RIDE DAY 27– I HATE LOVE THOSE DOWN HILL RIDES

Dateline: Government Camp, OR to North Portland, OR

May 4, 2005

I changed my mind. I love those down hill rides. This morning we started out at Government Camp. Before we had peddled once we were 13 ½ miles down range toward Portland. The ride was so easy we had to stop for 45 minutes for coffee to keep from falling asleep on the bikes.

We stopped for lunch about half way down at a little place that was part gas station, part restaurant. Evidently old men on bicycles are rather rare around these parts. It took us about 45 minutes and three conversations to even get in the door. Inside, in addition to a good sandwich and great home made chicken noodle soup, we had great service and some more talk.

A dad was having lunch with his 8^th grade daughter. When she heard about our bike rides and Joe’s 3008 mile stilt walk she was ready to go off with us. Her dad was too. He did direct us down to the riverside bicycle path so we could avoid Portland rush hour traffic.

The cycle path was a treat. Flat, great scenery and no traffic. When we were past the airport we saw a young woman cycling past as we stopped to take pictures. A few miles later we saw her over on the bike path after we returned to the road. Somehow she got ahead of us and stopped to rest. We stopped to talk to her as we do to all cyclist and almost everyone else. She loved our stories and asked us to stop at her friends art gallery and coffee shop just down the road so she could hear more.

How are friends made? This is how. We had planned to ride on through Portland about 20 miles but got talking and had to find a hotel nearby. We got to visit one of the houseboats along the river. Then we got an even bigger treat. They got us a ride on a 40 foot sailing yacht. We went up the river several miles and even got our first clear view of Mt. Hood.

Who is Rocinante? Look it up. However, that is the name of Joe’s bicycle. It was also the name of John Stienbeck’s camper when he was researching “Travels With Charlie”. Tonight we saw a sailing boat named ‘Rocinante’. This world is getting way too small. On top of that we made six new friends. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.

Remember folks, we are doing all this for various causes. (In addition to having fun.) All you Relay For Life Folks should be getting pledges against my mileage. I already have over 1200 miles in so about $0.10 per mile or even $1.00 per mile should be a good goal. I hope to walk over 25 miles on June 17^th (my 65^th birthday and the day I have to go on Social Security) so get busy and get those pledges in. I will ride and walk for all of the teams but it will be up to you to get the pledges.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 26– I HATE THOSE DOWN HILL RIDES

Dateline: Madras, OR to Government Camp, OR

May 3, 2005

My world has been turned upside-down. Up until today I have labored under the false impression that down hill coasts are favorable to cyclist. That is true if you don’t know how far you have to climb and you don’t have a GPS to tell you how far you have already climbed. When you know you are far from the top of the mountain and you have started to plunge 500 feet or so, it is not really good news.

Today we started out at about 2,700 feet. We climbed up to about 3100 feet and then plunged into the Deschutes River Gorge to 1395 feet. No! No! No! Our goal today was Government Camp at the top of the route across Mt. Hood at 4100 feet. Any drops before that just means we have to earn that altitude again. I think I learned one disadvantage of a GPS.

The bottom of the gorge was the entrance to Warm Springs Reservation. We stopped at the local store to buy supplies. We stopped to watch a logging operation. We stopped at the Warm Springs Reservation Museum. Could it be we are resisting that huge climb ahead? If so, the museum is worth the delay. This is one of the most beautiful museums I have seen anywhere. Well worth your time.

We finally got to 4100 feet but, alas, we still weren’t to Government Camp. We had to go back down 350 feet and then back up. Total elevation gain today – 4500 feet.

At Government Camp (I know many of you can’t believe I actually stayed in a town of that name) we got a room in a ski lodge. Nice room and we had a nice steak across the road at Charlie’s Place. Charlie held court at the bar.

Internet connection was the slowest yet but I did have a great phone conversation.

Remember folks, we are doing all this for various causes. (In addition to having fun.) All you Relay For Life Folks should be getting pledges against my mileage. I already have over 1200 miles in so about $0.10 per mile or even $1.00 per mile should be a good goal. I hope to walk over 25 miles on June 17^th (my 65^th birthday and the day I have to go on Social Security) so get busy and get those pledges in. I will ride and walk for all of the teams but it will be up to you to get the pledges.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 25– ACHES, PAINS AND RELIEF

Dateline: Bend, OR to Madras, OR

May 2, 2005

What a strange day. The ride from Bend was nice. Mostly level but up in the 4,000 + foot range. The weather was a little cold and both of us started to lock up. Old age I guess.

Between backs, shoulders, knees, cold, rain starting and finding out that the warm springs in Warm Springs are 11 miles off the route, we decided to stay in Madras, OR. That will make it about the same distance to Government Camp tomorrow but make today about 22 miles shorter.

We both decided our poor aged muscles needed a massage so, after we checked into our motel we went to the local “Spa’. Never been to a spa before. Didn’t have enough hair for them to style.

Long story short. We both had steam baths, saunas and massages. I think both of us will survive now. I don’t know how all this pampering and luxury will soften our resolve to continue though.

Everywhere we go people listen to our stories. It is amazing to watch them switch from polite listening to rapt attention as they realize what we are telling. It is almost like a light switch being thrown. Every day we get more and more email from people we meet along the route. Our nights get shorter and shorter just trying to respond to our first time writers. Keeping up with the regulars is impossible. I will do better.

Remember, we are doing all this for various causes. (In addition to having fun.) All you Relay For Life Folks should be getting pledges against my mileage. I already have over 1200 miles in so about $0.10 per mile or even $1.00 per mile should be a good goal. I hope to walk over 25 miles on June 17^th (my 65^th birthday and the day I have to go on Social Security) so get busy and get those pledges in. I will ride and walk for all of the teams but it will be up to you to get the pledges.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 24– A SHORTER DAY

Dateline: Chemult, OR to Bend, OR

May 1, 2005

We got up early after a great night sleep at the Dawson House Lodge. We were going to get an early start but there was fog, the temperature was 38^oF, the breakfast was great and we had good company. (Translation: Nice people willing to listen to our wild stories.)

We finally got on the road about 9:00 and were 23 miles down course by the time we got started yesterday. We were 1/3 of the way to our target destination in two hours. That would put us there by 3 pm. We even started discussing a run for our first century (100 + mile day). More on that below.

We have been cycling at altitudes above 4,000 feet for more than five days and thought we were about to go down for a while. We will need to get back down to almost sea level by the time we reach the Columbia River. We must be some ways from it because we actually had a 500 foot climb before we started down.

I got a crick in my neck and a little later the weather started acting up. High winds (always from the front- Universal Law) lightning and rain all around us. Our original 80 mile goal and our revised 106 mile goals got shelved in favor of a motel in Bend, OR with a hot tub and shelter from the rain. Total - 64 miles. Guess we will do some technology training tonight.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 23– THE HIGH PLAINS – 80 MILE DAY

Dateline: Klamath Falls, OR to Chemult, OR

April 30, 2005

Today was Joe’s turn to have bicycle problems - two broken spokes and some brake problems when we started out this morning. We tried field repairs but decided we would be far better off getting professional attention. That was a good decision. Although we didn’t get out of town until 10:50 AM but we still made our 80 mile goal before 5:30 pm.

Despite stopping to eat and visiting the Collier State Park Logging Museum and resting every 10 miles (a new and very successful tactic) we still averaged over 11 miles per hour real time. Two new records for this trip today. Longest mileage and best rate. Not bad for two Kranky Old Men.

The logging museum was amazing. It was an outdoor history of the northwestern logging industry. Those old lumberjacks sure earned their wages out here.

We found the Dawson House Lodge, a B & B and motel, in Chemult. It was constructed in 1929 with much the same design as the old west hotel we stayed in when we were in Canby, CA. The difference is this one has been beautifully redone into a true Bed & Breakfast. The Dawson House Lodge is high on my list of recommendations too but for different reasons than the Canby Hotel. This beautifully redone building has baths in each room and is hosted by a lovely and friendly couple, Pam & Harry Stayner. Give them a visit if you are ever near Crater Lake on Oregon Highway 97.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 22– A CATCH UP DAY

Dateline: Klamath, OR with side trip to Crater Lake NP

April 29, 2005

Joe had family to visit with and I had things I had to do this morning to catch up on laundry, administrative stuff and etcetera. On top of that we found that we wouldn’t be able to bicycle up to and over Crater Lake as we planned so we decided to stay another night in Klamath Falls.

We rented a car and drove up to Crater Lake. Thank Goodness we didn’t try to bike it. I have no doubt we would have made it but we might have frozen in the process. Just think what people would think thousands of years from now when they found our bodies frozen to our bikes.

I had been to the park several times. This was Joe’s first. It was a treat for both of us but there sure is a lot of s _ _ w up there. Does it ever melt? The temperature was 39 so we didn’t stay too long but we did get some great pictures.

<>Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site
( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 21– ONE MORE STATE

Dateline: Canby, CA to Klamath, OR

April 28, 2005

We tried to get out of Canby early since we had 80 miles to go but we had to stay long enough for pictures and a great breakfast and then detailed directions for the one road we could take. Finally we hit the road at 9:30 in a cold drizzle.

Directions were their usual quality. The little ‘hump’ outside Canby was a 750 foot climb with a three mile passing lane. When I got to the top way behind Joe, Joe was talking to a California Highway Patrol officer. Seems that CHP has been keeping an eye on us for several days. I don’t know if we look that shifty or they thought we were going to have a heart attack. Doesn’t matter does it? I am glad they were there. I wonder if they will pass us off to the Oregon Police tomorrow.

Speaking of heart attacks. Later today Joe developed a knotted muscle in his back so we pulled off the road to rest. Joe laid down and I applied acupressure to the muscle. Meanwhile a couple from Washington sped by in their RV. In no time they were back thinking we had a major medical emergency and I was so dumb I was applying CPR with one thumb to Joe’s back. We made more new friends though.

After lunch, while we were still 33 miles from Klamath Falls, we found the wind again. Earlier than usual. Further from our destination than usual. On our longest ride so far. We couldn’t wait to get to our hotel but we did get in with plenty of light left. I think we could easily do a century without the wind. We may find out soon.

My day was capped by a great phone call this evening. I hope to get more like that and soon!

<>Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site
( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 20– ONE HORSE TOWN

Dateline: Fall River Mills, CA to Canby, CA

April 27, 2005

We had a great breakfast at the old hotel in Fall River Mills before going to the post office to mail off some things. While we were there we got talking to the postal clerk. She was so interested in our story that she got the Postmaster out to talk to us. While we were talking to the Postmaster she called the local paper. Before long we were being interviewed and photographed for the next addition.

The postmaster gave us a calendar with local information and even mailed it back to Kentucky at his expense. Just one more example of the great people we meet along the route.

When we stopped for lunch our server called ahead to the hotel in Canby to make sure we could get a room since that was the only choice for over 100 miles. They assured her that they would have plenty of room for the two bikers and we wouldn’t need any reservations.

As we left lunch there were dark clouds to the west of us and we hadn’t gone too far before there was lightening a few miles away behind us and hard rain in front. We suited up for the rain but dodged almost everything. I got wetter from sweat from wearing the rain gear than I would have from the rain we hit.

We crossed two passes today, both higher than any previous on this ride. The second one was 5173 feet. I felt disappointed. If you are going to climb that far you should at least get the other 107 feet and be a mile high.

Canby, CA – What a town. The Canby Hotel is right out of Gunsmoke. The first floor is a bar, restaurant, dance hall and pool hall. Upstairs are the rooms. The bathroom and toilet are down the hall. This is surely the very last of the old west salons. What a treat. I don’t think we could find this anywhere else except an old movie set.

The owner of the Canby Hotel is Jim Tavernetti, a true blue old cowboy. He greeted us like lost sons and we talked way into the night. Jim, in addition to being a horse breaker, appeared in hundreds of TV westerns including 80 episodes of Gunsmoke. He was also in several movies and doubled for John Wayne a few times. We have a great new friend in Jim. He wouldn’t let us pay for the room or our supper. On top of that he donated $100.00 to the Appalachian Heritage Monument. Thanks Cowboy Jim! The staff was great too. What a warm welcome. Khrystie too! You rock!

I promised Jim I would come back for a visit and I will. You should too. You can’t miss it if you get to Canby, CA. This is a must.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 19– THE HIGH CONTINUES

Dateline: Round Mountain, CA to Fall River Mills, CA

April 26, 2005

Early start this morning. Can you believe? We hit California 299 east toward Burney, CA. As we were climbing toward Hatchet Pass at 4367 feet we got our first clear views of Mt. Shasta. WOW! The climb though is brutal. For about 3 ½ miles it is about 4 ½ % grade. What a climb.

When we got to the top of Hatchet Pass there was a 6 ½ % decline into Burney. It was wilder than a Saturday night drunk. We spent two hours hard labor climbing that mountain in a spectacular 11 minute plunge into Burney.

After lunch at Burney we headed off to see Burney Falls. It was 12 miles out of the way but worth every inch. Not only oes the water come over the falls; it squirts out everywhere. I’ve never seen anything like it.

We got talking to the park Ranger working the ticket booth. I think she and one of the park visitors were ready to wheel away with us. I know the men at the restaurant in Round Mountain were. Whose dream are we living anyway.

The ride over to Fall River Mills took us over several smaller 100 – 150 foot climbs to a final 800 foot climb just above town. Steep but I am finally getting my biking legs so Joe and I both made it to the top without stopping. I may well make a bicycler yet.

Our first order of business was to get a motel. We did! While we were checking in four golfers came up. They were betting each other about our age. Three said we couldn’t be old since we had biked over the mountain while they golfed in a cart because of the course terrain. The fourth one was betting old. He won but only on calendar years.

We had a great meal including a wild rice salad. This is wild rice country. The salad was great and Joe got the recipe.

In two days we will be in Oregon if everything goes as it has so far. We may well have to become Urban Outdoors Men again and sleep under a bridge or in a culvert but we will get to Oregon.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 18– GETTING HIGH, OLD WIDOWS & FULL MOONS

Dateline: Red Bluff, CA to Round Mountain, CA

April 25, 2005

We slept in this morning after two very late computer sessions. Joe lost one night’s work but he made it up last night. After a late start to the day we spent more time doing administrative tasks and getting directions into the mountains. We were looking for a business services company but stumbled into a government jobs training facility by mistake. I couldn’t make them understand that we were not looking for a job in Red Bluff and we sure weren’t looking for any training.

We had to ask many people before we found someone who agreed with our ideas. I call that ‘yes mining’ but it works most of the time. When it doesn’t we blame it on the person who agreed with us.

We finally got on the road about 11 am starting out on freeway and switching to very rural roads. One road was so rough it could have been improved by a coat of cheap paint.

We passed, or rather stopped at a candy place. Their featured item was chocolate covered prunes. A plum bad idea if you ask me, but I did think up a slogan for them anyway. “Not for your regular guy.”

When we got to California 299 about seven miles east of Reading we had already gained 550 feet of altitude. In the next three hours we gained another 1500 to end up the day at 2100 feet elevation. Our climb for the day was much more than that.

We got to Round Mountain about 6:30 pm, real bad planning on our part since there is no lodging there and the next lodging was 22 miles and a 2300 foot climb away. We are stuck. Joe asked if we could camp on the hill behind the store / gas station / restaurant and they said we could if we went up higher on the hill. Meanwhile I was begging the clerk to tell me the names of old lonely widows who might want to hear our tales, tall tales and outright lies in exchange for a sleep on her couch or even her nice soft floor.

Joe told me to shut up and come on before they changed their minds about letting us camp. I thought about pulling out the old emergency statement: “Where am I and what am I doing here?” That usually can get you a place to stay for the night, especially if you wave your arms about and roll your eyes wildly. I didn’t do it though because I hadn’t briefed Joe that he would have to play the part of nurse / attendant in order for us to both get a place to stay.

We ate sardines and cheese and went to bed in a briar patch way before dark. I don’t know what the dew point was but the top of my head got wet. Between the full moon and the police shining their lights on us several times during the night we didn’t get too much sleep but we sure got an early start this morning. I think the police were afraid to find out what was up there on that hill. They left us alone anyway.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 17– FLYING ACROSS THE FLAT LANDS

Dateline: Oroville to Red Bluff, CA

April 24, 2005

Today’s ride was within a 100 feet of elevation range. Most of the day had a light tail wind. (NOTE: Tail wind is a cyclist dream/myth.) We were able to cover lots of ground despite frequent and prolonged stops and side trips and still quit before 5 pm. This is my kind of cycling. I can go for hours at 15 – 17 mph and not get tired. My new bike helps too.

The three days off(?) helped too. I don’t know how I will do in the mountains but I am off and running here. Tomorrow we will see. We are approaching the Mt. Shasta / Lassen Volcano NP decision time. Either means 4,000 – 6,000 climbs.

When we talk to people along the way many are impressed with our goals. Others impress us. Yesterday we flagged down two cyclist for directions. They were on a 85 mile workout but they were running light. No gear except the bikes and them and one of the bikes was so light I could pick it up with two fingers. The rider built it himself. In fact, that’s what he does for a living. Richard Mon builds bikes for SERIOUS PROFESSIONAL riders. When I asked about having a bike built he politely told me he was booked up for several years and wasn’t even taking any orders right now. At my age I may well have found him too late.

We talked to a woman this afternoon about our ride. She was one up on us though. When she was 12 years old she rode from Fort Dix, NJ to Los Angles, CA. She was the only girl to finish the ride. I think it is too late for Joe and me to best that one.

The people we meet continue to be the story. Today we met three people who would have gone with us if we would wait a few days. Maybe they will meet us later. Seems like we are doing a lot of people’s dreams. Our goal is to inspire them to live their dream themselves.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 16 – ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Dateline: Oroville, CA

April 23, 2005

Beth and B.J. saw us off in Sacramento this morning with hugs and a great breakfast. Heather, on the other hand decided to pace us for about 33 miles. Isn’t that great. An 18 year old girl out showing to old men 3 ½ times her age how to bicycle. She set us a good pace too.

Beth and B.J. picked Heather up at the 33 mile mark. Heather had never ridden that far. Have we created a new long distance biker?

We hit a little rain this morning. Nothing serious though. I didn’t even break out my rain gear. We had flat roads all the way so we covered some ground. This was our longest ride yet – 75.56 miles. We could have gonew farther, but why?

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 15 – AROUND SACRAMENTO AREA

Dateline: Sacramento, CA

April 22, 2005

Sally got up real early to take me to the train back to Sacramento. Her knee is still giving her big troubles so moving, driving, everything is difficult. The only good news in that is it gives her time to work on her dissertation. Deadline soon. Joe had to get up early too so he could pick me up at the Sacramento station.

These Amtrak trains are great. Some of the seats have electrical outlets for computers. The trains also have wi-fi but I didn’t bring my wireless modem. The trains are clean, quiet and comfortable. Most of the trains are on time.

Joe met me at the train and we visited Ft. Stockton. They let school classes camp overnight in the fort and this time was a special treat since there was a festival with costumed enactors, typical crafts of the time and a lot of fun for everyone.

We did some GPS checking of the corners on a ranch for our friends in Sacramento. Later some of Joe’s friends came to visit and we all had supper with Beth and B.J.. What a treat.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site

( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 14 – AMTRAK TRAIN & BUS

Dateline: Oakland, CA

April 21, 2005

A GREAT BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Cliff III

Joe got up and drove me to the Amtrak station in Sacramento for my 5:25 AM train south. Thanks Joe. I’ll bet you didn’t have to get up that early when you made this trip 38 years ago. I ride the train to San Jose and then take the Amtrak bus (what am I missing here?) on to San Luis Obispo. From there on down to Arroyo Grande to pick up my truck and take it back up the coast to Oakland. I’m sure Bill & Gladys will be happy not to have to look out at it every day. Now Sally and Chris will have to take care of it for a few weeks.

The train ride follows the valley all the way down to San Jose. We could have biked all the way up from Monterey with hardly a hill but a little industry and one or two refineries is about all I can stand. The ride on Amtrak is interesting though.

Bill Paulsen met me at the San Luis Obispo station so I was able to get my truck easily and start back for the east Bay area to visit with Sally and Chris. We had a great meal and I will jump on the train back to Sacramento in the morning

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site ( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 13 – R & R IN SACRAMENTO

Dateline: Sacramento, CA

April 20, 2005

The repair or replace question has been answered. Time, reliability and cost dictated replacement. The bicycle techs at REI in Sacramento bent over backwards to get my gear transferred and the bike set up for me without taking up a great and much needed rest day.

I got my new bike and sent the old one back to Poison Ivy Acres and picked up a few things needed for the next leg (wheel?) of the trip. This afternoon Heather, the beautiful 18 year old daughter/granddaughter of our hosts bicycled nine miles with us 60 + year old men. She stayed with us, but she used her bike as a single speed. She never shifted once. Sure was kind to two old men though. I’m asking for a rematch Friday. Heather is another of those who will be leading and improving this great nation in the years to come. She is even willing to listen to the Kranky Old Men’s stories.

We had a beautiful meal of huge boiled shrimp, asparagus and fresh bread followed by hours of tales, tall tales and outright lies accompanied by tears of laughter. It is going to be hard to leave here.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site ( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff

RIDE DAY 12 – BACK TO LEVEL GROUND

Dateline: Sacramento, CA

April 19, 2005

When we ask for directions or advice about routes even from bicyclist we have to apply a fudge factor. All estimates of the hills we will have to cross are at least 25% low. All distance estimates are 25% low or 25% high. Today we were lucky, I guess.

We were told we had one little hill to cross and would then drop down into the Sacramento valley for about 80 miles. The ‘little hill’ was 8% grade with a 1250 foot rise from Napa. It had three cousins, all in our way, toppig out at 1,000, 1,100 and 1,050 feet. We did get back down almost to sea level though and sailed along at 22 – 25 mph for miles. Total miles was only 74 but that was almost 50% longer than we have attempted to date.

When we got to Davis we asked a young UC Davis student for directions to the bikeway to Sacramento. He decided he would show us instead. This young man, Kien, led us over 12 miles to within six miles of Sacramento. What special treatment. Anyone worrying about the future of this country sure isn’ty meeting the young people we are. The USA will be in good hands for many years to come.

We finally arrived at Joe’s friend’s beautiful home/ranch on the east side of Sacramento. What a beautiful place and what lovely people.

Sacramento will be our R & R stap for a few days. I need to do something about my bike. It has almost 30,000 miles on it and is starting to show signs of age. Comes the age old question of repair or replace. I shall observe and report.

Please visit the Appalachian Heritage Alliance web site ( http://www.appalachianheritagealliance.org ) You can also find continuing information on Joe Bowen’s ride experiences and regular updates on the Monument Project on that site. Visit it often and please lend your support to this project.

Cliff