tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83758123498889330412024-03-06T03:26:32.518-05:00From Baltimore to Seattle: 4k For Cancer 2012Follow me as I fund-raise, train, and participate in 4k For Cancer Team Seattle 2012, a 70 day, 4,000 mile ride across the United States from Baltimore, MD to Seattle, WA.jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-32160771343628686822013-06-23T21:29:00.001-04:002013-06-23T21:29:42.089-04:00Days 66-70: The Finish Line<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thunder rumbles lowly outside as rain patters against the window. I would have never imagined that it would be here at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA where I would conclude my record of Team Seattle 2012's journey. It has been over a year since our departure from Baltimore. This year's teams, including a new route and a cross country running team, have already embarked on their journeys. In our own small ways, my former team members and I have helped prepare the 2013 teams for their adventures.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It bothered me that as all this time passed, as we became 4K for Cancer Alumni, my blog remained unfinished. I am often</span></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> reminded of the past summer; the right song, the mention of a location, and the old itch to get on the bike and leave all spark nostalgia. I’m surprised at how long I've let the blog remain open-ended.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have decided that it is time to formally conclude my blog. Over this past year I have had ample time to digest and reflect on the trip in it's entirety. Thus, while my ability to recall exact details of the final days have faded, my ability to understand and appreciate the adventure has grown exponentially.</span></div>
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Day 66: Playing Gilligan on Guemes</b><br />
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My last post was over nearly a year ago on August 24, 2012, detailing our arrival to Anacortes in western Washington on Day 65 of 70 as we descended from the Northern Cascades. On Day 66 we headed off to Guemes Island after hanging out in the city of Anacortes for some time. The afternoon spent on Anacortes was enjoyable, filled with cafes and bike shops that had a calm vibe perfectly matching the city’s location west of Padilla bay. We commuted to Guemes island via the ferry after loading all of our bikes onto the van, since we weren't allowed to commute across on bike.</span></span></div>
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The ferry was particularly smaller than my prior ferry experiences, but perfectly sized to meet the needs of the population of Guemes (605 according to the 2000 census). The island was beautiful, and for a little while I was able to imagine that I was far removed from the end of my journey and stranded on a peaceful island far removed from society. Keep in mind, this is an island where people travel by horse regularly.</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The community church gave us a wonderful orientation about the island and its geography. While they were preparing dinner I went exploring around the island by myself, biking along the shore and stopping to climb to the highest point on Guemes. The dinner was enjoyable and the company was fantastic. We shared our stories and our pictures. With the night winding down, we sprawled out and fell asleep on the floor.</span></span></span></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013">Day 67: Homely Oak Harbor</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a lovely breakfast on Guemes Island we left the island via the ferry, heading back to Anacortes. Once on land at Anacortes we had until dinner time to travel to our host at Oak Harbor, WA (relatives of Lindsay). It was only about 20 miles to Oak Harbor from Anacortes, so the team split up and people made their way south at their own pace. Some people stayed to explore Anacortes more, others headed out to see what they would discover on the road. The ride was as scenic as most days in western Washington. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all gathered at our host for a delicious home cooked dinner. We were soon split up into groups to stay in separate neighborhood houses for the night. I had a very warm and welcoming evening with the Bankowski family, and was even able to catch up on some of the Olympics. </span></span><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013">Day 68: Positively Pepper Neff</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After breakfast with the Bankowski family my group returned to the host to reconvene the team and perform our morning dedication circle and cheer. We were enjoying our time at Oak Harbor so much that we failed to realize how late it had gotten. We raced the ten miles to the Port Townsend Ferry to catch the ferry on time. Three of the team's group (mine included) had made it to the ferry on time. The other's, however, had to wait for a later ferry. The rest of the 40 miles to just outside of Kingston, WA went smoothly, though even along the coast western Washington's hills were surprisingly steep. Before long we arrived at Alex's Grandparent's home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had an amazing evening with Alex's family. They were welcoming and fun. Her Grandparent's home was beautiful and had views of Seattle from the yard. It was at this point that the realization that our trip was coming to an end struck each and every one of us. We could <i>see</i> Seattle. It seemed so close! Fortunately, we caught a rare glimpse of Mt. Rainier.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">That night we gathered around for our last Team Pow-Wow. We reflected on our journey, talking about our favorite moments. We shared our future hopes and dreams and enjoyed one of our last nights together.</span></span></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013">Day 69: Final Countdown with Caughies</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I (reluctantly) left the Pepper Neff residence in Kingston, traveling to Bainbridge Island. The ride was only 20 miles, though hilly like the day before. When were instructed to stop as we neared the main part of town and waited. Surprisingly, the community of Bainbridge had arranged for a police escort to take the team through town to a local park. We rode into the park as if we were our own parade, with people lining the streets to clap and cheer us on. We were shortly presented with a proclamation from the Mayor of Bainbridge, naming August 3rd as "4K for Cancer Day." </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soon after the celebration we rode down towards the water of the Puget Sound to dip our tires in the Pacific, as we had dipped them in the Atlantic back at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. If someone didn't know any better, they might have thought that Bainbridge was the end of our journey.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the tire dip (though it was more like a slip in the mud) we rode to Cali's house, since she lived on Bainbridge Island and it was her family that was hosting the team for the night. This night was special, however. Not only was it our last night together as a team, our families who traveled to greet us at the finish line met us for a grand dinner celebration. I had not seen my brother or father since I left in May. It felt great to see them again. Reuniting with them only increased my desire to go back home and spend time with the people I love and missed the most.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After our families took the ferry back to Seattle, the team gathered around to appreciate our last night together.</span></span></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9052206648048013">Day 70: Sincerely, Team Seattle</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After rising for our final day, we ate breakfast with mixed emotions. I yearned to go home and return to those I had left behind on this journey. I wanted to share my experiences and learn of others' adventures this summer. But, to do all this meant leaving the team behind, it meant ending the summer's adventure, returning to responsibilities beyond getting from point A to point B alive and well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was on Cali's backyard porch that we shared our last dedication circle. The cheer that morning was the best one we ever did, complete with all of our phrases and cues. It was bitter-sweet.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We geared up for our last ride-- our final twenty miles.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We rode to the ferry and loaded up our bikes, heading to the dock to watch the Seattle skyline approach ever so slowly. It was the longest ferry ride of my life, watching the buildings grow taller and taller, inch by inch as we nudged closer and closer to the dock.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we made land, we rode together as a team throughout the city, eventually making our way north to the Seattle Children's Hospital, where we rode up to the front entrance. There to greet us stood our friends and families, signs waving and voices cheering us on. We huddled together at the finish line, one team grown together over 70 days across 4,000 miles, and hollered our last cheer, full of energy and excitement.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After taking pictures we were ushered inside. We were given a tour of the facilities. Soon after we entered into a cafeteria where a presentation was given and photos taken throughout our journey were played in a slideshow. Pictures collected over the trip flashed across the projection screen; 70 days were summed up in a few minutes. Something didn't feel right--this didn't <i>feel </i>like the finish line. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before long it was time to go, except this time I would leave with my father and brother, not with the team. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I loaded my bike onto the van for the last time (so it could hitch a ride back east), I gave an open farewell to my teammates, figuring that I would see them later that evening. I grabbed my bags and headed with my father and brother to their hotel. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whatever the reason, I never met back up with my teammates in Seattle (many of them having disbanded already as well).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Coming Full Circle</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The rest of the weekend was spent exploring Seattle with my brother and father. It was a fantastic, vibrant city, the perfect place for the end of a journey. But as I wandered the streets, as I had done so many other places across the States that summer, I felt something missing. <i>Closure</i>. I had gone from waking up with 26 people ready to ride miles upon miles to waking up in a hotel room, quietly getting ready to start my day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It wasn't until dinner with my father and brother at the Skycity Restaurant atop of the Space Needle that I felt the journey come to a close. As the restaurant spun slowly, giving us a 360 degree view of the city and the land surrounding it, the sun began to set. Under that setting sun I could peer far north, towards the zeniths of the Cascades that we climbed over; west, past Bainbridge and the islands, the direction that had marked my progress all summer; south, taking in majestic Mt. Rainier and wondering about the other teams concluding their southern routes; east, over the southern Cascades that divide Washington, back through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, back 4,000 miles to where it all began--to home. As the sun set in the west my gaze turned back east. While sitting there, surrounded by reminders of all that I had accomplished, everything came full circle.</span></span></div>
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jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-75936767793729996462012-08-24T01:33:00.001-04:002012-08-24T01:33:43.603-04:00Day Sixty-Five: The Astounding AnacortesI volunteered for van duty today. I had one more left so I figured I would get it over with while maintaining some control over what day I fulfill it.<br />
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Except, today wasn't an ordinary van day. First off, we were leaving a campsite, which always creates chaos (you have to pack up the tents, get everyone together, and enforce the "leave no trace" policy). Secondly, we weren't all going to the same host. That's right, tonight the team is split up among a group of houses scattered around Anacortes: three in the city, one south, and one north. That's five baggage drop offs, five routes, and five "the riders are near" phone calls.<br />
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It was a crazy day, but Melanie and I did it. If I do say so, we were on top of our duty. We had each group routed, bags sorted, and bags delivered. More importantly, effectively organized the arrangements for tomorrow ahead of time (whose bags to pick up, in what order, when).<br />
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Tensions ran high, and at moments things got stressful, but we did it--all while enjoying these views:<br />
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It's so great to be back on the coast. You can smell the salt in the water! This is my first time ever being near the Pacific, let alone see water that originates from it. A sense of accomplishment has finally begun to sink in, slowly, and what a beautiful place to start feeling it in...<br />
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Did I mention we <i>biked </i>here? Yeah, I don't believe it either.<br />
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Pacing Past the Pacific,<br />
James<br />
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<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-34918719480621820222012-08-24T00:52:00.000-04:002012-08-24T00:52:10.618-04:00Day Sixty-Four: Our Final Pass--Camping in the CascadesThis morning I awoke and repeated my climbing ritual of writing motivation on my thighs and forearms:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've made it this far...why stop now? & Seattle is over the mountain!</td></tr>
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I wasn't nearly as anxious as I was the morning of Powder Pass. This morning I was much more excited, ready to take on the climb, see the Cascades, and get ever closer to Seattle. It took us longer than we intended to get out and going this morning. But, this was well warranted due to the AMAZING home cooked breakfast that friends of the Grange prepared for us this morning. It was so good we got the recipe. After a delicious meal like that, we could take on any mountain.<br />
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& Take it on we did:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little motivation from the van...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing over the first pass of the day: Washington Pass, elevation 5477 ft.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/409668_10151051815619065_1211652570_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As close as we could get to Washington Pass peak.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conquering the second pass: Rainy Pass, elevation 4855 ft.</td></tr>
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Another day spent with my climbing buddy Jose. We conquered the Cascades on our own terms--stopping at outlooks, looking back and appreciating all that we had accomplished. In fact, it was going so well that we couldn't believe that Rainy Pass was the final peak of the trip--we wanted something more.<div>
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But, the day wasn't over. After lunch we continued onward, through the cascades and down into the campsite, passing breathtaking views as we went:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river that ran through the back of our campsite.</td></tr>
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Before long, we were settled in, bathing in the river (<i>ice cold</i>), setting up our tents, and cooking over the flames of a fire pit. We entertained each other, surrounded by the beauty of the Northern Cascades. Our amazing campground host even paid for our campsites in honor of her mother who suffered from breast cancer (just another testimonial to the truth:<b> the generosity of this world is nearly as abundant as its beauty</b>).</div>
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My desire for city-life aside, I am going to enjoy my last night camping with the team. Tomorrow we descend towards Seattle, and get even closer to the finish line.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Over the Mountain,</div>
<div>
James</div>
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jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-20118698843881393422012-08-24T00:29:00.002-04:002012-08-24T00:29:55.814-04:00Day Sixty-Three: 'Twas One Day in Twisp...I got to see the dam in the daylight this morning as we climbed past it, into the sunrise.<br />
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Yesterday's failed expectation of an easy day made me weary to chalk this one up to an easy day as well. Turns out, I was right for remaining conservative in my expectations. We hit some nasty headwinds that slowed us down as we passed by scenery like this:<br />
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But then we were met by an unexpected climb, which is <i>exactly </i>what we wanted the day before we have to climb over the Northern Cascades. The groups broke apart as we each began to tackle the pass at our own pace.<br />
