Well the last few days have been very exciting. I sit now in West Yellowstone MT having just spent 3 days riding through the Grand Teton( yes, they are that grand) and Yellowstone national parks. Talk about fantastic. We didn't really see alot of them because A. We are not hikers, and B. We are not motorists. But still quite breathtaking. Also we have been riding the last few days with Toby and Laura. They are from Ft. Collins and we met them first in Lander, WY which is where they started. Then caught up with them just inside Yellowstone. They are cool people and are a nice bit of company. They are riding to Washington, mostly along the ACA route but with some diversions. You can check them out at sustainablebicycling.org and see what they are up to.
These parks are super cool and if you ever get a chance to see it, you should. But come earlier in the season as the nights at these elevations can get very cold. We actually got snowed on the first night in Yellowstone. No accumilation, but it put a damper on drinking whiskey around the campfire. But the riding has been great with mild winds and clear skies(mostly). But the temps can be all over the place. And luckily we didn't have to ride up Togwotee Pass out side of Dubois (before the parks). We had been warned about construction and that it was dirt and rocks, but the crew had trucks shuttling bicycles up and down. Then were told that with no construction during the holiday weekend that we would be SOL. Luckily there was one foreman hanging around for the weekend so we got a lift. So when we get back we will have to ride 7 miles up a hill to make up for this. Dubois is a cute little resort town that is apparently now getting the overflow from Jackson and turning douchebaggy. But still nice. We were allowed to stay on the porch of a local outdoor store by the owner, a lovely woman named Margo. So check out Wind River Gear in Dubois WY. We were referred to her by Brian, who owns Gannett Sport shop in Lander. Also a nice fellow. I think we are going to stay here in W. Yellowstone tonight since we have completely frittered the day away, then get a fast start northwest in the morning.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
8 Days In
So here we are in Lander WY. I connot post pictures off the public library computer. We will add some in when we reach Missoula. It has been since Laramie (day 2 and 3) which we had on line access. So we have moved on a bit from there.
We headed to Medicine Bow National Forrest just west of Laramie on day 3. I was bit hung over from the generousity of our warmshowers.org hosts. Even was also hosting a mountain bike club get-together at the near by park. Two kegs of local beer. It was imposible not to indulge.
We were greeted first off by our now well known acquaintance, the infamous Wyoming winds. Always soaring in from the west, northwest, or southwest. Depending on the direction we are headed. Always in our faces. It was a mostly flat terrain heading to Centennial WY, a small town of 50 which sits at the base of the Snowy Range Pass in the Medicine Bow Nat. Forrest.
Highway 130 runs from Laramie through the Mountains and on north of Saratoga until it hits I 80. We were advised to turn off onto Barber Lake Road just past the park entrance. It was a narrow road with seldom vehicles and an amazing view. We Pressed up the mountain at 4 to 5 miles an hour. The winds had calmed, the air was was thin but fresh. The sights were rewarding as we climbed. Four miles up, Barber Lake Road spills back on to 130. This is when the thunder rolled in and the rain had started. We hit a picnic site and took cover under the shelter of a restroom roof. The showers gave way and we comenced on our journy up. The next campsite was about a mile up. And we were in need of water.
We reached Nash Fork Campsite around 5:30 pm. Water Taps a plenty. We chose a lovely spot next to a stream. Scotty set up camp while I forged together a very spicy Lentil Soup. The air had cooled and the wind picked up while we slept. But we rested well.
The brisk morning kept us in the tent until nearly 7 am. Breakfast was skipped. We were still full of lentils. Saratoga was only 40 miles or so out, and we were nearly to the pass. Wyoming blew her vengeful winds on us again. As we pushed up, and up. The wild sky moving quickly over head. Though it didn't add to our comfort, it was impossible not to admire.
There were several miles of climbing, then rolling, then finally, 10 miles of decent, right into Ryan Park. We enjoyed hot coffee and split an order of chili cheese fries at the Ryan Park Lodge. It was nearly noon. We left Nash Fork around 9 am. another 28 miles or so to Saratoga. The terrain was rolling, the winds were at our heads until the road split due north. Our first tail wind coasted us 18 miles in to town.
