Spreading Literacy Love

Flagstaff, AZ.

Over the past few days, Jon and I have become acutely aware of the fact that the seasons are changing. Given that we had found riding through the Mojave Desert immensly enjoyable and comfortable should probably have clued us into the fact that absolutely bone jarring temperature changes lay in front of us.

That change came suddenly on Wednesday when we were ascending back towards the rim of the Grand Canyon after spending an evening at Granite Rapids along the mighty Colorado River. After a putting in a good morning, Jon and I stopped to a eat a typical lunch of summer sausage and cheese (in fact, at this point of the trip, I am pretty sure that the quantity of summer sausage I have consumed over the past two months has taken at least a few months off of my life expectancy). As we sat and enjoyed our meal, the blue sky was quickly overtaken by ominous clouds and a fierce wind began to pick up. Jon and I watched in horror as a thermometer positioned near the trail dropped 23 degrees in a matter of minutes (from a nice 70 to a not so toasty 47), marking the end of the warm temperatures. Later that night, the temperature dropped to 5 degrees (not celsius, fahrenheit mind you), which almost had me thinking that Jon and I would have to huddle together for warmth. However, I would rather freeze to death than cuddle with Natkin, so that idea was quickly erased from my mind.

The following days ride, though absolutely frigid, was equally as gorgeous as we ascended up to 8,046 feet, our highest elevation since Montana. The day was dominated by the snow capped Mount Humphrey, the tallest peak in Arizona, as we made our way towards Flagstaff.

Once in Flagstaff, we had the opportunity to visit another fantastic Reach Out and Read site. The facility was amazing, a local artist had painted large, child friendly pieces in each of the waiting and examination rooms, books were everywhere, waiting to be snatched up and read to waiting children, and the extremely enthusiastic staff was entirely behind the program. The highlight of the day was reading a book to a number of children waiting for appointments. The book, "click-Clack-Moo," about a bunch of cold cows and chickens who go on strike and demand electric blankets, was pretty funny for a children's book, and it was especially enjoyable screaming "CLICK-CLACK-MOO!!!" with the children, simulating each time the cows wrote a letter to the farmer.

Though the sites and the people have been truly amazing, it is really nice to see who well the Reach Out and Read program works. It has given us a new sense of purpose as we continue to spin our wheels towards Key West, FL.

Friends in High Places

We've reached the Grand Canyon, the cornerstone of every American family's roadtrip to discover our nation's extremely diverse natural wonders. And though the scenery is fantastic, the real gems of our northern Arizona experience are the people we have had the pleasure of meeting.

While in Prescott, we were kindly put up for a few days by Jim and Valerie, a young retired couple whose youthful exuberance far exceeds that of most of America's 20 year olds. Quite honestly, these were two of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. When they found out that our cycling route would not be taking us through Sedona, they took it upon themselves to drive us there and take us hiking so that we would have the opportunity to see the spectacular red rock country.

In addition to these fine folks, we also had the opportunity to meet up with two other like minded souls for a quick bite at the Prescott Brew Pub. Josh and Mike were friends who had thru hiked the PCT a few years ago, and it was great to spend some time exchanging stories from the road and plans for future adventures. It's amazing that the beauty of Arizona goes far beyond its landscapes, it is also captured within its fine citizens.

-Erik

Grand Canyon State

Howdy from Prescott , Arizona, a beautiful mountain town at 5,300 feet, which is decidedly not what I had previously pictured Arizona to be like. The Jojoba bushes and Cacti have given way to Ponderosa Pine forests with a sprinkling deciduous trees for some variety, and the temperatures are far from the scorching highs of the low desert, residing comfortably in the mid 60's or 70's

Since we departed 29 Palms, the riding has become pretty interesting. The 100 mile stretch of desert without services that we had so feared in the previous days proved to be some of the best riding conditions of the entire trip. A stern tailwind and gentle grades allowed Jon and I to spin along at a brisk 16.2 miles per hour (average) as we traversed the entire Mojave, crossing the mighty Colorado river and pushing well into Arizona in a single 110 mile day.

The following day proved to be a little more challenging, however, as we spent the entire day ascending a slight grade towards Prescott, in fact we didn't have a descent the entire 85 mile day! However, the endless climb did make it possible for us to stay at one of the most beautiful campsites we have had in a while. We were able to place our tent at the crest of a small hill with a commanding 360 degree view of the desert. To the north, we could see the steep climbs that lay ahead of us on our way to Prescott, while to the south, the slowly sloping desert, dotted with enormous cacti, slid off into a mountain lined horizon. Jon and I cooked dinner atop a small rocky hill, awed by the beauty that surrounded us. Arizona had beaten my wildest expectations, and it seems that each day is better than the last, and I couldn't be enjoying myself more.

-Erik

Natkin of Arabia

Whenever I think of the American Southwest, images of a crazed coyote inexplicably risking life and limb in order to catch what appears to be an entirely unappetizing bird always come to mind. Thankfully, the Mojave is far more scenic than I ever could have imagined. After spending two days in Joshua Tree National Park, scrambling around rock formations which seem to have been dreamed up by some crazed cartoonist, I can easily say that Jon and I have fallen in love with the high desert. What was truly amazing was the variety of plant life which blankets the desert floor. Multi armed Joshua Trees stand tall, waving their branches at onlookers like some ancient hindu god, while the shorter yucca and multiple varieties of extremely sharp cactus ( I found this out the hard way), add a little spice to the scenery.

As an added bonus, One of Jon's friends from the AT, Doctor Chickadee (along with her brother, Chris and friend Byron) joined us for a night of revelry and mass consumption of marshmallows, making our Joshua Tree experience that much more enjoyable. Now, it's on to Arizona and a 100 mile stretch of Desert without services.

-Erik

Desert Rain

We have finally left the Pacific Coast. After about 1600 miles riding along the ocean we have turned towards Florida and Key West. Almost immediately we entered the desert. We have spent the last couple of days in Joshua Tree National Park. Among others, we were joined by my friend Dr. Chickadee from the Appalachian Trail. The landscape is amazingly dry. But there is still abundant growth. The Joshua Trees, a relative of the yucca, are everywhere here, yet no where else.
Funny thing is that it rained as we approached the park. I thought it never rains in the desert. According to the park visitors center, Joshua Tree has received 0.58 inches of rain this year. And that is after the quarter inch or so that fell on us. What gives?
We plan to leave Twentynine Palms this afternoon after things cool down a bit and start towards Parker. Next services about 120 miles. We hope to put in a long day and do most of it tomorrow.

Jon

California Dreaming

California, from San Francisco on southward, has been kind beyond words to Jon and I. The sun reappeared, ending weeks of gloomy, bone chilling fog; we entered the land of the cheap, sub 2 dollar tacos (causing much joy) and the amount of traffic on the roads has increased dramatically.

Once again, transitions in landscape are what are most striking as we made our way southward. The Monterey Coast, also known as Big Sur, presented Jon and I with breathtaking scenery, as Route 1 was seemingly etched into the mountainsides above the ocean with a pen knife, presenting us with some challenging riding as we hung along the precipice with large RVs driven by German's blaring techno music caused much worry (at least we assume they were german).

Leaving Big Sur, the landscape changed almost instantly from jagged mountainsides to rolling prairie land as we approached San Simeon, where the reclusive William Randolf Hearst made his home. San Simeon marked the beginning of our transition from the central coast to southern California, a land in which palm trees, spanish architecture and even more taco stands (score!!) dominate the landscape.

As a treat, Southern California has marked the halfway point of our trip, and has brought about a few reunions which have brought me much joy. First, my beautiful girlfriend, Carolyn, flew into Santa Barbara for our 4 year anniversary. And secondly, I have had the privilege to stay with an old friend of the family, Danica, in Malibu. Hopefully the next half of our trip will be as fruitful as the first!!!

Onward South and East

We have now been relaxing in Santa Barbara for a couple of days. It feels good on the body to not be working so hard. Yet I am itching to get moving again. We plan to head a bit south late this afternoon before reaching Los Angeles tomorrow. I'm a bit intimidated about riding there. It is an extremely large and sprawling area that I don't imagine to be especially friendly to touring cyclist. Fortunately, we have some friends who have offered us refuge in their homes as we pass through the area. Our immediate goal will then be Joshua Tree National Park on our way to Key West. There is obviously much terrain in between that we are still trying to determine the best way through. But at least we will finally be headed east!!

Jon

Santa Barbara

We arrived in Santa Barbara yesterday afternoon. Most definitely southern California.

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