2007 PAC Tour Northern Transcontinental

Epilogue

2007-08-19T14:37:00.000+01:00

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Note: If you're reading this blog retrospectively, you might want to start here.
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I've left a week between the ride completion and this summary to let everything ferment and settle down... I sure everybody has their own view on the trip. Here's mine!

Personally, I enjoyed the tour immensely, although it was very tough at times and perhaps slightly too long without a scheduled rest day. 26 days straight riding, mostly 125+ miles days, in hot summer temperatures is bordering on excessive! There were a couple of days when I thought "why am I doing this?", but mostly, although I may not have enjoyed every minute cycling, I did enjoy the satisfaction of completing each day and moving further across the country. There is something immensely satisfying about a long road trip, especially a coast-to-coast. I feel a great sense of achievement having crossed America on a bicycle. In fact, I'll repeat that in large, emboldened, red, white and blue capitals:

I CROSSED AMERICA ON A BICYCLE!

Group shot at the Atlantic Ocean (photo from Susan's site)

The organisation was superlative. Thanks to Susan and Lon and the crew: Susan, Jim, Jon, Lara, Franz, Dave, John, Buster (and Blisti the dog!). You were all fantastic and worked tirelessly to make this trip run smoothly so that we, the riders, could concentrate on doing what we wanted to do - RIDE OUR BIKES. Pactour really is a very smooth and unique operation.

And what a great group of riders! There were no egos or bad apples on this trip. Everybody was very supportive and friendly. I felt we became a great family (crew included) for the month that we traversed the country, gradually learning each other's character, including the inevitable idiosyncrasies! Thanks to Kurt, my room-mate, who made room sharing a surprisingly painless affair. He also provided the computer that most of this blog was written on! I also include a special thought for the riders who left the tour early, for one reason or other...

My bike did pretty well. I had no major mechanicals, although I did have 13 punctures! Maybe my 23s were a bit light, in retrospect. The road surfaces and I think, the high temperatures, wore out my tyres prematurely. I was only getting 1,000 miles from a rear!

So, it's all over and I'm glad! My body was beginning to break down. I struggled with a cough and mild cold for the majority of the tour, I got stung by an angry bee, I pulled a muscle in a calf, I had strains at various points during the tour to both ankles, the back of both knees, the outside ligments of the left knee. I fell off and had a nice bit of road rash to contend with for a week! I have a slightly numb big toe. Even without all of this, the general wear and tear of riding a long way on consecutive days gradually took its toll. Certainly during the last week, I wasn't recovering properly for the next day.

This was certainly a trip of a lifetime for me and one that I'll carry both the good and the not so good memories close to me for a very long time. Maybe, I'll see some of my new friends on the road in the future, who knows...

Shaun Bonney
August 2007

Tour Profile - Week 4

2007-08-19T14:13:00.000+01:00

Tour Profile - Week 3

2007-08-19T13:48:00.000+01:00

Days 15 & 16 are not available.

Tour Profile - Week 2

2007-08-19T12:51:00.001+01:00

Tour Profile - Week 1

2007-08-18T15:27:00.001+01:00

Profile of the tour recorded daily by my cycle computer.

Day 26: Thursday, 9 August

2007-08-11T21:00:00.000+01:00

Ashland, VA to Williamsburg, VA...[map]
I've only gone and bloody done it!
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Mileage: 78.6miles+14.1 back to hotel, Start: 7:30am, Time: 6hr:14min,
Avg: 15.7mph, Rolling: 12.6mph, Climb: 1,046ft,
Weather: Hot and humid, Temp: 82-95°F
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We've finally made it! After 26 hot days we've reached the Atlantic coast and completed our US transcontinental... and not a moment too soon.

Everybody was chirpy at breakfast and looking forward to the last ride. We set off together out of Ashland into another steamy and humid day. The early miles were a little hairy, with a large bunch and morning commuter traffic, so I and a few others decided to hang back so as not to have a problem on the last day of all days! In the end, I rode a lot of the day in my own space, still near to other riders but on my own, so as to savour the final miles and reflect on my last month of effort.

As scheduled, we all met up again about 2 miles from the finish for a procession to the beach. We waited quite a while for Woody to turn up, but he eventually did. (Woody rode at his own pace throughout the tour but still achieved the same result as everybody else who completed). Then we 'processed' to the finish. It was a special few minutes with everybody congratulating each other on their achievements. We even had several spectators clapping us in along the road! Upon reaching the beach, most took off shoes and socks and walked the bike to the water's edge for that special photo. I did the same of course.

Following that, we had our lunch near the beach and rode back 14 miles to the hotel. We could now get off our bikes for good for the trip was at last over.

I'm sure I'll be along later to wax more philosophically about the tour and wrap things up, but for now this is the end of the final road report. Thanks for spending the time reading my daily entries and I hope you enjoyed the ride!

Rolling out on the final morning
On the Colonial Parkway
Amassing for the procession...
Finishing!
Me and the Atlantic
That was quite a long way...

Day 25: Wednesday, 8 August

2007-08-08T20:00:00.000+01:00

Harrisonburg, VA to Ashland, VA...[map]
We're breaking more heat records today...
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Mileage: 121.2miles, Start: 7.00am, Time: 8hr:42min,
Avg: 16.3mph, Rolling: 13.9mph, Climb: 4,363ft,
Weather: Very Hot and Humid, Temp: 76-102°F
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I don't know if we're having good luck or bad luck but the weather on this tour has been hot, very hot. A couple of weeks ago in Minnesota and Wyoming we were in record breaking temperatures. We regularly hit the 100s, which for the mid-west is rare. (Conversation heard by Doug from a local old boy about the MT weather: 'Yep, it's hot, ..., it as hot as it was..., hell, it's as hot as it's ever been'!). Now we're nearly at the east coast the hot spell has moved over us again! Temperature 102 degrees, with humidity = Heat Index 110+ degrees (the temperature it feels like). My that's hot!

So, it was already nearly 80 degrees when we mounted at 7 this morning. We had quite a long climb first thing and it was a sweaty one! No kidding, the sweat was dripping off of my handlebars at the rate of one drop a second! Ask Michael. Then the heat started kicking in and everyone was frying. It was quite funny watching the Weather Channel on the TV this morning. They were giving out 'heat advisory' warnings. Basically don't work outdoors, avoid strenuous exercise! As I said, quite funny...

