ROB’S RIDE

July 10, 2023

The first day of this trip setting out from Anacortes, WA on June 2, I pedaled 73 miles. I wondered if I could do more than the 50 miles a day as I had roughly planned to do.

It is not always about the distance – Although sometimes – I just can’t get there fast enough. Some factors that come into play when I ride include my average speed which varies depending on the terrain, monitoring my heart keeps me from going too hard, and my cadence sensor helps me keep the pedals turning at around 80 rpms.

These days my average heart rate beats anywhere between 102 106 beats per minute compared to 122 beats a minute on fairly flat terrain on day 1 out of Anacortes.

The faster my speed the faster I get to where I am going, which really does not need an explanation. However, bicycle touring is so dependent of the terrain – road conditions – unexpected stops and unfortunate silent dog chases.

That’s right it is one thing all together to be chased by barking and yapping hounds – but it is an altogether different and a bit disconcerting experience to be chased by large hounds who appear out of no where and they do not bark any warning. They appear out for blood!

So on any given day my speed ranges from an average of between 11.5 mph to 15.2 mph –

After a 99 mile day into Amery, WI – we changed our route to follow a route recommended to us when we stayed at the Bicycle Bunkhouse in Dalbo. The Eastern route along CR64. It has had its advantages and disadvantages.

We don’t rely on the Adventure Cycling maps for rest stops and campsites – not to mention Rob is going along without the benefits of his preprogrammed GPS.

After Amery we landed in Medford, WI after pedaling 65 miles from Bloomer. We found a city park with electricity, a bathroom and the town pool was open until 7:30 – so Rob had a hot shower too.

However, the main advantage is the route is quite direct – due East. There’s very little traffic along the route and the small towns have provided some gems.

Today Rob pedaled 63 miles with the last 20 miles or so in a cool misty rain.

Tonight we camp at a county park in Antigo, WI and we were able to secure the campsite with 50 amp power for two nights. It will feel good to take a day off – a much needed respite from navigating and pedaling. On Friday we will rejoin the Adventure Cycling Maps and camp in Shawano, WI. We plan to make out way to Manitowoc on the shores of Lake Michigan where we will take the ferry across to Ludington, Michigan.

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob

July 8, 2023

Unofficially at the half point after riding over 2,015 miles so far! We arrived at Donn Olson Farm today in Dablo, MN!

Pouring over the map of Wisconsin – showing Rob a potentially alternate route across. The printed notes under the map in front of Rob are courtesy of a fellow rider who documented the route along CR 64.

Decided to rotate the tires given the most excellent bike stand available in the Bunkhouse. Good thing too because there was a small piece of wire embedded in the front tire which punctured the tube while Rob was moving it to the rear!

A tedious job but somebody has to do it – and he had a good roadie getting his supplies out of the SAG mobile!

Rob road over 115 continuous bike trail from Fergus Falls to Albany then the next day through Holdingford.

Conditions of the bike path varied but overall – it was a respite from car and truck traffic.

Riding along the path, Rob encounter very few fellow cyclists. However, at one point he came upon a fitting tribute to two fallen American Veterans. The Purple Heart Chapel stands as a tribute to their sacrifice but more importantly serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness in our everyday lives. A small refrigerator held free water for any passerby.

Just when you think you have crossed the Continental Divide for the LAST time – at least the elevation is almost at sea level – HA

Rob says, “ Get out your sleds Boys! It’s a free for all on the bike path!”

Seriously?! They do like to get out during those long winter months –

Hoping not to encounter any dirt tomorrow –

Keeping the rubber side down, Rob and Julie – with an assist from Verne today xoxoxo

Aristotle is said to have defined friendship as a soul abiding in two bodies. A long overdue introduction to Rob’s other bestie on this ride – his bicycle. So in his own words – here is the story of how Rex joined the family.

Meet Rex Le Trek

I think it is high time I introduce Rex, my trusted steed that has performed so flawlessly over these many miles.

Early June 2020, I first saw Rex. I was two months into retirement, with COVID raging, Julianne and I headed to Cape Cod National Seashore to isolate and spend some time on the sand.

Unfortunately, the beach was not open for us to be able to drive our RV onto the sand, but we were content to spend the month of June in the Race Point NP Parking Lot.

Most days we walked down the dune path to relax on the sand. After a few days, I noticed this old bike in the bike rack with two flat tires and it was unlocked.