Saratoga is a two gas station town. Known for it excellent fishing and the hot springs on the North Platte River. Once camping options were secured, we loaded up on provisions and headed to the Hobo Pool section of the hot springs. This offers a cement enclosed 4-5 foot deep pool of the mineral rich 100+ degree spring water. And a few other "natural" pools sectioned just on the river on the other side of the wall. It wasn't packed, a half dozen other patrons. Pleasant, and very soothing to our sore muscles.
Camping was easy to find just off the Saratoga Lake. The wind picked up as we tried to set up camp. Then a hard but brief rain/hail shower interrupted our efforts. More lentils for dinner, and some rest. Only 40 miles or so out to Rawlins.
Instant Oatmeal and coffee got us going as the clouds rolled in once again. The winds from all directions. We couldn't tell where the storm was heading, but it was viscous. That was sure. We quickly broke camp and hoped for the best. A few yards onto highway, the rain hit. We geared up as it got worse. Then we moved and then we didn't stop. The wind rushed into from the east but also assisted us from the south. A thick grey haze from all directions, on all horizons. we were drenched in minutes, despite the gear. 45 minutes of pure down pour. We managed to make it to the I 80 junction where 130 ends, in about an hour and a half, 20 miles. Our best time to yet.
Long story short, because my 30 minutes are up........
Wind wind, head wind, cross winds. From Sinclair to Lander. Wyoming is beautiful, the people are gracious. But the wind is the over powering evil master of the land.
We are taking a day off in Lander. Getting ready to head west into the Grand Tetons. We will be climbing for days. Hopefully the wind will one day be at our backs. More details will be filled in as well.
We headed to Medicine Bow National Forrest just west of Laramie on day 3. I was bit hung over from the generousity of our warmshowers.org hosts. Even was also hosting a mountain bike club get-together at the near by park. Two kegs of local beer. It was imposible not to indulge.
We were greeted first off by our now well known acquaintance, the infamous Wyoming winds. Always soaring in from the west, northwest, or southwest. Depending on the direction we are headed. Always in our faces. It was a mostly flat terrain heading to Centennial WY, a small town of 50 which sits at the base of the Snowy Range Pass in the Medicine Bow Nat. Forrest.
Highway 130 runs from Laramie through the Mountains and on north of Saratoga until it hits I 80. We were advised to turn off onto Barber Lake Road just past the park entrance. It was a narrow road with seldom vehicles and an amazing view. We Pressed up the mountain at 4 to 5 miles an hour. The winds had calmed, the air was was thin but fresh. The sights were rewarding as we climbed. Four miles up, Barber Lake Road spills back on to 130. This is when the thunder rolled in and the rain had started. We hit a picnic site and took cover under the shelter of a restroom roof. The showers gave way and we comenced on our journy up. The next campsite was about a mile up. And we were in need of water.
We reached Nash Fork Campsite around 5:30 pm. Water Taps a plenty. We chose a lovely spot next to a stream. Scotty set up camp while I forged together a very spicy Lentil Soup. The air had cooled and the wind picked up while we slept. But we rested well.
The brisk morning kept us in the tent until nearly 7 am. Breakfast was skipped. We were still full of lentils. Saratoga was only 40 miles or so out, and we were nearly to the pass. Wyoming blew her vengeful winds on us again. As we pushed up, and up. The wild sky moving quickly over head. Though it didn't add to our comfort, it was impossible not to admire.
There were several miles of climbing, then rolling, then finally, 10 miles of decent, right into Ryan Park. We enjoyed hot coffee and split an order of chili cheese fries at the Ryan Park Lodge. It was nearly noon. We left Nash Fork around 9 am. another 28 miles or so to Saratoga. The terrain was rolling, the winds were at our heads until the road split due north. Our first tail wind coasted us 18 miles in to town.
Saratoga is a two gas station town. Known for it excellent fishing and the hot springs on the North Platte River. Once camping options were secured, we loaded up on provisions and headed to the Hobo Pool section of the hot springs. This offers a cement enclosed 4-5 foot deep pool of the mineral rich 100+ degree spring water. And a few other "natural" pools sectioned just on the river on the other side of the wall. It wasn't packed, a half dozen other patrons. Pleasant, and very soothing to our sore muscles.
