Saturday, May 31, 2014

Day 22 Dodge City, Ks to Great Bend, Ks


Another 84 mile day with head winds although not as strong as previous days.

We passed through KINSLEY, the town that is midway between San Francisco and New York.  We're still a few hundred miles from our mid-point location.


A little further down the road we stopped at PAWNEE ROCK.  This must be one of the highest points in Kansas.  You could see for miles in all directions.


Tomorrow and Monday are each 60 mile days.  Tuesday is our 3rd day off and will be very welcome after a long week of riding.

My body is holding up well for the most part.  My left hand had some numbness after today's ride and the fever blisters on my lips are sore and annoying.  

A few of us skipped the Pizza Hut dinner and instead went for a steak dinner.  The steak and potato should be enough fuel to get me through tomorrow's 60 miles.

Best,

Michael

Friday, May 30, 2014

Day 21. Liberal, Ks to Dodge City, Ks

 We pedaled 83 miles today stopping briefly to visit the Dalton Brothers Hideout in Meade, Ks.  The Dalton brothers were US Marshals turned Bank robbers in the 1820's.  Pictured below is the escape tunnel they built as a getaway.

The 83 mile ride took just over 5 hours.  Once again we experienced headwinds.  Temperatures reached into the high 80's and the humidity increased.  My jersey was soaked when I finished the ride.

Tomorrow is an 87 mile day.

Can't wait to have my riding partner back next week.

Best,

Michael

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Day 20. Guymon, NM to Liberal, Ks

Our ride was only 39 miles today.  A short day was welcome after traveling almost 300 miles in the last 3 days.

We started out 2 hours later this morning.  Here's a picture of the "lead out team",  Chuck, Joann, Tim, Me, Herm.



Eighteen miles into the ride we arrived in Hooker, Ok.  


We crossed our 5th State line today from Oklahoma into Kansas. 


This afternoon we visited the Air Space Museum here in Liberal.  The museum showcased planes from all eras, they even exhibited a Beachcraft Bonanza "v" tail like the one my neighbor Rob Lewis used to own.

Back to the regular mileage tomorrow.
Good news....Michelle went out for a 20 mile ride with Carlos (Podium) and had very little discomfort.  She's riding 45 miles with the Podium group tomorrow.  I hope she has the same results.

Best,

Michael


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Oklahoma

4th State Crossing


DAY 19 DALHART, TEXAS TO GUYMON, OK.

WE STARTED OUT AN HOUR LATER TODAY AT 8:00 AM.  WE REACHED OUR FIRST SAG AT 10:00 WHICH HAPPENED TO BE AT THE LOCAL DAIRY QUEEN SO MANY OF US ENJOYED A MILKSHAKE AS OUR MID MORNING SNACK.

AT 11:30 WE MADE OUR 4TH STATE CROSSING FROM TEXAS INTO OKLAHOMA.  FEED LOTS LINE BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD AND THE SMELL IS NOT THE SAME AS THE AROMA WE GET FROM ZUMBACHS.

I MADE IT TO THE HOTEL JUST BEFORE 1:00PM SO I HAVE THE ENTIRE AFTERNOON TO DO LAUNDRY AND RELAX.  ALMOST 300 MILES IN 3 DAYS CAUSES SOME UNUSUAL ACHES AND PAINS. 

OFF TO KANSAS IN THE MORNING.  STATE CROSSING NUMBER 5!  ONLY 10 MORE TO GO.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING MY BIKING PARTNER BACK ON JUNE 2ND.

BEST,

MICHAEL


Tuesday, May 27, 2014

DAY 18 TUCUMCARI, NM TO DALHART, TEXAS


TODAY STARTED OFF GREAT.  THE TEMPERATURE WAS PERFECT, IN THE HIGH 60'S, THE ROAD SURFACE WAS PERFECT AND THE WIND WAS NOT A FACTOR.  WE DEPARTED TUCUMCARI AT 7:00 AM AND HEADED EAST TO CROSS OUR 3RD STATE LINE INTO TEXAS.  TIM AND I WERE BURNING UP THE PAVEMENT, AVERAGING JUST UNDER 20 MPH.

AFTER OUR FIRST SAG THINGS CHANGED.  TEMPERATURES ROSE INTO THE 80'S AND THE WIND PICKED UP DRAMATICALLY, BLOWING DIRECTLY IN OUR FACES.  WITH OVER 50 MILES REMAINING OUR SPEED WAS REDUCED TO 10 - 12 MPH.  AFTER 7 HOURS IN THE SADDLE, WE COMPLETED THE 96 MILE DISTANCE.

