Day 25--Fun With Facial Hair

I set my alarm for 5.  I hit snooze when it went off and didn't wake up till 7.  Walked up to the house from the Airstream and Cindy had made a spread of breakfast and coffee. After breakfast Cindy gave me $100 dollars--I tried to refuse the money but it was of no use.  I will put that towards the cause so we are now over $1000 dollars!
Remember that hill I came down last night?  Yeah, it was probably the hardest 1/4 mile of the trip yet!  Super steep.  And there were a few more hill country monsters to content with on today's ride.  I think I am for the most part out of the hills now--made it to Bastrop Tx.
My goal was to go about another 40 miles but ten miles into the ride I got a flat.  I was making super good time too.  Flats always really kill your momentum.
After I changed the flat, which took a long time, I again was making good time.  I couldn't stop thinking about how hard it is to make my pump get 100 lbs into my tire.  It happens, but it takes much time and more effort to make it happen.  Next bike store I pass I am going to get a floor pump.  I thought.  I did come pass a bike shop and went in to get one.  I had some time to cool off on that idea and thought maybe another hand pump would be smarter.  The guy did end up selling me a hand pump--to be honest, I had a spot cleared for a floor pump and wish I would have got one.
I also got a new spare tire.  One of the GatorSkins is done sauce.  It had a large hole in the side.  A lot of people swear by Gator Skins, but to date, I am not a huge fan.  My (much cheaper) Re-Fuse tires have been much more reliable.  FYI if you are a biker.
While at the bike shop the guy asked if I get on my nerves being by myself all day.  It is funny, because I do.  I replied, forgetting to filter myself, "I annoy the fuck out of myself sometimes."  It is true.  There are many examples, but one in particular comes to mind.  You have probably saw them, the signs which say "Do Not Pass".  I don't know how it started, but anytime I pass one of these signs I picture the Gandalf guy from Lord of The Rings saying "You shall not pass!!!"  Every time.  It is amazing how many of those damn signs there are.  At first, it was funny....but like I said, now it is annoying.  Also, later, there is a sign which says, "Pass With Care".  You know what I see now?  Gandalf again.  This time he is like "Ok, you can  come on by now."  In all of his flowing white robes.  I DON'T EVEN LIKE LORD OF THE RINGS!
Anyways, I circumvented Austin on the south side.  I will say at times it was a bit hairy.  I got a few angry honks.  Not too much of interest happened for awhile but speaking of honks, I got a doozy of one.  I was near Bastrop looking at my map on a frontage road--zero traffic.  I was on the side of the road--all the way over--looking at my map.   I then hear a lonnnng honk behind me.  Immediately I know I am an A-hole and am doing something wrong.  I look behind me and there is one...ONE truck behind me.  Well, there must be something going on in front of me that this guy can't pass me.  Nope.  It is me and him on a no traffic road.  I gave him the gesture of, "um, how about you go around me buddy?"  It is international.  The look he gave me as he passed me was one of "what is wrong with you, were you dropped on your head as a baby?"  I mirrored it back at him I am sure.
I went too far.  I failed to get off on an exit when I was supposed to and went 5 miles too far. The sun was getting close to going down so I called it a night--for bike riding at least.
As soon as I am done typing this I am going to bed, BUT, I am now the proud sporter of my very first handlebar mustache.  Pics at top!
Cypress is 100 miles from here, so I am pretty sure I have a century to knock out tomorrow.  Now that the hills are at least less, as long as there is not a head wind, I am pretty sure I can do this.  We shall see.

Day 24--Alpacas, Jackasses, and Bigfoot--Oh My!

I am glad I didn't attempt to go from Llano to Spicewood yesterday.  It turns out it was a pretty big ride.  Only 50 miles but there were some little monster hills on the way.  I don't think I would have made it in until 8 or later.
While it was a hard ride, it was very enjoyable.  I really took my time as I didn't think it would take more than a few hours to complete.  I came across a lot of livestock on the way. There are ranches with the obvious cattle everywhere; but also some animals you really wouldn't expect to be "raised."  Deer ranches, alpaca ranches, jackass ranches (the animal, not the people).  The deer were very care free--they must somehow know they are free to do as they like on the fenced in land.  (Dear deer,  you will be jerky in a few months.  xoxo, JJ)
I also find it amusing that the cows really show an interest in me as I pass.  They ignore the cars and trucks...but all of them look up and follow me with their gaze as I pass.  Curious little guys.  (Dear Cows, you will be steak in a few months, xoxo, JJ)  (Do you eat alpacas?)
A friend's parents live in Spicewood TX and they put me up for the night.  It could not have been a better experience.  The only complaint I can have is they live on the bottom of a huge hill.  As I was bombing down it at the end of the day I was having fun until I realized it was the first thing I was going to have to climb in the morning.
Cindy and Jim were beyond awesome.  As soon as I got there they fed me a BBQ turkey sandwich with potato salad.  Cindy washed my clothes while I took a shower.  We talked about this and that and got to know each other.
About this time their neighbor Judy came over and need help with Bigfoot.  Here is a paraphrase of what I overheard:
Judy: "Jim, I need you to help me put Bigfoot on my tractor."  Jim: "oh?  What for?"  Judy: "This and that this and that.  I would do it myself but it would take me all day"
Everyone in the room knew what this Bigfoot was all about except me--I just kept picturing a real live Bigfoot that needed to be put on a tractor.  So we took the golf carts up to Judy's land (this is the preferred method of travel on ones property in Spicewood) And Bigfoot ended up being a big ditch digging tool.  (see attached picture)  I really enjoyed helping put it on...it took us 15 minutes to get "him" attached right.
Once we got Bigfoot on, we went back down to Jim and Cindy's place and started dinner.  I offered to help but was shot down.  We had deer steak as the meat---and it was GLORIOUS.  I had three plates.  I haven't had a home cooked meal in at least a month.
After that we went down and made a big fire and talked and had some beer for about an hour.  Soon after they set me up in their Airstream camper.  It was like sleeping in an airplane.  On the inside it is shaped just like an airplane--I should have taken some pictures.
All in all, it was a great day and I met some great people.  I am most sure I will see them again in the future.
Finally, some thanks are in order to a number of people.  First, Talia Eames.  I met her in Kuwait years and years ago and she made a large donation today.  Thanks smalls!
Amber Parry also donated.  I am not familiar with your name Amber---please message me and refresh my memory--Thanks though!
And!  A super cool gesture from Venison World--They donated 200 dollars to WWP.  I stopped in there a few days ago and got some of their jerky.  (The elk is off the hook!)  In this blog I was pretty vague about the location of this store because at the time I could not remember the name of the town.  Venison World is located in Eden TX.  "The Gem  of the Hill Country" If I remember correctly.
As far as the donations go--We are very close to $1000.  Thank you so much for your generosity to a great cause.

