Day 15: Golden Gate Bridge!
Another shot of Stephanie after completing the Big Ride
steph again.jpg 2008-10-06
Jennifer, MJ, and Steve get ready for the final ride to the bridge
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Dr. Chris and Edward take careful notes
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Doug and Moira (the tandem couple!), with Edward and Dr. Chris
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Wild Bill
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The crew gets ready to cross the Golden Gate into San Fran -- Whoo hoo!!!!
Courtesy of Charles Shuttleworth
Group Photo Ver. 2
Courtesy of Doug & Moira Whidby
Riding across the Golden Gate
Courtesy of Charles Shuttleworth
Riding across the Golden Gate
Courtesy of Charles Shuttleworth
Mission accomplished!
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doug & moira.jpg
doug & moira.jpg 2008-10-06
Crash, Amber Ale, and Auntie Kim.jpg
Crash, Amber Ale, and Auntie Kim.jpg 2008-10-06
Mark aka Motel.jpg
Mark aka Motel.jpg 2008-10-06
Wild Bill and Auntie Kim.jpg
Wild Bill and Auntie Kim.jpg 2008-10-06
The party's over...arriving at the hotel
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Cristian a.k.a. "Chile" -- thank you for enhancing my Spanish speaking skills!
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Edward and Sister Sledge at the Last Supper
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Sister Sledge with a view to Alcatraz
Taken from the deck of the old steamship "Eureka"
Sister Sledge is amused by sea lions at Pier 39
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Day 14: Stillwater Cove to Samuel Taylor State Park, Olema, CA
Dog at cafe
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The riders refuel at a water stop
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Alan, our fearless mechanic, at the first water stop
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View of the east side of the road...
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followed by a view of the west side of the road.
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Edward stopping to take a photo before one of our descents
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End of the ride -- oops, we got sent to the wrong campground!
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Ken basking in the post-ride glow
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Edward and Sister Sledge chill at camp after the day's riding
Courtesy of Charles Shuttleworth
Day 13: Fort Bragg to Stillwater Cove
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Iron Chris Ledoux
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"Dog is my copilot"
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Day 12: Rest day in Fort Bragg
Sharon makes good on her promise to give Wild Bill a coiffure
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Dr. Chris stylin' in his Sponge Bob socks!
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Alan and Marie eat the little corns that come in your salad
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Alan and Dr. Chris examine Dr. Chris's most-excellent carrot soup
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Bad picture from the restaurant at Fort Bragg -- "The Cliffhouse"
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Alan, Dr. Chris, and Iron Chris
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No comment required.
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Alan and Marie
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Alan before smile enhancer function on camera...
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Alan after smile enhancer function on camera.
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Alan, our most excellent ride mechanic. Wrench, we salute you!
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The crew gets ready to eat
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Poor quality picture, but I'll include it anyway
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Day 11: Humboldt Redwoods to Fort Bragg
Stopping at a store near our camp in the Redwoods
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Edward in the drive-thru tree
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Sister Sledge in the drive-thru tree
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Steph after popping out from the Redwoods onto the Mendocino Coast, about 15 miles north of Fort Bragg
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Mendocino Coast near Fort Bragg
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Mendocino Coast near Fort Bragg
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Day 10: Patrick's Point to Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Count and Sister Sledge riding the Avenue of the Giants.jpg
Count and Sister Sledge riding the Avenue of the Giants.jpg 2008-10-06
View from the highway as we approached the exit for the Avenue of the Giants in the Redwoods
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Avenue of the Giants in the Redwoods
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Avenue of the Giants in the Redwoods
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Edward and Stephanie take in the Avenue of the Giants
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Sister Sledge posing in a redwood -- no, that bulge is not part of my body -- it's my jacket that I stuffed in my back pocket!
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Avenue of the Giants
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Day 9: Brookings to Patrick's Point (near Trinidad)
The Three Musketeers about 5 miles from Brookings
Edward, Mark, and Sledge
Mark gets ready to go to California!
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Mark again
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Edward and Sister Sledge
I want a redo! Edward did a better job of holding up his bike!
Good story here...read below
Not long after we passed the agricultural inspection station in California, this guy flagged us down as we drove by his house. Seeing the uniform, I was concerned that perhaps we had violated some home grown fruit law and had been caught transporting contraband, but it turned out he was a former Big Rider himself and wanted to give us support! He also gave us keyrings with lights on them. What a sweetheart, and I love how this picture turned out!
Mark with a lighthouse in the distance (hard to see)
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Mark and lighthouse at Crescent City, CA
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Beach after the big climb of the day and into the next water stop
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Mark on descent after big climb
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Paul Bunyan and Babe -- Trees of Mystery, Klamath, CA
Somewhere during this stop, Alan commented that he could be the "voice" of Paul Bunyan, which I found to be very amusing, given his excellent New Jersey accent
Sister Sledge inside a redwood -- awesome!
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Some elk Mark and I encountered near Orick
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More shots of the elk...
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A little pig in Orick!
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Day 7: Florence to Bandon (Bullard's Beach State Park)
A nice pond shortly after leaving Florence
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House at Umpqua River Lighthouse
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View of the ocean on the other side of the road from the lighthouse
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steph at umpqua lighthouse.jpg
steph at umpqua lighthouse.jpg 2008-11-07
Umpqua River Lighthouse
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Umpqua River Lighthouse
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A view of the Umpqua River Lighthouse after climbing a steep grade away from it
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Day 6: Lincoln City to Florence (Honeyman State Park)
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Self-portrait at Cape Foulweather
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Depoe Bay
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Depoe Bay
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Sister Sledge and Edward north of Depoe Bay
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Bridge at Newport, Oregon -- yes, we crossed it!