TODAY WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT RIDING I'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.  I'M KEEPING MY FINGERS CROSSED THE WIND CHNAGES DIRECTLY AND REDUCES IN INTENSITY.

I RECEIVED GREAT NEWS TODAY.  MICHELLE WENT TO THE DOCTOR TO HAVE HER KNEE CHECKED OUT.  SHE RECEIVED A CORTIZONE SHOT IN THE AREA OF HER "IT" BAND.  THE DOCTOR THINKS WITH SOME PHYSICAL THERAPY AND CONTINUED STRETCHING SHE'LL BE GOOD TO GO.  WE ANTICIPATE SHE'LL REJOIN THE TOUR ON JUNE 2ND IN ABALINE, KS AND COMPLETE THE BALANCE OF THE RIDE.

I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED A RELAXING MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY.


REGARDS,

MICHAEL

Sign on the way to Dalhart, Texas
Crossing into Texas

Feed Lots in Dalhart, TX
                                     




                                                                                                             
               

Monday, May 26, 2014

DAY 17. LAS VEGAS, NM TO TUCUMCARI, NM

Today was a long day.  We rode out of our hotel took a left on Rte 104E and rode 108 miles to Tucumcari.  There were no services for 75.6 miles.  At 27 miles into the ride we reached the 1,000 mile mark of the tour.  Only 2,400 miles to go!  The 1,000 mile mark was at SAG where "No Country For Old Men" was filmed.

We climbed over 4,200 feet today but actually dropped almost 2,000 feet in elevation.  We climbed some of the steepest grades of the tour, thankfully they were short in length.

Today's ride took 7 hours.  That's a long time in the saddle and tomorrow is another long ride of 95 miles.

Michelle has her doctor's appointment in the morning.  I'm hoping for good news and a quick return to the tour.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPENCER!


Best,

Michael
Day 17
MB reaches 1,000 mile mark.  2,400 to go!
No Country for Old Men Store

DAY 16. SANTA FE, NM TO LAS VEGAS, NM

Today we climbed to the highest point of the tour at just over 7,500 feet.  Again, we were blasted by head winds for much of the ride.

I've been trying to recall this 75 mile ride but all that comes to mind is GINNY MAE'S.  We pulled into a service station to use the rest room.  Outside was a tent with a sign, Ginny Mae's donuts.  The donuts were rolling off the rudimentary assembly line and then Ginny and her husband would dip them into powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar.  These were mini donuts that you could pop in your mouth whole.  I purchased a dozen for $3.00.  I gave some to my cycling partners but probably ate 6-8 myself.  They were great!

I promise more pictures shortly.

I miss my cycling partner.

Best,

Michael




Don't leave home without it!



Saturday, May 24, 2014

DAY 15 REST DAY IN SANTA FE

TODAY (SATURDAY) IS OUR SECOND REST DAY.  WE HAVE COVED 950 MILES TO DATE. 

THIS MORNING I RODE TO THE LOCAL BIKE SHOP.  I WANTED SOMEONE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE THAN ME TO GIVE MY BIKE THE ONCE OVER.  THE OWNER OF THE SHOP SUGGESTED I WALK DOWN THE STREET TO THE LOCAL CAFE WHILE HE WORKED ON MY BIKE.

I MADE MY WAY DOWN TO THE COUNTER CULTURE CAFE FOR A CUP OF TEA.  THIS TURNED OUT TO BE A HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY.  I ENJOYED EGGS, BACON AND A TOASTED HOMEMADE BLUEBERRY MUFFIN...........ALL FOR $6.50 AND IT WAS DELICIOUS!

LATER IN THE DAY I MADE MY WAY INTO THE OLD TOWN.  I'D LAST BEEN IN OLD TOWN 40 YEARS AGO DURING COLLEGE.  I WAS MUCH AS I REMEMBER IT BUT WITH MANY NEW TOURIST SHOPS SELLING WESTERN WEAR, INDIAN JEWELRY AND SANTA FE TEE SHIRTS.

BAGS ARE BEING RE-PACKED AND READY FOR TOMORROW'S RIDE TO LAS VEGAS, NM.  TOMORROW WE CLIMB TO THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE TOUR AT 7,500 FEET. 

BEST,

MICHAEL
Best coffee shop ever!  

JAVA coffee shop in Madrid, NM.  Great pie.  Hippie town.