Day 23--Hill Country

I am clearly in the heart of the Hill Country of Texas now.  While the hills are not as taxing as the mountains, they do add up.  I feel like I just climbed all day on a gradual slope.
I woke up to discover  I have a gouge in my rear tire.  I almost changed the tire before I left but figured it might hold and if it did, I would have wasted my time changing it in the morning.  It held all day so I will just let it ride until I feel more like changing it or it forces me to change it.
I have got a slight cold and cant stop sneezing.  Sometimes 15 times in a row.
I only made it to Llano TX today which made for about a 50 mile day.  I could have made it to Spicewood I am sure but would have been exhausted and probably would have had to ride in the dark for awhile.  Just not a fan of that on busy roads.  I also am in a little bit of conservation mode.  I have my little cold which is a little draining and my legs are, like usual, a little tired.  I have a couple of long days planed ahead of me and need to save some energy for that.  I also have--how can I put this PC?--Imagine going out and digging with a shovel all day long.  If you haven't done that too much in the past, your hands would probably get sore and maybe blistered.  Where the seat meets my body I am on the verge of that.  I am using a lotion which really helps to prevent the chaffing, but the days on the road are catching up.  So, hence the taking it easy today.  I really don't want this trip to be ended by over use of the body when it doesn't have to end that way.
Tomorrow it is on to Spicewood--about 50 more miles, which will make two easyish days in a row and still adding miles.  After that I am heading down towards Cypress Texas which is about 170 miles.  Pretty sure I can do that in two days.
Today's highlights:  I met a tourer who was going west. His tire had a big slice in it so he had been pushing his bike for the last few days.  Sucks for him too because the nearest bike shop is 80 miles from where I saw him. (I couldn't help him with a tire because he had a different kind of tire.)  I stopped at a country store and had a burger and talked to the locals.  It is hunting season here and pretty much the whole community is all about that right now. At the same store I played with a dog....he brought his ball over and dropped it at my feet.  So we played fetch for about 5 minutes.....was pretty fun for me.  The dog enjoyed it too I think.
At a gas station I talked to the clerk about what I was doing.  His reaction to where I started was pretty funny.  "You are shitting me.  Are you shitting me?  Holy shit."  That is what he said.  No Shiz.
A good friend of mine who I haven't seen in some 15 years called me and may come down to see me on the trip in a few days.
That is about it for today.  I think I am going to bed soon; try to sleep this cold off.  I have been pounding OJ  all day and I think I have it beat.  Above are some pictures I have taken but not all from today.

Day 22--The Heart of Texas

I had a nice ride from San Angelo to Brady Tx.  While it was kind of chilly all day, the sun was out and I had a slight tail wind.  The road seems to be improving as I get further east.
I also am almost out of West Texas!  I talked to a lady at the Venison World in Some Small Town and she confirmed I am now in Central Texas.  However, when I pulled into Brady, there was a bank called "West Central Texas Bank".  So, I am kind of in west/central Texas limbo.  I am shooting for a town called Spicewood tomorrow about 100 miles away.  I have a friend who's mother lives there and has offered to let me stay the night.  So, barring a strong headwind, I believe I can make it.  (Entering hill country, and have heard that it is actually pretty difficult.  We will see tomorrow.)
One of the highlights of today was when I came up on a Doe, a female deer, that was grazing on the side of the road.  She was enjoying a ray of sun and didn't hear me, what I call myself, when I rolled up.  I was able to get within about 15 feet of her--that really is not fa at all!  I wanted to take a picture but my camera is in my handle bar bags and is secured by Velcro.  Maybe I can sew a button on there or something---something that makes less noise when opened.  I am sure it is not against the law.  Anyways, I had some tea with my dinner at the BBQ joint across the street.  I will say the food was only meh.
Finally, I want to thank my best buddy Adam Conn and his wife Alex for their donation to my cause.  Thanks y'all!

Day 21--Saved By the English

I started the day patching my pathetic selection of tubes.  I managed to save two in addition to the ones on my bike.  Each of the spares now had three patches on them.  Not very fresh to say the least.
The back up pump is just not designed to put 100 lbs in a tube.  I pumped as much as I could and I may have gotten 60 pounds in the back tire.  The front one was still holding strong even though there was a piece of metal sticking in it.  I didn't pull it out because of the tube dilemma.  (I pulled it out tonight and the tube was good to go still)
As I got on the road to the north, the winds were blowing from the north like no other.  Yesterday they were from the south.  Go figure.
There was no way I would make it to San Angelo.  Both in time and wind to fight.  I also really didn't have a lot of faith in my tires.  There really was no point in trying to make it--I was headed north, not east.  I added 70 miles or so to the trip.
I thumbed it.
I was picked up by Lynden and Laurie English.  Luck would have it they were going to San Angelo as well.  Also, turns out both of their boys are in the Air Force and seem super squared away.
They not only drove me to San Angelo, but they took me to the bike shop, got me diner at Texas Roadhouse, and delivered me to the base where I am now.  I am very much in debt with them and hope one day to be able to pay them back.  Thank you much!
At the bike shop, Concho Bike Shop, they were super awesome.  Twice I almost bought expensive items but they advised against it for what I am doing.  They are not pressure sales at all.  Thank you to you Concho!
At the bike shop I bought 6 more tubes, butt lube, and a new pump.  ( I will explain butt lube in a later post).  My new pump works well but I miss my old one.  It really was one step down from a floor pump.
So, I am on base--I have everything ready to go and my new route planned out.  I calculated the miles and I can still make it on time.  It will take some really long days, but I think I can make it to the coast by the 12th or 13th.
We shall see.

Day 20--And Also Too

I almost forgot.
As I was walking to get some food, a car was coming off of the I-10.  It came way to fast and hit the curb and blew out 3 tires.  I thought I was a gonner!
It seems, it was not a good day to be near me if you want your tires to stay intact.

Day 20--Part two

I am not as smart as my tablet so I have to do a part two...
Anyways, I walked for 30 minutes or so.
I swallowed my pride.
I stuck out my thumb.
It took a few miles but a guy picked me up and took me to Ozana Texas.  I owe 7 miles to the ride across the country.  I really feel bad about it.  My plan was to go the entire way on the hog.
Anyways, it is done.  And the whole urine in a bag story would have been way better if it had been a success.
I regret the decision to take I-10 to save miles and time.  In the end, I didn't save either.  Tomorrow I am heading north to San Angelo--the nearest bike shop is there.  I will be far off route at that point but I am done with the freeway for now.  I need tubes  Without tubes I can go nowhere.  Besides that, there is an Air Force base there so I can get a room on the cheap.
Well, that was my day.  I hope the rest of the trip goes better.  Peace out home slices.

