Little Girl and the big city

I have made it to San Fran! I have sadly parted ways with Sarah and Kyle as I haveturned west.  The Serria mountains are grand, I want to go back. I went over Caron Pass, which will be the highest point on my trip! That day kicked my booty, I had already gone over Luther Pass. The next day I dropped over 6,000 feet! At one point I went over 40 mph! I was riding to Placerville to stay with Don and Ginny. Ginny's family has some roots in Louisiana, as it turns out her family lived in Donalsonville which is 20 miles from where my family lived! He met me and we rode in together. I felt so welcomed by them they escorted me in and out of town! They also arranged for a place for me the next two nights. Such good people. Next I rode from Placerville to Davis which has been my longest ride ever, 75 miles! Davis is hot. I stayed with Pat and had a great time. Yesterday I rode into San Fran. I had catch the ferry which was 60 miles from Davis but I made it to the ferry before 3. I was worried about riding in the city but it wasnt bad at all. Riding in South Lake Tahoe was way harder. Well, I have to make some miles today.
Cheers from Nanland

Making miles

Hi there, I hope this finds you well. We have made it to Lake Tahoe! I have traveled just over 300 miles! The past few days we have upped our mileage. It was nice to ease into touring with the first few days low mileage. On Monday we took a rest day in Quincy, we did lundry and I spent time doing work for the foundation. Tuesday, was a great day. I got a mirror for my helmet, I have made fun of them in the past but for touring when you dont the roads it is nice. I also got a kickstand, I am not sure if I like it. It may come off in the next bit. Then we headed out, we rode over two passes. Kyle came up with a jingle to the tune of Hiho from the 7 dwarfs, "Hiho, Hiho! To Lee's Summit we go! We riding our bikes and having some fun Hiho Hiho..." we would sing whiling riding. I got my Brevard College jersey at the post office. Gernal delivery is great. Now I have to apply even more sunscreen. I am getting a tan! Then we were two miles from where we wanted to stay. The last five miles was flat with a tail wind. I was about 100 yards in front of Kyle and Sarah. Well, Kyle decided to catch me. He flys by me saying "what do you have little girl?" my response was "I am on empty." I couldn't keep up with him. Once we arrived in town our loading options weren't great, expensive hotel or expensive campground or ride 4 miles up a steep hill. We grabbed a quick bit to eat than trucked it up the hill. We rode just over 50 miles that day. It was a great day of riding.
The past two days we have been from outside Truckee to South Lake Tahoe. I am ready for the tree again. The lake is beautiful but there are tons of people. Tonight, two of Kyle and Sarah's friends from touring met up with us and we all went out to dinner. The crowd that touring brings is fun. They offered for me to stay with them!
I am heading west tomorrow towards San Fran! I hope to be there by Monday or Tuesday. Happy riding.
Cheers from Nanland

The good life!

Disclaimer: writing and I get along like oil and water. The goal of this blog is share my adventures with others and hope others will live out her/ his dreams, the goal is not show off or be a great writer.

Hi from Chester, CA. Thanks for all of the emails that my blog was down. I have no idea what happened but it should be back up and working. 

The past few days I have been riding though National Forest and Lassen National Park with the couple I met in Mt Shasta. They are the same age as my parents!  They typically eat out for most of their meals but with no restaurants I have been cooking for them. We have a deal, I cook and they buy the food. I made them pizza, pan cakes, rice and beans, and biscuites. The road though Lassen National Park goes to the base of the mountain which is at 8,512 feet! The climb is 15 miles long and so is the down hill.  My bike computer hasn't been working so I have no idea how fast I am going but I do know I loving being on my bike. My legs are feeling good, they are getting in shape for this ride. Here are some pictures 

This was a thing we saw along the road.

Here is the three of us with Mt Lassen. I can't figure out how to scroll down, but the next few shots are taken from Lassen National Park. 

All is well from Nanland! Cheers

Humble Pie

Disclaimer: writing and I get along like oil and water. The goal of this blog is share my adventures with others and hope others will live out her/ his dreams, the goal is not show off or be a great writer.

Today is day three of the ride and I have been quite humbled.  Three days ago before we left Mt Shasta Bob, Justin (a friend of Bobs), and I went for a ride fully loaded. Riding a bike that is carrying 45 lbs of gear is work! We went for 32 mile ride, we gained 2,500 in 11 miles, that part kicked me in the booty. Yesterday, we headed out of Mt Shasta. There wasn't many campgrounds so we pushed to go 47 miles. At 46.7 miles Bob got clipped by a pickup truck! I didn't see it happen. He was very lucky because he only broke a rib. No damage to his bike, he didn't hit his head, just one broken rib. The bad part is he won't be able to ride for at least a month. I am so lucky for the wonderful hosts at McAruthur Burney State Park, Gloria and David took me and treated me like a daughter. The park had some extra space near them so they could help me figure out my next steps. The park dropped off Bob's bike today in Mt. Shasta! Gloria gave me a bagel this morning since our oats were all over the road from the fall. I decided to keep riding, at least see how riding today went. As I was heading out of the park, I ran into a couple who I met in Mt Shasta. We are all heading south, so they took me in. I rode with them today.. More good people, they are from outside of Roanoke,VA. We took our time and enjoyed riding. We made it to a campground with smiles. We are heading to Lassen National Park with a pass that goes over 8,000 feet! After a good today, I am In a better place about this ride. Please keep Bob in your thoughts as he is healing. 

Cheers from Nanland! 

Details

Disclaimer: writing and I get along like oil and water. The goal of this blog is share my adventures with others and hope others will live out her/ his dreams, the goal is not show off or be a great writer.

Details, I hope I have them sorted out. I am in the Oakland Airport waiting to board a train to Mt Shasta, I feel the same relief as I do when I get on the bus heading for woods. I am very excited, I haven't been sleeping well with anticipation. I am bit worried on how I am going to feel tomorrow after not sleeping well for a few days and being on the train all night. I know that it will work out.  

Trip details

Route: 

we are starting in Mt Shasta, CA (northern California) heading south to Truckee, CA

Truckee heading west to San Frisco 

San Frisco heading south to San Diego

San Diego to St. Augustine, FL! Passing though Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. 

Total Miles: ball park 4,300 miles 

Daily Miles: we hope to ride around 60-80 miles 6 days a week. One the 7th day we will rest/ work. 

Sleeping: I brought my tarp and will camp most days! 

Bike: I am riding a Salsa Viya, a touring bike. (I need to name it, suggestions are welcome). 

Carrying system: I have chosen to go with racks and saddle bags. I have two rear bags, a bag off my handle bars. I have no idea why many cyclist carry four large saddle bags. But I think I will learn over time. 

Favorite Gear: that one is hard, wind shirt, helmet, sun glasses

Worried about: getting a tan. Yes, Nan with tan, well maybe. 

I would love a suggestion of places to stop along the way or good books a read. Thanks for reading. I hope your dreams come true.