DAY 14 ALBUQURQUE TO SANTA FE, NM

ANOTHER DAY DEALING WITH STONG HEADWINDS AND LONG CLIMBS REDUCED MY AVERAGE SPEED TO UNDER 15 MPH.

FOURTY MILES INTO THE RIDE, WE REACHED THE TOWN OF MADRID PRONOUNCED MAD - RID.  MADRID IS A FUNKY ARTIST COMMUNITY FILLED WITH HIPPIES LIVING IN CONVERTED RAILROAD CARS.  A NUMBER OF US STOPPED AT "JAVA" AND ENJOYED COFFEE AND A PIECE OF DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PIE. 

WE CONTINUED TO PUSH  ON TO SANTA FE.   ON THE WAY, I RAN OVER SOMETHING IN THE ROAD; TURNED OUT IT WAS A 2 1/2' DIAMOND BACK RATTLESNAKE.  I DON'T KNOW IF I CAUSED ITS DEMISE OR WHETHER IT WAS ALREADY DEAD.  IT WAS TOO SMALL TO TURN INTO A PAIR OF BOOTS SO I LEFT IT ON THE ROAD.
 
ALAN, ROSS AND I ARRIVED AT THE HOTEL IN SANTA FE AND DECIDED TO GO IMMEDIATELY FOR LUNCH.  WE FOUND A GREAT, AUTHENTIC MEXICAN RESTURANT JUST A MILE DOWN THE STREET.  AS WE WERE EATING THE SKY TURNED BLACK, IT BEGAN TO HAIL AND THEN POUR RAIN.  WHEN THE RAIN SUBSIDED WE BEAT IT BACK TO THE HOTEL. 
 
I'VE BEEN FOLLOWING THE NEWS ON THE BIG FORREST FIRE IN OAK CREEK CANYON.  THIS IS THE ROAD WE TOOK LAST WEEK AS WE RODE TO FLAGSTAFF.  THE ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR THREE DAYS.  I'M GLAD WE MADE IT THROUGH BEFORE THE ROAD WAS CLOSED.
 
 
SATURDAY IS OUR SECOND REST DAY.  WE'LL HAVE COVERED ABOUT 950 MILES, ONLY 2400 MORE TO GO.
 
MISSING MY RIDING PARTNER AND HOPE SHE REJOINS US SOON.
 
 
BEST,
 
MICHAEL
 
 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

DAY 13. GRANTS, NM TO ALBUQUERQUE NM


Today was a pretty good day.  Only a small portion of today's ride was on the interstate, the rest was on back roads that were well paved.  The fierce head winds we faced yesterday subsided and allowed us to return to the 18-20 mph riding average.

Tomorrow we're headed to Santa Fe but minus two riders.  Tom Wells only planned to ride the LA to ALBUQUERQUE segment and unfortunately Michelle is headed home to see if she can get her knee problem repaired so she can return to the tour.  We're hoping a couple weeks rest will be sufficient to get her back in the saddle and pedaling with the group.

We have our second rest day in Santa Fe.  I spent some time in Santa Fe during college and I remember it was a very cool town.  I specifically remember the Old Town where local native Indian tribe members sell there turquoise and silver jewelry, baskets, pottery and rugs.  I'm ready for another rest day.

Sunday we're off to Las Vegas..........New Mexico!

Pictures to come.

Best,

Michael



Rio Grande River Alburqurque, NM

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

DAY 12. Gallup, NM to Grants, NM

TRY BIKING 65 miles into a 30+ mph head wind!  We've been able to ride 18-20 mph most days.  Today we were only able to average 13-14mph.  Tough cycling.

We crossed the Continental Divide at 7,200 feet.  This was really a non event, the only notation was a small sign and a covered wagon showing "Continental Divide elevation 7,200 feet".

Michelle was able to ride the 40 miles from the SAG to the Hotel.  I'm hopeful for a remarkable recovery so she can continue on this epic journey to Boston.

Interesting fact:  both Arizona and New Mexico are in Mountain Time zone but we didn't turn our clocks ahead until we reached N.M.  The reason.....Arizona doesn't recognize Daylight Savings Time.

Thanks to everyone who has left such kind and encouraging messages.

Best,

M&M


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

DAY ELEVEN. HOLBROOK AZ TO GALLUP, N.M.

Another long day in the saddle........93 miles.

