coolest chick in Baker City - ever!

Christine O.

My best friend in Baker City, Oregon -- not only did this hot little number (and her roomie - who I didn't really get a chance to chat with) let all of us camp in her back yard - use her shower - her washer/dryer - share her beers --- she's also a total Nacho Libre fanatic! - pushing her way up my rad scale.

Christine picked us up at a bar after meeting a fellow TransAm cycler - Clive, who I have yet to blog about.

She is 29 years old and for around 7 years worked her dream job as a wildland firefighter until she busted her leg on the job -- a wicked break just like the guy on Touching the Void -- ouch! Now she is an aspiring radiologist/veterinarian - don't tell anyone, but I think she practices on her cat. She currently works for a vet - as well as a cool little coffee shop - actually it's the largest coffee shop I've ever seen. If I were to ever classify anyone as sassy -- it's for sure this chica.

official crash photo

Kevin E.

44 years old

From England - but has been living in the Canary Islands - Lanzarote.

Taking a respite from work to travel.

Riding: Raleigh - Aluminium (cost 200 quid) - named Moby

Packing: panniers

Siblings: 3 brothers

Pets: a cat named Sooty - only has one ear

Kevin is a traveler, bird watcher, stargazer and an explorer. He is quite amazing - he seems to have traveled everwhere and is a wealth of information --- a sponge for knowledge. He is rather funny and very to the point with his thoughts. Kevin doesn't like anything spicy - and I mean anything. He has adorned his bike with the Union Jack, the Spanish flag (for Lanzarote), a wale (which sits on the handle bars), a little stuffed grizlie bear (on the back) and - of all things - a Budweiser can. I still can't understand why he likes Bud so much.

Nicola M.

29 years old

From England - born in Kent but most receintly residing in London.

Quit her job as a photo editor to do something and decided to do the TransAm tour.

Riding: Raleigh -- bike name Raymond

Packing: panniers

Siblings: 1 brother, 1 sister

Pets: 2 dogs - a lab and a border collie

The picture to the right shows how wicked hard core she is -- not only is she not clipping in -- she has cages - but is not using them --- that's right, she is not strapped into her pedal at all!

Nicola goes by Nic or Nix - NEVER Nicky! She is very funny and has a quick - bubbly sense of humor. Her favorite word is brilliant - or at least she says it like it's her favorite. If you catch her late in the day - when she is tired from the ride she sometimes busts out an American accent -- which is quite amusing.

Just this morning she has offered to put me up in her castle - fill the moat - take me on a fox hunt - and let me wear her father's red coat and white wig --- that is, if I come and visit her in England. Sounds like fun -- maybe I'll take my bicycle.

Bryan F.

24 years old

Most recently a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina - currently homeless.

Quit his job as a computer jedi (programmer) to do the trip -- experience new things on the road and develop consulting career.

Riding: Felt Fix

Packing: B.O.B. trailer

Siblings: 1 brother, 1 sister

To start off - Bryan loves Wilmington, NC. and has nothing but good things to say about his town. He is into triathlons, Iron Man and ultramarathons - this guy has crazy energy - he always seems jazzed about everything --- I love his enthusiasm. Along with most of the essentials, he is carrying a laptop computer - a ukulele - a recently purchased guitar - and a new shirt for every day of the trip.

Mitch is doing it his style

Check out my buddy Mitch's website -- he is riding his motorcycle from Utah to Panama - and back! If nothing else - check out the videos.
www.half-throttle.com

It's alive!!!!

Oh snap!

I took my bike into Missoula Bicycle Works today at 9:40am-ish - they opened at 9:30 -- and begged them to assemble my bike from the box with my new fork. They're schedule seemed pretty full but put me down for Saturday - possibly being able to start working on it today -- told me to come in on Saturday around 4:00pm to see how far they got (since it is Memorial Day weekend and they close at 5:00pm)

I received a phone call around 3:30pm from the bike shop, telling me that they were finished!!! I shouted "Glorious!" - because I couldn't believe my ears -- I made him repeat himself at least once to make sure I heard him correctly.

