I just got off the phone with Marilyn and tonight is their last dinner together, a farewell dinner where you can if you want get up and speak. Marilyn was not sure what she was going to do, she was going to wait for the moment.
She lucked out with the weather the last 2 days and it was not raining. She rode 80 miles each day. This afternoon after Marilyn got in and was riding for her ice cream the skies opened up with a thunder storm.
She is in Manchester, NH and is relieved and amazed that she completed this ride across America. She does have the fortitude to finish & we all knew she did.
There were lots of climbs through the mountains 14% grade, not an easy last 2 days, very intense.
Today they were at the 100 mile overlook, Hogback Mountain West Dover, Vt and after that it was downhill, really steep downhill, luckily for Marilyn she went before Bob and he had to watch her fly down the turns and see just how close the cars were to her. She was happy that she didn't have to see this and of course you never know just how sandy the road is.
I am going to miss assisting Marilyn with her blog, it has been great for me to ride through Marilyn's words and I look forward to riding with her in a few weeks.......
She will have friends meet her on Tues at noon in Portsmouth, NH at the Atlantic Ocean.
Till the next adventure, be well......
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Donna arrives in Latham, NY
Boy was I tired after my 3 hour ride in my air conditioned car when I arrived at the hotel. Oh yea, this isn't about me........
Marilyn arrived around 4 PM after doing close to 80 miles. The weather was gorgeous, some hills and a bike path that they kept getting lost on.
It was so good to see Marilyn and we have been doing nothing but talking and laughing. We just came back from a great restaurant The Century House for a gourmet meal while the other bikers ate at the Country Buffet.
As I am writing this I am downloading over 800 pictures that Marilyn has taken along the way.
I got to meet some of the other bikers before and after Marilyn arrived. Now I have faces to put with the names.
While waiting I met a couple in their 80's who were waiting for the bikers to arrive, they brought brownies. He had riden this ride in the early 2000's and did it several times. They live in Latham and every year when this group comes through they come to the hotel to meet them.
After Marilyn took a shower we quickly had to go see the mechanic ( there are set times to meet with them) to have her gears adjusted. It seems that they were shifting on their own. After a few adjustments she is ready for tomorrow's ride into Brattleboro, VT.
Vermont is very special to Marilyn as her family has always had a place in Readsboro, VT and they were there many times every year. She will be passing through that area.
Marilyn will start her ride tomorrow at 8 AM and will ride 80 miles.
And she will be back in Seekonk next week, come next Sunday and hear all about her adventures. So what did you do this summer.......
Marilyn is packing and cleaning up as I write, getting ready for the new day.......More in a few days..
Marilyn arrived around 4 PM after doing close to 80 miles. The weather was gorgeous, some hills and a bike path that they kept getting lost on.
It was so good to see Marilyn and we have been doing nothing but talking and laughing. We just came back from a great restaurant The Century House for a gourmet meal while the other bikers ate at the Country Buffet.
As I am writing this I am downloading over 800 pictures that Marilyn has taken along the way.
I got to meet some of the other bikers before and after Marilyn arrived. Now I have faces to put with the names.
While waiting I met a couple in their 80's who were waiting for the bikers to arrive, they brought brownies. He had riden this ride in the early 2000's and did it several times. They live in Latham and every year when this group comes through they come to the hotel to meet them.
After Marilyn took a shower we quickly had to go see the mechanic ( there are set times to meet with them) to have her gears adjusted. It seems that they were shifting on their own. After a few adjustments she is ready for tomorrow's ride into Brattleboro, VT.
Vermont is very special to Marilyn as her family has always had a place in Readsboro, VT and they were there many times every year. She will be passing through that area.
Marilyn will start her ride tomorrow at 8 AM and will ride 80 miles.
And she will be back in Seekonk next week, come next Sunday and hear all about her adventures. So what did you do this summer.......
Marilyn is packing and cleaning up as I write, getting ready for the new day.......More in a few days..
Friday, July 24, 2009
Little Falls, NY
Wow it is now Friday and the countdown is near. For those going to Portsmouth NH on Tues this is the plan for the group.
On Tuesday, July 28th they will depart the hotel around 7:00am for a 62 mile ride to Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, NH. All the riders will meet at a Junior HS about 2 miles from the beach around 11:30 then they will have a police escort to the beach. This is an estimated time and hope to be at the beach just after 12:00 noon.
I spoke to Marilyn tonight and she is having a visitor tomorrow, me. Because I can't take Tues and Wed off next week I am going to meet her in Latham NY Sat afternoon. I hope to take some photos and actually download some of her pictures.
The last fews days have been riding in the rain, not all day but some of it.
I found this You Tube post from one of the other bloggers on the trip and this will give you an idea of what it was to ride on Route 80 way back on June 18th. Kind of scary with all those tractor trailers zooming by. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL1ptEDOCFI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fleighscrosscountryride%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
Marilyn told me of a story tonight about one of the riders who helped a wounded baby eagle on the road, there are so many stories to tell......Until tomorrow.....
On Tuesday, July 28th they will depart the hotel around 7:00am for a 62 mile ride to Wallis Sands Beach in Rye, NH. All the riders will meet at a Junior HS about 2 miles from the beach around 11:30 then they will have a police escort to the beach. This is an estimated time and hope to be at the beach just after 12:00 noon.
I spoke to Marilyn tonight and she is having a visitor tomorrow, me. Because I can't take Tues and Wed off next week I am going to meet her in Latham NY Sat afternoon. I hope to take some photos and actually download some of her pictures.
The last fews days have been riding in the rain, not all day but some of it.
I found this You Tube post from one of the other bloggers on the trip and this will give you an idea of what it was to ride on Route 80 way back on June 18th. Kind of scary with all those tractor trailers zooming by. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL1ptEDOCFI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fleighscrosscountryride%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
Marilyn told me of a story tonight about one of the riders who helped a wounded baby eagle on the road, there are so many stories to tell......Until tomorrow.....
