Liz Bikes Across America

We did it!

2010-09-22T21:35:00.002-04:00

3200+ miles, 35 days! Coast to Coast!

Thank You!

2010-09-22T21:29:00.003-04:00

This blog is deciated to my family, and friends! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the love and support you have given me, just knowing that you where there in thoughts and prayers got me through the low times. I promise to stay put for a week or two. Love you, Liz

We made it! Final Destination Virginia Beach!

2010-09-18T21:37:00.005-04:00

1:09 pm, we rolled into Virginia Beach with a small hill to climb and head winds! Family and friends where waiting for us on the board walk! Very emotion monument ! With each peddle stroke today I looked back on the journey we have taken. I would do it again tomorrow with the same amazing group of friends!

On the Eve of the Grand Finalie

2010-09-17T22:25:00.002-04:00

As we prepare for our final day, there is need for reflection. Just wanted to share some of our thoughts on the road.
1. What is the difference in a trip, a vacation, and an adventure?
A trip is planned, you know where you are going, when you will get there, exactly why you are going. GPS units work for these. This experience is not a trip.
A vacation is for resting, for getting away, downtime. You have time to read a book. This is not a vacation.
An adventure is when you don't know where you may sleep, not sure exactly how far or exactly where you are going, when you will arrive, or exactly where you are. You do know the direction, but you have no idea what you may experience along the way. Now, we have been on an adventure!!!!

2. What is the difference between a Kentucky country dog and a Virginia country dog?
A KY dog is tied up and a VA dog is not tied up. They bite!!!

3. What new inventions would result from this adventure?
Liz has started chilling the butt butter and we are loving it. Yes, we continue to use it in the "intended" places. However, we now also use butt butter for our heels and occassionally as leg lotion.
Liz is also considering a "gel bicycle short that could be cooled".
Alinda and Bobby have decided that too much money is spent in detention centers and jails. They are considering writing a grant to take troubled youth across America by bicycle. The kids would have plenty of time to think about their situation and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

4. How are campgrounds and RV parks rated?
Everything is on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 is the best.
If the showers have hot water, and 2 knobs, they are rated higher.
More bugs, lower the rating.
Laundry facilities score big time.
Toilets are a must. Tom Steele insists--even porta potties have a purpose.

5. How's the group holding up? I have decided they are either the Great Eight or the Crazy Eight. Each day we laugh, get on the bikes without whining, and do our best. Truly an incredible group of people with talents and much to share.

Of course, Paul makes us the Fine Nine becuase he is very much a part of the group. Paul fed us and kept our spirits high. He has been at every stop in perfect time. We love him dearly.

On the Eve of the Grand Finalie, each realize this was the ride of a lifetime. We have been blessed with safety, good weather, great health, and pure pleasure.
To all of you who have faithfully followed, we appreciate your support. You have been a big part of the Great Adventure.

Lots of Love,
Alinda---A Free Spirit Adventurer

I can smell the ocean!

2010-09-17T21:36:00.004-04:00

115 miles today , 90+ temperatures, and around 63 miles left! The mountains of Virginia finally flatten out, some rolley hills earlier today, lots of traffic to deal with, some no biking signs, we just rode on! Finished the day in Franklin VA, lots of peanuts fields and cotton! Everyone is excited about tomorrow and a little sad, we had our last dinner in the RV! Paul has been wonderful, we have had wonderful meals and support. It will feel strange to drive a car again, look at a newspaper, see TV. I am looking forward to seeing my family! Everyone on this trip has been amazing and they have become family, it will hard not be with them after tomorrow! I know we will have more adventures together down the road!

Janice dog bite bandage!

2010-09-17T21:24:00.001-04:00

First class first aide!

Joe Collar Donuts!

2010-09-17T21:19:00.001-04:00

I requested donuts from Roanoke when I knew Bugzy and Becky where coming, we all had a sugar high last night and no one sleep!

Riding the mountains of Virginia! Day 33 in the saddle, 105 miles

2010-09-17T21:08:00.004-04:00

I would never have thought that Virginia would have taken us the longest to get through! It has been a hard state to peddle! We have been traveling on Rt. 58 since Missouri , I think some the truckers recognize us from state to state. Still climbing today, we climbed up to Lover's Leap and had a scarey 6 mile down hill with 9 percent grades! Strong winds! We peddled through Hillsville, Danville, and saw signs for Roanoke VA, it was stange knowing we were that close to home and still peddling away from home! We ran into our first NO BICYLCING SIGNS on RT. 58 Welcome to the Communist State of Virginia, I mean the Common Wealth State of Virginia, not sure what they thought we could do, we told John Francis to speak South Africa if we got stopped. No dog bites today or bike troubles. Do you know the difference between a Kentucky country dog and a Virginia country dog, the Kentucky dogs are tied and Virginia dogs are loose. Bugzy and Becky (Patty's husband and sister) joined us yesterday. The journey is coming to a end two more days of cycling!

Still in Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-15T20:50:00.006-04:00

The mountains of Virginia are kicking our butts!! Beautiful riding put hard, all day today we have been climbing. First climb has Mount Rogers, the highest mountain in Virginia. Second climb of the day is the second highest mountain of White Top Mountain! Elrod our average speed today was 12.2, slowest yet. Yes the mountains go on and on and on! Janice got dog bit today! Allyson back wheel broke down, we had a extra bike wheel. So she wasn't down for long. Finished in Galax VA! Allyson mom and dad (Louise and Paul) came over and spent the evening with us. Allsyon had fun showing them how we have been living the last 31 days. They are so proud of her! Tomorrow will put us over 3,000 miles! Tom Meadows your mileage is going to be pretty close, we think we have around 315 miles left. Virginia has been the hardest state to ride in! We are staying at Carolwood RV Park! So much better than the night before.

