DC!!!!

First off, I need to thank my wife, Kathy, for her support in this endeavor to cross the US. Love her lots and can't wait to get home. My friend Stephen Noland, without his help and companionship may not have been able to pull this off. We arrived in DC yesterday at about 2:30pm. Yes, the heat and humidity of the past few days has been near impossible, the heat index over 115. We stayed in the small town of Shepardstown, WV and made the trip over to the Antietam Battlefield, very impressive and awe inducing. The shear thought of all of those people fighting and the shear destruction of humanity, lost 23,000 men in 1 day, should be a constant reminder to all the cost of war. The temp that day was about 104, would have been nicer to walk more of the area, but the heat won out. Later that day, we rode down to Harper's Ferry, WV and stayed the night there. Again, just very fascinating history and colonial architecture. Think I might bring Kathy back to this area, but not by bicycle. Yesterday on to DC. The C&O Canal Toll Path is ok to ride on, but just be prepared for no or limited services. Very hot and humid. It's a little confusing when you get to DC, but from the way our politicians do things, maybe that is par for the course. Today we cleaned the bikes, repacked our bags to ship home, and rested. Total of 3100 miles, not too bad for a couple of old guys. When we get home I will write a final synopsis of all this, the great sites we saw, great people we met along the way, and who knows what else. Thanks to all of you for joining me and Steve in this journey. John

Cumberland, MD

Well, the ride along the Greater Alleganehy Passage was fantastic!! A great Rail/Trail from Pittsburgh, Pa to Cumberland, MD. Met lots of very nice people. It was also nice to get away from hills, had a gentle upgrade of 1-3% but that is essentially flat after what we have traversed. After we crossed the Eastern Continental Divide (they actually think they have one) it was 20+ miles of downhill to Cumberland, MD. Lot's of history in this area, George Washington, Gen Braddock, French and Indian Wars, Revolutionary War, Civil War, etc. Is very fascinating and well worth the extra time we are taking to visit the area. We are about 3 days out of DC, but may continue to take our time and visit Harper's Ferry, Antietam Battlefield, etc. If you ever want to take an interesting bike ride, the ride from Pittsburgh, PA all the way to DC is well worth the effort. Miss Kathy and home quite a bit, can't wait to return. But, also very happy to be able to do this trip. Will catch up with you all later. John

NO MORE HILLS!!

So, we have made it a total of 2741 miles this far, a little around 300 more miles to go. After we left Columbus, we started the numerous days of hills and more hills. Several detours of about 8-9 miles to cover 2 miles because of freeway. Had several hills for the past few days at 15-20% climb, numerous hills of 8-12%. Now we start on the Allegahany trail and the CO Canal trail all the way to DC. It is relatively flat, old rail trail. Some interesting history in this area, but also lots of traffic and very little shoulder on the roads. In Morristown, Ohio we went through the Jamboree in the Hills, essentially a 4 day redneck woodstock with CW music and over 100,000 people. Lots of wife beater t-shirts and mullets, I guess that's still the style here in the hills. Don't know if we'll have much access from here to DC, but it has been an epic journey. Tomorrow is Kathy and I 29th anniversary, next year she and I go to Alaska for our 30th, by cruise boat!! Thanks, and we'll see you later. John

Middle of Ohio.....

Well, last we talked we (Steve and I) were in Bloomington, Ill. WE stayed the next day over in Normal, Ill. the home of Ill. State University. Had a good trip across the state, weather was very warm and humid. Made it across Indiana in 2 days with a stop in Kokomo. Continuing on we strayed into Ohio and stopped in Bella Fontaine and then to Columbus. Two days ago we went through very hot/humid conditions (heat index was 114), and I was not feeling very well. About 1:30 or 2 in the afternoon we watched a storm roll in from the North. In about 10-15 minutes the temp dropped 25 degrees, wind gusts up to 50 mph, etc. We found shelter in a garage of some nice folks and watched a massive thunder, lightning, rain storm for about 2 hours come over the top of us. Thank God for the kindness of strangers. Yesterday was about as perfect a day of riding as we have had, although Ohio has plenty of hills, it was kind to us. Cooler temps, lower humidity, and a tail wind most of the way. We were cruising at between 15-18 all day. Mind you, this is with loaded bikes. Staying at Ed and Barb's in Westerville overnight last night and today. Ed is Steve's Father in Law. Tomorrow we look to head out toward West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Probably pick up the River trail around Sat or Sun and then on to DC. Have booked our return flights for July 29. Linda Bauer, YES!!!! We did make it to Skyline Chili, thanks for the input. Looks as if we will be winding this up in the next 2 weeks, just hope to find a safe passage to DC and then home. Catch you all later. John

