SanDiego CA to St Augustine FL
On Feb 24th I will be headed to San Diego CA to begin my bike journey across the USA to St Augustine FL. The trip will take me over 7 states in the lower tier of the USA and I will be putting about 3100 miles on the bike. Hope you will all join me on the trip thru my blog.
Friday, April 1, 2011
I would personally like to Congratulate my husband on a job well done. I admire him for his beliefs and strength to follow his dream. No matter how hard the day was, he was determined to make this happen. When most of us would have given up he pushed himself a little harder. The winds were not always in his favor and for the most part the hills where going the wrong way-up hill. Sometimes the miles seemed like they would never end and that camp was so very far away, but he believed in what he was doing and fought off any thought of turning back. As Mike said follow your dream. Some times our dreams seem unattainable but if you try hard enough your dreams can come true. I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time to meet Boo's dad and share his story. Something that was meant to be. There was a reason that we both were in that same spot, maybe to help me see and believe in Mike's dream even more. Not sure what is on his next Bucket List:-)))))))
Chapter 35 **********The final chapter
We arose about 6 am this morning in Starke FL.to beautiful weather and winds out of the west. I started riding about 8 am and we arrived in St. Augustine about 12:15pm . Probably the best weather and riding conditions of the whole trip happened today. Guess the saying save the best for last holds true. I'd like to make this my thank you chapter. First I'd like to thank the lord for seeing me safely across the country. Second I want to thank my wife for her support, epecially on the days where I probably wasn't the most pleasant person to be around. She is amazing and without her support I would have never achieved my dream. Third, I would like to thank the Williams family and my wife's family for all their love and support. Fourth, I would like everyone to know that everyday of this ride I felt my cousin Stephans' presence. His spirit carried me the whole distance. He was my calming agent when I'd get upset, my cheerleader when I'd get a little tired and down. My strength and courage when I felt a little weak and discouraged . His spirit lives on, as I knew it did and continues to do wonderful things. Fifth, Boo Maddox- who says you can't learn something from 7 year old boy- I sure have. Never give up. Sixth, but certainly not last to all my fellow workers, friends, and even strangers we met along the way- you all are amazing and thanks for your support, prayers and the communications throughout the past 5 weeks. A special thanks to everyone who was able to help Children's Miracle Network with pledges or donations. Your money is an investment in our future- the children, they are Gods most precious gift and they deserve all our love and support. Please take the time ASAP and give yuour child a hugt and kiss and tell themj uyou love them- If they are no longer homje call them and let them know how much you love them. You just can't overdue the act of love. The last thought I would like to leave you withis as follows. Chase your dreams- Go and fulfill them- It will enrich your heart and make your soul overflow with joy.
Well , no more pictures, no more blogs, just me and Vargie, headin' home with 4 dogs.
We both want to say may God Bless and watch over all of you and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.
All our love and best wishes
Mike & Vargie
P.S
So what's on your BUCKET LIST??????
Well , no more pictures, no more blogs, just me and Vargie, headin' home with 4 dogs.
We both want to say may God Bless and watch over all of you and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.
All our love and best wishes
Mike & Vargie
P.S
So what's on your BUCKET LIST??????
Thursday, March 31, 2011
CHAPTER 34
We got up this morning to cloudy skies, but as I rode out of Suwannee River State Park it was still dry. Kept riding east on hwy 90 which has been a phenominal stretch of road for bicycling . Hats off to Florida for such a bike friendly highway. About half an hour in, it started to rain again, however it was much lighter than yesterday and the winds were very light. They are still calling for tornado warnings in the area. We passed some beautiful homes today - some as large as average motels, and literally scores of acreage with metal fences with brick and wrought iron gates. I probably should have stopped at one or two of them to see if they would adopt me. I rode into Starke early this afternoon, which is on hwy 100 and hwy 16. Tomorrow I will take hwy 16 east and ride the last 55 miles into St. Augustine. It has been an incredible journey- unimaginable to be precise, and it seems strange to know tomorrow will be the last day. With 34 straight days on the narrow bicycle seat, my butt is going to be glad to see the Atlantic ocean. We are supposed to have sunny weather tomorrow and I will look forward to doing my last blog from Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. As Always Thanks for your blog responses and support.
So long from Starke, Florida This is a little squirrel looking for dinner after the rains stopped in the park.
Mike
So long from Starke, Florida This is a little squirrel looking for dinner after the rains stopped in the park.
Mike
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Chapter 33
Courthouse in Monticello, Fl that we drove through.
We got up early this morning and Vargie dropped me off about 40 miles west of Madison so I could catch up the ride that I missed due to weather yesterday. I got started about 7 am and by 7:30 we were already getting rain. ajpparently just west of us they have a tornado watch that is supposed to hit us later this morning. Riding in the rain is pretty much just plain miserable . I just keep my head down and keep turning the cranks. By about 11 am I was riding into Madison and the rain was really steady now. I talked to Vargie and we decided to keep going east as long as we possibly could. About 20 miles east of Madison she pulled into the Swannee River State Park and set us up with a space. She must have ESP, as I rode up the rain was bouncing off the pavement and we had a lot of thunder and lighting. I was already drenched and Vargie got the same way getting the trailer backed into our designated spot. So glad to have the trailer-a tent would be almost impossible to stay dry in with the hard rain we are getting. As for tomorrow, we will have to see what the weather allows us. I took a shower in Madison last night, but apparently mother nature decide that wasn't good enough. Not sure what it is about Live Oaks, as when we stayed in Live Oaks Springs in CA. we got snow, now we are in Live Oaks in Florida and they call for a tornado. The rain is coming down so hard that in the trailer it is hard to talk to each other without yelling. We are close now to St Augusitne.
A soggy so long from Swannee River country,
Mike
A
We got up early this morning and Vargie dropped me off about 40 miles west of Madison so I could catch up the ride that I missed due to weather yesterday. I got started about 7 am and by 7:30 we were already getting rain. ajpparently just west of us they have a tornado watch that is supposed to hit us later this morning. Riding in the rain is pretty much just plain miserable . I just keep my head down and keep turning the cranks. By about 11 am I was riding into Madison and the rain was really steady now. I talked to Vargie and we decided to keep going east as long as we possibly could. About 20 miles east of Madison she pulled into the Swannee River State Park and set us up with a space. She must have ESP, as I rode up the rain was bouncing off the pavement and we had a lot of thunder and lighting. I was already drenched and Vargie got the same way getting the trailer backed into our designated spot. So glad to have the trailer-a tent would be almost impossible to stay dry in with the hard rain we are getting. As for tomorrow, we will have to see what the weather allows us. I took a shower in Madison last night, but apparently mother nature decide that wasn't good enough. Not sure what it is about Live Oaks, as when we stayed in Live Oaks Springs in CA. we got snow, now we are in Live Oaks in Florida and they call for a tornado. The rain is coming down so hard that in the trailer it is hard to talk to each other without yelling. We are close now to St Augusitne.
A soggy so long from Swannee River country,
Mike
A
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Chapter 32
Today's blog will be quite short, as today was kind of a "bust". I got started from Midway, FL.about 8am and I rode through Tallahassee on hwy 90 and sent Vargie through on interstate 10 so she would not have to fight city traffic. At the east end of the city it started to rain slightly and the further East I went the harder it started to rain . About 22 or 23 miles in I called her and had her come back and pick me up. We are camped in Madison tonight at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. I will have Vargie take me back to where I left off today and in the morning I will try to go it again. It felt pretty good to have a "rest day", but I hate to lose a day of riding even though we still have 2 cushion days built into the ride. If conditions are good I may be able to ride some extra miles Wed. & Thur. and get back on schedule. If you haven't heard the good new , Lil Boo was able to go home, but he will still have lots of physical therapy to go through. What an amazing little guy, my money is on Boo, what a fighter. I hope life is treating you all well and I'm looking more and more forward to returning home soon.