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Bridge at Newport
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Lighthouse at Heceta Head
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Self-explanatory
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Dog at "Bikes and Guitars" Store in Florence
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Day 5: "Spa Day" in Lincoln City
Serenity now! Pictures of Siletz Bay from my hotel window
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Siletz Bay
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Mo's at Siletz Bay, where Steve and I eat every time we go to Lincoln City or Newport
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Siletz Bay
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Day 4: Nehalem to Lincoln City
Sledgehammer stops to rest during one of the big climbs through Cape Lookout
Cape Lookout is near Tillamook, Oregon
Some of the crew at Cape Lookout
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The Tillamook Creamery -- and free samples of my favorite...cheese curd aka squeaky cheese!
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steph gets ready to enter yet another tunnel!.jpg
steph gets ready to enter yet another tunnel!.jpg 2008-11-07
Day 3: Ilwaco to Nehalem, OR
View of Ilwaco as we descended from Cape Disappointment
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The marina at Ilwaco in the early morning mist
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Montreal, Tex, Sharon, and Jennifer above Ilwaco
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Montreal, looking ready to rumble!
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getting ready to go thru the chinook tunnel.jpg
getting ready to go thru the chinook tunnel.jpg 2008-11-07
steph riding thru ilwaco tunnel day 3.jpg
steph riding thru ilwaco tunnel day 3.jpg 2008-11-07
steph near astoria bridge.jpg
steph near astoria bridge.jpg 2008-11-07
A view of the Astoria Bridge as we approached it, causing knots to form in my stomach
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Close-up view of the Astoria Bridge (part of it, anyway)
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A view of the Astoria Bridge after crossing it -- giving perspective to size!
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Sledgehammer rides up the incline on the Astoria Bridge, white-knuckled
Photo courtesy of Charles Shuttleworth
Sister Sledge, Jerome, and Karen heading up the Astoria Bridge
Photo courtesy of Charles Shuttleworth
Tex and Sister Sledge take a breather after crossing the Bridge from Hell, just moments after Sledge kissed the ground
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Haystock Rock near Cannon Beach
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L to R: Sledgehammer, Jennifer, Montreal, Sharon, and Tex
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Another good shot of us...
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Closeup of Haystock Rock
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Montreal in front of Haystack Rock
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View down to Manzanita and Nehalem, after climbing steep hills with no shoulders and LOTS of logging trucks and RVs!
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Sledgehammer almost to Nehalem Bay, our stop for the evening
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Day 2: Montesano to Ilwaco
A shot of the Montesano courthouse while riding by (accounting for the angle)
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Tex taking a shot of a bridge over the Chehalis River
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Bridge over the Chehalis River
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Moira at DQ in Raymond -- one of Steve and my favorite spots in the world!
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Totem at South Bend, WA
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View of Boondox Restaurant and river at Steve and my favorite restaurant in South Bend
Steve and I have traveled through South Bend each year for over 10 years, and this restaurant was our favorite for breakfast. Unfortunately, it closed a few years ago, and it still hasn't reopened, much to our dismay. It is still closed.
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Dock at South Bend, and view of Willapa Bay
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The Three Stooges: Tex, Sister Sledge, and Montreal
I will forever be indebted to these guys for helping me get through the Big Ride.
View of Willapa bay just past South Bend
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Only 16 miles to Ilwaco, our stop for the day
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Tex on the bridge near Naselle
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You can see the white lip balm!
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One of the most beautiful areas in the country
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Sunset at the beach at Cape Disappointment
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Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment
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Beach at Cape Disappointment next to camp
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Sister Sledge on the beach enjoying the sundown (the wind, not so much!)
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Steph and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
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Day 1: Seattle to Montesano
Sledgehammer getting ready to embark on her big adventure
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Ready for the road!
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Just before takeoff to the ferry terminal
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I believe this is a picture of Eric's and Shannon's backs
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Sledgehammer says her final goodbyes before boarding the Bremerton ferry
steve & steph.jpg 2008-10-10
The 2008 Big Riders on the ferry to Bremerton with Seattle in the background
I'm right in the middle in front with the black and yellow jersey
Another shot on the ferry to Bremerton
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Sister Sledge naps on the ferry--this is way too early for her liking!
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Big Riders lining up to exit the ferry and start the hard core riding
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Picking wild blackberries somewhere after Gorst
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Self-explanatory!
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Mark and Marie enjoy some victuals at a cafe in McCleary, WA
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Dr. Chris' AWESOME statement against smoking
He kept it freshly painted during the entire trip!
Lake Sylvia State Park, Montesano, WA
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Another shot of Lake Sylvia -- from my tent site
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A view of Lake Sylvia in the morning sunlight
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Another view of Lake Sylvia in the morning mist
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September 12, 2008 - Pre-ride prep
The steed being readied for takeoff...
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Sledgehammer -- No. 2 (and no jokes from the peanut gallery, thank you very much!)
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No room for this tag on my bike!
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Final cleanup to make my steed look bright and shiny!
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T minus 1 and counting...
Well, here we are less than 10 hours before liftoff!! As I sat down to type out a quick journal entry, I felt a nauseating sensation roll through my gut. (Nerves/butterflies.) What in the world am I doing?!? Gulp.
Last night, I got most of my stuff packed and ready. We are allowed 70 pounds, and I was pleased to find that I only have around 47 pounds. After going to Italy last year, I know how to pack light!
We had a mild crisis yesterday when we went to install the new saddlebag that I purchased over a week ago to use to carry gear. When Steve put it on my bike, it was too big (the bottom rubbed against my back tire). Unacceptable. We rushed back to the bike store, and fortunately we found a different one that works fine. I took it out last night fully loaded (only about 5 pounds), and it works great. I am finding more and more that it is a disadvantage to be vertically challenged, because my bike is very small and a lot of stuff simply won't fit on it. In fact, I tried to buy a good tire pump when I got the bike, but it wouldn't fit on my frame because it was too big. Sigh.
Tonight we meet at the Lung Association for our pre-ride meeting, complete with carbs (pizza and pasta). I only counted 26 riders total, so we must have lost quite a few. However, those that were there were great. They will be a fun bunch to ride with.
A few minutes ago I attached my ID tags to my bike (I am "No. 2"). She's official and ready to rumble. You will find a few pre-ride action shots below. This is the last time you'll see me look human for two weeks!
Until next time, Godspeed to all of us!
Day 1: Seattle to Montesano
And they're off! We left the Seattle waterfront at a little before 7:00 a.m. and caught the ferry to Bremerton. I took a nap on the ferry (caught on film to be disclosed later), but once we arrived in Bremerton, I was ready to go. We took off en masse, enjoying the beautiful sunny weather and got our first taste of hill climbing. I hate the hills in Bremerton!
I met some people that I have ended up riding with quite a bit. One guy is from Montreal and has a lovely French accent, and the other is from Dallas, Texas and has a lovely Texas drawl. They keep me in stitches, which is good because the riding is hard! The Texan in particular is always cracking jokes, singing, and making everyone laugh. He is definitely the "class clown."
At some point between Gorst and Allyn, we stopped along the road and picked blackberries. What a wonderful treat!
Also, I enjoy listening to the Texan and the Canadian interact. The Canadian is quiet, and the Texan is boisterous and absolutely hilarious. At one point, the Canadian wanted to ride in a paceline, which we were happy to accommodate but only if the others would go our speed. The Texan (I'll call him Tex from here on out) asked, "how fast you gonna ride," to which Canada replied, "as fast as we ride." We roared! Later, when we thought we were lost (which occurred many times), Canada asked, "are we lost?" to which Tex replied, "we'll know when we know." We have been laughing at that ever since! Perhaps you won't find this funny--maybe you have to be there! :-)
We also rode for some time with a lovely woman who was originally from England but who lives here now. She has a very proper British accent. There is a funny story that makes me laugh so hard that I must relate it to you. At one point on the second day of riding, the 4 of us had stopped to rest, and during the moment of silence, one of the riders, er, "flatulated." (Is that a word???) Without missing a beat, the English woman said, in the most perfect British accent, "are you fah-ting??" I nearly passed out laughing. Whenever I'm feeling a lot of pain, I think of this very humorous moment and feel better.
There were some casualties in Bremerton, most significantly people dropping chains on the hills but worse, the Texan lost his right pedal going up a big hill. Fortunately, he didn't crash and got it fixed. I had none.
We rode around 78-79 miles the first day and set up camp at Lake Sylvia State Park, and my tent overlooked the lake. It was beautiful and serene, but since most of the tent sites were taken, I got kind of a crappy one with a nice big lump in the middle. It hurt my back all night, not to mention that I was tending to roll down hill constantly. Not the greatest sleep!
I rode very strong today and felt great when we arrived at camp. I was on dinner duty but stole a quick shower (thank you, Jesus!) before that. I got to meet some other folks, one who is a lawyer from Alaska and quite a hoot himself. He appointed me "vice president of vegetable washing." We ate a butt-load of spaghetti (pardon the expression, but that is the only apt way to describe that quantity of food) and went to bed.
Over and out...
Day 2: Montesano to Ilwaco, WA
This morning we woke to a light layer of mist on Lake Sylvia. Photos to come. We ate breakfast, mounted our steeds, and headed out toward Ilwaco on the southern Washington Coast.
Today was one of my favorites. We rode a very familiar route for me, as Steve and I got out to Ilwaco twice a year via Raymond. We rode though South Bend, and I took a picture of our favorite spot.
Once again, the weather was great, but a little warm for me.
I forgot to mention that one of the other groups is a married couple that rides a tandem. As we were passing through the Naselle area, they kindly gave the rest of us a slipstream to ride in. It made riding much faster and easier.
We finally reached Ilwaco and started the long climb into Camp Disappointment State Park. This is the second day in a row where the ride led us up steep hills into camp! I smell a conspiracy! At one point, Tex called upon his "powers" and tried to "fold space" so we could teleport into Ilwaco. Needless to say, it didn't work. I was quite disappointed in his failure and urged him to work on his powers more.
The State Park was beautiful, and I walked from my tent site to look at the lighthouse and beach at the mouth of the Columbia. Absolutely stunning! Unfortunately, it was VERY windy, and I had trouble pitching my tent because it kept blowing away. After dinner, the wind died down, though, and it was quiet all night, except at around 1:00 a.m. when I was rudely awoken by some raccoons that were throwing a hissy-fit near my tent. Fortunately, they didn't try to come in.
Day 3: Cape Disappointment to Nehalem, Oregon
Today was the worst day so far. It started out gorgeous, with the sunlight filtering through light fog as we descended from Cape Disappointment into Ilwaco. The tandem team broke a chain leaving Ilwaco, which was a serious bummer. Not a quick fix. (Also, the previous day, they missed a turn and ended up going way out of their way.) I hoped that their luck would change.
We rode through the little town of Chinook and into the tunnel just south of there. There was my first experience bicycling in a tunnel, and I didn't like it one bit! It is so incredibly loud, and I was sure that I would be plowed over by a truck or RV at any moment. Finally, we made it through, and we headed to my biggest fear of the trip: the Astoria Bridge.
I had been dreading this bridge for the entire trip, and those of you who have seen it probably know why. It starts low for a few miles but then plunges skyward for another mile or two. There is essentially no shoulder. As we started across, we were met by a strong side wind from the east, which is unpleasant in and of itself, as it pushes your bike around and makes you unstable. Add to that the cars, RVs, and semi-trucks speeding around you at 45-50+ miles per hour and you have a recipe for disaster. I was terrified. I locked my knuckles to my handlebars, pedaled like mad, and focused my sights on the spot directly in front of my bicycle, not looking left, or right, but only occasionally in my rear-view mirror to see what was about to hit me. Probably 75% or more of the vehicles didn't slow down or bother to move over much. This created wind turbulence, which combined with the sidewind nearly made me nearly lose control a few times. I just put my head down and focused getting across.
Then we started the dreaded ascent up the rise of the bridge. Of course, this slowed us down and made the situation even worse. Finally, I crested, and seeing no cars behind me, FLEW down the other side and around the corkscrew into Astoria, 35 mph! At the other side, I met up with other riders, got off my bike, and kissed the ground. I will not ride that bridge on a bicycle again! It is too dangerous.
We then headed down south inland, which was really nice at first. We did some climbing and rapid descents, and then came out near Seaside onto Hwy. 101. This is where it got really dicey again. The traffic was heavier than I anticipated and didn't give us much room.
We stopped at Cannon Beach and lunched at an overpriced restaurant, but I was glad for my "2x4 lumberjack cheeseburger." Then we headed towards Manzanita and Nehalem State Park, our destination for the night. This stretch of road was terrifying. We started climbing very long hills on 101, and in some places there was virtually no shoulder, with steep cliffs off to the right. To your left, you had the moron truck drivers and RVers who refused to give much room. Again, I entered "white-knuckle" mode and just rode as fast as I could. We climbed a huge long hill and looked down at Manzanita. Our reward was an enormously steep and long downhill, reaching speeds up to 40+. Then we hit camp, ate, showered, and went to bed.
Note: Camp was sort of a disaster. We didn't have enough sites, and I ended up camping in the kitchen site next to the fire pit. Not so good. Oh, well, I slept all the same.
We also ran out of food, an unacceptable thing when doing a marathon bike ride. There was nearly a mutiny, but the ride director immediately got things fixed, and life is good again.
Day 4: Nehalem to Lincoln City
Today we left camp, and the weather had turned cold, foggy, and drizzly. It wasn't raining, but the mist was so thick that it continuously accumulated on my glasses, making it very difficult to see. I made do, and we headed toward our destination.
We passed through Tillamook, one of my favorite spots, and of course we all stopped to get cheese curds at the cheese factory. I will confess that I did several repeats through the line and ate extra cheese curds, but I figured I'd earned it. We followed that with cookie dough ice cream and headed down the coast.
Today was okay traffic-wise, but very difficult. We had a 5-mile climb through Cape Outlook, and I did much of it without my right foot cleated in because I couldn't get it to latch into the pedal. Exhausted, we roared down the descent on the other side, which nearly froze me to death! Toward Lincoln City, we went through a delightful detour with almost no traffic, climbined a nice 1.1 mile hill, and did the best descent of the trip so far! It went on for miles.
We finally reached Lincoln City and the next disaster of the trip. The Devil's Lake Campground had suffered a water main break, and there was NO WATER!!! Yes, no toilets, no showers! I got a hotel at Siletz Bay Lodge. There was no way I was putting up with that after riding 80 difficult miles that day, and 4 difficult days of riding.
Day 5: Spa day!
I loved this day best! I slept in really late, ate a big freakin' waffle with lots of syrup, and went to the spa for a massage. This was well-needed and helped to calm down my aching muscles. I drooled about 8 oz.
That night, everyone met at Kyllo's Seafood Restaurant for dinner. What a great time! I had grilled halibut, which was delicious, and I remember Dr. Chris drinking Dead Guy beer. Doesn't sound appetizing but he liked it! :-)
I also went to Mo's for lunch and sent postcards home.
I dreaded getting up Thursday. Can't we just stay here and get massages?
Day 6: Lincoln City to Florence
Today was a better day than I anticipated. I was worried that I would be unable to ride, but I got most of my strength back. We went through Newport, Yaquina Lighthouse, and the Sea Lion Caves. Unfortunately, at the 71 mile mark of an 80 mile day, my left knee became excruciatingly painful and I was commanded to stop in order to avoid injury. I have been very cautious with my knees, but we have been climbing around 4,000' per day, so it couldn't be avoided.
I am not the only one. One of the very young riders hurt her knee the day before and has been sagging for 2 days now. She hopes to ride again tomorrow. She was very demoralized not to be riding with her husband, but I admonished her that she shouldn't push it, relating stories of my own foolishness when young, which is how my knees ended up this way. I know it wasn't what she wanted to hear, but I guess someday she'll be 40 and will understand. Actually, this girl is a phenomenal rider, and I could see her racing. She is tough and fast!
The weather is good. Cooler, cloudy, with some sun. No rain so far! Keep your fingers crossed.
Days 7 thru 11: Florence, OR to Fort Bragg, CA
Well, folks, it's been awhile since I've been able to be civilized and type on a computer, so I've missed many days. At this point, it's all become a blur, so I'll just add one blog for today and try to recap what I can remember.
On Day 7, we rode from Florence to Bandon via Coos Bay. I rode 42 miles to the Coos Bay Bridge, at which point my left knee disintegrated again. I had to stop, but I was glad, because the bridge was EXTREMELY dangerous, and a few of our riders were nearly killed by, you guessed it, a big logging truck that refused to move over, even though they had no shoulder to ride in.
