San Francisco, CA
August 9, 2007
-----------------------------for riders and curious family, friends, acquaintances--------------
Wake up ~ 6am
Approx. 60 mile ride
Arrive Sausalito around 1pm
Regroup and depart Sausalito 1:30ish
Cross bridge 2-2:30pm
Proceed to Vista Point (Bridge Viewing area, see driving directions below)
Proceed to Crissy Fields West Bluff Picnic Area
--dip bikes in ocean
--have reception
Group Dinner : Meet at hotel at 5:30
Group Get-together: Meet at hotel at 8pm (until this time, riders are on their own to take care of showers/transportation/any other activities they need to do)
------------------------------for friends, families, acquaintances-----------------------------
Access to southeast/Vista Point parking lot (Stop #1, for viewing cyclists on the bridge…be here before 2pm, preferably by 1:15-1:30 to ensure parking and just in case we arrive early. There will be plenty of HBC families to meet and get to know in the mean-time!)
This parking area has a range of visitor services, including a café, gift center, gardens and an array of scenic vistas. Parking is metered ($.25 per 15 minutes), with 81 spaces, 3 of which are designated for visitors with disabilities that have disabled placards. There are 5 spaces for tour buses. On weekends and holidays ONLY, additional parking is available in a nearby satellite lot on the southwest side at a rate of $5 per day.
• Traveling south from Marin County: Follow U.S. Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Have exact change ready to pay the $5 toll, collected southbound only. Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting U.S. Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza. Make another immediate right onto the roadway passing underneath the Toll Plaza and directly into the southeast parking lot.
• Traveling north from San Francisco: Take a right at the last San Francisco exit off Highway 101 just before the Toll Plaza. The sign reads "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area". Proceed to the stop sign and turn left into the southeast parking lot.
……look for other HBC friends and family who may already have claimed a picnic area/table……
Directions TO Crissy Fields West Bluffs Picnic Area (stop #2) From Freeway 101 Traveling South or 19th Avenue/Highway One Traveling North: Follow signs for 101 South/Lombard Street. Follow Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue and turn left. Follow Van Ness north until you reach Bay Street and turn left. See "Directions Continued" listed below.
From Freeway 80 Traveling West: Follow signs for Freeway 101 North/Golden Gate Bridge. You will exit onto Van Ness Avenue. Follow Van Ness Avenue several miles north until you reach Bay Street and turn left. See "Directions Continued" listed below.
Directions Continued: Follow Bay Street to Laguna. Turn right on Laguna and follow the road as it curves past the Marina Safeway shopping center and turns into Marina Drive. Follow Marina Drive, approximately two miles to the Marina Gate entrance into the Presidio. Crissy Field will be on the right hand side of the road.
http://www.nps.gov/archive/goga/spug/picnic/p_crisy.htm
Bike shops in San Francisco (for boxing and shipping bikes)
1. Bike Guy Motorcycle Tow (415) 823-3550 222 Clinton Park, San Francisco, CA 0.8 Mi
Driving directions
2. Mike's Bikes (415) 241-2453 1233 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 0.5 Mi
Driving directions
3. Bike & Roll (415) 771-7358 San Francisco, CA 0.9 Mi
Driving directions
Things we need for reception (located at Crissy Fields Bluffs, stop #2)
…I am happy to inform you that many of your children may have volunteered you to bring a few things for our reception tomorrow. If you are not on this list and would like to contribute something, please go right ahead, anything and everything will be greatly appreciated. You can either drop off your things at our picnic area (stop #2) and then go to the Golden Gate viewing area, are you can simply bring your food/other things to the picnic area after we cross the bridge.
--small foods (like small sandwiches, fried chicken …) (colin, anyone else?? )
--salad (….??)
--vegetable dish (claire, sam,
--sodas/other drinks (francis, ben
--champagne (andy)
--plates/plastic utensils/cups/napkins (ali…?)
--chips/crackers/pretzels and other finger foods (beth, chris…?)
--dessert foods (sara…?)
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Sunday, July 1, 2007
DAY THIRTY: Camdenton, MO
July 1, 2007
Vienna, MO to Camdenton, MO
~60 miles
By Miriam Jacobs and Sara Barz
We started the morning of wih a lovely Breakfast of Biscuits, eggs and sasuage courtesy of the first Baptist church of Vienna. Thank you to the congregation of said church and especially to Ashlyn for her help with bag zipping. As sweeps for the day, we had a leisurely start this morning. We pumped our tires, cleaned the trailer, socialized with the church folk, took pictures in front of the church sign – basically anything to stall the day’s ride. Finally, Steven (van driver for the day) nudged us out of the parking lot and we were unleashed on the hills of the Ozarks.
The morning ride included lots and lots of hills, but essentially it was fairly uneventfully until we came across Andy, Gizmo, Liz and Bertoli trying to barter with a local family for a ridiculously cute and rambunctious blond puppy. Eventually, the family turned down the offer (Marshmellow
[....this is not yet finished...]
Off roading
The sketchy Bridge
More gravel dirt biking
Vienna, MO to Camdenton, MO
~60 miles
By Miriam Jacobs and Sara Barz
We started the morning of wih a lovely Breakfast of Biscuits, eggs and sasuage courtesy of the first Baptist church of Vienna. Thank you to the congregation of said church and especially to Ashlyn for her help with bag zipping. As sweeps for the day, we had a leisurely start this morning. We pumped our tires, cleaned the trailer, socialized with the church folk, took pictures in front of the church sign – basically anything to stall the day’s ride. Finally, Steven (van driver for the day) nudged us out of the parking lot and we were unleashed on the hills of the Ozarks.
The morning ride included lots and lots of hills, but essentially it was fairly uneventfully until we came across Andy, Gizmo, Liz and Bertoli trying to barter with a local family for a ridiculously cute and rambunctious blond puppy. Eventually, the family turned down the offer (Marshmellow
[....this is not yet finished...]
Off roading
The sketchy Bridge
More gravel dirt biking
Saturday, June 30, 2007
DAY TWENTY-NINE: Vienna, MO
June 30, 2007
New Haven, MO to Vienna, MO
~62 miles
fording the river, rain, pizza house
New Haven, MO to Vienna, MO
~62 miles
fording the river, rain, pizza house
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT: New Haven, MO
June 29, 2007
St. Louis, MO to New Haven, MO
~75 miles
By Steven Felix
lost, through ozarks, mexican food, fire station, rain, man with floor pump
Today’s forecast: Rain. (that’s it, just, rain).
And guess what….that’s what it did! The ride was hillier than expected. Especially in comparison to the pancake-flat day into St. Louis.
The ride was pretty scenic, though, with MANY detours, adding miles here and there. Due to an unexpected split in people taking different roads, he van had to service two lunch spots. At the second stop, a few of us decided to ride on ahead to find a diner or something. So Andy, Sam, Lisa, Miriam, and I forged ahead. We even walked over a 50 yard stretch of mud and rock in order to avoid having to take a detour past road construction. Bikes and bodies sufficiently crusted with thick mud, we had to ask the fire-station if we could borrow a hose to wash off the caked on mud from our wheels, deraillers, etc.
Back on the bike, we found our way to Washington, MO where we stopped at Chico's Authentic Mexican FOod. ....burritos grandes, enchiladas, chile rillenos, and of course chips and salsa were the order of the day. oh and we can't forget the delicious fried ice cream. Filled to our hearts content, we easily pedaled the last 12 miles into New Haven, where we were greeted by a great water tower reading, "New Haven". Simple, i know.
