I DID IT!!

I did it! I made it to the Golden Gate Bridge. I was greeted by the Pacific Ocean as a wave crashed over the wall and got me wet, but far from the gloom that the rains of Virginia brought, this water lifted me even higher. After two months of sweat, blood, and maybe some wind blown tears, I am in San Francisco. I feel like people could tell that I might have a story to tell because as I sat on a bench contemplating my achievement, about 10 people came up to ask me where I had come from (or it could just be my funny looking bike). Its funny, I have heard other bikers speak of how anti-climactic the end of their journey was; and I understand what they mean. Most people are just passing, living their every day lives, no idea what was just accomplished. However for me, I wouldn't have it any other way. This was not a journey in search of a tickertape parade or seventy-six trombones to announce what I had done. It was a journey in search of myself and to figure out what I wanted to do next in my life. I left from Ashland, VA in an unimposing parking lot and ended it much the same way at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Somewhere in between I decided that I would like to go to business school, so when I get back to the real world in a week or so, I will begin preparations to take the GMAT's. During my time on the road I met a plethora of generous and caring people, many of who I would talk their ear off just to ease the isolation of my day. For those of you who helped me directly, thank you. For those of you who left comments on this blog, you words helped me through more than I ever thought they would. For those of you who read without posting, I hope you enjoyed following along as my journey progressed.

Now this is not the end.
It is not even the beginning of the end.
But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
~Sir Winston Churchhill

As for this blog, I may post a few more times before I head back to New Jersey. Just to let you know the daily happenings of my time left in California.

Thanks again,
Matt

So excited...

As I sit on this ferry crossing the bay into San Francisco, I can
barely sit still. I thought blogging might help calm me. I rarely get
excited, and it is never for normal reasons. Even when I went to
college, I was nervous and curious but not really excited; it was just
the next logical step. Well I am excited today. 6.5 miles of biking
left. Hopefully another post in about an hour. Until then...

8.5 miles and a ferry ride

After busting out three sixty plus mile days, that is all that stands
between me and my goal. Some thing that I have learned is that the
west coast has a ton of cyclists. Each time one would come up to me,
we would travel a few miles together chatting about my experience.
Although each time someone on a superlight road bike would pass me I
would pick up my pace to try and keep up, but after a while the weight
keeps me back. My last two days have mostly been spent on bike paths.
I just kept thinking back to days when Aunt Doris and Aunt Pat would
take me to the bike park. I did appreciate the lack of car traffic and
the number of water fountains. As I sit in my room tonight, I am
excited that my goal is so close. I will let you all know how
tomorrow goes. Until then...

Starlight, Star bright...

Well, I finally had to use my lights, but we will get to that in a
minute. Leaving Reno was pretty uneventful. Passed a few nicer
casinos, went to Joe's Diner (nothing special, thought some of you
would like the name). Day one was pretty easy only one climb and one
big decent (44.5 MPH). Day two on the other hand was an adventure. I
started out a little late (no suprise there) by 10:45 I was rolling.
After a 20 minute search for a pharmacy (forgot to mention earlier, my
right knee is killing me so I was looking for a wrap or brace) I
really got moving. I popped two Motrin and toughed it out. Today was
my last big challenge of the trip (I think), a 4,000 foot climb to
Carson Pass. If this were a movie "Eye of the Tiger" would be playing
over this montage. And don't think that I didn't sing it once or
twice. The climb got the best of me a few times and force me to walk
for a bit, but at about 5:30 I slew the beast. Now for the intense
bit, but first a word of thanks. During this trip, my Dad has been for
lack of a better words, my travel agent. While I am peddling away, he
occasionally, however increasingly, works to find me a place to stay
for the night. Tonight was no exception. Due to the mountainous
terrain, I was rendered without cell service for most of the day. He
found a few places for me, however by the time I was able to contact
him; all but one had closed (the furthest away, of course). So after
finishing my dinner and stapling on my lamps, I set off in the rapidly
fading light to find the Kit Carson Lodge. Now the trip was not all
that difficult, one and a half miles uphill and five miles down. Now I
don't know whether it was the chicken I ate for dinner or the sense of
fear I had that made the uphill fly by, but before I knew it I was
soaring down the mountain. It was none but by the grace of God that I
saw the sign for the lodge and made a hard left turn. After bumbling
around in near darkness for five minutes I found the right path and
the office; I was saved. Not only were the office staff very nice, but
they gave me a nice little shortcut for tomorrow. Until then...

Reno, the City that Gambling Forgot...

Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World, is in an uncertain time. It seems that this city has seen some tough times lately as there are a few empty casinos on the main drag here, leaving a vagrant feeling parts of the town. Most of the casinos that are left don't seem to to have been updated in the past decade or so. However, it seems this city is in a period of transition, as the river area is being built up by trendy stops. I believe that this city has seen worse days and will rebound in the near future. While it may never again rival Las Vegas or even Atlantic City, it will remain known to future generations of gamblers, and there is always the fascination of walking the set of Sister Act. As for my time here, most of it has been spent in the casinos whether it be for wagering, hitting the buffet, or a free show at Circus Circus. Other than that there isn't all that much to do within walking distance. Tomorrow I get back on the bike and head west, only about one week left to go. I can't believe this trip has progressed this far. We shall see how far I get, as I have two possibilities for bedding down tomorrow. Well until then....

I have friends in dry places...

Well, I am sitting on the train waiting to depart Salt Lake City. That
being the case, I believe a recap is in order. My first day here, I
walked everywhere. From the Mormon temple to the state capital and
many places not in between. On thing I keep forgetting in this arid
climate is: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Especially since I don't have
my water bottles staring at me eight hours a day. So I ended up with a
hangover feeling at the end of walking around. However once I had
dealt with that I hit the gym. I know at least 3/4 of you are shocked
by that statement. Being the first real workout I have done since my
trip started, I am more than a little sore today. After the workout, I
cleaned up and headed to a Brew Pub I had seen earlier in the day. I
am very glad I picked this place because the food was tasty, the beer
was good and the coversation insightful (Hello to my new friend if you
are checking in). This morning I got off to a slow start since I
knew I had to kill time until my 11:30 train. After walking around
town again for a while I headed to see a movie to pass some time. Once
time finally came I showed up at the train station only to meet four
bikers packing their bikes up for transport. Looks like I am not the
only who wants to skip Nevada. We stood around waiting for the train
swapping war stories about distance traveled, dogs avoided and hills
climbed. It was nice to meet some other younger people who are on this
trip for some of the same reasons I am. Talking with them has really
gotten me excited to hope back on the bike. Well, we have now departed
Salt Lake City. As we leave the city lights I think I will try and get
some rest for Reno waits in the distance. By the time most of you read
this I will be in the Pacific Timezone. Until tomorrow...

PS: I am updating this from my phone so pictures will be added later.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...and Bikes too!

There is a certain solemnity to riding a train through the countryside. My car is only one quarter full, so it is easy to forget that other people are with me on this journey. As you know, I jumped on the opportunity to get off the bike again and ride the rails instead. What I did not mention is why. There are two reason for this. The first is simple; this became more than a bicycle trip a long time ago. Since I first rented the car in Kentucky I have been on a plane, a bus, and a car. In San Francisco, I will take a ferry across the bay so the only mode of transport left out would have been a train (And we couldn't have that). The second reason is what made this part of the journey essential. Due to track work between Denver and Salt Lake City, Amtrak has diverted service onto track owned by the Union-Pacific Railroad. That in itself is not cause for excitement, that is until I found out that some of this route is updaed track from the original Transcontinental Railroad. On this trip where I have envisioned myself in the shoes and saddles of the pioneers of old, how could I pass up the opportunity to once again travel their path. As for the journey itself, it was a rather uneventful twelve hour trip. However, if you have the time I would definately recommend taking a train journey at some point. Now I am in Salt Lake City and trying to plan my day, so I will fill you all in later. Until then....

Denver Catch-up

Well, here I am in Denver. I spent my birthday with Mom, driving from Grand Junction to Denver. We stopped in Vail for lunch and a walk around the town. Wow, is it nice there. Ate lunch at the Blue Moose, which had some truely outragous and delicious pizza. After we left there, it was on to Denver and the Westin Hotel. After settling in, we headed out for a delicious seafood dinner at Oceanaire. After saying goodbye to Mom in the morning I woke up and went out for a walk. I found myself in the middle of a huge "Taste of Colorado" street fair (However I ended up eating Indian food, go figure). After starting to pack, I got cleaned up and headed out to the Wynkoop Brewery. The beer was just alright, but the taco salad was delicious. Today so far has just been alot of packing and getting the bike ready for transport. I think I am going to go get a bite to eat and then get cleaned up for my last night in Denver. I will talk to you all later.

I have a magic trick for you.....

I have learned how to be in four places at once. No joke, and I can repeat the trick any time I want....anytime I want to drive to the southwest corner of Colorado (SE UT, NE AZ, or NW NM). After Mom and I left the Four Corners Park, we drove to the Valley of the Gods, and it was well worth the 30 minute detour. The weather has carved sculptures so fine they make Rodin look like a hobo. While driving down the sixteen mile dirt road Mom and I took in some views that my words will do little justice to, so I think a few pictures are in order.










