San Francisco!!!

Holy smokes, I can't believe that I have pedalled my bicycle all the way to San Francisco!!

It's truly amazing the changes we go through in life. A year and a half ago, I was lying listlessly on my couch in Boston, chain smoking cigarettes, with no ambitions to jog down the block, let alone ride a bicycle for thousands of miles. I have clear memories of driving to my friend Seth's house in Middlebury, VT, and scoffing at the spandex clad cyclists huffing their way up the winding mountain roads. "I think I would rather break my own kneecaps," I would think to myself as I inhaled an entire Camel Light in one breath. Today, I am that spandex clad moron, and I couldn't be happier.

However, the more things change, the more things stay the same. Many of my good friends know that I have a close affinity for what I call "snacky treats" (Basically any food which would make a cardiologist shake his head in disbelief that companies are actually allowed to produce such artery clogging death darts). When I first signed onto this ride, I had visions of a diet of little chocolate donettes and fried chicken dancing in my head. "perfect," I thought, "now I can eat every food item I have ever wanted, and still lose weight!"

Unfortunately, my diet that every little boy dreams of has been shown to be a disaster. When I stepped on a scale recently, I learned that I have lost one pound. One Pound!!!! Now I am faced with a dilemna, do I change my diet plan and try to be healthy? Or do I continue with my diet of impulsivity? Given the fact that Jon and I ate a breakfast of an entire Blackberry Cobbler and some cinnamon buns two days ago, I fear that my impulsive side is winning this war. Oh well, I only live once, more cobbler please!!

On a side note, if you are ever in Mendocino, CA, it is absolutely imperative that you stop at the Garden Bakery. The two people that run it are to of the nicest folks one could ever care to meet. And their pies are absolutely out of this world!!!

-Erik

Sabotage

The other day I got my first ever flat tire on my trailer. I think it was sabotage. We were in Crescent City, CA and were eating lunch on the beach. The bikes had been left leaning against a rock; not far from us, but out of sight. When we returned from eating, my trailer tire was totally flat. Upon inspection of tire and tube, I found no leaks, no way for air to get out other than through the valve. Coincidentally, a strange guy immediately came out of his nearby van to see what the problem was. He offered us his dogs water bowl. I know that we sometimes look like dirty vagrants, but I most certainly do not wish to share my water with fido. He drools too much. This man is the assumed sabateur.

Jon

Winds of Deception

Howdy from Lincoln City, OR, where rains that would have caused humans to build an ark in long ago eras have forced Jon and I into the public library to peruse the happenings of our society via the internet.

The weather has not been to kind to us as we have made the left hand turn to follow the coast towards Santa Barbara. Though the weather reports had filled our heads with images of golden sunsets, our sunshine dreams have been dashed by near constant headwinds (which is pretty abnormal, given the fact that nearly every publication ever written about cycling the pacific coast has extolled the virtues of the northwest wind which "gently pushes" you southward) and driving rain, leaving us to believe that the local meteorologist would have trouble predicting what day of the week it is, let alone the weather.

Though the weather has been dreary, I cannot complain about the scenery along the Oregon Coast. One fringe benefit of the near constant rain is that the cloud formations and mists hovering above the shoreline add an eerie beauty to the complex rock formations which dominate the area. At times, it has been difficult to keep up the pace as we find it difficult to tear ourselves away from the truly awesome views. This morning, Jon and I spent some time perusing Cape Kiwanda, where the incoming surf has carved the sandstone cliffs into an array of caves and points, causing incoming waves to put on quite a show for us.

On a completely unrelated note, we have reached our goal of raising $6,000 for Reach Out and Read!!! While we were in Seattle, we had the opportunity to tour the ROR program at the Harbor View Hospital, and to say the we were impressed is an understatement. It is amazing how enthusiastic everone on the hospital staff is about the program, and even more amazing how the kids in the clinics are enthralled by the books they are provided with. Though we have reached our goal, we hope to continue fundraising, so if you haven't already given, please do, and know that your money is going to a great cause!!