Day 20--A Hard 70 Miles

Last night the wind picked up.  A lot.  I must have only got 4 or 5 hours of sleep because just when I would get to sleep a huge gust would come and shake my tent like nothing else.  It also was surprisingly hot for most of the night.
I woke up early and to a flat tire as my stealthy tent location was also in thorn valley of Texas.  I fixed it.
It went flat .
I changed it again.  I had some coffee at the gas station and took off.
The wind yesterday was like a gentle breeze compared to today.  It was super strong.  Ferocious even.  RAWER, it said.
It came from my right mostly, but also in my face.  It was so strong that for much of the time I had to lean to the right like I was making a sharp turn to the right.  At least 20 degrees of leaning.  The fun part of this is the wind is not consistent and would let up at times.  So I am leaning hard to the right and the wind goes away and I shoot out towards the desert.
This went on for 20 miles...it took a long time.  I really don't know how long, but hours at least.  I thought my day was doomed as I needed to make it 70 miles to get to the next town. At the pace I was setting there was no way I would make it.  Even if I had a full nights rest.  It just wasn't going to happen.  Then, out of no where, the wind all but stopped.  There was still a headwind but very slight in comparison.
I don't remember exactly when it all went downhill.  Here is what I do remember:
I started the day with 6 spare tubes.  I used them all.  Flat after flat.  I ran out of tubes with something like 30 miles to go.  I was sure it would hold, that last tube.  The last 5 were flukes!  That is the only explanation.  I think you know where this is going.  Another flat.
I kept all of the tubes, and remembered one just seemed weird with the valve--I tried that one again.  It held.  For a few miles.  So, now I have a bunch of tubes with holes in them.  I have a patch kit, but on the side of the road it is kind of hard to do.
With no other choice I attempted to find the hole in one tube with some water and my cell phone case.  I found a hole and I hoped that there just wasn't a hole in it.  I slapped it on and got going down the road.  It held for a few miles.  I only had about 20 miles to go so my new plan was to just keep pumping it up every few miles.  Oh, did I mention my pump died?  It did.  I have a backup pump, but it really is not made to pump a tube up to 100 pounds.
Anyways, this plan didn't work either.  I am out of tubes....broke ass pump...20ish miles to go....no (little) water.
"Eff it.  I will walk it the 20 miles", I say to myself.  Much easier said than done.  After two miles I know this plan is stupid.  This is when I came into a parking area.  There was light. (It was after dark now).  Out of options I decided it was time to figure out how to patch a tube up.  Before you can patch a tube you must find the hole.  The way to do this is to use a pumped up tube and a container of water.  When the hole is under the water it bubbles and you can see where you need to patch.  I had very little water.
(The following is gross.  I really really almost didn't include this but it is what happened and it would be unfair not to share even if it is a bit embarrassing.)
I did have a gallon size Ziploc back.  I did have to pee.  So, I peed in the bag.  Someone also had left their big gulp drink on the side of the road and I poured it in the bag as well.
I grabbed the best looking tube, pumped it up, and dipped it in the nastiness in the bag.
Now, I will say, this whole deal was a creation from me watching Bear Grylls.  He is not afraid of a little urine, especially his own.  You may call me Bear Dills.
I found the hole.  As I was patching it, a man named Toro pulled up in a truck.  He was an undercover Border Patrol Agent. He chatted me up and held his flashlight so I could see better while I patched up.  I got it all back on the bike and asked him if he would drive by in awhile to make sure it held.  He said he would.
It held.
With 10 to go, it held.
With 8 to go, it was holding and Toro drove by and checked on me (scared the shit out of me too with his siren).  I waved him off and said I was good to go.
7 to go, the tube failed.
I am exhausted and thirsty.  There was no other tube patching that was going to happen this night.
Eff it.  I will walk  it the 7 miles to the town.




























































6

Day 19--Thanksgiving and Stealth Camping

I slept in a little today and seriously considered staying the day in Ft Stockton for a nice little turkey day celebration.  In the end I decided to head on down the road, but at an easy pace and call any miles I got bonus miles.
Before I got out of town I passed a pit bull.  She waited a few seconds and then decided to eat me.  I got away but just barely...she was by far the most scary dog chase to date.  It was a good way to get the ol heart rate up quick.
I almost forgot; for breakfast I had some dehydrated spaghetti that Mons Larson gave me way back in Safford.  It was great!  Tasted like it was fresh out of the pan.
All day long I fought a side/head wind.  I didn't put a whole lot of effort into it as I figured they were all bonus miles.  I still would have liked to got a bit further than the 40 I ended up getting.
In the end I came to a little gas station that was closed.  I found some bushes off to the side and set my tent up there just before dark.  It was pretty hidden I think!
For dinner I made my cold tuna casserole with instant mashed potatoes and a bag of tuna, some oatmeal, yogurt pretzels, and some other random snack foods.  Probably not as good as your dinner, but satisfying none the less.

Day 18--Four Score and...Two More Score and One Mile Ago...

I was in Van Horn.  Now I am in Fort Stockton which if my "score math" is right, is 121 miles away.  That's right baby!  Finally got over a hundred miles in a day.
Other than the fact I made it over a hundred, it was a pretty uneventful day.  I got a nice early start and kind of warmed up at a slow pace for 15 miles or so.  Two other tourers caught up to me  and we rode together for a few miles. From where we split up to Kent I put it in high gear and was getting about 30 mph pretty easy.  When I got to Kent, I met another guy on a bike.  He was a little odd, but nice enough.  We only talked for a few minutes and I continued on.  I made amazing time for the first 80 miles.  I was, without a doubt, 100% sure, I was going to get into FT Stockton well before the sun went down with the pace I was setting.  20-30 mph all day long.  Easy peasy.  I then met the longest shallow hill in the world.  It was 40 miles of up.  Never anything too taxing but hard to keep it at 10-to 15 mph.  By the time I got to the 100 mile mark I was pretty much spent and the sun was about to go down.
In the end, I didn't get in to Ft Stockton until about 7 or 7:30 and I was really really beat.  Riding on the freeway after dark is no bueno.  I would have just found a place to camp but I was out of water--Like I said, I was making such good time I didn't think I would have to worry about water.  From this point on I am going to have a container of water for just such situations.  Back up water you can say.
Tomorrow, the next town of any size is 108 miles away.  I don't know that I have the juice to do another century back to back so road side camping is probably what is going to happen.  Who knows though, maybe I will be able to rock it.
I also do look forward to getting back on the bike route.  Freeway riding is not as nice.  Easier, yes.  But not as nice.
FYI, I went off route to make up some time.  By staying on the freeway I was able to skip about 200 miles off of the Adventure Cycling Association route.  Here in two days I will be back on that route and I doubt I will leave it again for this trip.
With that, I am spent.  I am going to bed.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Day 17--On The Freeway

Got a nice early start today and thought I was going to make it to my intended destination of Kent Texas.  I made good time all day until I got a flat.  It was not the new tire's fault--more of an operator error.  I wasn't paying attention and hit a large rock which immediately caused a flat.  With in 10 miles I got another one right before I got into Van Horn Texas--which is where I am now.  I still had about two hours of daylight left when I got here--but in the end I decided to stay here for the night.  According to my maps, the next hundred fifty miles or so are pretty sparse on supplies and such.  Even Kent has only a gas station which closes early.  I don't think I would have made it there in time to re-fill my water bottles.  So I decided to camp here but on the way to the camp ground I stopped at the Motel 6.  The clerk was so nice and friendly and gave me a deal I couldn't pass up.  So yet again I am shacked up in a motel.
I did make it 70 miles yet I feel like I could have went further.  I am pretty behind on my schedule now--I guess it doesn't matter.  I will get there when I get there.
Nothing too exciting happened today though.  I got some bread and honey and instead of peanut butter I tried Nutella which is a hazelnut spread.  It tastes great, but doesn't have the right ingredients to be great road food.  It is mostly sugar.  I got that because some of my friends are always ranting about it.  Again, tastes great, but it is less filling than peanut butter.
I also made a sail for my bike today.  I am unsure if it will work or not, but it was fun trying to think it through.  I will take pictures and update if it works or not as soon as I get a tail wind.
Other than that, not much to report.  Kind of a plain day.  I doubt I will be in internet country for a few days--West Texas has not got the memo that the 2000's are here and have not updated their technology much.  I hardly even have cell reception...haha.
Also, Thanks to Eon Jarvis for his donation!  Thanks buddy.

Day 16--Glorious Day

First, thanks to my parents who donated to the cause today.  Also, yesterday Kayla N. donated as well.  We are over $500 now and that makes me happy.
I had a frayed front derailer cable and there are no more bike shops for a few more hundred miles.  It probably would have held up but I didn't want to risk it.  I also wanted new tires.  I would not have gone to the store if it weren't for my cable though.  It was about 5 miles out of my way.
The folks at Crazy Cat Cyclery were great!  They changed my cable, tires, and adjusted my seat for $14.  The mechanic (didn't catch his name) pretty much fit me to the bike for free as well--usually a $75 dollar service.  I wanted a new seat, but they didn't have the one I wanted, but they had a guy from another store bring over one they thought would work for me.  It was a good seat but not perfect so I declined it.  Looks like I am stuck with my torture device for another few hundred miles at least.
The tires I got are called Gator Skins.  For the pair it was about $130.  I have heard great things about them and I think the time I lost on the road will be made up by NOT having to stop and make tire changes.
I didn't get on the road until 1:30.  I thought it was a lost day for sure.  But I really killed it once I got going.  Them Gator Skins were chomping up the road and I made it about 60 miles in only 3.5 hours.  It was really how I imagined the whole trip would be--Cruising along at 20 tot 30 mph with not much effort.  It was just nice to see the miles rack up so fast.
I got rained on twice and I thought I was going to get pounded by the mean looking cloud that was chasing me.  It ended up missing me and I am glad because it was a doozy.
Highlights:  At one point I passed three vehicles on the highway.  They were cotton trucks and had full loads but it still made me feel like I was a mananimal.
                      -At one point two dogs chased me.  I am lucky I was able to go so fast today because they were fast!  One was a husky and the other was a mix between a German Sheppard and a rabid Saber Tooth Tiger.  I am not sure why, but so far, bike law says that dogs hate bikers.
I made it to Fort Hancock and had some dinner at the only joint in town.  It wasn't bad at all, but I have noticed that the Mexican food is different the further East I go.  I am going to have to throw a study on this one.
I also got a hotel again.  This time it was because--well, it is cold as hell tonight.  And wet.  I plan to make it to Kent tomorrow and the earlier the start the better.  Packing up the tent in the mornings takes much longer than one would expect.  This way I can A: get an earlier start, and B: Not freeze in the night and more importantly, in the morning.  Every thing is all packed up except my toothbrush so I will be out on the road by sunrise.
I got some fun pictures today, but there is not much cell reception, so I will have to update this later.  One of them is of a giant rooster.  About 10 feet tall or so.  It was next to a lumber store in Fabens TX....I could speculate the relation to a rooster and a wood store--but it would be inappropriate.

Day 15--Motorcycle Air Fives

I get a kick out of the motorcycle guys who give me the standard motorcycle greeting.  Maybe you have seen this.  It is essentially a low five from a distance as you pass one another.  I think I get a kick out of it because I don't have a motor bike.  I have a bike.  I passed at least 100 bikers today and nearly half gave me the Air Low Five.  I am a part of their club (or gang. I have watched Sons of Anarchy--I know what Bike "clubs" do) and I didn't even have to buy a bike.  It is, I think, a sign of respect.  The Air Five is basically saying, "yeah, you don't have a bike but you are cool.  I give you a low five for that."  And I return it and say "thanks buddy".

Today was pretty cool.  I only made it about 60 miles but it was a nice day and very enjoyable.  I rode with one guy for a few miles and we talked bike talk.  I got two flats.  Both in the rear tire.  As soon as I pass a bike shop I am going to get some new tires.  Some super duper not going to puncture me tires.  I hate changing flats.
I made it into Texas today.  Either there wasn't a sign (for the picture) or I missed it, but I am in El Paso none the less.  4 states now.  That is cool.  I know TX will take a good long while to get across though!  I am going to shoot for no more than a week and a half.  That is me talking from the hip because I haven't really looked at how many miles it will take to get out of Texas.  I just know it is way big.
I am at a La Quinta again.  It is the last one for many moons.   Thanks Brenda for hooking it up.
On the way in to El Paso, into downtown, I came down a looong hill.  I was passing cars.  I don't know why that makes me happy, but it does.
Lastly, I meant to put this in yesterdays blog, but I forgot.  Thanks to Megan of La Quinta in Las Cruces.  She went out of her way to get me a ground floor room.  She also left a comment on here telling me that I didn't need to go through the hassle of bath tub laundry as the hotel had a laundry mat.  I did take my things over there early this morning and washed them properly.
With that, I am going to work on my bike for an hour and then it is sleepy time.  Until the next time, goodnight.

Day 14--Blow Me

It has now been two weeks.  To be honest it feels like more.  Every day it is wake up, get ready and ride.  I am not complaining.  Not at all.  It all has been great and I am learning a lot about biking, camping, and myself.
I am now right at 900 miles.  So that puts me about 3 days behind the schedule I made for myself.  I think I can make it up.  The majority of the climbing is over now...at least the huuuuge climbs.  I do have the hill country coming up in Texas; I heard that is a beast.  I have a plan for that.  If I ever get a strong tail wind...you mark my words you will be telling my story to your friends.  I have a good plan y'all.
So, today, as usual, I woke up before Mr Sun.  I CANT sleep in even if I try.  I laid there in my bag and had breakfast. Two bags of instant oatmeal and OJ.  Once the sun came up I got dressed in my tiny little living room.  (My tent)  I got out and got my things together and started off.  Before I got on my Hardley (Like a Harley--but not so much) I checked out the tires.  There were at least 50 goat heads in the tires!  I used my gloved hand to knock them off.  I did not receive a puncture from all this and I am still surprised.
The title of this day is "Blow Me".  That is what the wind did all day long.  Right in my face.  I only made it 60 miles.  That is all I was shooting for actually because Brenda freaking awesome sauce got me a La Quinta room in Las Cruces; but I don't think I could have made it much further any way.  Headwinds are so...demanding.  I was pedaling fulllllll force downhill at one point and was doing 10 miles an hour.  Kind of makes you want to club a baby seal.
I met some travelers today.  I saw them in the distance.  Bikes fully loaded coming my way.  I was like a loyal dog who hears his master coming in the drive way.  At first, he is like, is that my buddy ol pal?  hmmm?  It is! It is!  Yeah...I am getting lonely out here.  I really don't need too much companionship, but I am finding that I do need more than I thought I needed.
Anyways, The couple was Sal and Lara coming from New York.  The are headed to San Fran and have been killing it for 3 months now.  We talked for at least 10 minutes and it was (as Dominic would say) Glorious.
The rest of the day was uneventful but nice.  Despite the wind.  I did bathtub laundry again--I hope it is dry by morning!

