49.5
6	Mar 27	Palo Verde	69.0
7	Mar 28	Blythe	21.0
8	Mar 29	Hope, AZ	55.0
9	Mar 30	Wickenburg	61.5
10	Mar 31	Phoenix	55.0
11	Apr 1	Phoenix – Layover (8 riding days)	0.0
12	Apr 2	Apache Junction	35.0
13	Apr 3	Globe	56.0
14	Apr 4	Thatcher (via Alternate Route)	75.5
15	Apr 5	Three-Way	37.0
16	Apr 6	Buckhorn, NM	43.5
17	Apr 7	Silver City	38.0
18	Apr 8	Silver City – Layover Day (6 riding days)	0.0
19	Apr 9	Mimbres	50.0
20	Apr 10	Caballo	56.5
21	Apr 11	Las Cruces	60.5
22	Apr 12	El Paso, TX	53.5
23	Apr 13	El Paso - Layover (4 riding days)	0.0
24	Apr 14	Fort Hancock	54.5
25	Apr 15	Van Horn	74.5
26	Apr 16	Fort Davis	90.5
27	Apr 17	Fort Davis - Layover (3 riding days)	0.0
28	Apr 18	Marathon	54.5
29	Apr 19	Sanderson	54.5
30	Apr 20	Seminole Canyon	80.5
31	Apr 21	Del Rio	40.5
32	Apr 22	Lazy Laguna Lodge (Dooley Ranch)	60.5
33	Apr 23	Lost Maples State Natural Area	58.5
34	Apr 24	Comfort	69.5
35	Apr 25	Wimberley	66.5
36	Apr 26	Austin	43.0
37	Apr 27	Austin - Layover (9 riding days)	0.0
38	Apr 28	Bastrop	32.0
39	Apr 29	Carmine	62.0
40	Apr 30	Navasota	48.0
41	May 1	Coldspring	66.5
42	May 2	Silsbee	76.5
43	May 3	Merryville, LA	55.0
44	May 4	Merryville - Layover (6 riding days)	0.0
45	May 5	Oberlin	57.5
46	May 6	Washington	55.0
47	May 7	Simmesport	56.5
48	May 8	St. Francisville (Green Acres)	55.4
49	May 9	Easleyville (Great Discovery Campground)	60.6
50	May 10	Bogalusa / New Orleans	50.5
51	May 11	New Orleans - Layover (6 riding days)	0.0
52	May 12	Perkinston, MI	59.5
53	May 13	Hurley	61.5
54	May 14	Gulf Shores, AL	73.0
55	May 15	Milton, FL	60.5
56	May 16	DeFuniak Springs	66.5
57	May 17	DeFuniak Springs - Layover (5 riding days)	0.0
58	May 18	Marianna	60.5
59	May 19	Midway	58.0
60	May 20	Waukeenah (Tallahassee East-KOA)	53.0
61	May 21	Spirit of Suwannee Park	67.5
62	May 22	High Springs	58.5
63	May 23	Hawthorne	50.0
64	May 24	East Palatka	41.5
65	May 25	St. Augstine	37.5
Total	Mileage	....................................................................................	3,082

Getting It Done

There is a lot to do in getting ready for a major trip such as this. Besides the constant training with rides four or five days a week, I’ve been going over my equipment list and getting the gear together. Right now, the entire dining room area is laid out with my stuff: tent, sleeping bag and pad, bike cloth, camp cloth, rain gear, bike tools and spare parts, panniers, etc. I’m sure Kay will be glad when I’m finally on my way and the dining room is cleared. I also have to determine the best way to transport the bike and gear to San Diego. I will most likely take everything with me on the airplane. The bike will be packed into a large box and the gear stuffed into a large duffel bag. I plan to use the smaller front panniers as carry-on bags on the flight.

Because of this long trip, I also had the front yard redone to eliminate the lawn. This saves Kay from having to mow the grass during my two month absence. The new landscape will also work better in the future after we both have retired and begin traveling for extended periods. Below are before and after pictures of my front yard. I’ve always wanted a piece of the Sierras in my own yard. So now, the new landscape incorporates 11,000 lbs plus of moss rocks.

X-Country Tour Update

As of this writing, I am now committed to the X-country bike tour with ACA on the Southern Tier Route. I’m paid up so there's no backing out now. At least not without losing some money! The tour begins on March 22 in San Diego, California and ends in St Augustine, Florida on May 25. The tour will take a total 65 days which includes 9 rest days and a planned daily average of 57 miles. Below are 7 maps. The solid black line denotes our planned route.

Test

Special Picture test. The last two pictures were take with the Canon XTi and transferred to the Micro SD card used by the phone via my PC. Subsequently, the pictures were sent to this site using the phone. The phone has a 220k limit (or @ 640x400) when sending pictures so all camera pictures must be downsized before transferring to the Micro SD card.

Sacramento Weather on Friday, Jan 4th.

Rain and bad weather expected into next week. Guess I'll have to ride the indoor trainer.