BIKE COAST TO COAST

OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA

TO

ST SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

MARCH 20 - MAY 1, 1996

March 20, 1996 - Wednesday Fly to San Diego

Got up at 4:45 am and and ran 5.1 miles. Met Matt at 7:00 am for a ride to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport. Took off on Southwest Airlines flight number 510 at 9:55 am. Arrived at Chicago Midway Airport at 10:45 am. Departed at 12:05 pm. Stopped in Kansas City and Albuquerque before arriving at San Diego Airport at 4:10 pm. Brother Sam picked me up and we went to the San Diego Teachers Association to take down chairs and set up tables. Sam and I picked up brother Ralph arriving on Northwest Airlines at 9:00 pm.

March 21, 1996 - Thursday Chula Vista, California

Got up at 5:45 and ran about 5 miles. Went to the airport at 9:35 to pick up brother Dave arriving on Southwest Airlines from San Jose, California. We ate dinner at the El Torrido with Dottie, Sam, Ralph, Dave, Pam's Timmy and Andrew, Sammy, Cindy, Connor and Bridget.

March 22, 1996 - Friday Chula Vista California

Got up at 6:30 and ran about 5 miles. The four brothers spent the day talking and catching up . Ate dinner at the Olive Garden with Dottie, Sam, Dave and Ralph.

March 23, 1996 - Saturday Drive to Oceanside

Got up at 6:10 and ran about 5 miles. Sam and Ralph drove me to the Travelodge in Oceanside at 3:00 pm where we met Wandering Wheels. At 7:30 ate dinner at Denny's $10 with Dave Buttons from Alaska and Washington. Dave and I roomed together in room 25 along with Dave Bowser who arrived late at night.

March 24, 1996 - Sunday Bike Oceanside to Escondido, CA

Got up at 6:10 to a very clear day with a good ocean surf, 48 degrees and breezy. Ate breakfast of orange juice, banana, oatmeal and donuts. At 8:45 we biked down the beach and assembled about 9:30.













We dipped our rear wheels in the ocean for a photo. Took a group picture with about 35 cameras. Janech Davenport did the honors. Got underway about 10:00 am with Dave Bowser of Norwalk, Ohio who will be 21 on April 4. It warmed up so I was down to a T-shirt. Very clear and about 70 degrees with a light breeze, perfect biking. Turning left up the hill from the beach, my front wheel lifted off the street about 6". That is the first time that ever happened to me. I can see the mountains in the distance and we are immediately in the foothills. We have a bike lane for the entire route. Very nice. I rode with different groups most of the way. Arrived in Escondido about 12:00. I saw the police cuff a Mexican and stuff him in a squad car. An old car full of Mexicans made a quick left turn into me without warning in the middle of a block. I almost got run over. We stopped at 12:30 at Bubba's Barbecue Restaurant with Ginnie Nissley (about 25 from Lancaster, Pa.) and Walt Briggs from Battle Creek, Michigan. Had an ice tea, BBQ pork sandwich and potato salad for $6 including tip. Biked 3 miles to the Light and Life Free Methodist Church School at 1816 Oak Hill Drive in Escondido, CA 92027 phone 619 743- 4022 at 2:05 pm. Totaled 27.4 miles of biking. Showered in running shorts at Wheels' outdoor hot shower. Not bad. I set up my sleeping bag outdoors in the courtyard under a large overhang. Rich Neulist gave me a bag of pistachios which were very good. At 4:00 pm it started getting chilly so I put on sweat suit and shoes. Ate dinner of spaghetti, salad, strawberries, whipped cream and sponge cake. Moved inside because of the security light.

March 25, 1996 - Monday Bike Escondido to Julian, California

Got up at 4:37 am. Ate breakfast of cream of wheat, orange juice, blueberry muffin and banana nut muffin at 5:30. It was cold so I wore my Goretex running suit. Weather is mostly sunny and windy. Rode off at 6:15 through beautiful rolling hills and then started ascending up a mountain valley. Raced Dave Buttons to the top where we stopped in Ramona at a sidewalk cafe for orange juice for $1.25. We then rode about 18 miles mostly up to San Ysabel where we stopped. We then rode 7 miles to Julian up all the way and the steepest incline we have encountered so far. I climbed in 42 chainring and 22 cog ranging from 6 to 9.5 mile per hour. Went to Mom's for chicken noodle soup, ½ ham sandwich, apple blackberry pie with vanilla ice cream and a Siuox City cream soda for $8.51. It is quite chilly and windy on top of the mountain. Talked to some people and followed them to a restaurant where several of us sang happy birthday to an 80 year old lady. Bought 4 post cards for $1.29. At 3:00 mounted my bike and rode back down the mountain into a strong headwind for one mile to the United Methodist Church on CA Highway 78 and Pine Hills Road, Julian, California 92036 phone 619 765- 1027. We are at 4000 feet of elevation. Showered outside which was a very refreshing experience. Ate supper of boiled potatoes with cheese, sour cream, onions, peppers, tomatoes, bacon bits, rolls and butter, apple sauce, lemonade and chocolate cake for Janice Miller's birthday (Chip Gosnell's girlfriend). We rode 40 miles today for a cumulative total of 67.4 miles.

March 26, 1996 - Tuesday Bike Julian to Brawley, California

Got up at 5:41 and packed up. 6:30 breakfast of orange juice, pancakes, sausage, banana, cream of wheat and apple sauce. Started out in a sunny 37 degrees day. Climbed one mile back through Julian at 4294 feet and continued down hill for the best ride of my life. The grade is just right for about 30 miles per hour with consistent curves left and right so that you got into a rhythm for about 6 miles. We were riding on the right side of a canyon wall. There is virtually no traffic. I met a guy trucking up hill at a good pace with 4 loaded panniers. I shed my gloves, jacket and pants shell then continued down for about 20 miles of easy riding on a very gradual grade. We hit the desert with a strong cross wind from the left (north) which made the next 24 miles quite difficult at times. By 11:00 am I was beginning to hurt when we stopped at the junction of CA 78 and CA 86. Lunch is celery, radishes, a salami, ham and cheese sandwich , chocolate chip cookies, banana nut bread and lemonade. Pushed off at 11:52 with a good tailwind and was trucking in the 20 - 24 mile per hour range. Caught Chip Gosnell after 8 miles and rode with him to the First Baptist Church at 4249 Highway 86, Brawley, CA 92227 phone 619 344-2461. Stopped in Westmoreland for a soda with Chip and Dave Bowser. Got in at 1:00 pm with an average speed of 17 miles per hour. Took a brief dip in a very cold church pool. The air is very warm and pleasant. Took a nice shower and shaved. Went to Su Casa $12 with Jim Kellett, Patrick Black, John Boyle, Frank Klinkowski, Pete Boggs and Jack Carpenter. Biked 77 miles for a cumulative total of 144.4.

March 27, 1996 - Wednesday Bike Brawley to Blythe, CA

Slept on the 2nd floor outside walkway. Very nice with a cool breeze in the middle of the night. Got up at 4:43 and packed up. 5:30 am breakfast of oatmeal, orange juice, muffin, banana and sweet roll. Set off at 7:24 with the sun low in the sky. We followed CA 78 all the way to Blythe. The terrain is very flat in the Imperial Valley and totally agricultural with irrigation ditches. We had a slight headwind and a 2 - 3 % gradient although you couldn't tell except that you didn't go very fast for the effort expended. There were mountains in the distance in all directions. Phil Hodge, a black neuro surgeon from Baltimore, caught me just outside town and we joined in a paceline at about 16 miles per hour. At about 20 miles we got into sand dunes which were really neat. I had seen them from the plane coming into San Diego. We caught up with Aurilla Lesley and Don Kurfees and set up a paceline with them. We took a slight detour to an overlook of the dunes. Jack Carpenter was also with us. We pulled into Glamis at 28 miles. There were several dune buggies and campers scattered for miles into the dunes. It cost $.50 to use the toilet. $2 for a gallon of water. The store was for sale for $5 million, the only building in town. We continued the paceline to a 10:00 am lunch on Wheels at 41.9 miles. Ate lunch of tuna salad sandwiches, cellery, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, lemonade and cookies. Got underway at 10:35 and got into rolling hills that were just right for running. I broke away and was running at a good clip when Dave Buttons passed me. I fell in behind him and we were rolling up to 35 miles per hour and topping hills at 22 miles per hour. Jack Carpenter and Phil Hodge caught us and fell in behind. We kept rolling into Palo Verde at 66.7 miles. Phil's cyclometer said we had averaged 22.5 mph for the 25 miles including a 5 to 10 minute stop. Phil forgot his glasses when we stopped and had to backtrack 7 miles to get them. Dave, Jack and I kept going but at a slower pace of about 16 - 17 mph. The land flattened out again and was agricultural. The road was squared off in that it would go for a few miles and then turn at a right angle and repeat this all the way to Blythe. We had a nice cool tailwind or cross wind. At 2:45 we arrived at the Riviera RV Resort and Marina at 14100 Riviera Drive, Blythe, CA 92225 phone 619 922-5382. Our site is right on the bank of the Colorado River. We were among the first in so we headed for the pool and swam for about an hour. We had covered 92.3 miles averaging 16.7 mph in 5:43. Walt Briggs and I are sharing a tent. Supper was rice, pork chops, green beans, roll, salad and lemonade with moose poop for dessert. It got dark about 6:30. Called Anne at 7:15 pm. Went to bed about 9:15. Phil ? from Whitier College left us at Blythe. Total cumulative miles is 236.7.

March 28, 1996 - Thursday Bike Blythe, CA to Salome, AZ

Got up at 5:35. The sun was already coming up. Called Patti Swanson at work on her 800 number. Mailed 3 post cards to brothers Ralph, Sam and Dave. 7:00 breakfast of egg and ham omelet, banana, orange juice and milk. Took off about 7:45 and rode across the bridge into Arizona where it was 9:00 am due to a time zone change. We got on I-10 and rode across the rumble strips for 18 miles to Quartzite where we stopped at McDonalds for a shake for $1.67. We had to climb a big mountain for about 4-5 miles. Started seeing the Seguaro cactus. We continued on I-10 another 10 miles over another mountain that wasn't as long. The rumble strips ran out after a few miles so the ride was better. We got off the interstate onto US-60 and stopped in Brenda for food and drinks. We next stopped at an abandoned gas station where Dave Buttons tried to find a way to get an old stuffed chair to Salome. Dave Buttons and I stopped in a bar full of local characters . One had a parrot that talked and sat on his shoulder. We couldn't get into the Salome Elementary School zip code 85348 phone 520 859-3339 until 4:10 pm. We biked 56.8 miles at 12.9 mph in 3:48. Showered outside. Set up sleeping bag under overhang. We're at 1880 feet of elevation. My cyclometer is 2 % low on the mileage according to the Arizona mileposts. Ate supper of beef stroganoff, green beans, pear with cream cheese and lettuce, roll, lemonade and chocolate cake (double portions). Dave Buttons 52nd birthday. Meeting for everyone. Went to bed at 9:30. Very windy but I slept in the corner so I got good air and slept well. Total cumulative miles is 293.5.

March 29, 1996 - Friday Bike Salome to Buckeye, AZ

Awoke at 5:40 and packed up. Ate breakfast of orange juice, cream of wheat, toast with boiled egg and gravy. It is still windy and chilly with a beautiful sunrise. Got on the road about 7:20, one of the last to leave. Had a good wind at my back and a 1 - 2 % downhill so I literally flew the 31 miles to I-10. Dave Buttons caught me almost immediately, so we rode together all day. The wind continued at our back on I-10 and we were cruising over 20 mph on the uphills (very gentle grade). We exited I-10 after 46 miles at Tenopah for 9:30 breafast of orange juice and pancakes $3.90 at a restaurant (very good food with big portions). Virtually everyone stopped there. Got back on I-10 and continued at a fast pace for about 20 miles when we exited on US-85 south 4 miles to Buckeye. Jack Carpenter tagged along into Buckeye. We stopped at a restaurant on Main Street by noon and had an ice tea and salad $3. We couldn't arrive at the First Baptist Church at 515 4th Street, Buckeye, AZ 85326 phone 602 386-6201 until 2:00. I arrived after 71.3 miles in 3:15 for an average of 22 mph. This was the fastest and easiest 70 miles I have ever ridden. It is very beautiful with mountains in every direction. The mountains are very jagged and each has a very distinctive look. Showered outside. Ate supper of turkey, stuffing, corn, salad, fruit with cream and lemonade. Slept outside. Sundown at 7:00 pm. It got real chilly after dark. Total cumulative miles is 364.8.

March 30, 1996 - Saturday Bike Buckeye to Apache Junction, AZ

Got up at 4:40 and packed up. Ate breakfast of apple cobbler, orange juice, milk and banana. Got on the road at 6:20. Very chilly and with the sun so low in the sky it is hard to see. We had a fairly strong headwind so I linked up in a paceline with Joe Blake, Jim Stewart, Steve Salvatori and Brian Woods. We stopped for drinks at 30 miles and Jack Carpenter joined us but Brian Woods dropped out. We took a shortcut on Lower Buckeye Road that saved us a few miles. We continued into Phoenix until the traffic got too heavy. Stopped for another breakfast at McDonalds for breakfast burrito and strawberry shake for $3.37. Jack Carpenter and I continued into the wind arriving at the Apache KOA at 1540 S. Tomahawk Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85219 phone 602 982-4015 at 12:53 after 66.1 miles in 4:35 for a 14.7 mph average. Jack and I went to the cafe for lunch of cheeseburger, fries and ice tea. Took a nice shower about 4:00 and watched some of the NCAA basketball semi-finals. Walked to AJs with Frank Klinkowski and John Boyle for barbeque ribs, beans, garlic bread and beer for $8.60. Called Kevin and left message to call back after 11:00 pm. Talked to Kevin, Anne and Kara. It was nice to hear them all. Cumulative total miles is 430.9.

March 31, 1996 - Sunday Apache Junction, AZ

Got up at 6:15. It was already light and the sun was behind Superstition Mountain. Ran about 5.5 miles which felt good. Stopped at an ATM during the run and got $100. Shaved, showered and cut my hair. Went to Christ Commmunity Church $5.00 in a van with Jim Stewart, Don Kurfees, Aurilla Lesley, Patrick Black, Walt Briggs, Pete Boggs and Adrienne Arrant. Went to the cafe for lunch of fried chicken, baked potato, corn, salad and ice tea for $6.05 with the same group that went to church. Did laundry $1, soap $.60 and dryer $.50. Wrote post cards to Elms, Nelsons, Frains and Huelskamps. Cleaned bikes at 4:00 pm. Janech told me my freewheel was shot and hoped I would make it to Dallas. Ate supper of blueberry waffle, ham, apples and milk at 5:00 pm. The weather is absolutely clear and beautiful. Went to bed about 9:40. It is a rather warm night.

April 1, 1996 - Monday Bike Apache Junction to Globe, AZ

Got up at 5:50 and packed up. It is pleasantly warm. Ate breakfast of bagel, ham, milk and cream of wheat. Got underway at 7:50 with Jack Carpenter and Walt Briggs into a headwind. Great scenery with the Superstition Mountains on the left and many nice Sequaro Cactus along the road. There was road repair and we got tar all over us and our bikes as we started climbing out of Florence Junction to top a major pass and then down into Superior. We dropped Walt early in the climb and Jack caught me on the downhill into town. Mine shafts on the sides of the mountains all around Superior at 2888 feet of elevation. We stopped for a drink then started up a steep climb out of Superior going through switchbacks and a ¼ mile tunnel. We climbed for 9.6 miles rising over 4600 vertical feet with one short dip at about 5 miles. I left Jack early in the climb and rode the 7 mile downhill into Miami about 11:50 am. Stopped at a Mexican restaurant but didn't like it so I went to a convenience store for orange juice. Continued on through Miami and ran over a large black metal piece which flattened my front tire (first of the trip and unnecessary because the road was perfectly clean). While fixing the flat, Steve Salvatori and Jack stopped to help. Chip Gosnell and Brian Woods stopped and then continued on. At 12:40 we stopped at the El Rey Mexican Restaurant in Globe for a taco, burrito and tostado with lots of ice tea for $5.83. Walt Briggs showed up while we were eating. It was a short ride to the El Rancho Motel in Globe, AZ on US-60 phone 520 425-5757 arriving at 1:50 pm. I'm in room 1 with Walt Briggs and Steve Salvatori. We rode 53.9 miles in 4:26 for an average of 12.1 mph topping out at 33.1 mph. It was a beautiful ride. Showered. Ate supper of lasagna, salad, bread and lemonade with chocolate birthday cake for Rohn McPherson. Watched the Kentucky-Syracuse finals basketball game on TV. Called Anne at halftime. Slim Kauczka slept in our room and turned out to be a big snorer both loud and continuous all night. Steve slept outside. I didn't sleep well because it was stuffy and the snoring. Total cumulative miles is 484.8.