My physical condition is probably getting near it's limit. I'm definitely not recovering fully each day now. I tend to have a poor patch betwen 30 and 60 miles and then tend to pick up, but I'm certainly less strong than a week ago. I guess 26 days is a little excessive!

The PAC Tour daily routine is now well ingrained though. This is what I do every day: Alarm goes off (at some ridiculous specified hour - always 1 hour before breakfast). I have no idea which town I'm in. Kurt gets up and phaffs around doing god knows what. I doze for another 39 minutes. At the magic moment, I arise, use the bathroom, put my kit on, sun-screen up and take the bike outside. (The bikes spend the night indoors, of course). Then we have breakfast. I always have: 2 cups orange juice, 2-3 cakes of some sort, 1 bowl of porridge with a lot of brown sugar, 1 bowl of sultana bran flakes with banana + any specials that are going. After breakfast, I go back to the room and collect my bag (Kurt phaffs around a bit more) and take it to the motel truck and leave it. I then ride anywhere between 85-167 miles with 2/3/4 sag stops for refreshment and lunch. I spend an hour or two wishing the bloody hotel would appear around the next bend. When it finally does appear I congratulate myself on surviving another day. I then have to mend my bike if it's gone wrong (in the 100 degree heat of course). After showering, we go to the nearest restaurant that isn't McDonalds(TM) and eat them out of house and home. I then blog on Kurt's computer. (I could say Kurt phaffs around a bit, but he doesn't, he tends to go straight to bed). I then listen to some music on the iPod(TM), lay the kit out, turn the aircon to low and go to sleep. Then the alarm goes off (at some ridiculous specified hour - always 1 hour before breakfast)...

I think everybody is looking forward to our last day in the saddle, I know I am...

Nobody's in a particular hurry to leave this morning...

Lots of roads like this one, today...

...and some pretty white churches

Devil's highway: Right at the next turn!

It's my new hobby, 'sign-spotting'!

Day 24: Tuesday, 7 August

2007-08-07T20:00:00.000+01:00

Elkins, WV to Harrisonburg, VA...[map]
Lots of hills today and it was hot...
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Mileage: 105.8miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 8hr:23min,
Avg: 14.2mph, Rolling: 12.6mph, Climb: 9,593ft,
Weather: Hot and humid, Temp: 70-95°F
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It was a big day today. Perhaps the biggest since the Bighorn day way back when. Certainly the hillest day of the whole tour. Plus it was hot and humid from the get go which meant that all the climbs were sweltering and I sweated profusely.

I started out strong and hit the front over the first two mountains. Although I felt strong in the legs, the heat affected me today. Cat and Marc swept past me on the third climb and Michael passed me on the fourth climb before the first stop. I took it relatvely easy after that and enjoyed the scenery which was spectacular. The Appalachians are very nice!

The descents today were pretty neat aswell. Several times I swept down mountains at 40mph+ and even overtook a couple of trucks on one descent and a couple of cars on the long and twisty final descent! The roads were lovely and smooth today which was good.

After crossing into Virginia (our final state) and doing the final descent we hit some roadworks. They were tarmacing a section of the road. We were let though but could only use one side of the road as the other side was too hot. We could feel the heat from the bikes. The road following the roadworks was dead smooth as it was freshly laid tarmac. Sweet!

As a reward this evening the crew put on a ice cream social so we all eat large amounts of ice cream before bed...

Crossing the Eastern Continental Divide...

German Valley from the second rest stop

Near the top of the final climb...

Kurt and me at the Virginia border

Day 23: Monday, 6 August

2007-08-06T20:40:00.000+01:00

Athens, OH to Elkins, WV...[map]
Last silly mileage day today. Yahoo!
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Mileage: 156.0miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 10hr:57min,
Avg: 16.4mph, Rolling: 14.2mph, Climb: 7,014ft,
Weather: Rain AM, Cloudy and Hot PM, Temp: 75-89°F
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Well, that's the final very long mileage day over! It was meant to be 165 miles but by staying on the main roads we saved 9 miles. This was good in the obvious way, but not so good in other ways. I felt we spent too long on Route 50 and Route 33 (both four lane hiways) and I was feeling lethargic for the time on the 50. Once we were off it, though, things picked up as we followed a very scenic wooded valley. After that, it went downhill (the road went up and down hill of course!) as the 33 was quite busy and after the last sag, the shoulder was the worst we've had on this trip. Result, a puncture fest for everybody!

We set out a little late this morning, as it was pouring with rain and the sun hadn't woken up by the time of our original departure. The rain was very heavy for about 2 hours, but it was already warm and humid. I don't think it got below 75 degrees last night. As I said, I wasn't feeling too good on the early main roads, but for some reason my energy levels picked up after lunch!

Took an obligatory picture at the West Virginia state border. We've only got WV and Virginia to go now! In fact we've got about 300 miles left. Problem is, there is a mountain range between us and the coast! So, the riding is far from over...

Approaching West Virginia...

Difficult to get the bike near the sign.

Once we were off the main road it looked liked this...

Wildlife

So near you can nearly smell the ocean!

Road rash entering the yucky, sticky phase...

Day 22: Sunday, 5 August

2007-08-05T20:30:00.000+01:00

Troy, OH to Athens, OH...[map]
We are finally out of the fricking corn and soya...
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Mileage: 153.0miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 10hr:25min,
Avg: 16.7mph, Rolling: 14.7mph, Climb: 3,024ft,
Weather: Rain, Temp: 65-75°F
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Felt a bit sore this morning, following my tumble yesterday, but, with my wounds done up like a cycling pro I made the start line of today's stage and took my place in the peleton. We were on our second day in Ohio and were promised we would be out of the corn and into the hills again by the afternoon! Yes!

The weather has turned aswell today. It was overcast at breakfast and the rains started during the morning. Quite heavy and persistent until lunch. Approaching lunch in Circleville it came down hard. So hard, the main street was getting flooded. I missed the left turn to lunch as I couldn't see anything! Found it eventually after backtracking a couple of blocks.