Sept 14, Day 31! Happy Birthday mom!

2010-09-15T20:07:00.004-04:00

Today is my mom's birthday! Call mom early to wish her Happy Birthday! Started somewhere on Rt. 58 East and we are headed to Abingdon VA this evening. Hard day riding, lots of hills in Virginia. I have put around 14,000 miles on Ruby ( my bike is named after my grandmother, because she was a fine lady) so guess what I have wore down my gears on the back, Bobby put a new one last night and I am rolling again. Rolled into the Riverside RV Park 2 miles south of Abingdon, trust me don't put that one on your list to visit. The toilet paper was chained to the walls and pad locked, that was a first, the showers only had scalding hot water so you had to be half in and half out. We did get 7 loads of laudreny done again, 4 days of riding with 8 people that is 32 pairs of cycling shorts. We will climbing over the two highest mountains tomorrow in Virginia. Something to look forward to HA HA

Day 30, We are on the Home Stretch!

2010-09-15T18:08:00.007-04:00

Started in Whitley Kentucky, to Tenn. to Virginia. It was great to see the Welcome to Virginia! Beautiful day in Kentucky, rode on Rt 92 just like riding at home, lots of ups and downs. Rode through the Cumberland Gap, we had to be escorted through the Cumberland Gap tunnel, just like the tunnels at Wytheville, VA. We enter into Tenn. for about 3 miles and then the home stretch of Virginia. Rode 100+ miles. Stay in the Cumberland Gap National Forest, every nice. Tom found a kitten along the road, took it to a gas station. We will be riding the next two days in the mountains of Virginia, highest points in Virginia. Forget about the bear scare Allyson and I had going to the bathroom in the National Park (it ended up being a lady walking her bulldog in the woods about 10:00 at night, with no light.)

Birthday and 100 miles

2010-09-12T23:20:00.002-04:00

We celebrated Alinda's birthday today on the road, left Monroe KY and ended in Daniel Boone National Forest traveling on Rt. 27 East! You would think in a National Forest you could find camping, wrong, ended up in some town in the motel parking lot, We have now peddled 2,711 miles, 4 time zones, back into Eastern time zone! We hope to be in Virginia tomorrow, will see, we rode along the Cumberland River and now are crossing over the Appalachians! Everyone is still riding strong, John had some bikes troubles today, he only has his big gear in the front! We keep peddling, everyone is ready to be done!

FEELS LIKE HOME! 101.4 miles

2010-09-12T08:14:00.002-04:00

I guess I was a little home sick, when we started seeing the Appalachians Mountains, I got misty eyed. Riding yesterday was like home, we love the mountains! Great day on the bike, no rain, we rode on country roads, beautiful farms, saw lots of barns with the tobacco drying. Finished the day in Monroe KY. Stay at Hidden Cave KOA RV park, we will back tract to Monroe this morning and start again.

Day 27

2010-09-11T09:55:00.002-04:00

Bikers candy! This is how we crossed America!

Day 27 again!

2010-09-11T09:51:00.004-04:00

We are somewhere in IL, headed to Indiana and KY! Made it across the Walbash River into New Harmony Indiana, lots of history in New Harmony we spent a little time there, still raining, still lots of traffic and road construction. Harvest rain so far. We now have traveled through 11 states and 2500+ miles. We crossed over into Ky late yesterday evening. We are staying in the Owensboro KY Diamond Lake Resort RV Park!!! 9 loads of laundry last night!
Only Kentucky and Virginia left!

102.4 Miles! Day 27

2010-09-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the East! Starting point on Highway 14 and 41! Rain! Since we have crossed the Mississippi we have had rain, lots of traffic and road detours, roads closed and lots of road construction. We are still peddling! They lay the land is farming flat to rolling, we are seeing lots of soyabeans, corn. We should be close to the Ky Line by this evening.

2nd glace at Kanas and The Missouri Bluff

2010-09-08T23:46:00.000-04:00

First impressions are often our only impressions.
We almost made that mistake in Kanas.
For example, Hwy 36 is the West/East Highway. As we traveled, we only noticed the few gas stations along the way. Then we started looking a little deeper. Just blocks to the north or south were wonderful old buildings, communities with clean landscapes, city parks, even RV hookups.

As we entered a grocery store, we noticed local high school shirts for sale. At the Buckshot Inn, John began a conversation with the hostess who informed him that the local high school team won 60+ games and a book was written about the team and coach, Roger Barta. The next day, we reentered the grocery store and bought the books. Yes, a deeper look into the dedication, hard work, and determination of this community. How proud they are of their youth.

The terrain of Kansas ---on first glance we gleefully pedaled up the hills and flew down the hills. Then we realized the 3 types of terrain--rollys, poleys, and humptys (small hill within the rolly poley). Here's the math question for the day. We rode 103 miles, started at an elevation of 1,680 and ended at an elevation of 1,680. We climbed 5000 feet, How many rollys poleys did we climb? Plus wind. So Kansas offered more than at mere glance. In fact, Kansas prepared us for the final leg of the trip.

So take a lesson from Kansas, take a 2nd look in life--there is more than meets the eye.