April 2, 1996 - Tuesday Bike Globe to Safford, AZ

Got up at 5:20 and packed up. 6:00 breakfast of cream of wheat, milk, oatmeal muffin, banana and orange. Got underway at 6:50 am and had a one mile climb out of town. We're in the high Sonoran Desert which is beautiful. I was late starting so I passed a lot of people. A paceline of Don Kurfees, Aurilla Lesley, Phil Hodge and Steve Salvatori caught me. Shortly we caught Jack Carpenter who tagged along all the way to Bylas where we stopped at 46 miles in a store for juice and snacks. We had an irratic wind but it was always a headwind. I broke away from the paceline in some rolloing hills and passed Brian Woods who joined the paceline and caught me coming into Bylas. We left Bylas and regrouped the paceline without Brian and kept going to Pima where we stopped at a Tastee Freeze for ice tea. Steve led us the last nine miles at 16 mph into Safford where we stopped at the Golden Corral at 12:00. I had a buffet and lemonade for $6.84. We continued to the church about a mile but being too early we rode to the bike shop Cycle Path where I bought a tire and tuffys for $18. We stopped at a soda fountain and antique shop for a root beer float for $1.60. We got back to the church at 2:15 pm after 76.6 miles in 4:32 at 16.8 mph topping out at 38.2 mph. Walt Briggs and I got a back room at the First Baptist Church at 1109 7th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85548 phone 520 428-0643. Took a cold shower outside before they got it working properly. Ate supper of a Mexican dish, tortillas, salsa, lemonade and cherry cake. Mounted the new tire on the front wheel but it was very difficult with the tuffy inside. It was flat so I had to patch the tube and remount it. I started at 7:30 and didn't finish until after 9:00 pm including a talk with Chip Gosnell. Went to bed about 9:30 in a warm and stuffy room. Total cumulative miles is 561.4.

April 3, 1996 - Wednesday Bike Safford, AZ to Lordsburg, NM

Got up at 4:50 and packed up. 5:30 breakfast of oatmeal, hot banana nut muffin, orange juice and apple sauce. Started at daylight about 5:40 am. It was a little cool but not uncomfortable riding. The paceline formed almost imediately outside town with Don Kurfees, Aurilla Lesley, Phil Hodge, Steve Salvatori and Jack Carpenter. It was a gradual uphill for 28 miles and everyone was hurting a bit. The wind was up and down and from every direction. We saw a jack rabbit and a roadrunner. Steve and I ran over a rattlesnake in the road. We had a good downhill run into Duncan at 40 miles. We arrived before the lunch stop was set up at 9:00 am. I discovered a broken spoke. Lunch was turkey and cheese sandwich, cup of fruit salad, pretzels, cookies and lemonade . There were a lot of problems so I had to wait until Janech got to me to replace the spoke on the rear wheel drive side. I didn't get away until 11:50. Chip Gosnell asked me to ride with him , Coach and Janech. We crossed the New Mexico border and took pictures. The country changed from typical Arizona to typical New Mexico at the border. We had some strong winds at times so we rode in close formation. Frank Klinkowski had a blown tire so we stopped and Coach put a boot in it made from the blown out tube. We moved at a pretty good clip all the way to Lordsburg. At one point Chip Gosnell took off like a shot when we were cruising at 22 mph! Saw many dirt devils along the way. We stopped for a drink and then pulled into the First Baptist Church of Lordsburg, New Mexico 88045 just before 3:00. I had gone 74.7 miles in 5:42 for an average speed of 15.8 mph maxing out at 38.3 mph. Had a hot shower outside and it was only chilly when the wind gusted. Walked to El Charo with Don Kurfees, Steve Salvatori, Gary and Barbara Anderson, Ed and Eileen Carothers, Jim Kellett, Jim and Sue Schmerl and Walt Briggs where I had refried beans, rice, taco, burrito, burro, 2.5 draft beers and pecan pie with vanilla ice cream for $13.55. Called Anne at 8:15. Janech said she had a bike for me being sent from Atlanta to our motel next Tuesday. Went to bed at 9:00. The days elevation gain was 2340 feet. Total cumulative miles is 636.1.

April 4, 1996 - Thursday Bike Lordsburg to Deming, NM

Got up at 5:40 and packed up. 6:30 breakfast of cream of wheat, orange juice, banana, strawberry yogurt and English muffin. It is Dave Bowser's 21st birthday. Got off at 6:55. Its cool and overcast with an occasional drop of rain. Teamed up with Steve Salvatori and Jack Carpenter as we rode on I-10 into a strong headwind. It was also a gradual uphill. The countryside is typical New Mexico, very flat with mountains in the distance in every direction. We ran into two long stretches of road work and rode on the surfaces being repaired or replaced. Pretty good riding overall. Crossed the continental divide at 4544 feet. We stopped at 20 miles for some orange juice at $1.06 and again at 40 miles for a vanilla shake $2.95 in Separ. Jim Stuart (the judge from Florida) fell on the cattle grate, was unconscious, cut his face and broke his bike frame. Phil Hodge (the doctor) and Sue Schmerl (a nurse) tended to him. We were leading all the way and picked up the pace as the wind sometimes came on our right. We pulled into Deming, NM and Steve stopped at a convenience store. Jack Carpenter and I continued on to the El Camino Real for a taco, tamale, chili relleno, enchilada, rice, beans and ice tea for $8.03. We continued through Deming to the Road Runner RV Park phone 800 226-9937. We biked 60.9 miles in 4:19 averaging 14.1 mph and maximum speed of 20.1 mph arriving before 2:00 pm. It clouded up and started to rain. It got cold and many people got caught on the road in the rain. After it stopped the sun came out and it warmed up. We set up tents, shaved and showered. It clouded over again, got cold and started to shower some more. 6:00 supper of hamburgers, green beans, mashed potatoes, lemonade and Dave Bowser's birthday cake with ice cream. Crawled into my sleeping bag and read until 9:00 pm. It rained off and on all evening and night. Total cumulative miles is 697.0.

April 5, 1996 - Friday Bike Deming to Las Cruces, NM

Got up at 5:36 and it was still raining. The drive in front of our tent was flooded for about 50 yards.There was a brisk wind with some sleet mixed in. 6:30 breakfast of french toast, orange slices, banana sections and milk. We waited around until 8:00 when we had a meeting and 17 of us decided to ride. We put plastic bags over our socks and taped them at the ankles. I wore my Goretex running pants taped at the ankles. I wore my biking pants, riding vest, long sleeve cotton running shirt, Goretex running jacket and raincoat. We got underway about 8:45. It was snowing with a temperature about 32 degrees and a 20 - 25 mph headwind. The worst conditions I have ever ridden in. About 8 of us were riding together but Jack Carpenter got a flat back tire. Steve Salvatori, Pete Boggs and I stopped to help. We had gone only 2.5 miles and we really got cold fixing the flat. The first tube was defective and we had to put in a second tube which took 30 - 40 minutes. All riders passed us. Conditions deteriated with the wind picking up and the snow getting very heavy. We struggled into a rest stop in Carne with all the bikers there at 19.4 miles. Pete Boggs fell when he stopped and started to shake so he packed it in. Everyone was wet and cold and trying to get warm. We continued on another 14 miles with the snow changing to rain and the wind a little less. We stopped at Dova for a cheeseburger, french fries and vanilla shake for $5.05. After lunch we continued up a slight incline and it seemed to be getting lighter. The rain and wind diminished slightly. We stopped again after 12 miles. Back out conditions continued to improve and after 5 miles we topped a rise to see Las Cruces about 8 miles below us. We had a great downhill after turning off I-10 onto US-70, the first time we had any speed all day. We stopped for a photo at the Rio Grande and turned left in NM-185 to the Northminster Presbyterian Church at 2025 N. Valley Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88005 phone 505 526-4907 after 60.6 miles. Everyone cheered us and congratulated us as we came in shortly before 5:00 pm. Those riding the entire distance were Jim and Sue Schmerl, Gini Nissley, Rod Baccus, Walt Briggs, Joe Blake, Jim Stewart, Frank Coburn, Nate Carmen, John Boyle, Steve Salvatori, Jack Carpenter and myself. The hot shower was great. Ate supper of chili, corn bread, salad, fruit punch and banana cream dessert. Early to bed. Total cumulative miles is 757.6.

April 6, 1996 - Saturday Bike Las Cruces to Alamagordo, NM

Slept really hard and didn't wake up until everyone started getting up at 5:55 am. 6:30 breakfast of cream of wheat, orange juice, blueberry cake and orange slices. Got underway with Steve Salvatori and Jack Carpenter about 7:00 am. It was a cold and crisp morning. We started out of Las Cruces at 3900 feet on US-70 and started climbing immediately through the Organ Mountain pass at 5717 feet after 19 miles. The mountains were beautiful in the morning sun and all covered with snow with the higher peaks encased in clouds. The mountains are very rugged. The climb was pretty tough and I was surprised when I couldn't shift into my smallest sprocket (32) so that made it tougher. I outpaced Jack and Steve and was first up except for Joe Boyle (John's son) a 30 year old professional bike racer for 6 years who passed me near the pass. The last mile or so we had a strong headwind that was really frosty. The sight at the pass was breath taking so we all stopped for pictures and the views. The ride down was thrilling but cold for about 6 miles mostly straight. There were some crosswinds which made the bike somewhat wobbley or unstable. Joe and his father John Boyle joined Steve Salvatori, Jack Carpenter and I at the bottom in a paceline as we raced across the perfectly flat valley floor. The Wheels truck passed us just short of the 40 mile mark where we had lunch of tuna salad sandwich, cookies, carrots, celery, apple and fruit punch. We helped prepare lunch and spent about an hour there. We picked up the paceline again for 13 miles to the White Sands National Monument cruising at 18 - 25 mph. My computer stopped yesterday at lunch so I had to depend on others for milege and speed. We toured the visitors center and shortly Rohn McPherson pulled in with the van. He drove our paceline, Brian Woods, Gini Nissley, Phil Hodge and Rod Baccus 8 miles into the dunes where we stopped. We climbed a large dune, took some pictures and played. We had only 14 miles into Alamagordo which we did quickly by resuming the paceline. The sky was cloudless and the temperature cool so it was perfect cycling. We arrived before 3:00 pm at the Motel 6 at 251 Panorama Boulevard, Alamagordo, NM 88310 phone 505 434-5970. Walt Briggs and I had room 109. Alamagordo is at 4300+ feet elevation. We had covered 70.3 miles. Had a nice hot shower then Walt and I went with Coach and Janech Davenport to the bicycle shop. Coach then dropped Walt and I at the Wal-Mart for a few basics costing $15.83. We walked back to the hotel and then went to the Golden Corral for the buffet and ice tea for $6.88 where we joined Coach and Janech. Phil Hodge, Frank Klinkowski and Chip Gosnell seemed to have a 24 hour flu whose symptoms were nausea, chills and diahria. Total cumulative miles is 827.9.

April 7, 1996 - Sunday Alamagordo, NM

Got up at 6:10 and changed clocks to daylight savings time so I actually got up an hour earlier. Shaved and drank some orange juice. A local lady named Helen picked Don Kurfees, Aurilla Lesley and I up at 6:50 to take us to a sunrise service at the Christian Community Church with about 30 - 40 people in attendance. They had light snacks after the service. Got back and ran 5.1 miles up hill to the base of the mountains. The mountains in the morning sun are beautiful. I spotted a couple of trails leading up into the mountains and wondered what the hiking would be like. Showered and did the laundry which took a considerable time. Set up tents and dried them. Walt Briggs, Jack Carpenter and I walked over to the Taco Bell for lunch after 1:00 pm for Mexican Pizza and ice tea for $3.27. Came back and folded clothes. Janech had to adjust my front derailler so it would shift onto the smallest sprocket (32 teeth). At 4:00 pm we cleaned and lubed our bike chains and gears. At 5:30 we had fruit salad, blueberry waffle and milk. At 7:00 pm Jack Carpenter, Pete Boggs, Slim Kauckza and I walked to the Golden Corral for ice cream $1.95.

April 8, 1996 - Monday Bike Alamagordo to Mayhill, NM

Got up at 5:25 and packed up. 6:00 breakfast of oatmeal, orange juice, banana, orange, bagel and cream cheese. Got underway just after dawn and rode through town on US-70 for 4 miles then turned right on US-82 into the mountains. The sign said 16 miles to Cloudcroft and a climb all the way, 4315 feet gain averaging 5.1% grade. Stopped briefly below the tunnel for the great views and the White Sands in the distance. We stopped for a drink at High Rolls. I pulled away from Steve Salvatori when he shifted into his small chainring and passed the Schmerls. I was ranging between 7 - 9 mph and picked up a bit towards the top. Got to Cloudcroft at 9:50 am. I waited for others to arrive and then had a cheese omellett, homefries and orange juice for $4.70 at Kokopellis. Bought Anne a nice bicycle charm. It is 72 degrees in Cloudcroft at over 9000 feet. Steve and I went back down a quarter of a mile for some pictures. We then hiked 3 - 4 miles down and back. Great! We then coasted down 20 miles (never pedaled). We arrived at Rio Penasco Camp in Mayhill, NM 6770 feet of elevation phone 505 687-3715 before 3:00 pm. We biked 39.8 miles in 3:30 averaging 11.3 mph topping out at 33.1 mph. Had a shower and walked up to the convenience store with Jack Carpenter in Mayhill. 6:00 dinner of chicken, rice, broccoli, salad, milk and smoors. We were camped in a bowl on the side of the mountain and there were thousands of turkeys gobbling all around us. Got cold after dark so we had a fire. Called Anne at 8:30. Went to bed at 9:00 pm under a clear starlit night. Total cumulative miles is 867.7.

April 9, 1996 - Tuesday Bike Mayhill to Artesia, NM

Got up at 6:16, packed up and took down the tent. 7:00 breakfast of hot oatmeal bread, peaches and whipped cream, bagel, cream cheese and milk. It was 36 degrees so we ate around the fire. Got underway shortly before 8:00 am. We were in the sun immediately and it warmed up. Mailed 3 post cards in Mayhill. Riding with Steve Salvatori on US-82 it was down hill for more than 20 miles. Basically we followed a creek down a canyon at 20 - 25 mph. There were a couple of nasty cattle guards near the bottom. Very pretty in the morning sun. We soon entered upward rolling hills and I passed Steve as I wanted to run a hill in high gear. I started really rolling never under 14 mph and caught Jack Carpenter on the first fairly long uphill. I was in the lead and really going through the rollers all the way to the lunch stop at 39.4 miles. Lunch was a ham, turkey and cheese sandwich, carrot sticks, 3 Oreos, fruit salad and fruit punch. Left lunch at 10:55 and passed Steve Salvatori and Walt Briggs. Jack Carpenter stopped and I passed him. I stopped in Hope after 12 miles and Jack pulled in. We left together and rode all the way to Artesia. The land flattened out and we faced a headwind that was variable, sometimes difficult and sometimes hardly noticeable. We arrived in Artesia before 1:00 pm and stopped for a drink. We stopped by the motel and then back to the Dairy Queen for a vanilla milkshake for $2.10. There were several people there and more arriving all the time. We finally went back to the Star Light Motel room 18 on NM-285 in Artesia, NM phone 505 746-9834 after 74.0 miles in 4:00 averaging 18.3 mph maxing out at 33.2 mph. Room mates are Jim Kellett and John Boyle. Hot shower and AC. My bike had arrived at the motel so Janech and I spent a couple of hours assembling it and transferring the cyclometer, rear rack and bag from my old bike. The bike is a forest green Trek 2120 carbon fiber frame with Shimano 105 components, 3 sprockets (52, 42 and 32) and 8 gears (12 - 26). we finished about 6:15 and everyone had gone to dinner. I walked to Pizza Hut and ate with Cy Johnson, Jim Stewart, Jane Schnell, Joe Blake, Nate Carmen. I had a medium supreme pizza with a beer and ice tea for $16.24. Cy, Nate, Joe and I walked to the Little Giant and each got a pint of vanilla ice cream for $1.49. I called Kevin and talked to Lorraine as well. Went to bed at 9:00 pm. Total cumulative miles is 941.7.

April 10, 1996 - Wednesday Bike Artesia to Hobbs, NM

Got up at 5:27 and packed up. Rode my new bike to McDonalds where I had homefries, eggs, sausage, biscuit, large orange juice and milk for $4.19. We got underway at 6:53. It was cool but not cold. I was alone but soon caught Steve Salvatori and Jack Carpenter. We rode through slowly rising country that was pretty desolate except for the oil wells that were everywhere. We also had a headwind so the biking was not fast. We followed US-82 out of Artesia for 31 miles, then right on NM-529 for 15 miles to lunch at 10:00 am. We were beginning to flag by the time we stopped. Ate lunch of chicken salad sandwich, carrot sticks, chocolate chip cookies and fruit punch. We pushed off at 10:58 am with the wind on our right. The road turned left after 5 - 6 miles so the wind was pretty much at our back. We stopped for a drink at the intersection with US-82. We stopped at the Hobbs Airport for the Confederate Airforce Museum. Jack and I then rode into Hobbs to the Dairy Queen at 1:00 pm for a root beer float for $2.10. After 2:00 we moved on 2 - 3 miles to the Taylor Memorial Baptist Church at 1700 E. Yeso, Hobbs, NM 88241 phone 505 397-7447. We had biked 79.8 miles averaging 14.9 mph maxing out at 24.1 mph in 5:19. Took a hot shower outside. Rich Neulist gave me a bag of pistachios. We ate a church supper of broccoli, carrots, spaghetti, cake, lemonade, salad and bread. There was a church prayer meeting at 7:30. Called Anne. I put my coat and McQueen plaid shirt in bike box to be shipped. Total cumulative miles is 1021.4.

April 11, 1996 - Thursday Bike Hobbs, NM to Lamesa, TX

Got up at 5:10 and packed up. 6:00 breakfast of omelet, toast, orange juice and milk. Addressed bike box to ship old Bridgestone bike home with coat, shirt and bike bags. Got started at 7:00 and crossed the Texas state line after 4 miles. Stopped for pictures with a lot of other people. I had to put new film in my camera and a guy in a pick-up truck stopped and asked about all the bikers. We talked several minutes. The time changed to Central Daylight Savings Time so we lost another hour. The terrain was fairly flat and we had a tailwind. I passed a lot of people but eventually hooked up with Joe Blake and Jim Stewart. Stopped for a drink in Seminole. Almost everyone stopped there at 29 miles. I stopped at an ATM machine but it wouldn't accept my card. About a mile outside town I encountered 2 sidewinder rattlesnakes in the road. As I passed , the nearest struck at me but he was too late and I was out of range. About a mile before the lunch truck, a long slender snake gray green started across the road but turned back as I approached. Ate lunch at 39 miles of grilled cheese, fruit salad, 3 chocolate chip cookies and fruit punch. After lunch I took off and flew cruising at 22 - 28 mph. At one point I tried to see how fast I could go on the flat with no wind and reached 35 mph. Got into Lamesa at 12:30 and stopped at a Dairy Queen for root beer float. Stopped at an ATM for $300 to partially pay for my new bike. A bunch of us went to the museum which was very interesting. We rode to the First United Methodist Church at 409 Third Street, Lamesa, TX 79331 phone 806 872-5409. We biked 70.2 miles in 3:48 averaging 19.6 mph and maxing out at 35 mph. Hot shower outside. We passed through mostly farmland today. Walked down to the ATM but it wouldn't accept another transaction . Rode in the van with 9 others to K-Bobs for salad bar, chicken and beef fajitas, dessert and ice tea for $9.07 plus $1.45 tip. Walked back to chuch with John Boyle, Jack Carpenter and Frank Klinkowski. Wrote post cards to Charles Elms, brother Dave and son Kevin. Paid Janech $300 on bike. Total cumulative miles is 1091.7.

April 12, 1996 - Friday Bike Lamesa to Roby, TX

Arose at 5:25 and packed up. 6:00 biked to McDonalds for pancakes, sausage, orange juice and milk for $4.30. Rode to a bank in downtown and withdrew $300. At 7:17 and 57 degrees, I headed out of town as it was getting light. Followed US-180 due east with clouds in the sky and a headwind (naturally). We have to climb 1800 feet today. After a few miles I hooked up in a paceline with Don Kurfees, Phil Hodge, Steve Salvatori, Dave Bowser and Rod Baccus. We made pretty good time despite the strong wind. At 30 miles we stopped at Gail for a drink of orange juice. I discovered my 3 written post cards were missing from my rear bag. We continued on until Dave broke a spoke which we removed. The countryside is rich farmland with sand collected at the edge of the road. Cotton must be raised as we could see signs of it occasionally. Also saw a ranch from time to time. Stopped for lunch of tacos, cookies, apple and fruit punch at a historical marker at 51.6 miles. Don, Phil, Steve and I picked up the overlapped paceline and continued towards Snyder. About 4 miles west of town when a truck was passing, Don in the lead moved over to the right and I moved over with him. I decided to sneek a peek at Steve on my right hip which pulled my front wheel into Don's rear wheel and down I went. I bounced and slid on the highway jamming my left shoulder, breaking some ribs on my left side, putting a big cherry on my left elbow, 2 small cherries on the outside of my left knee and put a deep gouge and ripped my nail on my right thumb. A big truck was behind us and some say I got off the road faster than the others in the paceline. Steve gave me a 10 rating on my fall as I held it for a long time and did it quite gracefully. I continued into Snyder on my own but Walt Briggs started following me. He ran over some metal and flatted his rear tire. I stopped to help when we were caught by a gang including Coach, Janech and Chip. We stopped for a photo in front of the white buffalo. We continued on to the Dairy Queen for a Dr Pepper float for $2.10. Steve Salvatori said he would ride with me and help with the wind. We stopped at about the 80 mile mark and I discovered my rear brake was dragging. I rode much better after that and we got into Roby at 95.8 miles. Steve's cyclometer said 101 miles but he wanted to make sure so we rode back out of town and back in until I had 100.3 miles at 16.3 mph average maxing out at 37.3 mph in 6:09. This was Steve's first century. We got in around 3:30 at the First Baptist Church in Roby, TX 79543 phone 915 776-2264. The facility is quite large and nice despite the town having a population of 614. I started hurting quite badly so Don Kurfees gave me 4 Ibuprofin and I started feeling pretty good in about 10 minutes. The showers were inside but cold by the time I got to them. 6:00 supper of sausage, potatoes and cheese, green beans, vanilla pudding with lots of things in it and fruit punch. Paid Janech $300 on bike. She fixed the rear brake damaged in the fall. Someone found my post cards along the road and mailed them. Went to bed at 8:45. Total cumulative miles is 1192.0.

April 13, 1996 - Saturday Bike Roby to Breckenridge, TX

Don Kurfees alarm went off and I waited until he left then I got up at 5:35 and packed up. I hardly slept due to the pain. 6:30 breakfast of apple cineman roll, orange juice and bananas. Got off at 7:00. It was cool and I wore my raincoat. We had a headwind or crosswind which made it tough. The terrain was rolling but the wind was tough. I rode alone to avoid any more falls. Although I couldn't sleep or move without pain, amazingly I was comfortable on the bike. Stopped in Anson for orange juice at $.99. Fought my way to lunch at 45 miles at about 11:00. A mile before lunch I passed Steve Salvatori, Don Kurfees and Phil Hodge. Steve had stopped to look at a historical marker and fell in some gravel dislocating his ring finger on his right hand. Lunch was a salami, ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, mustard and tomatoes, 3 cookies, fruit punch, tortillas and cheese. I rode with Steve and made sure he was okay. It was really difficult riding and we were lucky to make 8 - 14 mph. We finally got to Albany where we stopped at a Dairy Queen for a Dr Pepper float at $1.67. I rode in the last 24 miles by myself and was first in at 4:24 pm. It was a little faster but there was some difficult moments with the wind. Got into the Ridge Motel at 2602 W. Walker, Breckenridge, TX 76424 phone 817 559-2244 room 119 with John Boyle. We rode 86.9 miles at an average of 13.6 mph maxing out at 29.3 mph in 6:19. Very tough day with all the wind after the 100 miles against the wind yesterday. Unloaded truck and showered. Walked down to a phone and called Anne. Bought a 6 pack of Coors beer for $4.90. Ate supper of beef and chicken fajitas, salad and ice tea for $14.39 at the Ridge Restaurant. Walked to the bank ATM for $300 with Joe Blake, Jim Stewart, Frank Klinkowski and John Boyle. Took 4 Ibuprofin before bed so I could sleep. Repeated this for about a week. Total cumulative miles is 1278.9.

April 14, 1996 - Sunday Breckenridge, TX

Got up about dawn at 7:00. Walked down to the IGA store with John Boyle for water, bananas, donuts, quart of orange juice and pint of milk for $4.90. The water in town was foul and undrinkable. Walked to the Baptist Church with Don Kurfees at 10:00. Aurilla Lesley, her sister and husband showed up later. John Boyle and I walked to the Ridge Restaurant for a buffet for $6.99 plus $1.51 tip on Mastercharge. Very strong wind out of the west (would have been a tailwind!) all day. Walked to the laundramat and got it started. Walked to the bank but the ATM wouldn't allow me anymore money this week. Finished laundry $1.50 plus soap $.50 and started walking back. Rohn picked me up in the van on the way back. Called Dave on his 60th birthday. Sent Emails to Charles Elms, Lew Frain, Barry Nelson, Kevin and Anne using Steve Salvatori's laptop and cell phone. Tried to call Kevin but was unsuccessful. At 4:00 pm we cleaned bikes. At 5:00 pm we had Pizza Hut pizza, coke and pie. Went to bed at 8:45 pm.

April 15, 1996 - Monday Bike Breckenridge to Weatherford, TX

John woke me up at 6:30 as I was sleeping soundly. I was a bit confused and remained so for about 40 miles of the ride. Hurriedly packed and ate breakfast of blueberry cake, banana and orange juice. It was cold and the sun was not up yet as I headed east on US-180 through Breckenridge. A large rock fell off a dump truck and went behind me narrowly missing me. The country was hilly but not bad. Everything was green with trees and song birds. It is mostly farm land with continuous signs of civilization in stark contrast to the past 3 weeks. It was beautiful and the riding easy as I cruised at 16 - 18 mph with Joe Blake and Jim Stewart. We were talking and covered the first 40 miles in no time, stopping for orange juice at Palo Pinto. I rode from there with Steve Salvatori to Mineral Wells 18 miles where most of us stopped at the Dairy Queen for lunch of cheeseburger, french fries and a vanilla shake for $5.17. The 22 mile ride to Weatherford I did by myself and went pretty fast. The hills became larger and it was windy but it didn't seem to be much of a factor. Arrived about 1:00 pm at the Central Christian Church at 1602 S. Main Street, Weatherford, TX 76086 phone 817 594-3053. We travelled 72.3 miles in 4:38 averaging 15.5 mph maxing out at 34.3 mph. Had a nice hot shower outside. Rich Neulist gave me my daily bag of pistachios. Ate supper of spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, fruit punch and coconut pie. I really ate a lot. Went to Braum's for a strawberry sundae for $2.15. Called Anne at 9:05 (10:05 EDST). Went to bed about 9:30 but it was hot and stuffy and my side hurt. Got up about 1:50 and took 4 Ibuprofin and finally got to sleep. Total cumulative miles is 1351.2.

April 16, 1996 - Tuesday Bike Weatherford to Mesquite, TX

Got up at 5:05 but went back and laid down until 5:55. Packed up and had breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage and milk at 6:30. Rich Neulist gave me a bag of pistachios. Got underway about 7:00 riding in a group with Steve Salvatori, Don Kurfees, Phil Hodge and Aurilla Lesley. 45 degrees and breezy with the sun just coming up. Headed out on US-180 then I-30 for 3 - 5 miles. There was a lot of traffic and trash but we got on an access road which was much better. Shortly we were in Ft Worth as we had been cruising at a good clip. We went down a brick street for a couple of miles which really shook us up especially Steve with his broken finger. We passed a motorcycle cop with a radar gun and a patrol car cop. One of them joking said we were speeding. We stopped at a red light and then went back to the cops and took pictures of them writing us up. We saw 6 cyclists from the group coming led by Gini Nissley. We asked the patrol car cop to step out and pull them over which he did! Gini was shocked and didn't quite know what to do. We passed through Arlington past Texas Stadium and some other towns. We soon were in downtown Dallas and the scene of the Kennedy assassination. We took pictures and then went a couple of blocks to Dick's Last Resort for a grilled chicken sandwich with cheese, lettuce, avacado, etc, french fries and ice tea for $7.89. We saw an old log cabin (original post office) and some other sights. We headed out Commerce Strreet. We had a very nice ride that was a very enjoyable day. We arrived at Our Saviour Lutheran Church at 411 N. Town East Boulevard, Mesquite , TX 75150 phone 214 226-0510 at 2:51 after 77.1 miles in 5:24 averaging 14.3 mph and maxing out at 31.6 mph. Stopped next door for a drink. Had a nice indoor shower. Met Dan Hanson from Duluth , MN who joined us today. Rohn McPherson drove 13 of us to the Olive Garden for fettucine alfredo with chicken, salad, bread sticks, 2 draft beers and a strawberry ice cream for $21.41. Slept in a gym that was very nice and cool and quiet. Total cumulative miles is 1428.3.

April 17, 1996 - Wednesday Bike Mesquite to Mineola, TX

Got up about 6:00 and packed up. 6:30 breakfast of apple stroudle, milk and oranges. Meeting at 7:00 am. Got underway at 7:15. Cool so I wore my Goretex jacket. The sun was just coming up. Rode out of town and turned on the access road paralleling I-20. We came to a river and the access road had no bridge. We milled around for a while then climbed a fence, crossed a pasture to the interstate and crossed on its bridge. We went back to the access road on the other side of the river. The road eventually turned into US-80 which we followed into Terrell where we stopped for a drink after 27 miles. The terrain was rolling farm land and quite nice. The grass was growing, the trees had some young leaves and the flowers especially the bluebonnets were everywhere. Stopped in Fruitvale for a drink and then into Grand Saline where we stopped at the Ranchero Restaurant for a soup, salad, hot vegetables and dessert buffet with ice tea for $7.39. The lady kept bringing us plate after plate of hot chocolate chip cookies. We then visited the salt house which was very interesting. Steve Salvatori had a flat rear wheel with a wire through the tuffy so we changed it. A woman newspaper reporter started taking our picture and interviewing us. There was an article about us in the local paper the next day. People are really nice and curious about us everywhere we go. We headed out the 20 miles to a small church 6 miles east of Mineola and 1 mile off the highway US-80. We arrived at Smith Chapel United Methodist Church on Route 2, Mineola, TX 75773 phone 903 569-9187 at 3:30 after 75.9 miles in 5:38 averaging 13.4 mph and maxing out at 26.3 mph. Set up a tent behind the church. Had an outside shower. 6:00 supper of beans, corn bread, slaw, great chocolate nut cream dessert and ice tea by the ladies of the church. Called Kevin and left a message containing birthday wishes for Lorraine. Paid Janech $300 for a total of $1500 for the bike. Total cumulative miles is 1504.2.

April 18, 1996 - Thursday Bike Mineola to Marshall, TX

Got up at 6:00 and packed up. Breakfast of orange juice, apple stroudle and banana at 6:30. Meeting at 6:45 until 7:15. Went back out and struck my tent. Left about 7:30 with Mary Jane, the last ones to leave. Pretty warm and breezy with rolling hills. Going east on US-80. More humidity. Started passing people at 3 miles and passed most of the pack. Wind gusty but not much of a factor coming out of the south. Passed a black college at 17 miles then stopped at Ambassador College for orange juice and a ride through campus. Joined up with Jack Carpenter and John Boyle. Stopped for orange juice and crackers in Gladewater. Called Patti Swanson on her 800 number. Rode into Longview, a city of 70,000+. Stopped at several restaurants that weren't open at 10:45 am. Finally stopped at Pizza Hut on the east side of town for a salad bar, ice tea and ham, cheese etc sandwich for $5.40. Continued on into Marshall, TX at 1:00 and stopped at the Dairy Queen for 2 root beer floats and ice water at $1.07 each. After 2 hours we rode to a bike shop that was closed then onto East Texas Baptist University where we met a very pretty and helpful coed on the cross country team. She led us to the old gym in her car. We talked to her for some time as she was interested in our trip. We found a grassy area in the shade and rested and talked to a young man who was trying out for a minor league pro football team. We could get into the gym at 4:30 where we settled in after 67.4 miles in 4:42 averaging 14.3 mph maxing out at 29.0 mph. The gym is very hot and the showers very cold. Called Anne and chatted for some time. 6:30 supper of perch, rice, fruit punch, cole slaw, peaches and cookies. The gym cooled down and the showers got hot so we slept comfortably. Total cumulative miles is 1571.6.

April 19, 1996 - Friday Bike Marshall, TX to Minden, LA

Got up at 5:00 and packed up. Breakfast of orange juice, donut, 2 cinnamon rolls, banana and milk at 6:00. Had a meeting then off by 6:50. Warm, windy and overcast with dark clouds. Rode through Marshall then left on TX-59, right on TX-43, right on TX-290, then left on TX-1298 through Scottsville and Jonesville. In Jonesville stopped for orange juice at the Old General Store. Six movies had scenes in this store including "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" with Don Johnson and Cybel Sheppard. The store had some "FixAll" paint made by Don Kurfees company in Louisviile, KY. Took a picture of Swanson's Landing historical marker. Rode with Steve Salvatori all day. Turned left on US-80 toward Shreveport. Crossed the Louisiana State Line and took pictures. Running pretty fast with the wind favorable most of the time. Stopped outside Shreveport for orange juice and crackers to kill some time because we were afraid of getting there before the restaurants open. Went through downtown Shreveport past the stadiums (football and baseball), colisium and fairgrounds. We crossed a large bridge spanning the Red River into Bossier. Stopped at Grandys at 10:45 for chicken, french fries, slaw and ice tea for $5.13. Stopped at USA Drug store for film, 2 felt tip pens, 100 Ibuprofin and Money magazine with Phil Hodge's picture in it for $11.37. Left town on a pretty good road and was moving well. Saw a dead monkey along the road but no one would believe us except 2 others who also saw it. Stopped for an orange juice. About 5 miles from Linden my bike got real squarrelly and my back tire was losing air fast. We checked the tire inside and could find nothing. I found a very small cut on the outside (less than ¼ inch) and Steve pried a small piece of glass out with a knife. We stopped for an ice cream soda on entering Minden. We continued on to the Lakeview United Methodist Church at 301 Lakeshore Drive, Minden, LA 71053 phone 318 377-1226. We rode 74.0 miles in 4:57 averaging 14.9 mph and maxing out at 29.0 mph. We arrived about 2:15 and a reporter showed up, interviewed everyone and took pictures. Hot showers outside. Today was hot and I am now aware of sweating. The ladies from church made supper of red beans and rice, salad, chocolate cake and ice tea. Excellent! I ate a ton including 3 pieces of cake. Went to bed at 9:00. Total cumulative miles is 1645.6.

April 20, 1996 - Saturday Bike Minden to Monroe, LA

Got up at 5:15 and packed up. Very warm and breezy with lightning flashes in the distance. 6:00 breakfast of cream of wheat, bananas, pig in a blanket, blueberry yogurt and orange juice. Meeting at 6:30. The reporter showed up again. Got off just before 7:00 with photos being taken. Very humid and overcast. Gini Nissley and I left about the same time and were riding at about the same speed so we ended up riding together all day. We followed US-80 all day through rolling green hills. Stopped for an orange juice in Arcadia. Passed Grambling College. Got word that lunch would be in Monroe. Missed a turn in Ruston which cost us a mile or 2. Passed Louisiana Tech in Ruston. Stopped for a drink. Flatted my rear tire but couldn't find the cause. Stopped in Calhoun for orange juice. Tried to add air to the tire but broke the stem causing a flat. Gini was tiring because of no lunch. About 5 miles west of Monroe my rear tire started thumping badly. About ½ mile short of the hotel the rear tire blew. We were out of tubes. Finally got in about 1:30 to the Days Inn at 2102 Louisville Avenue, Monroe, LA 71201 phone 318 325-5651 after 81 miles. Had Wheels lunch of chicken, baked potato, slaw, garlic bread and fruit punch. Showered and walked to get a 6 pack of Millers Beer for $4.15. Van took Phil Hodge, Brian Woods, Adrienne Arrante, Nate Carmen, Fran Coburn, Joe Blake, Jim Stewart and I to Cormiers for crawfish, corn on the cob, potato, beer and pig sandwich for $15.86. Very good! Cormiers is a converted gas station. Steve Salvatori and I shared room 936. We were in 938 but the AC didn't work very well. Lights out about 10:30.

April 21, 1996 - Sunday Monroe, LA

Got up at 7:15 shaved, showered, etc. Got some orange juice, milk and pecan rolls at the office. At 8:45 met John from Lafayette, LA who took Don Kurfees, Aurilla Lesley, Jim Stewart and I to the N Monroe Baptist Church for singles fellowship, then the service and the dedication of the new sanctuary. About 2,000 in attendance. Miss Louisiana sang to open the service. Returned to the motel about 12:00 and walked to Arby's with Jim Stewart for baked potato with sour cream, BBQ chicken sandwich, apple turnover and ice tea for $6.64. Walked back and did laundry at motel $.75 then dried $.75. Walked up to get ice tea $.97 then repaired 3 tubes while clothes dried. Cleaned out my bag and reorganized it. 4:00 cleaned and waxed bike chains. Bought 4 tubes and gave 2 to Gini. Reorganized bike and got cleats and seat post from Janech. Pumped up tires to 120 psi. 6:00 Wheels supper of fruit salad with peach sherbet, ham, lettuce and tomato sandwich with Coke. Wrote post cards to Charles Elms, Nelsons, Huelskamps and Frains.

April 22, 1996 - Monday Bike Monroe, LA to Vicksburg, MS

Steve got up at 5:42 and woke me up. Packed up and went to breakfast of banana nut bread, peaches, whipped cream and orange juice at 6:00. Got underway just before 7:00 with John Boyle, Jack Carpenter and Steve Salvatori. Headed east on US-80 past a bayou. The sky was overcast and threatening but we got no rain all day. The wind was mostly a cross wind and occasionally a head wind but it was fairly light so it was not much of a factor except for a few minutes. We stopped in Raysville for orange juice. John Boyle had broken a spoke which slowed him down considerably. Steve and I rode on after Raysville. The terrain was very flat all the way to Vicksburg. We intended to eat in Tallulah but there was nothing so I had orange juice and crackers. Called Patti Swanson but it was busy so I left a message. Stopped about 5 miles short of Vicksburg for orange juice and a break. Crossed the Mississippi River on the old bridge and took several pictures. Stopped at the visitors center. A guard quizzed us about crossing the bridge which we were not supposed to do. We pretended to not understand. Continued on to the Battlefield National Park. We started around the 16 mile drive but turned back because it was not that interesting. Went on to the Battlefield Campground in Vicksburg, MS phone 601 636-2025 after 82 miles arriving at 2:00. Set up tent #17 on a hill. Had a hot shower. About 5:00 it started raining very hard and there was a tornado watch on the radio with one sited about 8 miles away. During a respite in the rain about 6:00 we had supper of spaghetti, corn, rolls, salad, brownie, ice cream and fruit punch. At 8:00 it was raining again with lightning in the distance. The earlier storm dropped 1.6 inches in about 25 minutes. The street outside my tent was a roaring torrent. It rained hard until about 1:00 am. Total cumulative miles is 1807.6.

April 23, 1996 - Tuesday Bike Vicksburg to Pearl, MS

Got up at 6:00 and packed up. Dried a towel and shorts in a dryer. Packed tent all wet. 7:00 breakfast of omelet, cream of wheat, orange and milk. Got underway about 8:00. Cool and breezy but not much of a factor. Very hilly coming out of Vicksburg. All the dips had mud and debri so the road was in bad condition and we were slow. Followed US-80 east. The land soon flattened out and it got warmer. The day started overcast but it mostly cleared by the time we got into Pearl. Rode with Steve Salvatori, Jack Carpenter and John Boyle. Stopped in Edwards for orange juice and crackers. John had a flat on the front from a thorn. At 10:30 stopped in a Dairy Queen for lunch of hamburger, fries and vanilla shake for $4.35. I dropped my shake and lost half of it so they gave me another. Many riders showed up. Took off and soon was through Jackson and into Pearl where we stopped at a Dairy Queen for a root beer float for $2.02. Took several pictures and many others showed up. Met Nate's wife Mary Ellen who had just come in on the plane. Rode the final 2 miles to the Paul Truitt Memorial Baptist Church at 3705 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, MS 39208 phone 601 939-2975 after 49 miles arriving at 1:48. Set up tent to dry in the parking lot and took a hot shower outside. Supper at 5:30 of pork chop, sweet potato, broccoli, salad, pecan pie, ice cream and fruit punch. Walked to a gas station and called Anne. Total cumulative miles is 1856.6.

April 24, 1996 - Wednesday Bike Pearl to Meridian, MS

Lights on at 5:37 so I got up and packed up. Good night sleeping as I had an open window at my head and it was a cool night. 6:00 breakfast of cream of wheat, bananas, twisted donut and orange juice. Off before 7:00. Cool morning, clear and little wind. There were a few hills and long level stretches. The road was very bad at times but mostly good. Stopped for orange juice at Pelahatchie. Riding with John Boyle, Jack Carpenter and Steve Salvatori. Steve and I ran away from John and Jack after the break. Stopped in Newton at a Subway for an Italian sub, Mello Yellow and 2 chocolate chip cookies for $2.74. They were expecting us and gave us everything at half price. Easy ride into Meridian where we stopped for a root beer float for $1.75. Got into Camp and Trailer Campground in Meridian, MS phone 601 485-4549 at 1:30 after 90 miles. Set up tent. Hot shower inside. Supper of stuffing, gravy, turkey, peas, pudding dessert and fruit punch. Very good day with 11:00 am temperature at 68 degrees. Mississippi very nice and pleasant . Total cumulative miles is 1946.6.

April 25, 1996 - Thursday Bike Meridian, MS to Millers Ferry, AL

Got up at 5:17 and packed up. Took down tent. Cool and clear. 6:00 breakfast of cream of wheat, orange juice, banana and blueberry bagel with cream cheese. Underway at 6:40. Sun just coming up. Sue Neulist got hit by a truck mirror. She is bruised but probably okay because she rode this afternoon. Pretty hilly but also lots of flat areas. Mostly wooded and no towns. Many trucks most of them logging trucks. Stopped to help Pete Boggs who had a grinding noise in the back. Caught Steve Salvatori as we crossed the I-20 on US-80. Stopped 2 miles later at the Alabama border and took pictures with about a dozen others. Pretty cool all day with a high of about 75 degrees in the shade. Caught Jack Carpenter and John Boyle and rode with them. Stopped in the Depot Restaurant in Linden for buffet and ice tea for $6.13. Most people stopped there. The 30 miles after lunch were uneventful but the four of us had a good time fooling around including a stop to look at 4 emus (ostrich like bird). Got into a beautiful campground at East Bank Public Use Area, Millers Ferry, AL phone 205 682-4191 at 2:55 after 91.8 miles in 6:00 averaging 15.2 mph maxing out at 31.2 mph. Set up tent. Hot! Showered. 5:30 supper of tang, sausage, green beans, pasta and strawberry shortcake. Called Anne. Walked down to looked at lake just after sundown. Called Kevin and talked to Lorraine. Total cumulative miles is 2038.4.

April 26, 1996 - Friday Bike Millers Ferry to Luverne, AL

At 5:45 it started raining. Got up at 6:10 and packed up. It was raining hard so they told us to take the tents down because it was not going to let up. 7:00 breakfast of cream of wheat, strawberries, bananas, blueberry cake and milk. It stopped raining so we set out about 8:00. Biked east on AL-28 and then left on AL-10 after about 10 miles. Riding with Jack Carpenter, John Boyle and Steve Salvatori. Don Kurfees and Phil Hodge caught us and rode with us for several miles. It was raining most of the time and chilly. Rode through mostly woods and very pretty. Stopped in Oak Hill for orange juice. Steve's front tire sidewall was busted so we waited for the van to get a new tire. Steve and I continued for 32 miles in the rain, sometimes very hard rain to Greenville. There we stopped for a BBQ sandwich, french fries, slaw and vanilla shake plus 8 post cards for $8.27. We were wet and cold and it was difficult starting again at 12:20. The last 28 miles we didn't have any rain and we were riding faster. Stopped at Stephen's Grocery for orange juice, crackers and ice cream for $1.59. Sat on the porch and talked to Stephen's brother and Bob Sheffield a crippled (cane) champion fiddle player . Rode the last 8 miles to Luverne with Jack Carpenter, John Boyle and Gini Nissley. Arrived at the United Methodist Church in Luverne, AL after 82 miles. I was greeted at the church by a nice big black lab retriever. Took a hot shower. Walked to the laundramat with Steve and did laundry $.50 wash, $.50 soap and $.50 dry. Ran into Stephen's brother and Bob Sheffield and talked about 10 minutes. 5:30 supper of hamburger, corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and tang. Total cumulative miles is 2120.4.

April 27, 1996 - Saturday Bike Luverne to Abbeville, AL

Got up at 5:08 and packed up. 6:00 breakfast of pineapple cake, orange, banana, milk and ??. Got underway about 6:30 with sun just coming up. It is cool so I wore my rain jacket. Very hilly and it got more so as the day progressed. Pretty country with lots of ponds with rising mists and cows. Clear skies. Rode alone to Spring Hill where I stopped for orange juice. Joined up with Jack Carpenter, John Boyle and Steve Salvatori. Rode to Clio and it got increasingly hilly with some major hills. Stopped for orange juice. Steve and I left together. Steve ran over a rock in the road that almost threw him off the bike. Very scary! After a few miles I started running some hills and ran away from everyone to the Abbeville Inn Best Western at highways US-431 and AL-27 in Abbeville, AL phone 205 585-5060 after 70 miles arriving at 11:49. Checked into room 121 with Steve Salvatori. Showered and had Wheels lunch of beans with meat, apple sauce, pasta salad and tang. Jack, Steve, Pete Boggs and I walked to Hardees for a vanilla shake $1.93 about 3:00 where Joe Blake and Jim Stewart joined us. At 5:00 Janech Davenport shuttled Frank Klinkowski, John Boyle, Jack Carpenter, Frank Coburn, Phil Hodge, Don Kurfees, Cy Johnson, Joe Blake, Jim Stewart, Pete Boggs and I to the Money Grill where I had a great steak with baked potato, salad and ice tea for $15 including tip. Walked to a convenience store for 2 beers and cashew nuts. Called Anne several times but she was not home. Steve and I talked for a couple of hours until after midnight. Total cumulative miles is 2190.4.

April 28, 1996 - Sunday Bike Abbeville, AL to Edison, GA

Got up at 6:20 and shaved. Packed up and ate breakfast of blueberry waffle, whipped cream, peaches and milk at 10:00. Took off about 11:00 and determined to go slow. Very warm. The road is moderately hilly. After 17 miles we stopped in Ft Gaines for orange juice, ham and cheese sandwich and potato chips. Crossed the Chattahoochie River into Georgia about noon. Really dallied and rode slow with Steve Salvatori. It is very warm. The road is moderately hilly . Stopped in Edison for orange juice and a Dr Pepper. Finally came in after 4:30 dead last even after the Neulists. Arrived at Pinson Edison United Methodist Church in Edison, GA 31791 phone 912 835-3358 after 38 miles. Took a hot shower outside. Ate a church supper of fried fish, potatoes, slaw, hush puppies, grits, tea, etc. The men of the church had saved their catfish catch for about a week to feed us. Church service at 7:30 with the church and Wheels combined. Total cumulative miles is 2228.4.

April 29, 1996 - Monday Bike Edison to Sylvester, GA

Got up at 5:10 and packed up. Breakfast at 6:00 of cream of wheat, peaches, orange juice and apple cobbler. Off about 7:11 with the sun coming up. Heavy overcast. Rode 9 miles on GA-37 to Morgan, then left on GA-41, then right on GA-234 to Albany. Picked up a line of about 10 riders outside Morgan and Janech took many pictures hanging out of the van as we cruised at 20 mph. It started raining lightly as we entered Albany at 33 miles. Stopped for an orange juice. Steve Salvatori and I picked our way through Albany catching US-82 on the way. Ran into heavy rain between Albany and Sylvester but we kept going until we stopped for BBQ pork, slaw, bread, ice tea, Brunswick stew and french fries for $6.25. We arrived at 10:50 before it opened and left at 12:40 for the half mile to church. The Pinson United Methodist Church in Sylvester, GA phone 912 776-2778 was our home after 61 miles. Picked a room and got my gear from the truck. Drank a hot chocolate. We all got a guided tour of Sylvester including the Chamber of Commerce, the airport, high school, etc. Took hot showers inside at the high school. Walked a couple of blocks to 6:00 dinner of salad, spaghetti, ice tea and cake at the Baptist church. 7:30 talent show by the cross country bikers that lasted until 10:00. Acts included Coach and Janech Davenport with Bob and Marie doing the shaving routine. Aurilla Lesley gave out appropriate homemade awards to everyone. Adrienne Arrante gave a lecture on blowing your nose while cycling. Patrick Black gave us a musical tour across the US on a trumpet. Phil Hodge read a poem "The Next Hill". Dan Hanson read a very entertaining and clever day from his journal. Jack Carpenter read a poem . The married couples sang "No More" concerning the hardships of our journey. John Boyle, Steve Salvatori and I, the Roadkill Trio, sang the "Roadkill Song" written by Steve. I presented Sue Neulist's card to the staff. I gave Janech $565 from everyone for the staff. Called Anne after 10:00. Total cumulative miles is 2289.4.

April 30, 1996 - Tuesday Bike Sylvester to Waycross, GA

Got up and packed up. 6:00 breakfast of eggs, sausage, toast and milk. It rained all night with a strong wind. The sky is very overcast and dark. It stopped raining and we got away after 7:00. The roads are wet and the clouds are hanging very low. We have a good tailwind. The road is pretty flat with an occasional undulation. Stopped in Tifton for orange juice after 22 miles. Ran through a light misty rain for about 5 minutes. Stopped at Hardees in Pearson for lunch of bacon cheeseburger, fries and vanilla shake for $5.54. Steve picked up the pace and we sailed into Waycross by 1:30. Arrived at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 1005 Church Street, Waycross, GA 31501 phone 912 283-5526. We rode 92.4 miles in 5:09 averaging 17.9 mph topping out at 26.3 mph. The sun was out for the last hour of the ride. Were shuttled to the YMCA for a hot shower inside. Doug had driven the Wheels bus to Waycross from Upland. Took Wheels bus to the Okeefenokee Swamp for a boat tour at 4:00 pm. Returned at 6:00 for church supper of all kinds of food. Had a birthday party with cake, ice cream and road debri gifts for Coach. Total cumulative miles is 2387.8.

May 1, 1996 - Wednesday Bike Waycross to St Simons Island, GA

Got up at 5:27 and packed. 6:00 breakfast of orange juice, donut and cream of wheat. 8 or 9 slow riders left at 6:00 escorted by the van. The rest of us left about 6:45. It was cool and clear so I wore my rain jacket. The terrain was getting flatter as we progressed. The road US-82 was a 4 lane divided highway with lots of room on the side and smooth. Very little wind. We rode pretty much as one large group at about 17 mph. We stopped for orange juice in Nahunta after about 23 miles. We stopped in Wayneville for a break at about 40 miles. We crossed I-95 and continued on US-17across the big bridge into Brunswick stopping at McDonalds about 10:45 for chicken sandwiches, fries and vanilla shake for $4.13. I could hardly contain the tension and excitement inside of me. We waited for everyone and then proceeded at 8 - 10 mph under police escort about 8 miles over two bridges to St Simons Island. We were two abreast with Steve and I in the second row behind staffers Chip Gosnell and Johnnie. We turned the coner in town and headed the 3 blocks to the beach with sirens echoing



between the buildings. I spotted Anne and Patti almost immediately and started waving. Very emotional as we stopped at the beach after 66.5 miles in 4:34 averaging 14.5 mph maxing out at 22 mph. We had completed our Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean ride after 2444.3 miles in 35 riding days. After greeting Anne and Patti we headed for the beach to dip our front tires in the ocean , then group pictures followed by individual pictures. We ate lunch of a beer and clam chowder (excellent). We followed the bus at 2:45 to the athletic club where we showered and changed. We drove the rented 96 Camry to Ryan's at 4:30 for a buffet dinner. After dinner I presented cash envelopes to the staff. We were then presented with engraved medallions for crossing the US on bikes. We said good byes and headed up I-95 to Patti's father's house in Fayetteville arriving at 11:45.

May 2, 1996 - Thursday Drive to Columbia, MD

Got up at 6:30. Ate breakfast of orange juice and Total with a banana. Got underway about 9:30. Stopped below Petersburg, VA at Denny's for chicken sandwich, fries and ice tea for $5.39. Drove to Patti's and then home arriving about 4:45.