Erik

Bike Problems

Near the end of yesterdays 75 mile ride along the rainy Pacific Coast, I ran into some major bike issues. During the day, I had noticed that my rear derailleur seemed to be bent. Then it happened. The derailleur caught on the spokes, breaking three of them on the freewheel side of my rear wheel. Not a problem easily fixed on the side of a darkening rainy road. Fortunately, we were able to hitch a ride for us and the bikes the remaining 2 miles to Cape Dissappointment State Park campground. Then this morning, with suprising ease, I got a ride with my bike from the campground directly a bike shop in Astoria, OR, about 15-20 miles away. I am currently waiting for the repair to be completed. The cause of all my problems appears to be a slightly bent drop-out for my rear wheel. It must have happened 2 days ago when I fell over while rushing to get into the woods for a quick relief break.

Jon

We've Got Pictures!

Check out our pictures from Jackson to Seattle

Donations

We have reached our donation goal of $6000!! But we would love to exceed it and are still collecting donations. Thanks to all who have supported us.


We hope to raise $6000. $1 for every mile ridden. There are three ways to donate online with your credit card. You can also send us a check. Find the address here. Some employers will match your contribution. Let us know if you need ROR's tax ID number for this.

1) 90% to ROR, 10% to support the ride. Unfortunately, this option is not tax-deductible. But it will be very helpful to the riders. You may also specify any other break down of funds that you like. Just let us know in the comments section.

2) 100% tax-deductible donation directly to Reach Out and Read. Under the Gift Information heading, please fill in on the occasion of "Ride for ROR."

Donate Here

Please remember to recognize the Ride for ROR in your donation or we will have no way of knowing that you donated.

3) Donate separately with each link above. That way your donation to Reach Out and Read can be 100% tax-deductible. Then you can also send whatever amount you desire to the riders through paypal and have 100% of it go to support the tour. Just be sure to tell us in the comments section what you are doing.

We thank you very much for your support. Check back soon for updates.

Donors as of 11/28/06

Mel and Patty Alperin
Amity Bike
Harry Anastopoulos
Annie's Homegrown
Carolina Balsbaugh
Richard and Maureen Balsbaugh
Barbara Lee Family Foundation
Martha Beebe
Amy Belkin
Mr. and Mrs. Noel Bishop
Kenny, Sondra, and Emma Bogursky
Erica Bonthrone
Tim Brett
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Brogadir
Shanna Brownstein
Jessica Gifford Busch
Dr. Stephen Castracane
Jenn Cavallari
David Cepoi
Joyce Della Chiesa
Clif Bar
Da Boyz Pizza - Yuma, AZ
Dalia Kitchen Design, Inc
Mary Davis
Peter and Sheila DePascale
Becky DiSavino
Christopher Donovan
Richard and Mary Doucette
Paul Enderle
Patrick Essig
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Forman
Marcy Gandolfini
Joshua Gerber
Andy and Rachel Goldfarb
Peter Gori
Charles (Timmy G) Grayson
Courtney Greene
Janice Greenwald
Scott Hawkins
Eric Hersh
Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Hersh
Larry and Roslyn Hiller
Matt Houlahan
Steven Huffstutlar
Meredith Johnson
Heather Kahler
Kathy Keating
Quinn and Chrissy Keating
Marianne Kennedy
Dr. and Mrs. Kurt Koral
Johannes Kratz
Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Kurns
Elaine Lamphier
Bianca and Ed Latessa
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Levy
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Margolies
David Natkin
Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Natkin
Heidi Natkin and Gilson Sirvas
Lisa Natkin and Jon Levy
Sarah Pacheco
Steve Payne and Lee Reid
Danica Perez
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Schpero
Benjamin Schreiner
Joel and Gloria Schwartz
Jonathan and Maggie Seelig
Timothy Sharpe
Helen Sofaer
Brian and Penney Stone
Kelly Storrs
Natalia Subira-Cordova
Eva Claire Synkowski
Edith Tress
Emilie Tucker
Rachel Tyler
Margo Vigoreaux
Vitale, Caturano & Company Foundation
Carol Wilgus
Wilson Backcountry Sports
Mark Winthrop
Eliot Wright

I can update paypal donors immediately. It will take some time for those who donate directly to ROR or via check to be added to the website. We will be getting period updates from them on donors.