Everyday I walked by feeling sorry for this early 1990’s Trek Mulitrack hybrid mountain bike that was just rusting in the salt air. With each pass, I noticed that this old Trek had many of the attributes of a worthy touring bike – chrome molybdenum steel frame, appropriate brazed on rack fittings, 700c wheels, and good ole Suntour components.

So after a few weeks, I decided to pump up the tires. Was the ole rig worthy of a spin around the parking lot? YES! The fit was perfect.

When Julianne and I headed home on June 30, the bike came along as my salvation project. Once I got him home in my basement shop, I gave him the once over with new handlebars, cables and wheels – and even rebuilt the wheels – giving my salvation project a new outlook.

A worthy cross country bike was pulled from the ashes – Rex Le Trek.

June 12 – June 18, 2023

Today is day four reunited with Rob and I look forward to our continued adventure through Sunday when I will leave to meet up with Sue Thayer in Bozeman. I have lost track on how long I have been in Montana – not a bad state of mind to be in for sure.

After leaving Bozeman on Monday morning, I stayed at Salmon Lake State Park off of Rt 83 and got an early start on Tuesday. I had reservations at another state park outside of Whitefish for Tuesday night.

In Whitefish, I decided to go for it and try and find Rob south of Eureka. I swallowed my charge anxiety – and yes – it is real and most EV owners will attest to having to struggle with a bout or two of charge anxiety.

Seeing the smile on his face was worth every uncertain mile along the winding Route 37 which follows along the sheer cliffs that drop down to the Koocanusa River which is dam controlled by the Libby Dam.

Libby Dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1972 and there are several recreation sites managed by the US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture. The reservoir created Lake Koocanusa – a 90 mile long reservoir held back by the 422’ tall Libby Dam.

North Dickey Lake Campground was our next stop after a cool riding day for Rob. He is a trooper and dove into the lake for his evening “shower”.

Peaceful spot above Lake Dickey

A few more adjustments before tomorrow’s ride.

Rob started early today along the dreaded Rt 93 with it’s inconsistent shoulder, high speed traffic and tight turns. The Adventure Cycling maps did include an alternate route following Farm to Market Rd [great name for a roadway that wound its way along endless pastures and around horse ranches].

I caught up with him just before he returned to Rt 93 on his final approach into Whitefish, where we met for a quick lunch before he headed off to find a better signal and set up his “office” across the street from a cell tower on the outskirts of Whitefish.

We each headed east along Rt 2 to the small town of Coram. Rob is taking the alternate route around Glacier due to the chewed up road conditions of the Going to the Sun Road. Regardless, he will climb over the Continental Divide through Marias Pass.

So far Rob has pushed the cranks around to accumulate over 782 miles! He is pleased with his efforts and continues to feel confident on the bike. I am in awe of his positive persistence.

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob

June 11, 2023

These maps represent the number of cyclist who have passed through the Bacon Bike Hostel in Colville. It exists solely to serve distance cyclists traveling on the Northern Tier or anyone else travelling through Colville, WA. These Warm Shower hosts are top notch philanthropists, making Rob’s rest day a very productive one. On Fridays they host a community dinner and Rob enjoyed delicious seasonal soups and captivating conversations.

After a much needed rest day in Republic – Rob rose early and headed out of Colville in hopes of making it to Newport, Washington on the border of Idaho.

He ended up clocking over 96 miles by the end of the day on his way to dinner at his Warm Shower Hosts house in western Newport.

Rob arrived in Sandpoint, ID for lunch today, so it is official – He is making it happen for sure.

Pictures from the road where Rob’s view is closer to the flow of a river than the climb through a mountain range.

Tonight his destination is Hope, how appropriate! Not quite sure of the miles – but I know it is a full day in the saddle.

I hope to rendezvous with him on Tuesday in Northern Montana – Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob

June 9, 2023

It’s hard to believe that a week has gone by since launching Rob at the marina in Anacortes. He leaves Washington within the next two days after two more climbs.

The arrow indicates the last two climbs, which look minor compared to all the other climbs.

Tonasket is at the base of Wauconda Pass. At the bike camp, Rob was able to access the internet at the public library next door. He had a great visit with our mentees from San Miguel before taking on the next day’s climb. This is important to note as the Adventure Cycling Maps have proven to be exceptionally accurate.

Rob is in good spirits and has really enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow cyclists and Warm Shower hosts. While descending Sherman Pass he met a fellow “tourist” headed west from NYC, who crossed the road going up Sherman Pass just to have a quick chat with Rob as he descended!

