A word about the weather. We discovered that this area has what they call a "monsoon" season. In the late afternoon, clouds form, with much wind (and in the early part of the season that we are in now, not much rain.) Yesterday in St. Johns while in the library, the storm hit. Since my clothes were out drying, I quickly returned to camp. Thankfully, someone put them away. A few more tents went down. The wind made the sand feel like sandpaper against your skin. Within an hour, it was all gone and the sun shone again.
At 4, we had our own time at the city pool which was part of the city park we were tenting in. We enjoyed the water and many people showed their skills on the diving board. In the evening, the town showed an outdoor movie (American Tail) as part of America Day celebrations. Since it was shown next to our tent city, we could not sleep until it was over (10), even though we were tired. Still I played some volleyball, during that time--since biking and swimming wasn't enough exercise!
In the morning, as is the custom in St. Johns for the Fourth of July, they shot off cannons at 5 am, thirteen times. Though I was already awake and putting down my tent, each time I heard it I still jumped.
I rode with Pete (63) and Dan (58) today. We left at 6:15 for the 100 km ride to Zuni, New Mexico. I felt a little more sluggish than yesterday. That's because the wind did not help us today, didn't really hurt us either. It was another ride through open country--nothing between the two places. No steep climbs or descends, just up and down. Got to see some mesas today. We arrived in Zuni, around noon (new time; 11 Pacific time.)
Zuni is a Native American town. We are staying at the Zuni Christian Mission School, with its new building. No tent tonight. We were given a tour of the old village of Zuni (this is one oldest settlements in America.) Since they do not allow photographs, without a permit, I have no pictures of the settlement. Poverty is evident here and the Mission school seeks to provide education as a means of providing a better future.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
On the road again
It was good to be on the road again. On Tuesday we biked to Heber, a short ride of 84 kms, but with a long climb in the middle (about 1000m over 9 kms.) Because of last week's experience, riders left early. I left at 6:15, which requires a 5 am wake up call. For the first time I got into camp before noon. I rode with Joel, a 18 year old, who was worried when we got to the top of the climb that he had slowed me down! That was a boast to my ego. The reality is that my bike does better on long climbs than his.
The afternoon was spent just chilling out at the school we were staying at. I even attempted a nap. Though we had the option of staying in the gym, I slept in the tent, as the temperatures now do cool down in the evening. But dark clouds formed. At this time of year, thunderclouds form in the late afternoon, with much lightning and wind, but little rain. We experienced that since arriving in Payson. But tonight, it did rain hard, but for a short time. But it came at a very inopportune time--just as dinner was being served. I got my food in time, but others got wet. It was early to bed for me, as I was very tired.
On Wednesday we rode to St. Johns, AZ. Though 127kms, the actual ride took about the same time as yesterday. That's because the wind was behind us and for the first two hours we were going down hill. Today's ride was through open country, with one town, Snowflake in the middle of the ride, where we stopped for second breakfast at McDonalds. Towards the end there was a short steep climb, plus a 8% grade descent. I prefer ascending hills than descending.
We arrived at St. John's at 12:30 and after setting up the tent and showering, I, along with many others, went to the library for WiFI. Temperatures are still over 100 degrees, but not hot as last week.
The afternoon was spent just chilling out at the school we were staying at. I even attempted a nap. Though we had the option of staying in the gym, I slept in the tent, as the temperatures now do cool down in the evening. But dark clouds formed. At this time of year, thunderclouds form in the late afternoon, with much lightning and wind, but little rain. We experienced that since arriving in Payson. But tonight, it did rain hard, but for a short time. But it came at a very inopportune time--just as dinner was being served. I got my food in time, but others got wet. It was early to bed for me, as I was very tired.
On Wednesday we rode to St. Johns, AZ. Though 127kms, the actual ride took about the same time as yesterday. That's because the wind was behind us and for the first two hours we were going down hill. Today's ride was through open country, with one town, Snowflake in the middle of the ride, where we stopped for second breakfast at McDonalds. Towards the end there was a short steep climb, plus a 8% grade descent. I prefer ascending hills than descending.
We arrived at St. John's at 12:30 and after setting up the tent and showering, I, along with many others, went to the library for WiFI. Temperatures are still over 100 degrees, but not hot as last week.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Weekend in Payson
So we should have arrived in Payson Monday night, instead we were here Friday night. So how did we spend the time? Let me list the ways:
-some hand laundry, with the outside "laundry facilities"
-being driven to a river, where we walked along the river for two hours, playing around the waterfall, swimming in a few water pools,
-going to McDonalds or another local cafe shop to do WiFi.
-going to a movie (Man of Steel)
-going to church. The group went to two churches. I went to the nearby Lutheran Church, for a typical Lutheran service, followed by lunch at the church, where they served bratwurst. Right after the service, Claire shared about the tour.
-on Canada Day, many of the Canadians wore red, many with Canadian symbols. I had a Canadian bike jersey. We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast.
-we biked to the river this time, which was quite an up and down road. It was good to get back into the saddle. The distance was 41km. Once again we walked the river, exploring the waterfalls, as while as an upstream pool area, good for jumping. Lunch was by the river. It filled the day, from 9 to 3. (I think that my waterproof camera got some water in it. Hopefully it will dry out, or at least that I can recover all the pictures.)
-getting ready to restart the tour Tuesday
And so the time was filled. If we had to be forced to stay in a place for a few days, this was a good place to do so. But I think we are all eager to get going again. The two times of the river helped soften the disappointing news of the tour suspension. It was also a good time to re-energize (though according to the scale I still lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the trip, which surprises me as I have eaten well.) I am also getting to know more people--I am already an honorary member to the Stehouwer family, a couple who are cycling with three of their sons, the oldest of whom it turns out interviewed for our youth position and I drove him around the area at that time.
Continue to pray for the organizers. This suspension caused a lot of logistical problems, as well as expenses. In addition, there is a concern for Wolf Creek Pass, which might be now open to cars (after fires had closed the road for over a week), but not necessarily to bikes. Speaking of fires, a fire broke out close to where we would have bike Friday and Saturday and caused the death of 19 firefighters. Flags are all half-mast here. Pray that the tour can continue without further obstacles.
-some hand laundry, with the outside "laundry facilities"
-being driven to a river, where we walked along the river for two hours, playing around the waterfall, swimming in a few water pools,
-going to McDonalds or another local cafe shop to do WiFi.
-going to a movie (Man of Steel)
-going to church. The group went to two churches. I went to the nearby Lutheran Church, for a typical Lutheran service, followed by lunch at the church, where they served bratwurst. Right after the service, Claire shared about the tour.
-on Canada Day, many of the Canadians wore red, many with Canadian symbols. I had a Canadian bike jersey. We had pancakes and bacon for breakfast.
-we biked to the river this time, which was quite an up and down road. It was good to get back into the saddle. The distance was 41km. Once again we walked the river, exploring the waterfalls, as while as an upstream pool area, good for jumping. Lunch was by the river. It filled the day, from 9 to 3. (I think that my waterproof camera got some water in it. Hopefully it will dry out, or at least that I can recover all the pictures.)
-getting ready to restart the tour Tuesday
And so the time was filled. If we had to be forced to stay in a place for a few days, this was a good place to do so. But I think we are all eager to get going again. The two times of the river helped soften the disappointing news of the tour suspension. It was also a good time to re-energize (though according to the scale I still lost 5 pounds since the beginning of the trip, which surprises me as I have eaten well.) I am also getting to know more people--I am already an honorary member to the Stehouwer family, a couple who are cycling with three of their sons, the oldest of whom it turns out interviewed for our youth position and I drove him around the area at that time.
Continue to pray for the organizers. This suspension caused a lot of logistical problems, as well as expenses. In addition, there is a concern for Wolf Creek Pass, which might be now open to cars (after fires had closed the road for over a week), but not necessarily to bikes. Speaking of fires, a fire broke out close to where we would have bike Friday and Saturday and caused the death of 19 firefighters. Flags are all half-mast here. Pray that the tour can continue without further obstacles.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Friday the 28th
So today, we took a bus to cover three days of biking. It was, of course, disappointing that the tour was suspended for these days. It must have been a difficult call to make. I felt really sorry for those doing only the one week. One third of their biking days were cut, whereas for me it is only three days out of nine weeks. But it does mean I cannot claim to have cycled completely from sea to sea. There will be a gap. That's disappointing, as I wanted to do the whole thing.
