Saturday, July 16, 2011
Interview with Christopher Schulte, “Advocate for Life”, St. Louis, MO.
Interview with Christopher Schulte, “Advocate for Life”, in St. Louis, MO, June 4, 2011.
Interview with Andy Nunberg, Art of Living Foundation, St. Louis, MO.
Andy Nunberg, Art of Living Foundation, in St. Louis, MO, June 4.
Interview with Lori Brummer, HIV Services Program Coordinator, Lead Case Manager, Murphysboro, IL.
Lori Brummer, BSW, HIV Services Program Coordinator, Lead Case Manager in Murphysboro, IL, June 5.
Interview with Steven St. Julian, Jackson County Health Department, Murphysboro, IL
Steven St. Julian, J.D., Coordinator – HIV Prevention, Treatment Adherence, & Outreach – Jackson County Health Department, in Murphysboro, IL, June 5.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Virginia Beach VA
Day 63, June 26 (later), Norfolk, Virginia Beach VA
I was so excited to do the last miles of the trip I did them at the end of the 63rd day. Still beautiful with some overcast skys and more decent roads to ride on including some bike paths leading up to Virginia Beach and on Virginia Beach Boardwalk. I did record on tape the moment of the last several feet of the trip into the water. 3,568 total miles and 173,104 feet elevation gain for the entire trip, but more of the extra effort was due to wind either in my face or side winds. Also reflecting back on how many road obtacles there were, including, animal and reptile carcuses, all manner of human discards and auto and truck part debris and only one tube replaced and one sliced tire. I feel very fortunate to have been able to make this trip and am proud of my accomplishment on my personal health challenge.
(28.4 miles, 746 ft elevation gain)
(Grand total for the east-bound trip, 3,568 miles, 173,104 ft elevation gain)
I was so excited to do the last miles of the trip I did them at the end of the 63rd day. Still beautiful with some overcast skys and more decent roads to ride on including some bike paths leading up to Virginia Beach and on Virginia Beach Boardwalk. I did record on tape the moment of the last several feet of the trip into the water. 3,568 total miles and 173,104 feet elevation gain for the entire trip, but more of the extra effort was due to wind either in my face or side winds. Also reflecting back on how many road obtacles there were, including, animal and reptile carcuses, all manner of human discards and auto and truck part debris and only one tube replaced and one sliced tire. I feel very fortunate to have been able to make this trip and am proud of my accomplishment on my personal health challenge.
(28.4 miles, 746 ft elevation gain)
(Grand total for the east-bound trip, 3,568 miles, 173,104 ft elevation gain)
Williamsburg VA
Day 63, June 26, Richmond to Williamsburg, VA
This was a great but long day with visits to President John Tyler's home and plantations along the James River. Beautiful scenery and over 30 miles of bike trails along Rt. 5 to Williamsburg. Also visited Colonial Williamsburg. Beautiful day weather-wise with some overcast to protect from the sun.
(71.9 miles, 2179 ft elevation gain)
This was a great but long day with visits to President John Tyler's home and plantations along the James River. Beautiful scenery and over 30 miles of bike trails along Rt. 5 to Williamsburg. Also visited Colonial Williamsburg. Beautiful day weather-wise with some overcast to protect from the sun.
(71.9 miles, 2179 ft elevation gain)
Richmond VA
Day 62, June 25, Richmond VA
Another early start with cool early temperatures and morning mist prior to sun-up. The road was especially good with few exceptions and very litte elevation which got me down the road in record time. Also visited the Historic Richmond sites later on.
(71.1 miles, 2752 ft elevation gain)
Another early start with cool early temperatures and morning mist prior to sun-up. The road was especially good with few exceptions and very litte elevation which got me down the road in record time. Also visited the Historic Richmond sites later on.
(71.1 miles, 2752 ft elevation gain)
Gordonsville VA
Day 61, June 24, Ruckersville, Stanardsville, Gordonsville, VA
Early start today reaped big benefits in Traveling from Ruckersville to Stanardsville, the absolutely beautiful and scenic Skyline Drive then the other direction to Gordonsville, with good roads and great weather, at least till the sunny day made it hot and humid at the end of the ride. This was the most challenging day since Whitesburg, with serious elevation getting up to the Skyline Drive.
(64.6 miles, 4319 ft elevation gain)
Early start today reaped big benefits in Traveling from Ruckersville to Stanardsville, the absolutely beautiful and scenic Skyline Drive then the other direction to Gordonsville, with good roads and great weather, at least till the sunny day made it hot and humid at the end of the ride. This was the most challenging day since Whitesburg, with serious elevation getting up to the Skyline Drive.
(64.6 miles, 4319 ft elevation gain)
Culpeper VA
Day 60, June 23, Ruckersville, Madison, Brightwood, Reva, Merrimac, and Culpeper
, VA
Most of the morning was good rolling with safe and relatively clean shoulders. The rain began about half way into the ride and was welcome as the cool rain was refreshing and allowed me to go a bit further than I normally would have.
(57.9 miles, 3196 ft elevation gain)
, VA
Most of the morning was good rolling with safe and relatively clean shoulders. The rain began about half way into the ride and was welcome as the cool rain was refreshing and allowed me to go a bit further than I normally would have.
(57.9 miles, 3196 ft elevation gain)
Charlottesville VA
Day 59, June 22, Charlottesville VA
Almost no rain today except just as the very end of the ride. Hot and steamy with highs in the 90's. Mostly traveled on city streets around historic Lynchburg, VA with a side trip to Timberlake and New London. There were many historic homes and buildings to be seen that were left untouched by the Civil War.
(47.8 miles, 3454 ft elevation gain)
Almost no rain today except just as the very end of the ride. Hot and steamy with highs in the 90's. Mostly traveled on city streets around historic Lynchburg, VA with a side trip to Timberlake and New London. There were many historic homes and buildings to be seen that were left untouched by the Civil War.
(47.8 miles, 3454 ft elevation gain)
Lovingston VA
Day 58, June 21, Lynchburg/Madison Heights, Amherst, New Glasgow, Tye River, Lov
ingston, VA
Took a long time to ride this relatively easy route as I stopped off for pictures and chatting with local folk. Visited this date with my first two fellow Cross Country Cyclists traveling with me east bound. The Two cyclist and I took time out to do a side trip to Appomatox Court House by car then they continued the ride with me for a while until we parted direction. Lots of great rolling hills and shops to wander through. No rain just lots of pesky gnats.
(55.7 miles, 2938 ft elevation gain)
ingston, VA
Took a long time to ride this relatively easy route as I stopped off for pictures and chatting with local folk. Visited this date with my first two fellow Cross Country Cyclists traveling with me east bound. The Two cyclist and I took time out to do a side trip to Appomatox Court House by car then they continued the ride with me for a while until we parted direction. Lots of great rolling hills and shops to wander through. No rain just lots of pesky gnats.
(55.7 miles, 2938 ft elevation gain)
Bristol VA
Day 56, June 19, Bristol VA
Early start and late finish with much rain, and a flat tire (tire has to be replaced so it was a real problem day-used the back-up bike to finish out the day when the rain stopped and after I also attended to some car trouble on a Sunday no less) There are good days and not so good days, but did make good use of a cab and some part store assistance, will get the bike tire replaced tomorrow.
(40.6 miles, 2561 ft elevation gain)
Early start and late finish with much rain, and a flat tire (tire has to be replaced so it was a real problem day-used the back-up bike to finish out the day when the rain stopped and after I also attended to some car trouble on a Sunday no less) There are good days and not so good days, but did make good use of a cab and some part store assistance, will get the bike tire replaced tomorrow.
(40.6 miles, 2561 ft elevation gain)
Bristol VA
Day 55, June 18, Kingsport TN, Bristol VA/TN (state line divides down the middle of the street)
A late start and long day with good weather early then terrific thunderstorms and winds that did some damage in the area I traveled. Only saw one cyclist all day on what were fabulous brushed bike lanes on major roads. Also got a check up for my cycle - long overdue.
(59.1 miles, 3586 ft elevation gain)
A late start and long day with good weather early then terrific thunderstorms and winds that did some damage in the area I traveled. Only saw one cyclist all day on what were fabulous brushed bike lanes on major roads. Also got a check up for my cycle - long overdue.
