Your Pledge!

Dear Friends,

You've heard my story, or at least a few brief great moments in it. Now, I'm asking you to follow through on your pledge to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Richele, and Me! On my trip from Philadelphia to Portland, OR via the Pacific coast I traveled just over FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED MILES (4704.9 miles to be exact). If you've pledged a "one time donation," no math is necessary. Just send that amount to the address below. If you pledged cents/mile, no worries, here's what to do:

(pledge)*(4700 miles)=donation

My pledge amount as an example:

(01 cents/miles)(4700 miles) = 4700 cents = $47

Please use the online donation form at http://www.habitatphiladelphia.org/donate/ and indicate in the appropriate field: in honor of "Jacks Bike Ride". If you'd prefer to mail your donation:

Habitat for Humanity
1829 North 19th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19121

check memo: "Jacks Bike Ride"

And be sure to include a RETURN ADDRESS so Habitat can mail you a thank you card and you can get your tax deductions!

Thanks for all your support! If anyone has any questions about the trip or donating, email me back, or call!

Much Love,
Jack

The Story

Dear Friends,
I know, I've been out of touch for a LONG time. Things have been really busy, on the road and now that I'm here, in sunny (not really) Portland. While heading north in Colorado, I was forced to skip my planned Boulder detour due to impending "bad weather" in Rocky Mt. National Park. It was sure good I did that too, because when I awoke the next day, right at the boarder of Wyoming, my tent was covered in snow! That was one of the most challenging moments on the trip; as I packed up my tent, fingers red, wind whipping up under my 2 coats, I thought, can I really endure this for weeks. Fortunately, as a I crossed a snowy boarder into Wyoming, and headed on to Saratoga and it's beautiful hot springs, the white snow thinned and eventually dissapeared. It was the last time I doubted.

Approaching Yellowstone Park, on my way to Montana, I could see a dark plume of smoke rising over the Grand Tetons. Wildfires were burning in both national parks and while I managed to make it to Old Faithful, b/c of smoke (and it's less than complimentary effects on breathing) I had to pass on most of the park. Oh well! The funneling affect brought loads (6!) of bikers together. Gene, a 60 year old marathon runner, and I road together through some unbelievable country during the next week. Sometimes he'd disspear for a day or two and than suddenly appear! Approaching a killer climb outside of Dillon (two consecutive passes of two thousand foot climbs over the next 40 miles fighting wind gusts of over 20 miles/hour), Gene fell into step with me, seemingly out of thin air. What would have been a heady challenge turned into a lark as Gene proceeded to chat about the biomechanics and chemistry of running, racing, training. Needless to say, when we parted way at Idaho, him toward home and his wife, me on to Lolo pass, it was a bit melencholy for me.

And Idaho was a blast! The greatest surprise of the trip. I had no idea how beautiful it would be. The great fur forests and abundant hot springs welcomed me, as did all the other travelers I met along Idaho roads. At the western end, was a grueling climb through curvy, wind swept, isolated Oxbow reservoir... but it was spectacularly beautiful. Before I knew it, I was in Oregon! What a state! I've been through great deserts, thickly overgrown forests and rocky shores. Crossing my last big Mountain, on toward the coast, McKenzie pass was a great last romp. Early morning chill and unussually clear skies on a road closed to large vehicles, at the top I looked out over ancient lava flows at Mt. Washington, smelling distant sea air for the first time in months, remembering the many mountains behind me, the first hills just outside Philadelphia and my first great climb in Shenendoah. Anticipating my one last great descent to come, on my way to the Oregon coast, I knew from here on out, it was going to be smooth sailing.

It's true, on the Oregon coast I got rained on more days than all the other rainy days combined throughout the rest of my trip; but it was a blast anyway. Traffic was fierce, for the first time in a long time, but the riding was just awesome. Ups and downs along precipitous bluffs overlooking seemingly infinite vistas. Returning from the coast to Portland was the hardest ride, the last little push of an awesome trip.

Sincerely,
Jack

Snow my bike the continental divide - 11000ft!

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Kicking butt at the City Museum

ghostly apparition emerging from foot is a child patron also having a rockin' time!

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St. Louis giving Philly a run for it's $$$

Where to begin!? One of the hardest entries yet; everything was just indescribably awesome. Symbolically it was a great stop to make: start of oregon trail. Stayed at Hucklberry Finn Hostel and received gracious hospitality from Becca who put up with my endless banter. On lulu's strong recommendation I visited the City Museum<c pic>, and was swept off my feet, sometimes literally. What I thought would be a short stop turned into my whole day! Scarlet, an employee there, was an awesome playmate and guide and made sure I still got my workout on my day off. Sweaty, bruised, and beat I made my way to the Loop, where Ponyo was playing... been waiting forever to see it! Scarlet met up with me there and we found other avid bicyclists all gathered for special screening of Veer, film about Portland bikers... Ahh! With the Tour de Missouri coming through in just a couple days, I felt like it'd be
easy to stick around and get swept up by St. Louis, but the west calls! (and the weathers chang'n!)

