Fifty Plus (50+) - Greetings from Fast across America South Tour

We completed Day two of our tour and there is Internet access in this motel. That is not always a sure thing in these second rank places.
The purpose of this thread is for those who wish to do such a tour. I will try to give helpful hints exposing some things which did not go as intended.
The tour leader has his Web Site but is challenged by time constraint. It will become complete in a few days.
Here is the link:
http://www.bamacyclist.com/Journal2008/FastSouthjournal08/2008fastsouth.htm

There are over 30 bikers from all over the USA and England. The rider rooster is not complete yet. The age range of riders is from the low twenties to 70. The fitness of riders is also very diverse. That means that on any given day, of 120 miles of biking, some arrive at 3:00 PM at the motel and others limp in at 6:00 PM onthe sweep SAG. No biking after dusk.

This is my second tour and I was one of the not so well trained bikers. I had a tough time in 2006 and hope to do better this time. This is my personal goal. Get better regardless of age (for now).

I will post short notice of things I find noteworthy and will post some pictures. I have a digital Camera and a data cord for this Laptop. Can someone again give a short description how to insert a picture from this camera on this forum please?
Please see my next post for day one.

Day one. Monday April 21, 2008.
Costa Mesa to Thousand Palms, CA.
On such a tour the logistics are challenging. The bike better be in good order, you need to be healthy and do not forget important stuff.
Jack had a wheel where a little part disappeared in shipment. He needed a new wheel in a hurry.
I had a valve come apart on a new tube. That part screws into the valve stem. This was not done right by the manufacturer. The result was a flat just as we were ready to go as a group of over 30 bikers.

In all the excitement and Adrenalin flowing I forgot to eat between meals. Predictable result was performance loss.
Still, I managed to be in the motel signing in as #6. On the 2006 tour I was among the last to sign in.

Biking from the LA area to Palm Springs is a job for someone from the flat Plains. We cannot easily train for that.

Day two. Tuesday April 22, 2008.
Thousand Palms, CA. to Blythe, CA
Desert biking does require some training I think. We did 18 MPH average for these approximately 120 miles.
Speeds went up as high as 45 MPH with wind from behind and next the wind turned against us for the rest of the distance.

One young women passed out and had to be brought to the ER at the local Hospital.
I actually ran out of water and needed to take emergency action but all is well with that.

My personal quest was fulfilled in that I checked in #3 at the motel.
The bikes take a beating. This is no place for sensitive high end wheels. We biked the shoulder of I-10 and the quality of that surface is miserable in places. There were over ten flats and broken spokes.

You need a sturdy bike but it also needs to be a fast bike. I have a Trek Madone and so far so good. The saddle is a Terry Touring saddle. The tires are Bontrager Hard Case.
We travel light on account of the SAG support.

Someone gave me some powder to put into a bottle of water. It is called I believe "Accelerator" and is available in bike stores and Internet.
Does any body know about it good or bad? It seemed to help. The guy who gave it to me is a Triathlon athlete and is on this tour.

Will -- from the Accelerade website

Why Accelerade is Better
Exercise Metabolism
Carbohydrates and fats are the primary fuels metabolized during endurance exercise. However, during prolonged exercise, protein can contribute 5-10% of total energy demands [1, 2] and this contribution can increase under conditions of low carbohydrate stores [3, 4]. Protein's contribution to total energy production during exercise is less than carbohydrates and fat, but don't rule out the impact protein can have during endurance training and performance.

The type of fuel that is used by the muscles for energy during endurance exercise is dependent on numerous factors such as exercise intensity, diet composition, duration, and training. For example, during low to moderate (<65% VO2 max) intensity, the muscles rely primarily on fat for energy [5]. As exercise intensity increases, there is a shift to an increased reliance on carbohydrates [5]. The use of protein by exercising muscle also increases as exercise intensity increases.

Macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein and fat) consumption throughout the day and during exercise has an impact on exercise performance. Every athlete wants to perform at his/her best. To do this, delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise is a must. Known causes of fatigue during endurance exercise are low carbohydrate stores and/or low blood sugar. Therefore, during prolonged endurance exercise (> 60 minutes), carbohydrate intake is necessary. A sports drink containing carbohydrates and electrolytes is recommended. The general guidelines for moderate intensity exercise are to consume a 6-8% carbohydrate containing sports drink at a rate of 30-60 grams of carbohydrates for every hour of exercise [6]. This would equal about 4-6 fl oz of a sports drink every 15-20 minutes. Depending on environmental temperature, body size, duration, and exercise level some athletes may need to consume additional carbohydrates or fluid [6]. Accelerade not only contains the recommended 6% carbohydrates and electrolytes but it also contains just the right amount of protein. The protein found in Accelerade contains the minimum amount so as to not interfere with digestion during exercise while providing an array of functional benefits. In addition to increasing endurance and minimizing the onset of fatigue, the added protein in Accelerade, when consumed during exercise, facilitates rehydration, minimizes the breakdown of muscle that occurs during endurance exercise, and speeds up the recovery process. All of which are beneficial to those looking to achieve their fitness and performance goals.

Beyond hydration
During exercise, an athlete's body needs fluids. Period. That's why replenishing fluids during exercise is crucial - especially in the heat. When the body loses fluids through sweating, body temperature elevates and exercise performance drops. This isn't a good thing.

The most important function of a sports drink is to rehydrate. But a drained body also needs to restore energy and electrolytes. That's why so many athletes choose carbohydrate and electrolyte-rich sports drinks instead of water. Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat followed by potassium. That's why both are included in sports drinks. These electrolytes can serve to enhance flavor and encourage athletes to drink more. They also promote fluid retention. The addition of carbohydrates can delay fatigue during prolonged exercise and improve performance.

But, carbohydrates and electrolytes aren't the only thing an athlete's body needs. Along comes Accelerade - the first sports drink to contain carbohydrates and protein in a patented 4:1 ratio.

A ratio? Yes, a ratio.

The inclusion of just the right amount of protein in Accelerade facilitates rehydration by optimizing the absorption of fluid. In 2006, researchers at St. Cloud University demonstrated that consuming Accelerade following cycling exercise significantly enhanced rehydration by 15% compared to a conventional sports drink and 40% compared to water.

How does this happen? Accelerade contains two macronutrients (protein and carbohydrates) and each macronutrient uses a separate transport system or 'door' to enter into the body's circulation from the intestine. As carbohydrates and protein enter, they bring sodium and water with them. So with the added protein, more entrance ways are available for sodium and water to enter into circulation; thus increasing rehydration [7].

Taking endurance farther
Accelerade has been shown to help athletes increase their endurance.

In 2004, sports scientists at James Madison University asked trained cyclists to ride stationary bicycles to exhaustion while drinking either Accelerade or a conventional sports drink. The athletes drinking Accelerade were able to ride 29 percent longer than those drinking the conventional sports drink.

At the University of Texas, when Accelerade was compared to a conventional sports drink, it extended endurance up to 36 percent and up to 55 percent compared to water.

Will-sounds like things are off to a fast start! Good for you!

Pictures-I've found the easiest thing to do is to move them from your laptop to a web site like Photobucket. You can then insert a link for each picture directly into your post that will put the picture in the post. Otherwise you can put them directly into the post from your laptop but they cannot be larger than 100k. Most times you have to reduce their size before you can use the direct link from the laptop.

Think of Accelerade as a souped up powdered Gatorade. Just be careful experimenting with stuff you haven't tried-you know how sometimes the things that don't work well can create havoc on your digestive system. Try and stick with what works best for you but certainly do whatever is needed for emergencies.

Thanks for the updates. Keep 'em coming as you have time.

Will, I'm so impressed with the places you go and rides you do. Mind if I daydream about doing the same at some point in my life?

Will:

As in the past, feel free to Email the pictures to me and I will post for you on this thread.

dnvrfox@aol.com

Way to go Will, I wish I were there with you. Get some more of that wind on your back and have a safe trip.

Someone gave me some powder to put into a bottle of water. It is called I believe "Accelerator" and is available in bike stores and Internet.
Does any body know about it good or bad? It seemed to help. The guy who gave it to me is a Triathlon athlete and is on this tour.

Don't know about "Accelerator"-but I use an additive in my water bottle. Most of the time I use an Isotonic to replace salts used on the ride and to aid Hydration but for the longer rides I use a carbohydrate drink. I find that after 6 hours in the saddle- I don't feel like eating but I will drink. The carbohydrate in the drink does cut down on the possibility of "Bonking".

Keep the reports coming.

Go, Will! We're rooting for you.

Day three. Wednesday April 23, 2008.
Blythe, CA to Wickenburg, AZ.
This desert is very dry and hot. It presents challenges for people who have not done touring in this type of weather.
I bike in Florida on one bottle of water per hour. Not here. You need at least a bottle plus replace the electrolytes. Thanks for the Accelerade Web site from Wildwood. I also checked with our tour leader and he said it is OK in moderation.
One experienced over 50+ rider lost concentration and fell hard. He lost consciousness for over one hour and was transported to a Hospital by Helicopter. Sorry to say that the tour is over for him.
Perhaps this is a good place to post the diet I follow. I do not claim great insight but it seems to work.
Remember what you wish for is not necessarily what is available.

Breakfast: Double Oatmeal and two Pancakes.
Every hour of riding I add some energy bar such as Oats and Honey.
Lunch at SAG: Look for salty food. Several pickles. Sandwich with cheese and honey or jelly. Fig bars and bananas.
Recovery drink right after end of ride is Milkshake, large.
Dinner is Steak and Veggies and potatoes and breads and salad.
Drink water ice tea and a few Beers in the evening. Gatorade and now Water with Accelerade.

One very positive note: I got Bontrager Hardcase tires. The road contact area is black with red on both sides. That is a good thing to see any objects in the tire such as wires from Steel Belted Radials.
Long story short: No flats yet.
More tomorrow.

Will:

As in the past, feel free to Email the pictures to me and I will post for you on this thread.

dnvrfox@aol.com


Denver:
I think I will take you up on this. I have little time here and even less ability to concentrate to learn new tricks on the computer. There are so many things to do besides biking 120 miles. Laundry. Service the bike. Find and eat Dinner. Rap meetings. Answer e-mails to friends and relatives. Call the wife and do Bike forum post. Get up at 5:00 AM and start biking before 7:00 AM. It is really a challenge.

.................................................................................................... ..Think of Accelerade as a souped up powdered Gatorade. Just be careful experimenting with stuff you haven't tried-you know how sometimes the things that don't work well can create havoc on your digestive system. Try and stick with what works best for you but certainly do whatever is needed for emergencies.

Thanks for the updates. Keep 'em coming as you have time.

Thanks for the suggestions.
I have a bit of a problem. We need to replace electrolytes that is for sure. The tour offers powder which goes into the water and nobody loves that stuff. Gatorade is not always available. So I checked what the more experienced riders do.
But as you say, I am a bit apprehensive.
Denver Fox offers to help with the pictures. That is more easy than playing around with the computer here. There is much to do and only limited time.
You guys are important to me.

I wish I were there with you.

So what part of his story sold you?

"The age range of riders is from the low twenties to 70"

"The fitness of riders is also very diverse."

"Jack had a wheel where a little part disappeared in shipment. He needed a new wheel in a hurry."

"I had a valve come apart on a new tube."

"One young women passed out and had to be brought to the ER at the local Hospital."

"We biked the shoulder of I-10"

"There were over ten flats and broken spokes."

"One experienced over 50+ rider lost concentration and fell hard. He lost consciousness for over one hour and was transported to a Hospital by Helicopter."

Are we reading the same thread? That's just two days of mayhem. I know I can't wait for more.

Will -- from the Accelerade website

Why Accelerade is Better

Thanks. I read this and our tour leader is not discouraging me to use the stuff in Moderation.

I have been looking to do this tour...what a great thread.

Thanks Will and good luck...

Do you need a care package? I have heard that you know you will be at a certain spot at a certain time I think it might be fun to see what was sent...maybe no time...

Also I see on Day 15 you will be in McAlester, OK are visits welcome. It would be nice to meet the riders and maybe buy you guys a few beers...

Again thanks for the updates...

Denver:
I think I will take you up on this. I have little time here and even less ability to concentrate to learn new tricks on the computer. There are so many things to do besides biking 120 miles. Laundry. Service the bike. Find and eat Dinner. Rap meetings. Answer e-mails to friends and relatives. Call the wife and do Bike forum post. Get up at 5:00 AM and start biking before 7:00 AM. It is really a challenge.

I'll be waiting for them. So far, none received.

So what part of his story sold you?


This thread is directed to bikers who wish to do such a trip.
I thought that some warnings were in order. We had plenty of warnings but many bikers ignored the tour leaders advise. I am trying to reinforce his efforts. I am not trying to be alarmist.
The advise is to train a lot. Next advise is to bike VC. Next advise is to focus, eat and drink right.

I can post many pretty pictures but this is more important for future CC bikers. IMHO.

I'll be waiting for them. So far, none received.

You are encouraging me to make more pictures. Please give me a day or two.
Will

You are encouraging me to make more pictures. Please give me a day or two.
Will

Great. I know everyone will greatly appreciate the pictures and your efforts.

Good luck and have a great and safe time.

So what part of his story sold you?

"The age range of riders is from the low twenties to 70"

"The fitness of riders is also very diverse."

"Jack had a wheel where a little part disappeared in shipment. He needed a new wheel in a hurry."

"I had a valve come apart on a new tube."

"One young women passed out and had to be brought to the ER at the local Hospital."

"We biked the shoulder of I-10"

"There were over ten flats and broken spokes."

"One experienced over 50+ rider lost concentration and fell hard. He lost consciousness for over one hour and was transported to a Hospital by Helicopter."

Are we reading the same thread? That's just two days of mayhem. I know I can't wait for more.

Just to make a trip like this and the accomplishment you can look back on when your older or done with the trip. Everybody that makes a trip like this has to know that things are going to go wrong. That's part of it. If people think that they can just ride across the country with nothing happening, would have to be a fool.

Good job, Will, and thanks for sharing your adventure.

I'm glad your Trek Madone is performing well. I have a 2008 Madone 5.2 and it is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. It really absorbs road abuse, better even than my long wheel base steel touring bike with 700x32 tires.

I am so glad you are keeping us updated again!

Good going Will. I like your diet.

Will

Read an article today in an old Cycling magazine and protein is an essential ingredient in body Nutrients when cycling. We all know that it builds up Muscle but another thing it does is repair Muscle damage. Problem is that the body cannot assimilate Protein very easily. It is pointless taking a 10oz steak once a day as only a certain amount of that protein will be assimilated at a time. However- small amounts of protein taken frequently- like 4 or 5 times a day will work. The figure they gave for an active person is 2 grammes of protein for each Kilogram of body weight.

But the good news is that if you eat the small amounts of protein throughout the day- Then a good Steak or fish at the end of the day for enjoyment is not going to do any harm. So eat well and enjoy the food.

A friend gave me Accelerade and I used it for a Century and training. I definitely noticed a life and it did not seem to bother my digestion. I wouldn't live on it, but seems like its a good part of a hard riding diet.

One very positive note: I got Bontrager Hardcase tires. The road contact area is black with red on both sides. That is a good thing to see any objects in the tire such as wires from Steel Belted Radials.
Long story short: No flats yet.
More tomorrow.

Will, I'm sure enjoying your posts. They bring back memories of my Southern Tier ride last year about this time. Those Hardcases are pretty good tires. I had problems with some Panaracers that I started with, and they were pretty well shot by the time I got to Biloxi, MS. I picked up a pair of Bonti Hardcases in Biloxi and didn't have another flat all the way to the Atlantic. As a matter of fact, I now have those same tires on our tandem and have put probably another 1,000-1,500 miles on them with only 2 flats. Good luck and ....

Go Will, go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day four. Thursday April 24, 2008.
Wickenburg, AZ. to Cottonwood, AZ
First some recap. The biker who got injured was in a pace line. He took one hand of the bars to point at something while hitting bad pavement. That put him out of commission as well as a women behind him who cracked her pelvis. Tour is done for both.
I have had arguments with the tour leader about this frequent pointing to things ahead of a pace line. I see the value in that but that means taking frequently one hand off the bars. The pavements are so bad. If you hit a very bad spot you will go down.
I am so serious about this concern that I went solo all day today and felt much safer. IMHO.

This was the day of Mingus Mountain. For us flat-lander that is a challenge. Over 7,000 feet and very steep. Pavement is lousy and the wind did not help. I was doing 7 MPH most the time and used the lowest gear. The decent was not for the faint of heart. The trucks make a washboard out of the pavement. I am a strong guy but had trouble controlling the bars on these bumps. I limited my decent to about 30 MPH. I like to live a little longer.
This was a day where I was happy to see the motel.
BTW, the Accelerade did help a little but I still had nutrition problems. We are burning over 6,000 calories a day and having trouble replenishing that.
One of the better bikers gave me a big container with "Hammer Nutrition called HEED". It comes as a powder for one bottle and a Gel to be taken once per hour.
I will give that a tryout unless someone tells me otherwise.
Tomorrow will be a similar day with Flagstaff, AZ.
I will e-mail a very few pictures to Denver Fox.
Until tomorrow, Providence willing.

Will

Read an article today in an old Cycling magazine and protein is an essential ingredient in body Nutrients when cycling. We all know that it builds up Muscle but another thing it does is repair Muscle damage. Problem is that the body cannot assimilate Protein very easily. It is pointless taking a 10oz steak once a day as only a certain amount of that protein will be assimilated at a time. However- small amounts of protein taken frequently- like 4 or 5 times a day will work. The figure they gave for an active person is 2 grammes of protein for each Kilogram of body weight.

But the good news is that if you eat the small amounts of protein throughout the day- Then a good Steak or fish at the end of the day for enjoyment is not going to do any harm. So eat well and enjoy the food.

stapfam,
I want you to know that I read and understand what you say above.
The main reason for my tour diet is availability. I can get Mexican food or Steak and Potatoes. Mexican food and I do not get along.

Keep those reports coming, Will, they are great.

My biker son-in-law swears by HEED and says it is one of the few drinks that cause him no stomach distress (a problem he often has).

Interesting that you feel safer solo. Do you stay within sight of the larger group?

Hope the tour's biggest problems are behind it. Good luck, good riding, and good weather!

Keep those reports coming, Will, they are great.

My biker son-in-law swears by HEED and says it is one of the few drinks that cause him no stomach distress (a problem he often has).

Interesting that you feel safer solo. Do you stay within sight of the larger group?

Hope the tour's biggest problems are behind it. Good luck, good riding, and good weather!

The tour is strung out all over the 120 miles because there is such a great difference in biking skills. We have one guy who can go under 4 hours for 100 miles and others who plug along under 15 MPH on the flats.
These tours are a business. That means that they cannot be to particular who participates as long as they can pay the fee. I said somewhere else that this tour cost between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on options such as single room vs triple occupancy.
Anyway, that is one reason for this wide range of bikers.

BTW, you need to pay attention to the complex cue sheets or you get lost.

I just noticed that there are pictures of most bikers with some info on the tour leaders Web Site. I guess the tour leader is stretched with issues. Click "Meet The Riders" in the link.
http://www.bamacyclist.com/Journal2008/FastSouthjournal08/2008fastsouth.htm

Pictures from Will

First pic is a group pic as we started. I am on far right.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/WD635R.jpg

Second pic is a few tour bikers in the famous Box Canyon, CA

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/WD647R.jpg

Third pic shows the accident which send two bikers to the hospital and out of the tour.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/WD659R.jpg

Fourth shows me and the best female biker on tour. She competes in MTB.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/SNV33186.jpg

Will,
Keep up the good work. Lots of us are pulling for you. I am sure that once you have a week behind you you may be able to relax more and enjoy the miles. Great adventure.

Looking good Will, keep the updates coming. I can tell you, they sure help me, thanks.

I think you deserve that yellow jersey.

Hey Will, are those jerseys, with America on them from the last time you went? I see only 4 people have them on.

DenverFox,
Thanks for posting the pictures.
These are very high resolution so they take a long time to load with a Laptop such as I have.
The Box Canyon picture does load very slow in about 10 minutes.
The third picture is a biker called Richard with Sandra the MTB biker turned Rodie. I was tired and made a mistake. I will do better in the future.

Hey Will, are those jerseys, with America on them from the last time you went? I see only 4 people have them on.

We have formal dress days where everybody wears those shirts. On other days it is optional. I like my jerseys better because they are better material. Pearl Izumi. Much cooler.

Day five. Friday April 25, 2008.
Cottonwood, AZ to Winslow, AZ
This is a challenging day. It combined biking up to Flagstaff with 60 miles of fast expressway biking. Going up to Flagstaff you have switchbacks and I had to use my lowest gear and still stand up at times. We have a few bikers who are skilled with such Mountain biking. I am not one of them. I took plenty of Hammer Nutrition and at least I did not bonk and actually was able to bike to my satisfaction.

Expressway biking is dangerous because you tend to go very fast. trucks go by and side-winds can upset you and your bike. Debris and cracked pavement is the other issue. There are plenty of flats from wires coming out of steel belted radials.

The good news is that you cover a lot of distance fast. This is the objective of this tour. It is not a sight seeing tour. There are other routes for that.

Winslow does have a fine Restaurant I can recommend: La Posada Hotel and Restaurant. It is very special.

Hi, Will - sorry the pictures took so long to download. Actually, I did reduce the size (and decrease the quality of the pictures) considerably.

They came to me as
414,000
713,000
321,000
2,285,000

And I reduced them to:
117,999
196,115
80,552
232,589
respectively

I could reduce future pictures even more by decreasing their size and quality, if you like. Just let me know.

I wonder if you were on dialup?

Hi, Will - sorry the pictures took so long to download. Actually, I did reduce the size (and decrease the quality of the pictures) considerably.

They came to me as
414,000
713,000
321,000
2,285,000

And I reduced them to:
117,999
196,115
80,552
232,589
respectively

I could reduce future pictures even more by decreasing their size and quality, if you like. Just let me know.

I wonder if you were on dialup?

Keep going Denver, your doing a great job.:D

Will-I was really surprised at how most of the riders are 50+. Looks like a more diverse group than your last tour.

Sorry to hear about the accident with the two bikers. I could see how over time someone could easily loose the attention needed that could cause problems.

Flagstaff-I was just up there last month. Man-you are in the hills!!

What gears are you using on your Madone for this trip?

Thanks for the updates!! You're really doing super!

Will-I was really surprised at how most of the riders are 50+. Looks like a more diverse group than your last tour.

Sorry to hear about the accident with the two bikers. I could see how over time someone could easily loose the attention needed that could cause problems.

Flagstaff-I was just up there last month. Man-you are in the hills!!

What gears are you using on your Madone for this trip?

Thanks for the updates!! You're really doing super!

The road surface quality is so bad that it is difficult to control the bike with both hand much less with one hand. That is what happened. The guy hit a rumble strip and the women tumbled over him. Both are experienced bikers.
It is sort of funny that I get a lot of flack for avoiding Pace lines because I am too Chicken to take a hand of the bars. Since the accident I have gotten worse about that. This of course slows me down since it requires much more energy to bike solo. I can feel the difference. But such accidents are just not worth it. Remember we travel roads where we have no idea whats is coming up. How can you do that at high speed and not risk your life?
The 5.2 Madone has standard triple. I wish I had a MTB cassete. I will live but I had to suffer.

Hi, Will - sorry the pictures took so long to download. Actually, I did reduce the size (and decrease the quality of the pictures) considerably.

They came to me as
414,000
713,000
321,000
2,285,000

And I reduced them to:
117,999
196,115
80,552
232,589
respectively

I could reduce future pictures even more by decreasing their size and quality, if you like. Just let me know.

I wonder if you were on dialup?

Hi Dever,
The motel had a very slow wireless service. I am now in a different motel and it works. Thanks for the pictures. They are of great quality. I was so tired that I put the wrong picture for #4. I will e-mail the right one. Sorry but I was really frazzled that night. This tour is a challenge.:eek:

Day six. Saturday April 26, 2008.
Winslow, AZ to Gallup, NM.
Expressway biking all day long. About 100 miles plus another 40 on roads.
The good news is that the weather is fine and no more injuries.
I spoke too soon about the Bontrager tires. My rear tire is done. Multiple cuts and cracks. I replaced it with another one. The tour leader said that it is to be expected but my Continentals lasted longer. I think I will go back to them.
The 20 year old female got blown over by the gust from a Truck. No great surprise. I had to hang on for dear life also. Imagine a very strong North wind blowing. We are going east on the South side of big Trucks. Imagine the force of the gust and imagine lousy pavement and you have an idea.
Lots of flats and busted tires.
Most of us are looking forward to one day of rest after tomorrow.

You truly are Iron Will. I'm enjoying your report very much, almost like riding along with you.

You truly are Iron Will. I'm enjoying your report very much, almost like riding along with you.

Hi Yen,
It is for people like you that I write this. Perhaps you will do this type of tour someday. You came a long way.
If you do, the training and the tour will change your life but do not try to do it without training.:)

Will,

Keep these great stories coming! You are riding along the route that we fly when going to the West Coast and back, so I know the area, and it is fascinating to hear what they are like at ground level.

Paul