I had my riding partner with me for the first 36 miles until she started to feel some knee discomfort.  The results of the MRI came back today.  The good news is no tear but there is acute arthritic inflammation in her knee. The doctor suggested a few weeks of rest so Michelle might stay with us until we reach Santa Fe (Friday) and then return home and rejoin us to complete the second half of the tour from Indianapolis to Boston.  I will try to convince her to stay and ride some miles each day.

Today we crossed our second state line into New Mexico.  Only 13 more to go!  Most of the day was spent traveling on Interstate 40.  For the most part, the road was good.  I escaped having a flat tire today.

Tomorrow we ride 65 miles to GRANTS, N.M.  we're told that there's a 4 mile stretch of road that is filled with rubble on the shoulder.  It's suggested we take a bump (ride in the van) for these 4 miles.  Many of us have decided to give it a go.

Dinner at Applebee's tonight.......anything is better than the "meal" we had at Pizza Hut last night.

Praying for a strong tail wind to take us over the Continental Divide (7,300 feet) tomorrow.

Best,

Michael & Michelle

Monday, May 19, 2014

DAY TEN. FLAGSTAFF TO HOLBROOK

I enjoyed having my riding partner with me this morning.  Michelle smoked me for about 25 miles, averaging 20 + mph and reaching in excess of 30 mph at times before calling it a day to rest the knee.  The plan is to have her ride a little further each day unit the knee feels 100%.

The ride started off with Michelle's small accessory bag falling off as we crossed the railroad tracks.  Thankfully her phone was not inside but the GU packs didn't fair so well.  A mile or two down the road she got her first flat tire.  Since I act as the mechanic on the trip, I went to work changing her rear tire.  Since she was riding beaded tires, it was a bugger to change.  I inserted the CO2 cartridge to inflate the tire and it didn't inflate!  Bad tube.  Took the whole thing apart again, inserted a new tube and after 30 minutes we were on our way.

Michelle took a bump after the first SAG and I continued on.  I traveled highway I-40 for most of the way, riding along the mile long rail cars that were transporting goods throughout the country.  The temperature today was reasonable, in the 80's.  The shoulder on the highway was smooth for most of the trip but filled with rubble.  The cross wind was strong, gusting to 40 mph and nearly blowing me off my bike at times.

We passed through WINSLOW AZ. where Michelle and I "stood on the corner of Winslow, AZ".  What a fine sight to see.

About a mile from our hotel (.5 star) I got my 4th flat!  I changed the tire quickly and continued on.  About .5 mile from the hotel I noticed a Dairy Queen so I pulled in and enjoyed a root beer float.

After an afternoon nap, the group headed out for dinner.  Tonight's location: Pizza Hut.  Not good, but
needed calories.

92 miles today.  Back in the saddle at 7:00 am and off to Gallup, N.M tomorrow some 94 miles away.  I spent some time in Gallup during my college years; Gallup is the center of the Indian Nation and a wonderful cultural area.

Best,

M&M


Standing on the corner of Winslow, AZ

Jackrabbit, AZ
Grand Canyon
                 
Grand Canyon



  

Sunday, May 18, 2014

GOOD NEWS!

SHE'S BACK!  MICHELLE TOOK A SHORT RIDE TODAY AND THE KNEE FELT OK.  SHE'LL BE ON THE ROAD TO HOLBROOK, AZ TOMORROW.

DAY SEVEN-FLAGSTAFF, AZ

THANK GOD FOR REST DAYS.  TODAY IS OUR FIRST OF FOUR THAT COME OVER THE SEVEN WEEK TOUR.

WE SLEPT IN A LITTLE TODAY (8:00 AM) THEN HAD A GREAT BREAKFAST OF STEAK AND EGGS (PLUS A PANCAKE, POTATOS, ENGLISH MUFFIN AND JUICE).  I NEED TO REPLACE THOSE CALORIES!

MICHELLE HAD NEVER SEEN THE GRAND CANYON SO WE TOOK A 90 MINUTE DRIVE TO SEE THIS AMAZING SITE.

SOME GOOD NEWS!  MICHELLE WENT OUT FOR A SHORT RIDE TO TEST THE KNEE.  SHE'S BACK!  THE KNEE IS STILL SORE BUT SHE'S GOING TO GIVE THE 1ST HALF OF TOMORROW'S RIDE A GO.  IT WILL BE GREAT TO HAVE MY RIDING PARTNER BACK.

EARLY NIGHT TONIGHT TO GET READY TO START THE INSANITY AGAIN...........94 MILES TO HENDERSON, AZ TOMORROW.

BEST,

MICHAEL AND MICHELLE

Saturday, May 17, 2014

DAY SEVEN COTTONWOOD, AZ TO FLAGSTAFF, AZ

WE STARTED OUT THIS MORNING WITH 2,000 OTHER CYCLISTS RIDING THE MS RIDE FROM COTTONWOOD TO SEDONA, AZ.

MORE, MORE AND MORE CLIMBING!  WE CLIMBED TO THE TOWN OF SEDONA, AZ BEST KNOWN FOR THE SPECTACULAR RED ROCK FORMATIONS.  THE SIGHTS WERE AMAZING.  THIS IS WILD AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY.  SEDONA IS A TOURISTY TOWN THAT IS AN EASY DRIVE TO THE GRAND CANYON SO LOTS OF SIGHTSEERS AND TOUR COMPANIES.

WE CONTINUED TO CLIMB ANOTHER 12 MILES TO FLAGSTAFF WHICH SITS AT JUST OVER 7,000 FEET.

TOMORROW IS OUR FIRST REST DAY AND BOY DO I NEED IT.  MY BODY IS TIRED AND SORE.  TOMORROW WE'LL EXPLORE THE AREA AND PROBABLY HANG OUT BY THE POOL.

MICHELLE HAD AN MRI AT THE HOSPITAL THIS AFTERNOON.  SHE'S GOING TO TRY A SHORT RIDE TOMORROW TO SEE HOW THE KNEE FEELS AFTER A FEW DAYS REST.  WE PROBABLY WON'T HAVE RESULTS OF THE MRI UNTIL MONDAY OR TUESDAY.  I HOPE THE CORTIZONE SHOT SHE HAD A FEW DAYS AGO WILL KICK IN AND I'LL HAVE MY RIDING PARTNER BACK. 

WISHING EVERYONE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.

BEST,

MICHAEL & MICHELLE



Scenic Rest

Winding Road



DAY SIX PRESCOTT, AZ TO COTTONWOOD, AZ

I thought climbing was done for a while but I was wrong.  The ride today was only 44 miles but it was another grueling day of climbing.  Today we summited Mingus Mountain at 7,000 + feet.  Going up usually means a good down on the back side and today was no exception.  The downhill was amazing.  Speeds reached into the 40's and the views were spectacular.  We stopped at the HAUNTED HAMBURGER in the little town of Jerome, Az.  I had a burger that was even better than Cherry Street.  Having burned more than 7,000 calories on the climb, I could have had two burgers.

We reached our hotel in Cottonwood to find a gathering of Vulcan Motorcycle owners (about 100 of them) that meet each year and go on a group ride.  We were glad to have our room on the back side of the building, away from the pool, and the late night party.

Michelle is still rehabbing the knee.  She got in to see another orthopedist today.  He ordered an MRI that she'll have in Flagstaff tomorrow.  This test will show exactly what's going on in the knee.  I need my riding partner back!

Keep pedaling,

Michael & Michelle

Thursday, May 15, 2014

DAY FIVE. WICKENBURG, AZ TO PRESCOTT, AZ

Today was grueling.  The ride was only 60 miles but we crossed two mountain passes.  The scenery was beautiful but it was probably the most difficult ride I've ever done.

Pictures to come!

Best,

Michael and Michelle.


In Memory of the Granite Mountain Hotshots

DAY FOUR BLYTHE TO WICKENBURG, AZ

Another difficult day of riding.  Michelle tried to ride today but still experienced pain in her knee.  She's going to head into Flagstaff to see another orthopedist and hopefully get an MRI to see what's going on.  I hope we can get the knee fixed so my biking partner can ride with me.

Today's distance was 116 miles.  At 70 miles in, the heat was getting to me so i made the decision to take a bump to the SAG stop at  the 89 mile point.  I wanted to complete the entire ride but I decided to air on the side of caution.  The 19 mile van ride allowed me to get out of the sun and re-hydrate.  At 89 miles, I jumped back on my bike and completed the final 27 mikes.  I had my third flat tire about 50 yds from the hotel.

On to day five.

Best,

Michael and Michelle


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

DAY THREE INDIO, CA TO BLYTHE, CA

MICHELLE SAT OUT TODAY TO REST THE KNEE.  SHE'LL BE BACK IN THE SADDLE TOMORROW.  MICHELLE TOOK GREAT CARE OF ME DURING THE SAG STOPS TODAY AS I SLUGGED THROUGH THE 97 MILE DAY.

I'VE NEVER TACKLED ANYTHING SO HARD AS THE RIDE WE DID TODAY.  THE HEADWINDS REACHED 35 - 40 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE 100'S AND THE RIDING WAS AT TIMES ON POOR PAVEMENT.

WE RODE MOSTLY ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY (RTE 10E).  I HAD MY FIRST FLAT TIRE TODAY AT MILE 33. 

BEST REGARDS,

MICHAEL AND MICHELLE


DAY TWO AND DAY THREE

DAY TWO:  RIVERSIDE, CA TO INDIO, CA

A VERY TOUGH DAY.  MICHELLE WAS UNABLE TO RIDE TODAY BECAUSE OF AN ISSUE WITH HER KNEE.  MICHELLE WAS ABLE TO GET IN TO SEE AN ORTHOPEDIST AND THE GOOD NEWS IS, FOLLOWING A CORTAZONE INJECTION, SHE'LL BE BACK IN THE SADDLE AFTER A DAY OR TWO OF REST.

I RODE THE 93 MILES, MUCH OF WHICH WAS INTO A STRONG (25+ mph) HEADWIND.  EVEN WITH THE STRONG HEADWIND, I WAS ABLE HOLD JUST SHY OF A 15 MPH PACE.

ON TO DAY 3

BEST,

MICHAEL AND MICHELLE

Sunday, May 11, 2014

DAY ONE LOS ANGELES TO RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA


Day one is now behind us; only 45 to go.  Today we pedaled 85 miles much of it into a strong head wind.  With some short SAG stops it took us about 6 hours to complete the distance.

Tomorrow is another day of similar length but we're heading into the desert where temperatures are expected to be around 110 degrees.  We'll be wearing our hydration packs (thanks Condy) and special white leg and arm coolers.  Our water bottles will be filled with water and frozen tonight.  The hydration packs will be used to hydrate us and our water bottles will be used to cool our bodies.

I've heard the first week is the toughest.  It will be nice to get over the mountains and through the desert,

On to day two.

Best Regards,

Michael & Michelle



Saturday, May 10, 2014

We've had a great time in Santa Monica meeting up with family and friends prior to the start of the Tour.

Mimi and Ted were kind enough to pick us up at the airport and shuttle us to dinner and our hotel.  They gave us some goodies that will come in handy on the ride; cooling towels like the one I used in the Boston Marathon 3 years ago when temperatures reached 90 degrees.  We wish you guys could meet us in Boston!

Dr. Mike's (and our) friend Colin Morawski (pictured with Michelle and me) met us for a drink and dinner (at Blue plate Taco).  It was great to catch up and hear about his impressive sub 12 hour Ironman run in New Zealand.  I decided Colin should quit his job and become a professional; I guarantee he would win his age group. 

Our friends Sue and Kim that we met on the BackRoad Crotia trip.  They announced their new position as our surrogate daughters.  Now we need to find them husbands and get them off the payroll.  Interested, unattached gentlemen should contact me to arrange a date with these beauties.
It was great catching up and thinking about our next bike trip.

Off shortly to meet the Tour family.  We start pedaling early tomorrow morning!

Best,

Michael and Michelle

Thursday, May 8, 2014

ARRIVED IN LOS ANGELES

 The weather in LA is beautiful but temperatures in the Valley are forecast to be in the 100's this weekend.

We finally get to meet our biking family on Saturday.  Sunday we dip our rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean and start heading East.  We can't wait to get the show on the road.

Best,

Michael & Michelle




Pictures from Manhattan Beach, where we dipped our rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean and headed East


Sunday, May 4, 2014

May 3 / 4


Just three more days until we depart for Los Angeles.  We dip our rear wheels in the Pacific Ocean one week from today and start pedaling East. We're excited and anxious; ready to get the trip started.

We had a send-off party tonight.  We were honored to have our family and dear friends join us for a drink before we depart.  We so appreciate their kind words of support and encouragement.

We feel so fortunate to have found Carlos Restrepo of PODIUM CYCLING.  Carlos has pushed us, encouraged us and strengthened us.  Carlos and our friend and trainer Tom Holland of TEAM HOLLAND have us well prepared for this incredible challenge.  We wish you guys could join us!

Thank you to all who have supported our trip with donations to Team Continuum / Future 5 and those that have supported us in so many other ways.

Michelle and Michael


https://www.teamcontinuum.net/support_the_cause/fundrasing_page/86936

www.futurefive.org/donate-now/