Big Ride Across America 2010 Itinerary

Big Ride Across America 2010 Itinerary
Day	Destination		Arrival	Departure	Mileage
0	Seattle	WA	19-June	21-June
1	Easton	WA	21-June	22-June	77
2	Vantage	WA	22-June	23-June	71
3	Odessa	WA	23-June	24-June	81
4	Spokane	WA	24-June	26-June	75
5*	Spokane	WA
6	Sandpoint	ID	26-June	27-June	76
7	Thompson Falls	MT	27-June	28-June	88
8	Missoula	MT	28-June	30-June	101
9*	Missoula	MT
10	Avon	MT	30-June	1-July	99
11	Townsend	MT	1-July	2-July	61
12	Harlowton	MT	2-July	3-July	101
13	Billings	MT	3-July	5-July	92
14*	Billings	MT
15	Hardin	MT	5-July	6-July	54
16	Sheridan	WY	6-July	7-July	84
17	Gillette	WY	7-July	8-July	109
18	Newcastle	WY	8-July	9-July	75
19	Rapid City	SD	9-July	11-July	81
20*	Rapid City	SD
21	Kadoka	SD	11-July	12-July	101
22	Pierre	SD	12-July	13-July	95
23	Miller	SD	13-July	14-July	74
24	De Smet	SD	14-July	15-July	77
25	Tyler	MN	15-July	16-July	78
26	New Ulm	MN	16-July	18-July	86
27*	New Ulm	MN
28	Owatonna	MN	18-July	19-July	72
29	Winona	MN	19-July	20-July	89
30	Viroqua	WI	20-July	21-July	66
31	Madison	WI	21-July	23-July	100
32*	Madison	WI
33	Belvidere	IL	23-July	24-July	83
34	Morris	IL	24-July	25-July	104
35	Valparaiso	IN	25-July	26-July	82
36	Kendallville	IN	26-July	27-July	109
37	Napoleon	OH	27-July	28-July	70
38	Sandusky	OH	28-July	29-July	87
39	Burton	OH	29-July	31-July	92
40*	Burton	OH
41	New Waterford	OH	31-July	1-Aug	59
42	Washington	PA	1-Aug	2-Aug	62
43	Confluence	PA	2-Aug	3-Aug	88
44	Bedford	PA	3-Aug	4-Aug	81
45	Gettysburg	PA	4-Aug	6-Aug	100
46*	Gettysburg	PA
47	Clarksburg	MD	6-Aug	7-Aug	50
48	Washington	DC	7-Aug		53

This was on my side bar of my blog for the Big Ride

I've finished the trip. This was on the side bar for all of you to read. What's next? I'm looking at various sites to find a ride that might be right for me or help me plan one on my own. Until then, keep riding.

Good New Friends: The Big Ride Across America 2010 in on!

I'm going for it this year, bicycling across America with the American Lung Association of Washington. The trip is 3300 miles across this great country, starting in Seattle, WA and ending in Washington, D.C. During the 48 days we will cycle, camp and cook our food. A few nights we stay in a college dorm, what luxury.

My goal is to raise at least $7,000 for the ALAW. If you want to support me, click on the link above.

Many thanks my sponsors who left their 2009 donations in my ALAW account because they are now part of the 2010 donations. I appreciate you being there for me when last year's ride was canceled.

I appreciate all your support. (A penny for your thoughts and a penny per mile.)

Jan

The Finish

Final Day!

We woke up to a beautiful morning in Poolesville, MD with only 42 more miles left of our journey. Being a short day, we had our last standup breakfast at the truck at 7am. The morning was cool and the roads in the beginning were shady. As we got closer to Washington, DC the traffic became busier and then we were directed to the Capital Crescent Trail, a rails to trail path. That was packed with people walking, jogging, biking or skating. Upon leaving that trail we went by the Watergate Hotel, the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Memorial. Our next stop was the Old Post Office Pavillion where we had our final lunch together at Big Rider Alumni Costas Poppas from 1998 Greek Taverna. Thanks so much. It was a wonderful meal that held me over until I got home. Lots of hugs and photos were exchanged at that time.