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Canandaigua, NY
Can you believe Marilyn is in NY state , then VT, then NH then she will be back in Seekonk.
Monday was a day off in Erie, that day she and Bob went to the bike store then Marilyn was off to the Chiropractor for a great visit. She then came back and rested no sightseeing was in her plans.
If you remember in the beginning of the blog there was a biker Rick who fell and broke his shoulder well he is back riding, he also had broken ribs and a bruised kidney. Marilyn rode with him today and they were doing so well actually averaging 16 MPH when with just 7 miles to go Rick had a flat, can you believe it was a tiny staple, they fixed that then down the road another staple.......this is just something they have to deal with riding everyday.
They did stop today at a bicycle museum http://www.pedalinghistory.com/ in Orchard Park, NY, it was a fun detour.
Tues they rode in the rain :(, not a fun day for riding.
Over the past 3 days there have been two incidents with Marilyn on a bike and cars, fortunately she reacted very quickly and there was not an accident, just Marilyn riding off the side of the road.
This story from last weekend, when Marilyn got into her hotel room she discovered a beetle in her clothes. We all know her love of all creatures so Marilyn got herself dressed, went down 8 flights and let the beetle fly away...this didn't surprise me.
I know there are some people going to meet Marilyn on Tuesday in Portsmouth, NH, if you would like to go please contact Louanne.
That's all I have for tonight, I just can't wait to hear her sermons for August, there are so many stories to tell.
Monday was a day off in Erie, that day she and Bob went to the bike store then Marilyn was off to the Chiropractor for a great visit. She then came back and rested no sightseeing was in her plans.
If you remember in the beginning of the blog there was a biker Rick who fell and broke his shoulder well he is back riding, he also had broken ribs and a bruised kidney. Marilyn rode with him today and they were doing so well actually averaging 16 MPH when with just 7 miles to go Rick had a flat, can you believe it was a tiny staple, they fixed that then down the road another staple.......this is just something they have to deal with riding everyday.
They did stop today at a bicycle museum http://www.pedalinghistory.com/ in Orchard Park, NY, it was a fun detour.
Tues they rode in the rain :(, not a fun day for riding.
Over the past 3 days there have been two incidents with Marilyn on a bike and cars, fortunately she reacted very quickly and there was not an accident, just Marilyn riding off the side of the road.
This story from last weekend, when Marilyn got into her hotel room she discovered a beetle in her clothes. We all know her love of all creatures so Marilyn got herself dressed, went down 8 flights and let the beetle fly away...this didn't surprise me.
I know there are some people going to meet Marilyn on Tuesday in Portsmouth, NH, if you would like to go please contact Louanne.
That's all I have for tonight, I just can't wait to hear her sermons for August, there are so many stories to tell.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Leaving Ohio
Marilyn is doing just fine, I have been busy and have not had the opportunity to touch base much this week.
Lots of riding and Marilyn is looking forward to July 28th when she reaches her destination.
Monday is a day off in Erie, PA and she did 2 over 100 mile rides at the beginning of the week ending with 2 over 90 mile rides.
Today Marilyn is in Ohio and crossing into PA tomorrow.
Will write more next week during her last week of riding.
Lots of riding and Marilyn is looking forward to July 28th when she reaches her destination.
Monday is a day off in Erie, PA and she did 2 over 100 mile rides at the beginning of the week ending with 2 over 90 mile rides.
Today Marilyn is in Ohio and crossing into PA tomorrow.
Will write more next week during her last week of riding.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Missouri was Miserable.......
Missouri may be a wonderful state to visit but when riding it was not the most pleasant. It is all hills and not those nice rolling hills of Kansas but she has crossed the line into Illinois. And for the last 3 days it has been 100 miles for each one.
Marilyn's back was bothering her at the beginning of the week and for 2 days she wore a back brace but please make note that she still continued to ride in pain. And you can add one more flat tire this week so that makes 6.
Today was probably her best day ever and she rode about 15 miles more than she should have. But she rode with Carole and they were just silly because they kept taking so many wrong turns. The roads are not well marked and all you have are corn fields so it is easy to miss a turn. But she did manage to have ice cream twice today so that is always a plus.
Marilyn was actually sitting in a hot tub while I was taking notes and then she was moving into the pool then will do her nightly ritual of sitting on ice.
The Korean camera crew is back and filming unfortunately they were all standing and filming in front of one of our turns so that was another detour.
So at 36 days it can get a bit intense with all the pressures of riding but all is well and she still has the energy everyday to start riding again.
She will be in Indianapolis on Monday for another day of rest. Marilyn says hello to all......
Marilyn's back was bothering her at the beginning of the week and for 2 days she wore a back brace but please make note that she still continued to ride in pain. And you can add one more flat tire this week so that makes 6.
Today was probably her best day ever and she rode about 15 miles more than she should have. But she rode with Carole and they were just silly because they kept taking so many wrong turns. The roads are not well marked and all you have are corn fields so it is easy to miss a turn. But she did manage to have ice cream twice today so that is always a plus.
Marilyn was actually sitting in a hot tub while I was taking notes and then she was moving into the pool then will do her nightly ritual of sitting on ice.
The Korean camera crew is back and filming unfortunately they were all standing and filming in front of one of our turns so that was another detour.
So at 36 days it can get a bit intense with all the pressures of riding but all is well and she still has the energy everyday to start riding again.
She will be in Indianapolis on Monday for another day of rest. Marilyn says hello to all......
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Yet another century
It was just another day and 108 miles later Marilyn was in Topeka, Kansas. Rolling hills and overcast in the 80's, another good day. She rode about 1/2 of the day alone since the group ahead was a bit too fast for her and the one behind was just too slow today.