Where's Waldo....John

Well, it has been 7 or 8 days since we last logged in. Then we were in Seward, Nebraska; now we are in Bloomington, Ill. Have had several long days of riding, including a 96 miler yesterday and the day before, we rode 77 miles in the rain, thunder, and lightning. Mostly, the days are very hot and humid. After we left Seward, Nebr. we stayed in the Hotel Fitzgerald in Plattesmouth, Nebr and crossed the flooded Missouri the next morning. Not many options for cross the Missouri as the flooding is quite dramatic and extensive. In Iowa we tried to take US 34 across, but due to flooding, road closures, and being scared worse than I can remember on that highway (no shoulder, high speed trucks, etc.) we traveled south to Iowa Highway 2 and crossed the state that way. Iowa does not believe in shoulders on roadways, roads are very rough on us physically and on the bikes. Hell, they make Nebraska look good. We crossed the Mississippi at Ft. Madison, Iowa. Great cafe and bakery at Ivy's. Interesting little town, very much the Mississippi river town of Huck Finn era. In Iowa we also traveled through Amish country, the carraiges, etc. The farms are all immaculate, maybe we can all learn something about their simplicity and way of life. After crossing into Ill., we traveled on Ill Hiway 9 across the state and thus am now in Bloomington, Ill. Will be taking a day off tomorrow and then hitting the Indiana border the next day. So far we are over 2100 miles, a little over 700 left to go. Has been an adventure but miss Kathy and the family. Will try to keep you abreast of where we are at. John

Last day in Nebraska

We are in Seward, Nebraska taking a day of rest. I sorely need it, just feeling beat up and need a day to recoup. Our last day off was in Casper, Wyoming. The shoulders on the road (US 34) in Nebraska are harsh, very rough, feels like you hit a pot hole every 10-15 feet. Seward is a nice little town, true Americana, looks like you walked onto the set of Back to the Future. People are very pleasant and nice and we actually found at least one beer with some hops to it, limited flavor, kind of a wheat beer. It will do, looking for something more in Iowa. Tomorrow we head to the Nebraska border and hope to cross the Missouri River. Lot's of crossing are closed due to flooding, but we think we can cross over at Plattesmouth, Nebraska and then pick up US 34 again in Iowa. If anyone has any ideas, we are always open, including places to stay. Temps are supposed to go into the high 90's or even exceed 100 tomorrow and the next few days, with humidity. We will try for a very early start in hopes to avoid the real hot. Winds are to kick up to 20-30 mph out of the South, Southeast. Anyway, the adventure continues, we are more 1600 miles into this, a little over 1,000 to go. Take care, John

Adventures with no good beer

Well, tonight we are in Lexington, Nebr. Tomorrow we will stop in Kearney and visit with my brother Don; then on to Grand Island and visit other family there. Grand Island was where I was born. Yesterday we had a good tailwind, but mechanical problems forced us to call a shorter day then we desired and stayed at North Platte, today was a mixture of headwind, sidewind, and rain. 62 miles today. Our search for a good beer in Nebraska continues, and good coffee, and toilets that work on first flush. Other than that, it has been an adventure. The continued amazing thing is the very nice and hospitable people we meet, every day. We are now over half way. In Cozad, Nebr they state they are the 100th Meridian, thus we are now offically in the Eastern half of the US. Weather has been more than interesting, keeping a constant eye on the severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings, so far we have been on the edge of most of them. We get wet and wind, but have not had to seek shelter yet. So.....we continue on, looking forward to the next day!! John

