2010 Coast2Coast with WomanTours

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED - ARRIVED IN ST. AUGUSTINE (I did it!!)

2010-04-29T15:21:00.003-04:00

ARRIVED SAFELY IN ST. AUGUSTINE this morning around 11am. It was a 40 mile ride under cool and fast conditions. At 40 miles we were joined by the St. Augustine police who escorted us 6 miles to the beach where we dipped our front tires into the Atlantic Ocean. A ritual with Womantours and also other bicycle touring groups. Friends and families were waiting there with signs and hugs as we arrived. We had a picnic at the beach and this evening a final banquet for the riders. It was an adventure with many highs and very few lows. Re-entry into the real world tomorrow.

High Springs to Palatka, Florida (75 miles) - ONE MORE DAY!!!

2010-04-28T17:01:00.002-04:00

Today was a 75 mile day, beautiful weather and great road conditions for cycling in Florida. It was my last day as a SAG driver. The ladies kept reminding me it was my last SAG stop. At first it didn´t bother me, but by late afternoon reality hit!! This was my last SAG stop. Tomorrow I will be cycling into St. Augustine (47 miles) and dip my front wheel into the Atlantic Ocean. Unbelievable!! In the photo are three of the four SAGS!! (Left to right: Karen Cooper, ME, and AMY Derwinski)

PERRY TO HIGH SPRINGS, FLORIDA (76 MILES)

2010-04-27T20:51:00.001-04:00

Today was another beautiful day cycling in Florida. The terrain was flat and the temperatures perfect. We stopped and dipped our feet into an emerald green lake in Ichetucknee State Park. (photo) The water was crystal clear and you could see all the way to the bottom. What a treat for my HOT feet. Two more days until we reach St. Augustine. WOW!!!

WAKULLA SPRINGS TO PERRY FLORIDA ( 51 miles)

2010-04-26T16:39:00.001-04:00

Beautiful day to ride. Florida highways were smooth and the terrain flat. Everyone got into the hotel in record times. Some were cycling 15 to 18 MPH average speed, including yours truly. Only three more cycling days left: High Springs (76 miles), Palatka (73 miles), and St. Augustine, Florida only 47 miles. It is hard to believe sometimes that this journey is coming to an end. Photo of one of our cyclists stretching on the side of the road.

QUINCY TO WAKULLA SPRINGS, FLORIDA

2010-04-26T16:17:00.004-04:00

Very short day, only 40 miles to Wakulla Springs, Florida and a day off. The ride was short and we seemed to be ahead of the rain all morning. It sprinkled a little, but we made it to the hotel in time. Wakulla Springs Lodge is located in a state park and wildlife sanctuary quietly hidden in the Spanish moss-draped Florida woodlands, 30 minutes from Tallahassee. The lodge offers a boat tour on the Wakulla River. I took the three mile river boat tour that lasted a little over an hour. We were able to see and photograph alligators, native birds, turtles and other wildlife up close. Some of the women were planning on a kayak trip this morning, but it was raining when we got up, and they canceled. I had not planned on entering the water, either swimming or kayaking. Every creature we saw on the boat tour yesterday is in that water. It shocks me that they allow swimming in the same area as the alligators and snakes, and there is no separation except for a roped off area. The ranger said that no one has been bitten by an alligator in six years However, one of our cyclists went down to the beach this afternoon to take some photos and as she turned to come back, she was confronted by an alligator only 6 feet away. In the photo you can see three turtles and an alligator sharing the same log.... at least until the alligator gets hungry.

Marianna to Quincy FLORIDA

2010-04-23T18:51:00.003-04:00

Today we cycled out of Marianna to Quincy, Florida (55 miles). Marianna is a small town that has a junior college called CHIPOLA. Chipola is where my son Tony went to school, in 1977, for two years on a baseball scholarship. It is a town with all the usual fast food restaurants and strip malls. The thing that surprised me the most was the fact that there were no bicycle lanes, and it´s a college town. It was very difficult getting to our hotel on the busy city streets. Quincy, Florida is also a small southern town with HUGE southern mansions. We stopped and had lunch at Miss Helen´s restaurant. The owner told us that these millionaires made their money on Coca Cola stock. As the story goes, many of the residents were offered stock options when the plant opened here many years ago. The ones that bought the stock are now the millionaries living in the BIG WHITE MANSIONS.