At noon we were outside ready to ride to the finish at Henry Bacon Park in the National Mall. We were sent off in pairs about 30 seconds apart. I rode with Brad. With all the security now days the finish was kept low key at the park. When I arrived my siblings were there, Diane and Tom and Dave and Rhea along with Diane's friends. Diane made a sign for me that we used to take a final group picture with. Emotions were running high for us. After the congratulations and pictures we went to the truck for the final unloading of our bags. Within half an hour I was on the road with Dave and Rhea headed home. Eleven hours after this 48 day event I was home. I can't believe it and I have to ask myself if it really happened.

Top of the Hill Gang

Top of the hill gang, those riders 50+ years old, George, Jan, Mark, Susan, Brad, Mike, Su and rider support crew Frank. It's been fun, thanks for making it memorable.

Sunrise in Gettysburg

Gettysburg, PA to Poolesville, MD

Only a couple more days and the event is over. Gettysburg to Poolesville was relatively short, only about 60 miles, but it was still hilly. By the time we arrived in Poolesville it was hot. We've been very fortunate to have only a few hot days. We camped at the high school football field and by the time I went to bed the weather cooled down so I could sleep. Being our last night together, we had a group dinner at Bassetts, the local restaurant in town. We all signed cards and pictures for Bridgett, Alan and Frank as a token of our appreciation for all the hard dedicated work they spent to make this ride as special as it was. It wouldn't have happened without them. The final game of the Euchre tournament was played with Brad and Chacko the champs.

At the town center a band was playing. I walked down to listen and it was great to see people outside enjoying themselves. Izzy was playing soccer with some little kids while others were throwing the frisbie. I headed back to camp thinking this is the last night in my tent. Tomorrow I'll be home in my own bed. I can't believe it's really ending, it seems just like yesterday that we started, yet on the other hand it seems so long ago and far away.

Bedford, PA to Gettysburg, PA

Hooray, this is our final exam and I passed. With 102 miles to go and the weather getting hotter, we had breakfast a 5:30 am. Since my team was on setup, I was awake a 4 am. We ate in the dark and were on the road by 6 am. The sun was just peeking over the mountains. We followed the PA bicycle route for most of the day. It took us up and down the mountains and then the steep climbs flattened out to long rolling hills. At mile 51 we were in the Cowans Gap State Park where 2008 big ride alumni Tony provided a wonderful cookout lunch. Usually I don't eat big meals when I ride but I ate everything I could find. Thanks so much Tony. By 2:10 pm the temperature was 91 degrees and high humidity. I was soaked to the bone from sweating. Everything I drink comes out as sweat.



At camp my sister Diane and her husband Tom were there waiting with cold water, beer, watermelon, pretzels and cookies. I think the cold water was the biggest hit. We're staying in a hotel so Tom dried out my tent and then we headed out. That evening we went to the Farnsworth Inn for dinner. We all had prime rib and it was great. We were going to walk around town but a big thunderstorm blew through. Back at the hotel we(they also helped me since I was so tired) did laundry, the last time I need to do it on this trip. After a good night sleep we plan to be tourists. I figure this will be the only time that I'm in Gettysburg and I best see it now.

Burton, OH-New Waterford-Washington,PA-Confluence-Bedford,PA

The first day of this stretch took us through Amish country. This area of Middlefield, OH has the largest Amish population in the world. It's very common to see the horse and buggy on the road. One house had in front of it 4 buggy wheels for sales, they're all metal, no rubber in them. What I learned from my Amish buggy ride the day before is that wheels last about 18 years. The ones with rubber between the wheel and the rim make for a quieter and smoother ride. The hills are back as we head into the Appalachians. These first two days were short, only 59 and 62.