I believe it was on Day 8 that the serious crash happened. We have two husband-wife teams on this trip, and one of them had a bad crash out in the hinterland. Based on the husband's account, they were riding around 20 mph and getting ready to crank up a hill when the husband passed his wife. As he got around her and shifted to climb the hill, his chain locked up, he started to weave, and then he went down. His wife went over the top of him. The guy got a bunch of "road rash" (cuts and scrapes) and was bleeding. The wife's fall was broken somewhat by the husband, but she went down bad on her right arm, and the medic thought she may have broken something. However, she didn't seem to be in enough pain for that, but the sag wagon picked them up and took them into the hospital. As it turned out, the injuries weren't too bad. The husband was scraped up good, and the wife had a strained shoulder. Thank goodness! I was dismayed when I heard the call that they had crashed. To put it eloquently, it sucks to crash, especially when going 20 mph, and especially when you're on a big bike trek. These two "kids" are in their early 20s, so they bounced back quickly. I also think they are troopers. They took the next day off and were back on the bikes again the next day, sore but functional.
We have had a few other crashes, but no one has been seriously injured. We only have 3 more riding days to San Fran, and I hope we make it with no casualties.
As for me, my old body has yielded to the strain of riding in ways I couldn't anticipate. I thought my problems would be with diaper rash and butt strain, but not so. My left knee (which I have injured several times in the past) simply is uninterested in the grind. It allows me to ride maybe 60 miles and then turns to jello. Fortunately, I have been able to ride the past 3 days: 81 miles, 77 into the Redwoods, and 55 yesterday into Fort Bragg. Yesterday's ride was what our ride leader termed as our "final exam." I didn't get the final elevation calculation, but there were significant climbs up switchback roads in Mendocino County with absolutely ZERO shoulders! This is a scary situation because you may need to get off your back while going uphill to let traffic by (such as logging trucks!), but this is difficult to do when you ride clipped into your pedals. I didn't do the 1,950' hill because my knee wouldn't allow it (and plus I was scared to death of the traffic), but I did do the second big hill, not to mention the steep rollers into camp for Fort McKerricher. Once I started climbing the 2 mile long hill, I had to keep going and didn't stop until the top. Fortunately, I didn't encounter much traffic behind me.
After finishing the climb, I was "rewarded" by a breathtaking descent like none other I've evern been on. It was just like the Tour de France--tight hairpin curves straight down. My bike wanted to hold a speed of over 40 mph, but as I encountered speed limit signs that said "15 mph," I thought it wise to decrease speed, though I never went 15! I enjoyed cornering at high speeds, but it was a little scary. The biggest fear is that you will wear your brakes out and end up screwed, but I was careful not to ride them and only to apply them sporadically to reduce the speed somewhat. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-haw!!!!!!
After leaving the downhill, we suddenly broke out back onto the Pacific Coast! It was absolutely stunning and took my breath away. Pictures to follow later. Then I continued to plug on into camp.
Getting back to the body situation, my butt is fine given my frequent tush-butterings, but my hands, wrists, and arms are toast. My left knee is jello. Last night after getting to my hotel, I almost couldn't sleep because of the pain, even though we've been eating ibuprofen liquigels like candy. Nothing helps.
This morning, much to my dismay because I planned to sleep in until 9:00, I woke up at 6:00 with hands that were completely numb (asleep). I shook them briefly, figuring the blood would flow and give feeling back. It didn't work. I became somewhat alarmed and got out of bed, walking around my room shaking my hands and massaging my arms, trying to restore bloodflow to my hands. IT DIDN'T WORK. After a half hour of trying, I finally started feeling my hands a little, but the tingling numbness sensation is still there, and the pain is excruciating. I called poor Steve at about 6:30 in a panic, because this has never happened before. As I sit here typing at 1:30 pm, they are still killing me. I have no idea how I am going to ride 86 miles tomorrow, but I will do my best. Fortunately, my stamina/endurance has been great, but my joints are not willing.
The hunger thing continues to be interesting. We literally EAT THE WORLD each day. Last night, we ate dinner at camp, and then Tex and I ordered pizza. I only ate one piece, but Tex was starving. He rode really hard yesterday, and he deserved a reward.
This morning, I woke up famished, went to the Continental breakfast, and was most delighted to see that they had a big vat of Lucky Charms! Totally unhealthy, but I was so hungry that I wolfed down THREE BOWLS! You would think it would be fun eating this much, but it really isn't. It is very hard on the digestive system.
As I mentioned earlier, one of the high points of the trip is the people. I have had a great time with my fellow riders, who have some of the best senses of humor I've ever encountered! One of the girls is from Massachusetts, is a professional string musician, and is an elementary teacher with cheesy, cute kid jokes. She has regaled us with her jokes while we climb those nasty hills, which helps them go by quicker. There are several lawyers (including one from Canada!), some beauticians, and a guy from Chile. He has been teaching me how to cuss a blue streak in Spanish! We have a family doctor. There are a few phenomenal riders who don't seem to flinch, but I found out later that they are hurting, too. Yesterday, one of the younger girls collapsed after arriving at camp. Everyone is very supportive, especially because it is getting harder and harder, and our bodies are basically collapsing under us.
The good news is that after passing over the California border a few days ago, we started seeing mileage signs to San Francisco! Pretty exciting. We are now under 200 miles away and will cross the Golden Gate on Saturday around 1:00 or so as planned.
Thanks for everyone for all the moral support and contributions. We have done well, but I can't wait to get home and see Steve and Cato again.
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning . . . smelled like . . . victory."
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning . . . smelled like . . . victory.”