After leaving the park, we drove to Grand Junction, CO where upon pulling into the hotel we took a screw in the tire. After calling AAA and Dollar Rental Car (Who suck by the way, NEVER use them) we now have a flat tire in the trunk and a doughnut on the wheel. Tomorrow morning, on to Wal-mart to get the original tire patched and then on to Denver. Until then.....

A Tale of Two Watersheds...

As I rode out of Salida (7,083 ft) this morning, I was faced the looming mountains seemed like a daunting task. However it was seemed like no time at all, I was already 10 miles down the road and 1,500 ft higher into the sky. After catching my breathe for what seemed like the 100th time (The altitude really makes it tough, I see why people train at high altitudes), I had reached the Continental Divide. I reached the Continental Divide at Monarch Pass (Elevation: 11,312 ft). Mom and I stopped at the summit lodge to get a bite to eat, and just in time too as it began to rain. Unfortunately, the rain made riding down the mountain a little dangerous, so instead of the victorious ride down the base, we began our drive to Cortez, CO. Wow, some of the views were absolutely amazing. The colors, the formations, not to mention how much fun it is to take those turns in a car winding around the mountains. Tomorrow, I will have stood in four states at the same time, amazing I know. After that who knows, I'll let you all know as soon as I figure out what we're doing.

Where there is smoke, there is fire

Today started out in Pueblo, CO. Once out of the city, we ran into the lake pictured left. It was here that mom decided to try her hand at the bike. She took off at a good clip, however her speed quickly declined. She made it almost half of a mile between the biking and the walking. After that it was my turn on the bike. Riding was difficult, as smoke from the California wildfires is passing through the mountains and causing a burning in the lungs (instead of the normal ones in my legs). So when mom pulled up next to me a short time later telling me she had a great detour for us, I gave little protest. We headed to the Bishop Castle. This is a massive stone castle that has been built by one man since 1969. It is amazing the details this work in progress has with turrets, towers, great rooms, and soon even a portcullis. By this time the clouds had rolled in along with the smoke, so we decided to head to Salida for the night. Only to run into a traffic jam. As it turns out when mountains flank your path, there is no option for a detour. So I grabbed the bike and headed the mile down to the road block to get the information from the fire police. As it turns out two trucks had collided and spilled diesel all over the road. Three hours later, we had made some new friends (Hi if your reading this), and demolished a bag of sunflower seeds. When we finally got into Salida, we ventured out into new territory for the journey: Chinese Food. It may have been that everything tastes better when all you have been eating is burgers and fried food, but this was some of the best Chinese food I have ever eaten. If you are ever in Salida I recommend the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant. Today I also made plans to get through Utah and Nevada. With 90 mile stretches with no services, I was worried about how I would be able to complete this leg. Not to mention, 90 miles with nothing to see except my feet pedalling does not sound too appealing. So to add to my modes of transportation I booked a seat on a two leg Amtrak trip. One from Denver to Salt Lake City and then on to Reno. I will spend some time in these two great cities and check out the sights. After that back on the bike to finish off the trip into San Francisco. As for tomorrow, I conquer the Monarch Pass (>11, 300 feet). Oh boy......

Another Day, Another Brewery

Today, Mom and I woke up and drove to Golden, Colorado to check out the Coors Brewery. The town of Golden is beautiful. After the tour, Mom actually tried a beer. I don't think she finished it, but I was proud of her for giving it a try. Since this was my second brewery, I think a comparion is in order. The most suscinct way to put it is, Coors has the better view from the brewery, but Bud has a much prettier brewery (But the beers were all delicious). After leaving Golden, we headed down to Pueblo where I will start out through the mountains tomorrow. Wish me luck. Talk to you all tomorrow.

PS: Photos added to old posts, go check them out.

Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more...

As today was my first full day out of Kansas, I thought the title was appropriate. I know it is sad, but I have been waiting for like two weeks to use that title. After waking up in North Platte, Mom and I started our drive towards South Dakota. After about five hours we found ourselves standing in front of the sixty foot faces of our nation's greatest leaders. Looking up at the sculpture pulled from the granite of a mountain is a truly majestic sight, and a fitting tribute to those who founded and shaped our nation. After the sun had set, we stayed for the night lighting of the monument, and seeing the stone illuminated against the night sky was a sight well worth waiting. After this, we left and drove another four hours to Wheatland, WY where we spent the night and today, we push on into Colorado. As for today, we shall see what the day brings. Until then....