It is tuesday afternoon. If i had not just ridden 89 miles.

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Day 4 - Tuesday, November 25

Description: Another great day of riding. Got up early and had a big breakfast in the hotel. It was there that they told me it was raining earlier and they said it was the first rain in a year - just my luck. By the time I pushed off at 7:15, it was only spitting a little. A rain cloud chased me all day but lost as I never got wet! The wind, on the other hand, did successfully beat me up all day except about a half hour stretch in the desert. I rode through many miles of desert which was really wild looking. At Glamis, there was a desert recreation park and there were hundreds of massive RVs and off-road vehicles everywhere climbing all around and over some big sand dunes. It looked like a lot of fun. They looked at me (with their big beer guts) as if I was weird. At the Glamis country store, I grabbed a sandwich and Mountain Dew. They wanted 2 bucks to use their bathroom so I just rolled on with my legs crossed and later watered a desert flower. Then I climbed through a good size mountain pass and then zoomed down through farm land (more hay and some cotton) and next to the Colorado river. It was all down hill to Blythe - the end my day. The total ride was just under 89 miles.

And finally, I would like to thank everyone who has given me advice with Blog comments and direct emails. I could not have make it this far without input such as: Don't forget to correctly change your clocks in AZ (Sporadic Sparano); Please pedal faster as the 10 minute tracking bubbles are too close to read (Slow Tim and Mike Daniels); Make sure you take your vitamins (my dad); Keep an eye out for La Quinta hotels as they have partnered with Dominos (Jeff Miller - and I thought they were in bed with Denny's); AND my personal Starbucks tracking system (Daniels has been sending directions - thx).

This email was sent from the Starbucks in Blythe while enjoying a double Pumpkin Spice Latte as a gesture to Mike who loves pumpkin.


Weather: Overcast, a few sprinkles, and cool - perfect for riding. Rain is predicted for tomorrow - yikes!

Performance Metrics:

Miles: 88.61 Trip: 236
Total travel time: 8:00 Trip: 22:35
Bike Riding time: 6:58 Trip: 19:26
Avg speed: 12.73 Trip: 12.79
Max speed: 28.54 Trip: 36.31
Total ascent (ft): 1,179 Trip: 8,405
Avg pedal RPMs: 88 Trip: 85
Avg heart rate: 123 Trip: 130
Max heart rate: ?? Trip: 189 - computer did not store max today??
Calories burned: 4,979 Trip: 13,825

Weather Statistics:

High temp 65 Trip: 75
Low temp: 60 Trip: 55
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 0
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 0
Wind factor: against me
Total good wind days: 1
Total bad wind days: 3

Misc. Stats:

Flat tires: 0
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel
Total hotel nights: 4
Total camping nights: 0
Cups of coffee: 4 Trip: 11
Pints: 2 Trip: 7

Mood rating (1-10): 10 - still going strong. Wilson is also have a great time. So far, he has not drifted off of the bike (raft).

Good night.

OK ESN:0-7458562

This is Steve and I am checking in to let everyone know that I have finished my ride for the day safe and sound.
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:33.611
Longitude:-114.5841
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:11/25/2008 15:06:25 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=33.611,-114.5841&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Day 3 - Monday, November 24

Description: Today was a breeze with a big downhill off of the mountain followed up with flats. I had a quick breakfast of muffins, bagels, and coffee. Started rolling around 8:15. Since it was now down to just Wilson and me (and he was already tired of hearing my stories), I cranked up the MP3 player and portable speakers. The selection today included Boston, CCR, and Days of the New (thanks George and Zachery for hooking me up with the tunes). The day started with a climb for a few miles and then jumped back onto I-8 for a very very fast and beautiful downhill for 7 miles through the Chocolate mountains. I stopped several times for pictures and to take in the views. The cars that were passing me on the interstate looked at me as if I was nuts. At the bottom, I entered the Yuha desert. As Mr Smit warned me about, there is absolutely nothing there but sand and wind. I feel lucky as the winds were not too bad but the sand did make the corners of my eyes sore and crusty. Then I rode through Plaster City which is only a massive USG drywall factory. The roads for 10 miles on both sides were the roughest that I have ever ridden on - I suspect due to the heavy trucks. Plaster City is also big for off-road riders and racers. I saw lots of them playing in the sand from a distance. From there I rode for miles through huge fields of hay/stray. These folks irrigate the sand, grow grass, and then make straw bails. There were stacks of covered bails for as far as I could see - very bizarre. I cannot figure how this could be profitable. From there I stopped to refuel in Seeley. I say a FedEx truck driver at a gas station and asked where the Starbucks was. He said with a chuckle that there was Jose's taco stand and this gas station. I settled for some chocolate milk, apple pie, peanuts, and a banana. After that, I rode to El Centro which is fairly big (38k population) and very busy with traffic. I stopped at Sonic for a couple of burgers and a soda. Still no sigh for Starbucks - rats. Then I rode the final 15 miles into Brawley (22k pop). Before finding my hotel, I stopped at the post office to ship back my spare seat. My new and last minute gel (feels like gummy bears under my butt) seat is doing well. I rolled into the brand new Best Western after 2. I had plenty of miles left in me but this was the last stop for 85 miles. I checked in, rode up to Wal-mart for some supplies, grabbed some Chinese take-out for dinner, and celebrated the passing of the Tecate Divide by buying a couple of Tecates to drink. And finally, I uploaded some pictures from my camera - check them out. Gotta grab some sleep for an early start tomorrow. Good night.

Weather: Another awesome day. Cool in the morning, then sunny and pleasant, ending with clouds.

Performance Metrics:

Miles: 60 Trip: 148
Total travel time: 5:00 Trip: 14:35
Bike Riding time: 3:56 Trip: 12:28
Avg speed: 15.5 Trip: 12.82
Max speed: 31.86 Trip: 36.31
Total ascent (ft): 480 Trip: 7,226
Avg pedal RPMs: 88 Trip: 84
Avg heart rate: 117 Trip: 132
Max heart rate: 175 Trip: 189
Calories burned: 2,812 Trip: 8,846

Weather Statistics:

High temp 68 Trip: 75
Low temp: 58 Trip: 55
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 0
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 0
Wind factor: Against - breeze all day in the face
Total good wind days: 1
Total bad wind days: 2

Misc. Stats:

Flat tires: 0
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel
Total hotel nights: 3
Total camping nights: 0
Cups of coffee: 2 Trip: 7
Pints: 2 Trip: 5

Mood rating (1-10): 10 - perfect so far.

Riding Through the Chocolate Mountains - This were very interesting looking!

A Welcome Site on Monday Morning After Climbing the Mountain on Sunday - The Ride Down Was FUN!

Leaving Jacumba on Monday Morning

OK ESN:0-7458562

This is Steve and I am checking in to let everyone know that I have finished my ride for the day safe and sound.
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:32.978
Longitude:-115.5152
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:11/24/2008 14:17:14 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=32.978,-115.5152&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Day 2 - Sunday, November 23

Description: Today was expected to a big challenge and it was! I got a great night's sleep at Caroline and Shane's house. Woke up to some fresh java and Shane's famous blueberry pancakes - um um good. I packed Wilson (my soccer ball) and all of my stuff up and prepared to launch. Shane volunteered to provide an Ironman escort for the first 10+ miles which was great. We said our goodbyes to Caroline and were off around 9:15. The first mechanical failure occurred after 8 miles. Shane could not shift up to his big chain ring anymore. Good thing I am carrying a bike shop in my bags so we stopped for a quick repair. We then rode up to Interstate 8 where we met Tony who would provide me another Ironman triathlete escort. This makes 3 awesome athletes (Shane, Teri, Tony who have over 6 Ironman events between them) who have led me the first 45 miles of my trip out of San Diego beach. Tony and I just got started riding when a red neck in a big 4x4 pickup was coming down the hill in the opposite direction. He honked his horn, leaned out of his window, and yelled #u## you!! I don't think he likes cyclists for some reason. Tony waived hi and on we went climbing up the big mountain. At one point, we actually rode on I-8 for about 5 miles which felt very weird but safe as there were wide shoulders. We climbed 20 miles with no relief all the way up to Pine Valley. At that point, we reloaded our water bottles and then grabbed some monster burgers and some chocolate ice creams. After a few final photos, Tony went back down the hill to go home and Wilson and I pressed on for another 30 miles. I did some quick math and figured out that daylight was running out on me. I severely under-estimated the steepness and the length of the mountain and my average MPHs were down around 9. I should have started earlier! I picked up the pace and rode on knowing I had lights on the bike if needed. I thought the mountain would never end. At every turn, it just keep going up and up. Part of the way up, the wind picked up stiff in my face which added to the toughness. Near the top, I saw a windmill power generation farm which confirms the winds are typically stiff up there. I also saw an Indian Casino at the top which was strange. At the top, I put my jacket on and turned on my lights. The last 8 miles were very fast and all I saw were Border Patrol officers in trucks and on foot. I had to weave around some guys patrolling the sides of the road. At this point, I was right on the Mexico border. I finally reached the Jacumba hotel and spa around 5:15 just after dusk. I would guess that I rode 40+ miles of steep climbing for the day.

After checking in, I enjoyed an awesome mexican dinner and then hit a hot tub and sauna. All in all, a very terrific day with my new Hasher friends and relief that I beat the mountain. Tomorrow will be all downhill to the desert floor but there will surely be stiff head winds and high temps. I plan to ride another 70 miles. Good night!

Weather: started cool and overcast, then sunny and warm, and finally cold and windy at dark.

Performance Metrics:

Miles: 68.77 Trip: 87.99
Total travel time: 8:00 Trip: 9:35
Bike Riding time: 7.05 Trip: 8.32
Avg speed: 9.70 Trip: 11.48
Max speed: 31.43 Trip: 36.31
Total ascent (ft): 5,628 Trip: 6,746
Avg pedal RPMs: 77 Trip: 82
Avg heart rate: 136 Trip: 440
Max heart rate: 189 Trip: 189
Calories burned: 4,710 Trip: 6,034

Weather Statistics:

High temp 68 Trip: 75
Low temp: 55 Trip: 55
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 0
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 0
Wind factor: Against in second half
Total good wind days: 1
Total bad wind days: 1

Misc. Stats:

Flat tires: 0
Mechanical failures: 1 (but this was Shane's bike)
Hotel or camping today: hotel
Total hotel nights: 2
Total camping nights: 0
Cups of coffee: 2 Trip: 5
Pints: 1 Trip: 3

Mood rating (1-10): 10 - still awesome!

I Here They Make Good Beer Here

Shane and I Leaving Santee for the Mountains. He led me for 10+ miles then handed me over to Tony for the next 20 miles up the mountain

OK ESN:0-7458562

This is Steve and I am checking in to let everyone know that I have finished my ride for the day safe and sound.
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:32.6178
Longitude:-116.1888
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:11/23/2008 17:13:10 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=32.6178,-116.1888&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Day 1 - Saturday, November 22

Description: I slept in (recovering from welcoming party last night) until 8:30 this morning. This totally recharged my batteries. After a big breakfast, Scott took me to REI to buy some cookstove fuel. At REI, Tony (who will join me tomorrow) paid a visit with his kids (see prior post) to wish me luck. After grabbing a quick sandwich for lunch, I packed up the Mean Green Machine to start my trek at the ocean. Mike Ladd decided to join me and escort me from Teresa's house down to the beach and then out to his house in Santee along with Teri). Mike and I said our goodbyes to Teresa and off we went to the beach. Mike took several pictures and a video to document my "official" start. The rear wheel was dipped into the Pacific ocean (see prior post) and I was ready to start. Teri joined us at the beach and off I went with an escort of 2 Ironman triathletes showing me the way. Smit said the ride to Santee was flat and he was a liar! There were 2 serious hills (6-8 % grade) just prior to completing my initial 20 mile leg to Santee. After a quick shower, I enjoyed a huge dinner of pasta, salad, bread, Tira Masu, beer, and wine. It was awesome - thanks Carolyn. In addition to Carolyn and Mike, I was joined for dinner by Teri, John, and Carol - all Hasher friends of the Smit's. The plan is to get up tomorrow and ride 60+ miles to the top of the mountain. Another Hasher, Tony, is going to join me for the ride. Today was a great start to my trip and I appreciated all of the efforts and friendship of the Hashers that have helped me.

Weather: Mostly sunny and low humidity. Perfect.

Performance Metrics:

Miles: 19.22 Trip: 19.22
Total travel time: 1:35 Trip: 1:35
Bike Riding time: 1:27 Trip: 1:27
Avg speed: 13.26 Trip: 13.26
Max speed: 36.31 Trip: 36.31
Total ascent (ft): 1,118 Trip: 1,118
Avg pedal RPMs: 87 Trip: 87
Avg heart rate: 144 Trip: 144
Max heart rate: 176 Trip: 176
Calories burned: 1,324 Trip: 1,324

Weather Statistics:

High temp: 75 Trip: 75
Low temp: 60 Trip: 60
Hours of rain: 0 Trip: 0
Hours of snow: 0 Trip: 0
Total days of rain/snow: 0
Wind factor: Neutral
Total good wind days: 1
Total bad wind days: 0

Misc. Stats:

Flat tires: 0
Mechanical failures: 0
Hotel or camping today: hotel ( Carolyn and Mike's house)
Total hotel nights: 1
Total camping nights: 0
Cups of coffee: 3 Trip: 3
Pints: 2 Trip: 2

Mood rating (1-10): 10 Awesome day.