I was expecting the bill to be $300-$400 -- they roll out my bike - with virtually the exact same parts on it --- and charge me a grand total of $192 --- that's for a new fork, wheel, front rack - assembly and tune-up. I couldn't have been happier -- add $93 for the bus ride and it's still under 300 bones!

I'm back in business. All I have to do now is relax and let the others climb Lolo Pass tomorrow - then I'm back with the group --- for a rest day on Sunday :)

Thanks Missoula Bicycle Works -- you guys rock the cash bar ---- if you are ever in Missoula and need a quick fix - look them up!

Jay D.

36 years old

Born in St. Petersburg Russia and is currently living in L.A.

Quit his job as a computer programmer and sold his car to do this tour.

Riding: Trek 100 Navigator

Packing: Panniers

Favorite Color: Green

Siblings: 1 twin brother

After the trip he will be visiting his parents in Boston and is looking to relocate - possibly to Arizona.

Jay is a crazy funny guy - kind of a dry sense of humor. Has had some bad luck on the trip with bike pumps and towels - lost them the second day :( He is an artist and has been sketching along the way ---- when we stopped in a town called Mitchell, he was sitting on the front porch of a cafe with two old men - shooting the breeze and sketching them at the same time -- it was classic. He is also a hiking enthusiast.

I made it to Missoula 3 days ahead of everyone else!

Guess who tripped over the 45th parallel on May 23rd? Any guesses?

One clue -- me.

That's right my friends, me and my bike tripped right the hell over it -- you know, the 45th parallel is half the distance between the North Pole and the Equator! Crazy.


Long story short:

I was drafting behind another rider - missed the signal that we were stopping and proceeded to run into said rider's trailer. Once we connected, I immediately went down -- the way I tell the story, I went over the handle bars but other witnesses claim I wend down on my side ----- either way, my bike had seen better days.

I basically crumpled my spanking new steel Surley fork - tore a spoke nipple (just wanted to say nipple) out of the rim and bent the hell out of my front racks.

As illustrated by these wonderful photos.

the fork should sweep forward

NEVER FEAR - I was unscathed! Not a drop of blood. Not a scrape on my helmet.


In fact - I'm counting it as my best wreck ever! It's never a pretty site when I go crashing to the earth - I'll usually injure a limb or two - maybe tweak my back - or even bruise a rib. But nothing on this one -- and we were probably cruising around 17-20 mph. Zeus be praised!








I would like to give a big blog shout out to Gordy and Jenni at Mud Creek Outdoor Gear in New Meadows, Idaho -- the accident happened about 2 miles out of New Meadows and without even asking, Gordy came to pick me up for a ride back to town. Not having the parts at their shop, they graciously called all of the nearest bike shops to try and get me rolling. No luck. I decided to make my way to Missoula - where my buddy Ben was anxiously awaiting my visit in 3 or 4 days -- I figured I would be able to get the bike fixed and then meet up again with the group as they came through in the next few days.




I was fixing to thumb the 260 miles to Missoula -- not psyched about it -- but willing. Then Gordy mentioned that the bus comes through every day -- "Glorious" I shouted --- beats the hell out of standing there with my broken bike and a pile of gear, hoping some traveler is going to Missoula and has tons of room for all of my crap (pictured left).



Again, they (Jenni and Gordy) helped me with phone numbers and looked bus info up on the internet ---- extremely nice people -- go by stuff from them!!! They even drove me and my crap 3 blocks down the road to the bus stop so I didn't have to carry it all in 2 trips -- way cool!


Thursday morning (10:45am) I hopped on a bus heading to Spokane, Washington -- where I chatted it up with my busmate - Charlene Montgomery - who has 3 kids (one daughter and 2 sons) and too many grand kids for me to keep track of -- also a very nice person.

