the dream

Having completed my lifelong dream, I now can dream some more. We all should have a dream to carry us thru the mundane tasks of every day. However, just as we had to complete the routine of taking down and setting up camp evry day and figure out the route and then alter that route for detours, we still had to come to terms with the journey and at the end of the day we had to be happy with the day's trip and with each other. Remember, however great or menial you may think your present task is...
BE HAPPY:)

Always remember who you are!!!

and to conclude quoting Emily Dickinson

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us--don't tell!
They'd banish us you know.

How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

the last 5 days

My iphone went haywire on Wednesday so I was unable to post. After leaving Leeper on Tuesday we made it late to the middle of Illinois and camped at a KOA. It started raining during the night so evryrhing was soaked so we packed up quick in the morning and headed for Sioux City. Wednesday, it kept raining hard all thru Iowa until just before Sioux City. Thanks to info we got from Olive ( Helen's siater) we were able to locate the cemetary where my Grandfather and Grandmother Swift are buried, the Logan Park Cemetary, section 5 lot 1, There is a whole family section there, the whole cemetary seemed very organized.
After leaving Sioux City we headed up I29 to I90 and acros South Dakota. All our camping gear was soaked so we found a hotel in Wall SD. We took the mattress and put it in the tub, and hung the tent from the shower curtain rod, turned the fan on and closed the door. the sleeping bag we hung on a short wall in the room. Thursday morning everything was dry so we packed up and took off. Before leaving Wall we stopped at the Wall Drug, a big tourist stop that has all sorts of stuff, I bought a walking stick with a wolf carved in it and we enjoyed a great fresh donut. We drove on to Mt.Rushmore. It is quite something to experience that up close. It was quite a monumental undertaking to carve the presidents out of the granite. We then made it to Greybull that night at the KOA. Friday morning, knowing we had a big drive to Logan, we left quick and had a great breakfast at Cody WY. Driving thru Yellowstone saw lots of bison, two had stopped traffic both ways on Fishing Bridge (where no fishing is allowed). Lots of construction slowed us down thru Teton NP but we made it to Bear Lake about 5pm, set up camp at the KOA and then drove in to Logan to meet Laura and Dan. Returned to Bear Lake after a dinner (great talipia at Angies Diner in Logan) and Saturday morning competed in the Bear Lake triathlon. The race could have been a bit better organized but the course was great and it felt good to be out of the car finally. after the race we visited with Dan's family at their cabin in Logan canyon. We drove to SaltLake, Scott and the kids met us at Grandma Lyon's and Elaines house.
Sunday morning went for a run to Sugarhouse Park, felt great. Carla and I went to the Mt. Olivet cemetary where my mom and herparents are buried. Very peaceful with two small dear grazing in the next secttion over. Attended church and am now typing this blog, putting off the inevitable journey back to Las Vegas.
On the road again...by the time I get to (Vegas)...viva...

Visiting Leeper, PA

We spent last night at a campground near Logantown PA just off I80 so went to sleep to the sounds of crickets, frogs, and semis. This morning was sunny and everything was dry so we packed up quick, went for a short jog and then got on our way. As we drove thru some mountains there was a heavy mist. At about 11 we arrived in Leeper where my Dad lived. We visited with the Kahle's, Helen's family and visited Dad's and Helen's gravesite in the Tylersburg cemetary. Traveling on I80 tollway/Ohio Turnpike and try to make it to Illinois tonight. Lots of swift trucks to watch out for, right Tom?

Why?