Dipping my Rear Wheel in the Pacific Ocean - The Start of a Mighty Trek!

 

OK ESN:0-7458562

Hi, this is Steve and I am just checking in to let everyone know that I am doing fine on my great bike adventure.
ESN:0-7458562
Latitude:32.8682
Longitude:-117.003
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:11/22/2008 16:54:24 (US/Pacific)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=32.8682,-117.003&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Tony (aka - Inuendo), Molly, and Aidan at REI in San Diego saying good luck. Tony is going to ride up the mountain on Sunday wth me.

Day 0 - Friday, November 21

Today was the first day of my trek and it was great. I woke up to snow - can you believe that? George picked me up bright and early at 5:45 with a fresh cup of Starbucks coffee. He dropped me off at the Southwest terminal and we said our last goodbyes. I flew through Vegas to San Diego and both flights were smooth and on time. Ron picked me up at the airport and took me to his really cool bike shop to hook me up with my bike. Man, does Ron have a lot of cool, high dollar, tricked out bikes! Anyway, I finished my bike assembly and took it for a test ride. The Mean Green Machine was in top form and ready to go.

Next, Ron took me to Teresa's house for a welcoming party with the local Hasher's running group. These were Kevin and Theresa Smit's buddies from when they used to live in San Diego. They actually spoke highly of Kevin which I could not believe :-) We enjoyed pizza, salad, wine, and a few pints. A great dinner and plenty of carbs for the days ahead. Thank you Theresa and Scott for hosting the party.

Teri from the Hasher's group offered to meet me tomorrow afternoon at 3 to "officially" dip my back wheel in the Pacific and begin my ride. We plan to ride 20+ miles to Santee for another dinner and carb replenishment. Sunday is when the first major day of riding begins.

I look forward to tomorrow. Good night!

One Day to Go !

It has been a long week of preparations and I am  JUST about there.   Almost caught-up with my “TODO” list in the office and only a couple of items at home that I will address tonight.   One FINAL trip to REI and a hair cut on the way home and then try to get some sleep before my ride to the airport shows up at 5:45 am.   Am currently running on very little sleep but realize that rest and relaxation is just ahead of me with only 80 miles a day of riding for the next six weeks.     

 

Gotta run (or should I say ride)….   Steve!

Final Preparations - 2 Days Until I Depart - Yikes

I am just about ready to take on this adventure. I received confirmation that my bike shipped successfully to San Diego - thanks Ron. Kevin and Theresa Smit had a “send off” party for me last Friday night which was a blast – thank you. I had a great time enjoying the fun, food, and especially the gag gifts. Sunday was my final bike training ride. I met Kevin’s usual ride group at Bruggers for 30 miles and then several of us broke off to join an Apex bike shop ride for another 40+ miles. All of this week has been a scramble getting organized at home and at work so that I can be ready for the Friday morning departure. Work has been busy with several late nights trying to get ahead and finish up with my large “To Do” list. Kevin’s friends in San Diego have also been very active planning out several parties to provide a warm welcome in the wild west. Here is the plan for the weekend: Fly out Friday morning at 7:30 and get to San Diego around 11:30; A welcome party Friday night; Dip my back wheel into the Pacific ocean on Saturday morning and then take an easy 20 mile ride to Lakeside which is at the base of the mountain; Another gathering Saturday night; Get up early Sunday morning and take on a very steep 60 mile ride to the top of the mountain; Recover at the top of the mountain in a hotel; From Monday on I was told it would be all downhill to Florida.

I appreciate everyone’s encouragement and support. Good night!

12 Days to Go - Packed the Bike.

Less than 2 weeks to go until I fly out on the 21st. I had a good but relatively light weekend of training including 62 miles on Friday, 40 miles on Saturday, and 54 miles on Sunday. The Sunday ride was on my 16 lb Kestrel carbon bike which felt very strange and extremely twitchy after riding the 70+ lb Mean Green Machine for the last 6 weeks. The Mean Green Machine was retired after the Saturday ride as I began preparation for shipping to San Diego. I spent Friday evening and Saturday afternoon doing my final shopping at Performance Bike and REI to complete my packing list. Saturday night was a bike send-off party that a few of my close friends had for me - check out the awesome cake on my previous post! Tonight, I took my daughters out to dinner to celebrate Heidi's awesome report card from school and Tria's new skills in Algebra. Then the girls helped me box-up the bike. I could not have done it without them. I will drop the bike off at UPS on Monday morning and they say it will be in San Diego on Friday.