I had a connection in Spokane with a Greyhound bus that would take me to Missoula -- the only problem was, I needed to have my bike in a box or Greyhound wouldn't take it -- so bus driver Jim on my first leg, called everyone and his sister to try and find me a bike box before we arrived in Spokane. Luckly we found a bike shop - Paradise Creek Bicycle - in Moscow, Idaho that was a stones throw from the bus stop there. I gave them a jingle and they saved me a box - which I ran over and picked up during the 2 minute stop. All was well.

Then I met my second busmate - Adrienne - home schooled most of her live is currently attending the University of Idaho in Moscow with a major in literature. Given our age difference -- 13 years -- it was surprising that we had very similar taste in music --- her favorite band being U2! That rocks! I've got to try and remember her recommendation - Sugir Ros.

I finally reached my destination - Missoula's bus stop -- around 11:30pm - where Ben picked me and my boxed bike up and headed to his place. We caught up a bit and then I crashed.

Took my bike in today to the shop ---- that I had called the day before to make sure they had the parts -- Missoula Bike Works --- were they will hopefully get me back on the road. I'll keep you posted.

I have other stuff to post from days past, but I felt this was the most important ---- who needs chronological order anyway.

Michael K.

49 years old

Lives in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Consultant - does training for organization development - is taking a break from his job to do the trip

Reason for the trip: he is doing the tour to honor his 50th year

Siblings: 1 brother, 2 sisters

Riding: Cannondale T800

Packing: Panniers

Worked for the Peace Corp in Liberia.

Michael will be sticking with the TransAm route until Missoula, MT where he will be picking up the Lewis and Clark route - to the Northern Tier - to the North Lakes, through Michigan - and then on to Pennsylvania.

Ken P.

56 years old

Lives in Gig Harbor, Washington

Retired -- former machinist at a shipyard in Washington.

Siblings: 1 brother and 1 sister

Riding: Surley - Long Haul Trucker
Packing: Panniers

Favorite Color: RED

Ken was the first in our group that I had met in Astoria - I was still very nervous about the trip - but he was very reassuring and willing to keep an eye out for me. He is one of the only people on the trip who had planned out each days ride and place to stay, so we have been following his scheduled stops. He will be leaving the TransAmerican Trail and the group in Ness, Kansas - where he will be heading north for a family reunion (in Iowa) and eventually reaching Palos Park - just outside of Chicago. Immediately after this current bike tour he will be heading out on a 500mile supported tour -- now that's hard core!

just weighed in

216lbs! (that's me not my gear) -- I'm hoping to be able to fit into Geoff's tux by the time I'm through!

I don't have much to tell right now, so I though I'd respond to a few of the comments:

from anonymous: You rock the cat box Paul!
Paul: Yes, I do rock the cat box!

from testmonkey: In the words of the immortal Flavor Flav: you go booooooooyyyyyyyyyy!
Paul: Yes, I go booooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

from The Red Hillers: Suggestion: Any time you mention a place you're in, or have passed through, tell what state it's in. We're not that familiar with anything west of the Mississippi.
Paul: I'm still in Oregon Dad -- we finally make it to Idaho tomorrow!

from Kaybates2: Could you please haul some blocks of cheese out to Colorado, Tillamook is my favorite. Sharp Cheddar.
Paul: no way - you're crazy

from Daisy: So you are still riding eh?
Paul: I don't think I want to stop!

from testmonkey: Be careful about bragging on the weather. It'll turn on you like a scorned... well, you know.
Paul: Yeah -- we had one hell of a rain storm last night -- thought I was going to blow away in my tent -- having lost 6lbs and all! I was just stoked that I wasn't riding.

from slc matt: I don't know that Burgers are the best road food!!!
Paul: You can't beat a good burger after a long ride -- especially with a local brew!

from anonymous: Looks like your beard is becoming fuller too - are you going to not shave during the whole journey?
Paul: The burlier the better -- no shaving for this cat.

from testmonkey: Did you really expect to be at the back of the pack the whole time?
Paul: yes

from matt: Tell me though what is the thought on a trailer vs. panniers?
Paul: Well, I've not ridden with the trailer, but they are certainly more aerodynamic - my panniers are like wind sails (or a brick wall - whatever the situation). Panniers allow for a little more organization - where the trailer just has a dry bag to stuff everything in.

from cricket: Love it when you blog. You get funnier with each blog. Are you getting delirious or just exhilarated!?
Paul: a little from column A and a little from column B

from shayne: Is the shirt changing during the day more of a favor to the people you are with than anything else?
Paul: No - I sweat the hell out of the first shirt (wool) and needed to change into a new one (synthetic)


That finishes the comments for today -- keep them coming -- that means you too Jen.

Nix (Nicola) just walked by and used 'cheeky' in a sentence -- that rocks!

peace out for now -- keep thinking blue!

Karli C.

24 years old

Born in Ohio -- most recently a resident of Atlanta, Georgia - currently homeless.

School Teacher - Environmental Educator (kindergarten and 1st grade)

Purpose for this trip: wanted to do a big adventure before starting grad school - at Stanford

Riding: TCT 5000 Trek - carbon

Packing: B.O.B. trailer

Siblings: 1 brother, 1 sister

Favorite Color: Blue

I like to call Karli - the leader -- although she doesn't desire the role, she is the one who brought the group together by posting on Adventure Cycle - looking for other riders. She is strong willed, determined and confident - with her actions, her life and her convictions. I have a great deal of respect for her - as much as I can having only known her 2 weeks -- and I enjoy her company - she is interesting and fun.

Oh Buddy

This kind of goes with my last post - but it's me on the summit of Santiam Pass.


Today is an unscheduled rest day -- Karli, Bryan and I doubled up on our ride yesterday to get us into the town of Baker, Oregon for an extra rest day. Doubling up on the ride put us at 90+ miles for yesterday! -- and over 3 passes to boot! I know what you're thinking -- HARD CORE -- well your right, it was hard core! Never have I kicked my own ass as much as I did yesterday. Half way through the ride we stopped for lunch (nasty hard bagel, peanut butter, string cheese - lots of water) -- I was tuckered - we rode up 2 passes already - we're talking uphill grades for around 6 miles. Karli and Bryan are a bit more use to doing long hard rides and were a great moral boost -- I was ready to crash, maybe take a 2 hour nap - it was only 1:30 -- we had plenty of daylight. But we continued -- and, as much as I hate to admit it - Red Bull does give you wings!!! I pounded a warm Red Bull I'd been carrying all day (strategically purchased the night before) - and I cruised the 3rd and final pass. After the final peak it was a short 4 mile downhill to a flat-ish section with a bit of a head wind for 30miles -- which turned out to be the most draining section of the day.

Profile of the mega day ride -- we rode from Mt Vernon to Baker City
The summit of the first pass
The summit of the 2nd pass (same day different shirt)

summit of the 3rd pass -- we got totally ripped off - elevation sign - only the downhill sign

our mileage for the day --- not very accurate - it's cordless and I lost reception for a bit (couple of miles)

my max MPH for the day :)

With all that said, I don't want to diminish the two previous days which each had their own pass -- but were shorter days.

A couple of nights ago - we stayed in a town called Mitchell -- it was virtually a ghost town. Most of the stores were vacant and dilapidated. It was nice though, because we stayed in the city park for free - and it actually had electricity -- so that night, we watched the movie 300 on Bryan's laptop -- under the pavilion at the park.

Holy Shnikeys!

Today was our first rest day -- (Monday - Day 8) -- after 7 straight days of riding. We are currently in Sisters, Oregon and will be heading out tomorrow for an easy 50 mile ride to a campground by Ochoco Reservoir (still in Oregon).

Yesterday - however - was the cause for this blog title. We skipped the scheduled rest day and took on our first pass of the trip - over the Cascade Mountain Range. We had to ride up the alternate route - Santiam Pass - instead of McKenzie Pass, because it is still snowed in!!! The Santiam Pass is lower but added 20 miles to our day. This was going to be my ultimate test - a ride that in my mind (snicker), would gauge my success for the whole trip -- I mean, come on - 6 days straight of riding and a 3,500+ ft mountain pass ahead - in the first week!!