After lunch we rode though a lovely wooded area (Hocks Hills?) and the road became more and more lumpy from there until the finish in Athens. Michael and I enjoyed the hills together again but backed off after a while as we've got a long day tomorrow with more of the same hills.

My wounds didn't really enjoy 10 hours in the rain so it may be a difficult sleep tonight...

Sag stop in the rain - a rare sight of this tour...

Gentlemans at the front, the Ladies is a few rows in...

Day 21: Saturday, 4 August

2007-08-05T20:15:00.000+01:00

Wabash, IN to Troy, OH...[map]
Split some blood today... but I'm OK + great party in the evening!
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Mileage: 130.5miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 9hr:01min,
Avg: 17.1mph, Rolling: 14.5mph, Climb: 967ft,
Weather: Sunny and pleasant, Temp: 57-85°F
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Today was a bit of a boring day, so I decided to liven things up by falling off by bike! Hey! I'd been doing my nut in during the morning, as the flat roads and miles and miles of soya and corn were begining to wear a little thin.

We had a coolish morning start, the coldest so far - probably late 50's - so 'frigid'. Well, at least Hooker thought so (see photo). I of course thought it was still warm, so continued in my usual shorts and short-sleeved shirt. I also finally got a reasonable long distance short of an Amish buggy! We also crossed into Ohio today, so another photo job. That was about it until after lunch...

We were only just a few miles out from lunch when I ran into the back of Andrew's wheel and took a tumble. (As I said to Jon later that day when he asked 'How did you fall?'. 'Why, straight down, Jon!'). I was a bit unlucky actually, as I landed on a gravel drive with nice grass banks either side. Oh well. I've got some 'road rash' on my right ankle, calf, knee and thigh. Not too bad though and it won't stop me riding!

In the evening we all went to a BBQ party in Troy laid on by the Ohio Boys (Dan and Doug). It was also a bit of a sad occasion as Dan has had to leave the tour because of work commitments. He's a turkey farmer and the heat has become critical to the current flock. So sad really as Dan is a top bloke! Anyway, we drank a couple of beers and eat the excellent food. Being the revellers that we are, Kurt and myself were nearly the last to leave, but were still back at the hotel by 8.30pm. Now, that's partying!...

Hooker thinks it's cold this morning...

Doug (left) and Dan - The Ohio Boys!

Amish buggy (from a distance and later cropped)

Another border

Cushty!

At the party...

Dan and his wife Shauna (sorry if spelling is dodgy)

Day 20: Friday, 3 August

2007-08-03T21:00:00.000+01:00

Dwight, IL to Wabash, IN...[map]
Well, that was flatter than a flat pancake...
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Mileage: 166.7miles, Start: 6:00am, Time: 10hr:11min,
Avg: 19.0mph, Rolling: 16.4mph, Climb: 869ft,
Weather: Sunny but not too hot, Temp: 62-87°F
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Potentially, today was to have been a nasty day - 167miles on a flat road. Luckily, the wind wasn't playing silly buggers and we had very light winds from the north west. This made the day relatively pleasant and everybody made pretty good progress. Pacelines were again the order of the day and the groups I played with managed 20mph for a lot of the day!

It was an early start though, with an alarm at 4.30am! We were on the road by 6am. Another sunny day, but quite cool to start with and not quite so humid as previous days. I rode the first stage with Lon on his single-speed bike.

We got buzzed by a plane during the morning, sort of North by Northwest style. It landed in the field next to the road. At first I thought it going to land on the road in front of us!

I felt strong today, so the bad day turned into a good day - only 10 hours on the bike! Thanks to Michael, Andrew and Jim (and earlier Dan) for the pacing. We lost an hour tonight as we changed over to Eastern time, so we've an hour less sleep time available. I feel another 'rest' day coming on...

We've also got a party to go to tomorrow evening!...

It's still dark outside this morning... Oh dear

Lon on his single speed

The plane that buzzed us this morning

Day 19: Thursday, 2 August

2007-08-03T19:30:00.000+01:00

South Benoit, IL to Dwight, IL...[map]
Resting today, but it was very hot again...
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Mileage: 133.7miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 9hr:37min,
Avg: 16.4mph, Rolling: 13.9mph, Climb: 1,820ft,
Weather: Hot and sunny and humid, Temp: 65-95°F
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Another sauna this morning. It's unbelieveable. A bit of a 'rest' day today, not much doing. Just rolling through acres and acres of corn and soya...

We had a nice ride on a cycle path away from the traffic for a while. It was tree-lined aswell. I was pretty tired today after the efforts of the last two days, so I took it quite easy. Even managed to find a hose-spray in a park to cool down with at the first sag stop.

We crossed the Illinois river on an old looking bridge. That was kind of scary after the events in Minneapolis, but we got across safely. We had a nice surprise coming into Dwight, we hooked up with the historic Route 66 and I actually got to ride on a small section of very old road. Cool.

It could be a hard day tomorrow so that's it for now.

On the cycle path

Shaun cooling off!

Crossing the Illinois

Route 66 - cool!

(very) Old Route 66

Day 18: Wednesday, 1 August

2007-08-01T20:30:00.000+01:00

Praire Du Chien, WI to South Benoit, IL...[map]
Sweatier than a sweaty sauna...
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Mileage: 144.5miles, Start: 7am, Time: 9hr:36min,
Avg: 16.8mph, Rolling: 15.1mph, Climb: 6,197ft,
Weather: Hot and very humid, Temp: 68-92°F
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Well, that's the most sweat I've dropped in a day! It was super-humid today - you think England is humid during the hot spells - well it isn't, it's arid. Rolled out at 7am and by 7:30am I was dripping. My legs were glistening (and looking rather fetching). My jersey was soaked, my suncream was in my eyes.

Today was also billed as quite a tough day of rolling hills in Wisconsin. As it turned out I steamed it. I felt good all day and felt more at home in the hills than the flatland of the last few days. Spent most of the day with Michael and Kerin. Both were also feeling strong and up for a fast ride. Wahey! We rode the rollercoasters pretty well, gaining lots of momentum from the downhills to use on the uphills. Pretty nice traffic free roads today were also a bonus.