Mission accomplished. At about 12:45 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2008, our Big Ride group rode across the Golden Gate Bridge from Sausalito into San Francisco, completing Big Ride Pacific Coast 2008! Whoo hoo!!! I am happy to say that everyone made it and that though there were casualties, nothing was too serious.
I am simultaneously thrilled and saddened that the Big Ride is over. On one hand, I was happy to load my bike on the truck on Saturday, not to see it again for a few days. On the other, I miss my Big Ride friends. They kept me so highly amused, and I miss having time with them. I hope that we can keep in touch.
I already sent out a recap of the final moments of the ride via blackberry, but I am copying it here for posterity:
Arrived san fran about 1:15 via the golden gate. Quite a spectacle riding across. Weather was hot, sunny, with some fog embracing the suspension cables. Quite a bit of breeze, as per usual. Just beautiful. We didn't have one drop of rain this whole 15 days!!!!! Remarkable.
I sobbed (from emotion) during the last hill climb to the bridge deck staging area. My dear friends gave me wonderful support and comfort there. We then waited for all 26 riders to arrive and rode across en masse (single-file, of course).
As I rode the last couple of miles across the bridge in victory, I scattered rose petals into the wind in memory of dad. Thanks to Doug and Moira for their kindness in procuring the flowers.
Instead of writing out a detailed report, I have decided that a series of Zen kōans will succinctly describe the highlights (and lowlights) of the trip. I apologize for the crassness present in some of them, but those of you who know me know that I am amused by these things, and frankly, this is what happened and is what made it so fun for me! After riding as hard as we were, one ceases to care about unsightly (and unsoundly) bodily functions. Also, some of these are inside jokes, so I apologize if you don’t get them. Here goes:
· “What is the sound of spoke breaking?”
· “What is the sound of tire flattening?” (followed by, “what is the sound of cyclist swearing?”) (I only had one flat tire – lucky me)
· “What is the sound of chain disengaging from chainwheel and grinding into bottom bracket?” (I fortunately never dropped a chain once! Good shifting mechanism on the new Trek Madone)
· “What is the sound of pedal falling off of bicycle while going up steep hill in Bremerton (Count)?”
· “What is the sound of expensive Sidi cycling shoe squishing into unseen dog poop?” Goll dang it!
· “What is the sound of raccoon fighting at 2:00 a.m. near tent?”
· “What is the sound of logging truck (or giant RV or giant pickup truck) preparing to squash little rider?”
· “What is the sound of cheese curd at Tillamook?”
· “What is the sound (smell??) of turkey jerky after being ingested by Big Ride cyclists and, er, certain of the support staff?”
· “If cyclist emits flatulence or belch and no riders are nearby, does it make a sound?”
· “What is the sound of naked woman at café next door to laundromat in Fort Bragg?”
· “What is the sound of park ranger insisting that cyclist move tent out of site that cyclist thought was part of the group?”
· “What is the sound of bicycle riding over cattle guards?”
· “What is the sound of more cowbell?” (re: Saturday Night Live Blue Oyster Cult skit)
· “What is the sound of tandem breaking wind (creating a slipstream!) for other cyclists?” Yee-ha!
· “What is the sound of hamburger flying off of barbecue and onto Sister Sledge’s bicycle jersey, followed by Sister Sledge spilling ketchup from hamburger onto bicycle jersey?”
· “What is the sound of Big Ride crew and other cyclists cheering for you at the finish line after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge?”
SONGS I COULDN’T GET OUT OF MY HEAD / QUOTABLE QUOTES / ANECDOTES OF THE RIDE
· “On the road again” – Willie Nelson
· “Bicycle Race” – Queen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUGuEy2cMGQ
· “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
· “Carry on my wayward son” -- Kansas
· “I’m sooooooooo tired” – Lily von Shtoof in Blazing Saddles (played by the inimitable Madeline Kahn) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au5f6pMgN2s
· “Walk of Shame” – Chris Ledoux
· “Born to be wild” -- Steppenwolf
· “He rode a blazing saddle” – from the movie Blazing Saddles
· “The final countdown” – Europe
· “Rockin’ down the highway” – The Doobie Brothers (courtesy of Aunt Udy)
· “Rebel Yell” – Billy Idol
· “Barracuda” -- Heart
· “Blue Highway” – Billy Idol
· “Hard day’s night” – The Beatles
· “The Knights of Netarts” near Tillamook – “Ride on, ye Netartians!”
· “Bring out your dead” – Monty Python and the Holy Grail http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGFXGwHsD_A
· Edward and Sledge seeing mile marker 1 over and over again due to Edward’s inability to “fold space” correctly.
· Edward’s bike making a neighing sound and rearing up, anxious to get going.
· Alan’s Chewbacca imitation
· Charlie’s “Mesopotamia” dance
· Uncle Bill and Wild Bill’s World Series of Cribbage championships and the attendant “trash talk.” See video.
· Seeing a whale breaching at Boiler Bay, Oregon
· The girls from New York changing Stephanie’s “handle” to Sister Sledge, which Stephanie liked so much that she has adopted it.
· Chris Ledoux’s jokes! Got me through more than one of the really hard days. Did you hear the ones about the ether bunny?
· Lots and lots of Nutella. Period. Couldn’t get enough. Thanks, Linda!!!
· Gatorade overdose. Bleah.
· Phenomenal cooking by Linda!!! I only lost about 3 pounds, and I should have lost more with all that hill climbing! Sister, you can cook for me anytime, especially that beef sauce that you served with the pasta on the last night! I eagerly await the Big Ride cookbook.
· Wild Bill telling me to “get over here and get yourself a bowlful of Jesus.” This was a referral to Linda’s pesto potatoes that were “to die for.”
