Dave's Bike Ride

Day 14 Brattleboro VT to Burlington MA

2007-07-22T19:31:00.000-04:00

Day 14 - the last big ride day, 87 miles and 4000 feet of climbing and threat of rain. Of course, it was hot and humid. Once again, I found Dr. Richard and followed his controlled approach to long distance cycling.
Our goal was to beat the rainstorms.
I was a bit tired from the ride yesterday but soon got into a rhythm after 10 miles.
Leaving VT and entering NH, we started climbing and most of the climbing was in the first 2/3 of the ride. Great roads in NH but as we got closer to MA and Boston, traffic picked up and the last 30 miles were "interesting" especially around Burlington.
Everyone was happy the major rides were now completed. I rode for two weeks and 1200 miles to this point. The others 3400 miles. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the people who rode from LA all the to Burlington and to Boston tomorrow, 18 miles. Everyone agrees, I can walk that.

Below is the my Garmin Motionbase Database. Just click on it and you can see the stats for the ride plus a map of the the ride. It is really cool stuff.

CR Brattleboro VT to Burlington MA Road Biking Brattleboro, Windham, Vermont, United States MotionBased Dashboard

Day 13 Albany to Brattleboro VT

2007-07-22T19:25:00.000-04:00

Finally I am loading the last 3 days of riding. First, the Albany ( actually Latham, NY) to Brattleboro. Previous riders had stated this was the toughest days riding on the LA to Boston trip. Close to 6000 feet of climbing in 78 miles. All of us were apprehensive.
The day started at 7AM and it was humid and the forecast was for temps in the high 80's with comparable humidity. Three of us teamed up with Dr. Richard as he always sets a consistent pace and manages his energy ( and His philosophy is that he has a full bucket of water at the start and the goal is to have the last drop come out at the end. You have to manage your heart rate and keep it low while also maintaining a good pace) very effectively (68 years old and rides like he is 30). We left Latham and rode to Troy, NY ( 4 miles). We skirted South Troy riding past Russell Sage College and headed up Route 2. The climbing out of Troy told us of what was to come.
Eastern NY is farmland and very pretty ( and unlike Ohio, dogs are friendly). Vermont, going in to Bennington, is equally scenic. We stopped at the Bennington Monument for a much needed "break," and a quick history lesson about Col. Stark defeating the British in 1777 ( must have been an early Marine !!).
Now the real riding began. After leaving Bennington, we had an 8 mile climb to do. The first 5 miles were an average grade of 6% and the next 3 were 10/11% grades. This was the first time I had rode a sustained climb like this and I felt real proud ( and a bit tired at the top). Dr. Richard and I pasted several of the lead group going up. Amazing thing is he kept his heart rate below 140 all the way; me, I was banging the low 150's here and there. Once we got to the top, the downhill was fantastic. Averaged 35mph going down with an unexpected 45mph on one stretch. Scared the heck out of me.
We arrive in Wilmington, VT and re-fueled at the SAG stop. We had one more big climb over Hogback MT before the end. The climb was mostly 9 to 11% and trucks galore. Going downhill was a tad scary with a 2 lane road and semi's breezing by.
Finally Brattleboro, and Dr. Richard and I were the 4th and 5th riders in. The "A"" riders beat us by 25 minutes.
Ann arrived an hour later and with beer and snacks. What a gal, I love her.

Below is a link to my Garmin GPS Motionbase dashboard. All the stats are there plus a satellite map of the ride.

CR Albany to Brattleboro VT Road Biking Cohoes, Albany, New York, United States MotionBased Dashboard

FINISHED !!! 1215 miles

2007-06-29T17:23:00.000-04:00

Here are pictures of Dave, kneeling on left and the whole group at Revere Beach. The other pictures show the final ride to the beach, after they regrouped so they would all arrive at the same time.

The whole group rode to Revere Beach from the hotel in Burlington, MA. The LA riders completed their cross-USA journey of 3340 miles having started May 12. I am just amazed at their endurance. We have riders aged 71, 69, 80, etc. and the 69 year old is one strong rider.
The ride to the beach today was a bit scary; lots of traffic, the riders in a group all excited and really not watching what they were doing. It was best to ride in the front or hang out in back ( I did the latter). Families joined their riders at the beach and there was a big celebration with many jumping into the ocean.
Later , I will post the rides from Albany, NY to Brattleboro, VT (80 miles, 5500+ feet of climbing) and Brattleboro to Burlington yesterday ( 88 miles and another 4000 feet of climb). I feel very good about both rides.
Talk to you later.