Missouri Bluffs. After Kansas we gleamed with joy at a slightly forgiving terrain with less cross wind. We discovered that riding in the "Lane Closed" side was really fun--as long as we looked for the "Gravel" We had our best day of the bike until... Missouri called our bluff on Hw 79 south for 80 miles. The Mississippi River Trail is a scenic highway with gorgeous views of the Mississippi--yes on top of the bluff. Steep climbs, relatively short --.5 to .75 climbs--3,4,5 mile per hour steep. We soon realized that Missouri had called our bluff and we did work to finish the state. Thru the gravel road, we learned perservance. Most of all we had opportunity to see the lowlands along the Mississippi. The lushness of Missouri is a welcome sight. This state has a strong history--in fact we passed the Stark Brothers original nursery of 1818 in Louisiana, Missouri.

How's the group doing after Kansas and Missouri? Bayer Back and Body is our drug of choice. Paul keeps us fueled with fruits, wonderful breakfasts and dinners. Our morning routine is taking less time and we continously laugh. Patty reminded us that when we get home we are to tell her to tear up her bucket list. Ha! With all the pedaling, our minds are clear and our hearts are happy.
We are blessed as we safely travel. We feel your prayers and support. We love to hear from you and we think of you often.
Thanks for all your support. See you soon.
Keep pedaling!

Alinda Perrine, Free Spirit Adventures, 135 Bicycle lane, Caldwell,WV 24925

Hand Lines

2010-09-08T21:50:00.003-04:00

Match the person with the hands!

Hannibal to East St. Louis IL

2010-09-08T21:37:00.004-04:00

Rode on Rt 76 Scenic Highway, know as the Mississippi River Trail. Rode along the bluffs of the Mississippi River. We got our climbing legs back today. Road was closed 18 miles into the ride, so we detour onto a dirt and gravel road, our road bikes became mountain bikes. Just a little bumpy. Traffic got really bad around 4:30 so we made a group decision to get off the bikes, the drivers of MO where not nice, they wanted to get home. Tomorrow will be riding on Rt. 15

Day 26 Along the Mightly Mississippi

2010-09-08T20:52:00.008-04:00

Day 25, and we are still riding! Pershing to Hannibal MO

2010-09-08T09:08:00.003-04:00

Here's another one for you Elrod! 103.54 ride time 5.46 average speed 17.4, we finally got a tail wind today. Took over a closed road for about 10 miles. Interesting people who we road through their birthplace. General John Pershing, It's a small world " Walt Disney" we took a roadside pee under his birthplace sign. And Hannibal is the birthplace of Mark Twain ! Rolled into Indian Joe Camp Ground, 3 diamond in the RV world, pool, ect. Tom was able to spend the morning with his father and brother in law. It was nice meeting them. I think they just wanted to see Tom Steele in spandex shorts. We are headed to St. Louis tomorrow. Good bye MO.

Troy Kansas to Pershing State Park Missouri

2010-09-07T20:11:00.004-04:00

107.09 miles! We are just outside Brookfield Missouri. We are out of Kansas! AMEN! I was mental prepare for flat , flat, lots of corn, instead one day we climbed 5,000 feet, each rolly polly we climbed 500 feet, 50 times within 100 miles. Crossed over the Missouri River into Missouri, sure do like the Missouri Hills better. Wind gust this evening. Riding RT 36 on Labor Day we kept seeing the same State Trooper pulling overing cars. He finally pulled in behind Paul and RV to see what he where up to. Paul did not meet him at the door with a knife this time. Nice guy! Tom's daughter Chris and her family came to the State Park to visit! We love visit, Chris brought us wonderful monster cookies and banana bread. Tom and Karen went to school in Missouri and lived in Missouri for a while.

Washington Kansas to Troy Kansas 109.77 miles

2010-09-05T22:22:00.005-04:00

Only 15 miles tomorrow and we are out of Kansas! Rode through Marysville there the pony express was started. Still hilly and windy, we are ready to be out of Kansas. Today was a quite ride, everyone just working to finish. Storm this morning about blew the tent away with Janice, Paul and I in it. Storms out here, come up fast and leave fast. Rolled into Troy this evening and no motels, RV parks, ect. The kid working at the gas station called his dad, the mayor to see if he had a key to the city park restrooms, no key. Richard (guy hanging out at the gas station) gave us information on a B & B in the area, so he loaded Alinda up in his jeep and took her by the B & B. We parked the RV in their yard and rented two rooms for the showers. Beautiful old home that they have been restoring. Bike Kansas rode through Troy last year and finished at their B & B. I must say the people in Kansas are wonderful.

Day 22, Back tracted to Kensington to Washington, Kansas

2010-09-04T22:34:00.003-04:00

109.26 BUT WHO'S COUNTING! Very windy today and not behind us! Last night in Smith Center we learned that Smith Center High School, Redman football have a book written about them, Our Boys, A Perfect Season, by Joe Drape, 67 straight-victories-state record-nations current longest high school winning streak. Football game last night and guess what they won, 56 to 6! Kansas is like being on a roller coaster, up and down! Hotter today in the 80's but last week it was over 104+ By tomorrow we will have ridden 2000+ miles, By this evening Patty is ready to tear up her bucket list when she gets home, Tom's one liners on the road keep us laughing, today was " just run me over" Today we where at the Geographic Center of the conterminous U.S. The song in my head today was "Taking the Long Way" by the Dixie Chicks. Janice, Paul and I are in the tent again after sleeping where ever we could, the tent feels like the Greenbrier! We all have raccoon faces from our sunglasses! Tomorrow is another day!

Rules of Buck shot Motel

2010-09-04T09:28:00.004-04:00

Pictures along the way!

2010-09-03T22:59:00.011-04:00

Rainbow at Hiland

2010-09-03T22:53:00.003-04:00

One of God's gifts to us after a hard day on the bike!

Highlights along the way!

