Back home in Colorado

Arrived back in Colorado this past Thursday. Ended the journey just north of San Francisco. Had an opportunity to catch a ride from S.F. to Denver with a guy who used to live right down the street from me in Aurora. Small world. A young Australian woman from Tasmania also rode with us, which resulted in some fun, interesting conversations. Final tally was just under 1200 miles. I got to see some amazing scenery in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and northern California. I also was able to obtain a wealth of knowledge for any future cross country rides. I made a number of rookie mistakes but feel like I learned from them. Once again, thanks to everyone who supported the ride and cause. I'm still hoping to find ways to have bikes donated to kids who would otherwise not have the opportunity to have access to them financially. Anyone who has any ideas or know of bike shops in your area that would be open to donating bikes to kids, please let me know.

Two days out of San Francisco

Been cycling down the rugged California coast via Hwy.1. Going to camp just north of the Golden Gate bridge the next 2 nights, then hoping to hook up with a guy with a van who is driving to Denver, leaving Wednesday morning. Could be back in the Mile High city by Thursday if things go as planned. 1105 miles behind me with less than 100 to go!

Been a pretty eventful last 3 days. Biked from Eureka to Humboldt Redwoods State Park on Tuesday. Unbelievable scenery. The gigantic redwoods are pretty much beyond description. If you haven't been there...go. Then biked to Standish-Hickey State Park and had a great night camping with an awesome group of people of all ages. We sat around and drank beer and exchanged stories of things we've encountered on the road. I met a young Mexican national who was biking north from Mexico City. I also met an amazing woman, Pierrette Roy (http://www.freedomwalkforpeace.com/) who is walking...yes walking...from Canada to Mexico and beyond to raise awareness for peace. Her inspiration was another incredible woman, Peace Pilgrim (http://www.peacepilgrim.org/) who walked over 25,000 miles on a personal pilgrimage for peace. Today, after some grueling climbs, my bike gave out on me. Had to hitch a ride from just south of Westport to Ft. Bragg so I can take the bike into a bike shop to assess the damage. Covered close to 140 miles including the last 10 miles I was able to transport my ailing bike.

Change of plans

When I first started seriously planning this trip, it was difficult because I had never done anything like this before. I really had no idea how I was going to be able to handle all the climbs or how far I could average per day. After 861 miles, I've come to the realization that it is going to take me longer and cost me more money than I had anticipated. I am currently approximately 320 miles from the San Francisco area and have decided I don't have the legs or the necessary funds to go any further. With that in mind, I have decided to end the ride there. Not going to hang my head in shame for completing at least 1200 miles, although it would have been nice to say I went from Canada to Mexico. Maybe another day. I want to thank everyone for their support and encouragement along the way. And a special shout out to my daughter Rachel, who has administered the facebook page (Old Guy on a Bike) and posted all the updates throughout the ride. I will continue the blog for the next 300 plus miles. And remember, it's still not too late to donate (http://oldguy63onabike.blogspot.com/2013/06/donations.html) to the cause through here or directly to Louie's Kids.

Crescent City to Eureka

Left Crescent City Saturday morning and made it just south of Orick. Two monster hills with basically no shoulder I wasn't really up for so jumped on a bus for part of the ride. Turns out most of the passengers end up being cyclists with the same mindset, so felt a little better about the decision. Stayed at a privately owned campsite, then biked into Eureka Sunday. Looking forward to biking through the heart of the redwoods the next few days.

Good-bye scenic Oregon Coast.

Overcame some mechanical issues and completed the Oregon portion of the ride. Highlights were spending a day with my son and his lovely bride in Lincoln City, all the gorgeous scenery along the coast and the unexpected beauty of watching the sunset at Harris Beach State Park last night. Crossed over into California late this morning and spending the night (and possibly an extra day)in Crescent City to plan out the northern California route. Have close to 775 miles behind me and some monster hills ahead of me.

Another day....another broken spoke.

Had another broken spoke on the same (rear) wheel a few miles short of Coos Bay. Decided the tires needed to be replaced so found a bike shop that fixed the spoke at no charge and sold me a couple of new but clearance priced tires that are more made for touring. Hope that solves the problem. Spent two days getting from just south of Florence to Coos Bay. Very frustrating. Still hope to make California sometime on Friday.