can you say "headwind?"

What a great day - 88.58 miles (my longest ride ever) through the beautiful farm countryside of PA! The trees were beautiful, the people were friendly, and the stench was, er, persistent. Make no mistake, this is agriculture country, and I was treated to the delight of fresh manure for probably six hours straight. The only other downside may have been the headwind - there was a lot of it, and that didn't make this very difficult ride any easier. I treated myself to a massage (we're pretty pampered, I have to admit) and that loosened a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders from holding up my gigantic noggin. "It's like an orange on a toothpick!"


I had a great little conversation with a small group of Amish children, as I rode alongside for a bit. They were all on their simple single-speed bicycles as well, toting boxes or coolers on the luggage racks, and I was amazed and intrigued once again by their hardworking and faith-filled culture. A boy, perhaps 12, asked "what's your hurry?" as I pulled away and I explained that I had a long way to go yet. I would have enjoyed that for a while longer! I wonder sometimes what my life would look like if I was willing to let my faith guide it to the max...


Our route today passed through Penryn, which is actually where Sonia's parents live. They made the trip out to the post office to cheer us on and are pictured at left. They're wonderful, hospitable people and we'll see them again on Monday night before we road trip it back west.

I really should have taken more pics of the wonderful scenery, but it was really in my best interest to keep moving when I could. I did have to let go of some of my pride today - call it stubborn-ness, but I have this thing where I don't like to use the granny gear (third small chainring up front) on my road bike. Just pride I think. Well, this ride broke me of it and I used it four or five times today towards the end. I fell once, too, changing from the middle to the large instead of to the small on a Hill Of Significance, which made me stall out and topple over faster than you can say... something clever at a fairly moderate pace. Then I flopped over a second time trying to get started again on that hill. Anyway, it was overall a great ride and I'm very happy with how I did.


Tomorrow is a new day, with a new challenge: now that I've completed the longest ride I've done, it's time to do the second longest ride I've ever done...and it's a whole 3 miles sh

orter than today. I like to stack up my milestones... So, yeah, please pray for no bonking tomorrow - it's gonna be rough and I won't be able to do it all on my own!


The route for tomorrow is detailed at:
http://bikeroutetoaster.com/course.aspx?course=44498

And now, the moment you're waiting for - the Spandex Picture of the Day! Here are Brent and I at a memorial at Valley Forge National Monument, maybe 4 miles short of the end of our route today.

Have a great day and thanks again for your support!

Thank you!!

I want to take a second and thank all my supporters - the prayers, texts, and emails have been fantastic and really mean a lot. I've also had some anonymous donations show up - so whoever you are I hope you read this blog and know that I appreciate all the financial support as well. Those that have fessed up will certainly hear from me other than on the blog, but thank you a lot!

Our warm-up ride was nice - the weather is in the upper 50s, perfect with the gear we've got. We did about 18 miles in the rolling farmlands of Lancaster county, and it was really pleasant. We saw some corn, were chased by a manure truck, and when we visited the Myers farm I was accosted by an irritable swan. Had to bow up on him and show him what's what, because if you don't it's just constant trouble from all the waterfowl.

We just returned from the big dinner/meeting thing over at Chocolate World. It was very informative, in the sitting-in-the-back-so-I-couldn't-really-hear sort of way. In general, we have to give our bags to someone, at a certain place, at a certain time, so they go on a truck and meet us at the next hotel. Details, details. I did manage to get some zip ties, though, so I'll be able to deck out my bike with my number so that I recognize it later!

We've already met some great people, including some old friends from three years ago. Lisa Frank, one of the event organizers, was great to see again, as was Eldon, a racer from Oklahoma who's done the Tour every year since we met in 06! We also met some fun guys from New York that I'm sure we'll talk to some more as the event goes on. I had wondered if the size of this ride would make it seem less "friendly" (it was less than 50 people in 06, and is now up over 170) but it still seems small. After all, it's not like there's thousands of people here - and I like that.

Chocoloate world was full of chocolate, and there was a nice dinner set up for us there with pasta, chicken, and salad - plus some super desserts. I think we're going to eat pretty well on this trip. The hotel is really nice, too - there are even robes. I can't think of if I've been in a hotel with robes. It actually makes me wonder about the previous wearer. Just a tad. Plus, Brent rode the elevator with Joe Theisman and Frankie Andreo (who will ride with us this year!!)

I'll close for now, but it has come to my attention that my comments have been hijacked by someone while I was still logged in, and they commented posing as me to one of my earlier blog posts. Brent is clearly the actual NASCAR fan, as proven by this picture!

Reminder: don't let your subscription to "Pork" run out!! Seriously.

Made it to PA!

So Brent and I made it across the country to PA, and spent last night at Brent's inlaw's home in Lancaster. It's a beautiful farm, very lush and green with a huge pond out back. Marcella treated us to some delicious minestrone soup last night and we felt pampered after a long car trip!


The trip itself wasn't as long and grueling as I expected. I think I'm going to keep my sleeping pad and blankets in the back seat all the time now, because the Z catching part while not driving was pretty key. The leaves were turning more and more as we headed east, and the sunrise in Missouri and sunset in PA were fantastic, too.