· Ken commenting after a shower that he had been “cleaned and sanitized for your protection.”
· The day that I forgot to butter my tush before leaving Patrick’s Point – youch! Won’t do that again.
· Receiving my own limited edition version of “Ms. Baeumonte Speaks!!” (these are columns from my law school newspaper that I loved to read when I was going to school—I looked forward with great anticipation to each edition!)
· Being surrounded by the most hilarious, talented, and driven riders and support staff you could ever hope for!
· “Are we lost? We’ll know when we know!”
· “How fast will the pace line go?” We’ll go as fast as we go.”
· “When will we arrive? “We’ll get there when we get there.”
· Eating dinner out with the group during rest days – the best!
Most of all, thanks to our support crew, who kept us going throughout the entire 15 days. WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!
Vayan con Dios, mis amigos!
Chile's Post-Ride Reflections
I received this email from Cristian, and I liked it so much that I'm saving it to my blog. Well-put.
Hello Big Riders,
After almost a week of being back in ‘real life’, I have been doing some
reflections on our Big Ride…
Alexander Selkirk (the Scottish castaway sailor whose life events became
inspiration for Daniel Defoe to write ‘The adventures of Robinson Crusoe')
after surviving 4 years in the Island of Juan Fernandez (off the coasts
of Chile) and once he was back in London, immerse in his normal life,
wrote:
“Oh my beloved island! I wish I never left thee! I never before was the
man I was on thee, I have not been such since I left thee, and I fear
never can be again.”
“I am now worth eight hundred pounds; but shall never be so happy as when
I was not worth a farthing”.
I wonder if he ever rode a bike, back in the 1700’s?? – what I am pretty
sure of is that his sense of reminiscence is one that all of us, now Big
Riders, have been experimenting over the past week. The flashbacks, and
the almost biological need to going back to our days of bike gypsies and
to that unique sense of enriching spirituality from being on the road all
day, surrounded by nature, on two wheels. But it wasn’t only the beauty of
the landscape, nor the challenge of the topography and the long distances;
or the joy of descending full speed along those interminable winding roads
(especially day 11, as we returned to the Coast from the magnificent
Redwoods) it was the people we were –individually and together- what made
this one such a unique time.
We now share a treasure that we will never be able to justly express or
share with anybody who did not have the fortune of taking part in our
group. Somebody knew all this in advance, and even warned us about it
while we were drinking Bourbon and IPA's (many, as I remember) at the bar
in Lincoln City… thanks David.
And thanks to everyone else for making this such an unmatchable ride.
Although we may be able to keep the bar high, as we ride Patagonia on
2010? More on that soon…
Keep in touch gang,
--Cristián
P.S. : I will be posting my photos and videos soon on Steve’s FTP site…
especially those including Charlie's Big Ride greatest hit, ‘Mesopotamia’.
Also, I am attaching a file with a summary of the daily routes and links
to online GPS traces and profiles of them. Enjoy…
Dad's Post-Ride Reflections
"Dad" sums up the Ride nicely...read on...
Good Morning all,
Finally, my tent and gear is all put away and today I get a chance to
go out for a long Autumn bike ride. It is a crisp day here in Michigan
and the colors are changing. And wow, did you see that Eureka, CA is
getting up to 2 inches of rain today!? We coould not have had better
weather.
I have enjoyed reading your interchanges online - much as I watched
and observed your relationships develop over the two weeks we were
together - part of my great delight in participating in this ride so
much. As I said at that first meeting, it is a trip about
relationships, supporting each other, working together, and learning
about self as much as anything else.
I don't think I could ever put it more eloquently than Ken's thoughts
in the previous email - so I won't even try. Thank you for that Ken.
But I just know that each of you will take those moments of focus and
clarity and revelation for a long time - perhaps forever, far longer
than the memories of discomfort and sometimes pain (thankfully!).
I still feel new to this whole "Ride Directing" thing and I'm learning
more each trip. Thank you for teaching me, for your suggestions, for
your criticisms (usually kindly and tactfully done). I believe we made
a wonderful team. I do not say this lightly - I have never enjoyed a
group more. Again, thank you for being you.
A final reminder: You did a wonderful thing. It was a hard thing -
really hard, but you persevered and raised a hundred grand for a most
worthy cause. You rode BIG and did a good thing. My heartfelt thanks
and admiration goes to each of you.
Warmest Regards to each of you,
David (Dad)
P.S. By the way, I really was flattered by the nickname (especially
from those who coined it), a little tougher from those nearer to my
age. But then as Wild Bill said, somebody needs to be the patriarch -
I guess----
Tune in to see how Sledgehammer's "bottom bracket" is feeling and how the ride is otherwise going.
Tune in every other day or so to see how Sledgehammer's "bottom bracket" is feeling and how the ride is otherwise going.
12/26/2008 7:08:54 AM - 002049692096
Hey Stephanie,
Congratulations on doing the Pacific Coast Ride this past summer. My name is Edward and I did the Big Ride Across America this past summer. I was looking to do an unsupported ride from Seattle to Los Angeles this coming summer with a small group of people and am asking if you can send me your route sheets from your ride. I am interested in taking a look at them and most likely using the same route but am planning on different destinations per day since I am trying to ride about 90 miles per day from Seattle back down to SF. I currently live in Mountain View, CA. Thanks and happy holidays.
Edward Yu
edtkyu@gmail.com
9/27/2008 6:49:36 AM - 001099702677
Well First Born--you are almost there! If all of my prayers had been answered, you would sail into San Francisco on Saturday in as good as shape as the day you left. But that would be unrealistic, and the Good Lord knows that you need to stay humble while rejoicing in your incredible accomplishment.
