Since last posting from New Zealand, we have had the oppotunity to: go to General Conference in Salt Lake City, my first time in the conference center; visit the Snowflake Arizona Temple 3 weeks ago when I did the DeuceMan in Show Low (1/2 Iron) and 2 other Olympic tris, (1 at Lake Las Vegas in March, and the USG tri in Sand Hollow/St George, Next up Scofield, where I started THE RIDE last year.
The Gator swim team posted a great season in 2010, both girls and boys winning the Sunrise Region title and the girls achieving runner up at State.
Triathlon Goal for this summer is to really focus on coming of the bike strong ready to run. Bike mileage will be achieved with real early morning rides before BCH swimpractice with transition run 2-4 miles regularly. And then a longer run building mileage over the summer. Mileage will definetly not be anywhere near last year- the long term goal is next summer 2011, turning 60 and completing Roth and Regensburg and putting my name in the lottery for Hawaii.
Remember..always have a happy swim, a pleasent ride, and a great run...bob
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Rainy Day - 1/21/10 - Thurs.
Started out today with a swim in Blue Lake - not too cold but a wet suit made it comfortable. Rained and rained so we went to Hamilton today and visited the temple there. Afterwards watched a film on Matthew Cowley in the visitor center - his mission president in 1918 was James Lambert - the name I did today was James Lambert. It kept raining all the way back to Blue Lake. We bought souvenirs in Rotorua - a stick with a Kiwi. Sitting in car typing this now waiting for
a. The rain to stop , or b. Dark to go to bed.
Rain, rain, go away!
a. The rain to stop , or b. Dark to go to bed.
Rain, rain, go away!
challenge wanaka and on
Wed. January 20
Last Friday - checked in, bought booties, then went for a swim - the booties really helped. Then checked in bike and went to pre-race meeting. Had a great salmon dinner with roasted potatoes. When we got back to camp the stars were out -- a first. Got a good night sleep woke at 4:15 am, had a breakfast of yogurt & granola and a English muffin with crunchy nuttella. had a nauseas stomach like I have had since the I.V. at Wilverman. Once I started the swim I felt better - sang "Praise to the Man" over and over in time with my stroke. finished in 1:04 plus. The bike was @ 6:53. Discovered that if I stopped to pee regularly my back and quad pain would subside. The ride had some good climbs and very scenic. Drank 3 bottles Perpeteum and 3 bottles water plus ate a power bar and 2 ems energy cookie bars (great). On the run drank 1 Recoverite, 1 Heed, 1 Balance, and an em bar and a few other snacks. Walked almost all 6:23 but finished in 14:35 with blisters on my feet, otherwise felt ok.
Sunday went to the awards Brunch then drove to Franz Joseph. Great scenery, beautiful drive. Walked to foot of Fox Glacier, then on Monday morning we hiekd to the Franz Joseph glacier. The river runs right out of an ice cave at the bottom. We then drove to Hanmer Springs and had a good soak. Tues. we drove to Picton and crossed to the North Island on the ferry to Wellington. Then we hiked up the Mt. Victoria and saw the city and the Adm. Byrd marker pointing to Antarctica. Today we made it to Blue Lake for 2 nights.
There is a distinct difference between north & south islands. The South seems more rural and for the adventurous. The north is more developed, McD's,BKs, KFC's, every town and more traffic. Today we saw Huka Falls, lots of fast moving bright blue white water in a narrow gorge. We have met people from all over, the Ukraine, Germany, Denmark, Japan, SLC,, Australia, Boston. Some have been toting the world for months, one couple sailed here from Seattle. Some stay to work. Have seen lots of bike tourists. We have seen lots, still lots to see.
Last Friday - checked in, bought booties, then went for a swim - the booties really helped. Then checked in bike and went to pre-race meeting. Had a great salmon dinner with roasted potatoes. When we got back to camp the stars were out -- a first. Got a good night sleep woke at 4:15 am, had a breakfast of yogurt & granola and a English muffin with crunchy nuttella. had a nauseas stomach like I have had since the I.V. at Wilverman. Once I started the swim I felt better - sang "Praise to the Man" over and over in time with my stroke. finished in 1:04 plus. The bike was @ 6:53. Discovered that if I stopped to pee regularly my back and quad pain would subside. The ride had some good climbs and very scenic. Drank 3 bottles Perpeteum and 3 bottles water plus ate a power bar and 2 ems energy cookie bars (great). On the run drank 1 Recoverite, 1 Heed, 1 Balance, and an em bar and a few other snacks. Walked almost all 6:23 but finished in 14:35 with blisters on my feet, otherwise felt ok.
Sunday went to the awards Brunch then drove to Franz Joseph. Great scenery, beautiful drive. Walked to foot of Fox Glacier, then on Monday morning we hiekd to the Franz Joseph glacier. The river runs right out of an ice cave at the bottom. We then drove to Hanmer Springs and had a good soak. Tues. we drove to Picton and crossed to the North Island on the ferry to Wellington. Then we hiked up the Mt. Victoria and saw the city and the Adm. Byrd marker pointing to Antarctica. Today we made it to Blue Lake for 2 nights.
There is a distinct difference between north & south islands. The South seems more rural and for the adventurous. The north is more developed, McD's,BKs, KFC's, every town and more traffic. Today we saw Huka Falls, lots of fast moving bright blue white water in a narrow gorge. We have met people from all over, the Ukraine, Germany, Denmark, Japan, SLC,, Australia, Boston. Some have been toting the world for months, one couple sailed here from Seattle. Some stay to work. Have seen lots of bike tourists. We have seen lots, still lots to see.
Monday, January 18, 2010
hot springs ahhhhhh
drove up the coast saw fox unf franz glaciers then drove to Hamner Springs so hot great thats it for now folks
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jan 14 thursday
Early morning swim - did not feel so cold - then rode to Cromwell to the 90km point. It was windy all the way with some rain. The lake at Cromwell had good sized whitecaps. For lunch had the best Hawaiian pizza - loaded with ham, pineapple AND green peppers with melted mozerella on top to hold it all together. Unlike pizza hut or little ceasars where ham & pineapple are just a few measly toppings and the crust is the main attraction. Here the crust was a base on which to put a mountain of taste.
Speaking of mountains, on the return trip to Wanaka, we took the cutoff. We travelled thru the Kawarau River Gorge, stopping at the Roaring Meg rapids - the water is a deep greenish blue unlike the brownish green I am used to seeing. We also stopped at a bungee jumping bridge and watched people go off - some faling into the water and then up. To answer your question - NO!!! Then we drove over the highest paved road in New Zealand - with switchbacks and grades probably beyond category.
Ended the day at the pasta dinner where we met a guy from Australia doing his first full distance tri and whose wife looked and talked like Archie Bunker's wife Edith from All in the Family. In line to get food another Australian asked me about Silverman, he plans on doing it in 2012, turns out he did Roth in 2006 when I did. We are in the same age group and our Roth times are close.
We are back at camp waiting for the sun to go down at 10. Tomorrow is check in. I am getting some neoprene booties to keep my feet warm on the swim.
That is all mates.
Speaking of mountains, on the return trip to Wanaka, we took the cutoff. We travelled thru the Kawarau River Gorge, stopping at the Roaring Meg rapids - the water is a deep greenish blue unlike the brownish green I am used to seeing. We also stopped at a bungee jumping bridge and watched people go off - some faling into the water and then up. To answer your question - NO!!! Then we drove over the highest paved road in New Zealand - with switchbacks and grades probably beyond category.
Ended the day at the pasta dinner where we met a guy from Australia doing his first full distance tri and whose wife looked and talked like Archie Bunker's wife Edith from All in the Family. In line to get food another Australian asked me about Silverman, he plans on doing it in 2012, turns out he did Roth in 2006 when I did. We are in the same age group and our Roth times are close.
We are back at camp waiting for the sun to go down at 10. Tomorrow is check in. I am getting some neoprene booties to keep my feet warm on the swim.
