Continuing on Skyline Drive

Our second day of biking was really a test. It rained continuously as we traveled a total of 29 miles. The fog was so thick that we could only see about a hundred feet and that made descents very difficult as we had to guess which way the road would turn next. This made cycling difficult and setting up camp a real challenge. As you can (barely) see, the fog was thick even in out campsite. Since we did not feel like cooking in the rain, we got under the eves of a restroom and cooked our dinner. I had a great meal of tubular steak (hot dogs) and chili. Because of the rain and the fact that we were really tired, I headed for my sleeping bag by about 8:30 p.m. It rained most of the night and was still drizzling as we got up the next morning to ride. Still, this has been a great trip!

Cycling the Skyline Drive

This entry is, in reality, after the fact. One thing I did not expect is that ANY services, including libraries, are far off the parkway and a steep descent at that. If you go down to get to the library, you have to climb back up to get to the parkway. Consequently, I didn't get to the library to post. Andy and I started the trip at Front Royal, Virginia on Monday, May 25th. What we didn't realize was that it would begin with a 22 mile climb. Oh, I guess there was about a mile that was either flat or slightly down, but almost all of it was climbing. We covered 51 miles but it took us 7 and a half hours! It began to rain about an hour and a half from the campsite. We set up our tents in the rain and headed for the showers. The best 2 dollar, ten minute shower I've ever had. We ate at a lodge at the campground and retired for the night. It rained almost all night and all the next day.

A Note from Jessica

*Jessica's Take*

Well...the guys clearly haven't had much in the way of internet access (or phone access for that matter!) so I've taken it upon myself to post a google map that I made of their trip thus far.

They didn't see the sun or even have a dry sleeping bag until 2 days ago, so indeed as Joey said, it's the rainy season. Still, there were all sorts of local pleasures in which to partake--buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup, cherry trees full of fruit, families of bears and turkeys framing the scenery, and, most importantly, biker bars with nice cold beers!

The Ascent

Nothing like climbing to 12,000 feet!

A typical bike trail...you know, just like in BR!

Monday, July 14, 2008

The wonderful thing about not having a set agenda is you can make changes in your plans on a whim. As I was cycling the most incredible bike path up toward Loveland Pass, I heard music and decided to stop. There was a free Blues festival with art booths, many food booths and, of course, a cold beverage of choice. I found a little motel a half mile away and decided to stay for the music. I met a lot of great people and had a good time before I returned to my room and slept for a solid ten hours. It was also nice to have a whirlpool, shower and nice mexican meal. I mentioned the bike path. I want to tell you that Colorado has some fantastic bike paths. Yesterday I rode about twenty eight miles of beautiful bike paths that went through aspen glens, around a beautiful reservoir, up the mountian along a fast moving whitewater stream and into Keystone. If Colorado can do it, so can Louisiana. We have beautiful areas too. I can't find a computer (for rent) that will allow me to get my pics up yet so I'll send Jessica some camera shots and have her post them. Well, I'm going to eat and then tackle Loveland Pass. I'll send a photo from the top.

Coming into Frisco

I rode the freeway (Trout Creek Pass) yesterday and then across a 22 mile stretch called South Park. Unfortunately, the 30 mph wind was in my face the entire time and I could only muster about 6 mph average. By the time I arrived in Fairplay, I was out of water, tired as could be and ready for anyplace to bed down. Also unfortunately, Fairplay was hosting a group of about 2000 Harley Davidson Riders and suffice it to say there was no room at the inn. I asked a nice police officer where I could stay and she gave me permission of set up my tent in the Municipal park across the river (only a short 3 mile uphill ride in gravel). I awoke this morning to temperatures of 35 degrees and my hands were so cold I could barely put the tent away. As soon as I packed up, I went to a good family run breakfast joint and ate everything in sight. I cradled the coffee in my frozen hands. Then I climbed Hoosier Pass, an 11,000+ pass. On the way I saw, believe it or not, skateboarders flying down the mountain. No brakes except their hands. As I left the top of Hoosier and descended, the skateboarders did also. I hit forty + mph and couldn't keep up with the boarders. Arriving in Breckenridge, it looked like half of Denver was there so I kept going on an incredible fifteen mile bike path to Frisco where I am now. I will have to cross Loveland Pass tomorrow (another 11,000+ pass) so I will find a camping spot (hopefully with a shower) for tonight. I tried to put the pictures on Picasa but it says the security won't let that happen. I'll keep trying as I go. By the way, Joey, I DID pedal downhill on a couple of occasions. Now I think I'll go find a restaurant to have a leisurly lunch and charge up my phone. Stay tuned for the story of Loveland Pass.

Interim Pics

Here are some pics from the road that dad sent to me via his phone.

Quite the scenic route.
He said he's only seen 2 cyclists so far.

-Jessica