After lunch, Michael and I pushed on, we were on the hunt for Kurt, but he was on a mission and we never saw him until the finish. Damn, that guy is strong. The field was pretty strung out today.

Sorry, light on pictures today, we were too busy chewing tarmac...

Ahh... cute... only 30 months til slaughter day.

Nice mural.

Tee hee hee.

Day 17: Tuesday, 31 July

2007-07-31T19:30:00.000+01:00

Austin, MN to Praire Du Chien, WI...[map]
I'm back and it feels good!
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Mileage: 135.0miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 9hr:19min,
Avg: 16.6mph, Rolling: 14.5mph, Climb: 2,335ft,
Weather: Sunny and quite humid, Temp: 64-86°F
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Knocked out a quick 135 miles today. I'm back and it feels good! I took it quite easy during the day, but still managed to ease myslf near to the front. My two days rest sure helped my general physical state, aswell as fixing my dodgy calf.

It was quite a nice stage today. The early section was reminisicent of Southern England. I felt right at home, apart from the fact I was riding on the wrong side of the road and sweating profusely at 7:30am. We've still got a slight headwind, though. Prevaling westerly winds my bottom...

Highlight today was crossing the Mississippi river at the end of the day. This is the metaphorical dividing line between Western and Eastern America. We had great views of the river from the arched bridge into Prairie Du Chein, our overnight stop. There was even a Mississippi river boat moored on one shore!

All in all, a nice day, and I'm glad to be back in the saddle!!!

Early one morning just as the sun was rising...

We'll mostly be seeing a lot of this - corn...

...and this - soya bean.

Another state change

Continuing the everything in America is big theme...

Amish buggy. I was so excited I fluffed the shot!

Another One!...Oh Bugger...

Me at the Mississippi

Another state - are we moving or what!

Day 16: Monday, 30 July

2007-07-30T17:30:00.000+01:00

Worthington, MN to Austin, MN...[map]
Another day in the van - it's exhausting + I'm a radio star...
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Mileage: zero miles,
Weather: Sunny, quite humid, Temp: 70-88°F
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(For my fans, by popular request, I've added photos to yesterday's entry...)

Made the tough decision that the calf hasn't quite healed enough to take 143 miles, so I'm in the van again today. Actually, I was in a car... no several cars during the day. Steve (with me yesterday) tried out his leg but stopped after 20 miles. Hope we're both better tomorrow. I was joined today by Jerry who has a boil on his...err...he can't sit on his saddle. We had Rebecca's (Lon's daughter) Jetta today, so in theory we had a bit of freedom, but the day didn't turn out that way...

We found some roadworks near Jackson that we couldn't get the riders through, so we were looking for a detour. First option was a 20 mile detour - vetoed, too long. Next Susan (tour director) tried the police to see if we could use the I-90 - vetoed as 'too dangerous' by the cops. (Although we've been riding I-90, further west, we're not allowed to in Minnesota, even though the I-90 is relatively traffic free with a good shoulder). So the only choice was to roll the riders down a busy road (more dangerous than the I-90 - smacks forehead) and let them criss-cross to Jackson on a minor road.

We set up the first sag stop at a John Deere Tractor dealer. There were some rather big machines on display and some fun pictures were taken.

Jerry wanted a sleep and asked me to drive, but I had to disappoint him, I didn't have my driving licence on me, and I didn't want to run the risk of being carted off to the local jail, or Guantanamo, or something... (Although, I'm sure all my readers would mount a vociferous campaign for my release!). We pretty much followed the riders from then on in. I waved a lot and shouted (encouragement) a lot. So, much so, I needed a double cheeseburger and two puddings for lunch at Blue Earth to compensate.

I also became a radio star! A reporter popped up and started interviewing Lon (tour director) about the tour. He then interviewed me, because I was a Brit! I gave such a good account of myself, I'm sure it'll be on all the majors later today... or maybe just Blue Earth local radio - KZWY (or something).

I hitched another lift as Jon wanted to go and P in the road... (Mark the road with Pactour arrows for the riders to follow diversions, that is). After ice-creams (life is tough) I got to the finish first. My second first place!

What, ... using cars doesn't count? Damn.

ps: Should be back on the bike tomorrow...

First sag at the tractor dealers...

Just after making the first down payment on my new toy...

(or: Shaun's suggestion for cutting though the M25 jams...)

(or: @ the Ohio Boys - Mine is bigger than yours!)

The calm before the storm - mid-morning snacks...

Route 66 custom number plate on van.

Day 15: Sunday, 29 July

2007-07-29T20:00:00.000+01:00

Mitchell, SD to Worthington, MN...[map]
It's rather boring in the van...
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Mileage: nil/zero/zulch miles,
Weather: Sunny and quite hot, Temp: 70-86°F
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Decided to ride in the van today. My first day off in 2 weeks of riding! The calf is a bit sore, but I'm hoping it's not too serious. I think I've got a small tear deep in the middle of the calf. It feels OK just walking around so there's hope.

It was rather strange at breakfast being in 'civvies'. Steve from Australia was also resting after he pulled a quad so we stayed together during the day riding in the motel van with Lon. We offered help where we could at the controls, putting out food, ice and bike racks. It was a day to take those unusual pictures youu don't have time to take whilst riding. It wasn't that relaxing though, so it was good to get back to the hotel mid-afternoon.

After a shower, I mended some punctures and listened to the iPod, waiting for the others to return. Everybody seemed to have a good day, although there was 5 miles of gravelled roadworks to negoitate.

Hopefully, I'll be back on the bike tomorrow, although I'm not afraid to take another day off, if required, as there is still a lot of riding left to do!

Seven takes a day off. (It's not impressed)

LtoR: Will, Gerry, Peter, John, Woody, Joe('s back), Robert

Funny signs on van door

Everybody's first port of call at a stop!

Kurt, my room-mate. Not as scary as he looks...