(59.1 miles, 3586 ft elevation gain)
Dorton KY
Day 54, June 17, Whitesburg, Jenkins, Dorton, KY
Another good weather day, with a cool morning start ending with more humid and warm at the end of the days ride. Saw more mountain scenery, especially beautiful in the early morning at sunrise, while passing through Payne Gap and Jenkins on the way to Dorton, KY.
(47.3 miles, 3972 ft elevation gain)
Another good weather day, with a cool morning start ending with more humid and warm at the end of the days ride. Saw more mountain scenery, especially beautiful in the early morning at sunrise, while passing through Payne Gap and Jenkins on the way to Dorton, KY.
(47.3 miles, 3972 ft elevation gain)
Whitesburg KY
Day 53, June 16, Whitesburg, KY
Just getting ready to travel to Kingsport TN. Did try to take pictures at the "company mine" in Eolla, then the “welcoming committee” “greeted me” with "you can’t take pictures on company property". Almost thought I was going to get roughed up but told them it was my first visit to a mine and I didn’t know what to expect. They were less than cordial, not much conversation just watched me put my camera away, and bike off. I guess they had something to hide.
Just getting ready to travel to Kingsport TN. Did try to take pictures at the "company mine" in Eolla, then the “welcoming committee” “greeted me” with "you can’t take pictures on company property". Almost thought I was going to get roughed up but told them it was my first visit to a mine and I didn’t know what to expect. They were less than cordial, not much conversation just watched me put my camera away, and bike off. I guess they had something to hide.
Paris KY
Day 52, June 15, Lexington to Paris KY
Another cool jacket weather morning with more threatening storms, which only started only as the daily trek was ending, with lightening and high winds. Moved through the horse country again and visited one of the stables on the way. Saw lots of great thoroughbreds and well kept homes, gardens and fields.
Another cool jacket weather morning with more threatening storms, which only started only as the daily trek was ending, with lightening and high winds. Moved through the horse country again and visited one of the stables on the way. Saw lots of great thoroughbreds and well kept homes, gardens and fields.
Lexington KY
Day 51, June 14, Lexington, Winchester, and Mt. Sterling, KY
For once a very cool morning again, most refreshing and from 3-8am was jacket weather. No rain but cloudy and much less humid. The road to Winchester and Mt. Sterling were pretty bicycle friendly and hilly and gave great views of more horse country and pristinely cared for horse farms. Still didn't get to ride a thoroughbred.
For once a very cool morning again, most refreshing and from 3-8am was jacket weather. No rain but cloudy and much less humid. The road to Winchester and Mt. Sterling were pretty bicycle friendly and hilly and gave great views of more horse country and pristinely cared for horse farms. Still didn't get to ride a thoroughbred.
Fort Knox KY
Day 50, June 13, Louisville and Fort Knox, KY
A long cool early morning trip took me to Fort Knox, KY and the Post that contains all the gold bullion. The day was long with stops all over the Post and southern Louisville.
(85.2 miles, 2484 ft elevation gain)
A long cool early morning trip took me to Fort Knox, KY and the Post that contains all the gold bullion. The day was long with stops all over the Post and southern Louisville.
(85.2 miles, 2484 ft elevation gain)
Louisville KY
Day 49, June 12, in Taylorsville and Louisville, KY
Was another great day on the trail and the shoulder was much better for bicycles today than in the past. The clouds were threatening and lighting was present but no drops today just high humidity but low temperatures and great cycling hills.
(58.3 miles, 3006 ft elevation gain)
Was another great day on the trail and the shoulder was much better for bicycles today than in the past. The clouds were threatening and lighting was present but no drops today just high humidity but low temperatures and great cycling hills.
(58.3 miles, 3006 ft elevation gain)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
What happened to the MAP?
As you may have noticed, the progress map appears to have gone chaotic. This is not a technical problem, it just reflects a change in how the Health Challenge Tour is progressing. Jim has returned to Portland and is continuing to maintain the blog and edit video there, while Fred is continuing on the bike/lecture/interview tour. How is Fred doing this on his own? By driving during the day to the cities where we have interviews or presentations scheduled, and riding the bike at night. As you see, he continues to log miles every day, roughly equivalent to the distances that the original route would have covered. Riding at night is helping Fred survive, since the daytime heat can be scorching, and driving by day means that he can keep his appointments while still making progress on the bike tour.