Quite a challenge.Well, to put it to you straight -- I kicked Santiam Pass's ass! This ride squashes any other road ride I've ever done - like a bug. I felt so good. I took it easy and stayed with the riders in the back and then found my groove and busted it out - to eventually catch up to the riders in the front (who were waiting at a rest stop). What a freaking relief! Bring it on Rocky Mountains!

As a side note -- I did give a few hoots as I climbed the pass --- and my song for the day was 'Smack That' by Akon.

As promised, here are some more pics:

Day 4

I know you guys are searching for trying times and hardship -- maybe a bad day right of the start, but nothing doing on this cowboy's ride! (no, I'm not a cowboy and I don't think I really want to be one -- it was just something to say) We have been having GREAT weather -- I'm really working on my biker tan -- you know, just above the sock to just below the spandex - and just below the short sleeve (farmer style) -- of course the neck and the little slats the helmet makes on my forehead!

We are currently staying in Rickreall, OREGON -- but I've taken a Sunday (actually Thursday I believe) ride into Salem - about 10 miles away --- just to post on my blog! Well, that and go to the health food store. (10 miles back in a minute). We will be getting real close if not to Eugene , OR tomorrow (somewhere around 62 miles) and then another ride day before our rest day -- I can't wait -- however, I'm still psyched to ride.

We basically left the coast yesterday and have headed inland for good (until the Atlantic!) - yesterday had some very difficult climbs, but I struggled through them and had plenty of energy to set up my tent and sit around the fire (which probably doesn't take too much energy). The scenery has been great -- the route take us of highway as much as possible and we'll ride some scenic roads that have little traffic - which rocks --- I'm about sick of all the logging trucks! Not that they crowd the road, but when they pass they huck big chunks of bark and lots of dust your way - not very pleasant.

I've got to jet --- sorry no pictures today -- I left my things (camera included) back at the camp in Rickreall.

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony." -Mahatma Gandhi

1.5 days

We are half way through the ride of our second day (currently in Tillamook - where they make the cheese!) -- things are going better than I expected. Our pace is great -- which means I am successfully able to keep up with the group -- I was terribly worried about that first day, but it went smashingly! We started out in misty Astoria and quickly hit blue skies as our route took us inland - it was literally a perfect ride day. Today however, I've just gotten my first flat :( -- but it's off to lunch and finish out the ride.

Kelly and I on our ride to Oregon

The crew - Jay, Nicola, Ken, Bryan, Karli, Kevin, Michael & myself

riding

If you don't focus on the hair, you're really jealous! Our campsite was down by the ocean - about my eye level.

ready and waiting

Well, I'm here in Astoria -- just finished a burger and a beer :) -- and buddy was it good! I figure it will be my last good meal for a few days -- we'll see.

It wasn't until Kelly and I got on the freeway in SLC that it all became real. I've just packed all my things for storage and will be unemployeed and homeless for 3 months! I'm extremely nervous, but everyone has given me a pat on the back and encouragement -- thanks!

It's been soooo busy these last few days that I haven't had much time to do this blog thing or even email anyone -- even in my touring group! I was thankful that one of the riders - Ken - called me as we approached Astoria - just to check in -- I was psyched, because I'm still in the group!!!

We'll se how that goes tomorrow -- I'm crossing my fingers -- you might want to cross yours also. Blue Skies - Blue Skies - Blue Skies :)

That's all I have time for right now -- I'll probably catch everyone up in a week or so when we stop for our rest day.

We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes. - JFK

the totals are in

I currently weigh a staggering 220lbs!

My bike weighs a whopping 29lbs.

& my gear weighs in at 67lbs!

Look out SUVs there's 317lbs of touring machine coming for ya! (at 10mph)