Day 14: Saturday, 28 July

2007-07-29T19:30:00.000+01:00

Murdo, SD to Mitchell, SD...[map]
Caught an injury today unfortunately...
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Mileage: 82.6miles (to lunch), Start: 6:30am, Time: 6hr:39min,
Avg: 14.1mph, Rolling: 12.4mph, Climb: 1,358ft,
Weather: Sunny, comfortable, Temp: 65-85°F
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Didn't feel too good starting out today. Maybe yesterday took more out of me than I thought. My legs were pretty dead setting off. We also started out on the same boring road we came in on yesterday. The wind was still against aswell. I struggled.

Then I gradually pulled a muscle in my calf. Now, most injuries gained on this tour, you know you can ride though. I thought the same with this calf pull aswell. So, I kept riding. This turned out not to be the correct move this time, as the calf got worse during the morning. I finally had to call it a day at lunch and catch a lift to the hotel, so as to limit the damage.

I'm resting up this evening, after having a massage and ice. I'll have to see what it's like in the morning, but I think I might need a day off. Might not be a bad thing anyway. This tour is hard and quite a few people have already had a 'holiday'.

Missouri River.

Old Bridge across the Missouri

Day 13: Friday, 27 July

2007-07-27T20:00:00.000+01:00

Rapid City, SD to Murdo, SD...[map]
Good day in the Badlands...
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Mileage: 147.7miles, Start: 6:30am, Time: 10hr:00min,
Avg: 16.6mph, Rolling: 14.8mph, Climb: 2,788ft,
Weather: Sunny and comfortable, Temp: 68-85°F
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Highlight of the trip for me so far - The Badlands. Really weird scenery. See the photos below. Extraordinary sediment rocks formations, eroded by the wind. I assume this area must have been underwater a long time ago. Bear in mind that it's at 3000ft!

For the ride, we had headwinds the whole way today, so pace-lining was the way to go. Caught a fast long train early on and made good time to the first control. We formed several alliances thoughout the day to defeat the wind. It meant the difference between riding at 14mph as opposed to 18mph - the effect of draughting is that great.

I was feeling pretty good today and came in with the first group!

Headwind + Paceline = No problem.

WTF?

We have to pay? Whose got some money?

View from lunch stop

Cedar Pass in the Badlands

Stunning

Day 12: Thursday, 26 July

2007-07-26T20:30:00.000+01:00

Gillette, WY to Rapid City, SD...[map]
That was smaller than I'd thought it would be...
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Mileage: 160miles, Start: 6:30am, Time: 11hr:15min,
Avg: 16.3mph, Rolling: 14.2mph, Climb: 6,500ft,
Weather: Cloudy, cool and rainy. Hooray!!!, Temp: 62-70°F
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Big news of the day - the weather has broken! We had proper English weather today. Was I happy. I think most of the others were happy aswell, although Gerry said it was cold, the Aussies were wearing overshoes and many rode the whole day in jackets. A few even asked me how to ride in the rain at breakfast! Laugh I did!

Today, on paper, looked quite hard, 160 miles, 6500 ft climbing. I didn't find it too difficult and finished well up at the front.

Quite a scenic day today, as we crossed into South Dakota and into the Black Hills National Park. Very pretty winding road through a forest, although a lot of the trees seemed to be dead. A fire maybe? It must have been a while back, as the grass was well established. We also visited Mount Rushmore and took pictures of the famous 4 presidents craved into the rockface. It was impressive, but was a bit smaller than I expected it to be. Oh well.

Upon leaving Mt. Rushmore we steamed through Keystone. Think Blackpool at its finest! And talking about fine places, we also passed through Newcastle today! Waye, aye, man.

Waye, aye, man!

Like Newcastle, only prettier...

Another day, another state.

Nice road, shame about the trees...

Ho, Hum.

At Mt. Rushmore.

Rapid City, South Dakota.

Day 11: Wednesday, 25 July

2007-07-26T20:15:00.000+01:00

Sheridan, WY to Gillette, WY...[map]
Having a rest day, but still doing 110miles...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 111.4miles, Start: 7:00am, Time: 8hr:19min,
Avg: 15.6mph, Rolling: 13.4mph, Climb: 3,530ft,
Weather: Not as hot, Temp: 65-92°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The calm after the storm. A rest day. So, how do you rest and move 110 miles down the road?

It's all about conserving energy. You climb hills in low gears (spinning) with as little pressure on the pedals as possible. You coast down hills. If the wind is favourable, you again ride (quite fast) with as little pressure as possible. Riding in groups allows you to expend even less effort. You eat. You drink. Lots.

You write short blog entry. You sleep early...

More road works today...

Gentle rolling farmland

Go, red line, go!

Day 10: Tuesday, 24 July

2007-07-25T20:05:00.000+01:00

Cody, WY to Sheridan, WY...[map]
Big day in the mountains
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 146.7miles, Start: 6:30am, Time: 12hr:04min,
Avg: 15.4mph, Rolling: 12.2mph, Climb: 6,742ft,
Weather: Hot, Temp: 65-102°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today was all about the Big Horn. A 30 mile climb over a mountain. It was a challenge and a half and we'd all been anticipating it for a few days.

The day started easily enough with a quick 50 miler to the base of the mountain range. After a brief photo stop we set off on the climb to dinner. It would take anything from an hour and half to three hours. It started ominously, with a headwind blowing over the shallow part of the climb. This meant I was knackered before hitting the start of the ramps. Then it started. It was one of those climbs where you can see the upper reaches from the base and it looked an awful long way away. I settled in for a long grind. I hadn't fully recovered from yesterday's ride, so my pace was pretty slow. 8mph...7mph...6mph. It took me 2hrs 15mins to do the 18 miles.

After lunch, the climbing continued, as we made our way up to 9,300ft. The views of the Big Horn Bowl were stunning. After such a hard climb, I deserved a good downhill. Unfortunately, the wind spoilt that, so I ended up pedalling down! Then I got a first and second of FOUR punctures, so my mood was rapidly going downhill (at least something was!). I mended my punctures while being sucked dry by flies.

Eventually there was a good 11 mile downhill and it was enjoyable, although as you descended the heat was building back up to furnace temperatures. It was in the hundreds again for the last 25 miles into Sheridan. I was on the road for over 12 hours.

A bit of an epic day. Very hard, but enjoyable in a masochistic sort of way!