All our love
Mike & Vargie
All our love
Mike & Vargie
Monday, March 28, 2011
Update on little Boo Maddox
Little Boo gets to come home. :-))))))
copy and paste this in your browser window
http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/story/Boy-leaves-Childrens-Hospital-after-more-than-500/kjaRh_volU6889F9FgVHAA.cspx
copy and paste this in your browser window
http://www.fox8live.com/news/local/story/Boy-leaves-Childrens-Hospital-after-more-than-500/kjaRh_volU6889F9FgVHAA.cspx
chapter 31
As I peddled out of Chipley this morning the clouds were quite low and visibility was pretty bad until about 8:00, so we did indeed eat at the Waffle House. No sign of Kevin Costner or Renee Russo though. Another warm and humid day in the low 80's and light spotty rainfall which looks like the forecast for the next couple of days. Still very nice highway and shoulders. I spoke to an individual going solo from St. Augustine, but he was not going any further west than Yuma, AZ. The winds were very light today, so riding conditions were pretty favorable. About 11:40 am we crossed into the eastern time zone. At one time we were directly south of the Alabama - Georgia border. Got some boiled peanuts from road vendor- pretty good- we have never eaten them boiled before. We are in Midway, Fl tonight about 8 miles east of Tallahassee. We plan to keep going east on hwy 90 tomorrow to a community named Madison. We are both getting pretty anxious to see the Atlantic ocean and fulfill our journey. Each day now, I struggle a little harder doing the miles that weren't so difficult even a couple of weeks ago. I'm thankful the terrain is fairly level and elevation is minimal. Haven't done many pictures as the scenery is much like it has been since we left the Gulf of Mexico.
My Tallahassee lassy and I wish you a good evening.
Mike
My Tallahassee lassy and I wish you a good evening.
Mike
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Chapter 30
This is a picture of the little lake inside the state park we are staying at tonight. It's called Falling Waters state park. They brag about the water falls and that it is the tallest water falls in the state of Florida. Ok, well there was only a trickle of water going over it and was 73 ft high. The state park has the highest mountains in the state at 300 '. The lake was pretty and peaceful and beats the sounds of cars, trucks and sirens going off in the middle of the night. Hoping to get a good night sleep and up early before all the traffic for Monday morning starts.
Got an early start, just after 7:00 am this morning from Milton, FL. Hwy 90 so far has been fantastic to ride on, smooth asphalt, wide shoulders and bike lanes through most of the communities. I never got rained on today, but some spotty showers ahead of me this morning left some wet pavement to ride on. It was 73 when I started and this afternoon it was 85 when I rode into Chipley, FL. We are staying in a state park tonight just south of Chipley. We are starting to "reel in" Tallahassee. Probably about 90 miles east of here and St. Augustine is now slightly under 400 miles. If the weather holds, and these old legs of mine can keep turning the cranks, we should be in St. Augustine on Friday April 1st - April Fools Day-how fitting!!!!! I 'm pretty tired tonight so I will keep this one short. Please join me in saying prayers for 'Boo' and the rest of the children, and as always you guys are in my thoughts and prayers also. We have probably ridden by 100 or so Waffle Houses the last several day. Might have to pop into one for breakfast tomorrow. Each time I see one I think of the movie 'Tin Cup' with Kevin Costner. I must be tired , I'm " Rambling"
Good night
Mike
Got an early start, just after 7:00 am this morning from Milton, FL. Hwy 90 so far has been fantastic to ride on, smooth asphalt, wide shoulders and bike lanes through most of the communities. I never got rained on today, but some spotty showers ahead of me this morning left some wet pavement to ride on. It was 73 when I started and this afternoon it was 85 when I rode into Chipley, FL. We are staying in a state park tonight just south of Chipley. We are starting to "reel in" Tallahassee. Probably about 90 miles east of here and St. Augustine is now slightly under 400 miles. If the weather holds, and these old legs of mine can keep turning the cranks, we should be in St. Augustine on Friday April 1st - April Fools Day-how fitting!!!!! I 'm pretty tired tonight so I will keep this one short. Please join me in saying prayers for 'Boo' and the rest of the children, and as always you guys are in my thoughts and prayers also. We have probably ridden by 100 or so Waffle Houses the last several day. Might have to pop into one for breakfast tomorrow. Each time I see one I think of the movie 'Tin Cup' with Kevin Costner. I must be tired , I'm " Rambling"
Good night
Mike
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Chapter 29
We made it into the Sunshine State and are closing in on the last 500 miles or so of the ride. We left Dauphin Island by ferry just after 8:00 am this morning and took about a 35 minute trip across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan on the east side of the bay. The humidity today was unreal, you almost had to swallow the air before you could breathe it. We rolled into Florida about 11:30 am and took a lunch break along the gulf in a suburb of Pensacola named Pleasant Grove. We just kind of skirted along the gulf until we got east of Pensacola and then went north and we are spending the night in Milton,FL. just off hwy 90. Vargie bought some gulf shrimp from a roadside vendor and we had sauteed shrimp and cajun rice for dinner tonight. Life is perfect. Pretty good roads and good winds today as well. Now that we are getting close to our destination, I have mixed emotions. Half of me is anzious to wrap up the ride and get back to my beloved Montana, and the other half is kind of sad to see the end so near. I'd like to take a minute and thank Laurie who works in our Costco administrative office in Kalispell. She has made copies of the blog, posted them for my fellow employees and members, put up the pictures we've sent along, offered encouragment and is probably picking pockets for C.M.N. along with a dozen other things that I'm totally unaware of. My hearthfelt thanks goes out to her. I hope before we return I can send you a little of the nice weather we have been experiencieng. It's been some winter in Montana this year!