But if we attempted it in this heat of 120 degrees, it would have wiped us out, especially the Monday ride. We drove it by bus and it would have been the most challenging day of the tour. Even in cool conditions, it would have been a great challenge for many of the riders, including myself. But in these conditions, one strong rider guessed only two people might have made it and he did not include himself. So it was probably wise to have suspended the tour.
Instead, we took the bus. As we waited for the bus, we amused ourselves in the community Center (see pictures on Smugmug). At 10 we boarded the bus. In Phoenix, we made two short stops: at the river and for a shake. We arrived at Payson at 3:30, but the gear truck only arrived at 8. In between I walked with three others for ice cream. Pizza was ordered for the group. Tents set up in the dark. We are staying on school grounds, with no access to the main building. We do have washrooms, but have improvised outdoor showers. No Internet here, but am presenting using it at Denny's with Saturday morning breakfast.
We now have the weekend to spend in Payson.
But if we attempted it in this heat of 120 degrees, it would have wiped us out, especially the Monday ride. We drove it by bus and it would have been the most challenging day of the tour. Even in cool conditions, it would have been a great challenge for many of the riders, including myself. But in these conditions, one strong rider guessed only two people might have made it and he did not include himself. So it was probably wise to have suspended the tour.
Instead, we took the bus. As we waited for the bus, we amused ourselves in the community Center (see pictures on Smugmug). At 10 we boarded the bus. In Phoenix, we made two short stops: at the river and for a shake. We arrived at Payson at 3:30, but the gear truck only arrived at 8. In between I walked with three others for ice cream. Pizza was ordered for the group. Tents set up in the dark. We are staying on school grounds, with no access to the main building. We do have washrooms, but have improvised outdoor showers. No Internet here, but am presenting using it at Denny's with Saturday morning breakfast.
We now have the weekend to spend in Payson.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Major Change
Today it hit 113 degrees. It is expected to get hotter for next several day, up to 120 degrees. Residents are advised to stay indoors.. As a result, the ride has been "suspended." We will bypass Phoenix. Tomorrow we will be driven from here to Payson, our Monday night stop. This is where the ride will restart. A lot of logistical arrangements have been made and are being made to make this significant change. A change that is disappointing, but necessary. While some riders would have been able to do it, it would be risky to send out riders in those conditions. Safety needs to be the first concern. Please pray for the organizers as they had to make this decision and as they seek to implement it. Library is closing, but I wanted to write this important update.
Day 4
Today there was a real concern about the heat, as we were heading into extreme temperatures of up to 45 degrees. As a result, the riders were encouraged to leave early. By 5:30 most had taken off. I had sweep duty, which started last night. I had to help with dinner, this morning with breakfast and pack the gear into the truck. Usually, as the last riders we would sweep the slow riders into camp (I.e follow them, going at their pace). But today, a truck did that duty. This meant that when we came to slow riders, we could pass them and go at our pace. In addition there were additional SAG stops so that everyone could refill their water bottles. At some stops wet towels were used to cool people down.
In terms of the ride itself, we followed I-10 from Desert Center to Quartzite. The shoulder is wide, but there was one section, where there were bumps every bicycle length. At one point we crossed the Colorodo River and entered into Arizona. The last section was a steep climb, as even some trucks had to use their four way flashers as they ascended. We are staying at a community Center, with AC. This was a pleasant surprise as we were told we would only have a football field to use and it was recommended to find a motel. (Of course, that is easy for some to do, but not for the young adults. I did not book a room and am glad not to.)
I began today at 6:10, after packing the truck. We did about 120 kms and I arrived at the community Center at 1:15pm. It had no showers, but they set up a canopy in the football field, with garden hoses to wash down with. The water was very hot, because the hose was lying in the sun!
When I arrived, we were given towels to cool down, as well as snacks. Since there was no WiFi at the community Center, I walked to the library, a block away to write this.