EVERYBODY LOVES THE SAG DRIVER

2010-04-22T18:48:00.014-04:00

Today was my turn as a SAG driver. As I sat in the car waiting for the cyclists to pass by, I thought long and hard about the duties & responsibilities of a SAG driver. The primary duty is to provide water and snacks every 20 miles to the cyclists. Some SAG days are longer than others, today I had 94 mile day with 4 SAG stops, and at each stop each rider had to be logged ¨ in and out¨ to make sure everyone passed by safely. There are three types of cyclists in our group: FAST, AVERAGE SPEED, and SLOW. But, something else came to mind, the emotional support. And the amazing part of this whole scenario is the fact that they are all happy to see the SAG car and driver. And, we drivers are happy to see the cyclist. It is similar to waiting and watching for your lover to come home. It´s a love affair between cyclists and SAG, that most people will never understand unless they´ve been out on the road for days touring. It is a show of love and compassion like no other.......... (photo of Sag Sistaś Amy, Shelley and Karen)

SEVEN MORE DAYS OF CYCLING -

2010-04-21T17:40:00.004-04:00

Today I cycled from Pensacola to Crestview, Florida. Total of 70 miles. The morning was cool, but afternoon was hot and hilly. Yes, hills in Florida. We were out in the country somewhere, --even the driveway into the Hampton Inn had a hill, --we couldn´t believe it. The photo is of a RED dirt country road. Not much else to photograph. Also got to ride on a 8 mile paved bike trail. That was relaxing after being in traffic for 2,000 miles. We even sat on the side of the bike path and ate our lunch. NICE!!!

QUOTE:"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle." ~Ernest Hemingway

The Last State - FLORIDA

2010-04-20T21:40:00.009-04:00

Crossed over into Florida this afternoon after taking the ferry from Dauphin Island, Alabama, then cycling 60 miles. Great day for cycling and conditions were perfect. Went into the ¨visitors center¨ upon crossing the border and met a wonderful lady who was helpful, friendly and amazed at the journey we have been on for the past two months. I want to thank her for her kind hospitality and words of encouragement. The people we have met on this journey are something I will never forget. From California to Florida it has been one random act of kindness after another. This is a great country and day after day on this trip I´ve found out how true southern hospitality really works. Not one person has ever been too busy to answer our questions or offer a helping hand. My faith in humanity has totally been restored..

Rest Day on Dauphin Island, Alabama

2010-04-19T15:25:00.008-04:00

Our condo is on the beach at Dauphin Island, Alabama. Very nicely furnished with a short walk to the Gulf of Mexico. Also has two swimming pools, one heated and one not heated. Walked on the beach this morning and had breakfast at a restaurant on the local golf course. I am not someone who enjoys swimming in the ocean, so it was not tempting to go for a swim.

Crossed the Border into ALABAMA this Afternoon

2010-04-18T18:32:00.003-04:00

Crossed the border into Alabama this afternoon. It was a beautiful ride, short and flat. We did cross over a long arched bridge from the mainland to Dauphin Island which is on the Gulf of Mexico. In the photo, you can see in the distance,the arch in the bridge. One of the ladies I was riding with got a flat on the other side of the arch. Tomorrow is a rest day and what a beautiful place to rest. Our condo is located on the beach with two swimming pools. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

Last Night in Mississippi

2010-04-17T16:35:00.006-04:00

Drove the SAG car today. The women did 67 miles through quiet rural roads of southern Mississippi. Nothing much happening en route until they crossed the bridge/bridges into Pascagoula. Pascagoula, the “Singing River” city beside the Gulf of Mexico has a deep and rich history as a European settlement that goes back over 300 years. Her name is taken from a band of peaceful Native Americans (Pascagoula means “bread eaters”) who inhabited the area when Hemando De Soto first made contact with them in the 1540’s. Tragically, these noble people are now extinct having drowned themselves chanting as they waded into the deepening river waters rather than enslave themselves to their enemy, the fierce Biloxi. Thus, the legend of the “Singing River” was born. We celebrated our arrival in Pascagoula by having a Margarita party this evening.

Crossed into Wiggins, Mississippi Today (60 miles)

2010-04-16T17:59:00.002-04:00

Photo shows breakfast this morning in Louisiana. We have a chef that travels with us and cooks our meals. Most of the time breakfast is in the hotel, but this hotel did not offer it so we ate outside. Everyone was excited about crossing yet another border into Mississippi. The terrain was rolling hills and rough road surfaces. The heat was also a factor, in the low 90´s someone said? It felt like it.

Hammond to Bogalusa, Louisiana (Last Day in LA)

2010-04-15T17:24:00.002-04:00

Short ride day today, only 55 miles. Much welcomed relief after 87 miles yesterday. It was a beautiful day again, cool in the morning and HOT by afternoon. The azaleas are in full bloom here in Louisiana. (photo) The dogs were out again in full force. Had several incidents, but everyone got away from the territorial dogs. Must mention the cajun cuisine. We are all enjoying great lunches of catfish, crawfish, and poboys. Tomorrow we will be crossing the border into Mississippi. Second photo is of two women I ride with most of the time. Two more weeks and I will be in St. Augustine.

St.Francisville to Hammond, Louisiana

2010-04-14T21:33:00.004-04:00

We took off at the crack of dawn this morning because we had 87 LONG miles to do. (This photo was of the group that stayed at the INN) It was a long day. However, the roads were good and the weather was cool in the morning, but quite warm by late afternoon. We got into our hotel around 4:15pm. I did not take any photos today because we were mostly on country roads with not much to photograph. The big excitement for me was having a dog jump out of a ditch while I was passing him on my bike and almost bite my ankle. I screamed and yelled scaring him away. It amazes me that I did not fall of the bike and become dog food. Dogs have been a BIG problem for us. Every day someone experiences a situation like mine where a dog is trying to attack a cyclist. NO leash laws out in the middle of no where, I guess??

St.Francisville Inn

2010-04-13T14:52:00.000-04:00

Had a yoga class in the courtyard of the INN this morning. Felt good to stretch and unwind. Good karma.

LAKE CHARLES, LAFAYETTE AND ST.FRANCISVILLE, LOUISIANA

2010-04-13T10:43:00.002-04:00

Photo of the bayou as we entered Louisiana. I was so excited to be out of Texas. There is a big difference in the roads and the drivers. In a positive way. Have not had internet service or I´ve been too tired to post information on my BLOG. Went to Cajun restaurant and bar in Lafayette, Louisiana and had a blast. Ate craw fish and gumbo soup. The bar had a cajun band and we danced to the upbeat cajun music after cycling 80 miles that day. It was so much fun. However, we were still back at our hotel by 9:00pm and back out on the road again the next mornning. Today is our day off in St Francisville, LA. We are staying at a beautiful old plantation house. A married couple just checked in and they are also cycling from San Diego. They said that they have been following us for a week and everywhere they go they´ve heard about us. (Didn´t say if it was good or bad??)

HOORAY OUT OF TEXAS TODAY!!!!

2010-04-10T21:59:00.004-04:00

Stayed in Silisbee, Texas last night and had Miss Kitty (how appropriate),as our hostess at the hotel. She told us she was a X Las Vegas showgirl(40 yrs. ago) turned hotel clerk. She was a riot, --had us all laughing most of the night and also this morning. The hotel was a minus one star and not somewhere you would want to revisit, except to say HI to Miss Kitty. Cycled over 60 miles yesterday and 75 today into Lake Charles, Louisiana. Photos of Miss Kitty and crossing the border into LA. We had our usual Margarita party celebrating exiting and entering another state. Feels good to be out of Texas and cycling on roads in LA that do not have ¨chip seal¨.

Cleveland, Texas (SAG DAY)

2010-04-08T17:29:00.001-04:00

Today was a 75 mile day and my day to drive the SAG. This was the first day that I wished I was cycling instead of driving the car. Conditions were perfect, -----not too many hills, great road conditions and perfect temperatures. The route went through Sam Houston State Park with mile after mile of pine trees. Almost felt like I was home in Pennsylvania. Beginning to see the many logging trucks we were warned about. No bad reports except one. A truck came too close to the cyclists and honked his horn almost scaring them off the bike. The others were very courteous.

La Grange to Navasota, Texas (70miles) & a Rest Day

2010-04-07T22:39:00.004-04:00

The first photo was taken on the morning we left for Navasota. A women from LaGrange, who our cyclists met the day before cycling, invited us all to stop by her ranch in the morning for coffee. It was a beautiful ranch with horses and cows & green pastures. She had a table set-up in the driveway. Southern hospitality at it's finest. The second photo is ME, in a field of bluebonnets. Today was a day of rest. Actually read some of the book I brought with me. Tomorrow is my turn to SAG.

LaGrange, Texas (almost out of Texas)

2010-04-05T18:08:00.002-04:00

Great ride today from Bastrop to LaGrange Texas. Did 45 miles of country roads and rolling, short steep climbs. The wild flowers were in bloom and literally lit up the countryside. Got to take some photos of the wild flowers and a bull/cow?? Four more days and we will be out of Texas. It´s been a long haul and difficult cycling on these roads that are paved with CHIP SEAL.

Blanco to Bastrop, Texas

2010-04-04T21:21:00.000-04:00

No photos today. Today was the worst day ever. The traffic was horrible,the road conditions were awful, (no berm) lots of twists and turns, and the drivers were nasty and mean. We have never had problems with Texas drivers until today. There was no berm on most of the roads so we had to cycle in traffic which ticked everybody off. Today was a 93 mile day. I ended up sagging for 15 miles because conditions were so bad. I actually thought I was going to get hit by one of the trucks or speeding cars. Glad this day is over with.

BLANCO, TEXAS - HOT, HOT, HOT and GETTING HOTTER!!

2010-04-03T18:59:00.001-04:00

My turn to drive the SAG wagon today. Got to rest my legs another day. The ladies did 65 miles and by afternoon it was blazing hot. No cloud cover, and not many trees lining the streets and roads. Two people chose not to ride today for medical reasons. Everyone else finished. Tomorrow is 93 miles, so it will be a another long, challenging day on the road. Photo #1 entrance gate to one of the BIG ranches. Photo #2 General store on the main street in the town of Waring, Texas. Population 5-10 maybe??

Rest Day in Kerrville, Texas

2010-04-02T18:06:00.002-04:00

Rest day in Kerrville, Texas. My friend Becky from Tyler, Texas joined us last night for dinner at our hotel, and today showed us around town. Went to Fredricksburg to visit the Texas wild flower farm. It was a nature at it´s finest. Enjoyed seeing the Texas state flower (bluebonnet) in bloom. Had lunch and walked through the shops of Fredricksburg. Photo #1 are people celebrating the Easter
holiday. Photo#2 - Becky and I at the wild flower farm. Photo#3 the Bluebonnet.

Camp Wood, to Vanderpool to Kerrville, Texas

2010-04-01T22:18:00.001-04:00

Vanderpool is a beautiful place. We stayed in private cabins located in a secluded valley somewhere in the hill country of Texas. This place had no internet or phone communications. It was a short day on the bike, but there were three steep climbs, some grades were at 12%. The next morning when we had to leave Vanderpool for Kerrville, we were all exhausted from the day before. Some of the women, who were tired from the day before took the SAG to the top of the first climb which was 1.3 miles high. I was one of them. Got out of the SAG on the top of the mountain, and cycled down the other side, which to me is worse than climbing. Some of the bends were sharp and dangerous. Tonight we are staying in a very nice hotel in Kerrville and have the day of tomorrow. Yippee. We are actually half way through TEXAS, and halfway cross country. That is quite remarkable.

Celebrating MY 1,049th MILE TODAY!!!!

2010-03-30T21:10:00.002-04:00

Today was a short ride, 50 miles from Bracketville to Camp Wood, Texas. It was a day that put me over 1,000 miles of cycling so far. One of the highlights on our cue sheet was ¨when we cross the Nueces River at mile 45 JUMP IN!! Believe me that is what we did. The water was ice cold and swirling, just like a whirlpool and it felt wonderful...ahhhhhhhh. The first photo is purple Texas wild flowers, they were beautiful.

No Internet Yesterday in Fort Clark,--Brackettville, TEXAS

2010-03-30T18:40:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a good day. I drove the SAG wagon after the 111 miler the day before. Got to rest my weary legs and support the other cyclists on their 43 mile trek to Fort Clark. Fort Clark was built around Las Moras Springs, on the site of a Comanche Indian village whose residents were driven out by the Calvary in 1840. By controlling the springs the U.S. Military could both assure water for its own use and deny it to any foes, Mexican or Indian. The springs were converted into a large swimming pool for visitors. Got to enjoy the springs that evening. Photo #1 shows our quarters. Photo #2 is a man we met on the road cycling from San Diego to North Carolina for the Shriners.

Sanderson to Del Rio 111 miles (10 hours)

2010-03-28T21:35:00.001-04:00

Today was the longest day of the tour, 111 miles. Started out at daybreak around 7:45am and got into our hotel at 5:45pm. All 22 of us completed the 111 miles. We were given strict guidelines on nutrition and hydration this morning before we left. The group I cycled with followed these instructions all day, and got in without any problems. It appears that everyone is in ¨tip top¨ shape at this point. The above photo is one of the many rolling hills we had to climb today. The guides treated us to pizza for dinner this evening. Going to bed early.

Marathon to Sanderson Texas -54 miles

2010-03-27T21:55:00.002-04:00

What a ride. Didn´t see anyone but the cyclist in front of me, for 54 miles. There were no houses, gas stations, not much traffic, only a few steers and a couple of buffalo. Met a couple on the road who were also traveling cross country. They were carrying all their gear on their bikes.

Tomorrow is the BIG day 111 miles.

60 miles today --Fort Davis to Marathon, TEXAS (6 HRS)

2010-03-26T19:20:00.004-04:00

Still in the middle of no where. Population of Marathon, TEXAS 5,500. The ride today was great, wind gusts were very strong at times, but we made it. Accommodations are plush and cozy with a beautiful courtyard. THE GAGE HOTEL (4 STAR), gets my vote for the best shower/ bathroom so far. HUGE shower with a tiled bench and bathrobes, warm towels and great smelling shampoo and stuff. WHEW I needed that. True Texas hospitality in the second photo. They make their own rules down here in the Lone Star state.

Day 20 -Rest Day in Fort Davis, TEXAS

2010-03-25T17:15:00.005-04:00

Much needed rest day today. Went into town this morning to check out the sights. It is definitely a sleepy little western town. Nothing opened until around 10am. We got there at 9:30am and found a little coffee shop. Some of us did laundry in town, others walked through the little shops and stores. I always enjoy talking to the locals about their town and what it has to offer. Some are willing to talk and others seem uninterested. Came back to the Indian Lodge and cleaned my bike and did some computer stuff. The lodge where we are staying is a beautiful place built by the Conservation Corp during the 1930´s. My father was a member of the CC Corp. It is located in a canyon where there are warnings about mountain lions and other critters, wild pigs, roaming around these hills. Saw some small deer that actually came into the parking lot looking for food. We were warned NOT to feed the animals. Don´t have to worry about me doing that.

Fort Davis, Texas

2010-03-24T22:32:00.002-04:00

West Texas is a place you pass through on your way to somewhere else. This is the middle of no where, believe me. Availability of internet is a shock, so I thought I´d better post my thoughts for today. DIdn´t cycle today, drove the SAG wagon instead. It was a rough day for the cyclists, 90 miles through the middle of no where with winds and large climbs. Only 4 out of 24 completed the entire 90 miles. Tomorrow is a day off. Photo of my friend Patti Hall,and the Davis Mtns.

Love this PHOTO

2010-03-24T22:18:00.002-04:00

This photo was taken by my roommate a couple of days ago. It really depicts my mood when cycling through the desert. Mile after mile, as far as the eye can see, there is nothing but you, the bike, and the desert. It´s survival of the fittest not only emotionally, but physically.

El Paso, to Fort Hancock, to Van Horn Texas.

2010-03-23T18:58:00.004-04:00

Three days in Texas and counting. We will actually spend three weeks here before reaching LA. So far itś been flat baron landscape, not anything special. The last three days have been high mileage days. Approximately 200 total miles. Tomorrow I drive the SAG and I am actually looking forward to it. Need a rest day from the road. Then we have a day off. Included are photos of the MISSION TRAIL, leading out of El Paso, and photos of the ever present Border Patrol. Last night we stayed in Fort Hancock, and there was internet or phone service. Trying to catch up today.

Las Cruses, NM to El Paso, Texas (66 miles)

2010-03-21T19:16:00.001-04:00

Today was the best day ever. Temperatures were perfect and the terrain mostly flat with only a few rolling hills. Leisurely ride except when entering the city of El Paso. It was very congested, spread out and a million traffic lights. So we had to stop and start, stop and start, until we got to our hotel. The entire city is encompassed by the HIGH FENCE/WALL separating the US from Mexico. It is a ugly site for sore eyes. Margarita party tonight.....we crossed another border.