"Later Gater"
Mike
"Later Gater"
Mike
Chapter 28
SWEET HOME ALABAMA!!! As I left Biloxi early this morning we had same cooler marine air( blowing from the southeast) that was refreshing and almost chilly. When Vargie and I met a few miles down the road, she showed me the severed electrical harness going back to the trailer for lights, brakes and all. By the time we rounded up parts and then got everything wired up, replaced bulbs,and fuses we had lost about 4 hours. Our original plans were to try to get near Pennsicola Fl., but apparently God wanted us to spend the night in Alabama, so we did, Dauphin Island at the bottom edge of Mobile Bay to be exact. Once we got going again we rode through seveal small port towns and over several BIG bridges. The south has some of the tallest bridges I have ever gone over. Rode by a big shipyard in Pasagoula, over a draw bridge in Bayou La Botre, then across a land spit onto a 4 mile bridge onto Dauphin Island . That was really a cool bridge.
We were both exhausted and hungry so we ate at a small restaurant next to the campground, chose our route plans for Sat. and got some sleep. I got up a 5 am this morning to write the blog as I was to tired last night to write anything.We will cross the rest of the bay by ferry later this morning and hope to get 20 or 30 miles east of Pennsicola today. BICYCLE TIRES: they are really the soul of the bike. They feel every inch of the journey,they cushion the blows when the road is rough, they help steer you in the right direction. Along with the brakes they stop you from possible harm. I will leve this morning with this obervation. Take good care of your tires (your soul) and it will see you through all of life's journeys.
Mike
We were both exhausted and hungry so we ate at a small restaurant next to the campground, chose our route plans for Sat. and got some sleep. I got up a 5 am this morning to write the blog as I was to tired last night to write anything.We will cross the rest of the bay by ferry later this morning and hope to get 20 or 30 miles east of Pennsicola today. BICYCLE TIRES: they are really the soul of the bike. They feel every inch of the journey,they cushion the blows when the road is rough, they help steer you in the right direction. Along with the brakes they stop you from possible harm. I will leve this morning with this obervation. Take good care of your tires (your soul) and it will see you through all of life's journeys.
Mike
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Chapter 27
Got up in Bogalusa this morning, just about 3 miles from the Mississippi border, and had a rare northerly wind blowing, so like any good sailor would do, we went with the wind. I rode east on hwy 26 as far as Poplarville and then broke southeast on hwy 53 and joined hwy 49 just north of Biloxi, MS.That's where we are sitting tonight in Biloxi about 1/2 mile north of the Gulf Coast.My wife tells me I change plans more often than the parents of a new born baby changes diapers.! Mississippi isn't much for shoulders on their roads, so riding was a bit challenging from a traffic standpoint, but favorable wind balanced everything out quite nicely. Without going swimming we couldn't go any farther south, so east it is tomorrow. We will slip into Alabama just past Pecan MS. and ride into Alabama towards Bayou La Botre. From there to Dauphin Island and a short ferry ride east to Fort Morgan. If the winds ( and the legs) are good we may get to western Florida, but more likely we will stay in Alabama at Gulf Shores or Ornage Beach. It was nice to see the ocean again today. So far no signs of oil on them anywhere, however they are doing a lot of new sidewalk work along 90 where it meet sthe beach. I thin B.P. is paying for that one. Has some great jamblaya today. All the windows n our little trailer will be open tonight. With all the southeast winds we have faced recently, I was hoping some of the nice weather would blow towards Kalispell, obviously that did not happen. If my math is good we are roughtly 640 miles from St Augustine. All our love and prayers to Boo and the rest of the children in need of, or receiveing care. May God bless ech and everyone of them
Mike
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Chapter 26
This a picture from the ferry as we crossed the Mississippi River.
I devoted so much of Boo Maddox's story in the prior chapter, I thought I better catch everyone up on the rest of Tuesday's ride and todays events. After leaving Krotz Springs we turned Northeast and rode through Morganza, crossed the Mississippi River by ferry, and camped just Northeast of St Francesville. We rode through a belt of agriculture that included sugar cane and either oats or rye and even some flooded fields that I believe was rice. St Francisville on the Eastern bank of the Mississippi is really a cool town. Lots of history, with the typical southern architecture and charm. The azaleas were in full bloom and the colors were vivid and amazing. We spent a restful evening nestled in a bayou area R.V. park amongst both pines and hardwoods and the moon was full and bright. I was able to get an early start and had fairly favorable winds. So tonight we are in the WalMart parking lot in Bogalusa, LA just a few miles west of the Mississippi border. Today's ride was more in the hill country, and I would ride through some wooded areas and then break into the open in cleared areas that were predominantly ranches. No close calls today-I can handle that! We will strive to get into Lucedale, MS. and spend Thursday night there, and then break south Friday and try to get to the gulf of Mexico in Bayou LaBatra, AL.
As always Thanks for the responses to the blog
Mike
I devoted so much of Boo Maddox's story in the prior chapter, I thought I better catch everyone up on the rest of Tuesday's ride and todays events. After leaving Krotz Springs we turned Northeast and rode through Morganza, crossed the Mississippi River by ferry, and camped just Northeast of St Francesville. We rode through a belt of agriculture that included sugar cane and either oats or rye and even some flooded fields that I believe was rice. St Francisville on the Eastern bank of the Mississippi is really a cool town. Lots of history, with the typical southern architecture and charm. The azaleas were in full bloom and the colors were vivid and amazing. We spent a restful evening nestled in a bayou area R.V. park amongst both pines and hardwoods and the moon was full and bright. I was able to get an early start and had fairly favorable winds. So tonight we are in the WalMart parking lot in Bogalusa, LA just a few miles west of the Mississippi border. Today's ride was more in the hill country, and I would ride through some wooded areas and then break into the open in cleared areas that were predominantly ranches. No close calls today-I can handle that! We will strive to get into Lucedale, MS. and spend Thursday night there, and then break south Friday and try to get to the gulf of Mexico in Bayou LaBatra, AL.
As always Thanks for the responses to the blog
Mike
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Chapter 25
If you read none of my other chapters on this blog site Please I beg of you !!!! read this one. Today has been one of the most incredible days of my entire 62 years. I started out this morning from Eunice, LA. not knowing what a day it would be. I left camp about 7:45 AM and Vargie went back into Eunice and did some much needed grocery shopping. I had fairly favorable winds and by the time she left Eunice, I was about 3 miles West of Opelousas. As I was riding thru town a car on my left ran a stop sign, and after veering right and having to ride in front of them, then jump a sidewalk and ride thru a ditch on the other side, all the while turning the air blue at the top of my lungs, as my life passed in front of me. By some miracle I avoided the collision and did not even go down as a result of my abrupt detour. I stopped , collected myself, checked out the bike, and then rode to a pre-arranged meeting spot with Vargie. While I was waiting for her to show up, I was questioning the validity of this ride, while checking my cycling shorts for any signs of soiling. By the time she showed up, I had decided to keep going, I am not sure why. I just had this feeling it was going to be ok. We decided to rendezvous again in Krotz Springs, LA about 15 miles East. Vargie went on ahead of me, she was waiting at a truck stop, and as I pulled up she started to cry. I though we had bad news about family or one of the dogs. As she was waiting for me a trucker pulled up along side her, and so she asked if she was in his way. They spoke for a while and she told him about the ride I was doing and that it was for C.M.N.. Immediately he stopped her and asked if he could show her some pictures of his son Boo. This young boy has been in the New Orleans Children's Network Hospital for over 500 days now, the victim of H1N1 swine flu. He had pictures of his son before contracting this disease and pictures in the hospital showing the progression of his long stay so far. I only wish I could have meet this man. His name is Robert MaddoxIV
He, his wife and family are the epitomy of the term FAITH!!!!!!!
I beg of you to go to this site on YouTube.
also watch this one
Please say no more prayers for me. This ride was personal and spiritual for me in the beginning because of my cousin Stephan , and now it's both personal and spiritual on STERIODS!!!!! This is no longer about me trying to cycle to St Augustine FL. This is about making it possible for kids like Robert Maddox V (Boo) to be able to just ride a bike up and down this own block. I will get to Florida if I have to crawl there with my bike strapped to my back. After reading this please hit your knees and say a special prayer for Boo.
Love Mike
Monday, March 21, 2011
Chapter 24
GOOD BYE TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!
Well we are 90+ miles into our 5th state now, and it's kind of like getting past Hump Day in the work week, you feel like your on the downhill side of the journey now. After some pretty hair raising incidents with country dogs, we are now avoiding most of the smaller county's 'farm to market', or 'ranch to market' roads. Combined with the fact that few of them have shoulders, and most of them are in desperate need of repair, it seemed like a good decision. 2 days ago in Tx. I thought a pit bull was going to end my trip, I have never turn the cranks so and fast in my life, while screaming at the top of my lungs. I was able to out ride his legs, but at one point only about 24 inches separated us. Nice to get back into a stte with milepost markers. The only roads TX. has them on are the interstate freeways. No state or cunt roads we were on had any at all. Two of the things we looked for in TX. were longhorns and armadillos. Didn't see either until we crossed into Louisiana. Lots of road kill in Louisiana, #1 snakes, #2 possums & raccoons # 3 armadillos. Most of the ride today was on a ribbon of hwy cutting through the forests. It was really enjoyable cycling today with the trees helping to cut the wind and provide shade on the shoulders . I don't think the word shade is even in the TX state dictionary. Our goal is to get to St. Francesville tommorrow, which put us back on our original route again.
So long from the "Ragin Cajun" state.
Mike
So long from the "Ragin Cajun" state.
Mike
Chapter 23
As I write this blog this evening, I'm sitting about a half mile west of Deweyville, TX, which is on the line for the Louisiana border.( just could not bring myself to go the extra half mile to get out of TX...."-)))) Getting across TX has been both challenging and rewarding. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy and riding through TX. is a fine example of that statement. Deweyville is on hwy 12 just north and east of Beaumont, TX. With an early start and a cooler more overcast day I was able to make up some miles that I lost yesterday. We are in the land of hardwood threes now, they are starting to bud, but no blossoms yet. Starting to see more marshes & swampy areas, which I'm sure will be the case for quit some time now. As you may have noticed, I have small black pack on the handlebars of the bike and when I'm not wearing the jersey everyone signed that is where it is at, every mile of the journey. Nice to have everyone blocking a little of the wind along the way. Starting to notice more and more humidity each day. Takes some getting used to Eunice, on hwy 190, as always winds permitting. Looking forward to some cajun cuisine and hot sauce!!!!!! Hope everyone is peaceful and well. From thew lone star state---one last time. :-))))))))) Nighty night
MIke
MIke
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Chapter 22
Got an early start this morning out of Navasota. It was a cool morning, but we're still experiencing head winds. Still riding through nice ranch country, but starting to see a few magnolia trees amongst the pines. Went by lake Conroe on our way to Cleveland ( no not Ohio).it was Saturday, the lake was really busy. Close to Cleveland there is a community called Cut & Shoot. Sounds like great nicknames for two of our managers on the merchandise crew at Costco. I'll let your imagination fill in the blanks. I wasn't able to get quite as far as I had hoped today-who knows, I may be eligible for medicare by the time I get to Louisiana. I can't tell you how nice it is to hear responses to the blog. They remind me of letters from home when I was in Viet Nam. Please keep em' coming-they are good for my soul and even better for tiring legs. My wife is still spoiling me and I am forever in her debt for her devotion to my dream. When I first started riding in California it was exciting and now that I've been on the road for three weeks it feels more spiritual, especially while riding on quiet stretches , when all you hear are the breezes and your tires rolling along the pavement. gives you time to reflect on family & friends, both past and present. I'm so thankful to have them.
Sweet dreams, Buckaroos
Mike
Sweet dreams, Buckaroos
Mike
Friday, March 18, 2011
Chapter 21
Sorry Sis but this is the best I could do in getting an armadillo. Running out of Texas and still have not seen a real one. Locals say they are everywhere.
As we got ready to leave Bastrop this morning we decided to go back into town and get breakfast. We had an early start and so we were going to let someone else do the cooking. We enjoyed a nice breakfast and when we got back to the truck we discovered that we had a flat tire on the trailer. By the time we rounded up some tire, got them mounted and got going it was about 9:45. I rode through more ranch country and across the Brazos & Navasota rivers going into Navasota . Another overcast morning which gave way to a clear and pretty warm afternoon, probably 85. We got into Navasota about 4:30 and had " Churches Chicken". Pretty much KFC without the colonel . As you ride into Texas, you don;'t realize how long it takes to ride out of Texas. It seems to never end. We will head for a very small community called Moss Hill ( name not even on the map) tomorrow and then try to make the Texas-Louisiana line by Sunday night. The warm weather is bothering our Golden Retrievers a little, but other than that things are ok. The wide open spaces of West Texas have given away now to shorter distances between communities. The people are still very friendy and helpful and I hope the same stays true in Louisiana.
Good night Y'ALL
Mike
P.S.
Still have not seen any LONGHORNS
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Chapter 20
This is our camp site in Bastrop. Dogs love getting out of the trailer or truck and kicking back.
St Patricks Day!!!! and the luck of the Irish was with me today. the steep hills began to flatten out quite a bit and about 2 1/2 hours into the ride I turned northeast and actually got a pretty decent tailwind! Praise the Lord, as my legs and especially my knees needed an easier ride today. We are in Bastrop State Park in Bastrop TX. We actually have threes, bushes and green grass. There is a really nice golf course next to the park. The morning started out overcast much like the last 2 mornings and again by mid-afternoon the skies cleared up and we were probably near 80 degrees by 4:30. Everyday we seem to get into greener and more lush vegetation which is really nice. If everything goes according to plan, we will spend tonight and then 3 more nights in TX.. The third being right on the Louisiana border with Texas.The towns we went through today were really all american communities. Wimberley, Kyle, Cedar Creek and Bastrop were all clean well kept towns and the hwys had very little litter. The people were friendly and it was a pleasure to interact with them. Their friendly additudes sure reminded me of Montana. They all seem to enjoy bikers coming thru and are very helpful with directions. If you get turned around, and we have done that a few times, they are more than helpful in getting you in the right direction. I hope the pledges are coming in. We are more than halfway so I'm hoping we are in the $5000. range. Will shoot a few pictures to you at Costco and hopefully on the blog.
Football is "king" in TX. You should see the high school football stadium out of Bastrop. I know some small colleges that would be jealous. I'm hoping the kids from Austrailia got into Austin today and got their bike repaired . It would sure be nice to run into them again. Our sights are on Louisiana and I'm anzious to get into the Gulf states.
Again Thanks for all the respones to the blog.
God bless from Bastrop, TX
Mike
St Patricks Day!!!! and the luck of the Irish was with me today. the steep hills began to flatten out quite a bit and about 2 1/2 hours into the ride I turned northeast and actually got a pretty decent tailwind! Praise the Lord, as my legs and especially my knees needed an easier ride today. We are in Bastrop State Park in Bastrop TX. We actually have threes, bushes and green grass. There is a really nice golf course next to the park. The morning started out overcast much like the last 2 mornings and again by mid-afternoon the skies cleared up and we were probably near 80 degrees by 4:30. Everyday we seem to get into greener and more lush vegetation which is really nice. If everything goes according to plan, we will spend tonight and then 3 more nights in TX.. The third being right on the Louisiana border with Texas.The towns we went through today were really all american communities. Wimberley, Kyle, Cedar Creek and Bastrop were all clean well kept towns and the hwys had very little litter. The people were friendly and it was a pleasure to interact with them. Their friendly additudes sure reminded me of Montana. They all seem to enjoy bikers coming thru and are very helpful with directions. If you get turned around, and we have done that a few times, they are more than helpful in getting you in the right direction. I hope the pledges are coming in. We are more than halfway so I'm hoping we are in the $5000. range. Will shoot a few pictures to you at Costco and hopefully on the blog.
Football is "king" in TX. You should see the high school football stadium out of Bastrop. I know some small colleges that would be jealous. I'm hoping the kids from Austrailia got into Austin today and got their bike repaired . It would sure be nice to run into them again. Our sights are on Louisiana and I'm anzious to get into the Gulf states.
Again Thanks for all the respones to the blog.
God bless from Bastrop, TX
Mike
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Chapter 19
Waring population of about 200, but they say this is the best burger joint in town:-)))
As we left this morning from Comfort, TX we had a slight drizzle coming down. Just enough to barely make things damp, and yes the wind was blowing out of the southeast again. still in some very hilly areas and pretty much due south of Austin TX. We went by some very impressive ranches today. About 75% of them were for sale. They seemed to range in size from a mere 60 acres to 600 plus acres. Caught up with the kids from Australia- they were having spike problems on one of their bikes. They made some make-shift adjustments and should be able to get fixed up in Austin, TX shortly. With 18 straight days of riding and the challenging hills and winds the old legs are getting pretty sore. My knee joints ache pretty good tonight. May have to scale back the ride lenghts the next day or two if the winds don't become more favorable. It's nice to have new tires on the bike. Makes riding confidently a lot easier. I'm really starting to miss the gang at the Kalispell Costco. We sure have a great group of people employed there. I'm eating way to well on this trip, as my wife, Vargie, is spoiling me, but I have lost about 7-8 pound. Time to check the back of my eyelids for pinholes.
So long from Wimberley, TX
As we left this morning from Comfort, TX we had a slight drizzle coming down. Just enough to barely make things damp, and yes the wind was blowing out of the southeast again. still in some very hilly areas and pretty much due south of Austin TX. We went by some very impressive ranches today. About 75% of them were for sale. They seemed to range in size from a mere 60 acres to 600 plus acres. Caught up with the kids from Australia- they were having spike problems on one of their bikes. They made some make-shift adjustments and should be able to get fixed up in Austin, TX shortly. With 18 straight days of riding and the challenging hills and winds the old legs are getting pretty sore. My knee joints ache pretty good tonight. May have to scale back the ride lenghts the next day or two if the winds don't become more favorable. It's nice to have new tires on the bike. Makes riding confidently a lot easier. I'm really starting to miss the gang at the Kalispell Costco. We sure have a great group of people employed there. I'm eating way to well on this trip, as my wife, Vargie, is spoiling me, but I have lost about 7-8 pound. Time to check the back of my eyelids for pinholes.
So long from Wimberley, TX
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Chapter 18
We lit out of Ozona about 9:00 am this morning, and you guessed it straight into the teeth of some headwinds:-((( maybe the look on my face says it all. First I cursed at them, then I prayed they would go away, and then I cursed some more. When I finally got over my small tantrum and just accepted the fact that there was nothing I could do then I was alright. Only went about 80 miles today and I'm so glad we stopped in Comfort , TX. Vargie peeled off the route and went into Kerrville, TX and got me some new tires and tubes. When we got in tonight, I put on my new tires, so I guess you could say I " Re-Tired in Comfort" ! We met some kids from Australia who were also cycling and they left San Diego about 10-12 days before we did. They are riding the same route we are, but are headed north to Austin for a few days to spend time with some friends. We asked them to join us for dinner and they were happy to accept. Nice to chat with them. Extremely nice kids, may god bless them and may they have an unforgettable trip. We are in the hills of TX now and just slightly west of and mostly north of San Antonio. I haven't done the math, but I think we are at least half way through TX now. More water and vegetation in this area- nice to see a little more green off the side of the road. Headed for Wimberley , TX in the morning
Ge good out there because the "The Eyes of Texas are upon You"
Mike
Ge good out there because the "The Eyes of Texas are upon You"
Mike
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