One of the breaks was in a park and for the few minutes they were there, they listened to some musicians. Marilyn was standing near a 7 year old girl and she was interested in what Marilyn was doing. Marilyn told her she enjoyed being in Kansas and the girl replied that she really liked it in Kansas because there were not a lot of people there and there was peace.......that really struck Marilyn.
There were tornado warnings on Friday night and they all had to leave their rooms and go downstairs for about 1/2 hour. Once down there she realized that she did not take the items that would be critical if there had been a tornado, those items would be her medication and bike..... Welcome to Kansas
When you go away from home you do miss certain things and Marilyn really misses her animals and animals in general. She realizes she has a strong connection to animals.
Sunday she will ride 88 miles to St Joseph, Missouri and a well deserved day off on Monday. On the agenda for Monday will be a trip to the chiropractor and a massage.
She says hello to all, more again in a few days...
One of the breaks was in a park and for the few minutes they were there, they listened to some musicians. Marilyn was standing near a 7 year old girl and she was interested in what Marilyn was doing. Marilyn told her she enjoyed being in Kansas and the girl replied that she really liked it in Kansas because there were not a lot of people there and there was peace.......that really struck Marilyn.
There were tornado warnings on Friday night and they all had to leave their rooms and go downstairs for about 1/2 hour. Once down there she realized that she did not take the items that would be critical if there had been a tornado, those items would be her medication and bike..... Welcome to Kansas
When you go away from home you do miss certain things and Marilyn really misses her animals and animals in general. She realizes she has a strong connection to animals.
Sunday she will ride 88 miles to St Joseph, Missouri and a well deserved day off on Monday. On the agenda for Monday will be a trip to the chiropractor and a massage.
She says hello to all, more again in a few days...
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy 3rd of July
Greetings from Abilene, Kansas. Marilyn was feeling very rested after riding just 64 miles each day for the past 2 days. So she got into Abilene early and got to do some great sightseeing. This is the home of Dwight D Eisenhower the 34th Pres of the USA. She visited the museum and chapel.
And then Marilyn found the Greyhound Hall of Fame. That would be the dog not the bus. She was very impressed and visited the statue of Mr Ripley who is the fastest and broke many records racing.
Another little known fact of Abilene is that it is the home of a Russell Stover Candy Factory.....
Today was also a special day for the entire group that started in San Francisco, they crossed the 1/2 way point. See photo and proof that Marilyn is riding across America. Double click on the photo to enlarge.
She was just finishing laundry - again and will get ready for the 4th of July when they will ride 108 miles to Topeka KS. They will wear their America by Bicycle shirts just in case they get to ride in a parade that is going on during their ride.
More in a few days....
And then Marilyn found the Greyhound Hall of Fame. That would be the dog not the bus. She was very impressed and visited the statue of Mr Ripley who is the fastest and broke many records racing.
Another little known fact of Abilene is that it is the home of a Russell Stover Candy Factory.....
Today was also a special day for the entire group that started in San Francisco, they crossed the 1/2 way point. See photo and proof that Marilyn is riding across America. Double click on the photo to enlarge.
She was just finishing laundry - again and will get ready for the 4th of July when they will ride 108 miles to Topeka KS. They will wear their America by Bicycle shirts just in case they get to ride in a parade that is going on during their ride.
More in a few days....
Monday, June 29, 2009
2 Days of 100 + Miles
I have been talking to Marilyn on the phone for over an hour and still cannot believe that Marilyn completed 226 miles in 2 days. And they crossed into the central time zone so they are now 1 hour behind us. I am tired and sore just thinking about it. She sounded like she had more energy than I do.
So far she has ridden 1,669 miles, just 500 miles short of being 1/2 way though this great adventure. There are currently 23 riders with 2 of them just there for this leg of the trip and 21 riding to New Hampshire.
They are currently in Kansas which is hot (over 100 degrees every day), sunny, dry, pretty flat, smelling of fertilizer, corn fields, lots of cows and bulls and not much going on in each town. And if you can believe, the Walmart in town closes at 7 PM, so there really is not much going on in Garden City, Kansas. And the name of yesterday's motel was the Cow Palace.
Marilyn and Carole rode in together this afternoon and were not the last to arrive but the other riders saw them and cheered them in. Tomorrow they get to sleep in and won't ride until 9 only having to ride 51 miles where they will arrive in Dodge City and will play tourist. http://www.dodgecity.org/
And after the ride she had to carry her bike and 2 suitcases up a set of stairs, just another day.....
And don't forget to check out Carole's blog, she writes in more detail and has photos. http://caroletrekseast.blogspot.com/
Marilyn has been taking lots of photos and yes when she returns I will make sure they get quickly downloaded for all to view.
Will add more in a few days.
So far she has ridden 1,669 miles, just 500 miles short of being 1/2 way though this great adventure. There are currently 23 riders with 2 of them just there for this leg of the trip and 21 riding to New Hampshire.
They are currently in Kansas which is hot (over 100 degrees every day), sunny, dry, pretty flat, smelling of fertilizer, corn fields, lots of cows and bulls and not much going on in each town. And if you can believe, the Walmart in town closes at 7 PM, so there really is not much going on in Garden City, Kansas. And the name of yesterday's motel was the Cow Palace.
Marilyn and Carole rode in together this afternoon and were not the last to arrive but the other riders saw them and cheered them in. Tomorrow they get to sleep in and won't ride until 9 only having to ride 51 miles where they will arrive in Dodge City and will play tourist. http://www.dodgecity.org/
And after the ride she had to carry her bike and 2 suitcases up a set of stairs, just another day.....
And don't forget to check out Carole's blog, she writes in more detail and has photos. http://caroletrekseast.blogspot.com/
Marilyn has been taking lots of photos and yes when she returns I will make sure they get quickly downloaded for all to view.
Will add more in a few days.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Day of rest Pueblo, CO
Today was a day off, Saturday June 27th and a day of rest for Marilyn. Unlike in Salt Lake City where she got up early and played tourist, this time was rest......She swam in the pool, went to the sauna, then back to the pool, had lunch and rested. Isn't that what we are suppose to do on our day off. She is in Pueblo and all the other riders went sightseeing.
If you are following the map the majority of the week was in Colorado another beautiful site.
Friday was a scary ride for Marilyn, they were riding into a canyon, very narrow windy roads, 2 lanes only and no breakdown lane. She was riding alone and all of a sudden there was a tractor trailer on her left, very close on her left. There was no time to think she just reacted by braking & rode into the canyon rocks & bushes. Fortunately for Marilyn she was safe and came away with bruises. Of course her first reaction was to check out the bike and then she realized she should see if she could stand and walk. If you look at the description of her ride it is called the Cross Country Challenge and this is one of the reasons. Her bikes brakes were pretty messed up and had to be replaced. She really thought this could have been the end. The sag wagon was just a couple miles ahead and they helped her out.
Marilyn has been riding most of the time alone because she is fast for the last group and not fast enough for the next group ahead. On one day the organizers allowed her group (the last ones) to leave early so this way the faster riders caught up with them and they were able to ride with someone new for some of the ride.
They have been riding on Route 50 and the rules are if there is no other access road you can ride on the highway. There was one day when they were in the breakdown lane and then all of a sudden there was another highway coming in from the right so there they were right in the middle of 4 lanes of road.
Marilyn sees a lot of prairie dogs on the side of the road watching her ride by.
The road up to the Continental Divide was narrow and again no guard rails and just enough room for 2 cars.
Marilyn saw the chiropractor on Friday for a tune up and this has been helpful. She continues to sit on ice every night to prepare for the next day.
I asked Marilyn if she was tired of riding and it was a decisive and definite NO, what she is tired of is living out of a suitcase. That is getting old. Everyday on her bike is a new adventure, following different maps and routes. She has also discovered by sharing a room that she snores and on occasion talks in her sleep but she is sleeping so that is a plus.
I will do my best to get in touch with Marilyn if she doesn't call me every few days, this has a long time between blogs.
So tomorrow and the next day will be over 100 miles each day and tomorrow will be her last day in CO and then into Kansas.
She has had 2 more flat tires this week riding on Rte 50 which is filled with debris.
She sends her best to everyone......
If you are following the map the majority of the week was in Colorado another beautiful site.
Friday was a scary ride for Marilyn, they were riding into a canyon, very narrow windy roads, 2 lanes only and no breakdown lane. She was riding alone and all of a sudden there was a tractor trailer on her left, very close on her left. There was no time to think she just reacted by braking & rode into the canyon rocks & bushes. Fortunately for Marilyn she was safe and came away with bruises. Of course her first reaction was to check out the bike and then she realized she should see if she could stand and walk. If you look at the description of her ride it is called the Cross Country Challenge and this is one of the reasons. Her bikes brakes were pretty messed up and had to be replaced. She really thought this could have been the end. The sag wagon was just a couple miles ahead and they helped her out.
Marilyn has been riding most of the time alone because she is fast for the last group and not fast enough for the next group ahead. On one day the organizers allowed her group (the last ones) to leave early so this way the faster riders caught up with them and they were able to ride with someone new for some of the ride.
They have been riding on Route 50 and the rules are if there is no other access road you can ride on the highway. There was one day when they were in the breakdown lane and then all of a sudden there was another highway coming in from the right so there they were right in the middle of 4 lanes of road.
Marilyn sees a lot of prairie dogs on the side of the road watching her ride by.
The road up to the Continental Divide was narrow and again no guard rails and just enough room for 2 cars.
Marilyn saw the chiropractor on Friday for a tune up and this has been helpful. She continues to sit on ice every night to prepare for the next day.
I asked Marilyn if she was tired of riding and it was a decisive and definite NO, what she is tired of is living out of a suitcase. That is getting old. Everyday on her bike is a new adventure, following different maps and routes. She has also discovered by sharing a room that she snores and on occasion talks in her sleep but she is sleeping so that is a plus.
I will do my best to get in touch with Marilyn if she doesn't call me every few days, this has a long time between blogs.
So tomorrow and the next day will be over 100 miles each day and tomorrow will be her last day in CO and then into Kansas.
She has had 2 more flat tires this week riding on Rte 50 which is filled with debris.
She sends her best to everyone......
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Days 11 - 15
I just got over the phone with Marilyn and there is alot to write about because it has been so many days. I will do my best not to ramble....
Marilyn is in Green River UT and rode 67 miles today. They got in early afternoon so they had a van take the group to Arches National Park http://www.nps.gov/arch/ Every site is more beautiful than the last. It was so windy the van was being blown all over the road.
So you can imagine what it has been like on the bike. The roads are so dangerous with construction, very narrow, wet and bad weather. Yesterday (Sat) was rain and 40 degrees, trucks zooming past you and rumble strips. Marilyn rode most of the day and finally gave in to the van. When she got into her hotel, Carol had previously got a ride in, her room was very warm and a hot shower waiting. This trip is definitely a team effort, so tonight when I talked to Marilyn she was doing Carole's laundry while sitting on ice and icing her knee.
In the beginning of the ride there was a film crew following them. This group is trying to raise money to have Korean art work under one roof in Chicago. So they are making a film about this ride in hopes to raise funds. So today the film crew is back and they were all watching the rough cut of what they filmed in CA. Tomorrow they will film again. So we might see Marilyn on the BIG SCREEN....