I have been called crazy by many self assumed nomal people for doing the cross country ride and the triathlon afterwards. Others have stated that it is amazing, awesome, and that they would like to do it. Some talk as if I am the first person to ever ride cross country or do a tri. There are thousands though who do it, I saw over a hundred on my ride. As for the tri, Timberman had loads of athletes of all ages, 45 my age group, and probably 150plus on my swim wave of men 50 and older. So, why?
Ten years ago I rode my bike into the new millenium and wanted to ride more, across the nation.
Twenty years ago I rode the Markleeville Death Ride and wanted to ride more mountain passes.
Thirty years ago I started working in Las Vegas and have commuted every day since. On the last day of school of that first year I decided that I would ride across country when I had worked for 30 years.
Forty years ago I graduated from Menlo Atherton (I rode my bike most of the time) and left the Bay Area, where I rode Sand Hill, Alpine, Page Mill roads to Woodside and Portola Valley and beyond to San Gregorio beach. I went to BYU with my Peugeot, then to Germany and rode a bike my entire mission ( some poor Elders had to drive cars).
Fifty years ago I received my first bike for Christmas, a green Schwinn cruiser with balloon tires that I learned to ride past the neighbor's house over to Hillview school and I wanted to ride more, to ride farther, to ride higher, to ride cross the country.
Now fifty years later I have and I still want to ride more.
Remember...always...swim happy, ride happy, run happy...be happy:)

Timberman & more

Lost cell contact on Friday so this is a catchup to today now on the way home currently thru Connecticut.
On Friday visited historic Fort Constitution (sight of Paul Revere's first ride and the colonies first victory) and Fort Stark. Saw 4 lighthouses , one sitting on a rock at the entrance to the bay. Also saw a draw bridge in operation, then later drove over the bridge and up the Maine coast a ways and went for a swim in the Atlantic.
Saturday I biked the back half of the course, had a great salmon lunch with grilled potatoes. We went and checked in the bike and went for a swim.
Woke up early Saturday morning and took the shuttle to the beach. The weather was perfect slighly overcast and I never really noticed the humidity. The old men were in the second wave just after the pros. The course had huge buoys that made for ez sighting. I swam 31 minutes for 1.25miles/1900mtr, quick transition and onto the bike for a 2:52 for 56miles/90km, transitioned for the run and actually ran the entire 13.1miles/21km, in 2:20. I guess the x-contry ride gave me the base to have a good run- now all I need to do is actually train for the run. Total time 5:50. I am very happy with that time.
It started to rain as we got back on the shuttle and then rained all night. This morning we packed up quick and got on our way. Bear lake Olympic on Saturday, home on Sunday. Heigh ho, heigh ho it's home to work we go:)

Another touristy day

The skies are quite overcast( yesterday in Boston there was huge downpour for an hour then sunshine). This morning we went to the lake, did a wetsuit swim and an ez run on the course. We are now driving to Portsmouth to see some lighthouses and then go to Maine.
Carla thinks I am in need of a shrink, she keeps asking"Bob, what about...this" or "Bob what about...that"? All because I wanted to ride my bike to Lake Winnipesaukee.
This taper has given me ants in my pants 'cause I'm ready to dance:)

A day in Boston

Rode part of the course this morning then drove into Boston and walked the Freedom Trail. Many historic sites where our country was created. The walk was short but took almost 4 hours- there were many churches and halls where independance was debated. Visited the North Church where the lanterns signaled to Paul Revere to start his ride to warn the colonists. Also saw the USS Comstitution. Finally we ate at a Boston Market in Boston nonetheless. So...
We took a hike and ate like Mike!

Day 33 Pemigewasset River Triatlon

300 meter swim 1st out of water and T1, 21 mile bike 1st in & out of T2, 1 mile run 1st at the finish. Thus concludes the trigator Epic Trathlon Across America. We arrived in Gunstock about noon, checked in and set up our camp site.
Went for a swim at Lake Winnipesaukee, then drove the bike course. Will ride part of course in the morning then drive to Portsmorth, NH, Massachusetts, and Maine.
It is amazing to look back and recall all the beautiful parts of this country we have journeyed thru, the Rockies at 12000 feet, the flats across Nebraska, great riding in Iowa, historic Nauvoo/Carthage in Illinois along with it's Gotham like buildings in Chicago Heights, nice roads in Indiana, then flat tires in Ohio along with contrasts between communities, Pennsylvania and New York great riding and history, the hills of Vermont, and now sitting at the Lake remembering...
"Good night and good luck" (name the movie)

Day32 over the river & thru the woods

Started the day riding along the river on the 14 from Sharon, VT. Very beautiful, wide quick moving water with lots of kids tubing down. Entering New Hampshire, we crossed over another river and took a side trip to Dartmouth. By the time we got back to Lebanon, it was in the 90s - temperature and probably humidity also. So we stopped and decided to find a place to swim- turned and there was a pool- so we spent the next hour and a half cooling off. After eating lunch we rode to a campground just outside of New Hampton. We are just a ,hop, skip and a jump to Lake Winapausakee tomorrow.
So it is tramp, tramp, tramp, champ:)

Day31 Roads taken 65 miles

Started out yesterday crossing the Champlain Bridge into Vermont. The road and atmosphere changed immediately to narrow and little traffic and more of a country feel ( and the mini marts now have maple soft serve ice cream). We rode to Middlebury where there is quite the college there. Robert Frost taught there and the first college level classes for women in America were taught there. We climbed several gaps ( or summits) at 12 percent grade or higher- the most notable being Rochester Gap. We also passed Robert Frost's home in the woods which we would not have past had we taken the premapped route. At lunch we waded in a mountain stream and after more climbs turned off the river road in Sharon Vermont and up a steep hill to Joseph Smith's birthplace. The Montpelier Stake manages a camp adjacent to the memorial and we stayed in a small cabin. We attended the home evening with the missionary couples at the visitor center. Only one other family is here so it is very quiet- even the bugs aren't too bad. So...
Sleep tight,
Don't let the bed bugs bite,
Wake up bright,
In the morning light,
To do what's right,
With all your might.

Day30 John Brown' Grave

Stayed over in Lake Placid- watching the hockey game was neat. We stayed for 2 periods the breaks were almost as long as the playing time. It was a national junior team- USA was ahead 4-0- we saw the zamboni and a fight where the masks and gloves came off as fast as the puck flies and the players zip across the ice.
This morning swept out the car of the dirt of 10 states, then rode 10 miles to Mirror Lake, swam a 1/2.mile along the cable, the water was so smooth, clear and cool. Showered quick and went to church at the Lake Placid branch located on John Brown road. Up the road from the church is the John Brown farm and that is where he is buried. That was the fourth stop we have come too that had to do with the abolition movement and underground railroad. Hopped on the bike and another 57 to Crown Point on Lake Champlain- we are camped by the bridge that will take us into Vermont tomorrow... so..
Time for a camp song... "John Brown's body lies a molding in the grave..."(please continue singing on your own)

Yesterday(day28) & today (day29)

Had some connection difficulties at our camp outside Lake Placid so here is a 2 day report. Yesterday rode 120 miles of hard ascents and quick descents that made for little recovery time. Good thing today is a rest day with just a 2 mile open water swim. Needless to say, 260 miles in two days on the bike and no swim training for over four weeks made for a quite unremarkable swim time. However the swim was great- clear water with a cable underwater for a 1/4 mile so we went out and back 4 times. Tonight we are going to the USA-Russia hockey game in the Olympic Arena. We only have about 180 miles left to Gunstock, New Hampshire and 4 days to do it in then it is 3 days rest before Timberman... So it is...
Taper, taper, taper, whoopee, oh happy day:):):)

Day 27 yesterday 140 miles

Rode from Cayuga Lake to Piseco Lake in the Adirondacks. The first 100 consisted of fast rollers- last 40 had some steep 3-5 minute hills. Early there was a heavy mist but then cleared then inthe afternoon I followed behind the thunderstorms so had wet roads but no rain. Along the way saw the coolest farm- a white silo with a big yellow happy face, a large barn, then a small shed/ barn with Snoopy sleeping on the roof.
With the bikeway signs it is real ez to follow a route and avoid traffic around cities, there was even a bicycle detour around construction.
The Adirondacks is a beautiful region with low clouds hanging over the mountain tops. That will make for a cold damp night... But
don't worry... Be happy :)

Day 27 yesterday 140 miles

Rode from Cayuga Lake to Piseco Lake in the Adirondacks. The first 100 consisted of fast rollers- last 40 had some steep 3-5 minute hills. Early there was a heavy mist but then cleared then inthe afternoon I followed behind the thunderstorms so had wet roads but no rain. Along the way saw the coolest farm- a white silo with a big yellow happy face, a large barn, then a small shed/ barn with Snoopy sleeping on the roof.
With the bikeway signs it is real ez to follow a route and avoid traffic around cities, there was even a bicycle detour around construction.
The Adirondacks is a beautiful region with low clouds hanging over the mountain tops. That will make for a cold damp night... But
don't worry... Be happy :)

Day 26 Palmyra/Hill Cumorah

After yesterday's long haul, we took it easy today. First thing in the morning we went to the sacred grove and walked the meadrering trails, gazing upward at the sunlight streaming down. We then visited the temple that was built in 2000 on the Smith farm property. I ecspecially appreciated the simplicity of the design and layout of the rooms, there is one clear window that looks out over the sacred grove. Afterwards we went back to the farm and toured the cabin and home the Smith family lived in the early 1800s. Next we went to the Hill Cumorah watched the movie about Joseph Smith and then hiked up the top where the monument is. Returning to Palmyra we visited the Grandin print shop where the Book of Mormon was first printed. A few blocks away is the cemetary where Alvin Smith is buried along with General John Swift, the founder of Palmyra. We stopped by the Martin Harris home. By now it was 5 pm so I hoped on the bike and rode the 30 miles to the Whitmer farm where the Church was organized in 1830. Camped now on Cayuga Lake, I have time to consider and ponder the importance of this region in the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Gute nacht, schlaf wohl.

Day25 120 miles along the Erie Canal

After leaving the Niagra area, we headed east on highway31/bikeway5. This runs basically parallel to the Erie Canal. At Lockport we watched boats going thru locks 34 & 35. Rode on the canal trail about 20 miles. The whole ride was fantastic- beautiful day, great roads, little traffic Arrived late in Palmyra and will visit church history sites tomorrow.
"Low bridge, everybody down, low bridge, 'cause we'll comin' to a town" (name that tune)

Water, water, everywhere

90 miles--After a night of simultaneous lightning and thunder, wind and rain, we awoke to a water soaked tent and sleeping bags, after drying them out ,sort of, we got under way only to have to divert around Silver Creek due to the creek overflowing. Then 5 more miles we came to a washed out bridge, so we made another detour in the car on the thruway that has exits few and far between. We made it to Buffalo and found directions at Berts bikes- they gave us direct route to the Falls- crossing the Peace Bridge and a ride along the shoreline in Canada. Niagra Falls - now that is a lot of water could probably refill Lake Mead in a short time. And in honor of our French neighbors...
Adieu, adieu, to lyou, and you, and you! ( name that tune/movie)

Day23 august9 90 hot & humid miles

After a night of lightning and intermittent showers, we awoke to sunny skies and high humidity. As long as I was on the bike, it was cool with the breeze, but at every stoplight I was almost as wet as yesterday in the rain, we went thru Pennsylvania , after Erie it was more rural along the shoreline with vineyards on the other side of the road, the gentle rolling hills made.for good speed and more relaxed riding. found camp at a state park and am listening to the rolling thunder. Passed lots of fast flowing streams that tumble into waterfalls into the lake, we also went thru a wooden covered bridge in Ashtabula where we attended church,
tschau cow

Day 22 58 wet slow miles

We started out the day with 10 humid miles to Kirtland ( on the way passing the local fire departments touch the truck day) After touring the temple we made it to Geneva in a constant downpour. Stopping first under a car wash and then at Walmart to dry out- we took off again but only made it to the state park and set up the tent hopefully it does not rain tonight so...
It's been raining, and pouring,
the old man is going to be snoring
he has to get up in the morning:):):)

Day21. Contrasts

Made it to Willoughby, past East Clevland, almost to Kirtland 104 miles. We started at the Marblehead lighthouse with a nice ride around the penninsula, then headed for the Sandusky Bridge, lots of road debris and got a blowout, switched wheels and headed for a bike shop. Bought some Vittorias- green- went to a park and mounted them. Finally on way, we hit a constuction detour taking us thru Sandusky. Finally back on the shore road found a cycle lane thru Sheffield and Avon along big well groomed homes along th beach. Into Clevland were clean roadways and tall buldings. Going under a railroad bridge we rode on potholed streets and rundown buildings and the sidewalks teeming with people hanging out. After 23 miles we turned up a steep hill- 8-9 percent grade- and immediately came into a well groomed neighborhood with kids playing outfront who waved hello as did some elderly citizens sitting on the porch. Into the rural roads we passed quant ice cream shops with families sitting on the steps. By this time it was late and no campsites near, we found a nearly deserted Ramada for cheap, and got a good nights rest, hot shower, and a good interval swim workout. So by now we are ready to...
Hit the road Jack!!

Day 20 august. 7 Lake Erie

Made it to the lake on Thirsday-104 miles. Went thru Perrysburg south of Toledo and on to Port Clinton. Made slot of rerouting to get around construction and bad roads. Sitting here on the shore at Marblehead Lighthouse- a good beeze, the water is choppy with blue skies. Will ride to Kirtland today, trying to stay by the lake.
Have agreat day!

Mahlzeit

Day 19 95iles Rode into Michagin then back to Indiana and ended up in Ohio. Saw lots of Amish buggies on the highway and stopped at "Das Dutchman Essenhaus" good food and lots of it- an excellent lemon meringue pie - and large snickerdoodles. The roads were free of typical road debris, but due to the buggies my bike handling skills were severly tested. Carla got in a 20 miler. We found the Lazy River campsite 12 miles into Ohio- complete with lap pool and a pen for 3 calves for kids to pet- when the breeze blows just right I'm taken back a few days to the ride in Nebraska. We have seen several small lakes, Spencer, but tomorrow we will be by Lake Erie as I ride about 16 mph average, Hannah.
Will, today I ate until I was "satt" and I have sat here too long so...
It is time to " fahrt" and depart:):):)

Day18 Tuesday August 4

Made it to South Bend- 125 miles. When we entered Indiana the roads were good again, paved shoulders and few ruts. The road from La Porte to South Bend, the 2, was excellent. We arrived late and were seperated so I rode into town and accidentally found the college football hall of fame. We located the koa and set the tent up quick- it was later than we thought, in the eastern time zone now. The ride itself was was beautiful, lots of tree tunnels on country roads. Our camp is on the Michagan border in Amish Country.
Auf wiedersehn, darling. (what movie is that from???)

Iowa, let's do that again!!!

Iowa is agreat place to ride. RAGBRAI went thru the week before, one of the sign in boards was left at a stop I made so I signed it. Truck and car driver are very courteous and pass wide or slow down, wait until it is safe, then wave as they go by- nobody honked a horn or made rude gestures. Saw lots of hawks, eagles, geese, yellow birds and cardinals. The campgrounds are fantastic. My battery is low, so Inguess it is... So LongJohn.

Day17 105 to Channahon

Rode kewanee to Channahon, camped by the I&M canal, today's ride was mostly flat thru cornfields until we came to Morris, which consists of new subdivisions and traffic. We stopped early as there are no campsites further on until Indiana, so we will make a long push tommorrow to get to South Bend, so...
...gimme a han' , yes you can, Ann

Day 17 contact

We are in Princeton, Illinois, and we finally have service again. Yesterday we camped in Kewanee at a nice forested campground where all the trees grew in rows and were very tall. Had a nice run around the lake on wooded trails. Will update our adventures in Iowa later- have emailed a few pictures to Deanne we hope she can post here. Beak time is over sitting under a shadetree at the Lovejoy homestead on the underground railroad, so...
Gotta make like a tree and leave... Steve

Finally at Nauvoo

July 28 cross Missouri to Council Bluffs, 63m.
July 29 to Osceala, 136m.
July 20 to Lake Keosaqua, 126m.
July 31 cross Missippi to Nauvoo, 57m. Visit sites, saw pagent.
Aug.1 visit temple,then rode to carthage, visit jail, and back, 46m.