They weren't kidding...

Stunning

Looking back down

The gory details

Four hours later...

Day 9: Monday, 23 July

2007-07-23T18:14:00.000+01:00

Columbus, MT to Cody, WY...[map]
Hotter than hell... I expect.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 108.7miles + 5miles in truck, Start: 7:30am, Time: 8hr:29min,
Avg: 15.8mph, Rolling: 12.8mph, Climb: 5,859ft,
Weather: Hot then Hotter, Temp: 70-104°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Climbing day today, except I didn't think it had quite enough climb. Kurt and John are normally first back with me and a few others a little while later, give or take. Now, Kurt and John are both big and strong but neither can climb for toffee, so the climbers had a chance today!

I had a 'hotel flat' this morning, that I only noticed just before breakfast, so fixing that put me a bit behind schedule. As a result, I left reasonably late and had to catch groups up through the morning. During the early gentle climbs I made some time up and made the second rest stop at Bear Creek well up there. I chased Kurt out of the control but we then had a 12 mile downhill section, so I didn't make contact until we were forced to stop for road works.

We weren't allowed to ride through so we hitched a ride on a flat-bed truck and bounced at high-speed through the dirt and gravel to the Wyoming border! A funny experience, if rather frightening. 6 bikers and their bikes crammed in a pick-up with the tail-gate down, holding on for dear life (well, I was anyway). This took us to lunch at the border. It was now very hot and we still had 40 miles to go...

Setting out again (after pouring a cup of iced water over my head and re-applying factor 50) it felt like riding into a furnace. The sun was beating down relentlessly, the wind was up (a headwind of course) and the scenery was just dirt, hills and mountains. My computer read 116 degrees and we still had climbing to do. I got through water very quickly, but managed to kept going through the gentle rise and then the steeper pass. It was then downhill to Cody, but the wind was strong so it was still tough rolling along. Glad to reach Cody, but Kurt and John were already there.

Tomorrow is harder (!), and there's a warning on the noticeboard that you have to reach lunch by 1.30pm in order to make it back by dark! I just hope it's a bit cooler...

Red Lodge, MT

Loading up!

Bumperty, bumperty, bump.

Nearing Cody - temperature over 100 degrees

Day 8: Sunday, 22 July

2007-07-22T16:28:00.000+01:00

Bozeman, MT to Columbus, MT...[map]
Down hill, with a tailwind, on a smooth road, following a tandem. Very nice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 104.0miles, Start: 7:30am, Time: 6hr:19min,
Avg: 20.1mph, Rolling: 16.5mph, Climb: 1,502ft,
Weather: Hot & Sunny, Temp: 62-100°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today was one of those days that cycling was invented for! After a short climb out of Bozeman, we just cruised 100 miles to our destination. Managed to break 50mph for the first time on this trip, coming down the other side of the Bozeman pass. Then we managed 20mph+ to lunch, with very little effort.

Had a lot of fun following Susan & Lon's tandem at 30mph+ along the frontage road. I had a cricket / grasshopper take a ride on my handlebars for about 5 minutes along the way. He sure was lost, when he jumped off!

Temperatures climbed well today, with no cloud cover at all. Coming into Columbus several signs flashed over 100 degrees. Had a wait for the room keys, so some went for a swim in the river. With my fair skin, I decided this would be suicide, so I went and sat in the air-conditioned lobby with a few other sensible people.

Very little effort required today, but that's about to change in two days time...

Strong paceline = 30mph

My passenger for 5 minutes.

(Or: "Faster Shaun, faster. We can catch 'em")

(Yes, I did take a pic of my handlebars at nearly 30mph!)

Out in the wild (mid)west

Day 7: Saturday, 21 July

2007-07-21T20:45:00.000+01:00

Butte, MT to Bozeman, MT...[map]
I like descending. I like it a lot.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 100.7miles, Start: 7:30am, Time: 7hr:24min,
Avg: 16.4mph, Rolling: 13.6mph, Climb: 3,441ft,
Weather: Hot & Sunny, Temp: 58-92°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expected another punishing day in the saddle, as my cough is still life-threatening (in a man-ish sort of way), although the bee-sting has topped out. Luckily for me, the day had more downhill than uphill! Big Time Bonus.

Early climb up Pipestone Pass (6,418ft) had me spluttering a bit, but my legs carried me through. Well, that and the fact this is not the first time I've suffered on a bike (smiles...). We also crossed the Continential Divide today and although it's not downhill all the way, it made a good effort for the rest of the day.

At our first rest stop in Whitehall, there was a town fair going on, complete with vintage cars, fete stalls, horse-shoe tossing etc. It was a shame we carried straight on through. But we had descending to do!

It was great descending by the side of the Madison River. There was loads of people on the river, floating on tyre inner-tubes, inflatable dingys etc. They were having a good time, especially the ones that had their beer coolers floating with them! (That would be all of them, then Shaun)

Good recovery day, all in all. Much easier than I expected. Let's hope it continues...

Jim (with a feather in his cap).

Bob (aka Dad). Sorry Bob.

Yes, I know my glasses aren't on straight.

Floating down the river with your beer...

Good place for lunch!

Day 6: Friday, 20 July

2007-07-21T20:35:00.000+01:00

Missoula, MT to Butte, MT...[map]
What a difference a day makes...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 134.4miles, Start: 6:30am, Time: 10hr:29min,
Avg: 15.3mph, Rolling: 12.8mph, Climb: 4,850ft,
Weather: Guess what..., Temp: 60-86°F
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An Englishman struggled today! I've had a sore throat since the start (from the plane trip, I think). Now it's a cough and slight cold. I also had a 'hit and run' from a bee two days ago and the resulting sting on the thigh has swollen alot and is uncomfortable. We had a lot of gradual climbing during the morning which didn't help and I have a sore butt. Ok, excuses excuses... Did I already mention I have a cold? In these temperatures. Funny, ha ha.

And after lunch we had a long steep climb to 6,300 ft. Oh and at lunch we had to ride our expensives bikes through a wet dirt road to get to the food. My Seven was messy!

I struggled into Butte not feeling good about things. I think you've guessed by now this was not one of my better days.