2010-09-03T22:41:00.006-04:00

Interesting things along the way!

Atwood Kansas to Smith Center Kansas 111 miles

2010-09-03T22:34:00.002-04:00

This one is for you Elrod! 111 miles, 6 hours 43 minutes , average speed, 16.4 and Kansas is not flat!!!!!!!!!!! No wind today, great day, temperature was 76. We are riding on 36 East till we get across Missouri! Lots of farms and small towns. Alyson saw her highest speed yesterday of 42 mph, I saw my second highest speed on 45 mph, I hit 47mph on the Scenic Highway. Kansas is not what I thought it would be, I imagine flat, flat, flat with corn, corn, corn! Lots of cattle and fields of sunflowers growing. Guess what is growing in the picture! People along the way very nice. We are at the Buck Shot Motel and Lodge, the owner let us pull the RV right up, we finally found postcards at the Buck Shot, no Welcome to Kansas sign as we enter yesterday, still looking. I hope everyone at home has a wonderful Labor Day Weekend, to us it's just another day on the bike.

It's about the people we meet.

2010-09-02T23:31:00.001-04:00

This morn in Yuma, Allyson lending a hand to an older gentleman,Lauren. She was picking up his cereal bowl at the RV/Motel Center. I sat down with the elderly man and asked him where he was from. This lovely 96 year old man gave a beautiful synosis of his life, beginning in St. Francis, Kanas. He told us of the loss of the family farm during the Dust Bowl era and Depression; the family's move to Ft, Collins, CO; his work for a harvest machinery company. He said he had planned to go to the war for his country (WWII) but they needed him to inspect machinery built for the war. He didn't want to think he hadn't done his job for his country. He said he had a good life, lost a son, and he and his wife had a condo in Hawaii, but he didn't know that he would ever get back there. Now, he must take care of business with some farmland back in St Francis. Allyson and I were amazed at the story and his clarity. He was fragile, drooled a bit, and smiled. I think he needed to tell us--and most of all, we needed to listen.
This land of ours is built by people with integrity and hard work. How wonderful it is to listen. Our story is small compared to the life of folks like Lauren.

Tonite in Atwood at Pizza Hut--a break for Paul- we were greeted by the manager of Pizza Hut. A big picture of a bull rider hung on the wall. We inquired. She proudly told us this picture was her 14 year old son riding in a Championship bull riding contest- taking 2nd place. He is playing football now and can't compete until after football season. How proud she was and now she worried because he was in heavy bull riding competetion. Yes, a workin mom with the same thoughts and concerns for her teenager as he pursues his dreams. Gee, that's close to home. We pursue our dreams each day and you keep praying and are proud. Thanks.

Just wanted to let you know that it isn't about scenery every minute. Our journey includes the people we meet that will impact us for years to come.
Thanks for tuning in.

Alinda, following the dream

Yuma CO to Nebraska to Atwood Kansas

2010-09-02T22:42:00.005-04:00

We have know enter our seven state, 110 miles in the saddle today! We are 1.4 miles short of 1,700 miles. The morning started out with a high wind warning! Things along the way, the truck battery went dead, Janice got sand burr's on her butt, you can guess how that happened! Passed a guy on a horse, John and I turned to find out his story, he started in Lexington KY and is riding to Los Angeles, CA his sister lives in Gauley Bridge! Bobby and I found a dead rattle snake with 7 rattles and button, we had to bring it to John Francis, John was not sure that we where hearing the rattle snakes in the canyons. I was informed by a local in Atwood that we are in the foothill of Kansas not the flatlands. Good day in the saddle.

Frequently Asked Questions?????

2010-09-02T00:08:00.002-04:00

1. Can anyone do this type of trip? Honestly NO! I am an optomist. But reality is reality! This trip is not just physical. It is mental- winds so strong you can barely hold the bike up. Chores that are close quarters, with little privacy. Days when your hands and feet are numb becuase you need to keep pedaling. Nights in a truck stop parking lot when you take a shower with minimal water after 100+ miles, but you get a shower and laugh. Crotch bruised, but you ignore it. So if you are looking for a luxury tour, this is not for you. But if you are looking for a unique way to smell, see, hear, and learn about America and YOU then, you would love it.
2. Why are you doing this? This is the 2nd time I have done this. Why? It is a "walkabout" of sorts. Sometimes I choose to ride alone, just to think. What do I think about? Everything from how America is moving so fast, to how I'm moving too fast. I have time to examine myself, my relationships, my dedication to projects and my spiritual being. Riding a bicycle for miles and miles allows you time to slow down and really think. This second "walkabout" is as important as the first.
3. What chores does the group have? Everyone pitches in and helps each other. It took a week to figure out who did what. Janice and Liz are fast tent pitchers. Alinda is the dish washer, cleaner upper after breakfast and dinner. Patty and Allyson dry and put away. Allyson takes charge of laundry. Tom is the bicycle organizer. tire pumper, and coffee maker. Bobby is director of "rig" maintainance and John is first assistant. Janice is the morning sandwich maker. John is Mr. Handy and helps everyone.Thanks o Liz for her dedication to the blog. She does a great job taking pictures and trying to post--internest service in not good in most places. Paul has the biggest and hardest job---cooking, preparing each rest stop, drivinng the rig and putting up with all of us. So it is a team effort.
4. What's the food like? TOTALLY AWESOME. Becuase we are in close quarters, we are often served by Paul. We are like kings and queens. Paul served 2 presidents- Truman and Eisenhower. Yes really. Everything is delicious and the smells of evening dinner is a treat.
5. What is the biggest difference you see from the first journey in 2001 to the journey in 2010? Technology. Cell phones work in more places. However, we were fortunate in WY that cell phone coverage was not good for a couple days. Yes, we love to call everyone at home, but we have limited time. Plus people in towns are on the cell phone so when you ride by, they aren't really paying attention. We are also using GPS. It works sometimes, and it doesn't work others. So the old map and "ask the local folks" is still the best.
6. Do we miss you? Yes, we think of all of you often. We love to hear from you. And we feel your prayers. We hope we are representing our community well as we ride and meet people. Folks are really friendly. It is a pleasure to feel America's fabric come alive thru quick conversation. We are a wonderful nation with beauty and friendly smiles.

WE are Pedaling!!!
Go ride your bike!
Lots of Love!!!

Alinda

19 Days of Riding! 95 miles

2010-09-01T22:51:00.002-04:00

Wiggins Colorado to Yuma, Today's ride was the F & F! Feedlots and fly's. Eastern Colorado is all huge corn fields with huge feedlots that goes for miles, it makes you think about What's for dinner! We had so many fly's in the RV we had to stop and buy a bomb to put off. Easy riding so far, light head wind, we are riding Rt. 34 East, should enter into Nebraska tomorrow for about 10 miles and then Kansas here we come!

Lamarie to Wiggins WY

2010-09-01T22:37:00.001-04:00

116 miles today! The morning started with snow in the high mountains, cool 45 degree's. We did 7 loads of laundry last night. Rode 23 miles to Colorado! I didn't realize how much I missed tree's! It was a wonderful site to see. So far Colorado is great, highest elevation 8374 ! Good roads, wide shoulders to ride on. Rode into Fort Collins, Paul's son, wife and great grandson met us along side the road with extra tubes for our tires, and wonderful food. Paul had been looking forward to seeing his family all day. Temperature was great and no head winds. We dropped in elevation to around 5300, eastern Colorado is all huge corns fields, huge feed lots, It makes you think about eating beef. We ended the day around 8:00 pm and rode into Wiggins. Guess what we are sleeping behind a Sinclair Gas Station/truck stop. John Francis had a wonderful gift his stepdaughter and granddaughter drove up from Denver and ( cycle storm catcher) caught up with us. Great day for Paul and John and get to see family and visit. It's amazing what (a new day brings)

Day 17 From Where are we in WY to Laramie 102. 5 miles

2010-09-01T21:20:00.000-04:00

Hardest Day in the Saddle yet! Hardest day on the bike for me ever! Morning started out with a light rain, everyone got to use their rain gear, we looks like space aliens. Hit a storm that felt like it had hell in it, the wind would blow you over. Rode 25 + miles in rain and hell, the rain did let up later but the wind picked up. Rode for miles with Wind Farms on both sides of us, I stopped counting at 102 windmills. Rode through Mechine Bow! Can you guess what wester on TV also went to Mechine Bow. We rode all day at 7200 to 7500 in elevation. Everyone was glad to be of the bike. Tomorrow will bring a new day and new weather we hope. We now have ridden close to 1500 miles.

16 Days in the Saddle

2010-09-01T21:14:00.004-04:00

Hiland WY to Where are we in WY? 103.57 miles today, Some things we did not stop to see along the way where Hell's Half Acre, and we rode along the Sand Creek Massacre Trail, Boothe boys look that up and let me know the history. STRONG, STRONG, head wind today, everyone is a little beat up. Ended the day with a storm and sleeping at Road Side rest stop. Janice and Paul are sleeping in the truck everyone else in the RV. We all have bets on the time that the law will roll in tonight and ask us to leave.

Wyoming windstorm tonight!

2010-09-01T20:40:00.004-04:00

Where not even in Kanas yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought we where at the beach the wind blowed so hard last night in Hiland WY

Saturday night in Hiland WY!

2010-09-01T00:28:00.006-04:00

Went to the bar and visit with Kenny the store/bar/restaurant owner. The bar was open for business, Kenny was a character, we all had a hot time in Hiland WY last night. We meet all 10 people who live in Hiland WY and Bill's two dogs. We where all ready to spend the night along the road. Tom "our Think a head guy" gad filled 10 gallons jugs of water so we didn't run out. Instead we had a great time with Kenny, Bill, Mary. Mary's cooking breakfast in the morning for the group. Saw the incredible rainbow, Life is good! Everyday is a new journey! Hiland WY is what America is all about!

Day 15, Thermopolis to Hiland WY! 75 miles

2010-09-01T00:14:00.005-04:00

Our last day of riding and site seeing. Went to the dinasours museum and digs this morning. Very interesting, the digs where discovered in 1993 by a veterinarian (from Germany) who was their looking at a farmer livestock and discovered a bone. We started riding from Thermopolis around 1:00 in the afternoon. We enter into the Wind River Canyon! And boy is that a fitting name, 15 miles of down hill through the canyon, I have never worked so hard on a down hill before if you did not peddle the wind would have pushed you back up the hill. Enter into 3 tunnels ( Alyson didn't scream this time) . The Wyoming landscape changed after the canyon we enter into the high grass lands. We had a huge storm following us all afternoon, high winds, everyone just put their heads down and rode, around 5:00 pm we finally got a tail wind the nearest town from Thermopolis is Casper which is 130 miles, so we where prepared to sleep along side the road, the group had decided we would stop riding at 7:30 pm
By the grace of God and (I think Alinda's grandad) at 7:15 pm we enter into Hiland WY, population 10 and there was a store on the right, Bobby pulled in and the owner Kenny invited us to stay there, so we parked the RV and guess what Kenny had motel rooms rented two rooms from Kenny and its gets better, Kenny also had a bar in the store. The most incredible storm came up with a double rainbow! I have never seen a rainbow like that!

Cody to Thermopolis, 88 miles

2010-08-31T23:55:00.001-04:00

First big wind! 5870 elevation, rode through the Owl Creek Mountains. Our new word on the bike is rumble strip, instead of car up or car back, its RUMBLE STRIP ahead. Tom Steele thoughts for the day was I almost go blown side ways. Finished the evening at the Hot Springs at Thermopolis, over 3.4 millions gallons per day and the temperature is 128 degree's.

Afternoon in Cody Wy!

2010-08-31T23:42:00.003-04:00

Hottest day in Cody this summer, 94 degree's! We were glad to be off the bikes this afternoon, Went to the Buffalo Bill museum, great display of America Indians on display. We all had fun shopping for cowboys boots at Wayne's. Family owned since, 1959! Had drinks at Irma's Famous Hotel of Buffalo Bills. Cody is cool place to visit.

Wayfair to Cody! 48 miles

2010-08-31T23:37:00.000-04:00

Started this morning with the red rock mountains of Wyoming! Rode through the Shoshone National Forest, the Shoshone rive was on our right. All down hill to Cody, rode through Buffalo Bill State Park and lake had our first tunnels to go through, I could hear Alyson's screaming all the way through. Saw a couple of moose's! Still on Rt 20

Not there yet

2010-08-28T00:05:00.001-04:00

Yes we did get to almost 9000 feet, 8870 was the highest we saw. Sylvia Peak is 9125

Friends along the way!

2010-08-27T23:58:00.001-04:00

Paul and Betty from Canada, headed to New Mexico, riding fully loaded mountain bikes and traveling off road, we shared some fruit with them. Oliver from Germany started in Seattle Oregan and headed to PA. Invite us to come to Germany and ride! WOW WOW

First blood shed on the trip!

2010-08-27T23:53:00.003-04:00

Bike was falling over and the crank got my leg, lets hope that's as bad as it gets.

Leaving Yellowstone

2010-08-27T23:52:00.000-04:00

We exit Yellowstone through the East Gate.

Chores around the RV

2010-08-27T23:27:00.002-04:00

Afternoon in Cody

2010-08-27T23:24:00.000-04:00

Rolled into Cody around noon, hottest day this summer, 94 degree's. We where glad to be off the bike. Went to Buffalo Bill Museum, wonderful America Indian exhibit. We all had fun shopping for cowboy boots at Wayne's. Family own since 1959. Had drinks at Irma's Hotel, it was built by Buffalo Bill. Found a battery for my camera so I'm back in business.

Images along the way!

2010-08-27T23:20:00.000-04:00

Have fun guessing what they are?

Cody to Thermopolis, Day 14 rode 88 miles

2010-08-27T22:58:00.001-04:00

We had a side head wind that was blowing us side ways! Riding elevation 5870, We rode through the Owl Mountain Ranges today. Our new word on the bike is rumble strip, no more car up or car back its rumble strip ahead! Even Tom Steele though he was being blown side ways. We relaxed this evening at the Thermopolis Hot Springs, World's Largest Mineral Hot Spring, the average water flow is 3.4 million gallons of water per day at 128 degree's.

Sad day!

2010-08-27T22:37:00.001-04:00

Bill left us the morning, Greyhound Bus ride to Denver 12 hours, tomorrow morning a flight to Roaoke VA and then drive back to Lewisburg. We will miss his fun humor!

Wayfayer Chapel to Cody, Day 13 53 miles

2010-08-26T16:01:00.003-04:00

Started this morning with the red rock mountains of Wyoming! Road through the Shoshone National Forest, The first national forest in the United States, created by President Benjamin Harrison, March 30, 1891! Daniel Boothe " I'm sure you already knew that". The Shoshone River was off to our right, Great day for biking easy riding into Cody, rode through the Buffalo Bill State Park and reservoir, rode through our first tunnels through the mountains, the damn was on the other side. My camera hit the road today and a RV ran over my battery, hopeful will find one in Cody. Going shopping in Cody for cowboys boots!

West Yellowstone to East Yellowstone, approx. 89 miles

2010-08-26T00:53:00.002-04:00

Morning started out a chilly 38 degree's! We all started off this morning a little anxious about riding through the park, lots of cars and little or no shoulder to ride on. Some where a little concerned about the wildlife! Had a gentleman from New York stop as we where ready to take off, curious about us. He gave us a blessing before we started. "May you not get run over by a grizzle or a grey hair old man in a RV" and with that we where off. Riding through today verse yesterday in a vehcile, the one thing came to mind was the "smells" The fresh smell of the pines this morning, riding along the geysers area, the strong smell of sulphur, the fresh water smell of Yellowstone lake, and later in the afternoon the acid/smoke from a recent forest fire. Riding beside the bison was wonderful it was great seeing the large herds. Bobby and Tom was the grizzle bear, lots of people stop and running to see. We also saw large herds of elks. We climbed Sylvia Pass this evening elevation 8630! (My personal highest climb on a bike) "What a down Hill" We all where glad we didn't opt out of riding through the park. It will be a ride to remember. We ended the evening at Yellowstone Valley RV Park in Wapiti Wyoming!

Tan Lines!

2010-08-26T00:30:00.003-04:00

We are getting some interesting Tan Lines! Can you guess who they belong to?

Mileage for Day 11--- 100+ in a truck with seven people!

2010-08-25T23:50:00.004-04:00

First day of the bike, We loaded in Bobby's truck and went into Yellowstone National Park, We came into the West Entrance in Montana, we rode our bikes around 12 miles in Montana, hit Wyoming about 3 miles into Yellowstone, beautiful day, we traveled both loops! Patty sister Becky saw Patty on the Old Faithful web-cam, we gave Lila Bartos a call so she could find us, Yellowstone is her favorite spot. We ended the day in the Bolling River! Made it through the last check point in the park we 20 minutes to spare. If we had not made it, we would have been spending the night in park.- Tomorrow we ride through Yellowstone, coming out on the East Entrance!

Take the back roads! Mesa Falls, Idaho

2010-08-25T23:31:00.002-04:00

Travel on Rt 47 ! Visited Mesa Falls, Approx. 1.3 million years ago, a hugevolcanic eruption created as ash layer hundreds of feet deep. Upper Snake River,

Real Cowgirls from Montana!

2010-08-25T23:23:00.001-04:00

We try to get some butt tips from them!

Yellowstone Here we come! Day 10

2010-08-23T23:57:00.003-04:00

Left Saint Anthony this morning looking for breakfast! Rode into Anston, the towns out here are few and far ! Put our cold winter cycling gear on . 45 degree's! Left Anston and took some locals advise instead of Rt 20 we rode on Rt. 47 Mesa Scenic Byway! It pays to take the back roads. Two falls, one was a 65 drop the big fall was 114! We thought all day we where riding toward Wyoming and guess what we enter into Montana! Surprise, Surprise! 80 miles today to West Yellowstone, we are camping out at KOA! Rented a cabin, no tent for a couple days, Grizzles in the camp site night before last. Great day again!

Day 9 into the journey! Arco to Saint Anthony

2010-08-23T23:46:00.002-04:00

Leaving Arco headed to West Yellowstone gates! Morning ride with a light rain, cooler temperatures, around 60 degree's. We rode Rt. 33 toward Yellowstone, finished the 105 miles around 5:00 pm this evening. Roded into Angler Paradise RV Park, it rank about 1.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. First big rain last night, the tent stayed dry. We set up the movie theater last night in the RV, watch the Race across America. We are around 75 to 80 miles outside of Yellowstone.

Night 8 in Arco, Idaho

2010-08-23T23:29:00.005-04:00

The RV park is the local hang out on a Saturday night, boys in spandex are looked at very closely. The sky was beautiful tonight, just a little rain.

2010-08-21T23:35:00.000-04:00

Today I dedicate my ride today to Elrod. In Lewisburg, he keeps all the statistics for bicycle rides. So Elrod, we are making up the miles-117 for you.
Thanks to the Lord above for a cloud cover that helped us ride smoothly and happily all day.
The mountains after the Craters of the Moon were sunlite. Totally awesome.
Keep pedaling.
Alinda

Photo's from Alyson

2010-08-21T23:09:00.003-04:00

Typical Day in the Saddle

2010-08-21T22:36:00.004-04:00

First day leaving Newport Beach, by noon the temperatures where 100+

During the heat, this has been our typical day!
24 gallons of water
12 bags of ice, we have been packing bags of ice and putting in our bra's.
3 gallons of gator aide
one tube of sunscreen
one tube of butt butter
2 to 3 loafs of bread
lots of cheese and ham
16 + banana's

Longest day in the saddle, Fairfield to Arco, 117+

2010-08-21T22:02:00.007-04:00

Day 8 in the saddle, started out at 5525 in elevations, Sawtooth Mountain Range, rode on Rt 20 East again, traffic was slow, rode along the lava fields of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, The mountains of Idaho are beautiful riding into Arco I felt like the mountains where a magnet pulling me towards them. We can see the highest the mountain in Idaho.

So What's the Reality????

2010-08-21T01:21:00.003-04:00

Crotches so sore that we will try anything--Hammer Balm, Budro butt butter, ice pack. LOL. Praying for lidocaine. So hot that we pack our boobs in ice and use one water bottle just to pour on each other as we ride along. 12 bags of ice per day, food stored in the shower, and a constant "did you see my ......." And even with this reality, endorphins so high that we can touch the sky.
What about our concerns, problems, issues? We are not without these. Today was my grandfather's funeral on Fenwick Mt, WV. Before leaving I had to say goodbye knowing I would never see Gramps again. Just tore my heart out. Then he passed away on Tuesday. So today on a high desert plain with beautiful mountains in the backgroud and jets from Mt Home Air Force Base flying in unison, we had a memorial service. Liz, Janice, Patty, Allyson, Bobby, and I gathered. We sang "It is Well With my Soul", "How Great Thou Art", and "I'll fly Away" I read Psalm 23 and Galatians 6:2-10. This described Gramps. Funny the place was perfect for a Western which he loved. I know he is with me and he is in glory. There is more to riding a bicycle than the physical. It is Well With My Soul.
Laughter abounds. Relationships mature. Work never ends. Hot showers are always appreciated. And there are no regrets about being in this place at this time for this moment.
So what's reality? A sore crotch doesn't mean much, it is momentary--we are making memories for a lifetime.
Thanks to all of you for praying, supporting, and thinking of us. Keep it up and please go pedal your bike.
Love to all.
Alinda Perrine, 2nd time to cross America by bicycle, Free Spirit Adventures

Day 7 Short day in the saddle, 69 miles of climbing

2010-08-21T00:14:00.005-04:00

Finishing elevation for the day has 5,160. Lot of long climbs, Idaho is beautiful, I had no idea what it would be like, we started riding on route 78, Bill Dukert is joining us today, he will arrive in Boise around 3:00 pm and ride with us for a week, we took time around noon today and Alinda found a perfect spot to remember her grandfather , his funeral was today, it put us all a little closer to God this morning. Lunch break at Mountain Home Idaho, ran into a local man who was ready to join us, here is a quote from his business card, "Even a fish wouldn't get caught if it didn't open its mouth". We have ridden around 100 miles of open range in Idaho. Outside of Mountain Home, Paul had is first visit with a local sherriff , Paul met him at the door of the RV with a knife, the sherriff was very nice, just wanting to know why he was parked at the side of the road. We are in Fairfield Idaho tonight, the RV park is about 1 on a scale of 1 to 10, put the showers had hot water. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

Day 6, 88.3 miles, left Oregan into Idaho!

