Hello,
I spent the week after ragbrai at my mother"s in Sioux City,Iowa. It was great. Got to spend some time with mu mother helping with a few things and working with my brother's Melvin and David. Were able visit with several other relatives. Had a real good time. They say you can never go home. I disagree, things change but your memories always remain. I have great memories of growing up back there. So it is always a treat to go back home and hang out. I left for home on 2 Aug. I was able to visit with my aunts Doris and Velma on the way home. It took me a day and a half to get home. But it was a good trip. The truck ran fine. I then spent two days at home and left for a 5 day motorcycle trip down the Oregon coast. Will write more later.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday 25 July
WOW,
I cannot believe this is the last day. I actually can see the end of the ride. It is sad and happy at the same time. It has been fun and challenging at the same time. We got up a little later than normal and got off to a later start. But because it was the last day every body and their brother were out there early as well so it was really congested. But we made it out of the town without incident. We stopped at Lowell VFW for breakfast. Boy were they ever slow but the pancakes and sausage were really good and a nice price. We continued along our way and we were really doing good for this last day was a picnic. We stopped for our last smoothie and continued along our way and were going down a steep hill with a sharp turn at the bottom when people were at the end slowing everyone down because there was a accident. Never did find exactly what happened but they took him away in a ambulance. We went by a beautiful lake and great scenery. The rest of the trip into Burlington was uneventful. We were really cruising and making good time. It was great end to the ragbrai trip. We made it down to the Mississippi river and eventually made it to a boat ramp to dip our tires and thus complete our journey across Iowa. We then continued a few miles north to meet up with David and Lisa to go to Jan's for the night and actually sleep in a real bed for a change. We stopped by the Amish village of Kaloona and several Amish country stores. It was great. We finally made it to Jan's and had supper then bed. It has been a great journey and had a great time with my brothers and Lisa.
I cannot believe this is the last day. I actually can see the end of the ride. It is sad and happy at the same time. It has been fun and challenging at the same time. We got up a little later than normal and got off to a later start. But because it was the last day every body and their brother were out there early as well so it was really congested. But we made it out of the town without incident. We stopped at Lowell VFW for breakfast. Boy were they ever slow but the pancakes and sausage were really good and a nice price. We continued along our way and we were really doing good for this last day was a picnic. We stopped for our last smoothie and continued along our way and were going down a steep hill with a sharp turn at the bottom when people were at the end slowing everyone down because there was a accident. Never did find exactly what happened but they took him away in a ambulance. We went by a beautiful lake and great scenery. The rest of the trip into Burlington was uneventful. We were really cruising and making good time. It was great end to the ragbrai trip. We made it down to the Mississippi river and eventually made it to a boat ramp to dip our tires and thus complete our journey across Iowa. We then continued a few miles north to meet up with David and Lisa to go to Jan's for the night and actually sleep in a real bed for a change. We stopped by the Amish village of Kaloona and several Amish country stores. It was great. We finally made it to Jan's and had supper then bed. It has been a great journey and had a great time with my brothers and Lisa.
Friday July 24
Hello
Today was a day from hades. Not only was it hot and the hills murder. But I lost Melvin the last half of the day. Which was kind of frightening. But we found him or rather he found me at the end of the day. We stopped at a nice farmhouse to have breakfast. They had a really 1930 ford car there and a donkey and a 64 Chevy convertible. But the great breakfast they was nice looking but really expensive after the nice breakfast we had the day before. So we skipped it and went down the road. We had a really stop at peking school which had a great place to stop and eat and rest and get out of the sun which was starting to really bear down among us. After that we had a nice ride for a while. It was right after the meeting place that the hills got to me and i was a little slower. Melvin was ahead of me and got to the top of the hill and somewhere he must of turned his back to me and I passed him. I even slowed down at the next pass trough town and I thought maybe he just continued pedaling. By this time it in the afternoon and it was hot and we were battling a headwind. I stopped several times to cool off and try to un numb my bottom, and still no Melvin. I finally made it to the last night of camping on the trip. However to add to the frustration of losing Melvin, My phone battery gave out and I had no way to contact Dave and lisa to ascetain where they were located. I finally made it to the campground and every rider and support vehicles were located at the old thresher campground. Boy was it ever large and intimating. I had to use the Iowa telecom trailer to call Jan to have her call mom to get David's cell number so Jan could call David and find out where he was located. It worked and I found David and Lisa all set up. Boy did they ever find a great spot. Right across from the thresher museum and even better across from the restrooms and free hot shower. It was great. Because we having to pay $5 dollars every night for a shower. By this time I was still looking for Melvin. I went back to the information booth and was looking for him when all of a sudden Melvin appeared behind me. So everything worked out. We went to supper at st Al's in town a catholic church. It was great fried fish with all the trimmings including dessert. When we went back to the campground to settle down for the night we were told to prepare for a big storm. It was hard to believe because the sky was fairly clear. However later that night the police were coming through the campground tell everyone to evacuate to the museum buildings to avoid the storms. We were able to look through the museum for free. The great part was we got to look the museum buildings for free. The storm also split and bypassed us. So it was great. We went to bed.
Today was a day from hades. Not only was it hot and the hills murder. But I lost Melvin the last half of the day. Which was kind of frightening. But we found him or rather he found me at the end of the day. We stopped at a nice farmhouse to have breakfast. They had a really 1930 ford car there and a donkey and a 64 Chevy convertible. But the great breakfast they was nice looking but really expensive after the nice breakfast we had the day before. So we skipped it and went down the road. We had a really stop at peking school which had a great place to stop and eat and rest and get out of the sun which was starting to really bear down among us. After that we had a nice ride for a while. It was right after the meeting place that the hills got to me and i was a little slower. Melvin was ahead of me and got to the top of the hill and somewhere he must of turned his back to me and I passed him. I even slowed down at the next pass trough town and I thought maybe he just continued pedaling. By this time it in the afternoon and it was hot and we were battling a headwind. I stopped several times to cool off and try to un numb my bottom, and still no Melvin. I finally made it to the last night of camping on the trip. However to add to the frustration of losing Melvin, My phone battery gave out and I had no way to contact Dave and lisa to ascetain where they were located. I finally made it to the campground and every rider and support vehicles were located at the old thresher campground. Boy was it ever large and intimating. I had to use the Iowa telecom trailer to call Jan to have her call mom to get David's cell number so Jan could call David and find out where he was located. It worked and I found David and Lisa all set up. Boy did they ever find a great spot. Right across from the thresher museum and even better across from the restrooms and free hot shower. It was great. Because we having to pay $5 dollars every night for a shower. By this time I was still looking for Melvin. I went back to the information booth and was looking for him when all of a sudden Melvin appeared behind me. So everything worked out. We went to supper at st Al's in town a catholic church. It was great fried fish with all the trimmings including dessert. When we went back to the campground to settle down for the night we were told to prepare for a big storm. It was hard to believe because the sky was fairly clear. However later that night the police were coming through the campground tell everyone to evacuate to the museum buildings to avoid the storms. We were able to look through the museum for free. The great part was we got to look the museum buildings for free. The storm also split and bypassed us. So it was great. We went to bed.
Thursday July 23
Hello,
WE left chariton after waking up to thunder and lighting and a strong rain storm. The inside of the tent was even a bit damp after the rain was forced trough a bit. A bout a hour or so later we came among a scene which quickly let us know how luckily we were. The storm actually skirted us a little and hit south east of us. There was hail along side of the road so thick that Melvin was waiting for me as he usually was. But this time he scoped up a handful of hail and threw it at my legs. That felt good. We stopped and ate breakfast at a little restaurant by the lake (rathburn ) It was great the food was good and cheap. $2 for a full order of biscuits and gravy. We arrived in Moravia and had a good time and stayed a little while enjoying the shade and the local culture. We continued onto Ottumwa. We stayed a local park. It was the first time we stayed all concentrated at the same spot with the other 15,000 people. It was crazy. However it was okay even when it started to rain. We went next door and stayed with a nice lady who luckily allowed us to share her canopy. The storm passed quickly as it came. We went out to dinner to the knights of Columbus. It was steak dinner. It was good. We took the shuttle to eat and roam around town. We had a great time. Even stopped and listened to a couple who quit their jobs and sold almost of of their possessions and have traveling around the world on their bicycles and free camping and such. It was interesting. But not my cup of tea. We went back to camp and yes we went to bed pretty quickly.
WE left chariton after waking up to thunder and lighting and a strong rain storm. The inside of the tent was even a bit damp after the rain was forced trough a bit. A bout a hour or so later we came among a scene which quickly let us know how luckily we were. The storm actually skirted us a little and hit south east of us. There was hail along side of the road so thick that Melvin was waiting for me as he usually was. But this time he scoped up a handful of hail and threw it at my legs. That felt good. We stopped and ate breakfast at a little restaurant by the lake (rathburn ) It was great the food was good and cheap. $2 for a full order of biscuits and gravy. We arrived in Moravia and had a good time and stayed a little while enjoying the shade and the local culture. We continued onto Ottumwa. We stayed a local park. It was the first time we stayed all concentrated at the same spot with the other 15,000 people. It was crazy. However it was okay even when it started to rain. We went next door and stayed with a nice lady who luckily allowed us to share her canopy. The storm passed quickly as it came. We went out to dinner to the knights of Columbus. It was steak dinner. It was good. We took the shuttle to eat and roam around town. We had a great time. Even stopped and listened to a couple who quit their jobs and sold almost of of their possessions and have traveling around the world on their bicycles and free camping and such. It was interesting. But not my cup of tea. We went back to camp and yes we went to bed pretty quickly.
Wednesday July 22
Hello,
Yippee we were to sleep in late today (7am) because it was a short ride only 44.4 miles and a fairly easy ride. It stopped raining by the time we got up in the morning. The town was so friendly and we had a good time there. However we started riding and we hit some misty stuff again. But by the time we arrived at Milo it was nice out. We even stopped at a local farm house and had pancakes and eggs. They were really friendly and the food was good as well. We arrived in Chariton before noon I believe. We were camping at the middle school. It was really nice of them to keep the school open all night which was great. We had a great time running around town looking at the different vendors and food stuff. Later that night we went back down town for supper. They stared the band. We had to leave because it was so loud. The band looked like a bunch of weirdos and were screaming at the top of their lungs. Crazy. WEnt to bed as usual by this time 9 pm.
Yippee we were to sleep in late today (7am) because it was a short ride only 44.4 miles and a fairly easy ride. It stopped raining by the time we got up in the morning. The town was so friendly and we had a good time there. However we started riding and we hit some misty stuff again. But by the time we arrived at Milo it was nice out. We even stopped at a local farm house and had pancakes and eggs. They were really friendly and the food was good as well. We arrived in Chariton before noon I believe. We were camping at the middle school. It was really nice of them to keep the school open all night which was great. We had a great time running around town looking at the different vendors and food stuff. Later that night we went back down town for supper. They stared the band. We had to leave because it was so loud. The band looked like a bunch of weirdos and were screaming at the top of their lungs. Crazy. WEnt to bed as usual by this time 9 pm.
Tuesday July 21
Hello,
We left early again and as usual there was a hill out of town and soon we going pretty good and on a good pace. Of course other things changed. The rain a mist started and was with until we got to macksburg 20 miles or so down the road. If you look close on the macksburg tavern you will see Melvin's and I autographs on the the wall. The mist continued until St Charles. There it was nice and we ate lunch. I am not sure where the eating started or stopped throughout the day. Ragbrai is often described as eating your way through Iowa instead of biking LOl. We were enjoying a fairly nice end of the day when of course we hit another hill coming into town. We were real lucky when we came into town and found David Lisa again having set up the campsite. But instead of on a school ground. They camped on a church site. Boy where they ever friendly. They offered free camping and free water and a real good supper with dessert. Later on after supper they came by the campers with even more free dessert. They were so typical of the friendliness of rural Iowa. We were bed again around sunset which was becoming the norm.
We left early again and as usual there was a hill out of town and soon we going pretty good and on a good pace. Of course other things changed. The rain a mist started and was with until we got to macksburg 20 miles or so down the road. If you look close on the macksburg tavern you will see Melvin's and I autographs on the the wall. The mist continued until St Charles. There it was nice and we ate lunch. I am not sure where the eating started or stopped throughout the day. Ragbrai is often described as eating your way through Iowa instead of biking LOl. We were enjoying a fairly nice end of the day when of course we hit another hill coming into town. We were real lucky when we came into town and found David Lisa again having set up the campsite. But instead of on a school ground. They camped on a church site. Boy where they ever friendly. They offered free camping and free water and a real good supper with dessert. Later on after supper they came by the campers with even more free dessert. They were so typical of the friendliness of rural Iowa. We were bed again around sunset which was becoming the norm.
Monday July 20th
Hello,
We left the campground about 5:30 in the morning. Boy we hit a big hill right away on the way out of town. I almost made it to the top but had to walk a few yards. It was too soon and I was not warmed up enough yet. The recumbent is a great bike but it is difficult to ride up a steep hill, although it can fly down hill. By the time we hit Villisca it was time to stop for breakfast. Believe me a cinnamon roll and french toast sticks and a diet coke does not go well. I had a slightly upset tummy and by the time we hit the meeting town at Corning I was feeling better but did not have lunch. Melvin had a pulled pork sandwich. By the way I will tell every one "that Iowa is not flat" The hills are steep when you constantly hit them. Thank heavens for the smoothie guys at the top of the hills. Melvin really enjoyed them. I also enjoyed them just not as much. I was doing okay but by the time we were 5 miles from greenfield I had to walk trough the last town to give my bottom and feet a rest. Believe me, do not always believe the so called bike experts when they say that biking shoes are the best. My feet really hurt by the end of the day. Plus the fact that I have not up to this point rode over 70 miles and this day we rode 72.6 miles and climbed 5,060 feet. But we did make it to Greenfield. The only disappointment was not going to "Bubbas Rock". But it was raining and it was not good. We went to bed again at 9 or so.
We left the campground about 5:30 in the morning. Boy we hit a big hill right away on the way out of town. I almost made it to the top but had to walk a few yards. It was too soon and I was not warmed up enough yet. The recumbent is a great bike but it is difficult to ride up a steep hill, although it can fly down hill. By the time we hit Villisca it was time to stop for breakfast. Believe me a cinnamon roll and french toast sticks and a diet coke does not go well. I had a slightly upset tummy and by the time we hit the meeting town at Corning I was feeling better but did not have lunch. Melvin had a pulled pork sandwich. By the way I will tell every one "that Iowa is not flat" The hills are steep when you constantly hit them. Thank heavens for the smoothie guys at the top of the hills. Melvin really enjoyed them. I also enjoyed them just not as much. I was doing okay but by the time we were 5 miles from greenfield I had to walk trough the last town to give my bottom and feet a rest. Believe me, do not always believe the so called bike experts when they say that biking shoes are the best. My feet really hurt by the end of the day. Plus the fact that I have not up to this point rode over 70 miles and this day we rode 72.6 miles and climbed 5,060 feet. But we did make it to Greenfield. The only disappointment was not going to "Bubbas Rock". But it was raining and it was not good. We went to bed again at 9 or so.
Sunday July 19
Hello,
Sorry about being late but it has been harder than i thought to keep up on the road. The wireless Internet they claimed to had has the range of a rock gliding through the air "zip". We left Council Bluffs Iowa early around 5:30. It was cold and slightly foggy. We rode for about 6 miles and I was thinking boy is this ever so easy. That changed quickly when we hit the loess hills. They were steep and the sun was coming out. It heats up quickly. By the time we hit the meeting town of Emerson it was evident we were not going to sit any land speed records. The idea of meeting up with David and Lisa at the meeting towns were quickly dissipated. The crowds were too much for us to find them quickly and the parking was even harder for the support vehicles. By the time the end of the day was coming up. I felt pretty good and was starting going to go down the few hills left and the front tire started feel funny. I got a flat tire. It was really warm and I changed the flat tire pretty quickly. Melvin waited for me at the bridge coming into town. David and Lisa had the tent set up and we just sat down and rested. I drank quite a few gator aids that day. We ate supper close by. Were in bed by 9 or so.
Sorry about being late but it has been harder than i thought to keep up on the road. The wireless Internet they claimed to had has the range of a rock gliding through the air "zip". We left Council Bluffs Iowa early around 5:30. It was cold and slightly foggy. We rode for about 6 miles and I was thinking boy is this ever so easy. That changed quickly when we hit the loess hills. They were steep and the sun was coming out. It heats up quickly. By the time we hit the meeting town of Emerson it was evident we were not going to sit any land speed records. The idea of meeting up with David and Lisa at the meeting towns were quickly dissipated. The crowds were too much for us to find them quickly and the parking was even harder for the support vehicles. By the time the end of the day was coming up. I felt pretty good and was starting going to go down the few hills left and the front tire started feel funny. I got a flat tire. It was really warm and I changed the flat tire pretty quickly. Melvin waited for me at the bridge coming into town. David and Lisa had the tent set up and we just sat down and rested. I drank quite a few gator aids that day. We ate supper close by. Were in bed by 9 or so.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I am Here
Yippe We e
We are here. The weather is great and the people areawesome. It has been a long road here but i am glad to be here. We walked across the bob kerry pedestrian bridge. It was a good time. Will try to post pictures tommorrow.
We are here. The weather is great and the people areawesome. It has been a long road here but i am glad to be here. We walked across the bob kerry pedestrian bridge. It was a good time. Will try to post pictures tommorrow.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bad Excuse
It has been quite some time since I made a comment. The ride is really near now. I will be leaving on thursday to go back to iowa for the ragbrai. I think I am in good enough shape. We will find out soon enough. I have made some pretty good rides. I have been wanting to do this so I come ready or not. I will attempt to post some pictures when I get going.
Bye for now wish me luck
Bye for now wish me luck
Friday, June 12, 2009
It is getting closer
I know I have not wrote since Monday and there really is no excuse. It has been a week since I last rode. But today I went for a quick 20 mile ride. It only took me a hour and 40 minutes. That is pretty good. I have been stretching and working out in other ways. But mostly mental. Well I have to get ready for work.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Thinking
Well here I have been busy this last weekend. I have not done any riding since Friday. I know I have been slacking. But it really was not not possible to fully train. I am thinking I will slack a little more and really start back on Wednesday. I will start dieting as well in order to shed a few pounds by the start of the ride. It seems the closer to the ride the more hectic things are becoming to be. As there are commitments and things to get ready and such. It is crazy but I realize with Patience and a little foresight and planning things will come into focus and the ride will be successful. We really had a busy weekend with birthday party and a blessing which required driving up to Ferndale and back in one day. 6 hours or driving. But it actually was a nice drive because Adam drove and the rest of us just hung out and visited and watched movies. Well today is a new day. Take care.
Friday, June 5, 2009
TGIF
I only rode a quick 20 today. The weather sure changed allot just from yesterday. I was a slacker the last two days. I had some appointments and shopping etc. Oh well so much for the excuses. I have been having a difficult time with my lower back and bum. But I think I have made some alterations to the bike which gave me more comfort on my ride now. I am also finding that it is necessary to stop and take a short break every 20 miles or so. This may not be the case for every one but i believe it is for me. Our weather has been quite hot lately but it has taken a turn for the better i hope. Although the hot muggy weather lately has probably gave me a little taste of what Iowa will be on the ragbrai. Well have a great day.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"Milestone"
I actually did it today (Monday) I rode my bicycle 52 miles. I know this may not be huge for other people. But it was for me. I do not recall ever riding this far before. I was actually in fairly good shape when I arrived. I even went to work that night. On tuesday I only rode 20 miles due to time constraints. But it was a great ride never the less. I am working up to doing a couple of 75 milers. But we will see. The weather has actually cooperating quite well. Hope it continues. Have a great day.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Another milestone
I rode 43 miles today. It was rather pleasant. Although that was not the case onFriday when I only rode 30 miles. I think I may have stumbled on to a secret. I stopped today at the 20 mile mark and had a milkshake. Then I continued on my way. I was no speed demon. I did 43 miles in a hour and half. The weather was great. I finished up in good spirits and I was not too sore either. I was kinda dissappointed on friday. But today I feel really good. I am positive I will be able to ride the whole Ragbrai. May not as fast as I wanted but never the less still complete it. Have a great day.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
"Ouch"
Last Friday I had experience. Myself and my bike came around the corner and the bike went completely sideways and of course i wnet with it, I did recieve some road rash on my leg and lower left buttock. But oh well I will heal. The did get the seat scratched up. I am not sure when I will fix it. Either before or after RAGBRAI. I have riding out on thet open road the last few days. 21 or so miles each day. Of course not since thursday. We are out at the beach for memorial day weekend. Hope the weekend continues so great. Well got to eat.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday day of rest
Well yesterday was a small test. I went riding out on the road. I only went for 25 miles but it was a bit challenging. It was fun. The scenery was really nice. I had a great day.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Playing Catch Up
Boy, I thought writing this blog would be a motivator and be so easy. I was always ribbing the kids about how they neglect thier blog. I now am eating crow. For I am also a slacker in this department. This last weekend was great for the girls. They seemed to really enjoy themselves. The fellows also did very well. I believe they all respect thier wives role in raising the children a little bit more after walking a day in thier shoes.