Visit from the p*nct*re fairy...

Scenery Ok, but I wasn't looking...

Grinding up the pass.

Day 5: Thursday, 19 July

2007-07-21T20:13:00.000+01:00

Thompson Falls, MT to Missoula, MT...[map]
Fast ride today. Easy conditions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 136.4miles, Start: 6:30am, Time: 8hr:43min,
Avg: 18.0mph, Rolling: 15.6mph, Climb: 3,520ft,
Weather: Overcast morning, hot & sunny afternoon, Temp: 64-88°F
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Back to real mileage today! We had a strong paceline going in the morning - 20mph+ - thanks Kurt, John and Peter. This made us first on the road til lunch. A nice tailwind made the day reasonably easy, despite the distance.

We were on and off the Interstate 90 today. (Think time-trialing on a dual-carriageway in England). It was pretty unpleasant riding on the shoulder which was full of grit/glass/tyre shreds. Luckly traffic was light. Apparently this way was safer than the alternative main road route.

Arrived in Missoula in the blazing sunshine again. But, our fast ride meant we had less hours in the heat. Good strategy. Now if only I was fitter and stronger, I could do that every day...

Riding on the Interstate (I-90).

Scenery's better than the M4 though.

Yes, that's the I-90 down on that bridge.

Day 4: Wednesday, 18 July

2007-07-19T20:30:00.000+01:00

Sand Point, ID to Thompson Falls, MT...[map]
Better recovery day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 85.9miles, Start: 7:30am, Time: 6hr:21min,
Avg: 16.6mph, Rolling: 13.5mph Climb: 2,500ft,
Weather: Sunny, Temp: 65-90°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another 'rest' day today and it was a bit easier than yesterday. Must be settling in! Change state and time zone today. Now in Montana for the next few days. So far, very similar to Idaho. Lots of nice roads through the mountains and plenty of rivers and lakes.

The approach to Thompson Falls was good. We traversed a 2 mile bridge over a beautiful lake. Looked very similar to a French lake (e.g. Annecy). We had a cracking hotel overlooking a river. Spent some time before dinner watching Bald Eagles in the trees opposite.

No aircon in our room tonight, so we left the door open. Kurt (my roommate) slept by the door so any wildlife would've got to him first :)

Check out the links opposite. These are alternative views of the tour. May be more up to date than mine aswell!!

Typical scenery around here

Bald Eagle (taken through a telescope)

From the hotel balcony

Day 3: Tuesday, 17 July

2007-07-19T20:00:00.000+01:00

Spokane, WA to Sand Point, ID...[map]
Easy day supposedly, but my legs hurt nevertheless...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 86.0miles, Start: 7:30am, Time: 6hr:35min,
Avg: 15.1mph, Rolling: 13.1mph
Climb: 2,362ft, Weather: Hot, Temp: 65-90°F
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Well, a lot of sore legs today, including mine. Yesterday's ride was long and hot and took a lot out of most people. So, rest was the order of the day. Only problem, another 86 miles to do. There are no rest days on this tour...

Wandered out of Spokane and groaned up the first hill. This was going to be fun! We finally left Washington today. A nice county I'm sure, but there was only one way through for us and it was monotenous to say the least. We crossed into Idaho and onto real lanes for nearly the first time. Some nice property along Dufort Rd and we had a good lunch - burgers - in the state park.

I rode some of the way with Ray Williams from CA. We rode in nice and steady to Sandpoint. My legs were loosening a bit towards the end, but it had been a tougher day than expected.

1st state change

Welcome to Idaho

Lunch is up

Day 2: Monday, 16 July

2007-07-17T22:00:00.000+01:00

Wentachee, WA to Spokane, WA...[map]
Now that was a long way down the same road.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mileage: 159.5miles, Start: 6:15am, Time: 11hr:53min,
Avg: 16.5mph, Rolling: 13.4mph Climb: 6,039ft,
Weather: Hot, Temp: 65-95°F
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon day today. We started with a 7 mile climb at 16 miles. I averaged 8-9mph most of the way up. Others were slower, not many were faster. From then on, we travelled along Route 2 to Spokane. Now this is a straight road. Wheat fields either side, or dirt. Not a lot else. Scrub that, nothing else! This makes for a classic trial by bicycle. I thought the day wasn't going to end. I was wrecked at the end and so was everybody else.

We had a mexican this evening, as this was the nearest restaurant. It was a struggle walking across the street. Good news though, I finally slept OK for the first time since arriving!

Mike and the road.

The same road 80 miles further along.

Day 1: Sunday, 15 July

2007-07-17T21:05:00.000+01:00

Everett, WA to Wentachee, WA...[map]
First day Shaun. Take it easy now, won't you...
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Mileage: 127.1miles, Start: 6:30am, Time: 8hr:52min,

Avg: 16.9mph, Rolling: 14.3mph Climb: 5,452ft,

Weather: Hot in afternoon, Temp: 64-100°F
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Well we're finally rolling! We left Everett at 6.30 and had a straightforward run out to Skykomish and then followed a beautiful river flowing by the side of the road. We had a large climb today up to Steven's Pass at 4,100ft. We climbed up the Iron Goat Trail through large Pine trees to the top and then steamed down the other side - 18 miles downhill!

Went through Leavenworth, a strange homage to Bavria (?) and then it got hot as we approached Wentachee. Very hot. It was virtually a desert and the temperature was in the hundreds. I coped alright, but it took a lot of water over my head and neck to keep going.

We were relatively fast today, despite everybody saying they were going to take it easy. I didn't feel too bad at the end, just a little hot. Had a great steak and a celebratory beer - first day accomplished.

Ready for the off!

On the Road...just the 3,350 miles to go

Top of the pass

Spectacular cascades...

This isn't even the hot part of the US...bugger.

In Seattle

2007-07-14T08:45:00.000+01:00

Touched down safely at Tacoma about 4.40pm local time. Pretty good flight actually, no turbulence. Had great views of Greenland, the Canadian Shield and the Rockies from my window seat. It was almost completely clear all the way across. I'll try and post some pictures when I've the time...