Louisville KY
Day 48, June 11, to Louisville, KY
Did a quick trip around Louisville today due to wind and thunder showers all morning, hailed for a while.
(37.5 miles, 1567 ft elevation gain)
Did a quick trip around Louisville today due to wind and thunder showers all morning, hailed for a while.
(37.5 miles, 1567 ft elevation gain)
Shelbyville KY
Day 47, June 10, to Shelbyville, KY.
Today was a great day with mild temperatures at 2am, did rain quite hard for a short time but that cooled things off at least for a while. Passed by some of the most beautiful horse farms in the country this day in Simpsonville and Shelbyville.
(56.5 miles, 3269 ft elevation gain)
Today was a great day with mild temperatures at 2am, did rain quite hard for a short time but that cooled things off at least for a while. Passed by some of the most beautiful horse farms in the country this day in Simpsonville and Shelbyville.
(56.5 miles, 3269 ft elevation gain)
Hatfield KY
Day 46, June 9, Evansville to Hatfield, Kentucky.
Went to the south east of Evansville to Hatfield and rode along the Ohio river and saw the locks and dam. Weather was great and lots of cycle trails to take.
(52.8 miles, 1678 ft elevation gain)
Went to the south east of Evansville to Hatfield and rode along the Ohio river and saw the locks and dam. Weather was great and lots of cycle trails to take.
(52.8 miles, 1678 ft elevation gain)
Evansville IN
Day 45, June 8, to Evansville, Chandler, and Chrisney, Indiana.
This evening travel was to the east of Evansville Indiana, traveling through the farmland and small towns of Boonville and Chrisney. There was a slight wind from the southeast with temperatures at 78 at 3am.
(67.8 miles, 1851 ft elevation gain)
This evening travel was to the east of Evansville Indiana, traveling through the farmland and small towns of Boonville and Chrisney. There was a slight wind from the southeast with temperatures at 78 at 3am.
(67.8 miles, 1851 ft elevation gain)
East Frankfort IN
Day 44, June 7, to East Frankfort, Indiana.
This trip gave me an opportunity to really visit the countryside though the farmland and very rural areas of Illinois. The night was warm but pleasant with no wind and not a cloud in the sky.
(62.1 miles, 1766 ft elevation gain)
This trip gave me an opportunity to really visit the countryside though the farmland and very rural areas of Illinois. The night was warm but pleasant with no wind and not a cloud in the sky.
(62.1 miles, 1766 ft elevation gain)
Lake Murphy IL
Day 43, June 6, to Marion and Lake Murphy, Illinois.
Today I traveled from 2am to 7:30am taking a rather busy route through Carbondale and Marion IL, with lots of local business and commerce and vehicle traffic on the road after 5am. The day was warm but only really heats up after 9am. The road had very wide navigatable shoulders for cycles of which I was one of about a dozen traveling on this same road today.
Today I traveled from 2am to 7:30am taking a rather busy route through Carbondale and Marion IL, with lots of local business and commerce and vehicle traffic on the road after 5am. The day was warm but only really heats up after 9am. The road had very wide navigatable shoulders for cycles of which I was one of about a dozen traveling on this same road today.
Murphysboro IL
Day 42, June 5, to Murphysboro, Illinois.
This trip took me by lots of farmland and the friendly people of Pickneyville and Sunfield.
(65.7 miles, 1703 ft elevation gain)
This trip took me by lots of farmland and the friendly people of Pickneyville and Sunfield.
(65.7 miles, 1703 ft elevation gain)
St. Louis MO
Day 41, June 4, to St. Louis, Missouri.
Another day with warm but not hot early morning temperatures from 2:30am to 8;30am.
(61.1 miles, 2808 ft elevation gain)
Another day with warm but not hot early morning temperatures from 2:30am to 8;30am.
(61.1 miles, 2808 ft elevation gain)
Arnold MO
Day 40, June 3, to Arnold Missouri.
Started my shorter day trips in the early morning to eliminate the heat and sun as problems. Was a great morning with much cooler temps.
(27.4 miles, 1724 ft elevation gain)
Started my shorter day trips in the early morning to eliminate the heat and sun as problems. Was a great morning with much cooler temps.
(27.4 miles, 1724 ft elevation gain)
Mansfield MO
Day 38, June 1, to Mansfield, Missouri.
A hot and humid scorcher of a day with temps into the 90's but little wind just lots of cycadas.
(47.4 miles, 2504 ft elevation gain)
A hot and humid scorcher of a day with temps into the 90's but little wind just lots of cycadas.
(47.4 miles, 2504 ft elevation gain)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Everton MO to Springfield MO
Day 37, May 31, Everton Missouri to Springfield Missouri.
The van overheated yesterday, so we took a detour down to Springfield to get it fixed.
NEW VIDEOS POSTED: Videos are updated now, through day 18 (May 12).
The van overheated yesterday, so we took a detour down to Springfield to get it fixed.
NEW VIDEOS POSTED: Videos are updated now, through day 18 (May 12).
Monday, May 30, 2011
Pittsburg KS to Everton MO
Day 36, May 30, Pittsburg Kansas to Everton Missouri.
Forgive me, but:
"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas any more."
The wind remains incessant, powerful, and from the south. Thankfully only had to go south for 8 miles or so. As we left Kansas and entered Missouri, we left some of the wind, but picked up rolling terrain.
(64.7 miles, 3283 ft elevation gain)
Forgive me, but:
"Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas any more."
The wind remains incessant, powerful, and from the south. Thankfully only had to go south for 8 miles or so. As we left Kansas and entered Missouri, we left some of the wind, but picked up rolling terrain.
(64.7 miles, 3283 ft elevation gain)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Chanute KS to Pittsburg KS
Day 35, May 29, Chanute Kansas to Pittsburg Kansas.
Strong winds out of the South all day long, making all southbound travel all but impossible, but eastbound tolerable. Skipped one 8 mile segment. First hot day - 93 degrees at the end of the day.
(58.6 miles, 2463 ft elevation gain.)
Strong winds out of the South all day long, making all southbound travel all but impossible, but eastbound tolerable. Skipped one 8 mile segment. First hot day - 93 degrees at the end of the day.
(58.6 miles, 2463 ft elevation gain.)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Interview with Pam Harjo of Hunter Health Clinic
Pam Harjo, Director of HIV and Diabetes Services, Hunter Health Clinic.
Friday, May 27, 2011, Wichita, Kansas.
Cassoday KS to Chanute KS
Day 34, May 28, Cassoday Kansas to Chanute Kansas.
Rain overnight where we camped in Cassoday, heavy mist in the morning (with unrelenting wind, of course), turning into high humidity in the afternoon.
(88 miles, 2517 ft elevation gain)
Rain overnight where we camped in Cassoday, heavy mist in the morning (with unrelenting wind, of course), turning into high humidity in the afternoon.
(88 miles, 2517 ft elevation gain)
Friday, May 27, 2011
Newton KS to Cassoday KS
Day 33, May 27, Newton Kansas to Cassoday Kansas.
Did a presentation in the morning in Wichita, so it was a short day. Humid, and once out of Newton, the wind came up and stayed up.
(38.5 miles, 1129 ft elevation gain)
Did a presentation in the morning in Wichita, so it was a short day. Humid, and once out of Newton, the wind came up and stayed up.
(38.5 miles, 1129 ft elevation gain)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Larned KS to Newton KS
Day 32, May 26, Larned Kansas to Newton Kansas.
Overall an enjoyable day, still some wind in my face, but less than half what it was the last few days. A beautiful day.
(105 miles, 1330 ft elevation gain)
Overall an enjoyable day, still some wind in my face, but less than half what it was the last few days. A beautiful day.
(105 miles, 1330 ft elevation gain)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tribune KS to Larned KS
Day 31, May 25, Tribune Kansas to Larned Kansas.
Hopefully our last day of high winds. Traveled by vehicle to stay on schedule for our next presentation.
(0 miles, 0 ft)
Hopefully our last day of high winds. Traveled by vehicle to stay on schedule for our next presentation.
(0 miles, 0 ft)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Eads CO to Tribune KS
Day 30, May 24, Eads Colorado to Tribune Kansas.
This was not a good day. It started out windy, ended up extremely windy, and tornado warnings up ahead. Stopped early, at Sheridan Lake, hunkered down in the next available lodging in Tribune Kansas.
(26.5 miles, 2884 ft elevation gain)
This was not a good day. It started out windy, ended up extremely windy, and tornado warnings up ahead. Stopped early, at Sheridan Lake, hunkered down in the next available lodging in Tribune Kansas.
(26.5 miles, 2884 ft elevation gain)
Monday, May 23, 2011
Pueblo CO to Eads CO
Day 29, May 23, Pueblo Colorado to Eads Colorado.
Got the earliest start so far - 6 am - and needed it. Windy most of the day, and many, many miles to cover. Otherwise a great day.
(112.3 miles, 5866 ft elevation gain)
Got the earliest start so far - 6 am - and needed it. Windy most of the day, and many, many miles to cover. Otherwise a great day.
(112.3 miles, 5866 ft elevation gain)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Interview with Richard Blair of Southern Colorado AIDS Project
Richard Blair, Executive Director, Southern Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP).
Saturday, May 21, 2011, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Castle Rock CO to Pueblo CO
Day 27, May 21, Castle Rock Colorado to Pueblo Colorado.
Finally the winds are shifting in our favor, and a beautiful day it was. Travelling in a high-population density area is much different than the countryside, where you can focus on enjoying nature and the scenery.
(83.5 miles, 2605 ft elevation gain)
Finally the winds are shifting in our favor, and a beautiful day it was. Travelling in a high-population density area is much different than the countryside, where you can focus on enjoying nature and the scenery.
(83.5 miles, 2605 ft elevation gain)
Friday, May 20, 2011
Interview with Tim Schuetz of Colorado AIDS Project
Tim Scheutz, Director of Development and Marketing, Colorado AIDS Project (CAP).
Friday, May 20, 2011, Denver, Colorado.
Loveland CO to Castle Rock CO
Day 26, May 20, Loveland Colorado to Castle Rock Colorado.
Since this was not a prescribed bicycle route, and we were on a major highway i
n a high-population area, traffic was more of an issue than wind. Going through
Denver was tedious because roads were not really suited for bicycling.
(81.4 miles, 5563 ft elevation gain)
Since this was not a prescribed bicycle route, and we were on a major highway i
n a high-population area, traffic was more of an issue than wind. Going through
Denver was tedious because roads were not really suited for bicycling.
(81.4 miles, 5563 ft elevation gain)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Laramie WY to Loveland CO
Day 25, May 19, Laramie Wyoming to Loveland Colorado.
Started off raining and cool, turned into a decent day, ended with a bit of rain. Finally, a day when wind was not of major consequence.
(80.9 miles, 3225 ft elevation gain)
Started off raining and cool, turned into a decent day, ended with a bit of rain. Finally, a day when wind was not of major consequence.
(80.9 miles, 3225 ft elevation gain)
Panel at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County - Rawlins WY
Dawn Dingman, Director of Nursing,
Kelli Vandiver, Nurse Educator, and
Karran Bedwell, V.P. of Quality,
(right to left) of Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, Wyoming,
discuss health challenges in a sparsely-populated county.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Rawlins, Wyoming.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Rawlins WY to Laramie WY
Day 24, May 18, Rawlins Wyoming to Laramie Wyoming.
Whoa! What happened? What is that glitch on the progress map???
Two things: first, we found out that our planned route from Rawlins south to Pueblo, Colorado was impossible, because many of the passes involved are still blocked with snow, requiring us to re-route through Laramie, Wyoming, and second, amazingly sadistic headwinds. Every time we changed direction, the wind changed to stay in our face. Fred had to be in low gears to make 3 mph of headway DOWNHILL at some points, and we finally threw in the towel around 6 pm.
We always knew this was a possibility - that there would be a conflict between scheduled presentations and the physical and environmental challenges in getting to them, so we agreed at the outset to skip sections of the route as necessary to keep our commitments. We will always report when this happens and show the actual miles and elevation gains in the daily updates, and the progress map will show gaps in the "green worm" where Fred did not travel by bike.
Whoa! What happened? What is that glitch on the progress map???
Two things: first, we found out that our planned route from Rawlins south to Pueblo, Colorado was impossible, because many of the passes involved are still blocked with snow, requiring us to re-route through Laramie, Wyoming, and second, amazingly sadistic headwinds. Every time we changed direction, the wind changed to stay in our face. Fred had to be in low gears to make 3 mph of headway DOWNHILL at some points, and we finally threw in the towel around 6 pm.
