[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Topeka, KS to St. Joseph, MO
84 miles
Well this is the real test. The middle section, the rolling hills, the long miles. I knew when I was over analyzing this trip (as I do with everything) that this part was…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Abilene, KS to Topeka, KS
105.6 miles
So unfortunately this is another one of those, I have to make this quick posts. Today’s ride was long, hot and to be honest tiring. However I also have to say it was a…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Rest Day – Abilene, KS
0 miles
Oh the joy of a day off. However with nowhere to cycle today I was at a bit of a loss first thing of what to do. Deirdre was up early for a call…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Great Bend, KS to McPherson, KS
64.53 miles
As Dinah Washington, Rod Stewart or Ami Winhouse (depending on your age) might say, ‘What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours’. Yes the Yang returned to equal the Ying of yesterday…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Great Bend, KS to McPherson, KS
64.53 miles
As Dinah Washington, Rod Stewart or Ami Winhouse (depending on your age) might say, ‘What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours’. Yes the Yang returned to equal the Ying of yesterday…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Dodge, KS to Great Bend, KS
84 miles
Today was hard, really hard. I know if you look at the map, gradients or anything else you want to todays ride looked easy enough. What you can not see is a crosswind…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Liberal, KS to Dodge City, KS.
83.3 miles
So today it was out of the hotel, ride US 54 E for 61 miles, turn left onto US 283 N for another 20 miles, turn left and the hotel is about one…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Guymon, OK to Liberal, KS
39.6 miles
Today was almost perfect, tailwind, great road conditions and perfect weather. If I could change anything at all, it would be that I wished today was one of our 100 mile rides not a…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Dalhart, TX to Guymon, OK.
71.5 miles
So much for plans. After the previous days of riding into a headwind I had decided that today I was going to ride with the others as much as I could. As we finished…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Tucumcari,NM to Dalhart, TX.
95.8 miles
Well today ladies and gentlemen was a long day. On our notes it was billed as a 95 mile ride with just over 2,000 ft of climbing. I think all of the riders would agree…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Las Vegas, NM to Tucumcari, NM
109.5 miles
It often takes me a good 30 minutes to get my breathing totally right for some reason in a morning at the start of a ride. This has almost always been the case…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Santa Fe, NM to Las Vegas, NM.
73.0 miles
So after a day off I found it took me a while to get into a good rhythm. I had decided to set out 15 minutes behind the first group today. The first…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Today was our second rest day, a time to rest. So why was I awake and up at 5:30 am like I have been every day since we started this ride. What am I going to do all day if I…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]
Albuquerque, NM to Santa Fe, NM.
67.7 miles
Today was billed as a ‘great ride’ day. In one way it was but to be honest by the time I arrived in Santa Fe I was glad…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Grants, NM to Albuquerque, NM
78 miles
The day again started as most days do now. I wake up just before the alarm at 5:30 am and wonder why its always not long enough to go back to…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Gallup, NM to Grants, NM
65.66 miles
Breakfast with the Colonel (Barry) was a great way to start today. We chatted while loading up on carbs, coffee and anything else you think might fuel you for each day.…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Well the day started with an email from our hero’s from yesterday. I can now tell you their names are Mike Wilson and Courtney Phillips. They also sent me these pics and wished me well on my journey, what a great…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]First some things to say before I go for a long ramble about a long day.
I want to thank each and everyone of you who has joined my ride, spread the word and donated to our cause. We passed the…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Today was our first of five rest days for this ride. I was definitely ready for today and enjoyed every minute of it. Some of the group visited the Grand Canyon for the day, others went off to find local history…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="0px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"]Cottowood, AZ to Flagstaff, AZ
47 Miles
So before I let you know how today went, I have to talk about last night! Irma got some well deserved loving. During the day she had not seemed like herself. As…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Prescott, AZ to Cottonwood, AZ
44 Miles
Day 6 passed very quickly. I am not sure if it was actually easy or just that the past few days have been so hard by comparison. I rolled out of the hotel early…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Wickenburg, AZ to Prescott, AZ
59 Miles
Hills and climbing were the big unknown for me. If you have read my past posts you know that I have limited training and success with hills. So a day of around 5,600…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Wickenburg, AZ to Prescott, AZ
59 Miles
Hills and climbing were the big unknown for me. If you have read my past posts you know that I have limited training and success with hills. So a day of around 5,600…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="0px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]
Indio, CA to Blythe, CA
96.7 miles
Not exactly my best fashion look today. Unfortunately I do not ride across the desert with the style and looks of Omar Sharif or Peter O’Toole in Lawrence of Arabia. I am…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Riverside, CA to Indio, CA - 92.7 Miles
Today’s ride was supposed to be 92.7 miles from Riverside to Indio but my ride was actually 93.41 miles, due to the fact I left my sunglasses at the second…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Manhattan Beach, CA to Riverside, CA 78 Miles
At last I am on my way East until we reach Boston. After riding the bike in groups of two side by side the 5 miles from the hotel to…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]So the ride is here. The wait is over and all of my training done. It is just over 9 months since I got my ‘old bike’ out of the garage and started this journey to Boston.
According to my…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]At 9 am sharp I headed down with Irma to have her inspected by the Crossroads Cycling Adventures team, who want to make sure our bikes are fit for purpose and safe for the journey to Boston. Dana, one…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]"The hills are alive with the sound of panting".
Florida is flat and warm, which is fine to go out cycling and put in the miles. However you can get to a point where you think you are becoming a decent…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]My New Ride
So I now have my "horse" to carry me across the mountains, deserts and prairies of America. After my bike fitting and a lot of contemplation, emails and reading, I found my new bike. A few…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" theme_builder_area="post_content" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" type="4_4" theme_builder_area="post_content"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" theme_builder_area="post_content" hover_enabled="0" sticky_enabled="0"]A Half Century
So, 250 days to go before I head out from LA to Boston on my bike, but whose counting! To help commemorate this day, I rode my first half-century for over 5 years. I have a long…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]It’s just like riding a bike right?
The good and bad. Starting a new challenge.
So we have all done it - started a new sport or hobby. We are the most enthusiastic and hopeful in our new favorite specialist store. We spend…
Good question. Why spend the time writing predominately to yourself, which is blogging. Why write, if you’re not a trained or gifted literary writer? These and other questions have crossed my far too active mind.
I never did well in English at school for two main reasons - grammar and spelling. Back in the 70's at…
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version="4.17.6" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_post_nav][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]