Sunday was not a great day for training. However Monday and Tuesday, I did however step up the pace a bit. I am struggling with the time neccessary to train, however I have been able to ride 15 miles in less than a hour and still be able to walk a mile in less than 18 minutes. I know this not really fast for most folks but it is huge for me. I intend to continue untill the end of may with 15 miles and then step it to maybe 25 or 30 miles a day at the same level of intensity. I know i can 30 miles however i want to try and do it at 80 rpms or more. That is the hard part. Well have a great day.
Sunday was not a great day for training. However Monday and Tuesday, I did however step up the pace a bit. I am struggling with the time neccessary to train, however I have been able to ride 15 miles in less than a hour and still be able to walk a mile in less than 18 minutes. I know this not really fast for most folks but it is huge for me. I intend to continue untill the end of may with 15 miles and then step it to maybe 25 or 30 miles a day at the same level of intensity. I know i can 30 miles however i want to try and do it at 80 rpms or more. That is the hard part. Well have a great day.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday
Well today was a real long day. I got up at 6:30 am. Which is early for me. I then commenced to complete my mission og picking up Amy, Carrie, Laura and Judy and then giving them the keys and preloading the GPS and say good bye until Sunday afternoon. They then left without knowing thier destination (which was Seaside Oregon). They shopped and mosied thier way down the coast. They sounded like they were having a blast. In the meantime, I hung out with Adam and Brinnon and Samantha. We went running around getting propane and bicycle stuff. Like spandex shorts for riding. Yeah I know me in spandex! What a sight? Then I came back and tried starighten things up. Adam and kids came back around 6 for supper, Just as I was finishing up riding the bike and walking. Later I fell asleep watching TV. What a day.
Friday
I was able to get only a ten mile ride. No run. Was staying busy around the house. Also going to work. Now Saturday will be a real busy day. What with trying to do training and also getting the girls off on thier Mother's Day race. Will explain more tommorrow.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday
Today I did get a small work out in. I only rode 10 miles but in a new time (32 minutes). It was rough but i did it. I was trying to see how high i could get my heart rate up to and sustain it. It was great. I felt good doing it but afterwards I was tired LOL. I also tried putting a new system on my old computer. So far so good, still working the bugs out.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
WEDNESDAY
I was a slacker yesterday but not today. I rode the bike in my best time yet. I am not sure spped is the answer to successful RAGBRAI. However I believe anything i better than nothing. I rode 10 miles keeping my heart rate above 135. That is great for me. I then walked a mile. Other than working on the august bkie trip and working out. I really hve not done much. Well have a great day.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Slacker
Yesterday I rode 10 miles and walked a mile and was quite busy with yard work and such. Today I am such a slacker. Just went shopping. But will have to get back on the bike tommorow. Hope everyone is having a great day
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Progress
I just finished riding 10 mile and walking a mile all in a pretty good time. Will do better tommorow
Training for the RAGBRAI
I am just starting this blog to record some of my experiences and display my pictures and to motivate myself by sharing some of my training for the RAGBRAI.
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