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Gateway to The West

before the west was to my right, now its to my left... Maybe I do need the GPS.

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Lulu Gene and Saint Louis's Jersey Style Pizza: rock

After crossing the mississippi on a ferry, and the missouri by narrow and lenthy bridge, I thought all the exciting water crossings were behind me. I was mistaken. On my way from Lulu's backyard in Saint Genevieve, still full from the dinner she took me to, heading toward Saint Louis, I encounter a detour that guides traffic onto the interstate where bikes aren't allowed, so, I ignore it. After crossing an, "out" bridge with no more effort than avoiding some traffic cones, I figure I'm scott free. Unfortunately, many miles later, there actually is a bridge... out, as in not IN existence. But no worries, Gene the roadside worker and avid bicyclist, on his last day before retirement, is there to help. Together we roll the bike into and out of the ravine. He sends me on my way in no time with heavy pockets for a real meal. Thanks Gene! At dinner, I somehow manage to win a 40buck tab so
Gene's gift becomes a nice tip.

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AVA!

visiting the best named town in missouri meant not taking the hills avoiding detour, but was so worth it.

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What a family!

Lexington, rolled up to Olivia's house. She had asked if I'd need help procuring transport... this time I around I didn't! It was great spending time with her and her family and friends - all great hosts. Her mom helped me pack in calories for later use, her dad pulled strings and got my bike checked out in a snap and friends Michael and Patrick treated us to a great horseback riding adventure (for me at least). Horses are so cool. Like a very independently minded pet that if you develop a good relationship with, can also be your transport. My horse friend, Moonlight(?), really wanted to book. I did not. She cooperated, but I felt a little bad that we couldn't just tear-it-up.
The incredible part: Olivia did all this entertaining while preping for her 1st day of college! What a burden, but thanks, so much fun.

It felt like an important stop too. I met Olivia's aunt Susan several months ago. She was so supportive with this bike idea and even sent a package of essential enabling gear.

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Along the way to Lexington from Berea I met a fellow biker who guided me in all the way to the street I was looking for. We rode together for maybe 20mile. Everytime I get the chance to ride with someone I'm so grateful. All the climbs just dissapear amongst the chat. Yesterday I met Sam, biking east, his parents were joining him for a short leg. One would bike, the other would drive all the gear, then trade. It seemed like it could be a good break. They shared with me so much food! I also spent some time with Bernie who treated me to a sandwich and I wished me lots of luck. I hope I can catch Jon and James (they are almost two days ahead of me since I detoured). But maybe someone else will catch me!

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huray a K

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Big Buckhorn Country Music Festival

At a country music festival outside Buckhorn, KY. Hitched a ride in from a pickup, entry was free. Camping here too. the big group really made me feel alone. Not lonely, but the good kind of alone. (likely) alone in: biking here, being unknown to everyone here, being from out of town, writing thoughts down right NOW.

There are frequent helicopters coming and going. I witnessed one carrying away a heartattack victim receiving vigorous chest compressions. A boy was evacuated by ambulance after a car hit him... Everyone is flying around in their trucks, 4x4s and off-road golf cart contraptions. I'd caught the ride b/c the roads just didn't seem safe, but even my tent is surrounded by buzzing engines. I've got bike reflectors strategically placed around my tent. The helicopters even seem more wreckless. Flying towards crowds as they ascend... Possibly alone in thinking, "I sure hope that thing don't fall on me."

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Finally Kentucky

Yesterday I crossed into Kentucky and while I'm thankful for the great hospitality of VA, it's real nice to be in a new state. The last couple days I've been biking in coal country and while the trucks are big and frequent, so far they seem courteous. Everyone has warned about the KY dogs. Mia and Rebecca (two eastbound transAmers) even armed me with dog mace as a, "last resort..." It was really nice to spend the evening with them in Wytheville. The town sets up bikers in the park pavillion and that where we met. Hearing their stories reminded me I've got to take my time and enjoy this; no dealines for me. They all had some helpful saddle hints. I got a kick out of talking w/two young women about my dude-part related concerns, but they were in the know! Couple days ago I met James and Jon, first bikers I've seen going same direction as me. We camped together at Breaks and witnessed a
beautiful evening. Sunset, stars, cool breeze, leafy rustle and heady chit chat. Be present, dude.

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Peaks of Otter my first predetermined destination: Task complete!

Peaks of Otter, where my friend Katie is a ranger is on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, but not on the TransAm, so I did some improv and dtoured. I found this great route that avoided a huge elevation gain... Unfortunately, 2miles from my destination was an in inconquerably steep climb. Exhausted, I took lunch, I sat and meditated, I unplugged my odometer and ultimately I walked the bike. Oh well, at least no one offered me a lift, I may have taken it. At the top I found Katie at her Park service digs and spent... Maybe the next hour chatting on the steps while recovering.

Wow, what great hosts she and her roommates are. Stars, and swimming, movies and homemade meals. It was the perfect day off and totally fun! The day I left, Katie had a kids fishing program so I finally got to see her in uniform; you can too! She'll through October and is totally wort.

After I left her roommate Kris raced out miles, back tracking over all possible routes to return my forgotten towel. They ARE important!

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Travel magic

I finish the last 60miles of skyline drive, it's getting late and the next place I know to camp at is farther than I want. My phone is out for taking my triumphant photo... And it rings. What luck! With it packed, while I'm riding, I never hear it. Habitat Philadelphia's Cassie is calling. She asks me if I visited the "Afton cookie lady?" and I'm clueless. Apparently, somewhere near the Blue Ridge Pkwy a bicyclist enthusiast invites TransAm-ers into her home for cookies, food, shower and a place to eat. More miraculously, Afton is a mere 2miles from my spot. I'm about to hook into the TransAm network.
Since 1976, June has been inviting thirsty and weary bikers into her 2nd home; now called the bike house it is covered wall to wall in post cards, pictures and paraphenalia left by guests. June and Steve, a biker coming from west, chatted on the porch.
But man, this magical place was that much more magical b/c of how I ended up there. How'd Cassie know the perfect time to be calling?

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Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive is a national park and highway that traverses the peaks of the northern shenandoah mountains. Front Royal to Waynesborro, 105miles and a lot of up and down. The big challenge wasn't steapness; in my easiest gear I could make it with my 60lbs of stuff. It wasn't even the relentlessness of the climbs; the first is 4miles of up without a break. The big hurdle is sucking it up as the speedster bicyclists literally do laps up and down the hill I'm struggling with. I met one woman that asked, "how many miles y'do a day?" I'm not sure the jury is in on that yet, but looking at skyline drive stretched before me I replied, "30". After applauding she told me she could do it in one day, that she does up to 160miles in a day. You know, I believe her... But she probably wouldn't bike away with a picture of every elevation sign. Also, the mama bear and 3 cubs were adorable, in my face
and definitely able to chase me down. That intimacy, and resulting fear, the speedster can never know.

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3 states 1 day

After spending the night just outside Harper's Ferry I headed out for Front Royal and the start of Skyline Drive. I started the day in MD, bike through WV, and ended in VA, looking south toward the Shenandoah. All the talk about skyline got me good and scared, so rather than dive right in I spent the night in the cheapest motel and ate some comfort chinese food. After the fifty mile ride, getting to sleep should've been easy, but with my unease and boobtube access, it wasn't hard to put off sleep and the morning.

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Historic Hagerstown it's Happening

After Gettysburg I visited historic hagerstown, childhood home to SleepyG, Greg-funk. Got in a little earlier than expected so I stopped in at the visitor center and met all the great people that work there. Who knew Hagerstown had such a big story to tell? Spent time with Mike Mittel of Hub City Sports... I was worried about a slipping chain ring, but Mike subdued my anxieties with some good advice and pleanty of good will. That night Karen, Steve and Pat entertained; good talk, nice bed, HUGE burger. 3lbs of beef divided 4 ways, with all the best fixin's. Delicious-Madness. Awoke early, thought to get a move on. Hung around a bit anyway.

No one can figure out my camera phone, including me. I have so many pictures of my own finger. This shot came about when I was asked to duck to fit in the shot; neither of us thought to point the camera up.

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The C & O

The chesapeake and ohio canal national historic park is part of a bike path connecting DC to Pittsburgh. Since I'm heading south and west, there isn't really any part of it that helps me out. That said, I figued since I was passing it I may as well check it out. Heading south from Hagerstown, I linked up with the path in Williamsport. After riding roads it was a great change of pace. Laid back and flat! It follows the old tow path for the canal, used by mule teams to pull barges. Finally I got to meet some other bikers.

Jeff- a middle aged self employed advertiser on his annual trip from pitt to dc. Real nice and full of career advice.
Kelly- a self proclaimed "journeyman, a bike hobo with class" also middle aged, but full of that wingnut passion, shinning eyes and ocassional rage. He was on a quest to find some black snake (I may have spotted it after we parted) and despised being plugged in. For dinner he made delicious steak and lentils, which he produced magically from his pack.

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Been out of service for

Been out of service for a couple days along and C & O and all around historic hagerstown. Updates to come.