In terms of the ride itself, we followed I-10 from Desert Center to Quartzite. The shoulder is wide, but there was one section, where there were bumps every bicycle length. At one point we crossed the Colorodo River and entered into Arizona. The last section was a steep climb, as even some trucks had to use their four way flashers as they ascended. We are staying at a community Center, with AC. This was a pleasant surprise as we were told we would only have a football field to use and it was recommended to find a motel. (Of course, that is easy for some to do, but not for the young adults. I did not book a room and am glad not to.)
I began today at 6:10, after packing the truck. We did about 120 kms and I arrived at the community Center at 1:15pm. It had no showers, but they set up a canopy in the football field, with garden hoses to wash down with. The water was very hot, because the hose was lying in the sun!
When I arrived, we were given towels to cool down, as well as snacks. Since there was no WiFi at the community Center, I walked to the library, a block away to write this.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Day Two and Three
Day two
Our group of six riders left at 6:50am. In the first section of the ride, we encountered our biggest hills so far. I managed them quite well, appreciating now the training I had done. After a short very rough section of road, I had my second flat, which I quickly changed. We had the wind behind us and in the middle section, we were cruising along at 50k, without much effort and only a slight decline. I reached my highest speed so far at 59kph, and it wasn't a steep decline. I am still not the most comfortable at those speeds, but I have to get use to it, as more will come. We then entered the Palm Springs area and began to feel the heat, as it was getting around 110 degrees. We arrived at our campsite, a Christian school, with a pool (but no wifi), at 2pm, having done 125 kms.
Day Three
Because of the heat, we left at 5:45, meaning I woke up at 4am. There were three distinct sections today:
- going through the flat valley, with its grape vines and other types of agriculture
-going through Box Canyon, which is very beautiful. The road was quite, but a steady uphill climb.
-going on Interstate 10. I was a bit concerned about biking on the freeway. It is legal here because it is the only road. Actually it is quite safe. The shoulder is a lane width of pavement, with rumbles strips. It was safer than going through towns and all those stoplights. (Yesterday in a town, a truck turned right, just before the six of us. I was in front and hit my brakes, coming just a few inches from his bumper.)
We arrived at Desert Center at noon, to avoid the heat of the afternoon. We are staying at a Golf resort, having a AC room to sit in, access to Wi Fi and a pool. I'll enjoy these perks, while we have them.
After three days of cycling, doing 350 kms, I am surprised how well my body is doing. It is clear that the training paid off, but we are only half way through the way.
It's been great to bike as a group, something I had to get use to, but the benefits are good.
Our group of six riders left at 6:50am. In the first section of the ride, we encountered our biggest hills so far. I managed them quite well, appreciating now the training I had done. After a short very rough section of road, I had my second flat, which I quickly changed. We had the wind behind us and in the middle section, we were cruising along at 50k, without much effort and only a slight decline. I reached my highest speed so far at 59kph, and it wasn't a steep decline. I am still not the most comfortable at those speeds, but I have to get use to it, as more will come. We then entered the Palm Springs area and began to feel the heat, as it was getting around 110 degrees. We arrived at our campsite, a Christian school, with a pool (but no wifi), at 2pm, having done 125 kms.
Day Three
Because of the heat, we left at 5:45, meaning I woke up at 4am. There were three distinct sections today:
- going through the flat valley, with its grape vines and other types of agriculture
-going through Box Canyon, which is very beautiful. The road was quite, but a steady uphill climb.
-going on Interstate 10. I was a bit concerned about biking on the freeway. It is legal here because it is the only road. Actually it is quite safe. The shoulder is a lane width of pavement, with rumbles strips. It was safer than going through towns and all those stoplights. (Yesterday in a town, a truck turned right, just before the six of us. I was in front and hit my brakes, coming just a few inches from his bumper.)
We arrived at Desert Center at noon, to avoid the heat of the afternoon. We are staying at a Golf resort, having a AC room to sit in, access to Wi Fi and a pool. I'll enjoy these perks, while we have them.
After three days of cycling, doing 350 kms, I am surprised how well my body is doing. It is clear that the training paid off, but we are only half way through the way.
It's been great to bike as a group, something I had to get use to, but the benefits are good.
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