two hundred fifty

THEN CAME BRONSON

 Micheal Parks in 1969 starred in a TV show that impacted me profoundly. A young guy setting out on a motorcycle with the theme, "Where ever I end up I guess". That struck such a cord with me I almost bought a motorcycle but even at that age realized I would never survive, I had too much of that speed thing.

Jim Bronson would find himself in a situation every week where he would save a life, put down a bully, solve a crime or change a life, but that is Hollywood. Actually a real journey has countless special moments. They may not be as dramatic as a television series but I do know I impacted a few lives along the way. Mine was certainly changed, I think that is the way this human to human thing should work.

I did buy a leather jacket and hat and took off a few times hitch hiking. My first few times I made all of the stupid mistakes but avoided the serial killers, but I did find and politely avoid a few creepy truck drivers. I remember so clearly being in the middle of Pennsylvania at 6 am trying to hitch a ride after sleeping under a truck on a piece of cardboard. It sounds like a nightmare but I had a smile on my face I'll never forget.

The middle of nowhere with only my whits is somehow soothing. I found the same feeling with a bicycle, a  motorcycle comes with a lot of limitations. People don't react the same to a motorcycle as they do a nut in the middle of nowhere on a bicycle. 

Living in Oregon the summers are filled with hundreds of guys my age taking epic journeys on very nice touring motorcycles. They travel longer distances from motel to motel avoiding the stress of leg power and primitive camping. I may someday do that but now I'll stick to my peddle bike.

On a bicycle there are things you just can't do. One of these is go fast and you can't go far, legs and lungs are the only motor you have. The weather and terrain rule your days. The slow slog puts you in contact with so many more people along the way.

If you go on Youtube you can watch a clip of this conversation. Jim Bronson has a conversation with a business guy going to work who is curious about what Jim was doing. He asked "were are you headed?", Jim answered "where ever I end up I guess". I have had the vary interaction with so many people who ask me the same question. 

The guy in the car seemed to be in awe if the free spirit of a young guy on an epic journey. It doesn't seem like much but to many people the thought of unfocused freedom thrills and terrifies them.

The call of the road is strong in me I have never ever been in a more perfect place then the middle of nowhere special. Each time I have fed this need, the need grows stronger. The older I get the more my eyes search the horizon longing to see what is over the hill and around the corner.

My previous post talked about my focus issues. What I have discovered I find serenity in the chaos of the bike lane. That and the feeling of freedom I can't imagine a more perfect place to be.

two hundred forty nine

Why would a grown man want to ride a heavy bicycle across America?

I have tried to understand my wondering need for a very long time. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s like most kids wondering what it is all about. The political and cultural turmoil of war, the draft, civil rights, moon landings, Woodstock, television, muscle cars, girls and rock and roll set the back drop. 

I was the younger son of a blue collar family from a small Ohio town. As a vocation factories or farming was the choice most kids made. We got jobs, fast cars, raised some hell, fell in love, got married, bought a house, started a family and tried to figure it out like every other human on the planet.

We all have a path and a story I’ll tell you a little part of mine. After a rough and tumble free range childhood I was an average kid. However I was plagued with impulse control issues and a few what they now call learning disorders. Thank God I was not treated for any of these because I eventually learned to live with them and thrive.

I write in this blog in a way that I believe is helped by these “disorders”. It takes me twice as long but I believe it makes sense to the people reading in a way I still don’t understand. Perhaps it just fits in your head too.

I was a bully and I was bullied, I was shy but obnoxious, I hid while I was showing off and like most young boys under the influence of testosterone, thought my dad was an idiot, rebelled at every turn and howled at the moon. I somehow avoided arrest and survived muscle cars with only a broken leg but a few dead friends. We were living in a strange bubble trying to stay awake in a small town.

My dad eventually got smarter and years later I understood he had had every right to smother me in my sleep. I wrecked his cars, broke his tools and pretty much drove my parents to the very edge. I know I’m not the only one but I was pretty bad.

Being alone kept me out of trouble and being alone was very comforting. I have found over the years this is both good and bad, there has to be a balance. I’ll save you all of the psycho babble about my path to get some things into perspective. 

