Will's Bicycle Adventure
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Day Twenty one--Sunday, June 15th
Mood:  lazy
Now Playing: I could get used to this.

Today was very similar to yesterday.  Resting and eating, with a little extracurricular activity or two thrown in. 

There is a fascinating exhibit at the Grizzley and Wolf Discovery Center, a block from where I am staying.  Besides indoor exhibits to help one learn more about bears and wolves, there were two large outdoor areas, one containing four gray wolves, and one containing two grizzlies.  On Saturday, the grizzlies were quite active, even getting into a territorial fight.  The wolves were too smart to be active in the afternoon heat.

After breakfast I headed to the Discovery Center to see if the wolves would be active.  They were.  I took a number of photos, then headed to church for bible study and worship.

Tomorrow, I'll be back on the road again.  A surprise got thrown my way, and it is my own darned fault.  The campground which I planned to camp tomorrow night is closed for another week.  The only alternative that I have been able to find is 71-72 miles from West Yellowstone, not the distance I like, especially in light of the climbing that I will have to do.  The ride through Yellowstone starts at an elevation lf 6,700'.  I will have to climb over Craig Pass at 8,261, then cross the Continental Divide twice at 8,391' and 7,988'.  I will likely not be able to stop at Old Faithful or anything else that looks interesting.  It doesn't sound like a fun day, but I hope to enjoy the scenery through the Park.   It will be several days before I have a chance to update this journal.


Posted by willmcmahan at 12:01 AM PDT
Updated: Wednesday, 18 June 2008 5:21 PM PDT
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Saturday, 14 June 2008

Mood:  d'oh

Cousin Will,

We're still planning on seeing you in Estes Park on July 1st. I'm keeping the hot tub warm for you.

Trail Ridge Road has been closed off and on due to some late spring snows. But I was up there shovelling this morning so it's open now.

I'm filled with admiration for you for taking on this epic journey. It's great that you're still on schedule. I have just one piece of advice for you: watch out for rattle snakes on the road as you cross Wyoming.

See you soon.

Cousin Dick Cross

 


Posted by rmcrossaf at 12:20 PM PDT
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Day Twenty--Saturday, June 14th
Mood:  hungry
Now Playing: A Restful Day

Slept.  Ate.  Fixed the bike.  Rested.  Ate.  Watched live grizzlies in captivity.  Ate.  Rested.  Hot tubbed.  Stretched.  Ate.  Napped.  Ate.  Watched movie.  Went to bed.

Will McMahan


Posted by willmcmahan at 12:01 AM PDT
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Friday, 13 June 2008
Day Nineteen-Friday, June 13th
Mood:  a-ok
Now Playing: The Longest Day

Today was not going to be a difficult one.  It was 64 miles, with 1,700' of elevation gain. After the last few days, I was looking forward to today.  The views were supposed to be great and I had a very nice time-share room awaiting me at the other end.  Plus, this being my sixth day of riding, I was going to treat myself to two days of rest.

Delena had been gracious enough the day before to call some friends of hers and ask is they could put me up last night, which they agreed to.  Jack Finley and Jenn Doney were wonderful hosts, and treated me like family.  Besides their considerable artistic talent, they were interesting and fun folks.

Jack made the perfect breakfast for a touring bicyclist:  pancakes, eggs, sausage and orange juice.  I was able to test out Jack's theory that Jenn makes the strongest coffee in the world.  They were such nice people, and I was in no hurry to leave with such a short day ahead.  They left for work and I had some business to attend to, regarding my mother's finances, then I packed up and left at 9 AM.

There were likely not going to be any restaurants or general stores open until getting close to West Yellowstone, so I picked up a sandwich in Ennis for the road.  There was a small town (this typically means a general store/cafe/bar/campsites) up the road called Cameron.  West Yellowstone, here I come!

The first indication of trouble came quickly.  For the first time since leaving Colville I was riding into a strong headwind.  Between that and the slight elevation gain, I  was going much much slower than normal.  It is frustrating because not only does one have to pedal harder while going slower, but it means that  hours of pedalling will be added to the day.  Furthermore, I was under the impression that the distance was 64 miles.  It was 71.  I arrived in Cameron, the place 11 miles up the road.  It was 11 AM.  I was averaging about 6-6.5 mph.  Quick math showed that I would be lucky to get to West Yellowstone by 8-9 PM, if I could last that long.

My new strategy was to pedal consistently, not too hard and not too gently, and take fast breaks with no delays.  I hoped that the headwind would go away at some point.

Cameron had littled to choose from on the shelf, but I took what I thought might give me a little energy including some milk.  I gobbled everything down and got going.  An hour later, still into the headwind, I took a break.  Half a sandwich, a handful of trail mix and lots of water and I was on the road again.  This  was going to be a looong day.