Showers dinner etc. Some riders chose to watch the Boondock Saints on a projector screen. Me? i fell asleep at 8:30. Sleep is a commodity around these parts.
St. Louis, MO to New Haven, MO
~75 miles
By Steven Felix
lost, through ozarks, mexican food, fire station, rain, man with floor pump
Today’s forecast: Rain. (that’s it, just, rain).
And guess what….that’s what it did! The ride was hillier than expected. Especially in comparison to the pancake-flat day into St. Louis.
The ride was pretty scenic, though, with MANY detours, adding miles here and there. Due to an unexpected split in people taking different roads, he van had to service two lunch spots. At the second stop, a few of us decided to ride on ahead to find a diner or something. So Andy, Sam, Lisa, Miriam, and I forged ahead. We even walked over a 50 yard stretch of mud and rock in order to avoid having to take a detour past road construction. Bikes and bodies sufficiently crusted with thick mud, we had to ask the fire-station if we could borrow a hose to wash off the caked on mud from our wheels, deraillers, etc.
Back on the bike, we found our way to Washington, MO where we stopped at Chico's Authentic Mexican FOod. ....burritos grandes, enchiladas, chile rillenos, and of course chips and salsa were the order of the day. oh and we can't forget the delicious fried ice cream. Filled to our hearts content, we easily pedaled the last 12 miles into New Haven, where we were greeted by a great water tower reading, "New Haven". Simple, i know.
Showers dinner etc. Some riders chose to watch the Boondock Saints on a projector screen. Me? i fell asleep at 8:30. Sleep is a commodity around these parts.
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN: St. Louis, MO
June 28th
St. Louis, MO
Today's forecast: pouring rain, mostly, with dry spots
Today was our first day off. We had a late morning with a 8-8:30 wake up time. Many of us walked down to a local diner and had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, toast, bagels, waffles, bacon, and a few other great things that people ordered.
Then about 15 of us drove down to the Anheuser Busch brewery for a tour of their main facility. We saw the Clydesdales, and each of the 3 steps of the beer brewing process. We also learned some important information about the fresh, high quality taste of Budweiser beer, and also about the company's time-honored tradition.
It was especially fun exploring the gift shop. Someone even put on a Budweiser bathing suit!
Afterwards, we stopped at Steak n Shake for a delicious shakes, and then some went to the zoo and others to the science center. Apparently there were some awesome penguins and a bonking-rhino. :-/
Again, a great dinner provided by the Habitat chapter. Afterwards some visited the Arch and got some awesome pictures of the city from the "pod" that goes up the arch.
Others visited the Lion King, showing at the Fox Theater across the street. Meanwhile Miriam attemptep to dread-lock her hair with Ali.
St. Louis, MO
Today's forecast: pouring rain, mostly, with dry spots
Today was our first day off. We had a late morning with a 8-8:30 wake up time. Many of us walked down to a local diner and had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, toast, bagels, waffles, bacon, and a few other great things that people ordered.
Then about 15 of us drove down to the Anheuser Busch brewery for a tour of their main facility. We saw the Clydesdales, and each of the 3 steps of the beer brewing process. We also learned some important information about the fresh, high quality taste of Budweiser beer, and also about the company's time-honored tradition.
It was especially fun exploring the gift shop. Someone even put on a Budweiser bathing suit!
Afterwards, we stopped at Steak n Shake for a delicious shakes, and then some went to the zoo and others to the science center. Apparently there were some awesome penguins and a bonking-rhino. :-/
Again, a great dinner provided by the Habitat chapter. Afterwards some visited the Arch and got some awesome pictures of the city from the "pod" that goes up the arch.
Others visited the Lion King, showing at the Fox Theater across the street. Meanwhile Miriam attemptep to dread-lock her hair with Ali.
DAY TWENTY-SIX: St. Louis, MO
June 27, 2007
Chester, IL to St. Louis, MO
~65 miles
Today’s forecast: Sunny in the morning with a chance of rain later
A simple breakfast bagels, cream cheese, cereal, etc.
The thought of reaching St. Louis certainly excited and motivated everyone today. With only one small directional issue (a missed street), the route was pretty solid. Mostly flat roads.
The first highlight of the day was riding alongside a few enormous mines. It was a sudden shock that each of us experienced as we were hit by 50 degree gusts of cold air flowing from the openings in the rock face beside the road. Liz and I decided to venture into one square opening in the mine. As we walked deeper and deeper into the cold, misty, pitch-black mine, we began to feel as if we were in Lord of the Rings, walking into a endless abyss. After hearing some weird sounds, our curiosity was satisfied and retraced our steps back to the mouth of the mine.
Back on the bike, lunch wasn’t too far away.
But, without question, the best part of the day was entering East St. Louis (ironically), because as we reached the peak of the bridge, we each caught our first glimpse of the St. Louis Arch. And after crossing the Mississippi River via Eeds bridge, it was official, we had reached the “West.”
We stayed in the GIGANTIC Third Baptist Church, where we were ate with community members at their weekly cafeteria-style dinner (right before choir practice and other meetings).
Ben and Morgen took over the slide-show, and they were a great team, informing and entertaining everyone.]
Chester, IL to St. Louis, MO
~65 miles
Today’s forecast: Sunny in the morning with a chance of rain later
A simple breakfast bagels, cream cheese, cereal, etc.
The thought of reaching St. Louis certainly excited and motivated everyone today. With only one small directional issue (a missed street), the route was pretty solid. Mostly flat roads.
The first highlight of the day was riding alongside a few enormous mines. It was a sudden shock that each of us experienced as we were hit by 50 degree gusts of cold air flowing from the openings in the rock face beside the road. Liz and I decided to venture into one square opening in the mine. As we walked deeper and deeper into the cold, misty, pitch-black mine, we began to feel as if we were in Lord of the Rings, walking into a endless abyss. After hearing some weird sounds, our curiosity was satisfied and retraced our steps back to the mouth of the mine.
Back on the bike, lunch wasn’t too far away.
But, without question, the best part of the day was entering East St. Louis (ironically), because as we reached the peak of the bridge, we each caught our first glimpse of the St. Louis Arch. And after crossing the Mississippi River via Eeds bridge, it was official, we had reached the “West.”
We stayed in the GIGANTIC Third Baptist Church, where we were ate with community members at their weekly cafeteria-style dinner (right before choir practice and other meetings).
Ben and Morgen took over the slide-show, and they were a great team, informing and entertaining everyone.]
DAY TWENTY-FIVE: CHESTER, IL
June 26, 2007
Thompsonville, IL to Chester, IL
~65 miles
rain, lightening, thunder. ben's lost pack. lunch in the parking lot, hot day. supposed to camp, stayed in a basketball court, home-made dinner of mexican food, home of popeye ....
Thompsonville, IL to Chester, IL
~65 miles
rain, lightening, thunder. ben's lost pack. lunch in the parking lot, hot day. supposed to camp, stayed in a basketball court, home-made dinner of mexican food, home of popeye ....
DAY TWENTY-FOUR: Thompsonville, IN
June 25, 2007
New Harmony, IN to Thompsonville, IL
~70 miles
by Beth Ogata
Those of us who thought we had signed up for a road biking trip across the
country were a bit surprised after a day of conquering treacherous gravel
roads. Indeed, after leaving the utopia of New Harmony we should have
expected the adventures that were to come. The sky opened up and dumped
oceans of rain upon us, washing away our chalk arrow marks and turning our
printed directions into a small ball of mush. Yet, we were in high spirits
and several of us had water fights with our water bottles (yes, quite
pointless). We then found a sign for the road we were supposed to go down,
and, naturally, we turned onto it. After over an hour of yelping in pain
and screaming in fear as we bumped and fishtailed our way forward, our
wise Emma decided to call the van. We had gone the wrong way. Apparently
the street sign we had seen was rotated 90 degrees. Fortunately, that
gravel road made the next gravel road we encountered after lunch feel like
a freshly paved road. Everyone lived to tell the tale of this epic day.
