July 31 Crossing America
Davis, CA – Vallejo, CA Distance 67 miles, rode all of them.
Total distance traveled through today 3,905 miles, on my bike for 3,239 of them.
Flower just outside Sinbad's Restaurant was too pretty not to share with you
We decided to all ride as a group today. That hadn’t worked in the past and it didn’t work today. The 30 and under group left me after the first five miles while the over 45 group stayed with me for the first 7 miles and waited at turns the first 20 miles, I was left to ride by myself after that. I knew that would happen and regretted not having left early. I can’t blame my fellow crewmates for leaving me given how slow I ride. Plus today’s ride caught us all off guard with how difficult it turned out with a few steep hills and in places we battled strong headwinds. One of the hardest sections of road was going up a rather steep climb just outside of Vallejo on McCrary Road into a 30+ mph headwind. Thus, I’m going back to my original position, “There are no easy days riding across America”. There is always a challenge; hills, headwinds, rain, cold, heat, injuries, bike mechanical failures and for Aaron bike theft.
Britney and Shanon's hair grew a bunch in 60 days
To make it to the Ferry terminal in time to catch the last ferry of the day I took no breaks for snacks or lunch and only to pee pee breaks. This is the longest distance I have ever ridden without a break and by the time I got to the terminal was drained physically. I did arrive about the same time as half our crew as they all had the luxury of rest breaks. During the ferry ride I had a beer with Ike and Aaron in celebration of completing crossing. Upon docking in San Francisco there was a local TV station doing interviews, which I stayed out of this time as I was too tired to talk. After the TV folks departed we went next to the ferry terminal to Sinbad restaurant where our major sponsor treated us to dinner. Turned out the dinner was primarily a seminar for doctors and victims of MS and not a celebration for our group per se. It was very informative and I learned a great deal about the history of MS diagnosis, treatment and latest research by a Doctor/professor from Stanford University. I was particularly pleased when he gave credit to the National MS Society for funding much of the research and development of treatment for MS
patients. The good doctor is certain there will be a cure soon and when there is there will be an additional benefit cure and or treatment for several related diseases.
Hill over looking Vallejo
It was dark by the time we finally made it to our host facility (Youth With A Mission) YWAM for this night. It was in a not so nice downtown area with many homeless folks on the street but the facility itself though old was descent and we all felt safe to be inside. We did have one homeless guy cheer us as we rode up to the place and told us great job. It really was nice to hear his words of praise. Again lending proof to my believe folks no
matter what their status in life are good.
Aaron hamming it up with his imaginary bicycle since his was stolen
Bicycle yard art on road out of Davis
Ferry we rode to San Francisco
Crew waiting to board ferry
Water front as we arrived in San Francisco
We made it San Francisco at last
YWAM facility we stayed our last night
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10 Comments
George E. Veugeler
August 11, 2011WAY TO GO FRANK!!
admin
August 12, 2011Hi George, glad to see you are still reading my journal. Outside of freezing while riding, I’m very much enjoying the Pacific coast. Denny and Nancy, Larry and Charis and my nephew Mark and his wife are really going overboard with the VIP treatment. Don’t know how I’ll ever adjust when I get back to Missouri. Everyone has been so kind and generous, makes my heart full of warm fuzzies.
Dale Johnson
August 8, 2011Frank,
Congratulations. I know the going got tough at time, but you persevered and that is what counts. The one characteristic all the successful riders have is determination. Having ridden last year (as the original old guy at 58), I read your blog religiously. I was impressed with the amount of time you spent on the blog. I had 3 other helping me with my blog and it still took a lot of time.
I plan to come back in 2012 as a route leader. Having spent 10 years running my own travel tour company and my experience in 2010, I’m hoping I can bring a few things that will help out.
Take care on the rest of your adventure.
admin
August 10, 2011Hi Again Dale, Wow! I was under the impression you were 48, must need my hearing checked. Well you have the experience to get it right. I know Pepper took a lot of notes which should be of help to you. You will also be able to pick up some resources reading my journal, too. Good luck with 2012, I really do want to see this organization continue to grow and help put an end to MS. If I can be of any assistance please give me a shout.
Dale Johnson
August 10, 2011Frank,
I did see a lot of leads in your blog on accommodations you came across and I plan to look at all of them again. I will check with Pepper. I saw in your blog that Pepper was taking notes.
Stay safe on the rest of your adventure.
admin
August 12, 2011Hi Dale, I did that purposely for Don and Pepper or whoever such as yourself would be able to use in the future. Pepper did take many notes and will be of great help to himself and you in the future. Thank you, I’m doing my best to stay safe. Even walked part way up a steep hill yesterday as there was no shoulder and lots of traffic, felt much safer walking until I could ride where I didn’t weave and wobble so much and drivers could see me easier.
larry covington
August 6, 2011@ Thumbs up. Especially allowing Aaron finish on your bike.
admin
August 10, 2011Thanks Larry. Aaron is really a good guy and deserved to finish.
John Wuertz
August 5, 2011Way to go Frank!! I have been looking dayly to see the post that you made it. Great going!! While riding on Ragbrai I talked to a young lady that’s traveling from Oregon to Georgia. Last report she was past Chicago.
John
admin
August 10, 2011Hi John, Thank you. It took determination not to head out on my own. The crew leaders were all good folks though lacking in logistical skills. I couldn’t quit and leave them without a SAG vehicle. They will do better next year. It is amazing how many folks do tour our fair Country, not a day goes by I don’t meet someone doing same.