The road was set up so that the bicycler had a rumble strip between the rider and the white line.   Unfortunately, the shoulder left to ride on varied between 18-24", not much if one wanted to look around at all.  I had to focus on the narrow shoulder or else find my self getting "rumble stripped" or in troulbe on the right in soft gravel.  Whatever panoramas were there, I was not able to enjoy as much as normal.

By the 25th or 30th mile the road had changed direction enough to minimize the headwind.  The climbing continued.  Five minute breaks every 1-1 1/2 hours.  I ran out of water but there was plenty around.  Slowly but surely I ran out of snack food, but I tried to space it so that I would be in West Yellowstone at that point.  The last 8 miles were into a strong headwind again, but who cares at that point.

When I arrived at West Yellowstone, it was 6:15 PM.  Of the 9 1/4 hours since I left near Ennis, at least 8 1/2 of it was solid, determined pedalling.  I don't remember being so exhausted.  Maybe the long previous day, or the combination of 4 mountain passes in the three previous days, helped to wear me down, but I was very, very tired.  And very hungry.

Of course, a hot shower and food in the belle helps!   Now I could do laundry (and boy, some of my clothes were in drastic need of laundering), rest, have lots of time to work on stretching with pilates, rest, eat, and rest.

I sure miss Karen.

This past week was a memorable one.  Great vistas.  Wonderful people.  Interesting challenges.  Every day was fun excepting today.

Oh, I almost forgot.  My odometer passed the 1,000 mile mark.  That means that of the 3,800 mile trip, I am over a quarter of the way to Raleigh.  Pleasant dreams.

Will McMahan

 


Posted by willmcmahan at 12:01 AM PDT
Updated: Monday, 30 June 2008 3:43 PM PDT
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Thursday, 12 June 2008
We're all cheering for you Will
Mood:  incredulous
Now Playing: The Rain in Spain ...
We read your journal every day and love being a part of your trip.. Just imagine the whole office sitting on your handlebars... oh well, forget that!   Even Katharine loves hearing your stories... Keep safe and have fun, too.  Love you... Sharon and Cindy +++

Posted by sharonreighharriss at 3:33 PM PDT
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Day Eighteen-Thursday, June 12th
Mood:  energetic
Now Playing: Is there enough gas in the tank?

I was up when Roger came downstairs to announce today's weather report.  The good news:  it was 34 degrees outside.  Definitely a warming trend.  Seriously.  The bad news:  possible thunderstorms and snow.

As I was packing up my gear, Roger brought his bicycle out and started getting it ready to ride, pumping up the tires etc.  Shoulder injuries has limited his bicycling of late, but we were going to ride several miles out of town together.

When we walked outside to depart , the sky was blue with a few clouds.  It was so warm, in fact, that I took off my jacket and rode wearing my longsleeved turtleneck.  That didn't last to long.

My first stop, Twin Bridges, was 28 miles up the road (down the road would be a more appropriate description, as the road had a slight downhill grade), and I was ready for an early lunch.  I ordered the special:  a Pastie.  Pasties are a dish that is popular in this area, originated in Butte (brought in by miners).  This particular pastie was made of hamburger, potatoes, carrots and stuff, cooked in a pie shell, and coated with gravy.  It had to have been 8" long, and was more than I could eat.

With the exception of the last few miles past the pass, the rest of the trip was slower, going back uphill, more so as I approached Virginia City.  Ten miles and a quick stop in Sheridan.  15 more and a break in Alder.  A short break in Virginia City, a town much like Bannack, with preserved buildings from the gold rush days.  Then another pass to climb, this one not being dignified with a name.  I can think of several names that would be appropriate but none repeatable.  It seemed steep.  Maybe I was just tired.

With great directions, I found the home of Jack Finley and Jennifer Doney.  It is high up on the hillside with a stunning view of the valley and mountains.  He has many skills and is currently delivering propane.  She is the Postmistress of Ennis.  They are artists in their own right and have some beautiful pieces on display at home.

We had an enjoyable evening, and I was blessed with an opportunity to catch up on this journal. 

Tomorrow will be West Yellowstone, knock on wood.  It is supposed to be a beautiful 64 mile ride, increasing in elevation until I get there.  Ennis is at 5,000'.  West Yellowstone is around 6,700'.

Did you notice no mention of the weather?  No thunderstorms, snow or rain.  Just a chilly wind.  A warming front is supposed to be coming in.  It will be interesting to see how that affects things.

Will McMahan

 

 


Posted by willmcmahan at 12:01 AM PDT
Updated: Monday, 30 June 2008 3:35 PM PDT
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Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Wednesday June 11, 2008

Hi Cousin! Great to talk with you on Saturday! I am thrilled to follow along on your adventure. I know you will make your NC goal, Enjoy the journey!

Safe travels,

Mike


Posted by olliedeux at 4:06 PM PDT
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rabbits
Mood:  quizzical

I just read your postings, well scanned them. Haven't you had any run-ins with some crazy rabbit or bear or something?

 Hope you are having a great time!

WT


Posted by wwrege at 6:42 AM PDT
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Day Seventeen-Wednesday, June 11th
Mood:  not sure
Now Playing: Could I make it over both passes?

There was no sense in getting up too early because the earliest I could eat breakfast would be around 7:30 AM.  There was about an inch of snow on the ground, none on the road.  Hmm.  Maybe I can make it over the passes after all.

My new Jackson Hole friends, Jim and Betty Walton, were leaving at 9:30 AM, so here was my plan.  I would leave at 8:30 AM, knowing that if something went wrong, they would be coming by a little over an hour later, and could rescue me.

It was 11 miles to Big Hole Pass.  Hardly anyone was on the roads.  At     8:40 I took off.  It was windy and snowing, just like yesterday.  I made good time, hoping to make the summit by 10:30.  A little over 2 miles from the pass, Jim and Betty eased up and asked if everything is okay.  I assured them that I was fine.  I made the summit aound 10 AM.

The truth is I felt confident that I could reach the summit.  I just wasn't sure what kind of reception the summit would give me.  And I was nervous about the descent.  It would be cold, but, hopefully, not slick.

It was cold and slick.  There was a long descent, and I refused to go over 15 mph.  I was freezing.  After 1/2 hour of this, I was shivering pretty bad.  Finally the road leveled off and I could pedal again, getting those legs moving, the blood pumping, and shivering a bit less.  Now the intense cold wind was the obstacle.

Before scaling the second pass, Badger Pass, I knew I needed some fuel (food) to drive the engine.  I found a spot  where, mysteriously, the wind stopped.  Immediately I pulled over and started to quickly get a sandwich out, when just as quickly the wind started whipping again.  I ducked down in the ditch using the big saddlebags to block the wind, but it was an exercise in futility.  I was freezing there.  Three bites of the sandwich and I was back on the bike pedalling hard.

Badger Pass was almost anticlimatic.  It was only 600' shorter than Big Hole Pass, but it was much tamer, and I got there in no time.  From there on out, it was 14 miles, all downhill to the outskirts of Dillon.  A measure of how different this was over the part between the passes, I, at one point, just took my hands off the brakes to see how fast the bike would go.  At 45 mph, I slowed it down again.

When I got into town, it wasn't even 1 PM yet.  48 miles and two mountain passes and done by 1 PM.  That probably won't happen again. 

In Dillon, I had made arrangements to stay overnight with a fraternity brother of mine, Roger Norris-Tull.  Roger is the program coordinator of Health and Human Performance for the University of Montana-Western.  We had not seen each other in 40 years.  There was a lot of catching up to do.

Roger developed a love of the wild outdoors while living in Alaska and spends much of his spare time building a cabin in a very remote property on Grasshopper Creek, that is way, way off the beaten track.  He loves it.  And, lucky guy that he is, his wife, Deleena, understands his need and supports his project.  She is the director of Science Education for the same campus.  They are two, very talented and special people, who I, by the grace of God, was able to visit for a day.

Roger took me out to a ghost town called Bannack.  At one time, Bannack was the Territoral Capital.  It was formed because of a gold strike.  It died quickly when other strikes were made.  But the buildings are still standing.  Because of the dryness, the wood is still preserved.  It was fascinating to walk into the hotel, with its huge winding staircase, and look at all of the rooms.  Bannack is an amazing treasure, much like Nevada City and Virginia City which I would be seeing tomorrow.

The next day, Thursday, I was to ride to, and stay in, Virginia City.  Then, I had another steep pass to climb on Friday, part of a hurculeon 84 mile effort, all on an uphill grade, to get to West Yellowstone.  So when Deleena mentioned that she had friends in Ennis with whom I could stay, I was somewhat interested.  When it was explained that if I would go over the pass tomorrow to Ennis, then it was only 64 miles to West Yellowstone, a far more manageable distance.  It just meant that I would have a longer day tomorrow, closer to 80 miles.  She called her friends and they gladly welcomed me for tomorrow evening.  It was a very special and gracious effort on her and their parts.  I am just amazed at people's generosity.

 Will McMahan


Posted by willmcmahan at 12:01 AM PDT
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Tuesday, 10 June 2008

Hi Will,

Just want to let you know that the I'm thinking of you and I'm keeping you in my prayers! The class is asking about you and are missing you in "your spot" everyone is amazed at what you are doing! I hope the journey is going well and look forward to reading more about your adventures!

God is good all the time. All the time God is good!

Buffy


Posted by haftarun26 at 8:59 AM PDT
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