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Luckily, we we're rewarded for our efforts with a sharp descent into Twisp (A note on the descent: the vans made the poor decision to make the lunch stop in the middle of the descent, which means a short stop and oncoming traffic for us riders...please never force a cyclists to stop on a descent, it's dangerous!).<br />
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Our host, the Twisp Grange Farmer's Cooperative, is a beautiful open space with a hard wood floor, perfect for our bikes, duffles, and sore bodies.<br />
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Now to prepare for tomorrow, our final mountain range--The Northern Cascades.<br />
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Up and Over,<br />
James<br />
<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-79624787891841374962012-08-24T00:08:00.001-04:002012-08-24T00:08:36.393-04:00Day Sixty-Two: A Grand Ol' Time at the Coulee DamToday was slightly more difficult than I anticipated...<br />
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Maybe it was the barren, Eastern Washington land that got to me, or maybe it's just that I expect these last days to be easier (except for the Cascades).<br />
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It may have been the lack of shade. I've always disliked the lack of shade, the sun beating over my head for the whole day.<br />
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At some point, though, Eastern Washington gives way to shade, and water-- meet the Grand Coulee Dam:<br />
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Tonight we attended a laser light show at the dam. Projectors stationed around the park project a motion laser show on to the dam wall. It was an interesting story that personified the "mighty Columbia River," utilizing the character to narrate the history of the area (and the dam). Although it was entertaining, it's important to note that it was also a wonderful piece of good ol' American Propaganda.<br />
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I can look past that though, and end with this: Grand Coulee has been a welcoming oasis in the Eastern Washington desert.<br />
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Trekking Through Washington,<br />
Jamesjschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-74421605128958822052012-08-05T22:30:00.000-04:002012-08-05T22:30:11.207-04:00Day Sixty-One: School's Out, Camps In--Spokane, WALast night we hit up the town and checked out the Baby Bar, featuring $1 grilled cheeses:<br />
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It was a unique, city hole-in-the-wall & I loved it. But what I loved even more was the Jamaican Jerk Chicken that I bought for lunch today from a food cart two blocks from our host:<br />
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That dish was delicious: spicy rice, crunchy chicken, a filling cabbage salad, and two festivals.<br />
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After finding lunch I hung out in the park for a while, making phone calls and catching up on some reading. Soon it was time for dinner. Dinner today was a special event, where I met Asa, a pen pal from Pleasant Valley Summer Camp. The camp, campers, and parents provided a dinner for us with the help of the church, while some kids performed a skit they prepared earlier that day. It was wonderful to interact with the community and meet the people that we had inspired.<br />
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The night finished quietly as we cleaned up the area and crept downstairs to catch some sleep. Tomorrow we'll be riding through the desert to Grand Coulee, WA.<br />
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I still haven't fully accepted that we are on the last leg of the trip, the last state, the home stretch...<br />
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Westward Through Washington,<br />
James<br />
<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-8331852595145899442012-08-03T02:59:00.000-04:002012-08-03T02:59:07.102-04:00Day Sixty: Speeding into Spokane, WAOut of Idaho and into our final state--<b>WASHINGTON!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Sandpoint, ID.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first water stop of the day--in the middle of a pond via a dock.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Washington state.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering eastern Washington.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Spokane, WA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/427550_10151010538184065_1976241986_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving our mark at Boots Bakery in Spokane, WA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first sign ever for Seattle.</td></tr>
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Entering Washington brought about a waterfall of emotions. First was a tremendous sense of accomplishment: We BIKED here. Never (before the 4K) would I had imagined that I would be biking from the East Coast to the West Coast, yet here I was entering a state that borders the Pacific. Second was the realization that we were truly nearing the end our journey.We were in our final state--the last stretch. Finally, I came to recognize how close we were to the finish line. We were within a day's worth of driving to Seattle. How had I gotten here? It seems like only yesterday I was leaving my hotel in Baltimore for sendoff at the Inner Harbor.<div>
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Our motto for the day: "We <i>biked </i>here! How crazy is that?" Crazy, indeed.</div>
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<div>
Welcomed to Washington,</div>
<div>
James</div>
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Today was dedicated to the enthusiastic, fun, and energetic cancer survivors and hosts from Sandpoint, ID.</div>
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<br /></div>jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-31987208321926242722012-08-03T02:39:00.000-04:002012-08-03T02:39:56.052-04:00Day Fifty-Nine: Soaking Up Sun in Sandpoint, IDTeary eyed (just kidding!) we left beautiful MT for Idaho. We loved Montana, but had no idea what to expect from Idaho. Luckily, Idaho did her best to impress us:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Libby</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading towards the MT-ID border</td></tr>
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We stopped about ten miles from Libby to check out the Kootenai falls, which were very powerful and had a large volume. It was a great way to start the day, though the stop did slow us down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapids at Kootenai Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river near Kootenai falls.</td></tr>
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At the Kootenai falls we checked out a rope bridge. It was my first time on a rope bridge. It was exhilarating to stand, uneasily, above the raging river. Naturally, we had to jump and shake the bridge to ensure that we got the full effect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shaky rope bridge over the Kootenai.</td></tr>
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We eventually--reluctantly--passed the border into Idaho.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the border, during a descent!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing Sandpoint, ID.</td></tr>
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We arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho, a quaint and welcoming town. The women that greeted us at the church, our hosts for the night, were enthusiastic about our arrival. They insisted that we immediately venture down to the local beach (they made sure to usher us into their cars at once). The beach was wonderful, but after a day of biking we only wanted to stay for a little while before heading to showers and dinner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach at Sandpoint. The locals insisted that stop here--for good reason!</td></tr>
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Tonight I've decided to stay in, take some time for myself, and ensure a good night's sleep. I'm very excited to be heading into our last state tomorrow and want to be well rested for the journey.<div>
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<div>
Westward to Washington,</div>
<div>
James</div>
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------------</div>
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<br />
<br />
Today was dedicated to the men and women of Libby who prepared our dinner last night. They were all awesome, sharing their stories surrounding cancer and their fight against it. Keep up the great work!</div>jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-90037401560797958772012-08-03T02:09:00.000-04:002012-08-03T02:09:13.305-04:00Day Fifty-Eight: Logging Over to LibbyWe left Kalispell this morning bound for Libby, MT.<br />
Libby is our last stop in Montana before Idaho.<br />
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We were pleasantly surprised when we discovered that Northwest MT had a lot of bike trails, so we took bike trails most of the way to Libby.<br />
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It was a fairly easy day, and we got to ride in a large group for some of the way (which is always a blast). It's generally unsafe to do this on the road but there's no harm in bunching up on bike trails.<br />
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Megan and I had to stop for some soda--we went for the 44 oz when we discovered that it was only $1!<br />
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We arrived at our host, Libby High School, home of the Libby Loggers. We are spending tonight in the upper level of the school gym, but not til after a wonderful dinner at the local church. We were graciously welcomed, fed until we were full, and then slowly made our way back to the school (and bed) with heavy stomachs.<br />
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Reflecting back on Montana, I have come the conclusion that these are the most beautiful 11 days of the trip. Montana is truly a gorgeous state with an abundance of lakes, mountains, and breathtaking views.<br />
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How is Idaho going to top this?<br />
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Missing Montana Already,<br />
James<br />
-----------------<br />
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Today was dedicated to the men of the Kalispell firehouse, who generously opened their (immaculate) living/work space. Thank you for all that you do and for making our trip possible!<br />
<br />
<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-39130383024863865622012-08-02T04:09:00.000-04:002012-08-02T04:09:07.167-04:00Day Fifty-Seven: Kickin' it in KalispellThis morning we awoke and were told to leave Whitefish at our leisure, as we only had to bike 16 miles south, backtracking to Kalispell. Our next host was the Kalispell fire house.<br />
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Of course, the fact that the ride was only 16 miles did not stop Megan and I from getting lost along the way. It turns out that GPS doesn't work so well out West. Whoops.<br />
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Once we finally found the fire department and settled in, we got to check out the area. It reminded me of the New Jersey suburbs--a cluster of shopping plazas and parking lots placed along busy highways. Did I mention our host was hidden behind a Costco?<br />
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Tonight I'm drifting off to sleep while watching lightning dance in the far off hills. It's a mesmerizing way to softly greet sleep.<br />
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Sleeping Soundly,<br />
James<br />
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Today was dedicated to the oldest member of the church we stayed at in Whitefish, who continues to battle cancer and live her life to the fullest.<br />
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<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-57356690144320927982012-08-02T03:27:00.000-04:002012-08-02T03:27:11.418-04:00Day Fifty-Six: An Epic Day of Glacial ProportionsI returned to Glacier to travel back to the top of Logan Pass and hike the Hidden Lake Trail.<br />
It felt like a scene from a movie--a group of adventurous young folk scaling the mountainside, hiking through snow and stream. The strong winds only added an element of novelty and fun.<br />
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The day didn't stop there; after hiking we proceeded back down the mountain for a team building activity of whitewater rafting (pictures which I do not have access to, yet). The water was freezing, but the rapids were fun and any day out on the water is a great one.<br />
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Later this evening I ventured into town to explore Whitefish, which I found to be a bit too touristy and seasonal for my taste.<br />
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In short, today was AWESOME. I got to revisit Glacier, hike, whitewater raft, and explore a new town. Rest on a rest day? Nope, not today.<br />
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Winding Down,<br />
James<br />
<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-83758730922394913562012-08-02T03:15:00.000-04:002012-08-02T03:15:47.694-04:00Day Fifty-Five: Finding WhitefishWe left Polson, headed for Whitefish.<br />
We made it to Whitefish, and then ventured into Glacier National Park...where we got lost for seven hours trying to pick up the mail.<br />
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There's no other place I would rather get lost. Take a look:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Polson, MT</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our route was along the west side of the lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picturesque vineyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Whitefish</td></tr>
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Glacier, the most beautiful region of the whole trip...</h3>
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I love Glacier so much that I'll be venturing back there tomorrow for a hike.<br />
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Awaiting Adventure,<br />
James<br />
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--------------<br />
Today was dedicated to our hosts in Polson, for opening their space and giving us a roof.<br />
<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-48212055381105263402012-07-31T11:26:00.000-04:002012-07-31T11:26:04.166-04:00Day Fifty-Four: Pushing to PolsonWhat a beautiful day to ride!<br />
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Today we left Missoula for Polson, a lakeside town about 70 miles north of the city.<br />
I'm happy to report that it was an uneventful day: no accidents, no wrong turns, no poor weather--just the team putting another notch in the belt.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A land bridge for the animals--we passed under it on the way to Polson.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into Polson, MT</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lunch stop, about a mile from the host.</td></tr>
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Tonight we're staying at a church that doubles as a school, with access to showers, internet, and laundry. I've nestled myself in a classroom corner, setting up my laptop on a desk. I feel as if I'm back in my dorm room, typing away at some assignment. It's a nice feeling of familiarity.<br />
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Still, many unfamiliar places lie between me and the finish line--and I'm excited for each and every one of them.<br />
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Into the Unknown,<br />
James<br />
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Today was dedicated to the children at Camp-Mak-A-Dream, for staying positive and joyful despite a difficult situation. I enjoyed meeting them, and wish them the best of luck in all endeavors.<br />
<br />jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-48579916069035318502012-07-31T11:12:00.000-04:002012-07-31T11:12:32.583-04:00Day Fifty-Three: Miss MissoulaToday I did something that I normally don't get to do--sleep.<br />
I slept on-and-off 'til the later afternoon, at which point I finally got off the couch and decided to do something productive (I'm typically not someone to just lay around).<br />
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So after making myself presentable to the public, I gathered my dirty clothes (of which there was many) and clamored over to the nearest laundromat. I used the laundry time to siphon some WiFi and get some work done.<br />
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Later in the evening I wandered along the river as the sun set in the west:<br />
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People of all ages and backgrounds were using the riverside land. Some college students floated down the river in tubes, while others convened among the park benches, their dogs in toe.<br />
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It was a pleasure to have some time to myself to make phone calls and walk, just walk in my own pace and time to slowly relax. It feels like we're always rushing, moving forward, pushing westward--27 people, 27 opinions. After living within the same space with the team for so many days, it's enjoyable to have some alone time.<br />
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After ending my winding walk with a huckleberry ice cream cone (we are in Montana, after all), I scurried back to the host to get ready for the day ahead.<br />
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Westward,<br />
Jamesjschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-30792606185283759892012-07-22T17:29:00.002-04:002012-07-22T23:31:22.800-04:00Day Fifty-Two: Makin' Dreams at Camp Mak-A-DreamThe ride to Missoula today was lovely, we ended up on a bike trail that ran parallel to the highway. However, the four flats my group experienced--one of them being my own---were not as pleasant. I feel as though our frequency of flats has increased lately, perhaps due to tire wear-and-tear. Can you really go over 3,000 miles on the same two average (or <i>less </i>than average, depending on your ideal level of quality) tires? No.<br />
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Luckily the ride was a shorter one, and we soon arrived safely (though on low tires) at our host for the evening. But the day didn't end there. Today we had a really great opportunity, one to warm the heart and feed the soul: a visit to<a href="http://www.campdream.org/" target="_blank"> Camp Mak-A-Dream</a>. Camp Mak-A-Dream an oncology camp that hosts a variety of different camps and retreats for those of all ages who have been/are affected by cancer. This week was kids week, so Team Seattle got to spend the rest of the day off the bike and hanging out with children who had one goal only: to have fun!<br />
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And fun we had:<br />
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<ul><li>I climbed a rock wall, 30 ft up, for the first time. I was shaking like a leaf by the time I reached the top. The kids looked like Spider man in comparison to my shaky-limb dangle.</li><li>I hiked to the top of Butte Mountain--the steepest hike of my life. It was sunny, hot, and a challenge; but it was well worth the view and sense of accomplishment.</li><li>I assisted in a tent set-up competition by helping to instruct a group of boys as they frantically raced to finish first. We didn't win (though we know that's only because the other teams cheated, obviously).</li><li>I learned the game aska, which is basically Ninja with your feet. Get stomped on your foot and you're out.</li><li>I attempted to fly fish, which was the weirdest sensation. My arm just doesn't make for a good metronome (those of you who are the least bit familiar with fly fishing will understand this, everyone else can ignore this bullet point, it's really not that important. I don't think I'll ever be an angler).</li><li>I got to frantically disassemble the tent I helped set up as it began to storm, and run inside after all the campers.</li><li>I sung songs with the campers around a fireplace while simultaneously trying to stuff my face with s'mores. Note: gooey s'mores plus singing doesn't mix, especially if you can't sing to begin with.</li><li>Best of all, I got to meet and talk with all these really cool kids.</li></ul><div>Successful day? Yes.</div><div><br />
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Tomorrow's another rest day. I plan on checking out Missoula and seeing what this new place has to offer.<br />
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'Til Tomorrow,<br />
James<br />
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Today was dedicated to the camp counselors at Camp Mak-A-Dream, a bunch of ambitious, adventurous cancer survivors. jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-91873713228413012002012-07-19T23:04:00.000-04:002012-07-19T23:04:43.320-04:00Day Fifty-One: Wisdom Didn't Make Me Any Wiser...Wisdom, MT didn't make me any wiser, but Hamilton, MT is homey.<br />
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How do I know Wisdom didn't make me wiser? Well, I started off this morning by chalking the route east, in the opposite direction. Whoops.<br />
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Fortunately the groups recovered quickly, noticed the mistake, and everyone got back on route, and I got back to van duty with Caiti. It was a difficult day for water van--take it from me, miles upon miles between the first group and the last group make things <i>difficult</i>. In the end, we had a water cooler that was left on the side of the road for the front team, while Caiti went back 20 miles to pick me up from the previous water stop (from which the back group was <i>just</i> leaving), stolen. Along with some snacks. Frustrated, with a water cooler down, some snacks gone, and patience short, Caiti and I finished the day successfully. Ending with a donated meal from the Hamilton, MT McDonald's didn't hurt either.<br />
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It only got better from there. Grace Lutheran Church, our host for the evening, was warm and welcoming, greeting us at their doorstep. They began preparing for dinner while we showered. Dinner was delicious! It was one of the largest dinners we have had yet, with quite a turnout from the community.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/557138_10150982826449065_80751823_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace Lutheran Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
After we slowed down our eating (which took awhile, 27 hungry cyclists eat at a rapid pace for quite sometime) we decided it was the perfect time to go around, introduce ourselves, and talk about why we're riding the 4K. If I had only known what we were getting ourselves into--the floodgates were opened and soon stories upon stories were pouring forth from ourselves and our hosts, who all had been touched by cancer in someway. And I say "touched" lightly, because many are continually facing cancer throughout the facets of their lives.<br />
<br />
The dinner in Hamilton was the heaviest dinner yet, in more ways than one. I have motivation to take me to Seattle and beyond.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/396119_10150982826269065_829363981_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was only round one. Thank you members of Grace Lutheran Church!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Stay Hungry,<br />
James<br />
<br />
----------------------<br />
Today's efforts were dedicated to Jack Moran, who I pray makes a speedy and full recovery.jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-64653368409483527102012-07-19T21:22:00.000-04:002012-07-19T21:22:03.482-04:00Day Fifty: Watching the Skies in WisdomWisdom, MT is such a strange place. There's only a few blocks to this town nestled between the mountains, featuring one saloon, a restaurant, a gas station, and no cellphone reception. In fact, there is no reception anywhere nearby besides a designated "cellphone pull-off" off of 43-West a few miles away. Ironically enough, both the saloon and the restaurant have wifi. Oh yeah, there's one more building, the community center, which is where we'll be staying tonight.<br />
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<br />
As it turns out we're now on an <a href="http://www.adventurecycling.org/" target="_blank">Adventure Cycling</a> route, so we've run into some pretty cool cyclists along our way. Some of the people we've met on the road today are camping here in Wisdom tonight. They've been chill, helpful, and fun to ride beside.<br />
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<img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/399565_10150982727399065_1632584381_n.jpg" />
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Tonight, after making a pasta dinner, we laid out in a roofless structure across the street to watch the night sky. It was nice to just lay out under the stars and gaze, letting the mind wander from light to light, tracing the deep purple sky.<br />
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<img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/283783_10150982730949065_1937892787_n.jpg" />
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<img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/376461_10150982743489065_477461958_n.jpg" />
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By 12 am I was content and decided to move back inside before I got too cold. I'm tired from today's long ride and will certainly sleep well.<br />
<br />
'Til Tomorrow,<br />
James<br />
<br />
---------------------<br />
Today was dedicated to the staff and volunteers from the hospital auction that we met yesterday. They generously fed us and allowed us to speak about our mission. Meeting a cancer survivor there was especially heartwarming.jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-53591300810509363162012-07-18T22:01:00.000-04:002012-07-18T22:01:04.236-04:00Day Forty-Nine: Sharing Causes in Sheridan, MTThe route to Sheridan solidified what I had heard: Montana is BEAUTIFUL. I'll let you judge for yourself:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/311577_10150978214194065_41468092_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudy peaks visible from our host's home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/539659_10150978216854065_125486185_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How all roads are lined in MT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/391223_10150978219214065_1778302127_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peak after peak overshadow Earthquake lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/547921_10150980745899065_837441418_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And sometimes there are rivers too...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/553369_10150980748004065_2053274506_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But most of Montana is mountainous.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/531325_10150980750114065_655513914_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountainous and beautiful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ride to Sheridan was easier than the last few rides, a little more flat. It still had some climbs and some descents, though. Overall it was a great day, which was made even better when we ran into an ongoing charity auction/dinner for a local hospital. When we told them about our organization and cause they invited us to eat their leftovers--something 27 cyclists can easily accomplish. We even got to speak briefly about the 4K. Spreading awareness with dessert makes for a successful day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/562730_10150980751769065_308400410_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After a long day of cycling, Team Seattle enjoys story time in the public school library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If all of Montana is like today, I won't mind the 11 days in this state one bit.
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Taking in the Magic of the Mountains,</div>
<div>
James</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-----------------------</div>
<div>
Today was dedicated to our warm, welcoming hosts from last night, Scott and Alice, as well as Casey's step-brother and his wife for their generous food donations.</div>
jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-79251154195343614012012-07-18T21:22:00.004-04:002012-07-18T21:22:54.288-04:00Day Forty-Eight: Waiting for West YellowstoneYellowstone was wonderful but after two nights of camping with 26 other people I was more than ready to leave. I was ready to get on my bike and pedal out of the park rapidly.<br />
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Except, we couldn't bike out of the park today. It was a matter of safety--winding, narrow roads, no shoulders, crazy RVs, and bison (bison in the midst of their mating season). The park ranger reiterated the dangers to our ride director, while I reminded him of last year's story of shuttling through herds of buffalo. So, putting riders' safety first, we decided to shuttle out of Yellowstone to our next host in West Yellowstone.<br />
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The only problem was that one group would have to hang back and wait for the second shuttle. I was in that luckily group, and here are all the sights from those few precious hours hanging around Yellowstone:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/293703_10150977070094065_1030620253_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone national land bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/376923_10150977071084065_919489033_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Yellowstone from the top of the land bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/396816_10150977073469065_870581895_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone canyon waterfall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/309371_10150977074419065_149223111_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone after which Yellowstone is named.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After waiting til about 2:30pm, we were picked up by the van and began the final shuttle out of Yellowstone. Along the way we saw buffalo, bears and elk. I fell asleep during the van ride and woke up just in time to catch the Montana state line:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/395988_10150977076699065_1015693186_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to West Yellowstone, MT!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Our host tonight, Scott W. is the local Fire Chief and has generally opened his home to all 27 of us. His wife was kind enough to fix us dinner (and as we're told breakfast tomorrow as well). I wanted to give a very special thank you to both of them for showing us true hospitality!</div>
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Tomorrow we'll be back on our bikes and heading to Sheridan, MT. I hear Montana is one of the most beautiful states and I cannot wait to see if this holds true.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Preparing to Pedal Again,</div>
<div>
James</div>
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<br /></div>
jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-33442712902337544172012-07-18T21:03:00.001-04:002012-07-18T21:03:38.391-04:00Day Forty-Seven: 24 "Rest" Hours in YellowstoneA photo blog of 24 hours in Yellowstone National Park, beginning with the evening of day 46 and ending with the evening day 47:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/553845_10150977062544065_419693760_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats docked down by the lakeside general store.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/552306_10150977063609065_1428980172_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate and hung out along the lake shoreline, purple mountains loomed in the distance as the sun set.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/3671_10150977064839065_2107392349_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We hiked through the woods the following morning.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/541606_10150977066514065_335272508_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The afternoon sun warmed us through the trees as we ascended.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/318752_10150977067559065_1068558703_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hike to the summit was worthwhile.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/406004_10150977069054065_1550770940_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best way to end a night camping-- with friends around a campfire.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />That's just a sense of the past 24 hours here in Yellowstone. Tomorrow we leave the park for the nearby town of West Yellowstone and officially cross the border into Montana!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Moving Mountains to Montana,</div>
<div>
James<br />
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<br />
<br /></div>
jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-12660886921875698642012-07-18T17:55:00.004-04:002012-07-18T17:55:31.715-04:00Day Forty-Six: Yes! We've made it to Yellowstone!I decided to take van duty going into Yellowstone (<span style="background-color: white;">I wish the van's windshield hadn't been so dirty so my pictures from inside the van would be clearer)</span><span style="background-color: white;">. There were three reasons for this: 1. I was due for a van duty and decided that I wanted to be able to maintain control over what days I am in the van. 2. I yearned to ride over Big Horn, and got to do so, therefore I knew I would be getting in the van around Yellowstone. 3. Yellowstone was going to be a tough day for the van and I felt competent in my ability to manage the chaos.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/563412_10150977055464065_1446330924_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading through tunnels on our way to the Yellowstone entrance.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/553805_10150977056659065_129663776_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The breathtaking lakeside route to Yellowstone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was right, and I remain satisfied with my decision. As it turns out, we had to be shuttled into Yellowstone. It was cheaper (we only had to pay for two vans rather than two vans and 24 individual bikes) and safer (the roads are windy, lack shoulders, and are bustling with insane American tourists in RVs too big for their own good).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/563977_10150977057784065_615796138_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't even in Yellowstone; the route improved in scenery as we approached...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Casey I headed out of Cody after the riders left the church. Stopping to attempt a food donation from the local Walmart (which was a huge waste of time, although we did get coffee out of it so maybe it wasn't so bad after all), the clock ticked away. We had to be efficient today; the plan was to rush into Yellowstone, drop off the bags, the food and the tents (and me) and then head back to the park entrance where the riders would meet the van and be shuttled in. Plus, this shuttling would have to occur twice. It was a lengthy drive from the park entrance to the camp ground so time was truly of the essence.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/396055_10150977060069065_564109746_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow peaks are present as we climb into Yellowstone National Park.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/580958_10150977060864065_1105939991_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forest fires take their toll on an area of the park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Casey and I checked into the campground and unpacked the van. Before long it was time to go start the first round of shuttling and I--the "city boy" was left in Yellowstone, alone, without cell reception, with five campsites, nine tents, 30 duffle-bags, 30 backpacks, some bikes, two tarps, and boxes of food and supplies. What was my job? To set up the tents. The boy who never camped before now had to set up camp.<div>
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<div>
And just as Casey pulled away, the thunder and lightning started.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Like the cannon shot that preempts a race, I was jolted by the thunder into protecting all the luggage from the elements. Running around the campsite we deemed as HQ, I gathered all belongings, stacking them into a pyramid and covering them with our two tarps. Except, the tarps had no desire to remain on the pyramid, dancing in the wind and rendering themselves useless. Naturally, I got creative, staking the corners of the tarps into the ground and adding weight to the top using pots, pans, and a hammer.</div>
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And by the time it was complete, it had never rained more than a drizzle, the clouds had passed, and the sun was beginning to show. I decided to just leave the setup alone in the off chance that another rouge storm appeared.</div>
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<div>
I quickly organized the food, taking inventory of what we had for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next few days while brainstorming different meal ideas. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Then I set off to set up the tents, rain-flies and all. Luckily I had previous experience setting up these tents thanks to our stay in Mitchell, SD (when I slept in the tent in the back yard). I did stop a few times and check how Casey had set up the first two. Mimicking his method of which lines of the rain-fly were staked and which weren't, I completed two tents by the time the first shuttle of riders had arrived. They all laughed as I came walking up from a nearby campsite, hammer in hand, dirt on my shorts, and sweat on my brow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Camp was looking good and this city boy didn't look so city anymore.</div>
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<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/252767_10150977061804065_960964139_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Dinner the first night: a donated frozen pizza becomes a campfire calzone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Check back to hear more about Yellowstone, as we'll be spending a rest day here tomorrow.</div>
<div>
<br />Taking Back Tent City,</div>
<div>
James</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Today's efforts were dedicated to my brother, who I am reminded of all throughout Yellowstone. We definitely need to go camping together in the future. Hearing all these stories along the way about life, death and cancer survival have made me appreciate the time I get to spend with those I love; and have made me wonder why I haven't gone camping with my brother already!<br /><br /><br />
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jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-48880821023229558342012-07-15T23:30:00.000-04:002012-07-15T23:30:51.491-04:00Day Forty-Five: Coasting to CodyYesterday's climb through the Big Horns wore us out, but there's no rest for the weary on the 4K. We started another day with the sunrise:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunrise over the Wyoming plains. Another day begins!</td></tr>
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Luckily, today was a much easier day than yesterday, but just as beautiful:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the route. Wyoming is fantastic. Take a good look at the white, puffy clouds that hang over the mountains in the distance.</td></tr>
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Tired, but determined, we made it to Cody, practically coasting compared to yesterday's climbing. We new we had to check out the rodeo that night, it was one of our last opportunities to catch a rodeo. The sun was setting as I arrived, and it was a beautiful sunset behind a mountain:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun sets over Cody, Wyoming.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first time at a rodeo!</td></tr>
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Tomorrow we head into Yellowstone. We're all really excited for it; it's supposed to be a beautiful ride. I'm excited to have more camping experience and opportunities for hiking. Who knows what new sights are to be found?<div>
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Yearning for Yellowstone,</div>
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James</div>
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Today's ride was dedicated to Maureen Moran, a beloved grandmother, mother, and wife who bravely battled with cancer. I never had the fortune of meeting her, but I have learned so much about her through her family. I can see the her light and love continuously weave itself into their lives. </div>
jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-59443710235078396282012-07-15T23:10:00.001-04:002012-07-15T23:10:52.124-04:00Day Forty-Four: Fighting through Big Horn's Powder River PassBefore I left home for send-off , my father wrote to me in a card. Among his many inspirational and encouraging words, one line--the last line, stuck with me: "Don't stop James, don't ever stop." <span style="background-color: white;">Today I drew upon his words for inspiration and motivation, motivation to keep pedaling, motivation to keep climbing, and motivation to reach higher and further.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">So upon waking up this morning, full of anxious tension for the notorious climbs of the day, I took a sharpie to my upper thighs and inscribed my father's words on my legs. Now every time I looked down there were his words rising up back at me:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My reminder to keep climbing Big Horn!</td></tr>
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The morning dedication was sincere and heavy. We were all reminded of why we ride; every teammate spoke. It was the perfect dedication for the ominous day ahead. We left early and on time, unsure of what we were getting ourselves into.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We approach the climb within 5 miles of leaving the host.</td></tr>
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The views from along the route were consistently beautiful, leading me to expect the beauty to grow as the climb began.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the road just before the climbing begins.</td></tr>
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I began the climb with my climbing buddy, Jose, who turned out to be the perfect match for me. We cheered each other on as we climbed higher and higher, staying side by side the entire time. In a little over four hours we reached the top--the third team to reach the peak--water stops included.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did it--WE REACHED THE PEAK--9,666 ft above sea level!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top of Powder River Pass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We climbed over 5,000 ft in about four hours to a total height of 9,666 ft.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The actual summit, a little higher than the road, which we could not reach.</td></tr>
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As newton claimed, what goes up must come down, and that holds true for cycling. The team and I geared up for an 18 mile descent (a <i>well earned </i>descent).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the Big Horns before the descent.</td></tr>
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We began the descent, which was slightly disappointing, but stopped 7 miles in for a lakeside lunch. The lake was gorgeous:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch by a lake is always welcomed!</td></tr>
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After lunch we continued the descent for a few more miles, only to be stopped by road construction. The workers at the construction site decided that it was not safe to pass on bicycle, so we got a free shuttle ride through a few miles of roadwork:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders climb into a pickup, bikes in hand, ready to be shuttled through construction.</td></tr>
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I was pleasantly surprised after exiting the pickup truck--that's when the real descent began. It was unsafe to take pictures during the steep, switchback filled descent. I did snag a pic just before descending:<br />
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<img src="https://instagr.am/p/M7YKcbM9Nl/media/?size=l" />
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But our day wasn't done, after descending we still had miles to go. It was a 90 mile day. Jose and I continued to speed ahead, riding through the tiny town of Tensleep at the base of the Big Horns.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding through Tensleep.</td></tr>
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After getting free shaved ices in Tensleep, we trudged onward, passing through the "badlands of Wyoming."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Badlands of Wyoming, on the way to Worland, WY.</td></tr>
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The long day got longer and hotter. We soon found ourselves wearily tackling rolling hills in the desert.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling hills through the desert of Wyoming.</td></tr>
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Despite it all, we survived. And, truth be told, it wasn't as bad as we had expected. The Big Horn Mountains that we had built up in our heads were far worse than the reality. We were stronger than we thought, faster than we thought, and more prepared than we had realized. We were a team, and a strong one at that.<br />
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I'm ready for the mountains of the west. If I can climb Big Horn, I can climb anything.<br />
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Keep It Low, Keep It Slow,<br />
James<br />
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<b>Today's dedication was a very special one. First and foremost, today was dedicated to my father for all his support, strength, and inspiration. But today was not just for him, today was for everyone (</b>in no particular order) <b>: my mother; my brother; my grandparents; my step-mom and her father; Jacqlene Moran for all her love and support; the Moran family and specifically Maureen Moran (a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose love I feel through her family); Beth Sherring; the Mejia family; my friends (those both new and old); all of my generous donors; Team Seattle; those we have met along the way, those we will meet, and those we never will meet who have been affected by cancer. Today was for you, for all you, for everything you've been through, for everything you will conquer, and for all positive impacts you will have. Thank you, bless you, and may you always have a tail wind!</b></div>
jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-24714002633368855012012-07-14T23:59:00.000-04:002012-07-14T23:59:14.569-04:00Day Forty-Three: Back to Buffalo?It's strange to me to be entering Buffalo again. The first time was Buffalo, NY; now it's Buffalo, WY. Both are very different cities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wide open skies and roads all the way to Buffalo, WY.</td></tr>
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The day was relatively easy, though the Big Horn Mountains--tomorrow's great challenge--loomed ominously in the distance.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We couldn't help but gaze at the Big Horns during a water stop.</td></tr>
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We ended up descending into Buffalo surrounded by mountains:<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buffalo, WY is BEAUTIFUL!</td></tr>
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While making some last-minute host changes (no worries, we had everything under control) we cooled off in Clear Creek. You can see why it's called Clear Creek for yourself:<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water was so refreshing and made laying in the sun all the more enjoyable.</td></tr>
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Tonight we are checking over our bikes and performing some basic maintenance to prepare for the Big Horns tomorrow. Tomorrow we are climbing over 5,000 ft to a total elevation of 9,666 ft. In total, it's a 90 mile day, the first third of which are climbing through mountains. We're all really anxious.<div>
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Here's to Making it Through Tomorrow,</div>
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James</div>
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Today was dedicated to Linda and her husband for generously opening their home to us last night, and for Linda's two sisters. We hope they stay strong and wish them the best in health and life.</div>jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375812349888933041.post-26649537857080460952012-07-14T23:26:00.000-04:002012-07-14T23:26:04.654-04:00Day Forty-Two: Going to Gillette<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Today we left with the sun rising in Sundance for Gillette, WY</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The sun rises over Sundance, WY.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed by cloud-covered peaks on our way out of Sundance.</td></tr>
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The route itself was nothing special--just beautiful Wyoming as seen from I-90:
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent most of the day riding on the interstate to avoid dirt roads (it's legal in WY!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a pleasure to ride along this all day.</td></tr>
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We reached Gillette early, and decided to stop in a local coffee shop (City Brew). It was there that we met Linda, a wonderful woman who revealed to us that her two sisters are both battling cancer, and graciously invited us over to her ranch 17 mi outside of town for elk burgers and star gazing.</div>
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How could we resist?</div>
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So, after settling in at our host--a recreation center that included rock climbing, water slides, a pool, and a hot tub (which we all took advantage of)--and enjoying a fabulous dinner complete with ice cream and brownies from a local Masonic Lodge, we piled into the vans and headed out Linda's ranch.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the landscape from the ranch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the ranch.</td></tr>
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The cherries Linda served us were fresh and delicious, but the elk burgers were even better. It was my first time trying elk (which Linda's husband had killed the year prior). It had a distinct taste that made the burger more enjoyable; of course, that could also have been caused by the method of grilling (which I'm not exactly knowledgeable of). Elk meat has a different texture, a little more dry and less compact than that of steak or regular chopped meat burgers. I enjoyed it so much though I went back for seconds.</div>
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The real treat was watching the stars slowly appear in the sky, one by one. My teammates shared their knowledge of constellations; I don't think I would be able to recognize anything but the big dipper without their guidance. For the first time I got to watch a satellite orbit the earth and observe the white stream of the Milky Way. You just don't see that much of the universe in the NYC or DC skylines.</div>
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It was a great day, except for the fact that I couldn't call home because of the lack of cell reception. This is becoming more and more of an issue as we move further west.</div>
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Now it is later than I want to be, but I must try and salvage as much time for sleep as possible.</div>
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Dreaming of the Stars Above,</div>
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James</div>
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Today was dedicated to my mother, for all her love and support.</div>jschwabacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07053322923978301803noreply@blogger.com0