Ogallala, Nebraska, 3 weeks

Well, last we talked we were in Casper, Wyoming. Actually, that was the last place of any good beer, at the WunderBar. I think people moved from Nebraska and Wyoming looking for good beer or good coffee. WE continued our travels along the Oregon Trail, stopped and looked at Ft. Laramie (an amazing place with lots of history), Register Cliff, Wagon Ruts, Chiminey Rock, etc. Seeing all of this from a bicycle gives you a perspective of what the pioneers must have endured, they were amazing. Met up with a couple of men with wagon traveling from St Jo to Oregon City along the trail. Weather has been mixed, some tail winds but also headwinds and hills. Last night lots of thunder, lightning, rain, etc. The rivers are all at flood stage. One of the most amazing aspects is the smell of the prairie grasses and flowers, very sweet, a good time in the midwest. Tonight we are in Ogallala, Nebraska after a 93 mile day. Temps are getting warmer, more humidity. From here we'll continue along the Oregon Trail, now US 30, to North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island, etc. We'll see what holds. Take care and I'll keep in contact as able. So far have been on the road 3 weeks, with 3 days off, and we are about 1/2 way. John

Casper, Wyoming

Well, for those of you who did not get a direct email. We are now in Casper after about 1,058 miles into the trip. Only another 1700 to go, or so. Leaving Cody we traveled to Meeteesee, Wyoming..had some chocolate fromt the Meeteesee Choclateer, he is famous and when you've had some of his goodies, u understand why. The old saloon there was the place that Butch Cassidy was arrested for his first time, it is still an operating saloon, oldest in the state continously, with the same bar still there. We went south and continued all the way to Shoshoni, through the Wind River Canyon which is extremely beautiful and fascinating. Sadly, we got into Shoshoni just after the last motel room was rented out, but a very nice couple, Frank and Kathryn Cooper, put us up for the night. Very gracious and renews your faith in people. We attempted to try the 98 miles to Casper, but after 54 miles of driving rain, wind, and dangerously low visability with high traffic; we got a ride rest of the way to Casper. We were under a storm cell that dropped about .6 inches of rain and was setting off some tornados just to the East of us. On the edge of a storm cell like that is interesting to say the least. Anyway, no purist about having to ride the whole thing. Primary goal is to be safe. By the way, there was also no shelter or areas to escape from along that route. Sadly, all of those little towns on the maps, do not exist anymore. One had a house a barn a dog a horse. Met a man who was walking,jogging across the US to raise awareness and funds for Alzhiemers, talk about dedication, very impressive. We will continue on tomorrow, probably reach Nebraska in two days or so. Want to stop and visit Fort Laramie so that may slow us down. We are on the route of the Oregon Trail at this point, lots of history. Take care until later. John

Happy 60th Birthday

Friends, well, we have made it to Cody, Wyoming. 82 miles today. Total we have covered about 810 miles in the last 13 days, with 2 rest days included. The new bike and panniers work much better than the Pauley and Burley Trailer. Today is my birthday and I wish to thank everyone for their well wishes. Saw lots of Bison and some Bear in Yellowstone, also lots of cars and people. Still a beautiful area, well worth visiting, only next time by car. Think we did the last mountain pass today, 8600 Sylvan Pass (total of about 8 passes through the Rockies). Now we will head across Wyoming toward Meeteesee and Thermopolis, may try to do in one day, but will depend on weather and wind. Have met some great people on the trip, several bicycle riders, that are about half our ages. Seems like every day someone asks if Steve and I are brothers, one today even asked if we were twins. Miss Kathy a lot, also Allie and Dylan, but thankful for their support on this adventure. Talk to you all later. John

Day 10 - West Yellowstone MT

660 miles into the ride. Lots of hills, headwind and bad weather so far. Thunderstorms have delayed us a bit, as have Steve's 4 flat tires and even some snow. Hoping to make it to the other side of Yellowstone park tomorrow. So beautiful out here, but getting very sick of the hills especially at altitude. My son reminded me that very soon I would miss these hills and mountain passes as I ride across the great plains. Lets hope I make it there first!

Decisions??

Sometimes you question yourself about the trials and situations you enter into, yesterday was one of those days, but we decided to take a day off today and am feeling much better. I guess the body is trying to remind me that I turn 60 in 9 days, I am no longer the 20-30 year old. Went to the bike shop here in Hamilton, Montana; great people at Valley Bike, actually bought a new bike. A touring bike, with low gears. My Pauley just could not get any lower gears and we still have plenty more passes to get over. So, have new wheels and gears, will ship the Pauley back home. Tomorrow is a new day!!!!