Day 12 Syracuse NY to Little Falls NY

2007-06-25T19:24:00.000-04:00

The ride today was 78 miles, average speed 16.7 mph, 1600 feet gain in elevation, 4 hours 41 minutes of riding time. 4200 calories expended. Cumulative miles 958.
We had a nice ride today, rode along the Erie Canal for a long time. I was riding in a pace line for along time. The first Sag stop had a couple of ponds and a lot of us were skipping stones. The smallest chapel in the world was on a platform in one of the ponds. It is called Cross Island Chapel in Oneida, NY. Built in 1989 floor area of 51 inches by 81 inches, it seats two people.
Lots of the people on the ride are saying that New York is one of the prettiest states on the ride,
In Little Falls we walked to the barge canal and saw a boat go through a lock. The lock keeper was explaining the working to the group.

Posted by Ann, we might skip a day in posting. I am going to drive to meet Dave tomorrow and follow along to Boston. We might be able to update the blog with some pictures and route info from Dave's Garmin once we get it connected to the computer.

Day 11 Canandaigua NY to Syracuse NY

2007-06-24T21:14:00.000-04:00

Today's ride was 69 miles, 2400 feet gain in elevation 17.1 mph average speed. Cumulative total 880 miles.

Started at 8:15AM and arrived in Syracuse at 1:15PM. Today was a great ride, I was trying the new riding technique and increased my mph by 3.5. When I arrived at the SAG stop at 38 miles, Tracy asked what I was doing there so early. I was riding with Dr. Richard again and he gave me more pointers, I am feeling good about how I am improving.

It was a pretty ride going by Canandaigua and Seneca Lakes. Rode thru Waterloo, birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Seneca Falls which has the Women's Rights Hall of Fame. We stopped at the Erie Canal Park, but we were there before the park opened.

Lunch was at Tully's Sports Bar a 10 oz burger, boiled potato, and root beers. Dinner was an all you can eat Chinese buffet.

Posted by Ann.

Day 10 Hamburg NY to Canandaigua NY

2007-06-23T21:15:00.000-04:00

The statistics for today's ride 95 miles, 4113 feet gain in elevation, 15 mph average speed, 4813 calories expended. Cumulative miles 811.

The day was cool and a bright blue sky. We rode through some nice small towns, Avon and Marilla Center. Stopped for a 3000 mile ceremony for the people riding from LA. Scenery was farm lands with mixed hardwoods and lots of antique stores.

Rode with Dr. Jose Bran from Guatemala, who was born in 1938, he is a great bicyclist.
Dr. Richard Mushorn is giving me cycling tips, wants me too learn to maximize efficiency, he thinks I should be a faster rider.

Posted by Ann

Article in Erie Newspaper about the cyclists

2007-06-22T22:41:00.000-04:00

Click on the link and you can see the article.

GoErie.com :: Your source for news, information & fun!

Day 9 Erie PA to Hamburg NY

2007-06-22T21:21:00.000-04:00

Today was an 80 mile ride with 1800 feet of elevation gain, averaged 14.8 mph. Cumulative total 716 miles.
The ride was mostly flat with long hills it was a cool day under bright blue skies and strong head winds all day. You can see the difference in scenery, changing from farm land to more heavily wooded areas. I drafted Rick, the mechanic and Joanna to the New York State line. The ride was along Lake Erie and it is a pretty lake, the waves and white caps were many different shades. Then the tandem bike caught us and we drafted them for 20 miles, it was a big help with the strong head winds.. We stopped for coffee and a banana at a light house, Daniel Reed Memorial Pier in Barcelona, NY. Rode by Dunkirk and saw the hotel where we used to stay on our trips to Oberlin OH, taking Lynne to college.

Today's food was a Burger King and McDonald's. Had to ride 1/2 mile back to McDonald's from the hotel, which is in the middle of nowhere. We were to have a pizza party tonight, but the restaurant went out of business, so we ate at the Holiday Inn, had some ziti and meatballs, steamed vegetables, salad and rolls and a glass of red wine from a screw top bottle, it tasted great!

Posted by Ann, I will get some of that red wine for when he gets home.