And Hello Washington

Republic, Washington

The past few days have been nothing if not exciting, we hit the 1,000 mile mark, crossed into our fourth state, and today began our onslaught of the Cascade Mountains with a crossing of Sherman Pass, a 4,000 foot climb which was not at all fun in any way on the way up, but pretty nice on the way down.

We began our foray into Washington State a few days ago when we left Sandpoint, ID, for what was to be a relatively easy spin along the Pend Orielle (pronounced Pond-Eray, as I found out, I'll let you imagine how badly I butchered the name) River. Things changed drastically, however, as we crossed the border and turned onto a small backroad named Leclerc. A dreaded orange construction sign noted that in five short miles, our nice relaxing ride would take a turn for the worse as the road would detour. As we neared the construction area, my hopes that this would be one of those detours which would require cars to change course, yet allow cyclists to slink on through were dashed, as a giant "road closed" sign barred any forward progress, and an inky black arrow pointed up a cliff at what some people would call a road, and I would call a nightmare.

In a sweat-drenched profanity fest, I struggled up the 14% grade (Natkin, on the other hand, slid up the hill in the same easy manner by which he moves through life, further adding to my anger) only to find that the pavement gave way to washboard dirt, making our passage even more difficult.

After a a few miles, we returned to the main road, thankful to have made it through the detour without being obliterated by one of the many contruction vehicles whizzing by. As we continued along the river, I looked around and took in the beauty of my surroundings. The sun, soften by the haze of a distant forest fire cast its light delicately around us. A barn, broken by the weight of time and surrounded by golden fields of freshly reaped grain, became instantly familiar, representing a personally long held image of americana, almost like stepping into a real life representation of Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring. It was a deeply moving experience, and I wonder if I would have seen it the same way if I had not had to work so hard over the previous five miles.

-Erik

Goodbye Montana

The journey continues to be incredible. We have passed from dry golden plains on the east side of Glacier to heavily wooded forests on the west. It has been quite a dramatic change. Recently we have been fortunate enough to come across swimming holes almost daily. Yesterday we passed by the majestic Cabinet Mountains of western Montana. The terrain has been relatively easy as we follow rivers and lakes towards the Pacific. I think that will change very shortly. When we leave our current location of Sandpoint, ID, we will embark on a difficult stretch crossing the Cascade Mountains of northern Washington. There are four formidable passes between here and the ocean. I am ready for the challenge. They will be difficult but rewarding.

We have ben trying to upload pictures but most public computers won't let us. We will be staying with a friend in Seattle, so hopefully we can do it there.

Jon

Leg One Complete!!

The beauty of this country is second to none. Over the past week and a half Jon and I have travelled from the soaring heights of the Tetons to the vast expanses of the Montana plains, crossing the Great Divide 6 times.

The past few days, Jon and I have spent some time in Glacier National Park, aptly regarded as "the Crown of the Country." Glacier provided some new experiences for us, such as a blinding blizzard as we spun our wheels up Logan Pass, and Jon's experience of being on the recieving end of a charging Mountain Goat (I took pictures). All in all, it is impossible to do justice to the Majesty of Glacier with mere written words, it truly needs to be experienced first hand.

Another interesting aspect of the journey is the variety of folks that we meet along the way. It is amazing how so many people are genuinely interested in our story, and are willing to do anything to help us along our way. Sure, there are some exceptions to this rule (take for example our waitress in Cameron, MT, who probably spent her free time sucking lemons and strangling kittens, and made us spend the night in a asphalt factory), but almost everyone we have dealt with has had an interesting anecdote to share and good advice on the road ahead.

As I write this, we are sitting in a coffee shop in Whitefish, Montana, a truly exceptional town. We are about to embark on the second leg of our journey, heading west to Seattle (quite literally, the farthest we could possibly be from our final destination of Key West), where we will meet up with some old friends for coffee and other things Seattle. We'll try to update the site with some pictures between now and then.