I've been riding the last few days with Jerry and Fred from New Jersey -- two strong riders in their 60's. And, Leslie, a 30-something rider from Boston. I call them the Lobster Line. They found me riding alone a few days ago and sort of adopted me into their line. They are all good riders so it is stretching me -- but it is so much better than trying to ride alone. They also have a healthy balance of stopping for coffee shops and to take a few photos while keeping a good pace and getting us to the end destination with plenty of time to spare.
Montana is beautiful. As you ride, you can see the snow capped mountains. And, the down hill portions of the mountains we climb more than make up for the struggle up. Today I hit 46.4 miles an hour on the way down from one pass. Rode pass the Continental Divide yesterday. Having a blast. Rebounded well with a "short" 78 mile ride today after yesterdays long ride in headwinds.
Funny thing on the ride today. Thunderstorms came and we all pulled off the road to have coffee in a Honky Tonk bar and grill -- the cleaning lady let us in (about 30 riders) and made us all coffee (charged only 50 cents) until the rain and wind passed through. We are now in Ennis -- sort of a Cowboy tourist town. The local High School will be our home -- but it is getting cold up here and they only have cold showers. Brrr. No place I'd rather be though -- except perhaps in Western Yellowstone -- which we are heading to in a few days.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Riddle Me This
Fellow biker Tom offered riddles as encouragement on today's ride. "I'll give you the answer at the top of the hill". One riddle: name five body parts below the neck that only use three letters. The answer will be at the end of this post!
Today's ride was a challenging 91 miles from Lincoln to Townsend Montana. A steady ascent to Flesher Pass (elevation of 6131 feet) with 10 great miles downhill on the other side. The last part of the ride was very challenging with strong headwinds. Made it into our camp for the night before thunderstorms hit but some riders were caught in the storm. Some pulled off the road since the wind was pushing them all over the road. Feeling very tired tonight. Tomorrow's ride is 78 miles from Townsend to Ennis.
Okay, the answer to the riddle: leg, arm, hip, toe, rib. Good to engage the brain while the body is at work churning up the hills.
Today's ride was a challenging 91 miles from Lincoln to Townsend Montana. A steady ascent to Flesher Pass (elevation of 6131 feet) with 10 great miles downhill on the other side. The last part of the ride was very challenging with strong headwinds. Made it into our camp for the night before thunderstorms hit but some riders were caught in the storm. Some pulled off the road since the wind was pushing them all over the road. Feeling very tired tonight. Tomorrow's ride is 78 miles from Townsend to Ennis.
Okay, the answer to the riddle: leg, arm, hip, toe, rib. Good to engage the brain while the body is at work churning up the hills.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Idaho to Montana
Can't say enough good things about Idaho -- very beautiful area to bike through. But, alas, I'm already in Montana. Couldn't find a "Welcome to Montana" sign though. Someone suggested that we could find one when we leave Montana and simply turn around and take the photo?
I'm now in Missoula, Montana. Had the most challenging ride of my life yesterday going for just over 100 miles from Thompson Falls to Missoula. But, it ended so wonderful. My High School friend Alex Gallegos runs a bike shop in Missoula, Montana. He biked out to find me on the route and we rode the last several miles together, right into his bicycle shop, Missoula Bike Works. Met his wonderful family and they took me out to dinner -- awesome Lamb Burger at Cafe Dulche.
We will hang out together today -- clean up the bike and have lunch again with Alex and family. Totally cool. This week was more than 600 miles on the bike in eight straight days. Today seems a nice day to go for a walk -- so I grabbed a small backpack and tooled around Missoula this morning. Had breakfast with Mark Oncale from New Orleans at The Shack in downtown Missoula. Mark is 81-years old and this is his fourth ride across America! My hero.
Friday, June 25, 2010
An average day on the road
Thanks for those of you following along my bike ride across America. Here is an average day.
4:30 a.m -- start rumbling around in my tent -- thinking about the day's ride. Start organizing my clothes and gear for the day -- quietly so as not to wake up fellow tent dwellers next to me.
5: 00 a.m. -- hit the restrooms --start putting on cycling gear and clothes -- including lots of sun block and chamis cream along with trying to figure out the best clothes for the day -- possible showers? sun? combination?
5: 30 a.m. back to tent -- start tearing it down and loading up my duffle bags with clothes and tent gear. Most mornings have been colder and a little wet. Nothing like putting the wet tent into the bag hoping to dry it out later in the day.
6:00 a.m. load duffle bags into sag vehicle -- make sure bike is all set with a few things needed for the day. If we are going into the mountains -- I need clothes when the whether changes -- or like today, we were so sweaty going up Thompson's Pass -- that going down without a windbreaker and wool shirt would be freezing.
6:30 a.m. Breakfast with the other riders. On any given day there are about 70 of us. Forty-five are going cross-country and the others for lesser amounts (one week or two typically). Each day some community group tends to feed us. Tomorrow, we ride to the Elk's hall in Tompson's Falls for breakfast. Normally, we are in a public school and a group like the Lion's Club or a community group feeds us. All major buffets. Lots of fruit and oatmeal but no one leaves hungry.
7: 00 a.m. I roll out to begin the day riding. Normally I'll ride out with a few others and in time connect with some one going my speed or a bit faster. Today I headed out on my own but was passed by Jerry and Frederick from New Jersey (neighbors who bike together and have done several tours both in the states and in Europe). Leslie from Massachusets also joined us and the three of us biked all day together. Typically though, I'll ride with several groups along the way -- some faster, some slower. I'm finding it a bit too slow and lonely to try to go at it alone -- riding alone is fine for periods of time and on hills, but for long stretches, you need a group.
7: 15 a.m. I start thinking of dedicating the day to one friend or family member. During the ride I think of them and things we have done together. Pray for them in areas of their lives and thank God for putting them in my life. All while making sure not to crash into the bike in front of me! This has been a nice private ritual for me to start each day and try to have it come into my mind for some of the longer and lonelier stretches.
9:00 a.m. First water break. our hosts, Cycle America, places two large coolers of water and sport drink at sections along the way. It is sort of the cyclist way of meeting at the well. Good to connect with others and fill up for the next stretch.
11: 30 a.m. On longer days, we may ride for about 55 miles or so before having lunch. The bike mechanic and several Cycle America staff set up a tent and give a good spread of food to load up and get us through the last part of the day. One cold day in the Cascade Mountains had the staff preparing potato soup. Another day we had pasta salad. But along with whatever they make -- there is plenty of food -- bread, peanut butter, granola bars, fruit, sandwhiches, and some fig bars or gummie bears on occassion. Never leave hungry.
1 p.m. Most cyclists find any and all coffee shops and ice cream shops along the way. It breaks up the day.
2 p.m. There are all sorts of things that come up through the day. Some days are more "get it done days" wiht milage into the 90's. Others take us through National Parks or fun odd sights and rivers and mountains. Plenty o' mountains. Idaho is beautiful.
3:30 -- 5:00 p.m. Arrive at a local school of some sort to spend the night. Begin immediately to get luggage from the Cycle America van. Set up tent. Take showers. Talk with bike mechanics. Check on the day's schedule (when and where to eat -- time of meeting for the next day -- find locations of showers (today we walked over to the local swimming pool).
5: 30 - 7: 00 p.m. Dinner and story time. Sharing stories of the day eating together in a school or local community place -- occassional restaurant.
7: 15 p.m. All group meeting -- review tomorrows schedule of where we are going -- go through maps and directions. Note issues of the day and special things for the next day. Tomorrow we should be riding through Montana's finest rivers. But, we need to be careful of the bumps on the roads that wake up cars when they go over the line (what are those called?). Go over danger points such as crossing rail road tracks. Several riders crashed on our first day and one woman broke her arm.
8: 00 p.m. Chat with other riders, start getting gear ready for the next day.
8:30 p .m. Call Cindy and tell her about the day.
9:00 p.m. Go out with other riders into the town and/or make sure everything is set for another early morning.
10:15 p.m. Back in tent -- Lay down -- think of the day.
10: 30 "Dead" Asleep
So that is a quick version of a typical day. We are averaging about 90 miles a day. Am I sore? Yep -- but having a great go at it and enjoying each day as it comes.
4:30 a.m -- start rumbling around in my tent -- thinking about the day's ride. Start organizing my clothes and gear for the day -- quietly so as not to wake up fellow tent dwellers next to me.
5: 00 a.m. -- hit the restrooms --start putting on cycling gear and clothes -- including lots of sun block and chamis cream along with trying to figure out the best clothes for the day -- possible showers? sun? combination?
5: 30 a.m. back to tent -- start tearing it down and loading up my duffle bags with clothes and tent gear. Most mornings have been colder and a little wet. Nothing like putting the wet tent into the bag hoping to dry it out later in the day.
6:00 a.m. load duffle bags into sag vehicle -- make sure bike is all set with a few things needed for the day. If we are going into the mountains -- I need clothes when the whether changes -- or like today, we were so sweaty going up Thompson's Pass -- that going down without a windbreaker and wool shirt would be freezing.
6:30 a.m. Breakfast with the other riders. On any given day there are about 70 of us. Forty-five are going cross-country and the others for lesser amounts (one week or two typically). Each day some community group tends to feed us. Tomorrow, we ride to the Elk's hall in Tompson's Falls for breakfast. Normally, we are in a public school and a group like the Lion's Club or a community group feeds us. All major buffets. Lots of fruit and oatmeal but no one leaves hungry.
7: 00 a.m. I roll out to begin the day riding. Normally I'll ride out with a few others and in time connect with some one going my speed or a bit faster. Today I headed out on my own but was passed by Jerry and Frederick from New Jersey (neighbors who bike together and have done several tours both in the states and in Europe). Leslie from Massachusets also joined us and the three of us biked all day together. Typically though, I'll ride with several groups along the way -- some faster, some slower. I'm finding it a bit too slow and lonely to try to go at it alone -- riding alone is fine for periods of time and on hills, but for long stretches, you need a group.
7: 15 a.m. I start thinking of dedicating the day to one friend or family member. During the ride I think of them and things we have done together. Pray for them in areas of their lives and thank God for putting them in my life. All while making sure not to crash into the bike in front of me! This has been a nice private ritual for me to start each day and try to have it come into my mind for some of the longer and lonelier stretches.
9:00 a.m. First water break. our hosts, Cycle America, places two large coolers of water and sport drink at sections along the way. It is sort of the cyclist way of meeting at the well. Good to connect with others and fill up for the next stretch.
11: 30 a.m. On longer days, we may ride for about 55 miles or so before having lunch. The bike mechanic and several Cycle America staff set up a tent and give a good spread of food to load up and get us through the last part of the day. One cold day in the Cascade Mountains had the staff preparing potato soup. Another day we had pasta salad. But along with whatever they make -- there is plenty of food -- bread, peanut butter, granola bars, fruit, sandwhiches, and some fig bars or gummie bears on occassion. Never leave hungry.
1 p.m. Most cyclists find any and all coffee shops and ice cream shops along the way. It breaks up the day.
2 p.m. There are all sorts of things that come up through the day. Some days are more "get it done days" wiht milage into the 90's. Others take us through National Parks or fun odd sights and rivers and mountains. Plenty o' mountains. Idaho is beautiful.
3:30 -- 5:00 p.m. Arrive at a local school of some sort to spend the night. Begin immediately to get luggage from the Cycle America van. Set up tent. Take showers. Talk with bike mechanics. Check on the day's schedule (when and where to eat -- time of meeting for the next day -- find locations of showers (today we walked over to the local swimming pool).
5: 30 - 7: 00 p.m. Dinner and story time. Sharing stories of the day eating together in a school or local community place -- occassional restaurant.
7: 15 p.m. All group meeting -- review tomorrows schedule of where we are going -- go through maps and directions. Note issues of the day and special things for the next day. Tomorrow we should be riding through Montana's finest rivers. But, we need to be careful of the bumps on the roads that wake up cars when they go over the line (what are those called?). Go over danger points such as crossing rail road tracks. Several riders crashed on our first day and one woman broke her arm.
