Dear Mr Obama,
I would like to thank you for whatever you did........ but we managed to complete the entire trans Am route without a single dog attack! Not all our friends were so lucky but we made it!
I would also like to congratulate you on your wonderful post office network across the entire country and also the excellent libraries, without which I could not have done my blog. Thank you.
I would like also to mention the wonderful people we met on our travels. Everyone was so interested in what we were doing and where we were from and nobody was short of words of friendly advice.
The American motel network is excellent too, offering low price and almost always good accommodation along the route.
Not every town has a motel so we were very grateful to the various churches who filled a gap by offering accommodation when there was nothing else. Such kindness is much appreciated. Another wonderful service is Hot Showers, an organisation which offers free hospitality to cyclists in need.
The traffic on American roads is not always cyclist friendly but we had no mishaps and so many people rolled down their windows and greeted us to the U.S and gave us a thumbs up!
Many people find it difficult to say a good word about McDonalds but we can only praise them. .... brilliant air conditioning,free wifi, free iced water and ice cubes for our water bottles.We also had lunch for 2 dollars each and enjoyed the many free refills!
The American adventure cycling association also deserves a mention . They are the ones responsible for devising this cycle route for nutters like us!!! Should they be praised or locked up??? I don't know!
I know you have a lot on your plate Mr Obama, but you're doing a great job. You sorted out the dogs for us, you are trying to sort out the economy for your people, any chance of an award for us because it was one long ride and we feel we deserve something for our efforts!!
We made a special detour to Washington DC to thank you personally but you weren't home that day. If you ever come to Wales there will always be a welcome for you and your family in our very own White House.
Fondest regards,
Mary and Dermot xx
Saturday 18 September 2010
SOME FACTS
It took us 81 days to cycle over 4250 miles.
We were on the road for a total of 92 days (13 weeks).
We had 11 days off. On 2 of those days off we cycled up to 30 miles but counted them as rest days as we arrived at our destination so early in the day.
We were on the road for a total of 92 days (13 weeks).
We had 11 days off. On 2 of those days off we cycled up to 30 miles but counted them as rest days as we arrived at our destination so early in the day.
Wednesday 8 September 2010
WEEK 13
Sunday 29th Aug till Sun 5th Sept
The last week at long last! We finally met up with Dave and Linda after hearing about them many times along the way. Dave , at the ripe old age of 70 is riding a Penny Farthing bicycle from Kansas City to Yorktown. Twenty four years ago he did the first half of the route and he decided it was time to finish it! His other talent is fiddle playing! We spent a great evening at John and Paige's place where Dave entertained us all with his fiddle playing. John is a fellow trans Am cyclist whom we met early on in the trip and hadn't seen him since July 4th in Montana.
We really cycled hard this week to reach the end on schedule. The weather was hotter than last week which also made it harder. On at least three days and maybe more we cycled for 1o hours a day, even in temperatures of up to 100 degrees. It was the challenge of a lifetime but we finally reached our goal, Yorktown ,at noon on Sunday 5th September. We cycled right up to the Victory monument and there the Big Bike Ride ended!
I will finish up with wise words I came across on a fortune cookie "TAKE THE CHANCE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE CHOICE" .
I hope our achievement will inspire others to do things they never imagined they would be able to do as I have done. I had never in my life done a bike touring holiday (I use that word loosely!!) and had hardly ridden at all in nearly 30 years apart from a few day trips so I feel that most people could achieve most things if they really set their mind to it. All it takes is blind determination and a will of steel and you're halfway there!
The last week at long last! We finally met up with Dave and Linda after hearing about them many times along the way. Dave , at the ripe old age of 70 is riding a Penny Farthing bicycle from Kansas City to Yorktown. Twenty four years ago he did the first half of the route and he decided it was time to finish it! His other talent is fiddle playing! We spent a great evening at John and Paige's place where Dave entertained us all with his fiddle playing. John is a fellow trans Am cyclist whom we met early on in the trip and hadn't seen him since July 4th in Montana.
We really cycled hard this week to reach the end on schedule. The weather was hotter than last week which also made it harder. On at least three days and maybe more we cycled for 1o hours a day, even in temperatures of up to 100 degrees. It was the challenge of a lifetime but we finally reached our goal, Yorktown ,at noon on Sunday 5th September. We cycled right up to the Victory monument and there the Big Bike Ride ended!
