Archive for May, 2005

31
May
2005

DAY
0

Ok for the record total miles for today was 30.78. Not bad for starting at about 2:30.

I got all the problems out of the way early. Not 2 blocks from my old apartment the drinking water somehow got stuck in the spokes. I horrible noise and a quick stop. (for a moment I thought that my ride might turn into a flight) I had to drain all of the water to get it out of the spokes, but nothing was damaged.

There were several other unplanned stops along the way and bumps to iron out, but the last 15 miles were a dream. You know when you hit your pace. You don’t think about peddling, it just happens, and with the wind in your face you seem to effortlessly float over the road with the ocean on your left and mountains on the right. WOW! That is the way to do it.

The 30 miles took me from 2424 Wilshire Blvd (my old home) to a state beach in Malibu. One word…Spectacular.

The sun is slipping behind the ocean. The waves are gently lapping the shore, and pelicans are magically hanging just above the water bobbing up and down on outstretched wings with each passing wave. It is a picture and one that my cell camera would mangle badly. I took some pics with my better camera. I will upload them if I can.

The sky is turning very dark pink now. The show is about over and time for me to think about where I am going to sleep and eat.



31
May
2005

DAY
0

And he’s off!

Ok. Time to go…peddle peddle…



31
May
2005

DAY
0

Well…today is the day!!!!

Here is a picture of Jessie at breakfast. What a friend. Not only is she taking care of my car she also took me to a going away breakfast. Great conversation and a high carb meal. I am truly blessed to call her a friend.

My apartmant is cleaned out. My bike is packed and ready. I will be on my way in about an hour.



30
May
2005

DAY
1

T-1 day…

Here is a picture of the bike fully loaded. I think it weighs more than I do!

Everything is packed and ready to go. I can’t wait till morning.



30
May
2005

DAY
1

Ok…I have yet to leave LA, but on my way to pick up some milk I saw a very large woman threatening a man with a window cleaner. I was unaware of what was going on at first. Then all of a sudden this woman turned and took what looked to be a very convincing samurai pose with squeegee raised. Then muttered something about him being a sneaky something or other and told him there was more where that came from.

Crazy…I was wondering what would happen if she hit him with it. Would that be assault with a deadly weapon? Typically I would say no, but she looked like she knew what she was doing.



30
May
2005

DAY
1

I will be on the road in 36 hrs…

Today has been good. I needed sometime to get my things and head together. It has been very busy for a while. Today was very relaxing. I compeated many of the final tasks. Now, I will just relax and wait on Tuesday to get here.

I know that I said that I would wait until I was on my way north to pick north or east, but the cross America bug bit me. I am transfixed by the notion. Accross the continent. Imagine the excitement as Luis and Clark or the covered wagons move across this great land. For many it was an adventure of a life time. I can’t wait to get started!

Just 36 more hrs…



27
May
2005

DAY
4

3 days…

Sunset at McArther Park. Just 3 more LA sunsets left for a while.

Spent a good amount of time looking into food for the trip. I have been working on a cost of calory and protein comparison. Interestingly, flower tortillas are at the top of the list.

The bike is ready. I am ready, but the time has not come to leave.

Tonight, I plan to pig out on pasta. Just a little carb loading.

Ron



26
May
2005

DAY
5

5 days…

Today went really well… I got the other hiking backpack, the cycling computer, a pump, a tent and most of the necessary clothing. Everything is installed and tested. Only a hand full of things left to pick up and I am ready to go!



25
May
2005

DAY
6

T-6 days and counting…

Yesterday, I went and bought a bike. I wasn’t looking for a bike, but when I saw this one I made a snap decision. It is a Bianchi street bike. It is much lighter than my other bike, and much easier to ride. I am afraid that it is not a sturdy as my mountain bike, but who wants to ride a mountain bike for 2 months straight? I hope that I made the right decision. I know somewhere down the road I am going to want to off road…but the rest of the time (street time) will be much more pleasant.

I have been making modifications to the new bike today. I changed the seat, modified the rack on the back, and tuned it up a little. It is a sturdy bike, and I think it is about ready to go.

I also bought a hiking backpack to pack stuff in. I needed the stiff backing so that it will attach to the bike. I have yet to attach it, but it is going to work great! I am going to get another for the other side later today. I will have more room than I will know what to do with.

Then it hit me. This thing is going to work…and I am actually going to do this ride…long silence…then a hard, dry gulp. Do I have everything? Can I do this? What am I doing? What if…?

I have made a deal with myself. I will do my best at every juncture. Make each decision and move forward. Life is far to short to fret over the water that passed under the bridge. I believe that I will have what it takes when the time comes.

Anyway… I am working out the last minute details and everything looks great for a Tuesday start. I might even start early… But we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

Ron