Collect Experiences. Not Things. :')

August 31, 2006

Joe and Lily - Our hosts in New Ulm, MN


We arrived late in the evening at Joe and Lily’s home in New Ulm. It wasn’t a hard ride, comparative to some of our other daily rides in terms of distance and elevation, but it was a particularly hard ride for me. I think it was because of all the junk food that I ate the pervious day. Our host in De Smet, provided us with a huge box of Danish for breakfast, in which I ate four. No one else in the group was eating them, so I did. Later in the day we stopped at a bike shop that had an ice cream pallor affiliated with it and the ice cream parlor offered free ice cream. I didn’t say no. Continuing I also downed a bag a potato chips. I did, however, buy them at a health food store, but I really don't think it make a difference were you buy them. Typically, I limit my junk food, and try to snack on trail mix and fruit between meals, but not yesterday.

When we arrived in New U;m, Joe and Lily had a sweat lodge (pictured lower right corner) prepared for us. Joe is a Native-American and practices the Native-American rituals of sweats which include individual prayers, stories and song. The heat in the sweat, plus the grueling day, was a bit much for me. I only stayed for 3 out of 4 of the sweats. After dinner and a shower, I laid out in the hammock in the middle of the front yard staring at the stars. They seem particularly bright to me that evening, and then I went to bed early. The next day I also felt a lot better the next day.

Eating right and rest seems to makes a big difference in how I feel during riding the next day. I have been eating a lot of vegetarian meals on this trip and not paying attention to my protein intake. Reallizing this I started to eat more a little more meat, I feel a lot stronger now. I typically eat vegetarian meals at home, interspersed with meals with a little meat in them about three times per week. This seems to work best for me.

August 26, 2006

Our Lovely Hosts in Miller, SD


This lovely group of church ladies prepared a wonderful vegetarian meal for us during our first evening in Miller SD. A major perk of cycling cross-country in late summer is the bountiful fresh produce from our host's gardens. Yum and healthy!!

Sun Flowers - Miller, SD


I didn't get a picture of it, because it occured during the early morning hours. We arrived in Ft. Peirre SD and set-up camp in the local city park. Our host in the city was new to the area, but make sure that it was okay to camp in the city park, and it was, but not in the area we camped. About 3 AM in the morning the sprinklers started. I was glad that I choose to sleeping in my tent that night instead of under the stars.

Grain Dryers, Miller, SD


We encountered our first day of riding in the rain. We woke up and it was raining, but the rain didn't deter us. We garnished our rain gear and head eastwards. I must say, however, the rain didn't deter us, but most of us got wet while cycling and had to set our shoes and a few article of clothings in front of fans that evening in order for them to dry for the next day.

August 25, 2006

Road Kill


As we slowly meander eastwards on our bikes the landscape has been changing, but we haven't really seen much "live" wildlife a long the route. The only significant wildlife we have seen has been road kill. Sad, but its the reality of the road....(see October 2004 archives -right handside panel)

I started this series of pictures in South Dakota, so I missed a lot from Washington through Wyoming. I'll try to keep adding to the collection as we continue to head eastward - I'm still on the lookout for a fox.

Toilet - Kadoka, SD



Last year while traveling, as some of you know, I kept a toilet diary highlighting the different types and salient features of toilets around the world (I you haven't seen them, you can check them out on the November 2004 archives - right panel).

This year while traveling in the U.S, the toilets are very homogenous, and none of them would warrant a post, however, I did run across one except. The toilet also is unlike any of the other toilets previous featured on the toilet diary. The toilet is located in Kadoka SD's city park. Its unique feature is that the water from the sink drains directly into the reserve tank and then the same water is used to refill the toilet bowl after being flushed.

August 24, 2006

Badlands National Park, SD


The following expert is from national parks website "Established as Badlands National Monument in 1939, the area was redesignated as a National Park in 1978. Over 11,000 years of human history pales to the eons old paleontological resources. Badlands National Park contains the world's richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, dating 23 to 35 million years old.

Located in southwestern South Dakota, Badlands National Park consists of nearly 244,000 acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires blended with the largest, protected mixed grass prairie."

Check out link below for additional info and pictures about the park.

Badlands National Park, SD


Additional pictures

Strong Winds - Rapid City, SD to Kadoka, SD


Today we had our worst head winds yet - about 30 miles per hour. Lucky we were only facing into the wind for a couple of miles during the day. The remainder of the day the wind was indirectly at our backs. The cattycorner backwinds were much better than the head winds, but presented a different challenge that of keeping the bike on the road while moving forward.

We later learned that parts of eastern South Dakota and southern Minnesota experienced tornados on the same day.

August 23, 2006

Mt Rushmore - Rapid City, SD


Today was a rest day, but spent it cycling to Mt. Rushmore. From our Rapid City host's house the round trip excursion was about 30 miles. Mt. Rushmore is something I always wanted to see and I was most impressed upon seeing it from a distance, as I approached the site on my bike, but once I got into the park area I was less impressed, nevertheless I was glad to have seen it. I also checked out the museum and watched two films on the construction of the monument showing in the museum's theater. Hey, at least I learned something about U.S. history today. My biggest complain about cycling touring is the lack of intellectual stimulation.

Hosts Bob and Loy - Rapid City, SD


Hanging-out with our Rapid City SD hosts, Bob and Loy, on their back deck.

August 21, 2006

Gillette WY to Newcastle WY – Running from the Rain


The headwinds picked-up in the afternoon today, which slowed our pace considerably. However, luckily the headwinds were blowing the thunderstorm away from us. We stayed dry.

We've been cycling for three weeks, and haven't gotten rained on yet. Its rained twice so far. Both times while in Montana, and both times it was in the evening when we were already at our host's homes. We've been lucky.

August 19, 2006

Leiter, WY – Group Photo


Back row - Ron Toppi, Jesse Card, Erica Weiland, Kerry Neijstrom, Zach Marl, Vernon Huffman and Ananda Portal (behind the tandem Bike). Front row - Deb VanPoolen (sitting on her recumbent bike) and myself (kneeling).

“Anti” Pow-Wows


Most of the cycling group members, actually I should say all of the members, are very "anti". They are "anti" most things "mainstream" - like the corporations, eating meat, chopping down old growth timber, nuclear research, consumerism, dependence on foreign oil, Wal-Mart, etc. I think you get the idea. Many of the things they are against, I agree with at some level or have some idea of where they are coming from, but on the other hand, I'm not as "anti" as they are. I understand why people might say corporation are bad, but on the same time I continue to invest in them and profit from my investments. Similarly, I understand why some people don't eat meat, and more often than not I eat vegetarian meals, but at the same time I also eat meat sometimes. When the group has these "anti" pow-wows, I sometime listen but really don't participate. I feel like I'm observing a small, "foreign to me", sub-culture of America. While I always enjoy trying to understand why others have different perspectives and convictions than my own, I don't think I'll ever be against enough things to be accepted by this sub-culture.

Clearmont WY - Group Photo (Bikes)


Sheridan WY - Minivan’s Water Pump Burst


The water pump on the minivan sprung a leak today. Instead of fixing it, Vernon, since he is (was) the owner of the van, decided to donate it to local non-profit organization in Sheridan. Vernon and Ananda were able to strap the video equipment, they needed to their tandem (two-seater) bike, and ship the rest of their belongings home. We no longer have a support vehicle; we are solely dependent only on our bikes for the remainder of the trip.

August 17, 2006

Billings to Hardin, MT


We've starting to get our route down. We arrive at our host's home (or camp site, if we don't have a host for a particular day) usually around 8 PM, shower, eat dinner, set-up a tent in the backyard, hangout with the host, then go to bed, wake-up then next morning, eat breakfast, pack-up the tent and start out cycling again around 9 AM until 8 PM then next evening.

The monotony of the routine, however, is alleviated by flat tires, broken spokes, personal injuries, cold nights with no sleep, minivan repairs, road construction with detours, searching for water while on the road, etc.

August 15, 2006

Third Rest Day - Two Dot, Montana


We were only supposed to stay one day in Two Dot MT then cycle to Billings the next day and spend a "rest" day in Billings. Billings is a much larger city with more amenities and more suitable for a rest day. The glitch was, however, the alternator on the minivan died on our way to Two Dot, so we spent an extra day in Two Dot replacing the alternator. Lucky our host in Two Dot, Randy, a sheep farmer, was able to tow the minivan to the local mechanic and have it repaired. Randy is pictured in the upper right quadrant being interviewed by Vernon. I'm constantly amazed at the openness, support and generosity of our hosts. Randy was another great example.

August 13, 2006

McDonald Pass, Western Montana


Myself on the top of McDonald Pass. Climbing and crossing the McDonald Pass signified our crossing of the Continental Divide. It was also the last of three large mountain passes along our route. The two previous passes we climbed and crossed, where the Snoqualmie Pass over the Cascade Mountain Range in Western Washington State (a 3000 feet climb) and Lolo Pass in Eastern Idaho as we entered the Rocky Mountain Range.

August 12, 2006

Elliston, MT


Vernon and Ananda are interviewing Vicki our host in Elliston MT for the Bike4Peace documentary they're making. The documentary will feature interviews with our hosts along our cross-country journey. Our hosts are typically strong supporters of the bike4peace message: The message in a nutshell: 1) to become less dependent on foreign oil by using bikes as an alternative means of transportation; and 2) support the return of the U.S. troops to U.S. soil and return Iraq to the Iraqis.

August 11, 2006

Second Rest Day - Missoula, MT


Today was our second rest day. The Jeannette Rankin Peace Center in Missoula was the hub of our stay in town. One of its members, Ethel, served as our host, and the Peace Center sponsored a pot-luck dinner on our second evening in town.

My free day was spent fixing my computer. I called ahead and arranged for Dell to send a new key board to the Peace Center and for the technician to meet me there to repair it. Other than an inordinate number of phone calls arranging for the repair, the repair went off without a hitch. My computer is fixed. I spend the rest of the day catching-up on posts and organizing my pictures and trying to get my wireless internet card to function (which I was unsuccessful).

You can check out the link for the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center below. Posted on the site is the cost of the Iraq war. So far, it cost American taxpayers over 300 billion dollars, and for what? The money just as easily could have been spent on education and the domestic needs of the American people.

August 08, 2006

Lewiston, ID to Kooksia, ID


Best cycling day, so far! Not only was the Idaho scenery amazing, and the temperatures cool, in the mid-80's, but we also had strong tailwinds. We've typically been averaging about 12.5 mph, but on this particular day, thanks to the tailwinds, our average was 15 mph, with minimum pedaling.

August 05, 2006

First Rest Day – Kennewick, WA


After cycling four days, we had our first rest day in Kennewick. Our host Valerie was wonderful. She's a masseuse, and she invited a few of her masseuse friends over her house and each cyclist got a full massage. In the evening, Valerie hosted a pot-luck dinner and invited a number of peace activist friends, and in her spare time she would lead drumming circles. Also while at Kennewick, a local news station did a news story on bike4peace and the movement. Picture Zach being interviewed by the news reporter.

August 04, 2006

Purifying Water


Typically we refill-up our water bottles as frequently as possible along the route and carry enough water to make it to the next water stop, but on this particular day the stops with water available were few and far between, and we had to filter water from the Yakima River. Pictured (l to r) Zach (pumping), Kerry, Jesse, and Erica.

“SAG” Wagon (a.k.a. Minivan)


When preparing for our trip, the intent was not to have a S.A.G. wagon, and to carry all our supplies and gear on our bikes. At the last minute a S.A.G. wagon was added to our tour, in order to carry the video equipment for the video makers. But even with the S.A.G wagon accompanying us, each cyclist is encouraged to rely on their own bikes to carry our supply and gear. I'm still carrying all the equipment that I originally setout with. Nevertheless, the S.A.G wagon has come in handy when some cyclist have sustained minor injuries or are not feeling well and would like to take the day off from cycling. Likewise, side trips to purchase bike parts, groceries and camping supplies are faster and a lot easier with the S.A.G. Wagon, than it would be on bike. It's a luxury that keeps us on schedule.

On the Way to Kennewick, WA


Eastern Washington is very desolate. The restaurant pictured was our only option for lunch. The sign tells it all: "Welcome to the Middle of Nowhere".

Yakima WA to Kennewick, WA


It was approximately 102 degrees Fahrenheit today, our hottest day of riding so far, as we cycled 85 miles from Yakima to Kennewick, WA which took over 7 hours (not including breaks), averaging 12.4 miles per hour on this particular day.

Hosts in Yakima, WA


In Yakima we stayed with Debbie and Jane. They're pictured here with their son O'Ryan and me. While it's only the beginning of the trip, I've been amazed by our gracious and accommodating hosts. Generally, we arrive late in the evening, hot, sweaty, and tired from cycling all day. Our hosts open their house to the eight of us. They feed us and provide us with a place to shower and sleep, and then prepare breakfast the next morning. Most of them view it as their way of supporting and participating in the bike4peace movement.

August 03, 2006

Bike4peace Flag


Zach holding Bag Balm


Bag Balm


Yes, there are alternative uses for Bag Balm. One is to prevent saddle sores while riding. Who knew?

Fixing Flat Tires


Amongst the group of eight cyclists, I'd say we're averaging about two flat tires a day, but I been told this is unusual.

August 02, 2006

Snoqualmie Falls, WA


When we don't have hosts lined-up we typically camp in public campgrounds. On this particular night we camped in Easton WA. The following day we visited the Snoqualmie water falls.

August 01, 2006

Group Photo


There are eight members in our cross-country cycling group. Six are pictured here (from l to r) myself, Kerry, Ron (a returning cyclist from previous year), Ananda (a part-time cyclist), Jesse (also a return cyclist from previous year), and Zach. Not pictured is Erica, who'll be cycling with us but leaving us in South Dakota, and Vernon (also a part-time cyclist).

Vernon and Ananda are only part-time cyclists, because the remainder of the time they are following in their minivan with their video equipment. Their intent is to make a documentary video of the cross-country adventure.

Departure Day – Sharing Wheels – Everett, WA


Today is our departure day. A group of twenty cyclists, including myself, left Everett today heading south to Seattle (virtually the same route I cycled the day before). Only eight of the fourteen cyclists are planning to cycle cross country trip. The other twelve cyclists only joined us for the day to demonstrate their support.

Pictured (l to r) is Kerry and Ron, both who plan to make the cross-country trip, and Lorna and Al. Lorna is our contact in Everett who has been working super-hard contacting and coordinating hosts in the various towns where we’ll be overnighting. Al rode with us for the first two days and then headed back to Everett
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After a light breakfast at Sharing Wheels, a cooperative bike shop, we headed over to Zippy’s Java Lounge for lunch and a final farewell (next picture).