8: 00 p.m. Chat with other riders, start getting gear ready for the next day.
8:30 p .m. Call Cindy and tell her about the day.
9:00 p.m. Go out with other riders into the town and/or make sure everything is set for another early morning.
10:15 p.m. Back in tent -- Lay down -- think of the day.
10: 30 "Dead" Asleep
So that is a quick version of a typical day. We are averaging about 90 miles a day. Am I sore? Yep -- but having a great go at it and enjoying each day as it comes.
Up and over Thompson Pass, Montana
Scott here -- I have very limited phone or computer access -- normally I just call into Cindy each night. However, we finished by 3 p.m. today arriving in Thompson Falls High School. I've pitched my tent out in the front part of the school.
Today's ride started at 7 a.m. out of Kellog, Idaho. I started out on my own but then was passed by a group of three riders (two men from New Jersey and a woman from the Boston area). I rode the entire way with this group of three from the east coast. They were all slightly faster than I was so it pushed me and helped me through some tough spots.
Indeed the toughest area was a five mile stretch up Thompson Pass in Montana. Some grades were at about 8-9%. Reached the top dripping in sweat! We all met for lunch at the top of the pass and then bolted down the other side. Without much effort I reached 43 miles an hour on the other side. I was sure to check my tires and make sure my helmet was on good!
Tomorrow we ride for 99 miles to Missoula, Montana. This will be our fourth ride close to 100 miles this week. I'm especially looking forward to connecting with my High School friend, Alex Gallegos, who owns a bike shop in Missoula. I'm missing my 25th High School Reunion on this trip so I think my time with Alex will be my mini-reunion instead. But if I'm going to miss my reunion, what a way to do it -- by biking across America.
Today's ride was dedicated to my uncle and aunt, Mike and Sherry Purser. Tomorrow will be dedicated to Nick and Lori Matchefts -- who sent me a nice post card that I received in Idaho. Well, off to the showers (which are cold!).
Today's ride started at 7 a.m. out of Kellog, Idaho. I started out on my own but then was passed by a group of three riders (two men from New Jersey and a woman from the Boston area). I rode the entire way with this group of three from the east coast. They were all slightly faster than I was so it pushed me and helped me through some tough spots.
Indeed the toughest area was a five mile stretch up Thompson Pass in Montana. Some grades were at about 8-9%. Reached the top dripping in sweat! We all met for lunch at the top of the pass and then bolted down the other side. Without much effort I reached 43 miles an hour on the other side. I was sure to check my tires and make sure my helmet was on good!
Tomorrow we ride for 99 miles to Missoula, Montana. This will be our fourth ride close to 100 miles this week. I'm especially looking forward to connecting with my High School friend, Alex Gallegos, who owns a bike shop in Missoula. I'm missing my 25th High School Reunion on this trip so I think my time with Alex will be my mini-reunion instead. But if I'm going to miss my reunion, what a way to do it -- by biking across America.
Today's ride was dedicated to my uncle and aunt, Mike and Sherry Purser. Tomorrow will be dedicated to Nick and Lori Matchefts -- who sent me a nice post card that I received in Idaho. Well, off to the showers (which are cold!).
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Happy Trails
I'm now in Idaho! Today we rode from Spokane to Kellogg, Idaho and over 40 of our 98 miles were along the Trail of Coeur d'Alenes. It was a beautiful ride with lakes, valleys and the Heyburn State Park. Today's ride was dedicated to Frank and Lynette Simmons, who enjoy biking the trails in Minnesota. Frank and Lynette, I have a trail in Idaho for you!
Some riders spotted an elk along the trail today. I missed the elk but did see the sign for Sun Meadows Family Nudist Camp. Glad to know this wasn't our camping spot for the night. Instead we're camped out at Kellogg Middle School. Heading off to our group meeting to get the scoop on tomorrow's ride.
Some riders spotted an elk along the trail today. I missed the elk but did see the sign for Sun Meadows Family Nudist Camp. Glad to know this wasn't our camping spot for the night. Instead we're camped out at Kellogg Middle School. Heading off to our group meeting to get the scoop on tomorrow's ride.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Birthday Bicycling
Today was Scott's birthday and his gift today was the 103 mile ride, especially the last five miles which were downhill! It was his first century ride since 1997 when he biked from Minneapolis to New Orleans. Today's route took them from Wenatchee to Electric City, home of the Grand Coulee Dam (trivia alert: it's the largest concrete dam in the nation. No beavers were used to build this dam). The group is heading over to the dam for a laser light show extravaganza later tonight.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Climb Every Mountain
Cindy here. Scott has limited access to the internet so when we talk each day he gives me highlights to blog about if he can't get online. Here's today's report from the bicycling Purser.
Yesterday I set up my tent in center field at the Boys and Girls Club. Tonight I'm hunkered down along the first base line, close to the dugout at Foothills Middle School in Wenatchee, Washington. We entered the Cascade Mountains today and the 17 miles up to Stevens Pass (4061 feet) were the highest hills I've ever biked. It was cool and rainy so I wore all my rain gear. It was cold at the top with a little bit of snow and we even biked past a ski lift. Once at the top, we barreled down the other side. We rode on Highway 2 and stopped in a quaint Bavarian-style village named Leavenworth.
Today I biked with one of the cyclists from the Netherlands (Jan). Riding with others is helping me keep a good pace. And the scenery was great again, riding along the Wenatchee River with it's white water rapids.
Every day as I ride I'm thinking about and praying for people in our lives. Today's ride was dedicated to the Knight family who have had many hills to climb over the years. Their faith in our sovereign God encourages us.
Yesterday I set up my tent in center field at the Boys and Girls Club. Tonight I'm hunkered down along the first base line, close to the dugout at Foothills Middle School in Wenatchee, Washington. We entered the Cascade Mountains today and the 17 miles up to Stevens Pass (4061 feet) were the highest hills I've ever biked. It was cool and rainy so I wore all my rain gear. It was cold at the top with a little bit of snow and we even biked past a ski lift. Once at the top, we barreled down the other side. We rode on Highway 2 and stopped in a quaint Bavarian-style village named Leavenworth.
Today I biked with one of the cyclists from the Netherlands (Jan). Riding with others is helping me keep a good pace. And the scenery was great again, riding along the Wenatchee River with it's white water rapids.
Every day as I ride I'm thinking about and praying for people in our lives. Today's ride was dedicated to the Knight family who have had many hills to climb over the years. Their faith in our sovereign God encourages us.
And They're Off!
Sunday was our first ride, going from Everett to Skykomish. Sixty miles in the gentle Washington rain. We started by dipping our back tires in the bay and then headed out. Lots of beautiful scenery along the way. I thought about my dad, it being Father's Day, and several things along the way reminded me of him. A 1952 pickup in a small town. Oreo cookies at the lunch stop (Dad was a big fan of Oreos!). And I thought of the bicycles and unicycles he provided me with over the years. Thanks Dad.
I think we may be a curiosity in the small towns we're cycling through. The local newspaper in Everett sent out a reporter to cover our group of riders.
I think we may be a curiosity in the small towns we're cycling through. The local newspaper in Everett sent out a reporter to cover our group of riders.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Base Camp in Everett, Washington
Arrived in Seattle Friday evening and then this morning we all hopped on a bus to Everett, Washington, just outside of Seattle. We're staying at the Boys and Girls Club in Everett which reminds me of my first job out of college, at the Boys and Girls Club in east St. Paul. One cool thing about staying at the Boys and Girls Club is that the kids are going to be following the progress of the ride. The Boys and Girls Club leaders are excited about connecting the kids with the cyclists, opening their eyes to a bigger world outside Everett. We'll send postcards back to them from our stops along the journey.
This being Washington, it looks like there's a good chance of rain. Should be great scenery. At our first orientation tonight, Greg Walsh, Cycle America director, encouraged us not to rocket through our first day but to take our time and enjoy the small towns along the way to Skykomish.
Some riders are sleeping in the school gym tonight but I decided to stick to the tent. One rider joked that there was a good chance of intense snoring activity given the age demographics of a big percentage of the group (the majority of the group are 40+ years old).
This being Washington, it looks like there's a good chance of rain. Should be great scenery. At our first orientation tonight, Greg Walsh, Cycle America director, encouraged us not to rocket through our first day but to take our time and enjoy the small towns along the way to Skykomish.
Some riders are sleeping in the school gym tonight but I decided to stick to the tent. One rider joked that there was a good chance of intense snoring activity given the age demographics of a big percentage of the group (the majority of the group are 40+ years old).
Friday, June 18, 2010
Dollar a Mile Update
We're super encouraged by the response to the "Dollar a Mile" campaign. So far $1725 has been raised, getting Scott to the lovely city of Custer, South Dakota. If you'd like to donate, you can click here for The Navigators website. Enter Scott and Cindy Purser in the "Find Staff and Projects by Name". Since all the expenses have been covered for the bike trip, all funds raised by the "Dollar a Mile" efforts go directly to our community development and discipleship ministry with The Navigators. Thanks for partnering with us on this adventure!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Say Cheese
A big shout out to our friend Wendy who took the photos of Scott. A nearby school just happened to have a chalk drawing of a map of the US. How convenient! It made for a great photo op. Thanks Wendy!
Week One: Washington - Idaho - Montana
Here is our schedule for the first week of riding across America:
Saturday 6/19 Tour Briefing in Seattle
Sunday 6/20 Seattle, WA -- Skykomish 68 miles
Monday 6/21 Skykomish -- Wenatchee 76 miles
Tuesday 6/22 Wenatchee -- Electric City 100 miles
Wednesday 6/23 Electric City -- Spokane 96 miles
Thursday 6/24 Spokane -- Kellogg, Idaho 98 miles
Friday 6/25 Kellogg -- Thompson Falls, Montana 68 miles
Saturday 6/26 Thompson Falls -- Missoula 99 miles
Sunday 6/27 Day Off!
Total Miles for week one: 605
Saturday 6/19 Tour Briefing in Seattle
Sunday 6/20 Seattle, WA -- Skykomish 68 miles
Monday 6/21 Skykomish -- Wenatchee 76 miles
Tuesday 6/22 Wenatchee -- Electric City 100 miles
Wednesday 6/23 Electric City -- Spokane 96 miles
Thursday 6/24 Spokane -- Kellogg, Idaho 98 miles
Friday 6/25 Kellogg -- Thompson Falls, Montana 68 miles
Saturday 6/26 Thompson Falls -- Missoula 99 miles
Sunday 6/27 Day Off!
Total Miles for week one: 605
What is the secret?
Monday, June 14, 2010
World Cup of Biking
The World Cup may be a discussion topic for the group of cyclists making the cross country trek. Scott will be riding across the country with people from England, Wales, France, Netherlands, Israel, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and the Czech Republic. Plus riders from 20 U.S. states. A regular United Nations!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Getting to Know You
We found out some more about the fellow bicyclists Scott will be meeting in Seattle. 45 people are planning to bike the whole 4200 mile enchilada, with up to 20 others joining in for different segments. The ages of the riders range from 17 years old to 81 years old! It sounds like it will be a very interesting group of riders.
Today we celebrated the 87th birthday of Cindy's dad, Earle. Had a great time with family and friends, thanking God for dad's impact on all our lives.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Bikes in Africa
Bikes in Africa carry more than people. This one is loaded with bananas for the market. In our travels in Africa we have seen bikes loaded with food, furniture and whole families. My bike trip is also a fundraiser for our ministry of Community Development and Discipleship with Mission: Moving Mountains, a ministry of the Navigators.
Bicycling Across America
During the first two months of my sabbatical, the plan is to go for a bike ride. A long bike ride of 4200 miles from Seattle to Boston, June 20-August 21, 2010. I'm riding with about 40 other cyclists on a ride organized by Cycle America.
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