(added by Steven Felix)
We were also treated to dinner at Triple "E"'s BBQ house where people ordered ribs, steaks, baked potatoes, taco salads, and many other delicous HBC rarities.
And HBC also experienced its first naked mile, courtesy of Mr. Pants and Charley (yes, the unicorn).
New Harmony, IN to Thompsonville, IL
~70 miles
by Beth Ogata
Those of us who thought we had signed up for a road biking trip across the
country were a bit surprised after a day of conquering treacherous gravel
roads. Indeed, after leaving the utopia of New Harmony we should have
expected the adventures that were to come. The sky opened up and dumped
oceans of rain upon us, washing away our chalk arrow marks and turning our
printed directions into a small ball of mush. Yet, we were in high spirits
and several of us had water fights with our water bottles (yes, quite
pointless). We then found a sign for the road we were supposed to go down,
and, naturally, we turned onto it. After over an hour of yelping in pain
and screaming in fear as we bumped and fishtailed our way forward, our
wise Emma decided to call the van. We had gone the wrong way. Apparently
the street sign we had seen was rotated 90 degrees. Fortunately, that
gravel road made the next gravel road we encountered after lunch feel like
a freshly paved road. Everyone lived to tell the tale of this epic day.
(added by Steven Felix)
We were also treated to dinner at Triple "E"'s BBQ house where people ordered ribs, steaks, baked potatoes, taco salads, and many other delicous HBC rarities.
And HBC also experienced its first naked mile, courtesy of Mr. Pants and Charley (yes, the unicorn).
DAY TWENTY-THREE: New Harmony, IN
June 24, 2007
St. Meinrad, IN to New Harmony, IN
~75 miles
By Steven Felix
Today’s forecast: cloudy with a chance of rain
First of all, my apologies for taking over the next few days of blogging, but it’s hard to motivate people to do the blog. And it’s easier to do it myself than to beg someone else to.
The day began a bit humid, as we awoke on the porch of the abbey, some of us more mosquito bit than others. I rode sweep with Colin. Having left about 30 minutes after the last group, we fortunately did not catch any of the other riders along the way (except at lunch). But due to the light rain and the already wet roads, everyone’s feet were soaked within the first 20 minutes. And if you have never had the wonderful experience of having absolutely soaked shoes/socks for 4-5 hours….spare yourself.
The roads were mildly hilly, mostly short, gradually inclined, which made for a fairly leisurely day. Lunch was at a closed gas station/mini-mart, under it’s awning in order to avoid getting even more soaked.
Unfortunately Sam had a small accident, sliding out while going over some slick train tracks. A bit shaken up, he chose to ride the rest of the day in the van.
The day turned out to be beautiful with the sun coming out to say ‘hello,’ and some gentle winds to push us towards New Harmony. Then about 9 miles out of New Harmony, Colin and I approached chalking reading: “Playing in the corn, *insert intials here*. Well, needless to say, we had to seize the opportunity for a practical joke. So Colin and I found these rascal’s bikes and hid them in a different spot in the corn fields. About five minutes later we came upon them, sullen faced and preparing to go speak with the owner of the farm, who they thought confiscated their bikes. Just as they were about to knock on the door, though, we had to let them in on our little prank. And I must say, they took it very well.
New Harmony was absolutely wonderful. So wonderful that I will let someone else have the honor of describing our hosts and their town.
St. Meinrad, IN to New Harmony, IN
~75 miles
By Steven Felix
Today’s forecast: cloudy with a chance of rain
First of all, my apologies for taking over the next few days of blogging, but it’s hard to motivate people to do the blog. And it’s easier to do it myself than to beg someone else to.
The day began a bit humid, as we awoke on the porch of the abbey, some of us more mosquito bit than others. I rode sweep with Colin. Having left about 30 minutes after the last group, we fortunately did not catch any of the other riders along the way (except at lunch). But due to the light rain and the already wet roads, everyone’s feet were soaked within the first 20 minutes. And if you have never had the wonderful experience of having absolutely soaked shoes/socks for 4-5 hours….spare yourself.
The roads were mildly hilly, mostly short, gradually inclined, which made for a fairly leisurely day. Lunch was at a closed gas station/mini-mart, under it’s awning in order to avoid getting even more soaked.
Unfortunately Sam had a small accident, sliding out while going over some slick train tracks. A bit shaken up, he chose to ride the rest of the day in the van.
The day turned out to be beautiful with the sun coming out to say ‘hello,’ and some gentle winds to push us towards New Harmony. Then about 9 miles out of New Harmony, Colin and I approached chalking reading: “Playing in the corn, *insert intials here*. Well, needless to say, we had to seize the opportunity for a practical joke. So Colin and I found these rascal’s bikes and hid them in a different spot in the corn fields. About five minutes later we came upon them, sullen faced and preparing to go speak with the owner of the farm, who they thought confiscated their bikes. Just as they were about to knock on the door, though, we had to let them in on our little prank. And I must say, they took it very well.
New Harmony was absolutely wonderful. So wonderful that I will let someone else have the honor of describing our hosts and their town.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
DAY TWENTY: Shelbyville, KY
June 21, 2007
Lexington, KY to Shelbyville, KY
~65 miles
by Sara Barz
To this Yankee girl, Kentucky is all horse farms and bourbon. During our ride today from Lexington to Shelbyville we had the distinct pleasure of experiencing both in abundance.
Outside of the city of Lexington, horse farms sprawl for acres. It's probably one of the only places on earth where one can see many million dollar horses within a 10 mile radius all from the safety of one's bicycle (or car if that's your thing). Thus to leave Lexington we had to ride through about 25 miles of rolling hills, 70 degree sunny weather, and pure horse country.
For the duration of the morning the group essentially rode as a pack directly to a bourbon distillery (a matter of priorities). The Woodford Distillery in fact, which according to our extremely enthusiastic tour guide produces the best whiskey, bourbon, spirit, alcohol, beverage, etc. in the whole world. For all the bourbon connoisseurs reading this blog, what separates Woodford bourbon from the rest is it's time spent in a conical still, 7.1 years in a toasted barrel (as opposed to the standard charred), and 72% Kentucky home grown crown. Not being a bourbon drinker myself, all of these qualities were lost on me when we finally had our chance to try the prized liquid. To me it was just spicey, but for interested parties (hi Dad!) I promise I tried to revere it as best I could.
The afternoon took a much more leisurely pace. After a long lunch break Reuben, Lisa, Ben, Steven, Andy, Sam, and I took a quick dip in a river. Unfortunately, the experience was cut short by an angry local who did not like that we were using his boat as a springboard into said river. Sam and Steven also took a side trip to some caves just outside of Frankfort, but were chased out by an unhappy old man brandishing a large stick and two large barking dogs.
Tonight Shelbyville hosts the Shelby County Fair to which many HBCers have visited already. We are also very much looking forward to a late start tomorrow for our short 25 mile trip to Louisville.
Thank you to all our host families for wonderful homestays in Lexington!
Lexington, KY to Shelbyville, KY
~65 miles
by Sara Barz
To this Yankee girl, Kentucky is all horse farms and bourbon. During our ride today from Lexington to Shelbyville we had the distinct pleasure of experiencing both in abundance.
Outside of the city of Lexington, horse farms sprawl for acres. It's probably one of the only places on earth where one can see many million dollar horses within a 10 mile radius all from the safety of one's bicycle (or car if that's your thing). Thus to leave Lexington we had to ride through about 25 miles of rolling hills, 70 degree sunny weather, and pure horse country.
For the duration of the morning the group essentially rode as a pack directly to a bourbon distillery (a matter of priorities). The Woodford Distillery in fact, which according to our extremely enthusiastic tour guide produces the best whiskey, bourbon, spirit, alcohol, beverage, etc. in the whole world. For all the bourbon connoisseurs reading this blog, what separates Woodford bourbon from the rest is it's time spent in a conical still, 7.1 years in a toasted barrel (as opposed to the standard charred), and 72% Kentucky home grown crown. Not being a bourbon drinker myself, all of these qualities were lost on me when we finally had our chance to try the prized liquid. To me it was just spicey, but for interested parties (hi Dad!) I promise I tried to revere it as best I could.
The afternoon took a much more leisurely pace. After a long lunch break Reuben, Lisa, Ben, Steven, Andy, Sam, and I took a quick dip in a river. Unfortunately, the experience was cut short by an angry local who did not like that we were using his boat as a springboard into said river. Sam and Steven also took a side trip to some caves just outside of Frankfort, but were chased out by an unhappy old man brandishing a large stick and two large barking dogs.
Tonight Shelbyville hosts the Shelby County Fair to which many HBCers have visited already. We are also very much looking forward to a late start tomorrow for our short 25 mile trip to Louisville.
Thank you to all our host families for wonderful homestays in Lexington!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
DAY SIXTEEN: Louisa, KY
June 17, 2007
Hurricane, WV to Louisa, KY
64 miles
by Chris Gombeski
Today promised a new state border, and it didn't disappoint, though it did keep us waiting for a long while. After an early start in Hurricane, WV, we made it through the heat into Kentucky and put another 64 miles behind us.
Colin and I held down the fort as Sweep for the day, and our morning was relatively uneventful. Among the highlights I'd include our passing a sign that promised goats, cows, and lawn mowers for sale outside one home. We saw few other riders until we crested a steep hill that we were warned to take slow. Ben was waiting with Miriam halfway down. She had skidded off the road on a real sharp turn. The van wasn't in the immediate vicinity, so a family that lived nearby put Ben and Miriam in their truck and drove them down a little ways until Andy met up with them and took Miriam to the hospital.
Lunch wasn't far off, at Beech Fork State Park. We made it there by about 11:30, and the rest of the pack was well ahead of us. Afterwards, we coasted up a few more hills with nary a border in sight. Luckily, we did come across some nice folks who were willing to let five people crazy enough to bike across the country dip themselves in their pool to escape the 90-degree heat. With the cool water clinging to us, we were able to make it to mile 63 and across the bridge connecting West Virginia and Kentucky (and snapped photos at both the Welcome to WV and Welcome to Kentucky signs for good measure).
In all, it was a momentous day that made 64 miles feel like a short jaunt, where not a single rider had the misfortune to get a flat tire (our first such occurrence), and where short roadside breaks weren't just used to grab a swig of water but also to call home on Father's Day.
Now on to Kentucky.
Hurricane, WV to Louisa, KY
64 miles
by Chris Gombeski
Today promised a new state border, and it didn't disappoint, though it did keep us waiting for a long while. After an early start in Hurricane, WV, we made it through the heat into Kentucky and put another 64 miles behind us.
Colin and I held down the fort as Sweep for the day, and our morning was relatively uneventful. Among the highlights I'd include our passing a sign that promised goats, cows, and lawn mowers for sale outside one home. We saw few other riders until we crested a steep hill that we were warned to take slow. Ben was waiting with Miriam halfway down. She had skidded off the road on a real sharp turn. The van wasn't in the immediate vicinity, so a family that lived nearby put Ben and Miriam in their truck and drove them down a little ways until Andy met up with them and took Miriam to the hospital.
Lunch wasn't far off, at Beech Fork State Park. We made it there by about 11:30, and the rest of the pack was well ahead of us. Afterwards, we coasted up a few more hills with nary a border in sight. Luckily, we did come across some nice folks who were willing to let five people crazy enough to bike across the country dip themselves in their pool to escape the 90-degree heat. With the cool water clinging to us, we were able to make it to mile 63 and across the bridge connecting West Virginia and Kentucky (and snapped photos at both the Welcome to WV and Welcome to Kentucky signs for good measure).
In all, it was a momentous day that made 64 miles feel like a short jaunt, where not a single rider had the misfortune to get a flat tire (our first such occurrence), and where short roadside breaks weren't just used to grab a swig of water but also to call home on Father's Day.
Now on to Kentucky.
DAY FIFTEEN: Huricane, WV
June 16, 2007
Spencer, WV to Hurricane, WV
(originally) 62 miles
(actually) 68 miles
by Steven Felix
So, as has been the motto, generally, for HBC in the past 4 weeks, "It just would have been too easy!"
Today started out wonderfully, as everyone woke up from a great night's sleep on real mattresses on fairly plush cabins at the Spring Heights Education Center (it is a huge site used for Methodist summer camps, retreats, meetings, etc. perched atop a beautiful hill in West Virginia, just outisde spencer). We did the usual routine, and had a simple breakfast of cereal and muffins. Then we shuttled in two trips from the top of the hill (more like a mountain) down to the Memorial United Methodist Church (where our bikes spent the night). THose of us in the van attempted to find a cup of coffee at a cafe but were dismayed to find that the cafe was closed on Saturday. So we trudged back up to the van and got on our way.
The first difficulty of the day occurred when CR 13 and CR 15 forked. All of the riders would soon know this fork as "the turn with the dogs." Two dogs would chase each rider down the road as they passed by. Unfortunately, due to some confusion the right turn was not chalked. It wasn't for another 20 minutes, however, that we (the second group of riders, and me, claire, and nick in the van) figured out which was the right road (darn those unmarked West Virginia roads!). After driving down the incorrect road a few miles to tell sweep (the last group) that they had gone the wrong way, we got back on track, only two find an incorrectly chalked turn! And thus began the 6 mile detour along Jone's Ridge. Though this detour was quite beautiful, the riders had a tough time going up and down the steep, rolling hills. In the van, Claire and I frantically tried to account for each rider and determine where the h*ll in West Virginia they were. To top it off, there was no cell phone service, so our phones were rendered useless. I did, however, receive a call from Chris, who told me that they had travelled straighed at the "turn with the dogs" and had walked 1.5 miles on a dirt road before they realized they were not headed the right way. Long story short, we got all the riders back on the right route, and the van caught up with Beth, Emma, and Pat, who found us a nice lunch spot at a Post Office parking lot.
I left the trailer and rushed backwards to find chris, dan, morgen, and andrea. Once found, hydrated, and fed, i left them and returned to lunch, where we dealt with a number of issues, including Ben's loose axel on his rear wheel, Corey's frayed front derailleur cable, Reuben's road rash after having an accident on a sharp turn down a steep hill, Andrea's bent rim after a little crash at the bottom of the hill, and....that might be it. AFter loading up the van with 6 people, we finally got underway to our final destination, Hurricane, WV.
Once in Hurricane, AC Chapman took wonderful care of us. He knew almost everybody's name, just based on our profiles on the website!!! THey fed us well, lasagna, meatballs, salad, brownies, and icecream. We also had a few interviews with the newspaper and with a local news station (which Andy will be featured on). THen we had a great town hall meeting, and we each separated to do our own thing. I small group actually went to a local carnival that was in town. Surprise, surprise, Corey won the 'strong man' competition, and won a plastic, inflatable hammer, which he plans on using at all of the habitat builds in the future. Laundry done, and the riders all together again, we resigned to our thermarests for the night.