Day5/6...Hamilton Montana

Well, we made it over the Lolo Pass, the last 6 miles up that thing is quite a challenge pulling a trialer with gear. There is one section for about 2 miles that runs close to 8%; most of it at a 6. Rode 89 miles to Hamilton. Decide to take a day off here, after 5 days of constant riding need to give the legs a break, and get some dry clothes. Have had rain, thunder, lightning, hail, etc. Ok to recoup and get ready for the push over to West Yellowstone. All the rivers are at flood stage in this area, today is Wedensday, day 6, weather prediction for next several days is rain and low temps. Catch you next time. John

Day 3 - Lolo Pass - ID/MT

Tough day today. Lots of hills, as to be expected going through the Rocky mountains. Rode 65 miles. Hoping to go another 75 tomorrow, will be lots of down hill. No room at only motel here so going to sleep on porch. The adventure continues...

Day 2 - Orofino, ID

What a tough day! started out about 30 degrees and ended up being 94 as we rode through Idaho. Nothing like a 14 mile hill to make for tired legs. A shout out to the Kozy Korner Cafe in Deary, ID, was able to meet some great people and fuel up. Steve had 2 flat tires on the 85 mile journey. Staying in a little motel in Orofino, Idaho ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orofino,_Idaho ) preparing to go over Lolo Pass tomorrow, going to be a lot of hills, but the Clearwater national forest will make for some great scenery.

Day 1 - Potlatch, ID

7AM start this morning, rode across the Palouse and made it down to Potlatch, ID for the night around 75 miles for today. $10 a night at a campground, much better deal than the local motels. Steve was "gracious" to say the least in regards to waiting for me to catch up on the road today, we ran into some strong headwinds. Beautiful time of year up here, amazed how green the fields were, but not surprised with all the rain we have had. Grabbing a Beer and going to rest up, hope to go about 90-100 tomorrow and be in the great state of Montana!

New Day tomorrow

Well, it looks as if the weather will even cooperate a little. We are starting off on the journey tomorrow morning nice and early. First day we hope to reach Potlach, Idaho. Expect morning temps in the 40's, raising to mid 60's by afternoon. Weather forcast is for warm weather this weekend with winds moderate (7-10) out of the W, SW. However, forecast for Monday is rather bleek. Will let you know how things go. Oh, my fortune cookie tonight from the Mustard Seed restaraunt, "a Wise time for travel!" See you all on the road. John

Friday, June 3, new start

So, it looks as if we'll get on the road on Friday, June 3.  Looking at the weather for today it looks as if there is  a lot of lightning and thunderstorms in the area where we had planned to stop tonight, maybe Providence or Beth is looking out for us. 

continuing on

After discussion with family, we will continue on with the ride.  Probably start on this Thursday or Friday (June 2 or 3).  We continue with sadness over the loss of Beth, but need to carry forward as that is what she would have also wanted.  Kathy will be spending more time in Portland, as needed, to help with her sister to take care of the many things that need to get done.  Thanks for all the prayers and wishes.  John

Delay

Friends, my trip will be delayed for 1-2 weeks.  Sadly, my mother-in-law, Mary Beth Sutherland passed away today.  We are saddened by the loss of a wonderful and vibrant woman who passed this way for the last 91 years.  She is now painting her beautiful water colors in the heavens.  Beth, may you rest in peace.

1 week to start!!!

Can't forget to mention my good friend Steve that will be joining me for the trip across the US.  Hopefully he won't mind waiting for me too much.  We head off in one week, target for the first day is Potlach, Idaho.  From there we plan to head toward Koskia, Idaho and proceed up and over Lolo Pass to Montana.  Initial indications are for temps in the 40's to low 60's with rain.  This may be our first few days of travel.  Might get colder as we head toward Yellowstone and through the park to Cody, Wyoming.  Gotta get the gear finalized.  How do you dress for Tornados?  Hopefully they will be gone by the time we get into middle of Wyoming and then through Nebraska and Missouri.  John

Nothing new

Ok, it feels a little strange to not have riden this weekend, but maybe I need to have the legs rested before I start next week.  Watching the news about the tornado's across the mid US; hope that all of that is gone before the trip.  At this time, I am expecting a little wet and cold for about the first week or so. Maybe even a little snow over the Rockies and through Yellowstone.

5/22/11 - 9 days until start

In Arizona visiting my son Dylan before I get ready for the 60 day ride across America. Been thinking alot about this, and I am very excited. The hot weather here in Arizona is a small reminder of what I will be facing on my Journey. Returning to Spokane tomorrow to begin packing and mentally preparing.