The bottom line is I’m sober for more than 30 years and I have a relationship with my higher power Jesus Christ. From the day I entered into a covenant with Him I have never felt alone. We talk but not often enough, I’m not everyone’s idea of a model Christian but I won’t plaster on a Jesus mask to make people happy. Over the decades of this relationship I have changed from the inside out so hiding that with a mask people can see around would be disingenuous. I am who I am and I am striving to be better every day.

Enough preachy stuff now back to the reason I ride a bicycle like I do……

two hundred forty eight

 LET THERE BE FRONT LIGHT 

I have had this light for years it is an Urban Light & Motion 700 Lumen rechargeable head light. This thing is very bright to light my path and lets other traffic see me. 

I try never to use it other than for camp set up because I try to never ride at night. I have been caught in the dark miles from my destination by not planning well. This is foolhardy and dangerous, I learned that the hard way. 

Night time commuting in a familiar town in the early hours has risk but day after day traveling the same route you memorize the hazards. If you are traveling in the dark on strange streets and highways unseen holes, rocks, loose gravel and wet spots can have serious consequences. Like I said you can reduce the risk by reducing the odds, it is just common sense.

My lights are all rechargeable which has never been an issue away from power they seem to last a very long time. 

Cygolite makes a more powerful light 1400 Lumens. This could help with mountain biking but loaded touring 700 is more than enough. Daytime use on the front is not a bad idea in fact I have used mine set on pulse while navigating busy city traffic. A small 50 lumen hotshot can work on the front during the day.

two hundred forty seven

LET THERE BE REAR LIGHT

  

I have a particular pet peeve about tail lights. There are dozens of types and styles that range from $10 and up.  For some strange reason as I drive my truck to work there is some idiot riding in the bike lane blacked out like it is the world war II blitz. I have actually seen the same person day after day cruising along without a care not realizing how lucky they were being noticed at the last minute. This is one problem that has a simple fix, buy a damn tail light at Walmart!

I guess it is like turn signals there is no real need to use them if you know were you are going. Driving is a group activity and the last I checked bicycles don't have fenders. Assume no one sees you, it only takes one. Commuting to work on familiar streets has risk but traveling long distances multiplies the risk by 10. Strange roads, traffic signals and 100 times the traffic the odds build. A simple fix is bright colors, reflective clothing and lights. 

I found the triangle for days and battery powered lights for night. Now I have a new light by Cygolite Hypershot 350 Lumen day time rechargeable tail light. I know it is an over kill but I can be seen a full mile ahead in the brightest sunlight so I run it all day. These lights have that "what the hell is that?" effect on traffic. It is a strange blink that gets a driver trying to figure out what you are instead of noticing you at the last second. This increases the odds they won't kill you which is a very good thing for you both.

two hundred forty six

                                                              

NEWEST TOY

 

My new Garmin GPS choice is different this time. I had the 60 series type which worked well but I got tired of pushing buttons. The Garmin 35 Touch with a touch screen is much easier to use on the fly. 

The mount I found is from a small company that 3D prints a stem mount for Garmin units. It is well made but it took months and was expensive it fits perfectly and is like metal. 

With the development of smart phones I have live access to food, camping, motels and everything else. I have North America City Navigator loaded on the GPS to use when I can't access the internet which happens more than I expected in the Pacific Northwest.

I can plot my way, know my ETA, see local streets and landmarks, track my elevation changes by percentage  and keep detailed records of milage, elevation and exact location. This can be stored on an internal chip then down loaded onto my PC. This will give me a detailed record of my entire journey.

It takes two AA rechargeable Lithium batteries that last a full day. I have a total of 8 that can be recharged in less than an hour.

I use my phone or Ipad mini to plot long trips, plus I have paper maps and a magnetic compass. I pick up a new state map at each state line. Relying completely on GPS routing can really be frustrating. Taking the long view saves an extra climb or a dangerous road.

One hard skill to develop is choosing the best bicycle route. Elevation changes, traffic issues and weather patterns are trial and error. Going around a mountain is usually farther but easier than climbing up and over. Do this enough and you will figure it out. The long view works best. 

two hundred forty five

25 YEARS AGO THIS WAS THE STATE OF THE ART

 This is my piece of old school technology, a CATEYE CC-AT-100. It came on the market in 1995 for $100. The altimeter that I found to be very accurate works with barometric pressure. Every mountain pass has a posted elevation that I assume is accurate, it was always within 5 feet. At sea level it would vary as much as 20 feet. 

The unit has a wire down to the front fork to a sensor that tracks a magnet on the wheel spoke. You set the unit by tire size which is amazingly accurate. I used the unit for daily miles and would reset it daily. It saves totals but I just use it for current speed, elevation and daily miles. 

I don't worry about it rain or shine it is bullet proof. This is actually a new one, I found it in a reduced bin in a bike shop. It was brand new but it was missing the bar mount and wiring harness, so it was only $5. My original unit had some wear but it worked perfectly.

I don't really need this my GPS will do everything and more but I like it because it looks vintage like me. 

After the nuclear EMP attack I think this will still work along with my Zippo lighter, stem wind pocket watch and pocket knife.

Most miles in a day - 155 miles - Montana into North Dakota, neutral wind and powered by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Top down hill speed - 50 MPH - Down a crowded California freeway grade. I got caught up in the draft from several tractor trailers. I only tried that once.

Highest altitude - 9850 FT - Crossing the Rockies in Colorado I was pushing the bike at at a blinding 3.5 MPH.

two hundred forty four

This is the surgeon that performed my recent full right knee replacement. My right femur was broken in a car accident 50 years ago. It was a compound break that left my right leg an inch shorter. This caused extra wear on my knee joint that had also been damaged. I have struggled with my knee for 30 years so it was time to finally do something about it.

My plan is to get back on the bike outdoors in the spring. Full recovery takes 52 weeks. So far it is still healing and my body is adjusting. I am stoked to get back to normal, well more than normal. I give a great deal of credit to the knowledge and skill of Doctor Finter. I told her I would put a sticker on my bike to advertise for her.

 Erin Finter, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon-Total Joint Replacement, Knee, Hip

Dr. Erin Finter was born at St. Charles Hospital and raised in Bend. She attended University of Washington for her undergraduate education and Georgetown University for medical school, graduating cum laude from both institutions. At Georgetown, she won the outstanding student award for orthopedic surgery. Dr. Finter completed her internship and orthopedic residency at University of Chicago and her fellowship in joint replacement surgery at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Finter specializes in joint replacement and reconstructive procedures of the hip and knee, including minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Erin Finter is now able to offer direct anterior total hip arthroplasty, which provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility in patients who qualify. She enjoys her work in joint replacement knowing she helps contribute to her patients quality of life as they return to a healthy state of abilities.

Dr. Finter also appreciates that she is allowed into peoples lives in an intimate and significant way and respectfully honors that trust. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Dr. Finter is thrilled to be practicing in her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking and spending time with her husband and family.

two hundred forty three

My Basic Kitchen (left rear pannier)

 My kitchen is very basic. I love coffee, let me rephrase that I NEED coffee, strong black drip coffee. My Jetboil stove is one of the originals, I bought it when Jetboil was a small startup company in New England. I've had it since 2003 or so and have used it everyday of every trip without a hitch. I have replaced some parts, they sell rebuild kits. If it ever gives out I will buy another one. The larger pot is also from Jetboil, it has the flanged bottom to heat effectively minimizing fuel use.

I consider my dry food as emergency food to use in a pinch. I try to always have a couple days of food from regular grocery stores on board. If I buy meat, eggs and cheese, it doesn't need refrigerated as long as I use it in a day or so. Beans, fruit, peanut butter, jelly and bread are my favorite.

I'm not a picky eater, fancy food is good but I have a no frills basic cave man approach to food. I do love meat, take the hair off, show it a fire and I'm good. Over a long trip, mentally, emotionally and physically food becomes fuel, eating is more a need not a pleasure. You start to think of it like a gas tank fuel gauge. You begin to feel the food you eat so listen to your body, what you crave is probably what your body needs. 

I do treat myself to a half gallon of vanilla ice-cream at the end of every 100 mile day. I'm not sure I have very many of those in me, maybe I'll drop it to 75 or 80. My daily milage depends on my mood, terrain, weather, headwinds and distractions. My focus on total miles has faded over the years, I think I'm learning to relax more, enjoy the journey and explore the distractions. If it is a day my body feels right and a long day happens I love sitting on the sidewalk in front of a mom and pop grocery store smiling while I consume the whole half gallon and feel the cold fill my belly this is a guilty pleasure. 

Hydration is much more vital than food. The west has some vast spaces. I have a water filter that I try not to need, it makes water safe but not good tasting. Water is usually available particularly in the west. In a pinch I have held up water bottles to passing cars, asked car campers or asked people I see by their houses for water and have never been turned down. A lake or stream works in a pinch so I feel a filter is worth carrying. I can carry 6 Liters of fresh water with my extra collapsible bottles. I also use a hydration drink tablet to avoid cramping, GU Hydration Lemon Lime Tabs are my favorite.

My usual day on the road; I start with coffee while I break camp. I try to ride 20-30 miles to find a good breakfast diner, you can usually get a big breakfast fairly cheap. Ride another 30+ mile stint and try to find a grocery store along the way. Sometimes there are fruit stands, most fruit travels well but you need to eat strawberries where you buy them because bicycles turn them to jam because of the vibration. 

Find a place to camp, set up camp, watch the sunset, cook dinner, clean up, go to bed then wake up and repeat.

Left rear pannier also holds my toiletries and a Big Angus ultra light camp stool. At my age and new knee I need this creature comfort.

two hundred forty two

 NEW ELECTRONIC UPDATE

1. Garmin 35 Touch GPS with City Navagater and North America Topo maps

2. Garmin Inreach Mini satellite text and SOS communicator

3. Iphone SE 128GB (new model) 

4. Ipad Mini 5 with 256GB

5. Bluetooth key board, mouse and pad

6. Bose bluetooth speaker

7. Apple bluetooth airbuds

8. 60 watt charger plug

9. Fast AA battery recharger 10 batteries

10. Misc plugs and cables

11. Goal Zero Sherpa battery pack

My satellite Inreach Mini will allow me to stay in touch wherever I am, at 69 the SOS feature is important while out of cellphone range. 

The IPad can be used to send e-mails, do blog posts and because it has 256GB of memory I have all of my games, movies, books and music downloaded. Audio books are a passion of mine so I have plenty on my phone. 

The 60 watt charging plug will charge the Goal Zero battery pack in around 2 hours so it can be fully charged plus 10 AA batteries in coffee shops. 

This all fits nicely in two bags so I can carry them while I am away from the bike. I should be good with reasonable use a full week away from power. 

two hundred forty one

AUGUST 5, 1990 

The reason I have had the oppertunity to have these bicycle adventures stems from one event in my life. August 5, 1990 I got my head out of my ass and by the grace of God got sober. Over the years an important part of my journey has been AA meetings along the way. I plan to do many more meetings where ever I go. AA people are like family where ever I go.

( XXX are Roman numerals for 30 years, it isn't a porn star award )

two hundred forty

COOLEST JOB EVER

In Hawaii I was a cab driver, I think it was the most fun job I have ever had. Even on slow days I couldn't bitch I was in Hawaii. Many many good memories of the fascinating people I had in my cab from all corners of the world.

 

two hundred thirty nine

FOUR YEARS IN PARADISE

 

Here is a more recent photo of me on my boat in Hawaii. 

My bicycle trip plans are not set yet, I am hoping to use my bullheadedness to make this happen. 

Who knows what the future holds. I make a plan and sometimes God laughs. 

I plan to embrace the future whatever it holds.

two hundred thirty eight

IT'S ALIVE!

 Well here I sit healing up after knee replacement surgery. I am in Bend Oregon by way of Captain Cook Hawaii and San Francisco. Walter, my trusted touring bicycle rig is sitting in the next room all shiny and renewed, every inch has been upgraded and tweaked. 

Walter survived two Hawaii cargo boat trips and 14,000 miles of touring. The frame and wheels are solid. The front chain derailed was broken but everything else was cosmetic. New GPS, battery recharger, satellite emergency hand held and an iPad mini to stay in touch. New cycling clothes, rain gear, sleeping bag and a few creature comforts. 

My tent was resealed and waterproofed and I added new daytime running lights. The weight is the same but I lack nothing for a long trip.

I’m now 69 years old and out of shape. My plan is to do a few more epic bicycle journeys. Getting in shape is my focus for the next year or so so stay tuned I’m not finished yet.