Spencer, WV to Hurricane, WV
(originally) 62 miles
(actually) 68 miles
by Steven Felix
So, as has been the motto, generally, for HBC in the past 4 weeks, "It just would have been too easy!"
Today started out wonderfully, as everyone woke up from a great night's sleep on real mattresses on fairly plush cabins at the Spring Heights Education Center (it is a huge site used for Methodist summer camps, retreats, meetings, etc. perched atop a beautiful hill in West Virginia, just outisde spencer). We did the usual routine, and had a simple breakfast of cereal and muffins. Then we shuttled in two trips from the top of the hill (more like a mountain) down to the Memorial United Methodist Church (where our bikes spent the night). THose of us in the van attempted to find a cup of coffee at a cafe but were dismayed to find that the cafe was closed on Saturday. So we trudged back up to the van and got on our way.
The first difficulty of the day occurred when CR 13 and CR 15 forked. All of the riders would soon know this fork as "the turn with the dogs." Two dogs would chase each rider down the road as they passed by. Unfortunately, due to some confusion the right turn was not chalked. It wasn't for another 20 minutes, however, that we (the second group of riders, and me, claire, and nick in the van) figured out which was the right road (darn those unmarked West Virginia roads!). After driving down the incorrect road a few miles to tell sweep (the last group) that they had gone the wrong way, we got back on track, only two find an incorrectly chalked turn! And thus began the 6 mile detour along Jone's Ridge. Though this detour was quite beautiful, the riders had a tough time going up and down the steep, rolling hills. In the van, Claire and I frantically tried to account for each rider and determine where the h*ll in West Virginia they were. To top it off, there was no cell phone service, so our phones were rendered useless. I did, however, receive a call from Chris, who told me that they had travelled straighed at the "turn with the dogs" and had walked 1.5 miles on a dirt road before they realized they were not headed the right way. Long story short, we got all the riders back on the right route, and the van caught up with Beth, Emma, and Pat, who found us a nice lunch spot at a Post Office parking lot.
I left the trailer and rushed backwards to find chris, dan, morgen, and andrea. Once found, hydrated, and fed, i left them and returned to lunch, where we dealt with a number of issues, including Ben's loose axel on his rear wheel, Corey's frayed front derailleur cable, Reuben's road rash after having an accident on a sharp turn down a steep hill, Andrea's bent rim after a little crash at the bottom of the hill, and....that might be it. AFter loading up the van with 6 people, we finally got underway to our final destination, Hurricane, WV.
Once in Hurricane, AC Chapman took wonderful care of us. He knew almost everybody's name, just based on our profiles on the website!!! THey fed us well, lasagna, meatballs, salad, brownies, and icecream. We also had a few interviews with the newspaper and with a local news station (which Andy will be featured on). THen we had a great town hall meeting, and we each separated to do our own thing. I small group actually went to a local carnival that was in town. Surprise, surprise, Corey won the 'strong man' competition, and won a plastic, inflatable hammer, which he plans on using at all of the habitat builds in the future. Laundry done, and the riders all together again, we resigned to our thermarests for the night.
DAY FOURTEEN: Spencer, WV
June 15, 2007
West Union, WV to Spencer, WV
~80 miles
by Francis Lynch
Today, like every other day, was a good day. After another early morning, the pastor's wife pleasantly surprised us with homemade egg sandwiches. Needless to say, I snuck an extra one from the breakfast buffet. We rode to the our nex rails to trails bike trail where we cruised past the civilians with huge tires it was intended for. The tunnels provided us with new scares, not accomodating our sunglasses.
After the bike trail we hit the West Virginia backroads, riding the ripples of the Appalachian mountains. Some of those ripples provided steep enough terrain to cause a leader fall, but Andy pushed on as strong-willed as usual. Bike partner, Corey, sea- anchored with his usual flat tires, but the riders pushed on.
Eventually we met Spencer and two nice churches which provided us with a wonderful dinner and accomodations at their beautiful wilderness camp complete with a swimming pool and log cabins. Hurricane awaits us.
West Union, WV to Spencer, WV
~80 miles
by Francis Lynch
Today, like every other day, was a good day. After another early morning, the pastor's wife pleasantly surprised us with homemade egg sandwiches. Needless to say, I snuck an extra one from the breakfast buffet. We rode to the our nex rails to trails bike trail where we cruised past the civilians with huge tires it was intended for. The tunnels provided us with new scares, not accomodating our sunglasses.
After the bike trail we hit the West Virginia backroads, riding the ripples of the Appalachian mountains. Some of those ripples provided steep enough terrain to cause a leader fall, but Andy pushed on as strong-willed as usual. Bike partner, Corey, sea- anchored with his usual flat tires, but the riders pushed on.
Eventually we met Spencer and two nice churches which provided us with a wonderful dinner and accomodations at their beautiful wilderness camp complete with a swimming pool and log cabins. Hurricane awaits us.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
DAY ELEVEN: Morgantown, PA
June 12, 2007
Uniontown, PA to Morgantown, PA
24 miles sort of
by Morgen Goepel
Today was meant to be a day for "active recovery" according to Steven but we gladly exchanged it for the opportunity to visit and tour Falling Water--the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This is one of those famous locations I had heard about starting in elementary school but was not able to fully appreciate until we were actually on site--it was therefore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (this trip seems to be full of such adventures). Andy arranged a system of bus-shuttling to get our entire group to the museum and we began joining the tours (which normally require prior arrangements being made). The house was built in the late 1930's though looks far more modern than that. It has access to the stream running underneath it from inside and is situated on top of waterfall in the woods of southern Pennslyvania. The art work inside is equally historical and dates back to ancient Greece. Sadly, photography was not permitted inside the house though we made up for it outside. I highly recommened visiting this site to anyone--you do not have to be an architecture major to appreciate it. What an incredible experience...
The day progressed and we slowly realized that in order to make it to the church on time, we would either have to suddenly greatly improve in our biking abilities and speed, as well as insure that there would be NO flat tires, or we would have to shuttle to the next town via the van. It did not seem reasonable to assume we had all become Lance Armstrong so quickly and thus the shuttling process began.
The church in the confusing city of Morgantown was actually just a meeting space not currently employed by any congregation. Despite that, they did have a big room to sleep in, an ample supply of mattresses, and some very warm and welcoming community members who generously prepared dinner, dessert, and supplied us with money for breakfast. We had the opportunity to mingle with our hosts and thus learned of a rails-to-trails bike path which would carry us into the next county. Again full and content, we relaxed, unpacked a bit, took care of our bikes, and proceeded to spend a little bit more quality time together (that may or may not have involved some gladiatorial battles) and rested up for the build the next morning.
THE BUILD...for the build we split up between two sites..some of landscaped while others worked on some earlier stages of construction...lunch at the Black Bear Burrito joint and then some post card shopping, errands and dinner filled up our bicycle-free day.
Back on the bikes tomorrow!
Uniontown, PA to Morgantown, PA
24 miles sort of
by Morgen Goepel
Today was meant to be a day for "active recovery" according to Steven but we gladly exchanged it for the opportunity to visit and tour Falling Water--the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This is one of those famous locations I had heard about starting in elementary school but was not able to fully appreciate until we were actually on site--it was therefore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (this trip seems to be full of such adventures). Andy arranged a system of bus-shuttling to get our entire group to the museum and we began joining the tours (which normally require prior arrangements being made). The house was built in the late 1930's though looks far more modern than that. It has access to the stream running underneath it from inside and is situated on top of waterfall in the woods of southern Pennslyvania. The art work inside is equally historical and dates back to ancient Greece. Sadly, photography was not permitted inside the house though we made up for it outside. I highly recommened visiting this site to anyone--you do not have to be an architecture major to appreciate it. What an incredible experience...
The day progressed and we slowly realized that in order to make it to the church on time, we would either have to suddenly greatly improve in our biking abilities and speed, as well as insure that there would be NO flat tires, or we would have to shuttle to the next town via the van. It did not seem reasonable to assume we had all become Lance Armstrong so quickly and thus the shuttling process began.
The church in the confusing city of Morgantown was actually just a meeting space not currently employed by any congregation. Despite that, they did have a big room to sleep in, an ample supply of mattresses, and some very warm and welcoming community members who generously prepared dinner, dessert, and supplied us with money for breakfast. We had the opportunity to mingle with our hosts and thus learned of a rails-to-trails bike path which would carry us into the next county. Again full and content, we relaxed, unpacked a bit, took care of our bikes, and proceeded to spend a little bit more quality time together (that may or may not have involved some gladiatorial battles) and rested up for the build the next morning.
THE BUILD...for the build we split up between two sites..some of landscaped while others worked on some earlier stages of construction...lunch at the Black Bear Burrito joint and then some post card shopping, errands and dinner filled up our bicycle-free day.
Back on the bikes tomorrow!
DAY TEN: Uniontown, PA
June 11, 2007
Johnstown, PA to Uniontown, PA
63 Miles
by Collin Campbell
We had a great start to the day. The First Presbyterian Church of Johnstown provided us with a delicious egg and sausage breakfast. Despite battered bodies and extremely sore legs, we were optimistic about the day. Sam Gutner proposed an alternative method to climbing a hill out of the valley that was Johnstown. A tram, the only tourist attraction in Johnstown, was the easy way up. The tram opened especially early to get us up the mountain—we’re that sweet. Apparently it is the steepest vehicular incline in the world—a 71% grade.
The view from the tram was great—a beautiful look over a small city. Unfortunately the top of the tram ride was not that as far up the mountain as we would’ve liked. We still had an incredible amount of climbing to get out of the city. By mile 8 we were at an elevation of 2744 feet. By this point I was ready, for the third time in two days, to kill Steven Felix, the man responsible for the route. He gets sadistic pleasure out of watching us struggle. We continued through pretty quiet roads, and across the ubiquitous rolling hills.
We had a nice lunch at about mile 40. I’ve come to be a big fan of Sam’s sandwich. Ranch, cheese (anything works), peanut butter and jelly all in one sandwich. Though it does not sound particularly appealing, it is filling and complete. I think Sam and I are the only fans—don’t worry, converts will come.
The final ride into Uniontown was not as spectacular as the sandwich. It included a 10-mile ride along an extremely busy 4-lane truck route. Unfortunately we go back out the same way tomorrow.
Diner was provided by Uniontown’s extremely generous Third Presbyterian Church. It included spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna and garlic bread. While some riders went outside to either dumpster-dive in a recycling bin or relax on the grass and sing along to Andy’s guitar music, I preferred to pass out. I’ve had my fill of PA—I’ll be happy to cross our next state border tomorrow.
Johnstown, PA to Uniontown, PA
63 Miles
by Collin Campbell
We had a great start to the day. The First Presbyterian Church of Johnstown provided us with a delicious egg and sausage breakfast. Despite battered bodies and extremely sore legs, we were optimistic about the day. Sam Gutner proposed an alternative method to climbing a hill out of the valley that was Johnstown. A tram, the only tourist attraction in Johnstown, was the easy way up. The tram opened especially early to get us up the mountain—we’re that sweet. Apparently it is the steepest vehicular incline in the world—a 71% grade.
The view from the tram was great—a beautiful look over a small city. Unfortunately the top of the tram ride was not that as far up the mountain as we would’ve liked. We still had an incredible amount of climbing to get out of the city. By mile 8 we were at an elevation of 2744 feet. By this point I was ready, for the third time in two days, to kill Steven Felix, the man responsible for the route. He gets sadistic pleasure out of watching us struggle. We continued through pretty quiet roads, and across the ubiquitous rolling hills.
We had a nice lunch at about mile 40. I’ve come to be a big fan of Sam’s sandwich. Ranch, cheese (anything works), peanut butter and jelly all in one sandwich. Though it does not sound particularly appealing, it is filling and complete. I think Sam and I are the only fans—don’t worry, converts will come.
The final ride into Uniontown was not as spectacular as the sandwich. It included a 10-mile ride along an extremely busy 4-lane truck route. Unfortunately we go back out the same way tomorrow.
Diner was provided by Uniontown’s extremely generous Third Presbyterian Church. It included spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna and garlic bread. While some riders went outside to either dumpster-dive in a recycling bin or relax on the grass and sing along to Andy’s guitar music, I preferred to pass out. I’ve had my fill of PA—I’ll be happy to cross our next state border tomorrow.
DAY NINE: Johnstown, PA
June 10, 2007 (hell day)
Hungtingdon, PA to Johnstown, PA
72 Miles
by Sam Gutner
The title says it all...to be honest, this was by far the hardest day I've ever biked, and this is my second time doing it. I think that's what made things more difficult. Yeah, it did. Its hard to conceptualize unless you're on the road with us, and for all you distant readers, here's a little taste. We get up at the normal time: 6:15 am. Pack up the bags, load the trailer, clean the church and get to breakfast. The breakfast is so key, and not just in a "make sure you get your Wheaties" kind of way, but more a "you better get a couple thousand calories or else you'll be eating dirt on the side of the road mid day when you begin to bonk" kind of way. After breakfast, the crew is off. I remembered most of the day from my experiences with HBC South 2005: hills, hills and more hills. The rolling hills are easy: relatively shaded, not a lot of wind, and one can relax on the downhills. However, these Pants didn't enjoy the hills. Hill #1: the entrance to hell. This little earthly hickup was windless, shadeless and flatless. So steep, in fact, that if you were required to be in "granny" gear, and if not you were sure to lose momentum quickly and fall over. Once in said gear, there was nothing more to do but bite the lip and dive in head first-grunting, puffing and sweating everywhere. The first hill was riddled with winding curves near the top, which can be very ominous for a rider: are we almot there or is there a false summit? Almost there. Summiting Miriam greeted us with the most delicious popsicles imaginable. Ok, first hill done, 1100 feet cleared on the list. From here on out we gradually made our way up and up until we were greated with the second hill, a behemouth of nearly 1700 feet of vertical with one false summit. "No celebrating after the first one, 'cause you've got another!" says Miriam (from her air conditioned seat in the van). Brutal. Again, shadeless, windless and a grade even Lance Armstrong, Andrea Laizer and Beth Ogata would have to granny up. Its funny, this was the one part of the trip in 2005 I didn't remember and that makes sense: it is simply too awful to want to recollect.
Hungtingdon, PA to Johnstown, PA
72 Miles
by Sam Gutner
The title says it all...to be honest, this was by far the hardest day I've ever biked, and this is my second time doing it. I think that's what made things more difficult. Yeah, it did. Its hard to conceptualize unless you're on the road with us, and for all you distant readers, here's a little taste. We get up at the normal time: 6:15 am. Pack up the bags, load the trailer, clean the church and get to breakfast. The breakfast is so key, and not just in a "make sure you get your Wheaties" kind of way, but more a "you better get a couple thousand calories or else you'll be eating dirt on the side of the road mid day when you begin to bonk" kind of way. After breakfast, the crew is off. I remembered most of the day from my experiences with HBC South 2005: hills, hills and more hills. The rolling hills are easy: relatively shaded, not a lot of wind, and one can relax on the downhills. However, these Pants didn't enjoy the hills. Hill #1: the entrance to hell. This little earthly hickup was windless, shadeless and flatless. So steep, in fact, that if you were required to be in "granny" gear, and if not you were sure to lose momentum quickly and fall over. Once in said gear, there was nothing more to do but bite the lip and dive in head first-grunting, puffing and sweating everywhere. The first hill was riddled with winding curves near the top, which can be very ominous for a rider: are we almot there or is there a false summit? Almost there. Summiting Miriam greeted us with the most delicious popsicles imaginable. Ok, first hill done, 1100 feet cleared on the list. From here on out we gradually made our way up and up until we were greated with the second hill, a behemouth of nearly 1700 feet of vertical with one false summit. "No celebrating after the first one, 'cause you've got another!" says Miriam (from her air conditioned seat in the van). Brutal. Again, shadeless, windless and a grade even Lance Armstrong, Andrea Laizer and Beth Ogata would have to granny up. Its funny, this was the one part of the trip in 2005 I didn't remember and that makes sense: it is simply too awful to want to recollect.
DAY EIGHT: Huntingdon, PA
June 9, 2007
Sunbury, PA to Huntingdon, PA
By Ali Weiss
Whew!! Today was the longest ride yet- 95 miles! And since we are still in the great state of Pennsylvania… it wasn’t quite flat. We had a huge climb between miles 60 and 70 which took us up about 1,000 feet. But, lucky for us, Liz (a leader and van driver for the day) was waiting at the top with water and food (chips, salsa, bread, peanut butter- the usual). We actually ate lunch twice today- once at 45 miles, and then at 70. It’s great how much you can eat when you are powering a bicycle across the country! Earlier in the day, many of us had the pleasure of stopping at “Yohan’s* Awesome Cookies!” (*Name has been changed to preserve anonymity). Yohan, a dorky 12-year-old with braces, quite enthusiastically sold us plates of peanut butter and M&M cookies for $2.50 a plate (12 cookies). We made sure to eat as many as possible to prevent “bonking” AKA “hitting the wall”. Another pleasant surprise today was my first encounter with the Amish people. I saw a couple in horse and buggy, and even a young lady riding her bike (in her old-school dress, of course). Today was full of firsts. I got my first flat tire, which puts me out of the running to see who will get one last. I could argue it wasn’t really a flat, since I was pumping up my tire and I broke the valve, which deflated the tube… but I’ll have to take that up with the group. Another first: I hit 42.3 MPH on a downhill! Don’t worry, Mama, I was wearing a helmet. And probably the best gift of the day was the AMAZING dinner prepared for us by the Fifteenth Street Methodist Church. To start, every table got a huge plate of veggies, which definitely quenched my desire for fresh produce. Then they put out a big spread, including Asian noodle salad with peanuts, homemade lasagna, watermelon, spinach salad with strawberries, and creamed corn!! As a Californian, I had never eaten creamed corn, and it was the most delicious thing ever. A decadent mix of creamed corn, sort of soupy, sort of casserole-y, with a crust topping of corn bread! And, of course, a large array of desserts. Now it’s 9:21, and we are all smashingly exhausted, just rolling out our therma-rests, brushing teeth, and getting ready for one more day of mountainous PA terrain!!
Sunbury, PA to Huntingdon, PA
By Ali Weiss
Whew!! Today was the longest ride yet- 95 miles! And since we are still in the great state of Pennsylvania… it wasn’t quite flat. We had a huge climb between miles 60 and 70 which took us up about 1,000 feet. But, lucky for us, Liz (a leader and van driver for the day) was waiting at the top with water and food (chips, salsa, bread, peanut butter- the usual). We actually ate lunch twice today- once at 45 miles, and then at 70. It’s great how much you can eat when you are powering a bicycle across the country! Earlier in the day, many of us had the pleasure of stopping at “Yohan’s* Awesome Cookies!” (*Name has been changed to preserve anonymity). Yohan, a dorky 12-year-old with braces, quite enthusiastically sold us plates of peanut butter and M&M cookies for $2.50 a plate (12 cookies). We made sure to eat as many as possible to prevent “bonking” AKA “hitting the wall”. Another pleasant surprise today was my first encounter with the Amish people. I saw a couple in horse and buggy, and even a young lady riding her bike (in her old-school dress, of course). Today was full of firsts. I got my first flat tire, which puts me out of the running to see who will get one last. I could argue it wasn’t really a flat, since I was pumping up my tire and I broke the valve, which deflated the tube… but I’ll have to take that up with the group. Another first: I hit 42.3 MPH on a downhill! Don’t worry, Mama, I was wearing a helmet. And probably the best gift of the day was the AMAZING dinner prepared for us by the Fifteenth Street Methodist Church. To start, every table got a huge plate of veggies, which definitely quenched my desire for fresh produce. Then they put out a big spread, including Asian noodle salad with peanuts, homemade lasagna, watermelon, spinach salad with strawberries, and creamed corn!! As a Californian, I had never eaten creamed corn, and it was the most delicious thing ever. A decadent mix of creamed corn, sort of soupy, sort of casserole-y, with a crust topping of corn bread! And, of course, a large array of desserts. Now it’s 9:21, and we are all smashingly exhausted, just rolling out our therma-rests, brushing teeth, and getting ready for one more day of mountainous PA terrain!!
DAY FOUR: Stroudsburg, PA!
June 5, 2007
Port Jervis, NY to Stroudsburg, PA
~50 miles
by Steven Felix
Today was quite an awesome ride if I might say so. We started out with fresh, hot bagels provided by the church, YUM! We then packed up our stuff (a bit slowly after a fun night in the graveyard). Our wonderful leader Liz was sweep today. So after helping a few people with their bikes (and helping Morgen with her tire-troubles) we left Port Jervis.
The ride out of town was great. There was a bit of traffic for the first few miles or so, but we quickly got away from that and were left along a quiet, beautiful road that flowed along the Delaware River. The four of us (Collin, Liz, Morgen, and I) caught up with another small group at a fork in the road. Corey had road up (literally!) the fork to verify the rumor of a waterfall at the top of the hill. Even though we came down just in time to tell us that there was no waterfall to be found, Collin and I decided to climb the hill for the sake of climbing the hill. But with just a little bit of effort we were able to find a beautiful waterfall about .75 miles up the hill. It was a bit of a hike, but well worth it. We returned to the base of the hill in time to find Liz and Liana sitting patiently on the gravel for us to return. BUt just as we were about to set off again, Collin got a mysterious flat tire. 5 minutes, some bike grease, a new tube, and a bit of rubber-burn later, we were ready to go again. We made it another 5-10 miles before we saw a chalked arrow for a right turn along with the initials of about 12300000 people (okay, it was like 12). This is where we had lunch! It was in a nice parking lot of another (more easily accessible) waterfall. The four of us spent a leisurely hour. Collin and Miriam (who was driving today) actually climbed halfway up (maybe 50 ft or so) the waterfall, which was quite impressive. Pictures to prove it.