It was long enough though. 26 hours or so, 1647 miles, and I ate my weight in pretzels and tea. Twice. Plus a chicken pot pie at Cracker Barrell, so I think I'm in the positive for calories on the day. Our only incident happened at about 10:30 PM in Kansas - the front of my roof rack let go - I think the wind pushed it backwards a little bit, and the clips moved back enough to release from the pins under the car's weatherstripping. We pulled over in the darkest place in Kansas possible, fixed it so that pushing backwards wasn't possible anymore, and got on our way. Nothing like a huge shot of adrenaline to help you sleep!

Today we're going to go for a quick ride to "warm up" for tomorrow and then make the short drive into Hershey after lunch for a clinic and rider meeting. Here's the route sheet for tomorrow, the first tour day-

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/course.aspx?course=44463

Thanks for reading. Check back for updates and gratuitous pictures of spandex!

Brent's blogging this year, too

Hi - just wanted to mention that Brent has set up a blog for this year's tour, as well. It's in my links at the left. Thanks for reading!

I haven't kept up with this quite the way I wanted, but the intent has been there. Really! Brent and I did do our tripleheader weekend with my last entry, the best ride being Saturday. The weather was perfect and it was a great route, taking us through Garden of the Gods twice then through the Broadmoor area to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. CNSP in particular had a steep hill in it, and Brent led the way up as usual! At the top we got separated - Brent turned around and then went into some side streets and parking lots, so I passed him on the way down without knowing it. Short story long, Brent said he'd bring a phone next time!

Not to say that Sunday wasn't also a good ride - we brought the bikes to church and then rode from Panera Bread on Academy north and east into the Black Forest area, turning around near Shoup and Black Forest Rd. Generally up on the way out and down on the way back. The sky threatened to unload on us but cooperated nicely!

This past week, I've done a few days on a trainer while I was off on travel for work - not the same, but at least trying to get some seat time in. It was a recumbant trainer and fairly comfy, so I watched a bunch of NASCAR and reported the standings, lap by lap, to Brent and his family (who are NASCAR fanatics).

Won't be long and we'll take off for the tour!! Slightly scary, as I'm reminded (again) that day one is 88 miles and day two is 85 miles...and then there's two more days....yow!

Here we go again!!

We're back!
After two years of various conflicts, Brent and I are finally able to put this trip together, pull on the pink lycra, and ride in the '09 Tour de Pink! We've had a few training rides this summer (most notably a sweet ride around Lake Dillon and up Vail Pass) but we (me, in particular) really need more seat time to get ready. The first day of the tour is 88 miles this year...oof.

Last night we took a quick ride, going up the paved hill up through Palmer Park to the overlook twice. This morning we're taking a longer ride, not sure what the plan is - but I gotta get ready soon.

Like last time, I'll use this blog to document the trip and preparations as we go. If you didn't read about the last trip, those posts are all still below. Hope you enjoy it!

adam

More TdP pictures, finally

Ok, so I promised some pictures by the weekend, and that would have been Oct 14-15. Clearly, that didn't happen, and I could rattle off some excuses, but why? Pictures it is then! A brief warning - there's a whole lotta spandex goin on...and pink, too! :)


Here we have the Colorado Crew - Kimber is a survivor and she and her husband made the trip from Highlands Ranch. I had the pleasure of riding with them a few times during the trip, and hope to see them again sometime either for a local ride or at next year's tour!




We got a chance to get our picture taken with the pros, too. On the left is Mari Holden (also in Colo Springs) and on the right is Dede Barry with her son, who endured several long days! Both of them were fantastic to have on the trip, very dedicated to the cause, very friendly, and as you might guess, amazing riders. The rainbow striping on the neck and sleeves of their jerseys is a traditional honor for those who have won World Championship titles. Looking ahead, I could always tell who they were because they didn't waste any motion - much less head bob and wavering left to right than the rest of us. Just straight forward and rock solid...sweet.... They had a knack for not falling, too, unlike yours truly... :) Mari was interested in doing some rides with Brent and me, hopefully that comes together sometime, too.


The last day of the tour featured a leisurely ride (by comparison) through some gently rolling Pennsylvania farmland, and Brent took some great pictures from the saddle. The remaining pictures are from our last rest stop before the final push, the ride along the way, and the crowd at Hershey's Chocolate World.



Lots of trees...except for a little bit in Jersey, we were a little early for fall color, but still beautiful. Lookit all that pink!








Some great camera work by Brent...over the helmet at the pack behind us.

Check out the motorcycle escort's pink ponytail! Little bit of turning leaves, too.

Getting closer....the pack in front

And here we are....big crowds, lots of cheering, and apparently a fantastic deal on TdP T-shirts! :) Pictures, of course, can't really convey the entire feeling, but they'll have to do I guess. It was a great road filled with wonderful people and a very rewarding experience. Good time spent with Brent and his family, too. It was definitely the most powerful charity event I've ever had the fortune to be a part of.

Hey, that's me...didn't notice that before now...