We always knew this was a possibility - that there would be a conflict between scheduled presentations and the physical and environmental challenges in getting to them, so we agreed at the outset to skip sections of the route as necessary to keep our commitments. We will always report when this happens and show the actual miles and elevation gains in the daily updates, and the progress map will show gaps in the "green worm" where Fred did not travel by bike.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Jeffrey City WY to Rawlins WY
Day 23, May 17, Jeffrey City Wyoming to Rawlins Wyoming.
Started out nice enough, but as usual, along came the wind. The day ended up with rain and hail and sleet.
(67.5 miles, 2700 ft elevation gain)
Started out nice enough, but as usual, along came the wind. The day ended up with rain and hail and sleet.
(67.5 miles, 2700 ft elevation gain)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Lander WY to Jeffrey City WY
Day 22, May 16, Lander Wyoming to Jeffrey City Wyoming.
Two thirds of the day spent fighting headwinds, which finally let up the last few miles.
(59.5 miles, 4449 ft elevation gain)
Two thirds of the day spent fighting headwinds, which finally let up the last few miles.
(59.5 miles, 4449 ft elevation gain)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Dubois WY to Lander WY
Day 21, May 15, Dubois Wyoming to Lander Wyoming.
Started out warm, but strong winds added a lot of chill factor.
(87.5 miles, 2925 ft elevation gain)
Started out warm, but strong winds added a lot of chill factor.
(87.5 miles, 2925 ft elevation gain)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Yellowstone National Park WY to Dubois WY
Day 20, May 14, South entrance of Yellowstone National Park to Dubois Wyoming.
Started cool and sunny, ended up windy and overcast, with rain and snow, and side- and head-winds over 40 mph at Togwotee pass.
(83.7 miles, 6234 ft elevation gain)
Started cool and sunny, ended up windy and overcast, with rain and snow, and side- and head-winds over 40 mph at Togwotee pass.
(83.7 miles, 6234 ft elevation gain)
Friday, May 13, 2011
West Yellowstone MT to Yellowstone National Park WY
Day 19, May 13, West Yellowstone to Yellowstone National Park south entrance.
All day in Yellowstone National Park!
(72.5 miles, 4322 ft elevation gain)
All day in Yellowstone National Park!
(72.5 miles, 4322 ft elevation gain)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Ennis MT to West Yellowstone MT
Day 18, May 12, Ennis Montana to West Yellowstone Montana.
(72.6 miles, 4477 ft elevation gain)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Dillon MT to Ennis MT
Day 17, May 11, Dillon Montana to Ennis Montana.
An absolutely beautiful day. Slight headwind, but overall one of the best days so far.
(73.2 miles, 2830 ft estimated elevation gain. This is estimated because the Garmin went slightly mad and halfway through the day claimed a total ascent of around 19,000 ft. So the first half of the day is calculated from elevation profiles on our map, and the second half from the Garmin after a reboot.)
Monday, May 9, 2011
Jackson MT to Dillon MT
Day 15, May 9, Jackson Hot Springs Montana to Dillon Montana.
The day started with 3 inches of snow, and falling, then rain, then 35 mph wind. A challenging day.
(42.6 miles, 2728 ft elevation gain)
What? No video?
Starting here, we will be posting the daily status (the start and end points and a brief summary of the day) at the end of each day, and adding the daily videos and pictures later. I know this isn't quite kosher, since you won't be notified when the videos are added, but it will allow us to keep our status reports up-to-date and keep the status reports, daily videos, and interviews in order.
We will mention in the daily status posts, what videos have been added, so you won't miss any.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Rocky Knob MT to Jackson MT
Day 14, May 8, Rocky Knob Montana to Jackson Hot Springs Montana.
great beginning of the day, but deteriorated to hail on Chief Joseph Pass, and rain all the way to Jackson.
(62.3 miles, 4651 ft elevation gain)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Missoula MT to Rocky Knob MT
Day 13, May 7, Missoula Montana to Rocky Knob, near Sula Montana.
A cool start with a threat of rain, views of snowy mountains and burned forest from 2000 fire.
(70.5 miles, 2656 ft elevation gain)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Interview with Bob Munk of AIDS InfoNet
Interviewed during the 17th Conference on Retroviruses in Boston, Massachusetts, February 2011.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Waterspouts near Patterson WA
An earlier post (Maryhill to Umatilla) includes some video of a storm near Patterson, Washington, which I showed at 32x real-time speed. For those interested in seeing the waterspouts in a bit more detail, this is a 4x version of the storm. The first waterspout we didn't even notice until I saw it in the video, and it was right across the road from where we stopped! It's only there for a few seconds, starting ten seconds into this clip. The second one starts at about 57 seconds in, about 1/3 the way from the right edge of the screen, starting at the ground and growing upward.
It's amazing what you can see right in front of you, when you slow down to bicycle speed!
Lochsa Ranger Station ID to Missoula MT
Day 11, May 5, from a campsite on the Lochsa River in Idaho, to Missoula Montana.
(88.3 miles, 4499 ft elevation gain)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Kamiah ID to Lochsa Ranger Station ID
Day 10, May 4, Kamiah Idaho to Locsa Ranger Station on the Lochsa River, Idaho.
An Excellent day!
(55.7 miles, 2458 ft elevation gain)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Clarkston WA to Kamiah ID
Day 9, May 3, Clarkston Washington to Kamiah Idaho.
Pleasant views and mild weather all along the Clearwater River. Just a few sprinkles.
(71.2 miles, 2307 ft elevation gain)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Interview with Jill Dickey of Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, in Walla Walla, WA
Jill Dickey, Program Director/Case Manager, Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, Walla Walla, Washington.
Saturday, April 30, 2011, in Walla Walla, Washington.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Walla Walla WA to Clarkston WA
Day 7, May 1, Walla Walla Washington to Clarkston Washington.
VERY long day, but a beautiful day.
(95.2 miles, 4947 ft elevation gain)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Umatilla OR to Walla Walla WA
Day 6, April 30, Umatilla Oregon to Walla Walla Washington.
A long day, warm and sunny, strong crosswinds from the south.
(55.8 miles, 2085 ft elevation gain)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Maryhill WA to Umatilla OR
Day 4, April 28, Maryhill Washington to Umatilla Oregon.
Much warmer, sunny, and very windy from the west.
(82 miles, 3133 ft elevation gain)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Stevenson WA to Maryhill WA
Day 3, April 27, Stevenson Washington to Maryhill Washington.
Chilly, but much improved over the previous days.
(6 hours, 62.2 miles, 3103 ft elevation gain)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Portland OR to Stevenson WA
Day 2, April 26, Portland Oregon to Stevenson Washington.
Cold and wet and windy for most of the day
(7 hours, 67.5 miles, 3794 ft elevation gain)
Eastbound!
As promised, Fred's tires hit the pavement in Astoria at the crack of dawn yesterday (Monday). The "crack of dawn" seems to happen around 10 a.m. some days, though, and Oregon gave us a great send-off with what seemed like about an inch of rain on our first day, but we are off and running, so to speak. The map at the top of the page shows (and will continue to show) our progress throughout the cross-country bicycle tour. The green worm shows where Fred has bicycled, with the dots showing start/end of day. The start was, as advertised, in Astoria Oregon, with Monday night spent in Portland, and Tuesday's ride ending in Stevenson, Washington. And what a beautiful day Tuesday was - yes, some more rain, but in the Columbia River Gorge, you can forgive the rain.
Pictures and video clips coming soon. Those of you who've never been to "the Gorge" will understand when you see, why it is we put up with this kind of weather.
Pictures and video clips coming soon. Those of you who've never been to "the Gorge" will understand when you see, why it is we put up with this kind of weather.
Monday, April 25, 2011
First Day Video
Day 1, April 25, Astoria Oregon to Portland Oregon.
Cold, wet and windy for 7 of the 8 ours of the day's travel.
(8 hours, 87 miles, 5800 ft elevation gain)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Project Kickoff on Monday, April 25!
The IFARA Health Challenge tour will kick off officially at the crack of dawn on Monday, with Fred beginning his cross-country tour in Astoria, Oregon.
This is going to be fun! We will be updating this blog on a (mostly) daily basis, chronicling the tour and highlighting all the interesting people we meet.
Stay tuned.
This is going to be fun! We will be updating this blog on a (mostly) daily basis, chronicling the tour and highlighting all the interesting people we meet.
Stay tuned.
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