Back on our bikes and on the road, we soon approached a boat ramp for the Delaware River. Seeing the opportunity, we stopped and jumped in, despite the rotting fish on the concrete ramp. Once again on the bikes, and only about 8 miles from our destination, I had a full blowout on my front tire. Ripped a 2 inch section of my tire to shreds. So once again, Liana, collin, LIz and I retired to a large, shady tree in front of the Pocono Indian Museum and Gift Shop. After a short nap (waitin for the van to come give me a new tire), we bought a few slices of pizza and then discovered some ticks in the grass (gasp!). Miriam arrived with the tire and the four of them played four square wwhile i changed my tire. Once again back on the road, we booked it to Stroudsburg, where we feasted on the left overs of lunch.
Later that evening we were free to go out and explore the town and do as we pleased. We ended the night searching for ice cream, but resigning ourselves to buying a pint of ben & Jerry's "Americone Dream" and then passing out on the floor.
A great day, despite the hot sun and the 4 hours spent on the bike.
Port Jervis, NY to Stroudsburg, PA
~50 miles
by Steven Felix
Today was quite an awesome ride if I might say so. We started out with fresh, hot bagels provided by the church, YUM! We then packed up our stuff (a bit slowly after a fun night in the graveyard). Our wonderful leader Liz was sweep today. So after helping a few people with their bikes (and helping Morgen with her tire-troubles) we left Port Jervis.
The ride out of town was great. There was a bit of traffic for the first few miles or so, but we quickly got away from that and were left along a quiet, beautiful road that flowed along the Delaware River. The four of us (Collin, Liz, Morgen, and I) caught up with another small group at a fork in the road. Corey had road up (literally!) the fork to verify the rumor of a waterfall at the top of the hill. Even though we came down just in time to tell us that there was no waterfall to be found, Collin and I decided to climb the hill for the sake of climbing the hill. But with just a little bit of effort we were able to find a beautiful waterfall about .75 miles up the hill. It was a bit of a hike, but well worth it. We returned to the base of the hill in time to find Liz and Liana sitting patiently on the gravel for us to return. BUt just as we were about to set off again, Collin got a mysterious flat tire. 5 minutes, some bike grease, a new tube, and a bit of rubber-burn later, we were ready to go again. We made it another 5-10 miles before we saw a chalked arrow for a right turn along with the initials of about 12300000 people (okay, it was like 12). This is where we had lunch! It was in a nice parking lot of another (more easily accessible) waterfall. The four of us spent a leisurely hour. Collin and Miriam (who was driving today) actually climbed halfway up (maybe 50 ft or so) the waterfall, which was quite impressive. Pictures to prove it.
Back on our bikes and on the road, we soon approached a boat ramp for the Delaware River. Seeing the opportunity, we stopped and jumped in, despite the rotting fish on the concrete ramp. Once again on the bikes, and only about 8 miles from our destination, I had a full blowout on my front tire. Ripped a 2 inch section of my tire to shreds. So once again, Liana, collin, LIz and I retired to a large, shady tree in front of the Pocono Indian Museum and Gift Shop. After a short nap (waitin for the van to come give me a new tire), we bought a few slices of pizza and then discovered some ticks in the grass (gasp!). Miriam arrived with the tire and the four of them played four square wwhile i changed my tire. Once again back on the road, we booked it to Stroudsburg, where we feasted on the left overs of lunch.
Later that evening we were free to go out and explore the town and do as we pleased. We ended the night searching for ice cream, but resigning ourselves to buying a pint of ben & Jerry's "Americone Dream" and then passing out on the floor.
A great day, despite the hot sun and the 4 hours spent on the bike.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
DAY TWO: Monroe, NY
Day 2
I am standing in the house of a women who sold 25 million dollars worth of Tupperware on QVC…..if this is how we are going to be treated the rest of the way….I think I am going to do just fine with this whole ride across the country thing. My name is Ben Handelman and I am the first Quinnipiac rider ever to take part in HBC. Pretty shocking since my school is in Hamden Connecticut, one town away from New Haven. The ride so far has been intimidating. Not just because it involves biking up hills after sitting on my couch in college for four years eating cold pizza and nachos…..but because everyone am riding with is proving to me everyday how lazy I really am. Andrea from Mass is a personal trainer. Beth from Wesleyan can ride 25 MPH up hills. Most of the girls partake in doing a push up for every mile they rode that day. My friend Corey’s muscles can squish my head….and today several guys made the water cooler into a personal gym. I on the other hand felt like I wasn’t getting the full HBC experience by just biking……so I did two push ups and passed out from exhaustion. AN IT IS ONLY DAY TWO. The town of Monroe has been awesome. The Church cooked us an amazing meal of chicken, lasagna, salad, bread, and even brownies sundaes. Heck, even the pastor graduated from the Yale divinity school. To top it all off we are staying with host families. I don’t know if I can speak for the other 24 riders but Andy Steven and I are living in luxury. Anyway, it is getting late here in Monroe New York. So I’ll just say I popped two tubes today, climbed on top of a bear, and almost hit a large vulture. Tomorrow we get a full day in New York and then we shall part with the lovely empire state! Time to keep trekking.
-Ben
I am standing in the house of a women who sold 25 million dollars worth of Tupperware on QVC…..if this is how we are going to be treated the rest of the way….I think I am going to do just fine with this whole ride across the country thing. My name is Ben Handelman and I am the first Quinnipiac rider ever to take part in HBC. Pretty shocking since my school is in Hamden Connecticut, one town away from New Haven. The ride so far has been intimidating. Not just because it involves biking up hills after sitting on my couch in college for four years eating cold pizza and nachos…..but because everyone am riding with is proving to me everyday how lazy I really am. Andrea from Mass is a personal trainer. Beth from Wesleyan can ride 25 MPH up hills. Most of the girls partake in doing a push up for every mile they rode that day. My friend Corey’s muscles can squish my head….and today several guys made the water cooler into a personal gym. I on the other hand felt like I wasn’t getting the full HBC experience by just biking……so I did two push ups and passed out from exhaustion. AN IT IS ONLY DAY TWO. The town of Monroe has been awesome. The Church cooked us an amazing meal of chicken, lasagna, salad, bread, and even brownies sundaes. Heck, even the pastor graduated from the Yale divinity school. To top it all off we are staying with host families. I don’t know if I can speak for the other 24 riders but Andy Steven and I are living in luxury. Anyway, it is getting late here in Monroe New York. So I’ll just say I popped two tubes today, climbed on top of a bear, and almost hit a large vulture. Tomorrow we get a full day in New York and then we shall part with the lovely empire state! Time to keep trekking.
-Ben
DAY ONE: Ridgefield, CT
What can be better than leaving the (New Haven) green behind the red and blue sirens of the New Haven P.D.? Well, it would have just been too easy if Chris hadn't gotten a flat right when everyone was lined up. But, thanks to Colin and Andy's fast tube changing skills, we were set and headed to Ridgefield. Screams and honks filled the streets as a flood of yellow jerseys and blue bikes flowed through the streets of downtown New Haven and along the coast for our last look at the Atlantic for the next 68 days. Flat tires were many but thankfully our bike guru (and the king of our hearts), Kurt, was there to help us. And in addition to his constant halting to help riders, he graced the South riders with his presence at dinner in Ridgefield and gave us a parting gift - the bull's head. (picture to come!)
So, in short:
Send-off - awesome. Good hills. And many flat tires accompanied by Kurt's "I'm not happy face." And of course - the bull's head.
Quote of the day:
"Too many cooks spoil the bike. Get the [explitive removed] out of here." - Kurt, while fixing Krug's bike
So, in short:
Send-off - awesome. Good hills. And many flat tires accompanied by Kurt's "I'm not happy face." And of course - the bull's head.
Quote of the day:
"Too many cooks spoil the bike. Get the [explitive removed] out of here." - Kurt, while fixing Krug's bike
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