In Washington, PA Kristen's parents were there waiting for us with cold drinks, fruit, treats and pizza bread. It was greatly appreciated as we arrived in camp fairly early. Thanks so much. Dinner was catered and there was a lot of leftovers. Due to lack of cold storage space, Bridgett wanted the food to be taken to the local shelter. Just as fate would have it, a couple staying in the camp approached us asking about the ride. The woman was from Washington and used to work at the shelter. They took Alan and the food to the shelter. What a great thing, not waste the food and give it to someone who needs it. The next morning again there were plenty of extras so off to the shelter Alan went.

From Washington we rode to Confluence, PA, an 88 mile day. The first 40ish miles were on the road. We rode through Mingo Creek County Park, very nice. Continuing on we followed the Monangahela River. At West Newton, PA we picked up the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail for about 50 miles. It runs from Pittsburg to Cumberland and then connects to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. The first part of the GAP is the YRT, the Youghiogheny River Trail. The trail is the old Western Marilyn Railroad bed. Across the river is the CSX railroad. We could hear the trains pass by us but couldn't always see them due to the trees. The trail is hardpack sand and slag which even road bikes with the skinny tires can safely ride. In Connellsville, Big Rider Alumni, Fred Husak hosted a lunch. Thank you Fred.

In Ohiopyle, PA there is a state park. We stopped there for a dip in the river and an ice cream. There are also falls there and the original name of the city was something like Falls City, why the name was changed, I don't know. With only 10 more miles to go to, we arrived in Confluence.

Confluence, PA has a dam on the Youghiogheny. There the lake is about 125 feet deep. In the spring it's deeper. Being a Monday, only one restaurant was opened, so that's where we all ate at our leisure. There were lots of kids there, probably the river guides and some self-supported cyclists.

Confluence to Bedford, we started out on the GAP again for 30 miles then another 50 on the hilly roads. We're getting prepared for our "final exam" when we ride into Gettysburg. The GAP in now following the Casselman River. We left the trail at Meyersdale. Brad, Isang, Chacko and I had breakfast at Minnie's there. For a whole $3.50 I got 2 eggs, ham, home fries and toast. What a deal. We went by the Flight 93 (9/11) memorial. A new larger memorial is being built. Moving along we rode up the eastern continental divide and then down a 5 mile, 9% grade. Since I don't like going fast downhill, I feather my brakes often and made two stops to cool things down. Also my hands tend to cramp up. I was very happy to get down safely and roll into camp. Bedford is the home of the Cannondale factory. Recently they sent their manufacturing overseas. Now all that is done in the US is assembly. Too bad, one more thing now out of the
US. They probably can't say "made in the US" anymore.

Kendallville, IN-Napoleon, OH-Sandusky-Burton,OH

These last few days completed our 7 day stretch of riding and now we're in Burton, OH for a rest day, a well deserved day off.

Riding to Napoleon was only 70 miles, a "walk in the park" day. We were done by noon so we met in town for a burger and beer. Finally I found a Labatt's Blue beer and I'm still looking for my perch dinner.

My parents, brothers and their wives came to visit me in Napoleon, OH. They brought some watermelon and cantaloupe that was immediately consumed. The cookies I saved and put out for lunch the next day. I think they were impressed by the way I live these days, in a tent with my laundry hanging from the fly of the tent. It's a way of life I've become accustomed to and only one more week of it before I get back to all the comforts of home. We went to dinner, they dropped me off and headed back home.

The next day was a hot, flat 87 miles to Sandusky, OH. We camped at the KOA by Cedar Point. Many riders went to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Brad, Chacko(who's from India and has been in AZ for about 7+ years) and I went to a beach instead. The only thing was the beach was another 8-9 miles away, each way. It was the first time Chacko had seen a Great Lake. The water was like bath water and after walking across super hot sand the water felt wonderful. We headed back towards camp and got dinner at a local restaurant that had perch, only it was frozen and I'm looking for fresh perch. I've been telling Chacko about perch dinners so he got the perch sandwich. I guess I'll have to wait until I'm home for my meal. Back at camp after another shower to wash off the Lake Erie water I climbed into my tent only to have it rain again. Wouldn't you know it my tent had a little leak where the fly wasn't pulled tight. I had to shift everything around in it so I could sleep without being rained on. Between the heat, humidity and the rain my sheets were damp. Good thing one more day until I can do some laundry.

Continuing on to Burton we started the 92 mile day along Lake Erie and through Cleveland. That part of the ride was nice and flat. The weather was cooler than yesterday with a north wind off the lake. In Cleveland Brad, Su, George and I stopped by the Botanical Gardens. We only spent an hour there and saw the Glasshouse exhibit which included a Costa Rica rainforest and a spiney forest from Madagascar. East of Cleveland the hills started again. Thirty more miles of hills and then a rest day, hooray!

When I arrived in Burton I had a wonderful surprise. My friend Ann Walton came to visit me and had a room at a B&B. What a treat. I slept 9 hours, first time in a long time. The host made a fantastic breakfast of sausage and french toast. Everything was too good to be true. Then we went on a buggy ride with an Amish family. Very interesting way of life they lead. After we came back to Burton, had lunch then Ann headed home. Thanks for the great time Ann.

The Burton library is closing now so I'm signing off. Next rest day is Gettysburg and I'll see my sister Diane and her husband Tom. See you soon.

Belvidere-Coal City-Valparaiso-Kendallville

Well, first of all my iphone is dead so I won't be sending daily updates unless I can get to a public library like I am now.

We had some stormy weather for a couple of days and even though I had my phone in double baggies in my rain jacket, it still got wet. It rained again at night in Belvidere and we started the day in rain for about 50 miles. The roads were flooded several times and in some places the water was flowing like a river over the road. It was a strange feeling to be riding through it. After the rains, the weather got hot and humid and the wind picked up. Unfortunately it's been a headwind. We arrived at Coal City and it was HOT, one of those nights where you lie in the tent just trying to fall asleep. Then the rains started again. So for two nights I didn't get much sleep. Good thing the rain stopped by the time we got up and off to Valparaiso, another day of headwinds.

My sister Sue was waiting for me at Valpo. First things first, dry out the tent and do laundry. Everything was damp and stinky. After that and a nice shower we went to dinner at a local place. We figured it must be good because the parking lot was full and it was. Thanks for coming Sue.

Today we rode 105 miles to Kendallville in another headwind. I thought the winds are usually westerly but they've been more NE. The weather was good and the ride was long. I'm at the point where I'm counting down the days for the trip to be over. It's a great experience but something I only need to do once. I'm off to camp now for a shower. I looked at the time and realized we crossed into another timezone so we lost an hour and it's later than I thought.

Day 33 Madison, WI to Belvidere, IL

Another rainy morning and we had 94 miles to go. Fortunately it was a
warm rain so riding wasn't too bad. Last night there were some bad
storms in the area and several trees were down on the side of the
roads. The rain did stop and the sun came out which made the day hot
and steamy. Add a SW headwind and it was a tiring day. We crossed
into Illinois today, another state done. A 2008 big rider hosted a
rest stop which included watermelon and DQ Blizzards ice cream treats.
It all tasted so good.

I'm in my tent typing this and it's trying to rain. I have wet clothes
hanging inside and I don't think they'll dry tonight. It's 8:15 pm
and I need to pack it in as I'll be up a 4:30am tomorrow for a long day.

Rest day

We had a rest day in Madison, WI and I woke up to rain which cleared
up by noon. My cousins came to meet me for lunch. They picked me up
at the dorm at the University of Wisconsin and then we drove downtown
to State St. by the capital. Many of The streets downtown are either
one way or buses and bikes only. Tom drove around the same few blocks
several times before he found a parking spot We had a nice lunch
together. Then they took me back to the dorm and headed out. Thanks
for coming, I enjoyed it very much.