Took a while to get through customs. It's got very comical when they're did my full bag search! I had several kilograms of 'white powder' that took a bit of explaining. The customs officers thought I was mad and said 'why don't you drive across, it's far easier'.

Downtown Seattle

Waited around with Robin for my bike bag to get delivered to baggage claim. We eventually found it around a corner where they had conveniently hidden it. Drove back to the house, met Amy for the first time, and had a very pleasant evening chatting with them both and eating on the terrace, with a good view of Mt. Rainier in the distance.

Amy, Paul (Amy's brother), Robin.

The bike survived and I've re-assembled it. We're about to drive to Everett now...

Southern Greenland

And again...

On a jet plane

2007-07-13T08:05:00.000+01:00

Setting off today and boy, it's about time. Patience is one of a catalogue of virtues that I don't have very much of. Good job I'm not superstitious either! Due to land in Seattle around 5pm local. Friends, Amy and Robin from the Seattle environs, have very kindly agreed to put up with me for the night and ship me to Everett on the Saturday. That makes them my new best friends! Shallow? Me?

This catchy tune has come into my head recently, but I can't figure out why and I can't think where I've heard it before:

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars...

Right, I'm off to experience one of those exciting, happy, scary, worrying, boring, frustrating sort of days that only air travel can supply.

Last ride before leaving

2007-07-10T16:23:00.000+01:00

Pootled to Ye Olde Tea Shoppe in Westmill for lunch. Tuna Mayo sandwich and Lemon Drizzle cake - I'm glad you asked. This was my last ride before the trip. Went very slowly around the 'Wallington duck pond corner' (I've fallen off there a couple of times...) and got home safely. Well, at least I can't fall off my bike just before the trip. :)

[*Thinks of all the other ways one can injure oneself between now and Sunday*]

Ur... I'm just off out to buy a large amount of cotton wool...

I've managed to cycle 4,842 miles since January. So I should have just enough miles in my legs. Over the next six weeks I should add on another 4,200 miles (including Paris-Brest-Paris), if all goes to plan.

Click image to view...

Bike is ready to go

2007-07-07T14:28:00.001+01:00

Well, the Seven is ready to go! New tyres, chain, gear/brake cables and brake blocks have been fitted. The new wheels are in. It's all been fettled, cleaned and polished and everything's sweet. The bike will be disassembled and packed into a bike-bag later this week, ready for the flight and undoubted abuse at the hands of the baggage handlers.

Notice the all-around loveliness...

(Warning, technical bit...) I've decided to raise my chainring sizes a little for this ride. This is primarily to give me a higher top gear of 50x12 for descents and following fast pacelines. I bought some Rotor Q-Rings (50T-36T) a while back and have been testing them recently. These rings are elliptical (but nothing like Shimano Biopace) and are designed to reduce the 'dead spot' when pedalling. I've been reasonably impressed with the apparent small increase in my performance, especially pushing headwinds and climbing. Despite the slightly strange shape, my cadence is unaffected and may be even slightly improved. They didn't take any time to get used to and felt 'natural' straightaway. Apparently, returning to round chainrings will feel a bit weird and inefficient!

...and the elliptical chainrings.

New Wheels

2007-07-05T17:00:00.000+01:00

My new wheels got couriered to me this morning. Exciting or wot? I've splashed out on some Tune Hubs (Mig70, Mag160 in black) and had them built up onto DT Swiss RR 1.1 rims (28s) with DT Aerolite spokes. All in weight of 1400 grams including skewers (according to my kitchen scales that have only ever weighed bike bits). This shaves 275 grams off my other respectable 'best' wheels . That's over 1/2 a pound! They're also lighter than Ksyrium ESs!

Expensive no doubt...

Quickly fitted rim tape, tyres, tubes and a cassette and stuck them in. Went for a fast 50 miler to test and was well impressed! Definitely tighter than my other wheels and a noticeably smoother ride. Thanks to Andy and Sandra at PoshBikes for the advice and supply and Harry Rowland for the build. Top notch!

Cycling jewelery...

Tour Details

2007-07-03T18:17:00.000+01:00

2007 Northern Transcontinental crossing of the United States of America organised by PAC Tour.

Start: July 15 - Finish: August 9, 2007
3,405 total miles, 132 miles per day,
101,500 feet of climbing, 4,050' climb per day

		Finish Town	Miles	Climb
Begin Everett, WA
1	Sun 15	Wenatchee, WA	124	5,690'
2	Mon 16	Spokane, WA	161	6,420'
3	Tue 17	Sand Point, ID	90	2,500'
4	Wed 18	Thompson Falls, MT	80	2,500'
5	Thur 19	Missoula, MT	136	3,520'
6	Fri 20	Butte, MT	134	4,850'
7	Sat 21	Bozeman, MT	100	3,200'
8	Sun 22	Columbus, MT	100	3,000'
9	Mon 23	Cody, WY	116	3,100'
10	Tue 24	Sheridan, WY	150	7,300'
11	Wed 25	Gillette, WY	114	4,400'
12	Thur 26	Rapid City, SD	160	6,500'
13	Fri 27	Murdo, SD	147	3,180'
14	Sat 28	Mitchell, SD	143	1,690'
15	Sun 29	Worthington, MN	137	2,240'
16	Mon 30	Austin, MN	144	1,400'
17	Tue 31	Prairie du Chien, WI	149	3,200'
18	Wed Aug 1	South Beloit, IL	150	6,200'
19	Thur 2	Dwight, IL	135	1,150'
20	Fri 3	Wabash, IN	160	1,010'
21	Sat 4	Troy, OH	135	1,030'
22	Sun 5	Athens, OH	152	2,900'
23	Mon 6	Elkins, WV	165	6,600'
24	Tue 7	Harrisonburg, VA	105	9,000'
25	Wed 8	Ashland, VA	123	4,580'
26	Thur 9	Williamsburg, VA	102	1,660'

Introduction

2007-07-03T17:38:00.000+01:00

This blog has been set up to communicate my experiences on the 2007 Northern Transcontinental crossing of the United States organised by PAC Tour. I'm not sure, at this stage, how often I will be filing reports as I'm not taking my own computer and so will be begging computer time from other people on the tour...