Day 8 Rest day in Erie PA

2007-06-22T20:59:00.000-04:00

Wednesday was a nice break, tried to find some bike supplies, but no luck. They have not heard of Keo cleats out here. Ann is overnighting some new ones to me. Cleaned the bike so I will be ready to ride tomorrow. I am trying to adjust the bike seat, in hopes that my butt will not be so sore. Ann arranged a massage for me today, and it was wonderful, I feel so relaxed. I really slept well and am ready for the next week.
If you come out to Erie, I don't recommend the Avalon Hotel, it is old and not many amenities.

Posted by Ann

Day 7 Niles OH to Erie PA

2007-06-20T21:50:00.000-04:00

1.Tony, Harry , Gil 2. Lunch! Rootbeer Float 3. PA Line

Halfway done!! 93 miles today, 1500 feet gain in elevation, average 14.2mph
Cumulative total 636 miles in 7 days. Left Niles at 7:10 arrived in Erie 3:12.
Started today with a doppio at Starbucks, and a big hill to get us going. Clear skies and cool all day long, but headwinds of 8-10 mph in the morning and 10-15 mph in the afternoon, no wrong turns today.
The ride was through farm land and Amish country, no buggies on the road. Lunch today was at the second SAG stop a Richardson Root Beer Stand. We all had large root beer floats, shaved turkey sandwich with BBQ sauce and fries.
Road to the PA state line and into the city of Erie, passed Gannon College and arrived at the Avalon Hotel.
Tomorrow is a rest day, I look forward to sleeping in, doing laundry and some shopping. The legs are not as sore, but tomorrow will be a welcome respite, not sitting on the bike seat all day and pedaling for hours.

Plus, Ann arranged for me to have a massage tomorrow! What a gal, I do love her very much.

Posted by Ann.

Day 6 Wooster OH to Niles OH

2007-06-19T21:21:00.000-04:00

Today the ride was 99.( lets call it 100) average speed 14mph elevation 3000 gain of feet cumulative miles 543.

We started off wrong this morning and it was the hilliest part of the ride, so our sore legs were not happy to add extra miles right at the start. We rode through a lot of odoriferous farm country on lots of two lane roads with semi tractor trailers. At one farm we were chased by a large dog for about 300 yards, it chased all the riders going by today. Passed the Akron Canton Airport and crossed over a new runway that is being built.
Lunch was great at an old barn converted to a restaurant, we were warned of severe thunderstorms coming our way. It started to rain and we rode through rain for 30 miles trying to push ourselves to get in before the thunderstorms. Stopped for the usual Dairy Queen burger and shake 4 miles before the hotel and managed to get checked in before the storms.
Tonight was an all you can eat buffet, sure bet they lost money on us.

Posted by Ann after tonights call.

Day 5 Marysville OH to Wooster OH

2007-06-18T21:27:00.000-04:00

Total miles today 101 3400 feet of elevation gained and averaged speed of 14.5mph
5200 calories expended. Cumulative miles for the trip 443.

After the usual gigantic breakfast we left at 7AM.

Todays ride was brutal. First I have ever done back to back centuries and the next two days could easily be centuries also with wrong turns and detours. Every inch of my body aches.
The first Sag was at 35 miles, then on to lunch at 65 miles. I had a great triple decker club sandwich with turkey, ham and cheese and a large fries I shared and large chocolate milk. It was hot again this afternoon.

The roads were awful most of today, the tarred surface with small stones and when it was concrete, it was old and patched and full of potholes.

After the second SAG at 73 miles there were 6 hills with long 12-13 degree climbs. I finally get into town and the bridge is out, the detour would add another 3 miles. I asked if I could walk across the metal I beam, they said OK. So I carried my bike down and walked across the 2 foot wide beam and carried the bike up the other side. OF course there is a huge hill right before I arrive at the hotel. Then the room is on the second floor, and no elevators, so I carry the bike up the stairs.

Did not arrive until 3:45PM so I spent 7 hours in the bike saddle today. After the shower I got a double burger and chocolate shake and then had some carbs for dinner, pasta primavera.

Posted by Ann after a talk with Dave at 9PM.

Day 4 Richmond IN to Marysville OH

2007-06-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

Today was my first century on this ride and due to a couple of wrong turns, I rode 108 miles between 7:05AM and 2:50PM. It was a beautiful morning overcast, cool and no wind. I took off and we made a few wrong turns, so that was the first extra mile. At mile 24 I caught up to the fast group and a group of 6-8 of us cruised 20-21mph until the mile 41 SAG stop in Covington, OH. The police chief stopped and talked to us. Since it was Father's Day we had cookies, cupcakes and fruit.

At mile 59 one guy took a wrong turn and I chased him down, he couldn't hear us yelling because of his i-pod, that added the extra 3 miles. The clouds burned off and it got real HOT. A stop in St. Paris at mile 66 for chocolate milk and Gatorade. A few of us cruised to the next SAG at 77 miles, where we had watermelon, cheese, bagels, chips and salsa AND ICE COLD WATER.

We hit a stretch of road that had been tarred and crushed stone put down, it seemed to be melting and we had to be careful for a hard 10 miles. At mile 91, Woodstock stopped for more chocolate milk. Very happy to reach the Holiday Inn in Marysville, OH and a nice ice cold water. Then got a hot dog and chocolate milk. Dinner was a hot turkey sandwich, stuffing, carrots , salad, ice tea and water.

Posted again by Ann, anyone want to buy stock in Nestle, I think it is mostly Nestle's Nesquik.they are drinking. We might have to forgo the wine cellar and buy a bigger refrigerator, or a COW..

Day 3 Indianapolis IN to Richmond IN

2007-06-16T21:02:00.000-04:00

Statistics 84 miles, 1700 feet of elevation, average speed 14.5 mph, left at 7AM and arrived at 1:50, calories expended 4500. Todays ride seemed easier, there was a nice stretch of 24 miles of freshly paved road, no potholes to worry about. It was cool in the morning and just a beautiful day. One of the women in the ride arranged for cookies and doughnuts for the SAG stop, so I ate 4 cookies, a banana, balance bar along with 16 ounces of Gatorade and water to wash it down.
As I was leaving the hotel this morning, the flag got caught in the first set of doors and was pulled off the bike as I went through the second set of doors. The flag has been a problem for me, not being used to having one on the back of the bike. I have knocked it into people and poked them as I swing my leg over.
Todays lunch was a double hamburger, fries and a jumbo chocolate shake. Dinner was at Ruby Tuesday tilapia, rice broccoli and two trips to the salad bar along with the usual lemonade and water.
At 8:45 pm I am tired and have the sore butt and arms. Tomorrow is my first century with the group. Nice ride for Father's Day 103 miles from Richmond, IN to Marysville, OH.

Posted by Ann.

Day 2 Crawfordsville IN to Indianapolis IN

2007-06-15T20:20:00.000-04:00

Dave riding the Indy Velodrome Track!

Todays ride was a bit easier than yesterday, 71 miles of flat farm land 7-9 mph headwinds again (tomorrow the winds are forecast to change to tailwinds, everyone is ecstatic) I averaged 15 mph. The first SAG stop was at a farm where, the Gentry's have been hosting the CrossRoads group for years.They have nice shade trees and bring out chairs for the riders and serve lemon cake. They grow corn for feed and soybeans for a cash crop, it is converted into diesel fuel.

Interesting events of the day were a black, mangy mutt chasing all the riders. In Indianapolis the route was confusing as they took back roads to the Velodrome, which is a 35 degree banked oval bicycle track. They opened the track just for the riders and all took a ride. WHAT A RUSH!! You might be able to see pictures on another blog.

Todays food

Breakfast- 2 bowls of oatmeal, 1 bowl of corn flakes, pancakes, 2 bananas, muffin, coffee and juice.

Velodrome- fudge bar and orange soda

Chipotoles Restaurant burrito

Dennys- double chocolate milkshake

Dinner- Ribeye steak, baked potato and salad with 20 ounces of lemonade and water.

This does not mention all the other snacks along the way, the sport drinks, granola and fruit.

Anyone want to try to figure out the calories?

For those that are wondering, yes the butt is SORE!

Posted again by Ann, Dave will review at the end of the ride and make corrections.

First Day

2007-06-14T20:38:00.000-04:00

The start of the ride and the first state line crossing.

Today's ride started at 7:15 in Champaign, IL and ended at 2:15 in Crawfordsville, IN. with an hour stop. Lunch was toasted ham and cheese sandwich, apple pie and a huge Coke in Cummington, IN. The scenery was huge farms of corn and soybeans.

It was a good ride mostly flat 79 miles, with about 800 feet gain in elevation, I averaged 15.5 mph going against 7 to 9 mph headwinds. I made good time until 11 , when it started to get VERY HOT, I poured water on my head and the head cover was dry in 10 minutes.

The only mishap was a small crash at mile 42, my group of 5 riders stopped for the border cross from IL to IN. The two ladies took off and the first man started and realized he had a flat tire and stopped abruptly and then the second man and I crashed into him. A few scrapes and bruises later we were up and on the road again.

Tomorrow ride is shorter so we will start an hour later.

This is from a phone call this evening, too many people are on the hotel computer, so this is posted by Ann.

Tomorrow the ride begins

2007-06-13T22:12:00.001-04:00

I just talked to Dave and he is all ready to start peddling Thursday morning. He has met most of the other riders and they have all been very welcoming and supportive.
The next post should have some of the first day experiences.
I wish him a lot of luck and fun as he starts this adventure.
Ann

2007-06-10T10:07:00.000-04:00

I am leaving today to drive to Champaign IL to meet up with the group that has been riding from Los Angeles since May 12. If you are interested in looking at their blogs, they are listed below. Fantasic stories as they ride across the USA !

CrossRoads Cycling AdventuresCross Country 2007 Rider Journals and Blog addresses

http://peganddon.livejournal.com
http://terrysspokereport.blogspot.com/
http://gilsbigtrip.blogspot.com/
http://sorebutt.blogspot.com
http://www.peyerfamily.com/martybeth
http://jimscrosscountry.blogspot.com/
http://crosscountryride2007.blogspot.com/
http://unchall.livejournal.com/

For more information, go to our web site at:www.CrossRoadsCycling.com

2007-06-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

Dave's Bike Ride

2007-06-05T16:55:00.000-04:00

On June 14, I begin my 1200 mile ride from Champaign, IL to Boston, MA. I will be joining a group of 34 riders who started from Los Angeles on May 12. They will have ridden 2107 miles when I join them with 3 others in IL. Amazing stories with their rides so far and even better is how they have come together as a family and not just a group of riders.
The average days ride is 85 miles +/-. We will arrive in Boston on June 29 ( 3393 miles from LA, 1200 from IL).
I have been riding a lot since January 1, 2007 and have completed close to 2700 miles in preparation. I am not sure you can ever really prepare for daily rides 0f 85 miles ! I hope to post my daily experiences - the good, bad and ugly - to this blog.

Every day has the same schedule. Wake-up at 5:30AM, breakfast at 6:00, start riding at 7:15. Typical day's ride ends around 1PM or 2PM depending on the distance AND MOTHER NATURE. Yes, the good mother can dump copious quantities of rain on you and even worse put the wind in your face! OR BOTH!
Oh yes, the average daily calories consumed by a rider is 6000. This I am looking forward to .

Here are the first week's rides:

1. June 14 Champaign, IL to Crawfordsville, IN 79 miles ( I have been told it is FLAT)
2. June 15 Crawfordsville to Indianapolis, IN 64 miles ( I assume it is still flat)
3. June 16 Indianapolis to Richmond, IN 83 miles ( Flat ?)
4. June 17 Richmond to Marysville, OH 103 miles ( Better be flat)
5. June 18 Marysville to Wooster, OH 98 miles ( Why not add 2 more, huh!
6. June 19 Wooster to Niles, OH 92 miles ( I hope Capt. Burmeister joins me)
7. June 20 Niles to Erie, PA 89 miles ( And that makes 608 for the week)
8. June 21 REST DAY in ERIE 0 miles ( Can you say saddle sores)

Week 2 goes like this:

1. June 22 Erie, PA to Hamburg, NY 78 miles ( Near Niagara Falls)
2. June 23 Hamburg to Canandaigua, NY 93 " ( Now, I know this not flat but rolling hills)
3. June 24 Canandaigua to Syracuse, NY 68 " ( More rolling !)
4. June 25 Syracuse to Little Falls, NY 78 "
5. June 26 Little Falls to Albany, NY 69 " ( Ann and my mother will be here)
6. June 27 Albany to Brattleboro, VT 76 miles ( But, 7000 feet of climbing to do)
7. June 28 Brattleboro to Burlington, MA 87 "
8. June 29 THE END - RIDE TO REVERE BEACH 18 miles

I will keep you posted how each day goes. To all who have helped me get ready, a big thank you.
(Especially Greg, Sean, Derek, and Mark). However, the real big thank you goes to my wife Ann.