Day 13--The Low Down on Going Down

Down hills that is.

So.  Today I didn't get on the road until about 10.  I very much so planned on getting an earlier start but unfortunately I had to pay my bills.  Usually this takes no more than 20 minutes but with the super slow internet it took about an hour.
Once I got going it was great!  My legs were like pistons from hell.  I hauled ass for like 20 miles.  Then I hit the big climb.  I still killed it for the majority of it.  The last 4 miles of Emory pass was pretty painful though.  It went from a gradual climb to straight up.  At 8000 feet it was super cold too.  I had to stop and put my warm gear on.  I didn't get to the top until about 3:30.  That was only 40 miles into the day.  However.  It was a 4000 foot decent from there.  I soooo wish I still had my Gopro video camera because I really bombed the decent.  I reached the fastest speed on a bike I have ever been today.  I got up to 46 MPH.  Easily could have gone faster too, but my bravery ran out right there at 46.  After 40 miles per hour I start to imagine all the bad things that can happen at those speeds.  I start to imagine hitting a pot hole or loose gravel or my bike breaking in half--it happens.  Most importantly I start to imagine what would happen to my body on the asphalt.
Other than that bad image, I had a blast on the way down.  It was pretty much 20 miles of straight down.
I passed javalinas and cows and horses.  At one point I decided to get a close up of a cow.  Or bull.  I don't know what it was.  I am not a animal doctor.  Anyhow, I stopped about 10 feet from Mr Cow and opened my handle bar bag which is secured with Velcro.  As soon as he heard that noise he squared up with me.  I quickly aborted the mission and hauled ass out of there.
I came to the town of Hillsborough NM right before sundown.  I was ready for a hot meal and some water.  (I had ran out before the peak of the pass about 2 hours before)  While Hillsborough is a super nice little town--they roll up the sidewalks at about 5.  Everything was closed.  No water.  A couple of the townspeople directed  me to a spicket that I  could top off with and showed me where I could sleep.  In a park, for free.  I am not a big fan of hose water but I had no choice.  I filled up and contemplated sleeping in the park.
At the last second I decided not to because the people were obviously werewolves.  There is now way they could be that nice and not be.  And they had German accents.  Hello!  Here is your sign.  If you live in a super nice little town and you have a German accent, you might be a werewolf.  (I know they were not vampires because I rolled up on them in the daylight).
So I took off down the road in the dark.  This is the first night riding I have ever done on my trip.  It was peaceful.  Only a hand full of cars and a beautiful night.  After awhile I started to give myself the heebie jeebies though.  I kind of started to sike myself out.  Much like when myself and my great friend Warren G (not the singer) convinced ourselves we were about to die in a fiery plane crash.  We were on the approach to Tucson and it was especially bumpy.  In retrospect, it was just a case of bad turbulence.  At the time though, we really got ourselves going.  She was like, "It sure is bumpy."  And I said, "yeah, it doesn't feel right".  I wonder if every thing is OK, she says.  And I point at the wing and say "Hey, is it supposed to be moving like that?  Pretty soon we were convinced we were dead.  When we landed we cheered the pilot like he was Captain Sullivan.
Anyways, I stopped at the first store I came to and ate pretty much crap food.  A cheeseburger and a rib sandwich--both the microwaveable kind.  I also asked the nice lady if I could charge my light (which was almost dead) and she agreed.  She also provided me with directions to the nearest campground.
I took off and when I came to a bar I was sure I had gone too far.  I went in and asked and I had gone a mile too far.  I asked if I cold sleep behind the bar and he said yes.  So I set up my tent and drank two beers and went to sleep.  It was 9 at night.  A very long day on the bike.
One last thing.  I also made a little dinner creation.  I used instant mashed potatoes and cold water.  Added Tuna and raisins...whallla!  Tuna Casserole on the road.  It needed butter and pepper and heat, but it wasn't that bad at all.  Also, instant oatmeal out of the package?  Amazing.  I will keep eating it like that for life.

Day 12--Please E-mail me Some Motivation. I lost mine.

Today kind of blew.  I planned on going about 80 miles but I had no energy.  Couple that with a head wind and leg cramps and other problems--it just didn't go as expected.
I had a new seat sent to Buckhorn.  I was excited and expected it to be the answer to all of my problems.  It is called a Spiderflex.  I expected it to be awesome sauce right out of the gate.  It wasn't.  At all.  I will give it another chance later on, but for now, I am going back to my torture device of a seat I have been on.
I woke up early--I actively tried to sleep in but was up by 6.  There was ice on my tent.  I was warm in my bag but as soon as I got out of it--Lets just say severe nippage occurred.
There was a strong easterly wind which excited me.  A tailwind is a great, grand, and groovy thing to have.  It was so strong that when I pulled my tent stakes it blew my tent away.  I really thought it was going to be a great day.  Once I got all packed up I picked up my new seat.  I spent the next 20 miles trying to dial it in with no luck.  It just didn't feel right.
So, I got going after that, still the new seat hoping it started to feel right.  It never did in the measly 40 miles I managed today.
I just had zero energy.  I had no gas in my tanks.  It was well after dark by the time I got into Silver City NM.  I really didn't perform like I wanted to today.
I did get a hotel tonight and soaked in the tub with Epson salt....even though I think tubs are grooooos.  I also got a steak.  A huge one.  I had to restrain myself from eating it like a caveman with my hands.
Tomorrow I have a few big climbs.  After that though I descend 4000 feet.  I am hoping to get my first century of the trip tomorrow.  We will see what happens.  I think my fuel tanks are filled back up now.

Day 11--America at 4 MPH

If yesterday was the most pleasant day of the ride so far, today was the most rewarding.
I was on the road by 6:30.  It was freaking cold as ice.  My little fingers almost fell off.  It only took about a half hour to warm up though.
I made good time for the first 30 miles or so...and then the hills came.  There actually was only two big climbs, but they were monsters.  The second one being the most challenging thing I have ever done to date.  I could see it for 10 miles before I got to it.  I kept thinking and hoping that "that can't be the road--that is way too high to be a road"  It was the road I had to climb.  It took me 4 hours at about 4 miles an hour to get to the top.  I had to stop every mile or so to breath and let my legs rest.  It is hard to explain, but when I got to the top I felt like a mananimal!  The decent was the reward.  Almost zero traffic and I was able to just use the whole road and bomb it.  Tight turns, fast downhills, smile on my face.  It was great.
I stopped for water at Threeway.  I asked if I could top my bottles off and the guy said there was a hose out back.  Dick.  I told him I will buy his overpriced bottle water.  (It actually came out, "Um, I will just get some bottled water").
I ended up in Buckhorn New Mexico--yes, I made another state!  woot woot.
Buckhorn was not as I imagined.  By the time I got there I was super tired and was dreaming of a steak dinner and a hotel.  There are no restaurants in Buckhorn.  There is no hotel in Buckhorn.  I camped out but did get a small pizza from The Last Chance For Liquor store.  I only met 6 people in Buckhorn-all of them were super nice.  Not all that up to date on technology, but nice.  I would go into that more, but I am about to crash out.....

Day 10--The Brits are Here. One more and it's an epidemic/Two High Speed Chases

Globe to Safford AZ.
Today was with out a doubt the most enjoyable day on the road yet.  I got a late start...My tent was very wet again--I still haven't figured out how to stop the condensation.  It is a work in progress.
Once I got on the road at about 9:30 I saw someone ahead of me on a bike that was loaded up.  I went like hell to catch up.  Companionship!  It took me about half an hour of hard core pedaling to catch up but I made it.  Turns out he is going to Florida as well but he STARTED in Florida six months ago.  His name is Dominic and he is from Manchester England.
He started in FL and went up the Atlantic coast to Canada to the Pacific, down to San Francisco , and now back towards FL.  He plans on touring the world over the course of the next 5 years or so..
Dominic is a great conversationalist and we talked all day long about biking and war and the condition of the Native Americans.  There were many other topics too.
It was all I could do to keep up with him...He doesn't really stop pumping his legs.
He had a lot of the British idioms like the last Brit had but his accent was much more subdued.  Also, he understood "American" very well.  At one point we met with a guy named Bob.  Dominic had stopped to help Bob back in Globe and so they knew each other.  He mentioned his wife Candy at this point.  Is what had happened was, he hitched a ride from Globe to the small town we were now in.  Later on,  Dominic asked if I would "ever do what Bob and Candy did by hitching a ride."  I heard, "Would you ever do a Bob and Candy?"  I assumed it was Brit speak for catching a ride.  (I really wasn't a part of the conversation between Dom and Bob--Just overheard a few things)  I started laughing and asked what a Bob and Candy was.  He was like, "No, would you ever catch a lift like Bob and Candy did?"  I guess you had to be there but it was pretty funny.
Observations on the British:  They put the sound "r" in places they don't belong.  Such as "idear" and "sawr", among many others.
I could go on but this was actually two days ago and it is a little foggy.  Again, it was just a great ride over flats and hills and some good rolling hills.  A good rolling hill is the kind that is like a roller coaster.  You can bomb down one side and coast up to the top of the next and do it all over again--NOT a bad time at all.
At one point a dog came out of his yard and chased us for a couple hundred feet.  He didn't put much effort into it though.  When he gave up the chase he turned and started back to his yard only to almost be smushed by an SUV...Like, super duper almost got smashed.  The Suv locked em up, but if the dog hadn't stopped when he did it would have been curtains.
When we got to Safford, Dom stopped at the info place and I went to the bike shop to get something fixed.  (I will insert the name of the shop soon---cant remember right now)  The owner fixed the broken part for free because I was a vet as was he.  Thanks to you Sir.
I ate dinner at Casa Manana.  I just asked for the biggest meal they had.  And it was glorious! (Glorious is another term the Brits use a lot.)
Mons Larsen is a host on Warmshowers.com.  We both ended up staying at his place and the generosity was out of this world!  I will come back and add to this part later....But if you are ever in Safford, look him up.
One last thing--The second high speed chase occurred while I was looking for the bike shop.  This little dog was persistent!  For two blocks he tried to eat Dills.  I was laughing about it the whole time--But he was Johnny on the Spot and wouldn't let up.  I am sure he would have left a dent.

Day 9--The most unpleasant tire change in the history of man/pucker factor code red broken arrow

It is amazing the things which can happen in a day while riding a bike.  I had "experiences" today that I will be telling my grand kids if I ever manage to have any.
The day started very early.  The residents of the RV park were up and at em by 5:30.  They came in the clubhouse and made coffee and started talking about old trucks and solenoids and stuff like this.  It was interesting to hear them talk about days of their youth.

I got all packed up and was on the road by the time the sun peaked its little head over the mountains.  The first 30 miles was done in just 3 hours with some pretty serious climbing.  When I got to the city of Superior I noticed I had another flat.  Another effing flat on the same tire!  Seriously?  It is never pleasant to change a tire on a bike; not for me at least.  It is even more unpleasant when you have to do it on a fully loaded bike.  Here is what happened today:   First, I set the bike to the side and went into the store for a coffee, hot dog, and a coke.  You know, power food.  Once I finished the hot dog I got to work on the bike.  When you change a loaded bike you have two options.  You can unload everything and turn the bike upside down and work on it that way.  This is the easier way but more time consuming.  The next way is to lift the front of the bike with one hand (assuming the front tire is the problem area) and remove the tire with the other hand.  This usually isn't that hard.  Today, Mr. Bee was curious.  As I had 70 pounds of bike in one hand and wrestling with the tire with my other hand a bee started buzzing me.  He then landed on my lip and buzzzzzzed me.  I am not afraid of bees, but I still do not like the thought of being stung on the lip by one.  So I made the "pshsshhh plllssssttt" sound with my lips trying to get him away all the while fighting the bike.  He went away finally and I got the tire off successfully.  When I got the tire off of the wheel I realllllly inspected the inside.  I did last night as well, but not in the sunlight.  On my third trip around the inside of the wheel I saw a small glimmer of light...a reflection of metal.  The smallest piece of wire was in there just hoping I didn't find him again so he could ruin another tube.  I got you buster.  It took me three tries to get the tube seated properly in the wheel...yet another part of this that made it unpleasant.  Now I finally got it all situated and ready to put back on the bike.  Now mind you, last night, when I got to this point the tire slipped back on with ease.  Not the case today buddy.  Again, you have to lift the bike with one hand while you slip the wheel on with the other.  Your hands are tied so to speak.  Well, while I am doing this, the wheel is just not cooperating.  After a few tries with no luck I start to talk to the bike/wheel--pleading a little bit for it to work out.  When that didn't work I started to yell and cuss at it.  It was rated R for sure. Now I am mad and threatening violence and death upon an inanimate object.  Still didn't work and my volume went up.  About this time my right nostril decided to have a little fun and stared to bleed profusely for no apparent reason.  The blood was running down my face and neck, I am yelling and swearing--completely lost my temper.  Then guess who wanted to see what was going on?  Yeah, Mr. Bee came back.  All up in my face.
In the end I finally got it on but I am sure I looked like a mad man with blood all over my face and me yelling at the bike.  She has held up just fine since then and I hope I don't have another flat for a few days at least.
The real climbing started after this little town.  It was something like in 15 miles I went up 2500 feet.  Dont quote me on that but it was easily the steepest climb of the trip yet.  The highlight of the climb was going through the Queen creek tunnel.  It is about a mile long with a six inch (maybe) shoulder.  I almost  hitched a ride through it but my manliness wouldn't let me.  It was the most scared I have been in years.  Probably in the top ten ever.  You know how in The Goonies when the kids were being chased the ran fast--but also yelled at the top of their lungs?  That was me in the tunnel.  I was pumping my legs as fast and as hard as I could  pretty much screaming the whole way.  It is hard to describe but I was certain I was going to be smushed or clobbered or smushed and clobbered at any second.  Alas, I made it through.
There was a lot more climbing but once to the top  I got to bomb it down at sometimes 40 mph.  This was also nerve racking because there was zero shoulder.
I made it into Globe AZ at about 3:30.  My plan was to keep going out into the San Carlos Apache Reservation to camp.  A man saw me looking at my map and came to help out.  He HIGHLY recommended I don't camp out in the "Res".  I guess the get a little rowdy out there at night.  I took his advice and am now at an RV park here in Globe.  The property manager is "Slim".  Super nice guy and offered me a hot shower in his "rig"....but I was already in my sleep gear and declined.
I will say the citizens of Globe--at least of what I saw of it--are we will say, unsavory.  I took all my bags off and put them in my tent with me.  I also locked my bike up tight tight.  One thing I am disappointed with so far is I have yet to start a fire on this trip.  That was kind of a selling point for me.  Perhaps tomorrow I will be able to light one up.
Right before I got into my tent for the night Slim said that sometimes there are "problem people" around these parts.  Lets just say I have my boom boom stick close by tonight.  With that, I am calling it a night.  Until next time, have a good night.

Day 8--Out of Phoenix, But Not By Much

Even though I got myself waterproofed last night I was not eager to brave the storm this morning.  So, I waited it out in the comfort of my room until about 10:30.  By then the rain had all but stopped and I had a nice ride through the city.  I got mixed up on my directions a number of times and it took most of the day to get out of stop light central.  When I finally made it out of the city I noticed I had my second flat of the journey.  I still had a couple hours of light left and wanted to tear up some miles but happened to be passing a KOA so I decided that an early day would be fine.  When I was about to check in I found out they wanted $28 dollars to pitch my tent!  I can do that for free if I have a good magazine.
I decided I would just do some stealth camping off the side of the road but a few blocks from  the KOA I saw a RV park.  Certain I knew the answer, I asked the property manager if I could set my tent up for the night.  She said that by law she couldn't let me.  So I said thanks and got ready to go on my way.  Before I could go she asked about where and why I was riding.  When she found out she immediately said I can sleep in the club house for free.  Sweet digs!
There is a TV, which allowed me to watch the NASCAR.  There is a sink, stove, microwave, etc...showers and a bathroom.  Much better than off the side of the road.
I fixed my flat and patched the old tube and got my bike all ready for tomorrow.  It will be back to the country roads tomorrow--a lot of climbing but I am excited to get some serious miles knocked out.  The last few days I have not made it to far, so it is catch up time.
One last thing; the property manager's name is Rita and I want to say thanks for your hospitality one last time.  THANKS!

Day 7--WOD is: Rest...ish

I was unable to get the LQ again today.  I ended up meandering 30 miles to Tempe.  There is a storm coming in tonight, so the weather man says...I got a hotel once again.  I kind of had to.  My last bout with rain made me realize I need to be very prepared for it.
I got a heavy duty water repellent spray for my bags and I have put everything in zip lock bags.  I think I am water proof now.  I hope so at least.....I am going to kill some miles tomorrow. Bang them out you might even say.  These last two days have seemed like I am a bum because I have only went about 70 miles...very easy miles at that.  I am well rested now and I think it is go time.  I have a chicken salad ready for breakfast and all my bags are packed.--minus my clothes as I did some bathtub laundry tonight.  Yet again I have clothes hanging all over the place.
Jason flew off today and it has been kind of sad.  The rest of the trip just wont be the same.  I suppose I will just have to figure out how to entertain myself.  Before he left I canned his bike.....that is cannibalized his stuff.  He gave me his handle bar bag and his solar panel charger to use for the trip.  I had to do some work on my bike to make it fit, but it is good to go now. (another reason I decided on one more hotel stay.)
I went down to soak in the hot tub and met a cool family.  The father was a retired AF officer out of Davis-Monthan.  Cool dude.  His wife was super nice as well.  Their daughter is into biking as well and is soon to do some touring.  I have been amazed at how may bikers there are on my journey so far.  Good luck to you Danielle!
One last thing before I watch the back of my eyelids--Thank you Grandma Fife for your donation to the cause.  I miss you and hope to see you soon!  With that, goodnight, and get ready for some serious miles.

Day 6--Great Ride, Sad Panda--Dills Goes Solo--total so far= about 390 miles!

We woke up early in Wickenberg this morning.  My clothes were still wet.  I guess washing them was a bad idea.  For the most part the ones I needed to ride were dry though. Before we took off we stopped at the local bike shop called the Bike Locker I believe.  We met Tina the night before, she is awesome!  She offered to send some stuff back home for us, and I took her up on her offer.  I sent back at lest 5 lbs more. If you are ever in that area, stop by and say hi.  She is super sweet and very nice.  Thank you Tina!
 We banged out 50 miles in less than three hours and stopped at a McDonalds for some coffee and a snack while we figured out where we were going to stay.   This is when Jason decided he can not continue the ride.  He has had knee problems in the past and his doctor told him not to do this ride but he tried to fight through the pain.  I am sure he could have but he is worried about permanent damage.  He has decided to fight another day after he has got his knee all fixed up.  This bike ride for charity is going to be a yearly thing (or so that is the plan) and I am sure he will be back next year ready to bang out the miles.
I will say that he has been key to this bike trek ever actually happening.  He is the one behind the bikes at cost, the panniers, and many other aspects of the journey.  So thanks to Jason as well.  We shall see how I do solo.
I also want to say thanks to Brenda Wilson.  She is my co-worker's wife and  some kind of big wig at La Quinta Inns.  She secured for us a room tonight for free.  If all goes well I will have the room tomorrow as well as I am taking a day off from riding to rest and recuperate.
One last thanks to the GM here at the LQ in Peoria and the very helpful staff.  If you are ever in need of fine sleeping quarters and are in this area--make this your destination!

Day 5--Oh. Hello Headwinds.

We only made it 60 miles today.  It was with out a doubt the hardest day yet though.  The wind blew in our faces the entire day.  We did have to climb most of the day but it was a very gradual climb.  Take the wind out of it and we could easily do 15 mph all day long.  As it was, it was a challenge to keep it at 10 mph.
I rolled into Wickenburg at sundown, exhausted, and got a flat.  We will call it a cherry on top of a rough day.  The plan was to camp, but I needed a shower so bad.  Again, we got a hotel.  It was pretty inexpensive and the hot shower was worth every penny.
We ate at a little Italian joint.  They had a sign that said "Lunch special: two slices of cheese and a medium soda; $4.50."    I am sure any normal person would understand that it was meant to say two slices of cheese PIZZA.  I didn't put that together and asked the waitress if it was really two little slices of cheese and a soda for $4.50.  I was legit serious in my question.  I am pretty sure she thought I was trying to be a smart ass...I really wasn't!  In my defense, I had just spent 8 hours on a bike.
I pulled her aside later and made sure she knew I wasn't being a jerk.  She ended up laughing it off and to her credit, before we left she sent a co-worker over and had her ask if we wanted "two slices of cheese to go".  You got me good fair waitress.  Touche.

Day 4-- Long Easy Day

Today we covered a lot of ground but not much really happened.  We left Nancy's house around 8 and made it to Blythe a few hours later.  There we stopped at Starbucks and enjoyed a coffee and tried to update the blog.  The interwebs were moving at the speed of smell so we took off.  Shortly after that we crossed into Arizona.  If nothing else, I have biked across California!  We then spent most of the rest of the day on I-10...trucks and cars zooming by.  We had a slight head wind, but I think we have had that everyday now.
Water was a concern the whole way as the towns were few and far between.  I carried about a gallon at all times.
We really didn't have a destination today....we ran out of light in between cities.  Jason was about a quarter of a mile ahead of me and I saw him start to pass a random Mexican food joint.  I am pretty sure I would have spear tackled him if he did pass it as I was starving.  When I caught up to him he asked what I wanted to do.  I said "Lets eat!"  And we did.
I had the Burrito Supreme.  It was ginormous!  Any other day I wouldn't have stood a chance at finishing it.  Today, I killed it and ate a fish taco and had two beers as well.
It was well after dark now and we had no plan what so ever on where to camp.  I asked our very friendly waitress if we could sleep behind the restaurant.  (Dos Amigos near Hope AZ).  She asked the owner and she said yes.  Thank you to the owner and staff of Dos Amigos.  The food was great, the staff friendly and pretty, and the gravel behind your restaurant super comfortable.
And that is where we slept.  On a side note, I think I found the cure for insomnia.  Ride your bike through the mountains for 60 to 80 miles a day.  You will sleep deep and long.

Day 3--Farmland, Sand Dunes, and Effing Rolling Hills--75-200 total

Today started fairly early.  We went through some farm country at first.  The smell of cow crap and hay was all about us.  Somehow it didn't really stink.  We made great time for the first 30 miles.  This 30 miles took us past the farmland into the sand dunes of Southern California.  It was a stark contrast to go from green farmland to what I imagine Egypt looks like.  Nothing but sand as far as you can see.  I wanted to make a sand angel, but was sure that would have been a huge mistake with the sand all in my clothes.

We stopped for a quick break in a place I will call, Some Hole in the Wall.  We refilled our water bottles...it was cheap.  Only $3 a bottle. (sarcasm.)  There was a group of dirt bikers there and they couldn't get over our bikes and gear.  I gave them my card about my trip and I hope they are following our trip.  

After this, Jason, the Mananimal, took off and left me in the dust.  The destination was Palo Verde CA.  

Now into the rolling hills.  I always thought of rolling hills as a nice romantic way to describe a landscape.  No longer!  On a bike, they suck.  Especially when there is a steady head wind.  My knee was hurting very bad and my heel was agony.  Lets not even get into the condition of my butt.  All in all, for me, it wasn't a pleasant ride.  I am still in the "growing pains" part of my trip--I am sure it will get better.

I arrived in Palo Verde just before dark at a woman's house whose name is Nancy.  She is part of www.warmshowers.com.  She already had two travelers with her and they stayed inside--Jason and I slept on the deck in our tents.  Before bed though, she fed us dinner and filled our water bottles.  In the morning she made breakfast for everyone.  If you ever find yourself in that area and need a place look her up.  I have her number and when I get in a better spot internet wise I will post her number.

One of the other travelers was named Paul.  He is going from Kansas to San Diego...so he is almost there after 6 weeks of riding.  The other guy was from Switzerland.  He was traveling from Alaska to....not sure.  But he has been riding for years.  South America, Europe, Australia...pretty much everywhere.  I have pictures of everyone....and will post when in Tempe.  And that my friends was day 3 in a nutshell.  Tomorrow--Day 4--Palo Verde to behind a Mexican restaurant near Hope AZ.

Day 2: Mayham found me. That SOB. Pine Valley to El Centro CA 66 miles-120 total

Today started out nice.  5 medium climbs and 6000 feet of decent.
On the first decent I was cruising along at  about 30 when my rear rack fell off.  Yeah, it just fell off.  It didn't fall all the way off though...it was still hanging on and dragging on the ground.  I got stopped and looked for my multi tool.  I then remembered I had lent it to Jason earlier (i thought)  So I jammed the rack back on and put the bags over my top tube and coasted down to the bottom of the hill.  This was dangerous...don't try this at home kids.

When I got down I looked through all of my gear again and lo and behold, the very last thing in my bags was my tool.  So, I start to try to fix the rack but the tool I have is just not the right one.  As I was working on it another biker on the same path as me comes up.
Here is what the conversation sounded like:  "Oy, troubles mate?"  He was British.  I asked if he had a socket.  "Whats a socket?  I said, um, you know, a socket.  I could not think of a better way to describe it.  After looking at what I was working on he said he had a "dumbbell".  What the hell am I going to do with a dumbbell?  Turns out a dumbbell is a nifty little tool which looks like a dumbbell but has socket holes all over it.  It worked out great!  Man's name is Keven and he saved my day.
Another snipit from our convo:  He asked, "Fancy a biscuit?"  In my head I was thinking that I don't know what you are getting at buddy but I like girls.  But in British, biscuit means cookie.  He said he got them from Target.  He was pretty excited about the deal he got on his biscuits too.  I attempted to joke with him and told him we call that store  "Tar Jay" because it is French owned.  I don't know if that is true or not, but he got very serious and said "I have never saw a Target in France.
We rode together for awhile more and he is an interesting cat.  He rode from England to China once.  He lives in Switzerland and works 5 months of the year saving up for the rest and just rides his bike all over the world.
After awhile we got separated.  He liked to talk and used all kinds of fancy British words.  It was fun listening to him even though many times I had no idea what he was talking about.

 After that it was a most enjoyable ride for 20 or thirty miles.  We rode right next to the Mexican American border for awhile.  Jason got a flat somewhere around here.  Then we rode down I 80 for about 25 miles.  And when I say down, I mean DOWN.  This is where we dropped about 6000 feet in 25 miles.  I loved it although I really had to brake a lot .  My bike wanted to go faster, but 35 is about as much as I dare to go on a fully loaded bike.  Speaking of which, before we got going we stopped at the post office and I mailed 5 lbs of stuff  home. Doesn't sound like much but it all adds up.
From here nothing really exciting happened.  It just kind of overall sucked, besides the fact that I was riding a bike.  My bike computer stopped working, my flashlight fell off, the road was the worst rode in the nation....perhaps.  My body hurt everywhere...my butt mostly though.  My legs are exhausted.  I am concerned about my left knee and my left Achilles tendon.  Both hurt  a lot.  I think I will be alright though.
We ended up in El Centro--about 15 miles shy of what we were shooting for.  We planned to camp but a motel owner say us and offered us a good deal for a room.  As we were beat, we took him up on his offer.
We walked to the food store and stalked up.  A lot of tuna and nuts and easy to eat things.  I also made peanut butter and honey tortillas.  I made 8 of them and put them in sandwich baggies.  They are great for on the road.  They are just like the expensive supplements from a bike store.  Very high energy and compact.


I will clean this up in a couple of days........the internet is slow and I am exhausted.  It is actually the end of the fourth day and we are near Hope AZ.  Tempe in 2 days!