Besides, God answered my prayers by keeping you safe, especially keeping you from going "airborne" on those hairpin curves in California.
Sorry we won't be there in person to greet you tomorrow, but we are with you in heart and soul. We love you and are sooooo proud!!!
Love,
Mom and Dad
9/23/2008 11:23:29 PM - 002030983626
Hi Stephanie,
Great blog. Keep up the good work on your ride. I'm pulling for you......and another Spa Day!
9/20/2008 3:01:40 AM - 001099638558
I like your blog entries so far, especially the Fahting and glad to here you are going on strong. Sounds incredible! Good Luck tomorrow and keep it up.
Tillamook! Lucky you, I have only been there once, but would love to go again, but than again, I have Tillamook Swiss just about every night for a snack.
Tom and I had a great time in Bandon, we went out the end of a Jetty and water was really rough, watching the massive waves crash against the Jetty and getting unexpectedly wet is a memory I will have for a long time.
9/19/2008 9:17:24 PM - 001092540055
Thanks for all the support, everyone. Keep it coming!
9/18/2008 5:52:54 PM - 001099702677
Hey, Iron Butt! Hope the pedals are still going round and round. I just went to the donation site and made another donation for you. At this time you are the fund raising leader at just over $8000.00. Hope that more people will donate to your endeavor, even if it they are only able to donate $1-2... million dollars. That would really help.
Hope you are well and are enjoying the sites and good food in the evenings. Your mom and I are proud of you. BAD.
9/17/2008 4:48:09 AM - 001099638558
Hope you have a great day of rest and recovery in Lincoln City after 4 days of riding. I cannot believe you just road a bike to the middle of Oregon. Wow, I hope you brought some butt butter.
Tom and I camped once at Devil's Lake when we "drove" from Seattle throught the Olympic Peninsula and headed down 101 to Redding, CA. What a beautiful drive and one of my fondest memories, even more beautiful on a bike I am sure when you can get out of the zone for a second and enjoy the scenery.
Way to go sis. Keep it up!
9/16/2008 5:06:14 PM - 002029445126
Well I see that you will be arriving in Lincoln City today! How fun! Perhaps you can stop off at Mo's and get a shrimp sandwich and chowder??? Or go through Depoe Bay and got to Fuddy Duddy Fudge and have a Tillamook ice cream cone and of course a caramel covered marshmallow :o) If anything you get to drive by the beautiful beaches of Lincoln City, how great is that? Have fun today cuz!
Katherine
"I need more cowbell!"
9/16/2008 4:30:01 PM - edieln@...
Dearest Stephie,
I remember driving over that bridge at Astoria for the first time with you as my companion in a great adventure. The day before we left, I got $40. back in an income tax refund, which I shared with you for spending money. You were my navigator. What a blast it was to spend time with you at GEARHART BY THE SEA, and supporting that little bakery called, EAT YOUR HEART OUT.
I am praying for your safety, energy, resolve and encouragement. Tomorrow's rest will help!!
Love you,
Grandma Nedrow.
Sledgehammer Grassia's Big Ride Blog wrote:
9/19/2008 9:28:02 PM - 001093556451
This is the body.
WOW Steph! You are the WOMAN! What an incrediable feat...you should be so so so so so so so proud of yourself, I am, and also totally amazed that people can do what your doing. Keep pushing!! Hmmm...I wonder how many times your pedals have gone around since the start of your ride??? I think you should start counting
!!
GO STEPH, GO!! We're rooting big time for you!
Anna Bananna, Nicker-doodle and JuJu
9/20/2008 1:23:02 AM - 002027525222
Steph, I don't even like to DRIVE over the Astoria bridge! Thanks for the updates. I can picture the route, as I've been there a few times, but riding it on a bike has to multiply the experience a gazillion-fold! And the memories you'll have.....thanks for sharing some already. Keep pedalin' keep laughin', and put a happy melody in your head (On the Road Again, is always good. Or the Doobies "Rockin' Down the Highway"!) I think I'll put together a CD for ya......
Auf Wiedersehn, Sweetheart 
This is the body.
9/20/2008 3:43:01 PM - edieln@...
This is the body.
Stephie, I am so glad you do not have to cycle back home! It would be
like living your life over. Not good. I am assuming you are flying
home! I'm glad you are finding some laughs. "A merry heart does good
like a medicine." Keep smiling! You've chosen a difficult task for a
good reason. God bless you in it and for it. I will be relieved when
you are safe at home.
If I ever go into politics, I'll hire you for my fund raiser!
Love you,
Grandma Nedrow.
9/26/2008 5:24:01 PM - edieln@...
Dear Stephie,
I am so glad you passed your "final exam" yesterday. Seeing the beautiful Pacific on a downhill run had to fill you with thanksgiving.
I've enjoyed your journal. Hearing about what you have done is like comparing shadow with substance, but it's been good. I know you will come through all this with a sense of achievement, and yet, due to complications, a thankful, humble heart.
Much love,
Grandma Nedrow.
StephanieGrassia wrote:
9/26/2008 6:11:01 PM - edieln@...
Stephie,
I had to redo this, sending it through Caren's.
I'm so glad you passed your "final exam", so to speak. Seeing the beautiful Pacific on a downhill run had to fill you with thanksgiving and joy.
I've enjoyed your email journal. Hearing, as opposed to doing what you have done, is like comparing shadow to substance, but it has still been good to hear.
I know you will come through this with a sense of achievement and yet, due to complications, a humbler, more thankful heart. You are a good girl!
Love you,
Grandma Nedrow.
cgerard469@msn.com wrote:
