This was to be a short beginning to be sure our bikes were functioning after reassembling after being shipped out to the west coast.However I had an inauspicious start when I had a 4" thick wire puncture my rear tire only 2 mi. out as we headed to the Pacific to dip our rear wheels in the water.The dreary overcast skies cleared up and we had beautiful sunny skies in Escondido. However the forecast is calling for snow and temps in the 40's tommorow.
20 years ago my son biked coast to coast with Wandering Wheels and returned with tales of a great adventure. We dreamed of doing it together but it took 10 years for him to find the time after finishing college, medical school and residency. In 1999 we headed out from Seattle with Wandering Wheels. At the end of the first day's ride I slipped on a gym floor and broke my left wrist ending up with a long arm cast. It appeared that my dream was shattered. But I had no pain and felt that if I could reach my handle bars I could get back on my bike.While riding the 'sag wagon'that second day the mechanic contrived a solution and rigged up a handle bar that stood up 15" from the stem with all the controls placed on the right side. On day 3 I was able to bike 80 mi.and completed the 3,200 mi. trip with a cast on my arm. I did not experience any pain. But to share such an experience over 7 weeks with your 30 y.o. son was a bonding.experience that we will never forget. That is the memory that has prompted me to do this 4 times.And I just learned this morning that 84 y.o. Bob Kiser has already biked cross country 4 times before and this will be his 5th. Now that is an inspiration.
20 years ago my son biked coast to coast with Wandering Wheels and returned with tales of a great adventure. We dreamed of doing it together but it took 10 years for him to find the time after finishing college, medical school and residency. In 1999 we headed out from Seattle with Wandering Wheels. At the end of the first day's ride I slipped on a gym floor and broke my left wrist ending up with a long arm cast. It appeared that my dream was shattered. But I had no pain and felt that if I could reach my handle bars I could get back on my bike.While riding the 'sag wagon'that second day the mechanic contrived a solution and rigged up a handle bar that stood up 15" from the stem with all the controls placed on the right side. On day 3 I was able to bike 80 mi.and completed the 3,200 mi. trip with a cast on my arm. I did not experience any pain. But to share such an experience over 7 weeks with your 30 y.o. son was a bonding.experience that we will never forget. That is the memory that has prompted me to do this 4 times.And I just learned this morning that 84 y.o. Bob Kiser has already biked cross country 4 times before and this will be his 5th. Now that is an inspiration.
I am off on my own adventure today to document the water levels in Scotia barrens ponds, both reclaimed from ore mining and other vernal ponds........last week the water level was very low, lower than I have ever seen it. The birds are nesting earlier each year and a 96 acre brush burn is scheduled to aid the dispersal of the pitch pine seeds......
ReplyDeleteAs a maturing mother hen I am concerned with said burn. Remember we are the home of Sky Top / I99 disaster...........too many cooks always spoil the makings of a good soup.
If you have words of wisdom re this gem of a natural, rare pine barrens land speak now.
I have photos of course and hopefully more to tell.
Have a save next leg of your journey.
WE await your bogging it is great reading for us in Happy Valley.I will spread the word.
I called the Collegian to report the beginning of your trip.
Happy Sunday
Barbara M Bellehumeur
Very impressed and inspiring, Rog. I'll be following your blog.
ReplyDeleteHillel