Several members of Brent and Sonia's family, decked out in pink, met us for the finish...it was great! After lunch, a trip through the Hershey's store, and some goodbyes to the people we met, it was time to pack it in until next year. Several friends in CO have already voiced their intent to join us in the 07 Tour de Pink...it was awesome! For more pics and info, visit http://www.youngsurvival.org/tour_de_pink/index.html

----- ----- -----

After we left the tour, I went with the family to the Lancaster PA farm show, a lot of fun full of exhibits, animals, a tractor show, and homemade food... super yum....

Uncle Adam got some good time with Sophie, too. Very sweet... Check out the pink crocs!

And here's Brent showing Sophie a baby chick. They move, believe it or not!

And, of course, the Huge Pumpkin, always a Farm Show Hit....!

See ya next year!

The end of the Tour

10/9 - 10/10
Hard to believe that the Tour is over. It's been such a unique experience, unlike anything I've done before, and we're definitely planning on next year! We met so many wonderful people, and yet I realize that there are several riders that I didn't get to talk to much at all. Next year!

It's been a good growth experience for me. Lots of emotions shoot through me when hearing stories of brave survivors, people who have endured pain and fear and so much else in their sickness and have come out on top. The October after my wife Dee Jai died in Sep 04 was very difficult... celebrations of others' survival that were being told seemingly everywhere (and I know because I took a long road trip) aren't the best medicine when your (very literal) better half has suddenly gone home, and without even getting to fight the cancer head on. But this October is worlds better and it was my great honor to celebrate survival, acknowledge the fight that has gone on and lies ahead, and share in the hope with these tremendous women.

The last day of the ride was, again, awesome, and the reception at Hersheys was great. Several Hershey folks joined us for the last leg of the ride, and the crowds were like a sea of pink, clapping and cheering! I'll add some pictures to this entry in the next few days...my camera battery ist kaput und Brent has a bunch of over the helmet shots of the ride in progress that I want to include...so check back by the weekend or so.

Thanks for reading, and for your support.

10/8/06 - Sunshine! Booya!
Today was, very literally, the perfect day to ride a bike. Can't even say enough...amazing sunshine (of course I didn't wear sunscreen...pshhh, this is low altitude, right? heh...) and cool enough to be comfortable. I left the long pants on, but only because anything you don't wear, you carry in these little pockets on your back, and I didn't want to stretch out the borrowed CSU kit I wore today...that's right, today was dueling CU-CSU jersey day, with Brent in his Boulder stuff and me in the Fort Collins stuff.

Brent actually was a hero rider today, hanging up front with the fast crowd, which reportedly went all kinds of ludicrouspeed and didn't know why...several in that group told me later that they were looking at each other and going, "what're we doin'? this is nuts!" but kept pushing anyway on what Brent said was the fastest ride he ever went on. I started with that group, but on the first couple hills they stomped me and I fell back and rode solo for a while. Joe and Jim, both with Hershey's and strong riders, caught me and let me tag along, and then the three of us caught Ted who had hung with the demons o' speed a while longer, and the four of us pulled into the rest stop together.

But enough with the jibber jabber and on to some pictures! I mentioned our moto support once before, and here's a shot of our BMW riding crew that literally stops traffic wherever they go. Scott, second from the right, kept me safe for a section today while I was solo, and this team is fantastic.

From one of the rest stops, I pedaled with Ryan and Kimber - also from Colorado! - and Tim, pictured below. He's out here with two other guys that are representing a bike and ski shop in Troy. Tim's a brand new father and in to any sort of cause that would protect or serve his daughter or his wife. Cool guy!

Other pics here are of our lunch rest stop today...a gaggle of riders breaking for lunch, and a rider getting a sports massage from...er, someone who does sports massage. I didn't see even one horse drawn buggy today (or painted, or sculpted...), though the fast group saw bunches of them. I did see several signs for "horse drawn buggies crossing," and loads of horse dookie in the road, but none of the real thing. I'm hoping there's somewhere important for the Amish to go tomorrow morning before we leave Amish country.

At right, some geeking out on the sidewalk outside the hotel while our rooms are getting readied. On the left is Michelle, a survivor with the YSC, and Virginia in the center is the YSC webmaster. YSC's website (that I put a linky in for yesterday) has tags over to all the individual rider blogs like mine. Tim (shown above) is even including his GPS data so you can check our route in excrutiating detail and monitor his heart rate as we all keel over on the hills-- check it out at http://fatmantraining.blogspot.com/! Featured in this picture is my ginormous left arm. Yes, it is that big...enjoy.

Tonight we met Sonia's family for dinner: parents & two sisters & family, plus Sophie, out at Isaac's, a cool little deli restaurant across the street from the hotel that, completely against the rest of the atmosphere, softly plays 80s hair band rock through the building. All the sandwiches are named after birds. I had a finch sandwich...it contained no actual finch, but was quite tasty nonetheless. Super rich chocolate pie dessert, too. A great visit!

Tomorrow is the last day of riding, and soon this tour will be over. That's going to be a sad time, but first there will be more chocolate in Hershey. Consume mass quantities!