I will finish up with wise words I came across on a fortune cookie "TAKE THE CHANCE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE CHOICE" .
I hope our achievement will inspire others to do things they never imagined they would be able to do as I have done. I had never in my life done a bike touring holiday (I use that word loosely!!) and had hardly ridden at all in nearly 30 years apart from a few day trips so I feel that most people could achieve most things if they really set their mind to it. All it takes is blind determination and a will of steel and you're halfway there!
Wednesday 1 September 2010
WEEK 12
Starting sun 22nd Aug.
Well we had been warned that the worst part of Kentucky with regard to dogs was from Berea on and I reckon thats correct. I would guess that every household in Kentucky has at least one dog and probably most have about four. Many dogs chased us but so far we have come to no harm. You see we devised a system.... Dermot would go a bit ahead as a sort of a dog scout. The plan is as follows; If he is just standing and doing nothing then he's waiting for me; if he has his right arm raised then theres a dog on the right and left arm raised, then dog on the left. This gives me time to get my foot out of the cleat (pedal clasp) and be ready to jump off and confront the beast! Usually a firm reprimand is sufficient and we're on our way again. We did have a couple of nasty ones though....one horrible little dog ran out at us with his mouth and teeth all covered in grass; his starter I guess before a nice juicy Irish ankle or two! We soon sent him packing, we weren't having any of it! Then two Dobermans the size of donkeys rushed out at me but were called back by their owner before I was eaten alive. Another lucky escape! Sometimes our plan doesn't work as the dogs miss Dermot and he doesn't see them but by the time I'm on the scene they are waiting to pounce and let me tell you the silent runner is the worst! The loud barker lets you know he's there but the silent runner gets you unawares!
The most interesting thing about this past week has been our accommodation, We really have slept in quite bizarre places! We had a night at Linda's Victorian Rose B&B found it a little strange. In all my life I have never seen so many ornaments and plastic flowers, the whole house and garden was full to bursting! Linda's husband was buried in the garden and I felt it rather odd that she had her own name already engraved on the headstone....all ready and waiting. Creepy!
Our next two nights were at Camp Conrad Weiser in Wernersville Pennsylvania (Ceri's camp). We had a 14 hour drive to get there but it was lovely to see her and see a new stste!
Our next B&B was in a tent! It was run by a man called David on behalf of the Historical Society. We were welcomed with ice cold glasses of iced tea. then shown our tent! Our 50 bucks included Baked potatoes with lovely fillings, an amazing ice cream sundae, lots of ice tea and nibbles, and before bed we had poitin(the Kentucky equivalent anyway) and also blackberry brandy. All in all it was a lovely night and we slept very well.
We had a night in a very cheap (38 dollars) motel with the most cigarette burns ever on the bed spread, the rest of it was threadbare! Crisp white sheets though so not all bad!
Then we had 2 nights in church accommodation. The first was in a Methodist church house which was lovely only it didn't have any beds! It was a night on a hard floor. I was tempted to sleep in the actual church which had a thick red carpet but thought it might be the wrong thing to do! Our cycling mate Heidi turned up again and also a boy called Will so we all shared the floor together, though actually Heidi slept on the table!!
From there we went to a Baptist Hostel described as a bunkhouse, now I would think that bunkhouse implied beds to sleep in....not quite!!!! Wooden bunks,NO mattresses!!! Still lots of pillows were supplied and as we were the only ones there we made pillow mattresses which worked a treat as long as you didn't toss and turn! We went to the restaurant nearby and as we saw beer in the fridge we cheeered up and ordered 2 beers only to be told that they can't be served in the restaurant on a Sunday so we had to buy them and go outside to drink them and then come back for our food!!!What an ordeal! This really is a very strange country!!We couldn't take any back with us to the mattress free zone as alcohol was banned there so it was another very early night!
This past week the weather has been much better for cycling, well down in the eighties and so much more enjoyable.
We left Kentucky and entered Virginia out tenth and final state on Saturday 28th August. We can see why Virginia creeper is called that! Its all green and hilly and covered in leaves as far as the eye can see!! The hills are steep here too but the scenery is very pretty and varied. Photos will follow!
Well we had been warned that the worst part of Kentucky with regard to dogs was from Berea on and I reckon thats correct. I would guess that every household in Kentucky has at least one dog and probably most have about four. Many dogs chased us but so far we have come to no harm. You see we devised a system.... Dermot would go a bit ahead as a sort of a dog scout. The plan is as follows; If he is just standing and doing nothing then he's waiting for me; if he has his right arm raised then theres a dog on the right and left arm raised, then dog on the left. This gives me time to get my foot out of the cleat (pedal clasp) and be ready to jump off and confront the beast! Usually a firm reprimand is sufficient and we're on our way again. We did have a couple of nasty ones though....one horrible little dog ran out at us with his mouth and teeth all covered in grass; his starter I guess before a nice juicy Irish ankle or two! We soon sent him packing, we weren't having any of it! Then two Dobermans the size of donkeys rushed out at me but were called back by their owner before I was eaten alive. Another lucky escape! Sometimes our plan doesn't work as the dogs miss Dermot and he doesn't see them but by the time I'm on the scene they are waiting to pounce and let me tell you the silent runner is the worst! The loud barker lets you know he's there but the silent runner gets you unawares!
The most interesting thing about this past week has been our accommodation, We really have slept in quite bizarre places! We had a night at Linda's Victorian Rose B&B found it a little strange. In all my life I have never seen so many ornaments and plastic flowers, the whole house and garden was full to bursting! Linda's husband was buried in the garden and I felt it rather odd that she had her own name already engraved on the headstone....all ready and waiting. Creepy!
Our next two nights were at Camp Conrad Weiser in Wernersville Pennsylvania (Ceri's camp). We had a 14 hour drive to get there but it was lovely to see her and see a new stste!
Our next B&B was in a tent! It was run by a man called David on behalf of the Historical Society. We were welcomed with ice cold glasses of iced tea. then shown our tent! Our 50 bucks included Baked potatoes with lovely fillings, an amazing ice cream sundae, lots of ice tea and nibbles, and before bed we had poitin(the Kentucky equivalent anyway) and also blackberry brandy. All in all it was a lovely night and we slept very well.
We had a night in a very cheap (38 dollars) motel with the most cigarette burns ever on the bed spread, the rest of it was threadbare! Crisp white sheets though so not all bad!
Then we had 2 nights in church accommodation. The first was in a Methodist church house which was lovely only it didn't have any beds! It was a night on a hard floor. I was tempted to sleep in the actual church which had a thick red carpet but thought it might be the wrong thing to do! Our cycling mate Heidi turned up again and also a boy called Will so we all shared the floor together, though actually Heidi slept on the table!!
From there we went to a Baptist Hostel described as a bunkhouse, now I would think that bunkhouse implied beds to sleep in....not quite!!!! Wooden bunks,NO mattresses!!! Still lots of pillows were supplied and as we were the only ones there we made pillow mattresses which worked a treat as long as you didn't toss and turn! We went to the restaurant nearby and as we saw beer in the fridge we cheeered up and ordered 2 beers only to be told that they can't be served in the restaurant on a Sunday so we had to buy them and go outside to drink them and then come back for our food!!!What an ordeal! This really is a very strange country!!We couldn't take any back with us to the mattress free zone as alcohol was banned there so it was another very early night!
This past week the weather has been much better for cycling, well down in the eighties and so much more enjoyable.
We left Kentucky and entered Virginia out tenth and final state on Saturday 28th August. We can see why Virginia creeper is called that! Its all green and hilly and covered in leaves as far as the eye can see!! The hills are steep here too but the scenery is very pretty and varied. Photos will follow!
Saturday 21 August 2010
WEEK 11
We awoke at about 4 am on Sunday 15th August to a very loud thunderstorm! Continuous thunder and lightning and lashing rain. Our early start was delayed by about 2 hours due to the weather and also we had to wait for the water in the river to go down as it flooded the road and we couldn't get past! We had breakfast in a more leisurely fashion ,which was nice ,and eventually thanked Al and Ann and set off on our travels.
We cycled to Elizabethtown, a most beautiful little place on the banks of the Ohio river and booked into the Grand Rose Hotel. It was definitely the nicest place we've been in so far. Quite spectacular as can be seen in the photos.We had our own suite, a tv in the sitting room and also one in the bedroom!! A four poster bed! Everything was spot on! A brilliant breakfast too!
Next day we went to another lovely place called Cave in Rock and from there we took the free ferry across the Ohio into Kentucky, our 9th state. We spent that night in a DRY town called Marion. Dermot was gasping for a cold beer and as luck had it ,he met a chap just out of prison (he killed his father!), who had beer and insisted on sharing with us. We had a very strange and interesting conversation with him!
On Tuesday we availed of the free cyclists accommodation at the Baptist church in Sebree. Our hosts, Bob and Violet were so kind to us. They do it all out of the goodness of their hearts. There was also one other cyclist there, Brendan from Philadelphia. We all slept on mattresses on the floor in the youth centre, had a free laundry,use of kitchen, wifi and air conditioning... and to top it all, Violet insisted on feeding us our dinner and what a feast that was! Wonderful!
Wednesday was a long day,70 miles to Falls of Rough and a motel that offered bicyclist rates and had a lovely pool.
Thursday 75 miles to Lincoln's birthplace where we spent the night in a very rustic cabin. Every place is so different! On the way there we went to an Amish house to buy some tomatoes for our lunch. Had a great chat with the locals there, everyone is so curious as to why we are cycling!! I just say' cos we're nuts!' The Amish Mum and kids were all barefoot and dressed in their traditional clothing.
We came via Danville to Berea and to the end of map 10. Another milestone. I think we have less than 800 miles to go now. I have just had my hair done in a salon in Berea by Sueann and the time flew by with all the interesting chat. I love the Kentucky accent! We are staying in the historic Boone Tavern in the centre of Berea. Unfortunately its yet another DRY town! Most of Kentucky seems to be against alcohol yet its the bourbon capital of the world!! Lets hope they like a drink in Virginia, our next and last state....in a few days time.
We are taking a few days off next week and hiring a car to go and visit Ceri in Pennsylvania.
We cycled to Elizabethtown, a most beautiful little place on the banks of the Ohio river and booked into the Grand Rose Hotel. It was definitely the nicest place we've been in so far. Quite spectacular as can be seen in the photos.We had our own suite, a tv in the sitting room and also one in the bedroom!! A four poster bed! Everything was spot on! A brilliant breakfast too!
Next day we went to another lovely place called Cave in Rock and from there we took the free ferry across the Ohio into Kentucky, our 9th state. We spent that night in a DRY town called Marion. Dermot was gasping for a cold beer and as luck had it ,he met a chap just out of prison (he killed his father!), who had beer and insisted on sharing with us. We had a very strange and interesting conversation with him!
On Tuesday we availed of the free cyclists accommodation at the Baptist church in Sebree. Our hosts, Bob and Violet were so kind to us. They do it all out of the goodness of their hearts. There was also one other cyclist there, Brendan from Philadelphia. We all slept on mattresses on the floor in the youth centre, had a free laundry,use of kitchen, wifi and air conditioning... and to top it all, Violet insisted on feeding us our dinner and what a feast that was! Wonderful!
Wednesday was a long day,70 miles to Falls of Rough and a motel that offered bicyclist rates and had a lovely pool.
Thursday 75 miles to Lincoln's birthplace where we spent the night in a very rustic cabin. Every place is so different! On the way there we went to an Amish house to buy some tomatoes for our lunch. Had a great chat with the locals there, everyone is so curious as to why we are cycling!! I just say' cos we're nuts!' The Amish Mum and kids were all barefoot and dressed in their traditional clothing.
We came via Danville to Berea and to the end of map 10. Another milestone. I think we have less than 800 miles to go now. I have just had my hair done in a salon in Berea by Sueann and the time flew by with all the interesting chat. I love the Kentucky accent! We are staying in the historic Boone Tavern in the centre of Berea. Unfortunately its yet another DRY town! Most of Kentucky seems to be against alcohol yet its the bourbon capital of the world!! Lets hope they like a drink in Virginia, our next and last state....in a few days time.
We are taking a few days off next week and hiring a car to go and visit Ceri in Pennsylvania.
Monday 16 August 2010
Friday 13 August 2010
Monday 9 August 2010
Week 10
Beginning Sunday 8th August. (day 64)
On Saturday and Sunday we were lucky to come upon great places to swim in rivers along the way. One was called Dogs Bluff and the Piney river ! Great names! will upload photos. This was just outside the town of Houston, Missouri.
We spent a night in a hunting lodge which we had all to ourselves and all for 40 dollars!! The owner, Bill Cork, was so hospitable.... he told us to help ourselves to beer from the fridge and if we want to go to the shop his truck was at our disposal!! We didn't use it though!It was a really nice place,one of the best. For the benefit of other cyclists its called Running Spring Farm and is just outside Everton.
We have met up again with Jim and Kathy once again, we hadn't seen them in weeks!
Heidi has decided to quit the Trans Am and has headed off to New Jersey on the train.We cycled through a large part of Missouri inhabited by the Mennonites.They are like the Amish community. They can be seen travelling in pony and carts and doing lots of manual work. They dress in old fashioned clothes and really look strange.
A highlight of the trip was crossing the Mississippi river and arriving into Illinois at a town called Chester. Chester is famous as it is the home of Popeye! We have had two thunder storms in Illinois....lots of thunder and lightning!
We had a day in Carbondale while our bikes were at the bike shop. Dermot finally bought a new wheel after cycling on the broken spoke for over 300 miles!! I had a new tyre and my gears checked over.
We left Carbondale this morning when the storm eased and tonight we are staying with Al and Anne Stachowiak.We are using an organisation called Warm Showers who kindly allow cyclists to either have a shower,camp in the garden or have a room for the night! We are so lucky we have a beautiful room, we've just been swimming in their pool and then relaxed on the deck with a cold beer!! We phoned and asked if they could help us as the distance to the next accommodation was too far for us to do in this heat. We have really hit lucky!
Its been a hot week but the forecast for next week is to be slightly cooler. Lets hope they're right cos we can't take much more heat! Must dash now ....Anne's peach cobbler is calling!!!!
I forgot to mention humming birds! I had never come across them before, they are lovely little birds that hum and people hang up bottles of sweet water to feed them and then sit and watch them. I have a photo......
We spent a night in a hunting lodge which we had all to ourselves and all for 40 dollars!! The owner, Bill Cork, was so hospitable.... he told us to help ourselves to beer from the fridge and if we want to go to the shop his truck was at our disposal!! We didn't use it though!It was a really nice place,one of the best. For the benefit of other cyclists its called Running Spring Farm and is just outside Everton.
We have met up again with Jim and Kathy once again, we hadn't seen them in weeks!
Heidi has decided to quit the Trans Am and has headed off to New Jersey on the train.We cycled through a large part of Missouri inhabited by the Mennonites.They are like the Amish community. They can be seen travelling in pony and carts and doing lots of manual work. They dress in old fashioned clothes and really look strange.
A highlight of the trip was crossing the Mississippi river and arriving into Illinois at a town called Chester. Chester is famous as it is the home of Popeye! We have had two thunder storms in Illinois....lots of thunder and lightning!
We had a day in Carbondale while our bikes were at the bike shop. Dermot finally bought a new wheel after cycling on the broken spoke for over 300 miles!! I had a new tyre and my gears checked over.
We left Carbondale this morning when the storm eased and tonight we are staying with Al and Anne Stachowiak.We are using an organisation called Warm Showers who kindly allow cyclists to either have a shower,camp in the garden or have a room for the night! We are so lucky we have a beautiful room, we've just been swimming in their pool and then relaxed on the deck with a cold beer!! We phoned and asked if they could help us as the distance to the next accommodation was too far for us to do in this heat. We have really hit lucky!
Its been a hot week but the forecast for next week is to be slightly cooler. Lets hope they're right cos we can't take much more heat! Must dash now ....Anne's peach cobbler is calling!!!!
I forgot to mention humming birds! I had never come across them before, they are lovely little birds that hum and people hang up bottles of sweet water to feed them and then sit and watch them. I have a photo......
Tuesday 3 August 2010
Week 9
Three days have passed since I was last updating the blog but as we are taking a rest day in Pittsburg, Kansas, and I have access to a computer, I will add a little more. The weather has been getting unbearably hot and very high humidity too which makes it feel much hotter still! The last 3 days have been very hard because of the heat (over 100 degrees every day) and also we did eleven days straight through without a break and all with relatively high milage,70+,60+ and 50+.. Yesterday I definitely had a touch of sunstroke... After five hours or so we reached a town called Girard and went straight into a Subway restaurant. I was literally on my last legs and kind Joanne who works there offered to get me a ride to Pittsburg, 14 miles away (our destination) Iwas sweating and boiling hot and shivering all at the same time but after some iced tea, a sandwich and lots of water and the benefits of air conditioning, I felt I could continue. However 9 miles later it got to me again and I resorted to hitching a lift the last 5 miles.Dermot cycled it!!! I was beat!! We booked into a great motel, Lamplighter Inn and suites and now I am feeling fine again! The pool, air conditioning and just resting is pure luxury! Dermot is suffering with his back and is walking like an old man and refusing all my medical advice!! We're gettin a bit rough round the edges at this stage.
Yesterday morning we had a difficult time getting through miles of roadworks, luckily I only fell off once! (see photos)
Dermot has ridden with a broken spoke for the past 3 days and could do nothing about it as there was no bike shop. He has gone now to have it fixed in Pittsburg.
We have a new cycling friend called Heidi. Our other mate Russell had an accident, a car overtaking on the inside clipped him and he now has a broken finger so isn't riding for a few days!
Will continue with this as week goes on....
Continuation of week 9
After two days rest in pittsburg, in the best motel ever, we set off once again to cover some miles. Missouri is like a continuous roller coaster, hills, hills and more hills! A big chcnge from flat Kansas! It is more difficult also for cycling as there is no hard shoulder and its hard for the cars to see us when we are down in the dips. We had two drivers shout at us to get off the road....not so friendly. On the other hand we have had drivers stop and ask us where we're from and then welcome us to America! Mixed reception!
Both in Kansas and in Missouri we have seen huge numbers of armadillos killed on the roads. Anyone who is interested and doesn't know what they look like, then google them as they are the most amazing looking creatures. There are millions of turtles here too. The first one I saw on the road I picked up and took it to safety but I no longer do that as there are so many of them.
Another interesting sight here is groups of wild turkeys! Never seen wild ones before!
Dogs are a nuisance in this state and there was me thinking I was safe till I got to Kentucky!! Our friend Heidi was pulled down by one but luckily was rescued by drivers passing by!Since her encounter I have invested in a pepper spray which is supposed to keep them at bay! I just hope I never have to use it.
For over a week now there have been warnings on the TV about the heat and telling people not to take excessive exercise and to keep their coolants at the ready!!! Temperatures have dropped from the 100's to the high 90's....
Yesterday morning we had a difficult time getting through miles of roadworks, luckily I only fell off once! (see photos)
Dermot has ridden with a broken spoke for the past 3 days and could do nothing about it as there was no bike shop. He has gone now to have it fixed in Pittsburg.
We have a new cycling friend called Heidi. Our other mate Russell had an accident, a car overtaking on the inside clipped him and he now has a broken finger so isn't riding for a few days!
Will continue with this as week goes on....
Continuation of week 9
After two days rest in pittsburg, in the best motel ever, we set off once again to cover some miles. Missouri is like a continuous roller coaster, hills, hills and more hills! A big chcnge from flat Kansas! It is more difficult also for cycling as there is no hard shoulder and its hard for the cars to see us when we are down in the dips. We had two drivers shout at us to get off the road....not so friendly. On the other hand we have had drivers stop and ask us where we're from and then welcome us to America! Mixed reception!
Both in Kansas and in Missouri we have seen huge numbers of armadillos killed on the roads. Anyone who is interested and doesn't know what they look like, then google them as they are the most amazing looking creatures. There are millions of turtles here too. The first one I saw on the road I picked up and took it to safety but I no longer do that as there are so many of them.
Another interesting sight here is groups of wild turkeys! Never seen wild ones before!
Dogs are a nuisance in this state and there was me thinking I was safe till I got to Kentucky!! Our friend Heidi was pulled down by one but luckily was rescued by drivers passing by!Since her encounter I have invested in a pepper spray which is supposed to keep them at bay! I just hope I never have to use it.
For over a week now there have been warnings on the TV about the heat and telling people not to take excessive exercise and to keep their coolants at the ready!!! Temperatures have dropped from the 100's to the high 90's....
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