Camping was easy to find just off the Saratoga Lake. The wind picked up as we tried to set up camp. Then a hard but brief rain/hail shower interrupted our efforts. More lentils for dinner, and some rest. Only 40 miles or so out to Rawlins.
Instant Oatmeal and coffee got us going as the clouds rolled in once again. The winds from all directions. We couldn't tell where the storm was heading, but it was viscous. That was sure. We quickly broke camp and hoped for the best. A few yards onto highway, the rain hit. We geared up as it got worse. Then we moved and then we didn't stop. The wind rushed into from the east but also assisted us from the south. A thick grey haze from all directions, on all horizons. we were drenched in minutes, despite the gear. 45 minutes of pure down pour. We managed to make it to the I 80 junction where 130 ends, in about an hour and a half, 20 miles. Our best time to yet.
Long story short, because my 30 minutes are up........
Wind wind, head wind, cross winds. From Sinclair to Lander. Wyoming is beautiful, the people are gracious. But the wind is the over powering evil master of the land.
We are taking a day off in Lander. Getting ready to head west into the Grand Tetons. We will be climbing for days. Hopefully the wind will one day be at our backs. More details will be filled in as well.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Heart Shaped Tile #1
Day 1 and 2 or On the Move
We had a heck of a day. Getting out of denver proved not to difficult. I don't think I will be able to remember that route again though. The toughest part was the mileage. We had a warmshowers.org connection in Fort Collins so had to make it there. Not as though there are any places to stay between Denver and there anyway.
We ran into some equipment issues in longmont when one of Lucy's front panniers broke under mysterious circumstances, but we knew there was an REI in Fort Collins so I was able to make the things stay on her bike for a little longer. This is when time, and miles and stress were building up. After we bought the new bags at REI, we had to post the broken ones home. Weren't about to carry that stuff around. luckily the P.O. was just around the corner. So that mission accomplished, off to find Dean, our warmshowers host. So a lovely northerly jaunt through Fort Collins, most on a spiffy bike trail, got us to Deans house. What a cool guy. He wasn't there when we arrived so we called and he said to go on in and make ourselves at home. That night we had a great and cheap dinner with grocery store stuff and some fresh garden produce fron Dean, had showers and a bed which made for a great nights sleep. And then Dean let us make french toast and coffee in the morning before we headed out. Great guy and good day. Although lucy and I are both feeling the effects of riding too hard with not enough training.
Miles ridden...81*
*includes trip to grocery store
Day 2 was even harder than the first. Not quite as many miles but much more brutal terrain. We continued on hwy 287 north going to Laramie WY. Some folks say its an easy road, others say... eh, not so much. We found it pretty excruciating. Firstly, its an elevation gain of 2200 feet from Fort Collins to Laramie. And we got headwinds for most of the day. It was amazing, We almost never saw double digit speed for the first 5 hours of riding, even on the down hill sides. And we were in constant danger of running out of water. There isn't much in between, but really, there is more than most locals know about. We found a few oasis and made it with extra. We also had a Warmshowers connection here so we had to make it all the way. Evan is a nice fella and he and his wife kennedy gave us a nice place to stay. Lucy and I want to take a day off here in Laramie since we pushed it so hard those first 2 days. W will head back out on Saturday after some good rest and alot of stretching.
Miles ridden...72*
*includes trip to bar
We ran into some equipment issues in longmont when one of Lucy's front panniers broke under mysterious circumstances, but we knew there was an REI in Fort Collins so I was able to make the things stay on her bike for a little longer. This is when time, and miles and stress were building up. After we bought the new bags at REI, we had to post the broken ones home. Weren't about to carry that stuff around. luckily the P.O. was just around the corner. So that mission accomplished, off to find Dean, our warmshowers host. So a lovely northerly jaunt through Fort Collins, most on a spiffy bike trail, got us to Deans house. What a cool guy. He wasn't there when we arrived so we called and he said to go on in and make ourselves at home. That night we had a great and cheap dinner with grocery store stuff and some fresh garden produce fron Dean, had showers and a bed which made for a great nights sleep. And then Dean let us make french toast and coffee in the morning before we headed out. Great guy and good day. Although lucy and I are both feeling the effects of riding too hard with not enough training.
Miles ridden...81*
*includes trip to grocery store
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| Dean, our savior |
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| Lucy and I at our first border crossing. |
Miles ridden...72*
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| a long day is almost over |
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Yes, Yes it is getting late
One last post for tonight. we have a long day ahead of us. We will not have guaranteed Internet access for an unknown amount of time. Here we are, bikes all loaded, ready to embark on our expedition. So see you suckers some other time.
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Hangin' Tough Take 1 |
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| Hangin' Tough Take 2 |
The Story of the Heart Shaped Tiles
It is now time for the sappy romantic bit (see, I'm not a total ice queen!)
Scotty and I moved into together Spring of 2008. There abouts anyway. I had found an old piece of plywood with an attempted Mosaic of interlocking heart and diamond shaped tiles. Who knows how old this creation was. The tiles came right off. A planned afternoon of yard work was distracted by the odd discovery. I became transfixed on removing every single tile. I have no idea why I was so interested in the damned things. I crouched in the mud, under a light late spring drizzle and collected the tiles until Scotty came home from work. It must have been a Saturday. Back then I didn't work Saturdays. Scotty resented me for this.........
I was proud of my endeavours, nobody else really seemed to care of my archaeological collection. That evening I snuck a tile into Scotty's pocket as a hint of my emotions toward him. Though we had moved into with one an other, we hadn't reached "that" stage in our relationship yet. Unfortunately he hadn't really thought much of the tile, or how it ended up in his pocket. He hardly seemed amused at the time when I explained what I had done. I was a little crushed. But being the ice queen that I am, I was able to shrug it off.
Time passed. Scotty was becoming restless with his job. Our relationship was not going well. There was infidelity going on. I met some one else, I moved out. I broke Scotty's heart. He broke mine first.
One day returning to my new apartment after a heart wrenching visit with Scotty, I emptied my pockets and was sadly delighted to find one of the endeared heart shaped tiles. Scotty had not forgotten. He had snuck it threre.
It didn't take long before things with "the other guy" went flat. I rode the most miles that season than I ever have, with Scotty. I quit my real job, moved back in, and returned to the wonderful world of line cooking. Scotty's resentment lifted some with my sporadic restaurant hours, and we began to save our money to one day take 6 months off so we could ride our bikes into the sunset....(and out of the sunrise)
Scotty and I moved into together Spring of 2008. There abouts anyway. I had found an old piece of plywood with an attempted Mosaic of interlocking heart and diamond shaped tiles. Who knows how old this creation was. The tiles came right off. A planned afternoon of yard work was distracted by the odd discovery. I became transfixed on removing every single tile. I have no idea why I was so interested in the damned things. I crouched in the mud, under a light late spring drizzle and collected the tiles until Scotty came home from work. It must have been a Saturday. Back then I didn't work Saturdays. Scotty resented me for this.........
I was proud of my endeavours, nobody else really seemed to care of my archaeological collection. That evening I snuck a tile into Scotty's pocket as a hint of my emotions toward him. Though we had moved into with one an other, we hadn't reached "that" stage in our relationship yet. Unfortunately he hadn't really thought much of the tile, or how it ended up in his pocket. He hardly seemed amused at the time when I explained what I had done. I was a little crushed. But being the ice queen that I am, I was able to shrug it off.
Time passed. Scotty was becoming restless with his job. Our relationship was not going well. There was infidelity going on. I met some one else, I moved out. I broke Scotty's heart. He broke mine first.
One day returning to my new apartment after a heart wrenching visit with Scotty, I emptied my pockets and was sadly delighted to find one of the endeared heart shaped tiles. Scotty had not forgotten. He had snuck it threre.
It didn't take long before things with "the other guy" went flat. I rode the most miles that season than I ever have, with Scotty. I quit my real job, moved back in, and returned to the wonderful world of line cooking. Scotty's resentment lifted some with my sporadic restaurant hours, and we began to save our money to one day take 6 months off so we could ride our bikes into the sunset....(and out of the sunrise)
As to commemorate the struggle in our relationship and all the efforts we committed to following through with our goal, we have decided to bury a heart shaped tile in every state and or country that we manage to conquer.
How Sweet. Awwwe
A Gluttonous Feast and a Pleasant Suprise
Before I left to meet for lunch, I received a message from my ex husband. He had just found an extremely sentimental artifact from my youth that I thought I had lost forever. An old "Keroppi" Sanrio Brand frog character wallet that I purchased when I was sixteen. It contained an old prison ID of my father that he had given to me when I was in the hospital recovering from a near fatal throat stabbing. Since my father had passed away, it had become EVEN more sentimental. So my ex offered to bring it down to me after I got home. What great timing, seeing as though we are leaving first thing in the morning. Mark and I had a puppy that he was "granted" custody of in the divorce. I have only seen her once in the last year and a half since Mark and I reconciled. Conflicting schedules, conflicting locations etc.....Sooooo, to top off an already great afternoon, Mark graciously brought Dumpster (the puppy, now 5 1/2 years old) over for a visit! What an awesome last day! Thank you Mark, it was also nice to chat with you too!
Good Bye Gritz (aka Mo)
Precious Mo, she is so squirmy this morning, I cannot get a good picture.
Thank you little brother Aaron for taking care of the babies while we are away.
Good Bye Guido
Here he is, nestled on my goose down sleeping bag. His eyes absorbing the color perfectly.
Leaving Tomorrow
We would Like to formally thank Mark and Kristy Dym, owners of Marco's Coal Fired Pizza, for all of their support and encouragement. Don't forget to try their incredible wood fired pizza and unique coal fired lemoncello chicken wings. Colorado's only Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napolitana!
2129 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 296-7000
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
some pictures
Our toolkit. Believe it or not, with these near complete disassembly is possible
everything in a pile
Lucy's stuff in a pile
The cat, Mo, is not coming though ) :
The cat, Mo, is not coming though ) :
moving day
well, today we bot most of our stuff out of the house. I had to drive. shudder. And I feel for the other road users too. Anyway, It's getting close. By this weekend we will be living out of our panniers, then I have to help out at work on tuesday, and we should be outta here wednesday or thursday. Lets just hope
nothing explodes.
nothing explodes.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
So Things Have Changed. As They Often Do
So both of our work environments have become encouraging to our decision. We have both prolonged our stay with a promise to return. After concluding the return to Denver, that is. It has cost us less money and physical labor to do so. Inexpensive storage and welcoming arms is all it took. Thank you jobs. Once you agree to sponsor, then we will mention you with larger gratitude. Haha.
We must retreat by September 1st. We hope to be in Vancouver by October. We have not trained. Just doing it will be our training. ( Hint hint, any other sponsors...)
A shake down, and other preparation photos will be included once we figure out how to use our new camera. Thank you helpful staff of Wolf Camera!
We must retreat by September 1st. We hope to be in Vancouver by October. We have not trained. Just doing it will be our training. ( Hint hint, any other sponsors...)
A shake down, and other preparation photos will be included once we figure out how to use our new camera. Thank you helpful staff of Wolf Camera!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Prep Work
Preparation builds the excitement. Loss of physical possession encourages the reality. 
It is now in existence. The challenge lures us on......
It is now in existence. The challenge lures us on......Scotty has put in his notice at work for July 31. I have one more trip to Pittsburgh, then I will put in my two weeks. Well, actually, with a change in management, the cat is way out of the bag. Which is fine.
Scotty has been fantasizing about a long tour since the last one he was on. New Mexico to Georgia, a few years back. He has done this before. He is ready.(as noted in the photo) Me on the other hand. I have no idea what I am getting my self into. We have done a few overnighter's. 200-250 miles. Nothing crazy. This is the time to do it. We are not getting any younger......
We have discussed the possibility of a trip like this for a couple of years. We have both been ready to make a big change. Feeling a little stuck in our situations. I quit my "real job" almost a year ago. This set me free. Leaving me with less responsibility. Making it easier to flee Denver.
Scotty has hated his job since we met. I have often consoled him with the idea of this trip. To hang in there. It will pay off. This is now. Well, soon.
Here is an
example of our inspiration. I made this card to cheer up Scotty. It reads " Keep your eye on the carrot, Jackass! I love you and want you to follow this one through. It wont be easy, but lets make it work the best we can"
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