Since at least 1997, I had yearned to attempt a cross country bike ride. That summer, my friend Warren rode from LA to Boston. He called me from Winslow, AZ; I rode with him when he passed through Indiana, and I celebrated his accomplishment when he returned. But I, too, wanted to “explore” the USA. I had always loved Charles Kuralt and his tales of small towns off the interstate. What better way to see our great country?
With children, a job, and a widowed mother in failing health, the dream was put on the back burner of life for 15 years. Early in 2012, when I asked my husband if he was interested in such an adventure, he declined without hesitation. And I “discovered” WomanTours – a wonderful “girly group” that seemed to have great support (before and during the ride) and reasonable daily miles (reasonable if I train well).
So in March 2013, the dream – and adventures – began!
I turned 65 while on the ride – it seemed like a fitting way to celebrate – in El Paso, Texas, where my 100 year old mother passed away in December 2011. I think she would have been nervously excited for me.
- March 4, 2013
On Friday, March 1, Don and I drove to El Cajon, CA, just east of San Diego. My college friends, Larry and Marsha Saben, live there in a lovely home we have visited many times over the years. We haven’t seen them for over 3 years, but are quickly back “to old times.” On Saturday, I ...Continue reading → - March 6, 2013March 6: I have worked for days to figure out the packing… Don and I have taken too many trips in recent years in the minivan where we can “carry everything but the kitchen sink.” I’m not having so much trouble with biking clothes as I am with “other clothes.” While I know ...Continue reading →
- March 8, 2013
March 7: The search for the lost cell phone was unsuccessful, though we did find a missing bike glove. New phone from the Apple Store, complete with phone numbers and some email addresses (thank you ICloud). Promptly at 1 pm, the gaggle of riders gathered for orientation (I think when you get 30 women together that is ...Continue reading → - March 8, 2013
March 8: Overnight there was a big storm with high winds. Sadly that was not the end of the rain or the wind. Our breakfast had to be served indoors, as the threat of rain was too great. We also had to have our luggage weighed – 2 bags allowed, total 50 pounds with no one ...Continue reading → - March 9, 2013
March 9, Alpine to Live Oak Springs/Boulevard: There was the possibility of snow overnight up further in the mountains, so our departure was delayed until 9 am. I was in the last group to leave, as my suitcases were to be among the last to load (explanation to follow). We started right off with a 5 mile ...Continue reading → - March 10, 2013
March 10, Live Oak Springs to Brawley, CA: With Daylight Savings time starting overnight, it was dark when I rode away from the Live Oak Springs resort. The sunrise at least assured no rain, but the temperature was just 33 degrees. When I arrived at the Boulevard Motel, my fellow cyclists were already gathering snacks. Sometimes we ...Continue reading → - March 12, 2013
March 11, Brawley to Blythe, CA: I was just too tired to write last night. Biked into the hotel close to 6 pm after 9+ hours on the road, took a quick shower, then the group went to dinner at the local Sizzler. I came back to the room and just “chilled.” So, on the road yesterday ...Continue reading → - March 12, 2013
March 12, Blythe, CA: Today is our first rest day, much needed by me! We slept in until after 7 am, casual breakfast, followed by a Bike Cleaning Clinic, conducted by Carol, one of our guides. So, I dutifully cleaned and lubed Rosie, as I call my bike. I ride a Bianchi Eros, purchased in about 2001. ...Continue reading → - March 13, 2013Hot day in the desert. 64 miles. Details tomorrow from Wickenburg. Submitted by my daughter, Sarah.Continue reading →
- March 13, 2013
March 13, Blythe, CA to Salome, AZ: After only 4 miles of cycling this morning, we pushed our bikes up an incline and walked across the Colorado River to Arizona, our first state crossing (celebrated with margaritas later at dinner). Then the real fun began, riding for 20 miles along the shoulder of I-10. I didn’t need ...Continue reading →