Later that day I cleaned my bike and rotated the tires, walked around
to different bike shops and checked out the lake. For dinner some of
us walked downtown to a Japanese restaurant. Funny thing, we walked
to State St faster than we drove there earlier. On the way home it
started pouring again so now I have wet clothes that didn't dry during
the night.

Viroqua to Madison, WI

Another century under our belt. The day started off foggy, so foggy that I couldn't see through my glasses. As the day went on the fog burned off and it grew hotter all the way to Madison. There wasn't much of a breeze in the morning and the afternoon brought us a gentle north crosswind. Good thing it wasn't too strong because I was tired enough as it was at the end of the ride.

We were on some back country roads that are a ribbon of black road through the corn fields. At one point there was brand new blacktop that was still soft. It felt like we were riding on flat tires.

Summer in Madison must mean road construction season. The roads we were to take are under construction and the cue sheet was a bit misleading so many of us were lost. I was with Mark and Mike and we finally asked a student for directions. We arrived at the University of Wisconsin and were elated to see that the rooms have A/C.

Su's husband Steve came for a visit and they graciously took me, Brad, Izzy and George to dinner. Thanks you so very much for the wonderful evening. After that we were dropped off at the dorm and I called it a night.

Hay stacks

Note that they are stacks, not tightly bound rolls made by machine.

Parking lot

The parking lot was full, mostly cars and motorcycles and this horse
and buggy.

Hello Wisconsin

Another state done. We're headed east and that means more traffic.
Gone are the days where there were more trains than people.

Shoe planters

What do you do with old shoes? Here's one solution, fill them with
plants.

Meyers rest stop

Thank you Meyers for the wonderful rest stop. I enjoyed the treats
all day.

Day 30, Winona, MN to Viroqua, WI

Leaving Winona started out with some low lying fog on the Mississippi River. It would have been beautiful if it was sunny, but that was yet to come as we got out of the valley and the sun dried it up.

At about mile 20 we had a rest stop at the Meyers' house. They are a family that lost a family member to lung cancer. Years ago when the Big Riders came through their town of Dakota, MN, they asked what the ride was for. Ever since they've been hosting a wonderful, all you can eat rest stop. They had us sign in and took our picture for the perpetual Big Ride photo album. They are a family with 11 children, all home schooled, ages 9-34. Their back yard has a beautiful flower garden and a large vegetable garden. They even supplied baggies so we could take carry-outs which surely beat PB&J. Thank you soooo much Meyers. I enjoyed the food all day.

The 66 mile day sounds short however once we got across the Mississippi River into Wisconsin we had to climb out of the valley followed by many rolling hills. Fortunately there wasn't any wind to contend with. As the day went on it became sunnier and much warmer, probably into the 80's.

LaCrosse, WI was the first town on the Wisconsin side with lots of traffic. After riding in the country for so long traffic can be very bothersome. At one red light I looked down and saw a bunch of dead fish flies. I didn't know they live in this area. Now I know I'm closer to home.

At mile 50 we began a steep 1.5 mile climb which took us into Amish country. I didn't see any horse and buggies on the road but I did notice that their horses are tied up to trees along the road for grazing. Also their haystacks are real haystacks as opposed to the machine created hay rolls. At a store parking lot in Viroqua there was horse and buggy, cars and Harley Davidsons all parked together. A different sight to see.

We camped at the Vernon County Fairgrounds and this time the restrooms were clean. Don't ask me how this happened but an older man drove over Andy's bike and completely totalled it. We're headed to Madison, WI tomorrow and he can get a replacement there but he'd much rather have his own bike. Thank goodness no one was hurt. Knowing that we have 100 miles the next day I packed it in a 8pm.