That is all mates.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Off to New Zealand
3 days ago - Jan. 10 11:31 AM
Actually it is January 11 here in Fiji. LAX was super crowded last night but we made it thru check-in, bag screening, and security rather smoothly and got to boarding right on time. Watched 2 movies, some docu films, read Travels w Charley, played Othello, and slept a few hours. Arrived early morning and went for a walk. People are very friendly "Bula" is the greeting we get. It is very humid, sitting in a park waiting for our flight to NZ.
Wednesday in Wanaka January 19 7:21 pm
WE left for Aukland from Fiji at 11am on Monday, about hour and a half into flight, turned around returning to Fiji switched planes and flew to Aukland arriving about 10pm. After getting shuttle to the motel we finally got to sleep at about 1130. Tuesday we flew to Christchurch. The New zealand airport seems to be much more efficient and friendly. We rented a car and drove to Wanaka about a 5 hour drive, luckly the daylight lasts to about 9:30 or so so we did not have to set up in the dark We are still getting used to driving on the left with the steering on the right. Riding a bike on the opposite side is hard.Every time we make a turn we have to mentally plan which lane to turn in to.
The scenery is amazing. flat land by the east coast and then into the mountains,Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring and the surrounding ranges are still snow covered, the weather in Wanaka is about like home in Henderson is now in Winter, but morning a little warmer but not big variable in the after noon. Swam the course this morning, the water is very cold -15C- my feet never warmed up. I just took it easy the first lap (35min) and then picked it up now and then the second to swim 1:08
Rode 30 miles on the first 35k of the course, hilly similar to Silverman, Tommorrow morning will ride the next 60k to Gromwell- supposed to be a slight downgrade, then we will sightsee.
When ever we order bacon we get canadian bacon/ham-ie as in a BLT or a Chicken Club, tastes different but good. so...gotta scram ham
Actually it is January 11 here in Fiji. LAX was super crowded last night but we made it thru check-in, bag screening, and security rather smoothly and got to boarding right on time. Watched 2 movies, some docu films, read Travels w Charley, played Othello, and slept a few hours. Arrived early morning and went for a walk. People are very friendly "Bula" is the greeting we get. It is very humid, sitting in a park waiting for our flight to NZ.
Wednesday in Wanaka January 19 7:21 pm
WE left for Aukland from Fiji at 11am on Monday, about hour and a half into flight, turned around returning to Fiji switched planes and flew to Aukland arriving about 10pm. After getting shuttle to the motel we finally got to sleep at about 1130. Tuesday we flew to Christchurch. The New zealand airport seems to be much more efficient and friendly. We rented a car and drove to Wanaka about a 5 hour drive, luckly the daylight lasts to about 9:30 or so so we did not have to set up in the dark We are still getting used to driving on the left with the steering on the right. Riding a bike on the opposite side is hard.Every time we make a turn we have to mentally plan which lane to turn in to.
The scenery is amazing. flat land by the east coast and then into the mountains,Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring and the surrounding ranges are still snow covered, the weather in Wanaka is about like home in Henderson is now in Winter, but morning a little warmer but not big variable in the after noon. Swam the course this morning, the water is very cold -15C- my feet never warmed up. I just took it easy the first lap (35min) and then picked it up now and then the second to swim 1:08
Rode 30 miles on the first 35k of the course, hilly similar to Silverman, Tommorrow morning will ride the next 60k to Gromwell- supposed to be a slight downgrade, then we will sightsee.
When ever we order bacon we get canadian bacon/ham-ie as in a BLT or a Chicken Club, tastes different but good. so...gotta scram ham
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
coast to coast
On Saturday, September 12, Carla and I drove to La Jolla, California so I could swim the La Jolla Rough Water Swim 1 mile. As we neared the coast we realized that this summer we crossed the country from the southwest corner to the northeast corner. The water was rougher than I have experienced in previous years- bet the swim was a lot offun. I am glad though I did not try the 3 mile.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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!
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...
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...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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?
Monday, August 24, 2009
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:)
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:)
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:)
Friday, August 21, 2009
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:)
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:)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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!
We took a hike and ate like Mike!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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)
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)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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:)
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.
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.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
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)
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)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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:):):)
Taper, taper, taper, whoopee, oh happy day:):):)
Friday, August 14, 2009
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 :)
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 :)
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