Las Cruses, --Last day in New Mexico

2010-03-20T23:09:00.003-04:00

Definitely a good day. Drove the SAG wagon while the others cycled 88 miles. Some did not go the distance because of the climb the day before. Tomorrow we leave New Mexico for Texas.

Emory Pass New Mexico (8,000+feet)

2010-03-20T22:57:00.000-04:00

Friday was a day to remember. Climbing 40 miles up into the mountains and over Emory Pass. I cycled most of it alone, knowing the SAG support was at 30 miles. Then no SAG at 30, she had to go back for someone who had broken down. (The next SAG stop was 40.) Had a hard time breathing and could not catch my breath. Thought at first I was hyperventilating, but after many hours of not being able to take a deep breath, I realized it was lack of oxygen due to the climb and change in elevation. Half way to the top there was beginning evidence of snow on the sides of the road. Nothing on the road, however. Two miles from the top, it started to come down, -- wind, sleet and snow. Now I´m freezing and feel like CRAP. Ahhh, the SAG wagon came by just at the right time. She was asking people to get off the road because of the changing weather conditions. I complied and road 2 miles to the vista in the attached photos.

DAY OFF IN SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO

2010-03-18T18:45:00.000-04:00

Big treat today. Got to sleep in and relax a little. Picked up my bike and had lunch in Silver City. Nice little artsy town with lots of shops and galleries. Did laundry and now preparing for tomorrow. BIG climb tomorrow over 8,500 feet, and there is snow up there on them thar hills (Emory Pass).

DAY 12 SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO

2010-03-17T23:47:00.003-04:00

Another crazy day on the tour. Climbed for 14 miles with my brakes rubbing. Thought my legs were burned out, but it was the brakes. My bike is now in a bike shop in Silver City, New Mexico. It´s a good thing we have a day off from cycling tomorrow and I can get my bike repaired. Crossed the Continental Divide today. This is a cozy little town. Looking forward to checking out the small shops tomorrow. (Check out the cyclist in the photo climbing up the mountain.) Second photo shows COWHIDE table cloths in a restaurant where we had lunch in Duncan, New Mexico.

Arrived in New Mexico

2010-03-16T22:21:00.001-04:00

What a day!!! Started out to be 75 miles and ended up only cycling 55 miles. The head winds were unrelenting with gusts up to 30 mph. The terrain was mostly flat with rolling hills,but the wind prevented us from cycling more than 5-8 mph. It was brutal out there today. I felt like the wind was beating the hell out of me. The scenery was baron and there were no places to stop, except one little diner, and we all took advantage of it. We did have our usual Margarita party upon arrival this evening, and celebrated crossing another border. That was the best part of the day.

LEAVING ARIZONA FOR NEW MEXICO

2010-03-15T23:08:00.001-04:00

Drove the Sag wagon today. Got to stop at the Apache Indian Reservation in Los Carlos,AZ. It was a cultural shock to see what we have done to these people. They still live like they did 100 years ago. Also attended an outdoor tribal council meeting where they were talking about the plight of the Apaches. They stressed the importance of making a better life for their children.

Apache Junction to Globe Arizona

2010-03-14T19:52:00.001-04:00

Felt much better this morning after being so dehydrated yesterday. Found out the desert can play tricks on your body if you are not careful. Today was a short ride (50 miles) with several mountains to climb. Since I was not feeling 100%, I decided to only do the first climb which was 2 miles straight up. After that there was a tunnel through the mountain, and more climbs. The tunnel was narrow with no berm, so I decided to hop in the van along with 9 other riders. Not feeling up for it. Tomorrow I drive the SAG.

Phoenix to Apache Junction, AZ

2010-03-13T18:29:00.000-05:00

Day started out okay. No hills, mostly flat and everyone riding together. Then it started to get HOT. Didn´t drink enough fluids today and got sick. Just felt like all the energy was drained out of my body. Stopped and tried to rehydrate, but it was too late. I did finish the 60 miles but it was a struggle. Could not wait to get into the AC here at the hotel, shower and ice my body down. Learned an important lesson today and I know better. It is only going to get hotter. Weather forecast in the 80´s the next couple of days.