Over the past few days with the dangerous riding they had to climb over and under a fence, over jersey barriers and then there were those rumble strips. She has had 5 flat tires so far, 2 I spoke about a few days ago and 3 in one day. They finally found a very thin wire which was causing these flats. Flats are so time consuming.
Day 12 was a day off in Salt Lake City. She started with a trip to a chiropractor who was recommended by her chiropractor from home. This was a great help. Then it was off to a day of sightseeing. To get into the city is a 6 lane highway so you can imagine the traffic & tourists that visit the Mormon Temple & Convention Center & all the other SLC sites http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/ & http://www.saltlakecityutah.org/history.htm. They listened to an organ concert for about 20 min and visited this mining center where there was this roof top garden. It was so green filled with gardens, trees etc. Of course at the end of the tours they were looking for names & addresses so they can send you information. It was a great day off.
And then it was back biking up at 6 and on the road at 7:30.
In Salt Lake City they picked up 12 new bikers but they are only with them until the next leg, day 21.
On Day 17 they will be meeting up with about 2,000 bikers riding across Colorado. Marilyn's group will all wear their America by Bicycle shirts so they can stay together. This group is riding one week and 380 miles, that's nothing compared to what Marilyn's group is doing.
I let Marilyn know that many in church today told me they are reading this blog and enjoying the stories. She feels all of your energy and good wishes.
That's all for tonight, enjoy reading.
Marilyn is in Green River UT and rode 67 miles today. They got in early afternoon so they had a van take the group to Arches National Park http://www.nps.gov/arch/ Every site is more beautiful than the last. It was so windy the van was being blown all over the road.
So you can imagine what it has been like on the bike. The roads are so dangerous with construction, very narrow, wet and bad weather. Yesterday (Sat) was rain and 40 degrees, trucks zooming past you and rumble strips. Marilyn rode most of the day and finally gave in to the van. When she got into her hotel, Carol had previously got a ride in, her room was very warm and a hot shower waiting. This trip is definitely a team effort, so tonight when I talked to Marilyn she was doing Carole's laundry while sitting on ice and icing her knee.
In the beginning of the ride there was a film crew following them. This group is trying to raise money to have Korean art work under one roof in Chicago. So they are making a film about this ride in hopes to raise funds. So today the film crew is back and they were all watching the rough cut of what they filmed in CA. Tomorrow they will film again. So we might see Marilyn on the BIG SCREEN....
Over the past few days with the dangerous riding they had to climb over and under a fence, over jersey barriers and then there were those rumble strips. She has had 5 flat tires so far, 2 I spoke about a few days ago and 3 in one day. They finally found a very thin wire which was causing these flats. Flats are so time consuming.
Day 12 was a day off in Salt Lake City. She started with a trip to a chiropractor who was recommended by her chiropractor from home. This was a great help. Then it was off to a day of sightseeing. To get into the city is a 6 lane highway so you can imagine the traffic & tourists that visit the Mormon Temple & Convention Center & all the other SLC sites http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/saltlake/ & http://www.saltlakecityutah.org/history.htm. They listened to an organ concert for about 20 min and visited this mining center where there was this roof top garden. It was so green filled with gardens, trees etc. Of course at the end of the tours they were looking for names & addresses so they can send you information. It was a great day off.
And then it was back biking up at 6 and on the road at 7:30.
In Salt Lake City they picked up 12 new bikers but they are only with them until the next leg, day 21.
On Day 17 they will be meeting up with about 2,000 bikers riding across Colorado. Marilyn's group will all wear their America by Bicycle shirts so they can stay together. This group is riding one week and 380 miles, that's nothing compared to what Marilyn's group is doing.
I let Marilyn know that many in church today told me they are reading this blog and enjoying the stories. She feels all of your energy and good wishes.
That's all for tonight, enjoy reading.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
2 Centuries in 2 Days
You just can't imagine how hard this is to ride 107 miles one day and then get back on your bike and ride 117 miles, congratulations Marilyn. I have also done this but my centuries were 15 years apart, not the next day.
Unfortunately I was not at home to get the call so this is from my voice mail.
Most of the ride again was on Route 80 and was not easy. But today (Thursday) is a day of rest in Salt Lake City.
Most bikers were going for a massage but Marilyn is going to the chiropractor and ice, ice and more ice. She is continuing to stretch and she made it through the ride with little pain to her knees.
About 40 miles of the ride were through the Salt Flats, another beautiful site . http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/the_land/bonnevillesaltflats.html
And she will find some time in Salt Lake City for some sightseeing. So this is the end of the first leg of the ride, some will leave and some will join the group. More in a few days.
Unfortunately I was not at home to get the call so this is from my voice mail.
Most of the ride again was on Route 80 and was not easy. But today (Thursday) is a day of rest in Salt Lake City.
Most bikers were going for a massage but Marilyn is going to the chiropractor and ice, ice and more ice. She is continuing to stretch and she made it through the ride with little pain to her knees.
About 40 miles of the ride were through the Salt Flats, another beautiful site . http://historytogo.utah.gov/utah_chapters/the_land/bonnevillesaltflats.html
And she will find some time in Salt Lake City for some sightseeing. So this is the end of the first leg of the ride, some will leave and some will join the group. More in a few days.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Nevada continued-more gorgeous than ever
I was surprised to get another call tonight from Marilyn but she had to call because she just completed 107 miles......And these miles were not all flat. She did it in 8.56 riding time. I can't believe she will be riding 117 tomorrow.
This is day 10 and she is in Wendover, UT. The hotel she is staying in is a vintage 1950 and again the sites are breathtaking.
Please check out a new link, this is Marilyn's roommate Carole's blog. Much more detailed than this one and she created a map. So it looks like I need to become a bit more creative.
Marilyn's knees are extremely sore tonight and she is looking forward to that day off on day 12 but first has to getover another 100 tomorrow.
One of the road side signs she has seen often in Nevada is 'Prison area - do not stop and pick up hitch hikers'. Can't say we have seen this in New England.
That's all for tonight, more in a few days.
This is day 10 and she is in Wendover, UT. The hotel she is staying in is a vintage 1950 and again the sites are breathtaking.
Please check out a new link, this is Marilyn's roommate Carole's blog. Much more detailed than this one and she created a map. So it looks like I need to become a bit more creative.
Marilyn's knees are extremely sore tonight and she is looking forward to that day off on day 12 but first has to getover another 100 tomorrow.
One of the road side signs she has seen often in Nevada is 'Prison area - do not stop and pick up hitch hikers'. Can't say we have seen this in New England.
That's all for tonight, more in a few days.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Nevada - Gambling, smoking & biking ???
So far every time Marilyn stops there are slot machines & people smoking. The state of Nevada is absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking scenery but filled with gambling and smoking.
Sunday was a short 50 mile ride and Marilyn was in by 1 pm. The weather is cool but comfortable riding. The air is very dry which means drinking lots and lots of water.
Monday was a 72 mile ride with a 12 mile climb and right now she is in Elko, NV. Tomorrow they enter Utah with a ride of over 100 miles. Today they rode through Carlin Canyon which Marilyn describes as sand dune rocks.
Today Marilyn was quite flattered when she was driving by some construction workers and they were whistling at her until she realized that she was riding in the wrong direction. They had seen a group of riders going one way and when Marilyn came along she went the opposite direction.
She is still riding on Rte 80 and some of the pavement is corrugated, not an easy ride. They are also cautioned for cattle guards http://www.gobobpipe.com/cattleGuards.htm check that out. They are used to keep cattle from crossing the highways and you have to be so careful riding over them on a bicycle.
When they arrive in Salt Lake City this will be the end of the first leg. They will lose 5 bikers but pick up 15 and there will also be a time change. And they will also have their first day off.
She is really enjoying her ride and the group she is with because they do stop along the way and take pictures and enjoy all the great scenery. When she feels the challenge of a tougher ride she joins the group ahead.
Not to say this is an easy task, the hills are tough and the body sore. She has aches and pains with the muscles beside her knees her issue for today and she will ice tonight and heat in the AM before riding.
Everyday Marilyn realizes just how organized this trip is, Michelle the leader has been working at this for 6 years and at one time rode the route.
Tuesday the over 100 mile ride will be up and down the Pequot Mountain and into Utah. That's all for now, will continue in a few days.
Sunday was a short 50 mile ride and Marilyn was in by 1 pm. The weather is cool but comfortable riding. The air is very dry which means drinking lots and lots of water.
Monday was a 72 mile ride with a 12 mile climb and right now she is in Elko, NV. Tomorrow they enter Utah with a ride of over 100 miles. Today they rode through Carlin Canyon which Marilyn describes as sand dune rocks.
Today Marilyn was quite flattered when she was driving by some construction workers and they were whistling at her until she realized that she was riding in the wrong direction. They had seen a group of riders going one way and when Marilyn came along she went the opposite direction.
She is still riding on Rte 80 and some of the pavement is corrugated, not an easy ride. They are also cautioned for cattle guards http://www.gobobpipe.com/cattleGuards.htm check that out. They are used to keep cattle from crossing the highways and you have to be so careful riding over them on a bicycle.
When they arrive in Salt Lake City this will be the end of the first leg. They will lose 5 bikers but pick up 15 and there will also be a time change. And they will also have their first day off.
She is really enjoying her ride and the group she is with because they do stop along the way and take pictures and enjoy all the great scenery. When she feels the challenge of a tougher ride she joins the group ahead.
Not to say this is an easy task, the hills are tough and the body sore. She has aches and pains with the muscles beside her knees her issue for today and she will ice tonight and heat in the AM before riding.
Everyday Marilyn realizes just how organized this trip is, Michelle the leader has been working at this for 6 years and at one time rode the route.
Tuesday the over 100 mile ride will be up and down the Pequot Mountain and into Utah. That's all for now, will continue in a few days.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
W on the Mountain
I was not available for Marilyn's call on Saturday night at 9:30 so she left 2 messages on my phone with an update.
Greetings from Winnemucca, NV where there is a W on the mountain similar to the sign in the Hollywood hills. A place where Marilyn has always wanted to visit. She is in the desert and when she started riding on Sat it was 51 degrees and raining and remained this way for about 3/4's of her ride. And if you remember she shredded her jacket in her derailer and she was wearing fake rain pants so she was soaked and miserable. But she is warm now and sounded very happy.
The day before, Friday they rode 91 miles mostly on Route 80 and had 2 flat tires. One was in the AM and the other was just 2 miles from the hotel.
She is eating well and gets up every day around 5:15 and on the road by 6:30. Sun will be a short day around 55 miles because if you look at the America by Bicycle site http://www.americabybicycle.com/CCC/CCCPop.htm you will see that Mon & Tues will be over 100 each day.......So she will be taking lots of Advil.
She says hello to everyone. Some of you have written comments, I read them to her the last time we spoke and she is very touched by your good thoughts & messages. So keep on writing.....
Greetings from Winnemucca, NV where there is a W on the mountain similar to the sign in the Hollywood hills. A place where Marilyn has always wanted to visit. She is in the desert and when she started riding on Sat it was 51 degrees and raining and remained this way for about 3/4's of her ride. And if you remember she shredded her jacket in her derailer and she was wearing fake rain pants so she was soaked and miserable. But she is warm now and sounded very happy.
The day before, Friday they rode 91 miles mostly on Route 80 and had 2 flat tires. One was in the AM and the other was just 2 miles from the hotel.
She is eating well and gets up every day around 5:15 and on the road by 6:30. Sun will be a short day around 55 miles because if you look at the America by Bicycle site http://www.americabybicycle.com/CCC/CCCPop.htm you will see that Mon & Tues will be over 100 each day.......So she will be taking lots of Advil.
She says hello to everyone. Some of you have written comments, I read them to her the last time we spoke and she is very touched by your good thoughts & messages. So keep on writing.....
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Lake Tahoe is breathtaking.......
Here it is Thurs June 11th and Marilyn just arrived about an hour ago in Reno, Nevada actually Sparks if you are following the America by Bicycle Itinerary.
Wednesday was the easy day only 51 miles to prepare for the torture of Thursday, which was the climb up the Sierras.
Thurs was up at 4:15, breakfast by 5:15 and on the bikes by 6:30 AM and the group she was riding with got in at 6:30 PM. It was only 74 miles but mostly up hill but then once she got to the top it was 16 miles down. The fastest speed down was 38 MPH. The temperature when starting was 31 degrees so lots of clothes. But as the day went on it became much warmer and there is a reason for wearing layers.
Riding through Lake Tahoe was just the most beautiful site, very hard to describe unless you have seen it.
Marilyn has been riding with her same group Mary, Bob & Carol and they have named themselves 'The Stop A Lot Group'. And I am sure you can guess the reason why. They are always the last to arrive which creates a bit of a problem because others are ready for dinner and this group is just coming in. Marilyn would like to ride a bit faster but now is faced with do you leave the group you started with just to increase your speed or stay with them. She will make the best decision, as we all know Marilyn.
Her odometer is not working properly but unfortunately coming in late she misses out on the scheduled mechanics time. Right now it is in French......
Marilyn had a bit of a mishap today when coming in she attempted to get her jacket out of her bag when it got stuck in the derailer and when you wear toe clips you must unclip very quickly, she made it out but her jacket did not. They had to remove the derailer now she is short a jacket but she did fall.....
Marilyn is diligent about stretching in the AM and PM and it is working. She has aches but in all the right place.
Just a side bar: About 2 - 3 weeks before the ride it was discovered that the bike she was riding did not fit her body. She was in terrible pain from training and it was not the good pain so at the last minute she had to buy a new bike and had very little training time before it had to be taken apart and boxed up to be shipped. Well this was the right fit because she feels good, not sure of the name of the bike shop but it is in Westport. Thank you
According to the biking magazines the newest recovery drink is chocolate milk at the end of the day to prepare for the new day. At the restaurant yesterday the owner is a biker and had chocolate milk waiting for them when they arrived.
One of the bikers Ed, in his 50's had a death in his family, he had to fly out today but he is returning after the funeral.
Marilyn is discovering that you can ride the sag wagon when having a difficult time, of course for her this was something that she never even thought would be possible. So some are using this either going up or down the mountain, especially today but that will be a total last resort for Marilyn.
When I was talking to Marilyn she was doing her laundry then will go to dinner. I discovered when talking to her that her roommate Carol is doing her own blogging everynight and even uploading pictures. So of course I had to tease Marilyn because she has someone doing her blogging. I asked Marilyn to have Carol send me some photos then I will include them and I will get Carol's blog so you can read that as well.
Marilyn has no complaints and is have the time of her life, more in a few days.
Wednesday was the easy day only 51 miles to prepare for the torture of Thursday, which was the climb up the Sierras.
Thurs was up at 4:15, breakfast by 5:15 and on the bikes by 6:30 AM and the group she was riding with got in at 6:30 PM. It was only 74 miles but mostly up hill but then once she got to the top it was 16 miles down. The fastest speed down was 38 MPH. The temperature when starting was 31 degrees so lots of clothes. But as the day went on it became much warmer and there is a reason for wearing layers.
Riding through Lake Tahoe was just the most beautiful site, very hard to describe unless you have seen it.
Marilyn has been riding with her same group Mary, Bob & Carol and they have named themselves 'The Stop A Lot Group'. And I am sure you can guess the reason why. They are always the last to arrive which creates a bit of a problem because others are ready for dinner and this group is just coming in. Marilyn would like to ride a bit faster but now is faced with do you leave the group you started with just to increase your speed or stay with them. She will make the best decision, as we all know Marilyn.
Her odometer is not working properly but unfortunately coming in late she misses out on the scheduled mechanics time. Right now it is in French......
Marilyn had a bit of a mishap today when coming in she attempted to get her jacket out of her bag when it got stuck in the derailer and when you wear toe clips you must unclip very quickly, she made it out but her jacket did not. They had to remove the derailer now she is short a jacket but she did fall.....
Marilyn is diligent about stretching in the AM and PM and it is working. She has aches but in all the right place.
Just a side bar: About 2 - 3 weeks before the ride it was discovered that the bike she was riding did not fit her body. She was in terrible pain from training and it was not the good pain so at the last minute she had to buy a new bike and had very little training time before it had to be taken apart and boxed up to be shipped. Well this was the right fit because she feels good, not sure of the name of the bike shop but it is in Westport. Thank you
According to the biking magazines the newest recovery drink is chocolate milk at the end of the day to prepare for the new day. At the restaurant yesterday the owner is a biker and had chocolate milk waiting for them when they arrived.
One of the bikers Ed, in his 50's had a death in his family, he had to fly out today but he is returning after the funeral.
Marilyn is discovering that you can ride the sag wagon when having a difficult time, of course for her this was something that she never even thought would be possible. So some are using this either going up or down the mountain, especially today but that will be a total last resort for Marilyn.
When I was talking to Marilyn she was doing her laundry then will go to dinner. I discovered when talking to her that her roommate Carol is doing her own blogging everynight and even uploading pictures. So of course I had to tease Marilyn because she has someone doing her blogging. I asked Marilyn to have Carol send me some photos then I will include them and I will get Carol's blog so you can read that as well.
Marilyn has no complaints and is have the time of her life, more in a few days.
Monday, June 8, 2009
After 2 days of riding
I just got off the phone from my first conversation with Marilyn since she started riding.
Marilyn left a few days ahead to enjoy some time in San Francisco, she became the typical tourist, riding the Bart, going to the Pier, taking a boat ride under the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying many good meals.
Her bike arrived safely and was put together by her crew. Her bike was packed very well for the flight across the country. There are 27 riders on the trip along with 5 staff members and 2 vehicles. Of the 27, 5 will be riding the 1st leg only which is about 1,100 miles. And of the 27, 4 are female. Ages range from 29 to 74 and the 74 year old has done this trip before. Everytime I speak to Marilyn I will get more information on her fellow riders. One is from South Korea, one from Holland and another from England. She will room with Carol who is the same age as Marilyn, 60.
They started on Sunday getting up at 5 AM and on the road at 6:30 AM. They road on Balboa Street to the Pacific Ocean for their first photo shoot. But first when they arrived at the ocean they had to remove their shoes and socks, lift their bikes and walk down the stairs to the ocean, just for the photo. Good thing she has a new very light bike. Then they had to haul their bikes up the stairs and head towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
They are given maps each day and usually ride in smaller groups. It took the first day to find a group that fits your driving style and speed. It was extremely windy riding on the bridge.
One of the people that was in Marilyn's group was Rick from PA. He is 47 and his brother paid for his trip, he had recently lost 100 lbs and gave up smoking and he has not had an easy life. While riding on the road he hit a reflector and instantly he was off his bike and hurt. Of course Marilyn was right there and contacted 911 and the Sag wagon. Ambulance came and off to the hospital Rick went.
This small group soon discovered a problem, Rick was the only one that could read the map.....So they struggled and ended up going west on Rte 37 which is similar to our Rte 95 (special permission to be on this road) so they had to figure out a way to get over the eastbound lane which is where they should have been in the first place. And yes they were safe.
After a long first day, they all ate dinner and Rick returned from the hospital with a separated tendon and they all sat together and were in bed by 11 PM. Rick will be flying back to PA and hopes to meet up with the group when they arrive in Erie.
Those riding in Marilyn's group are Bob 74, Jack 51, Carol and Mary 37.
They were back on the road at 6 AM and off to Sacramento. Already Bob has fallen but is fine, another broke a set of handlebars but even with all the aches and pains they are all in very good shape.
The first day they all wore a uniform shirt for their photo shoot but are now wearing their own shirts & shorts.
They meet up with the sag wagon a few times during the daily ride and follow a process to keep all healthy. You put your bike down, take your gloves off and purel before touching any food or drink.
I have to say Marilyn sounded so happy and excited and said this is an experience of a lifetime. She was just winding down for the night to start off tomorrow. Tomorrow is an easy day only 51 miles.
Feel free to comment or send an email so she can enjoy reading them when she returns.
We will be in touch again in 2 days and I will follow with another story.
Marilyn left a few days ahead to enjoy some time in San Francisco, she became the typical tourist, riding the Bart, going to the Pier, taking a boat ride under the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying many good meals.
Her bike arrived safely and was put together by her crew. Her bike was packed very well for the flight across the country. There are 27 riders on the trip along with 5 staff members and 2 vehicles. Of the 27, 5 will be riding the 1st leg only which is about 1,100 miles. And of the 27, 4 are female. Ages range from 29 to 74 and the 74 year old has done this trip before. Everytime I speak to Marilyn I will get more information on her fellow riders. One is from South Korea, one from Holland and another from England. She will room with Carol who is the same age as Marilyn, 60.
They started on Sunday getting up at 5 AM and on the road at 6:30 AM. They road on Balboa Street to the Pacific Ocean for their first photo shoot. But first when they arrived at the ocean they had to remove their shoes and socks, lift their bikes and walk down the stairs to the ocean, just for the photo. Good thing she has a new very light bike. Then they had to haul their bikes up the stairs and head towards the Golden Gate Bridge.
They are given maps each day and usually ride in smaller groups. It took the first day to find a group that fits your driving style and speed. It was extremely windy riding on the bridge.
One of the people that was in Marilyn's group was Rick from PA. He is 47 and his brother paid for his trip, he had recently lost 100 lbs and gave up smoking and he has not had an easy life. While riding on the road he hit a reflector and instantly he was off his bike and hurt. Of course Marilyn was right there and contacted 911 and the Sag wagon. Ambulance came and off to the hospital Rick went.
This small group soon discovered a problem, Rick was the only one that could read the map.....So they struggled and ended up going west on Rte 37 which is similar to our Rte 95 (special permission to be on this road) so they had to figure out a way to get over the eastbound lane which is where they should have been in the first place. And yes they were safe.
After a long first day, they all ate dinner and Rick returned from the hospital with a separated tendon and they all sat together and were in bed by 11 PM. Rick will be flying back to PA and hopes to meet up with the group when they arrive in Erie.
Those riding in Marilyn's group are Bob 74, Jack 51, Carol and Mary 37.
They were back on the road at 6 AM and off to Sacramento. Already Bob has fallen but is fine, another broke a set of handlebars but even with all the aches and pains they are all in very good shape.
The first day they all wore a uniform shirt for their photo shoot but are now wearing their own shirts & shorts.
They meet up with the sag wagon a few times during the daily ride and follow a process to keep all healthy. You put your bike down, take your gloves off and purel before touching any food or drink.
I have to say Marilyn sounded so happy and excited and said this is an experience of a lifetime. She was just winding down for the night to start off tomorrow. Tomorrow is an easy day only 51 miles.
Feel free to comment or send an email so she can enjoy reading them when she returns.
We will be in touch again in 2 days and I will follow with another story.
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