2010-08-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

Another hot day in the saddle, we had around 12 miles this morning before we enter into Idaho, it feft great to have one state behind us. The Snake river seperated Oregan and Idaho, there was a couple from Wilderness, South Africa they were traveling from Sarasota FL to Yellowstone! Idaho has wonderful road , Rode into Nyssa home of the thundering egg, can you guess what it is? We hit our first road construction around 7 miles, rode thur hops fields, lot of onions fields, and corn. Givens, Hot Springs, it was discovered in 1879, the water from the spring is 140 degree's. Interested town of Murphy Idaho. Pop. 50 ! Rode over the Owhee Mountain range. Spent the night in the Bruneau Dunes State Park. Large sand dunes,

Patty Cycles America

2010-08-19T09:23:00.000-04:00

Day 5 - We have finally settled in to the RV life and we had a great day cycling. Our ride today was wonderful We started with a great downhill. We followed a river canyon for miles. We then entered a farming area. We made great time today. Very enjoyable. Life is good indeed!

Patty

Day 5, Juntura to Fruitland

2010-08-19T00:20:00.004-04:00

Almost out of Oregon!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Day has been wonderful we started out with a 6 mile downhill! The tempertures are cooler, everyone is feeling better, we all are riding strong, Scenery changed constenstly. We crossed two passes and then followed the Malhuer river, one of our stops we jumped in the river. Riding in canyon we could hear the rattlesnakes, The road kill has been interesting, we decided the rattlesnakes are smarter than the coyotes, finished today with 97 miles. Janice and I are loving our space in the tent, the cots are wonderful.

Day Four, Burns to Jurtura!

2010-08-19T00:12:00.007-04:00

Another hot day in the saddle, everyone had a short fuse, things did get better as the day went on, we have had long hard days. Everyone is working hard, RV living is getting easier, we are getting into a rhythm. 85 miles, Jurtura is a interesting place, the pictures will tell the story.

Visitor with us!

2010-08-19T00:06:00.000-04:00

We had the pleasure of meeting Paul Swift, Paul is a friend of Alinda and Bobby, he came on board in Newport and stay with us till Burns. Paul was sixth in the world on the short track, great guy, he gave us lots of encourgement.

Day Three

2010-08-18T23:43:00.002-04:00

Took us a little time to get out of Bend Oregan! Hit the high desert today, hot, hot, hot, 100 miles today, big country, This song came to mind, America the Beautiful! It made me realize how small we really are in the ream of things.

Day Three

2010-08-17T10:46:00.003-04:00

Took us a little time to get out of Bend Oregan, hit the high desert, hot, hot, hot! We are going through lots of ice, riding today made me realize how small we really are in the ream of things. America the Beatiful came to mind. 100+ miles today, we stay in Burns Oregan and it was a fitting name.

Day Two Sweet Home to Sisters

2010-08-17T10:42:00.004-04:00

Today is what I thought Oregan would look like, lots of long climbs, 11 miles, the grade is not bad, just long, another hot day, 75 miles, Sisters is name for the three snow covered peaks. Wonderful creek at the camp ground called Shaw Creek, everyone enjoyed bathing in the creek. Paul has been wonderful, foods is wonderful. Pictures to come. Not alot of time to blog or do anything but ride, set up camp and go to bed. Life is good!

The journey has began!

2010-08-17T10:25:00.007-04:00

We arived in Newport Beach Oregan, the temperature was a 55 degree's, we have been riding on Rt 20 East, by noon we where riding in 100 + temperatures, it is very hard staying hydrated, the first day the roads where very busy. Everyone is riding strong. We rode 97 miles to Sweet Home Oregan.

Map Across America!

2010-08-10T16:27:00.000-04:00

"You can be anything you want to be, Do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose." Abraham Lincoln

Happy Birthday Paul!

2010-08-09T15:52:00.002-04:00

Today is Paul's 81st birthday! We are so lucky to have Paul on this trip with us! The RV is in Kansas and the temperature is 103 !

The RV is on its way!

2010-08-09T15:39:00.000-04:00

The journey has began! Bobby and Paul pulled out on Saturday around 2:15 in the afternoon.

Where!

2010-08-05T21:36:00.000-04:00

The journey starts in Newport Beach Oregon, and will end 36 days later at Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Who are we?

2010-08-05T21:29:00.000-04:00

The love of the bike has brought us together, now we are a group of friends who love to ride! I'm the baby of the group at a young 46 with the oldest at a young 80 years old. Started packing this week, Bobby and Paul are pulling out on Sunday morning with the RV and our gear. John leaves tomorrow to fly out to Portland to spend a week with his son before the journey starts, the rest of us will leave next Friday the lucky 13!

Where, Who are we? Why!

2010-07-13T22:13:00.005-04:00

I plan to answer these questions! Stay posted

Count down begins!

2010-07-13T21:57:00.007-04:00

One month from today, six strong women, two brave men, one driver and cook will begin our journey across America!