Phoenix, Arizona

2010-03-12T19:16:00.003-05:00

Great bike paths into the city of Phoenix. Some construction, but otherwise a great 67 mile day. The weather is starting to change. Really, really warm by afternoon. Still cold in the mornings. Tomorrow Phoenix to Apache Junction, AZ. 57 miles. Attached some photos from previous days. Border patrol check. Yes, they even check cyclists. My roommate in the photo.

IN ARIZONA ---YIPPEE (Received my computer charger via FEDEX)

2010-03-11T19:01:00.003-05:00

There were a few climbs out of California into Arizona, but nothing that would compare to the climbs out of San Diego. I felt good all day, seems as though I am getting my legs back. Salome, Arizona was a one horse town, or should I say a small, one dog town. The accommodations were comparable to the Bates Hotel from the movie PSYCHO. (Yes, even the shower curtain.) And, the woman who ran the place had a dog tucked down under her shirt the entire time. When checking in you may or may not have gotten a key. The owner said ¨I´m not going to rob you, so you don´t need a key¨. Oh, we had a Margarita party WED evening. Every time we cross a border, it is the custom of WOMENTOURS to celebrate with free drinks. Drove the SAG today, (THURS) through the desert. Saw two coyotes, and ate at the COYOTE CAFE. Glad to be in Wickenburg this evening. Leave for Phoenix on Friday, 67 miles away.

LEFT MY COMPUTER CHARGER 100 MILES BACK!!

2010-03-09T22:48:00.001-05:00

Biked from San Diego to Alpine, to Jacumba, Brawley, tonight in Blythe, California. Today was our day off to do bike maintenance and rest. Yesterday was 90 miles through the desert. What beauty!! Got to see the Chocolate mountains and they really look chocolate. Border patrol everywhere, ---even had to ride our bikes through a checkpoint. The weather was perfect, not too much wind, and the hills were rolling. I was able to fly down one side and almost make it up the other without pedaling. Leaving California tomorrow (64 miles) to Salome, ARIZONA Gee one state down already. I did leave my computer charger 100 miles back. Called and they are going to FEDEX it to our next stop. Borrowed this one just to get a post up there for my friends back home.

BAD WEATHER DAY 3

2010-03-07T23:57:00.000-05:00

Three days into my journey. Yesterday was my turn to drive the SAG vehicle. Half the women(11),sagged because of the rainy conditions and steep climbs into the mountains. Today it was a descent of 3000 feet. and 10 miles of winding, wet roads. The tour guides decided we should not cycle down the mountain and risk crashing. Five women chose not to cycle at all today. So, the rest of us started at the base and rode 40miles in rain, sleet and snow. YES, snow!! It was brutal out there all day. I was soaked and cold most of the time even though I had three layers of clothing on, shoes covers, helmet cover, and gloves. Needless to say I was happy when this ride ended. No pics because of the poor weather conditions. TOMORROW; 89 MILES through the desert.

Departing San Diego Today

2010-03-05T18:49:00.002-05:00

Today was the start of my amazing journey from CALIF to FLA. We went to the beach this morning after breakfast and dipped our back tires into the Pacific Ocean. Will dip the front tires in the Atlantic in two months. Today was not an easy cycling day. It was 35 miles of climbing out of San Diego up to the city of Alpine in the mountains. I had a minor incident, FELL, --forgot my shoes were clipped in. Bruised my elbow and knee. I am sitting with ice on every part of my anatomy.

March 5, 2010 6:53 PM

SUNNY AND WARM SAN DIEGO

2010-03-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

Perfect day for flying to the west coast. No flight delays and the weather is warm and sunny. Got to San Diego around 4pm. Staying at the Holiday Inn at Bayside. Half of the women are here and the other half coming tomorrow. Had a great dinner at a little Thai restaurant around the corner. Going to bed early. Still excited, but feeling the jet lag.

Cycling in Florida

2010-02-22T13:40:00.001-05:00

Cycling in Italy

2010-02-22T13:38:00.002-05:00

Cycling in the Snow???

2010-02-21T09:54:00.002-05:00

Day 1- March 5th-San Diego to Alpine, CA (32miles)

2010-01-22T08:38:00.008-05:00

http://www.weather.com/weather/today/San+Diego+CA+USCA0982