Rob has toured with Thomas from Germany (pictured below), who heads south to Colorado is a few days. They met on the Wauconda Pass climb and then stayed at the same Warm Showers hosts in Republic.

The weather has been wet so Rob is resting today at a bike hostel in Colville.

Rob’s log.

He’s close to his goal of 50 miles a day even through the Cascades!

I’m in Bozeman with Gloria for one more night before she flies home. I’ll be updating Carbon Zero Rivian Venture blog tomorrow. You will not believe how many EV miles we clocked together!

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob.

June 5, 2023

A typical day for Rob begins with a good breakfast and a positive outlook as he plans for his day in the saddle. While in a parallel universe of travel, Julie and Gloria begin their day in much the same way. We navigate our route and make our plans based on EV charge points. For a few days now we both have started and ended each travel day within minutes of each other.

Well after Gloria and I set up camp in Glacier National Park, our planning has shifted to kayaking and hiking. While Rob continues to chip away on his eastward bound bike ride. Yesterday, he tackled the formidable Washington Pass.

At the top of Washington Pass, Rob records his Climb Complete! The grade of the climb was 4% over 20.89 miles with gain of 4060 feet in elevation in 4:37:50! He reported that toward the end of the climb he was stopping every quarter mile before pedaling on.

It was “el Diablo” which he anticipated; however, he took some advice offered by these fellow cyclists who Rob encountered on the route in Anacortes – TAKE LOTS OF BREAKS! He sends out a huge THANK YOU!

Reliabe companions along Route 20 are the mile markers – here’s Mile 211 and Rob will clock almost 250 miles by the end of the day.

Today he left another warm shower host in Winthrop with hopes to make it to Tonasket. He started having some knee pain shorty after today’s climb over Loup Pass which has a 5% grade with an elevation gain of 2338 feet for 8.95 miles in 2:41:18. Another brutal climb – thank goodness it was at least under ten miles!

Meeting fellow cyclists along the way helps with some of the ride’s monotony. Going up Loup Pass, he did not climb alone because he met fellow cyclists George, Kerry and Julie – whose husband was shagging along to support her ride handing out ice cold Cokes at the top to celebrate!

Rob welcomed the respite at the top and the visit with Julie’s husband as he wished his climbing companions God’s Speed.

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob

June 2, 2023

While I was working on blog last night the internet connection was quite finicky and I lost all of the narrative; however, the pictures do tell part of the story. Here’s a recap of Rob’s first official day on the Adventure Cycling Northern Route.

Rob’s report from yesterday after cycling 73 miles is quite positive. He suffered from some cramping late in the night but that is to be expected and he has a remedy – drink more water especially after he stops pedaling!

Smooth departure from Anacortes a little after 8am and the skies were clear but with cool winds.

Glo and I anticipated his arrival along the route that was right across the street from our hotel.

Looking strong and confident – he is headed to cross the Swinomish Channel Bridge. Notice the dedicated bike path along with the route sign.

Pictures from Rob along the road featuring – you guessed it – bee hives!

The Adventure Cycling maps were perfect and the details guided him with confidence along the 73 miles to Concrete, Washington – Where he met some friendly locals who bid him adieu and invited him to return any time “Cuz we’re stuck in Concrete” hardee har har!

Not a bad ride with less than 1,000 feet of elevation over the entire day. His knees are a bit sore but he’s not concerned – his body is adjusting as he expected it would.

Rob’s host for the evening are veteran cyclists, Rob and J S, who are members of the Warm Showers Network – a free worldwide hospitality exchange for touring cyclists. Rob is guest number 268 for these generous hosts. Notice his clothes drying on the line and the greenhouse below where he enjoyed a lively, delicious dinner with his hosts.

As well as touring cyclist, they have beekeeping in common too!

Today Rob rides to the Canyon Creek trailhead of Washington Pass – about 36 miles. Day 3 will bring on the climb over the pass. I’ll keep you posted and thanks for all your support!

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob

June 1, 2023

Today Rob rode off into the concrete jungle to find his way to his launch site tomorrow – Anacortes, Washington. It’s a good idea to go and ride about before you venture into the North Cascades.

I will join him later today and can’t wait to hear all about his first ride. I’m sure you can see by the smile on his face – he’s just thrilled to be in the saddle again!

Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob