Well, precisely 2 weeks have passed since we cycled into Bar Harbor on July 31. We completed the trek in 53 days, cycling 3751 miles for an average of just under 71 miles a day. Was it worth it? You bet. Was it hard? Of course! Would you do it again? Probably not. The amount of effort and preparation is hard to explain to people; one must go through this experience to understand what we went through. But I have a lifetime of memories:
+ the beautiful Cascade and Rocky Mountains.
+ the wonderful people along the route who were helpful, courteous, and interested in our story.
+ the huge pancakes at Bergie's restaurant in Montana.
+ the cyclists that we met and rode with along the way.
+ the kind people who took us into their homes and gave us warm showers, meals, computer access, etc.
+ the realization that my 60 year-old body could actually adjust to riding 70 miles a day.
+ the great food and beers that we experienced, including Pat's excellent campsite meals.
+ the beautiful weather in the west, including the outrageous 30 mph tailwinds in Montana.
+ the lousy wet weather in the east.
+ the restaurants that were closed in New York on Mondays and Tuesdays.
+ all the road kill, especially raccoons and possums.
I suppose I could go on, but you get the idea. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We thank all of you who expressed interest in our ride, who followed us on our blog, who contributed to our Livestrong fundraising. We had a blast and we succeeded. What else is there in life? You can make a contribution at the following link:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Bill Jenkins
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Plover, WI (2)
Well, we have been back long enough that I think that I need to post a final update.
The overwhelming feeling that I have about the ride has nothing to do with pedaling, the bike, the climbs, etc. You may have already figured out from my previous posts that I was overwhelmed by how good the people that we encountered were. This is a great continent to live in. I would have normally said country, but the people in Ontario were outstanding.
I had to include a Best Of / Worst Of list, so here it is:
Best roads: (tie)
Wisconsin for the incredible network of county roads, making it very easy to get almost anywhere on scenic, lightly travelled roads.
North Dakota for the wonderful paved shoulders on large and small roads.
Worst roads: Vermont. The shoulders were crumbling or nonexistant on many roads. In addition, 3/4 of the lane was gone on several segments of State Road 125, which was the busy road leading to Middlebury Gap. Chip told me that before he got there, the rain had washed the entire road away. It sounds like he diverted onto some roads which were much nicer.
Best drivers: North Dakota, although all of the states from Wisconsin west could have won this one. In North Dakota, we had very few rude drivers, and actually had some people pull up along side of us and ask where we were riding.
Worst drivers: Vermont. This wasn't even close. Vermont had by far the highest percentage of aggressive, rude, and downright threatening drivers of anywhere we rode. In fact, the only driver who was threatening in Maine ( a red Toyota) had Vermont plates.
Best bike trails: Minnesota. This one wasn't close. Minnesota has an amazing network of paved bike trails throughout the state. We rode the Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon trails for 105 miles of cycling bliss.
Worst trail: Ontario. The Niagra Recreational Trail was horrible, winding through people's driveways, gravel segments, abrupt gaps in the trail, etc. After 12 or 13 miles and a flat tire, we finally abandoned the trail and rode on the road. We should have done this sooner.
Nicest people: North Dakota, although like the drivers, this could have gone to Ontario or any state west of Michigan. For a good example of what people were like in North Dakota, see my story of Butch in Goodrich ND in my post from Fargo. People here were amazing.
Unfriendliest people: Vermont. Actually, most people here were pleasant, but disinterested. My experiences with the drivers probably prejudiced me, but the people here were just not as friendly as anywhere else on the trip.
Most spectacular scenery: The Cascade mountains. We had great weather here, so we had a great view of the Cascades, but they were beautiful beyond description. The Cascades were named for the innumerable waterfalls (cascades), and the name is apt. The mountain streams and waterfalls were fantastic.
Most boring scenery: I can't honestly say that we found any. The closest would be New York along the Erie Canal, but this was pretty in its own way.
Most surprising scenery: North Dakota. We had all been told that ND is very long and BORING, and that you just tried to survive the monotony. NOT TRUE. We got off of the major highways and onto back roads, but the part of ND that we saw was beautiful. I was quite surprised to see all of the White Pelicans in eastern ND. Anything but boring.
Best food: Washington. We stumbled into some great places to eat in Washington, such as the restaurant on Whidby Island before we left and the brewpub in Twisp.
Worst food: The food was good everywhere.
Best beer: Montana. There are LOTS of great local and regional brews in Montana (look for Moose Drool in your local store).
Worst beer: North Dakota. Due to state laws, it is very difficult to buy beer in ND and you have to go through state licensed stores. As a result, the selection was pathetic.
Best dog: Kelly the Irish Setter in Fairhaven New York. Hands down. Kelly was a great dog.
Worst dogs: The pair of Pit Bulls that chased Pat in eastern New York.
I have to correct something from eastern Montana. I saw a Prarie Falcon, not a Merlin. Sorry for the mistake. I realized my mistake when I consulted my field guide when we got home.
If I think of anything else, I may put up an additional post. Hopefully Bill will get a chance to do one more.
Remember, if you want to contribute to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, follow this link:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Dave Henneghan
The overwhelming feeling that I have about the ride has nothing to do with pedaling, the bike, the climbs, etc. You may have already figured out from my previous posts that I was overwhelmed by how good the people that we encountered were. This is a great continent to live in. I would have normally said country, but the people in Ontario were outstanding.
I had to include a Best Of / Worst Of list, so here it is:
Best roads: (tie)
Wisconsin for the incredible network of county roads, making it very easy to get almost anywhere on scenic, lightly travelled roads.
North Dakota for the wonderful paved shoulders on large and small roads.
Worst roads: Vermont. The shoulders were crumbling or nonexistant on many roads. In addition, 3/4 of the lane was gone on several segments of State Road 125, which was the busy road leading to Middlebury Gap. Chip told me that before he got there, the rain had washed the entire road away. It sounds like he diverted onto some roads which were much nicer.
Best drivers: North Dakota, although all of the states from Wisconsin west could have won this one. In North Dakota, we had very few rude drivers, and actually had some people pull up along side of us and ask where we were riding.
Worst drivers: Vermont. This wasn't even close. Vermont had by far the highest percentage of aggressive, rude, and downright threatening drivers of anywhere we rode. In fact, the only driver who was threatening in Maine ( a red Toyota) had Vermont plates.
Best bike trails: Minnesota. This one wasn't close. Minnesota has an amazing network of paved bike trails throughout the state. We rode the Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon trails for 105 miles of cycling bliss.
Worst trail: Ontario. The Niagra Recreational Trail was horrible, winding through people's driveways, gravel segments, abrupt gaps in the trail, etc. After 12 or 13 miles and a flat tire, we finally abandoned the trail and rode on the road. We should have done this sooner.
Nicest people: North Dakota, although like the drivers, this could have gone to Ontario or any state west of Michigan. For a good example of what people were like in North Dakota, see my story of Butch in Goodrich ND in my post from Fargo. People here were amazing.
Unfriendliest people: Vermont. Actually, most people here were pleasant, but disinterested. My experiences with the drivers probably prejudiced me, but the people here were just not as friendly as anywhere else on the trip.
Most spectacular scenery: The Cascade mountains. We had great weather here, so we had a great view of the Cascades, but they were beautiful beyond description. The Cascades were named for the innumerable waterfalls (cascades), and the name is apt. The mountain streams and waterfalls were fantastic.
Most boring scenery: I can't honestly say that we found any. The closest would be New York along the Erie Canal, but this was pretty in its own way.
Most surprising scenery: North Dakota. We had all been told that ND is very long and BORING, and that you just tried to survive the monotony. NOT TRUE. We got off of the major highways and onto back roads, but the part of ND that we saw was beautiful. I was quite surprised to see all of the White Pelicans in eastern ND. Anything but boring.
Best food: Washington. We stumbled into some great places to eat in Washington, such as the restaurant on Whidby Island before we left and the brewpub in Twisp.
Worst food: The food was good everywhere.
Best beer: Montana. There are LOTS of great local and regional brews in Montana (look for Moose Drool in your local store).
Worst beer: North Dakota. Due to state laws, it is very difficult to buy beer in ND and you have to go through state licensed stores. As a result, the selection was pathetic.
Best dog: Kelly the Irish Setter in Fairhaven New York. Hands down. Kelly was a great dog.
Worst dogs: The pair of Pit Bulls that chased Pat in eastern New York.
I have to correct something from eastern Montana. I saw a Prarie Falcon, not a Merlin. Sorry for the mistake. I realized my mistake when I consulted my field guide when we got home.
If I think of anything else, I may put up an additional post. Hopefully Bill will get a chance to do one more.
Remember, if you want to contribute to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, follow this link:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Dave Henneghan
Monday, August 11, 2008
Return to Normalcy?
First, is normalcy a word? If it is, is it spelled correctly? I don't really care.
We finished our ride at Bar Harbor, ME on the 31st of July. On the 1st at about 8:00 pm we left Bar Harbor in a rental car with a recently purchased bike rack on it. We arrived home on Saturday the 2nd around 11:00 pm after 27 hours of driving. Bill and my dad (Dave) did a great job. I was unable to help because I am not yet 25.
Since we have returned we have been interviewed by a local television station, and two local newspapers. My dad was even asked to give a presentation at the Midwest Recumbent Rally which took place in our hometown. We have been surprised to find out how many people have been reading and appreciating our blog as we journey across the country.
Many people have asked us "is it weird not to be biking?" That is a very difficult question since we are not bicycling across the country anymore, but I have ridden between ten and forty miles almost every day that I have been home. Bill and my dad also have been out riding quite a bit. It really is amazing how many miles you can log just by commuting by bicycle.
My dad has been very excited to be starting his new job in town. He is glad to no longer commute 45 minutes to Wausau, and to have more time to spend at home and riding.
Bill has been spending time with his family, and finding out the statistics on our trip (like a good scientist). The school year is approaching and so is his work.
I have come home and been volunteering at the Stanley Project, a workshop in town that fixes up old bicycles and gives them away. I have learned a lot more about bicycles and maintenance in my week or so working there. My family and I look forward to greeting my sister as she returns from her kayaking trip in the inside passage. We also look forward to working at family camp at Camp Manito-wish.
Although one journey has ended we all have a lot to look forward to. We have all been talking about our next bike tours. My dad and Bill are probably going to do supported bike tours with family next summer. My next trip is coming sooner when I plan to bike to school. I am still unsure when I am leaving for school this fall. St. Olaf is only 260 miles or so from my house, so it should take 2-3 days to bike there. I am very excited for this school year.
I hope that everybody has had a good time following us on our trip across the country, we certainly had a great time. It has been a once in a lifetime experience for all of us, and we are all glad we had this opportunity.
If anybody feels it is necessary to contact me my e-mail is hennegha@stolaf.edu, I am really bad about getting back to people, but will do my best.
--Patrick Henneghan
We finished our ride at Bar Harbor, ME on the 31st of July. On the 1st at about 8:00 pm we left Bar Harbor in a rental car with a recently purchased bike rack on it. We arrived home on Saturday the 2nd around 11:00 pm after 27 hours of driving. Bill and my dad (Dave) did a great job. I was unable to help because I am not yet 25.
Since we have returned we have been interviewed by a local television station, and two local newspapers. My dad was even asked to give a presentation at the Midwest Recumbent Rally which took place in our hometown. We have been surprised to find out how many people have been reading and appreciating our blog as we journey across the country.
Many people have asked us "is it weird not to be biking?" That is a very difficult question since we are not bicycling across the country anymore, but I have ridden between ten and forty miles almost every day that I have been home. Bill and my dad also have been out riding quite a bit. It really is amazing how many miles you can log just by commuting by bicycle.
My dad has been very excited to be starting his new job in town. He is glad to no longer commute 45 minutes to Wausau, and to have more time to spend at home and riding.
Bill has been spending time with his family, and finding out the statistics on our trip (like a good scientist). The school year is approaching and so is his work.
I have come home and been volunteering at the Stanley Project, a workshop in town that fixes up old bicycles and gives them away. I have learned a lot more about bicycles and maintenance in my week or so working there. My family and I look forward to greeting my sister as she returns from her kayaking trip in the inside passage. We also look forward to working at family camp at Camp Manito-wish.
Although one journey has ended we all have a lot to look forward to. We have all been talking about our next bike tours. My dad and Bill are probably going to do supported bike tours with family next summer. My next trip is coming sooner when I plan to bike to school. I am still unsure when I am leaving for school this fall. St. Olaf is only 260 miles or so from my house, so it should take 2-3 days to bike there. I am very excited for this school year.
I hope that everybody has had a good time following us on our trip across the country, we certainly had a great time. It has been a once in a lifetime experience for all of us, and we are all glad we had this opportunity.
If anybody feels it is necessary to contact me my e-mail is hennegha@stolaf.edu, I am really bad about getting back to people, but will do my best.
--Patrick Henneghan
Monday, August 4, 2008
Plover, Wisconsin
I will do a summary post in a day or 2. In the meantime, if you would likie to contribute to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, follow this link:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Dave Henneghan
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Dave Henneghan
Friday, August 1, 2008
Bar Harbor. Maine (2)
The journey is over and we are enjoying a rest day here in Bar Harbor before driving home to Wisconsin. We cycled 3750 miles in 53 days, averaging just under 71 miles a day. What an accomplishment, what a feeling of achievement! It felt great to dip our front wheels in the salt waters of the Atlantic Ocean while tourists at the Bar Harbor waterfront congratulated us. We have many great memories, especially of the nice people we met along the way and the beautiful landscape of North America. It will be good to get home again to our loved ones and a daily routine.
Bill Jenkins
Bar Harbor, Maine
We are here! We arrived last night and dipped our tires in the rain. We had another long day yesterday but we are finished. We are staying with Nicole Herz, wife of Michael Rosenstein. We got to know Michael in Montana and rode with him for a couple weeks. Nicole took us out to a local favorite lobster restaurant last night and Bill and I ate the biggest lobsters we have ever seen. It was GREAT!
We are busy making arrangements to get home right now. We will all follow up with much longer posts after we get to Wisconsin and get some sleep.
Sorry about the light posting. We have not had access to computers very much in the east.
Dave Henneghan
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Old Forge, NY (2)
"Still I wonder, who'll stop the rain?" (CCR) Well, it seems our luck with the weather has run out. For the past 6 days we have been riding in warm, muggy, threatening weather, but we always managed to avoid the big rains. Sometimes the rains would hit when we were inside a restaurant eating, sometimes they would hit when we were in our tents at night. No more. The rains have unloaded on us the past 2 days, and today in north central New York they have been heavy for hours. Everything we own is soaked. We are currently sitting out the rains in the lobby of the Old Forge Best Western Motel and have taken this opportunity to update our blog. It's been awhile.
So here are the numbers: After 45 days we have cycled a total of 3223 miles, an average of just over 71 miles a day. The past days through New York have slowed us down due to weather and hills and flat tires. We are optimistically hoping to be in Bar Harbor by Friday August 1, but may be delayed by a day if the weather doesn't soon improve.
We owe a debt of gratitude to: the Macedon, NY, volunteer fire department who let us camp for free in their pavilion and use their showers; Brandon Furber and Jana House in Fair Haven, NY, who let us pitch our tents in their back yard and fed us dinner; Joe Sarcone and Kim Burch in Osceola, NY, who let us tent camp and eat in their restaurant even though they were closed (Mondays and Tuesdays, as Pat mentions in his blog); and Elaine, the manager here at the Best Western Motel who is letting us use her computer and use their lobby for shelter. People continue to be very helpful and friendly.
I might also mention that we cycled through Niagara Falls last weekend and, even though the falls were a spectacular sight, we did not enjoy the crowds of tourists and the urban blight around the city. We were glad to be out of the area and glad to get past Rochester, another rough large population center. Suffice it to say that we are now much happier being away from population centers and up in the remoteness of the Adirondack Mountains. Now if the rains would just stop.......
Bill Jenkins
Old Forge, NY
We just found out that we don't have a ride home, since our cat is ill and my mom (who was going to pick us up) has to attend to him. We are currently in the shelter of a Best Western using Elaine's (a hotel worker) laptop to arrange our ride home. The last five days have been slow going since we have been dodging rain. Luckily it looks as if the rains may let up soon (tomorrow).
We forgot to mention that in Port Glasgow, Darlene and Mary Kay graciously gave us some of their beer. One was a country singer, and unfortunately we were unable to make her concert before it started raining.
In Fairhaven we stopped at the "cookie ladies" house and bought some cookies afterwards we were sitting at the side of the road and Brandon, a fellow cyclist, offered to put us up for the night and feed us. We had a great time talking bikes with Brandon while eating the meal prepared by his wife Jana.
The following night we stayed next to the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame at Cedar Pines campground. In upstate New York restaurants are closed at random times. We were in Fairhaven on monday where their restaurants are closed on mondays, and on tuesday every restaurant we saw was closed on tuesday. Luckily, Joe (the owner of Cedar Pines) opened the restaurant just for us. Joe and Kim prepared us dinner and then started giving us all of the leftovers in their fridge. We had a good time talking with Joe about his business and how strange and illogical people can be.
Yesterday we avoided the storms, but today we will probably not be able to avoid them. We may have to hunker down , or just deal with epic rainstorms.
We have solved our problem of how to get home. We should be getting a rental car home and buying a bike rack to carry our bikes with us.
Wildlife Report
Salamanders
--Patrick Henneghan
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Port Dover, ON
"When you're there I sleep lengthwise,
and when you're gone I sleep diagonal in my bed"
--Phish
I win for random music quotes. I don't think this has anything to do with our trip. In fact, I always sleep lengthwise, but usually on the floor or ground. I don't even believe this is relevant or a true statement.
UPDATE: Trek paniers = falilure
We replaced my paniers that failed just two days ago. We got the same pair (maybe a bad idea, but that is insignificant) They broke again. Now I have my left panier bungee corded to the top of my rack with a tent, and an extremely large dry bag. I feel lopsided. DO NOT BUY TREK PANIERS.
Other than that our last two days have been great. We love Canada and Canadians. Canadians remind me a lot of midwesterners in that they are really friendly, except that they have a Canadian accent. I still really enjoy that accent.
The farmland has much more varied crops here than we have seen yet. We are seeing orchards with cherries, apples, peaches, etc. as well as fields of asparagus, tobacco, wheat, corn. We even saw an elk farm.
Roadkill Report:
fish (only Canada, eh?)
badger
cat
porcupine
possum
racoon (so many they are boring)
coyote
bat (this has not been confirmed)
mice
mole
--Patrick Henneghan
and when you're gone I sleep diagonal in my bed"
--Phish
I win for random music quotes. I don't think this has anything to do with our trip. In fact, I always sleep lengthwise, but usually on the floor or ground. I don't even believe this is relevant or a true statement.
UPDATE: Trek paniers = falilure
We replaced my paniers that failed just two days ago. We got the same pair (maybe a bad idea, but that is insignificant) They broke again. Now I have my left panier bungee corded to the top of my rack with a tent, and an extremely large dry bag. I feel lopsided. DO NOT BUY TREK PANIERS.
Other than that our last two days have been great. We love Canada and Canadians. Canadians remind me a lot of midwesterners in that they are really friendly, except that they have a Canadian accent. I still really enjoy that accent.
The farmland has much more varied crops here than we have seen yet. We are seeing orchards with cherries, apples, peaches, etc. as well as fields of asparagus, tobacco, wheat, corn. We even saw an elk farm.
Roadkill Report:
fish (only Canada, eh?)
badger
cat
porcupine
possum
racoon (so many they are boring)
coyote
bat (this has not been confirmed)
mice
mole
--Patrick Henneghan
Port Dover, Ontario (2)
What incredible luck we continue to have. We are tonight staying at the home of Tom and Bernie Shuttleworth who, with their daughter Emily, live on Emily Street in Port Dover. We had never met the Shuttleworths before today. This is how it came to be. We rode into Dover today after 100 miles and 10 hours on a 90 degree day, very exhausted and unsure of where we would be staying. We spotted a group of runners warming up in front of a runners store, so decided to stop and ask for local information and directions. After the group heard about our trip, Bernie volunteered her backyard for our tents. So she rode her bike with us to her house where Tom and Emily met us along with their black lab Larry. We have had nice conversation with the Shuttleworths, who have graciously allowed us to set up our tents, use their pool, take showers, use the computer to post this blog, and generally make ourselves at home. In return, we bought them ice cream downtown! Doesn't seem like a fair trade, does it? The kindness of the Shuttleworths is so typical of the people we have met on this trip. In spite of all the negative news in the papers and on TV, we continue to be amazed, impressed, and heartened by how very nice people are wherever we go. Thank you Tom and Bernie!
We have been lucky also with the weather. Even though it has been hot the past 2 days, we have had tailwinds and good roads. Just a little rain fell on us last night as we slept in our tents. We have also found good towns along the way for eating and getting liquid refreshment. As you can imagine, we are really going through the water, orange juice, and Pepsi (except for Pat who doesn't trip soda).
The numbers: we have now cycled a total of 2834 miles in 39 days, about 72 miles a day. We have a little over 2 weeks left in our epic journey. We still have lots of exciting things ahead of us, including Niagara Falls tomorrow.
Bill Jenkins
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Grosse Pointe, MI
"Michigan seems like a dream to me now
It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw
I've gone to look for America"
So far, Bill has had all the music quotes and it just didn't seem right. Ever since we rode through Bay City, just north of Saginaw, I have had Simon and Garfunkel going through my head.
We certainly have found the best of small town America. We were taking a break in a front yard just east of Memphis, MI today when the owner, Jeff Roberts, came out and gave us each a cold water bottle. In many areas, we would have been yelled at and escorted off the property. Jeff gave us cold water. I love small town America.
Last night, we had dinner with my friends from medical school, Randy and Jean Hicks. We had a great time, and they don't look any different that they did in med school. Tonight we are staying with my friends from college, Kurt and Polly Tech. They opened up their house to us and we are having a relaxed evening. Kurt, Randy and Jean are all radiologists. What are the odds of that?
We have been knocking off some serious miles- the last 4 days were 125, 93, 95, and 90 miles. Today we were riding into a headwind most of the day. We are getting a little tired. Pat had his brand new pannier break today. Kurt was able to get us into a Trek store to replace it though, so it shouldn't slow us down.
Hopefully Bill and Pat will be able to post soon.
See ya.
Dave Henneghan
It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw
I've gone to look for America"
So far, Bill has had all the music quotes and it just didn't seem right. Ever since we rode through Bay City, just north of Saginaw, I have had Simon and Garfunkel going through my head.
We certainly have found the best of small town America. We were taking a break in a front yard just east of Memphis, MI today when the owner, Jeff Roberts, came out and gave us each a cold water bottle. In many areas, we would have been yelled at and escorted off the property. Jeff gave us cold water. I love small town America.
Last night, we had dinner with my friends from medical school, Randy and Jean Hicks. We had a great time, and they don't look any different that they did in med school. Tonight we are staying with my friends from college, Kurt and Polly Tech. They opened up their house to us and we are having a relaxed evening. Kurt, Randy and Jean are all radiologists. What are the odds of that?
We have been knocking off some serious miles- the last 4 days were 125, 93, 95, and 90 miles. Today we were riding into a headwind most of the day. We are getting a little tired. Pat had his brand new pannier break today. Kurt was able to get us into a Trek store to replace it though, so it shouldn't slow us down.
Hopefully Bill and Pat will be able to post soon.
See ya.
Dave Henneghan
Friday, July 11, 2008
Stevens Point, WI (3)
By the way, here is the article from Princeton, MN from earlier this week: http://unioneagle.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1338&Itemid=1
Dave Henneghan
Dave Henneghan
Stevens Point, WI (2)
As Bill mentioned, we are here in our hometown. He nicely detailed the last few days in his post.
We have been extremely busy today, trying to tie up loose ends and running errands. We had the good fortune to arrive here during Crazy Days. For those of you who do not live here, that means Dave Marie's Island Chicken. What a great treat for lunch.
We have been busy making changes on our bikes. Pat is trying to get rid of the BOB trailer, which he has come to dislike intensely. I share those feelings for obvious reasons. I stopped by the Hostel Shoppe and had an unnder seat rack installed to increase my carrying capacity and to repair some of the damage to the bike from the crash.
The thing that has surprised me the most on this trip is how inspiring this is to many people. The young man in Melrose, MN who wanted our autograph just because he was so excited that we are doing this was quite an eye opener. I hope some people get excited enough to dust off the old bike and take it for a spin around the Green Circle or some favorite roads.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our good friends Karen and Carl Knuese while they deal with all that has come their way.
If anyone wants to contribute to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, here is the link: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Dave Henneghan
We have been extremely busy today, trying to tie up loose ends and running errands. We had the good fortune to arrive here during Crazy Days. For those of you who do not live here, that means Dave Marie's Island Chicken. What a great treat for lunch.
We have been busy making changes on our bikes. Pat is trying to get rid of the BOB trailer, which he has come to dislike intensely. I share those feelings for obvious reasons. I stopped by the Hostel Shoppe and had an unnder seat rack installed to increase my carrying capacity and to repair some of the damage to the bike from the crash.
The thing that has surprised me the most on this trip is how inspiring this is to many people. The young man in Melrose, MN who wanted our autograph just because he was so excited that we are doing this was quite an eye opener. I hope some people get excited enough to dust off the old bike and take it for a spin around the Green Circle or some favorite roads.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our good friends Karen and Carl Knuese while they deal with all that has come their way.
If anyone wants to contribute to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, here is the link: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=158934&supid=193018522
Dave Henneghan
Stevens Point, WI
Hello race fans. We are now in our hometown of Stevens Point, Wisconsin (or Plover for the Henneghans). We arrived yesterday (Thursday July 10) just before a major storm system hit. We have now cycled a total of 2278 miles over the past 32 days, an average of 71 miles a day. Today is a rest day in our hometown with a chance to see family and friends and get caught up on bills and paperwork. We planned this right, since today is the hottest day of the year here and big storms hit this AM and are due again tonight. This is a good day to not be riding. Tomorrow we leave for Manitowoc (135 miles east) to take the SS Badger across Lake Michigan, where we will continue our journey east toward Maine.
We had a wonderful time in North Branch, MN with Pat's St. Olaf friend Dan Mork and his family. They were very nice to let us stay with them and they fed us well. After we left North Branch on Tuesday July 8, we cycled 60 miles to Afton, MN (via Stillwater for a nice lunch) to stay with my cousin George Frost and his wife Kim. We had a delightful time there eating barbeque ribs and chicken, drinking quality beer, talking about chemistry, and playing cribbage. The next day (Wed July 9) was officially our second month on the road and was a tough one. We cycled 105 miles to Osseo, Wisconsin; the first 60 miles were over never-ending hills in the Coulee region of western Wisconsin/eastern Minnesota, along the Mississippi River. The reward at the end of that day was dinner at the world-famous Norske Nook restaurant. Thursday was an 82 mile ride to Rudolph, WI before we were interrupted by an intense thunderstorm just 15 miles from our hometown. We caught rides from family/friends into town. Earlier in the day my wife Teri and our 2 children Bill and Jill met us in Neillsville where we loaded our panniers/trailer in the van and rode unencumbered the last 50 miles of the day; what a feeling to fly along 2-3 miles faster. There is an advantage to planning a cross-country trek through one's hometown.
Tomorrow we leave bright and early, headed east. We have about 1400 more miles to Bar Harbor, Maine. We are in good spirits and good shape, so I expect we will have a nice month of riding ahead of us.
Bill Jenkins
We had a wonderful time in North Branch, MN with Pat's St. Olaf friend Dan Mork and his family. They were very nice to let us stay with them and they fed us well. After we left North Branch on Tuesday July 8, we cycled 60 miles to Afton, MN (via Stillwater for a nice lunch) to stay with my cousin George Frost and his wife Kim. We had a delightful time there eating barbeque ribs and chicken, drinking quality beer, talking about chemistry, and playing cribbage. The next day (Wed July 9) was officially our second month on the road and was a tough one. We cycled 105 miles to Osseo, Wisconsin; the first 60 miles were over never-ending hills in the Coulee region of western Wisconsin/eastern Minnesota, along the Mississippi River. The reward at the end of that day was dinner at the world-famous Norske Nook restaurant. Thursday was an 82 mile ride to Rudolph, WI before we were interrupted by an intense thunderstorm just 15 miles from our hometown. We caught rides from family/friends into town. Earlier in the day my wife Teri and our 2 children Bill and Jill met us in Neillsville where we loaded our panniers/trailer in the van and rode unencumbered the last 50 miles of the day; what a feeling to fly along 2-3 miles faster. There is an advantage to planning a cross-country trek through one's hometown.
Tomorrow we leave bright and early, headed east. We have about 1400 more miles to Bar Harbor, Maine. We are in good spirits and good shape, so I expect we will have a nice month of riding ahead of us.
Bill Jenkins
Monday, July 7, 2008
North Branch, MN
We have safely arrived in North Branch, Minnesota, at the home of Steve and Barb Mork, whose son Dan shares a suite of rooms with Pat at St. Olaf. They are graciously hosting us for the evening as we recover from the past 3 days trip from Fargo. Since leaving Fargo we have had the best of days and the worst of days.
The worst of days: On Saturday July 5 we fought 25-30 mph headwinds before giving up just 43 miles into the ride. We stayed at Rothsay, MN, where the locals were very helpful. We found the city park to camp, took showers at the truck stop, and had a nice meal at the local tavern.
The best of days: On Sunday July 6 we cycled 112 miles to Albany, MN, with a nice tailwind and warm temps. What a great day. We had a nice lunch in Alexandria overlooking Lake Agnes. We arrived late in Albany (7 PM) but managed to find a sports bar where we could watch the Tour de France while eating pizza and drinking Leini's beer. We then camped at the local Lion's Park. During the day Dave and Pat had a super market employee ask for their autographs after he heard about the trek.
Today: Monday July 7 was the first day of week 5 in our epic journaey. Today we cycled 85 miles to North Branch and are being graciously hosted by the Mork family. It was a nice ride, not too strenuous. We stopped in Princeton for lunch. We were joined at our lunch table by a local lawyer who was interested in our ride. A local newspaper reporter also stopped by to interview us for his weekly paper. We then cycled on to Cambridge where Pat's friend Dan met us and cycled with us the last 12 miles to his home. While in Cambridge we stopped at the local bicycle shop to make minor repairs to my bike; Casey and Shawn were very helpful in getting those repairs done. The last 10 miles of our ride today was done in a nice moderate rain that felt good, even if lightning and thunder were all around.
So it's been a good trip and we are still in good spirits. We have now cycled roughly 2010 miles for an average of about 70 miles a day. We look forward to being home in Stevens Point on Thursday for a rest day before continuing on to the east coast.
Bill Jenkins
The worst of days: On Saturday July 5 we fought 25-30 mph headwinds before giving up just 43 miles into the ride. We stayed at Rothsay, MN, where the locals were very helpful. We found the city park to camp, took showers at the truck stop, and had a nice meal at the local tavern.
The best of days: On Sunday July 6 we cycled 112 miles to Albany, MN, with a nice tailwind and warm temps. What a great day. We had a nice lunch in Alexandria overlooking Lake Agnes. We arrived late in Albany (7 PM) but managed to find a sports bar where we could watch the Tour de France while eating pizza and drinking Leini's beer. We then camped at the local Lion's Park. During the day Dave and Pat had a super market employee ask for their autographs after he heard about the trek.
Today: Monday July 7 was the first day of week 5 in our epic journaey. Today we cycled 85 miles to North Branch and are being graciously hosted by the Mork family. It was a nice ride, not too strenuous. We stopped in Princeton for lunch. We were joined at our lunch table by a local lawyer who was interested in our ride. A local newspaper reporter also stopped by to interview us for his weekly paper. We then cycled on to Cambridge where Pat's friend Dan met us and cycled with us the last 12 miles to his home. While in Cambridge we stopped at the local bicycle shop to make minor repairs to my bike; Casey and Shawn were very helpful in getting those repairs done. The last 10 miles of our ride today was done in a nice moderate rain that felt good, even if lightning and thunder were all around.
So it's been a good trip and we are still in good spirits. We have now cycled roughly 2010 miles for an average of about 70 miles a day. We look forward to being home in Stevens Point on Thursday for a rest day before continuing on to the east coast.
Bill Jenkins
North Branch, MN
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25889797@N07/ -Photos
First, we forgot to mention Russel in our last post. We were at a gas station somewhere in North Dakota after a hard days riding. I can't remember where or exactly how long ago it was. At this gas station we met Russel, one of the most outgoing and friendliest people who we met thus far. He knew all of our names and said goodbye to each of us personally after showing much interest in our trip. Russel and people like him are why we enjoyed North Dakota, and are enjoying our ride so much. (Sorry if I misspelled the name)
Highlights:
Fargo to Rothsay- On one of our breaks we stopped at an abandoned grain elevator, which I took the liberty to explore. It smelled musty/moldy, was covered in dust and had birds living in it. It was awesome. It was one of the best places to explore. I believe that it was abandoned around 2000, since I saw a calander from around then. It still had all sorts of paperwork and random things scattered all over. Then we left and battled 30 mph headwinds (this may or may not be accurate).
Rothsay to Albany- Fruit. We stopped at a fruit stand in Fergis Falls, the most attractive fruit stand we have seen yet, where we bought a large bag of peaches and another bag of cherries. When we were about to leave one of the workers approached us with a watermelon, which they gave us for free. I packed all of the fruit on my bike and we left. About 70 miles later we ate the watermelon. It was very juicy and very messy.
Albany to North Branch- The torrential downpours today caused me to put on my sunglasses to protect my eyes from the water that was getting in them. When I reached into my pocket to get my sunglasses I realized that I had a snickers in that pocket and was slightly hungry, so I started eating. About that same time my dad recieved a rush of water and sunscreen in his eyes and was prompted to stop. I was riding closely behind Dan Mork (a friend of mine from St. Olaf) who was closely behind my dad. When I heard the sound of screaching brakes I had just unwrapped my snickers. I quickly slammed on my brakes with the other hand. I avoided hitting both Dan and my dad, but not the ground. I flew a couple of feet off the bike, snickers still in hand, and landed on my left elbow. I hardly even got a scrape. I then ate my snickers while admiring the gracefulness of my fall. Perhaps I should become a professional faller.
--Patrick Henneghan
First, we forgot to mention Russel in our last post. We were at a gas station somewhere in North Dakota after a hard days riding. I can't remember where or exactly how long ago it was. At this gas station we met Russel, one of the most outgoing and friendliest people who we met thus far. He knew all of our names and said goodbye to each of us personally after showing much interest in our trip. Russel and people like him are why we enjoyed North Dakota, and are enjoying our ride so much. (Sorry if I misspelled the name)
Highlights:
Fargo to Rothsay- On one of our breaks we stopped at an abandoned grain elevator, which I took the liberty to explore. It smelled musty/moldy, was covered in dust and had birds living in it. It was awesome. It was one of the best places to explore. I believe that it was abandoned around 2000, since I saw a calander from around then. It still had all sorts of paperwork and random things scattered all over. Then we left and battled 30 mph headwinds (this may or may not be accurate).
Rothsay to Albany- Fruit. We stopped at a fruit stand in Fergis Falls, the most attractive fruit stand we have seen yet, where we bought a large bag of peaches and another bag of cherries. When we were about to leave one of the workers approached us with a watermelon, which they gave us for free. I packed all of the fruit on my bike and we left. About 70 miles later we ate the watermelon. It was very juicy and very messy.
Albany to North Branch- The torrential downpours today caused me to put on my sunglasses to protect my eyes from the water that was getting in them. When I reached into my pocket to get my sunglasses I realized that I had a snickers in that pocket and was slightly hungry, so I started eating. About that same time my dad recieved a rush of water and sunscreen in his eyes and was prompted to stop. I was riding closely behind Dan Mork (a friend of mine from St. Olaf) who was closely behind my dad. When I heard the sound of screaching brakes I had just unwrapped my snickers. I quickly slammed on my brakes with the other hand. I avoided hitting both Dan and my dad, but not the ground. I flew a couple of feet off the bike, snickers still in hand, and landed on my left elbow. I hardly even got a scrape. I then ate my snickers while admiring the gracefulness of my fall. Perhaps I should become a professional faller.
--Patrick Henneghan
Friday, July 4, 2008
Fargo (2)
"The long and winding road..." I'm a Beatles fan. So we have crossed North Dakota in 5 days and will cross into Minnesota tomorrow. We are staying with Cindy and Brad Gray in Fargo, whose son Beau is a suitemate of Pat's at St. Olaf. We have been blessed to have so many helpful, gracious folks take us into their homes along our route. Leroy Anseth in Williston was most gracious in letting us stay in his home on a hot, mosquito-plagued day. Yes, I must admit that the mosquitos in western North Dakota are worse than they are in Wisconsin.
Over the past 5 days in North Dakota, we have seen the best of days and the worst of days. Monday the 80 mile ride from Williston to Newtown was absolutely the worst of days, with non-stop hills along the Lewis and Clark Trail on a day with temps in the high 80's and tons of mosquitos. Thursday was the best of days as we flew, with cool temps and light wind, 100 miles from Goodrich to Cooperstown. We have been eating well and are having no major physical or mechanical problems.
After 26 days we have cycled roughly 1785 miles, averaging about 69 miles a day. We are 2 days ahead of the itinerary that Dave set up before we started our trek. If we keep up this pace and have favorable weather, we expect to pull into our hometown, Stevens Point, by Thursday July 10. After a day at home to see family and take care of business we will continue our trek east.
Bill Jenkins
Over the past 5 days in North Dakota, we have seen the best of days and the worst of days. Monday the 80 mile ride from Williston to Newtown was absolutely the worst of days, with non-stop hills along the Lewis and Clark Trail on a day with temps in the high 80's and tons of mosquitos. Thursday was the best of days as we flew, with cool temps and light wind, 100 miles from Goodrich to Cooperstown. We have been eating well and are having no major physical or mechanical problems.
After 26 days we have cycled roughly 1785 miles, averaging about 69 miles a day. We are 2 days ahead of the itinerary that Dave set up before we started our trek. If we keep up this pace and have favorable weather, we expect to pull into our hometown, Stevens Point, by Thursday July 10. After a day at home to see family and take care of business we will continue our trek east.
Bill Jenkins
Fargo, ND
Since our last post, we have crossed the state of North Dakota. We have stayed in New Town, Garrison, Goodrich, Cooperstown, and tonight, Fargo.
Leroy was an incredible host in Williston. He drove out on his motorcycle to check on us about an hour from New town, bringing us cold water. We loved it. However, we did not love the ride in to New Town. If anuone ever tells you that North Dakota is "flat as a postage stamp", that person has never been in western or central ND on a bicycle. The ride between Williston and New Town was very challenging with LOTS of climbing.
We stayed in a beautiful state park in Garrison, right on Lake Sakakawea. Goodrich (pop. 163) was an interesting town. It was very small, with non-paved streets. After setting up camp in the city park, we went on a walk, looking for a store. There was no store, but Chip and I struck up a conversation with Butch who was out working on his yard. Before we knew it, he had invited us into his basement to show us his shrine to the New York Yankees. He even gave us his last beer. Other cyclists had told us how incredible the people in North Dakota are. I believe it.
Cooperstown was another delightful town. We went to an all you can eat pizza restaraunt and camped in a the city park. A local derelict asked Pat to buy him beer. With that exception Cooperstown was great.
Tonight we are staying with a friend of Pat's from college. The Gray's have been very nice hosts. We have a forecast for fierce heaedwinds tomorrow, so we may not make the kind of distance that we have been riding.
Dave Henneghan
Leroy was an incredible host in Williston. He drove out on his motorcycle to check on us about an hour from New town, bringing us cold water. We loved it. However, we did not love the ride in to New Town. If anuone ever tells you that North Dakota is "flat as a postage stamp", that person has never been in western or central ND on a bicycle. The ride between Williston and New Town was very challenging with LOTS of climbing.
We stayed in a beautiful state park in Garrison, right on Lake Sakakawea. Goodrich (pop. 163) was an interesting town. It was very small, with non-paved streets. After setting up camp in the city park, we went on a walk, looking for a store. There was no store, but Chip and I struck up a conversation with Butch who was out working on his yard. Before we knew it, he had invited us into his basement to show us his shrine to the New York Yankees. He even gave us his last beer. Other cyclists had told us how incredible the people in North Dakota are. I believe it.
Cooperstown was another delightful town. We went to an all you can eat pizza restaraunt and camped in a the city park. A local derelict asked Pat to buy him beer. With that exception Cooperstown was great.
Tonight we are staying with a friend of Pat's from college. The Gray's have been very nice hosts. We have a forecast for fierce heaedwinds tomorrow, so we may not make the kind of distance that we have been riding.
Dave Henneghan
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Williston, ND (2)
I am the Walrus, gu gu ka choo. OK, so I am dating myself. "I'm going slightly mad" (Queen). It feels good to have Montana behind us; it was beautiful and the people were friendly, but boy was it long (670 miles). Here are the numbers. We have completed 21 days on our trek, covered about 1360 miles, have about 3000 miles to go to Bar Harbor. We are averaging about 65 miles a day and our original plan was to average 70 miles a day to be done in 2 months. Considering that less than a week ago we were averaging only 55 miles a day, I would say that we are doing pretty well. We went 4 straight days of 100+ miles each day across Montana. We have hopes of doing the same across North Dakota. We hope to be in Fargo by Friday July 4, and in Stevens Point for a welcome 2 night stop around July 9. Of course, this is all weather and equipment dependent. Physically, we are all hanging in there, with some sore muscles and butts, but otherwise well with spirits high. We are eating well, drinking fine beer, and still getting along. Thanks everyone for your comments and support.
Bill Jenkins
Bill Jenkins
Williston, ND
Last post was short so we missed some stuff. We spent 2 days in Glacier National Park prior to busting multiple 100 mile days, where we took an off day. On our day off we rode as far up going to The Going to the Sun Road as we could, which was about 20 miles from our campsite in Apgar. On our way down we hiked 2 miles in to Avalanche Lake, a beautiful lake circled in waterfalls.
After our last post we rode a brutal 105 miles with a strong cross wind. We started out the day with a massive breakfast of 2 pancakes (honestly, 1.5' in diameter and 1" thick), 3 eggs, 4 thick slices of bacon and a pile of hashbrowns. Nobody actually finished the meal and we walked out with painfully full stomaches. We continued on to Wolf Point, after which I (Patrick Henneghan) bonked (a thouroughly not fun experience). After Wolf Point we continued 15 miles or so on to a late lunch, around 2-3 o'clock, where I was revived. The next 40 miles or so we enjoyed the company of Chip and Seth while battling crosswinds. We also found that Eastern Montana is beautiful in the same sense that the badlands is.
I was not the only one struggling that day. My dad was in incredible pain since his foot was unwilling to stay in his shoe, a problem caused by his ankle brace. With 7 miles left we talked to Jim Hellmer, a nice rancher who pulled up to talk with us. He informed us that the haze that surrounded us all day was caused by local fires and fires in Canada, something we were wondering about during the day. Jim offered a ride to us, Bill vehemently refused, but my dad took him up on the offer. We pulled into camp at about 7pm nearly 12 hours after we left camp that morning.
Today we only biked 45 miles, a great break after the last, most challenging century we have had. We are staying with Leroy Anseth tonight, Dr. London Cooper's (a local dentist) father. We are currently at their house using their internet and about to enjoy a dinner with them.
Roadkill Report:
Rattlesnake
Skunk
Fox (many)
Prarie Dog (many)
Songbirds (many)
Wildlife Report
Black Bear (which I zipped within 5 feet of without knowing at 20mph before seeing it)
Mountain Goats
Merlin (my dad is very excited about this)
Snakes
Weasel
Deer
Cactus
Tumbleweeds (absolutely hilarious dead plants, one actually attacked my dad)
--Patrick Henneghan
After our last post we rode a brutal 105 miles with a strong cross wind. We started out the day with a massive breakfast of 2 pancakes (honestly, 1.5' in diameter and 1" thick), 3 eggs, 4 thick slices of bacon and a pile of hashbrowns. Nobody actually finished the meal and we walked out with painfully full stomaches. We continued on to Wolf Point, after which I (Patrick Henneghan) bonked (a thouroughly not fun experience). After Wolf Point we continued 15 miles or so on to a late lunch, around 2-3 o'clock, where I was revived. The next 40 miles or so we enjoyed the company of Chip and Seth while battling crosswinds. We also found that Eastern Montana is beautiful in the same sense that the badlands is.
I was not the only one struggling that day. My dad was in incredible pain since his foot was unwilling to stay in his shoe, a problem caused by his ankle brace. With 7 miles left we talked to Jim Hellmer, a nice rancher who pulled up to talk with us. He informed us that the haze that surrounded us all day was caused by local fires and fires in Canada, something we were wondering about during the day. Jim offered a ride to us, Bill vehemently refused, but my dad took him up on the offer. We pulled into camp at about 7pm nearly 12 hours after we left camp that morning.
Today we only biked 45 miles, a great break after the last, most challenging century we have had. We are staying with Leroy Anseth tonight, Dr. London Cooper's (a local dentist) father. We are currently at their house using their internet and about to enjoy a dinner with them.
Roadkill Report:
Rattlesnake
Skunk
Fox (many)
Prarie Dog (many)
Songbirds (many)
Wildlife Report
Black Bear (which I zipped within 5 feet of without knowing at 20mph before seeing it)
Mountain Goats
Merlin (my dad is very excited about this)
Snakes
Weasel
Deer
Cactus
Tumbleweeds (absolutely hilarious dead plants, one actually attacked my dad)
--Patrick Henneghan
Friday, June 27, 2008
Glasgow, MT
The last three days have been good fast riding. We have ridden 100+ miles each day. The winds have been favorable and we are feeling great. Eastern Montana's scenery is pretty much non-existent, but we have met many other cyclists the last couple of days, which has been very fun.
This blog entry has to be short because I don't have much time, but hopefully in 3 days we will be able to update it more fully.
Several of the people that we are riding with are maintaining blogs/photo pages, which are updated more frequently than ours:
Michael- flickr.com/photos/michaelcr/
Steve- http://stelf.wordpress.com/
Seth- bikingforallergies.blogspot.com/
If you wish to donate to the Livestrong foundation visit: http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope
--Patrick Henneghan
This blog entry has to be short because I don't have much time, but hopefully in 3 days we will be able to update it more fully.
Several of the people that we are riding with are maintaining blogs/photo pages, which are updated more frequently than ours:
Michael- flickr.com/photos/michaelcr/
Steve- http://stelf.wordpress.com/
Seth- bikingforallergies.blogspot.com/
If you wish to donate to the Livestrong foundation visit: http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope
--Patrick Henneghan
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Whitefish, MT
Tonight we are staying with another contact of Bill's from the Naval Academy, Dave Williams. His house is amazing, built on Whitefish Lake. In addition, Dave has 2 beautiful daughters and a friend of theirs staying here. He took us on a boat ride around Whitefish lake. Very relaxing. They are a fun bunch.
We stayed the previous evening at the River Bend RV park on the Kootenai river. The people there were also very nice, and they had good beer on tap. Overall, we have been having a very good time, meeting lots of nice people. The weather has been cooperating pretty well, except the thunderstorm that just passed over us. Fortunately, we were on the Williams' deck at the time.
Tomorrow we hit Glacier National Park. We will NOT be going over the Going-to-the-Sun Road. They have been having avalanches up there, so the road is still buried by 30 feet of snow. Bill and Pat are disappointed. I am relieved. The 2000 foot drop off the right side of the road had me a little worried.
Look for Bill's and Pat's posts for more interesting information. This sounded a little like a travelogue.
Dave Henneghan
We stayed the previous evening at the River Bend RV park on the Kootenai river. The people there were also very nice, and they had good beer on tap. Overall, we have been having a very good time, meeting lots of nice people. The weather has been cooperating pretty well, except the thunderstorm that just passed over us. Fortunately, we were on the Williams' deck at the time.
Tomorrow we hit Glacier National Park. We will NOT be going over the Going-to-the-Sun Road. They have been having avalanches up there, so the road is still buried by 30 feet of snow. Bill and Pat are disappointed. I am relieved. The 2000 foot drop off the right side of the road had me a little worried.
Look for Bill's and Pat's posts for more interesting information. This sounded a little like a travelogue.
Dave Henneghan
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sandpoint, ID (3)
Roadkill Report (It had to happen)
Fox (1)
Songbirds (countless)
Turtles (3+)
Deer (1): also one deer skull still embedded w/ arrow
Dave (almost, helmets save the day again)
Several long abandoned cars
Living Nature Report
Osprey
Golden eagle
Fake great horned owl
Vultures
Countless song birds
Hummingbirds (various species)
Unidentified birds of prey
Whitetail deer
Mule deer
Elk
Antelope (maybe)
Painted turtles (crossing the road)
If you would like to donate to Livestrong visit http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope
Fox (1)
Songbirds (countless)
Turtles (3+)
Deer (1): also one deer skull still embedded w/ arrow
Dave (almost, helmets save the day again)
Several long abandoned cars
Living Nature Report
Osprey
Golden eagle
Fake great horned owl
Vultures
Countless song birds
Hummingbirds (various species)
Unidentified birds of prey
Whitetail deer
Mule deer
Elk
Antelope (maybe)
Painted turtles (crossing the road)
If you would like to donate to Livestrong visit http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope
Sandpoint, Idaho (2)
Well, we have been settling into a comfortable rhythm on the road. Pat is by far the strongest cyclist in the group. Bill is next strongest, and I am the weakest (it's OK- I'm not sensitive about it). Bill has been leading and navigating. I ride second, and Pat rides last to keep his eye on me. It's a good system that has been working well.
Bill mentioned having lunch on the reservation. One older gentleman saw us, went straight to his car, and gave us each a cold water bottle. That was very nice of him. When we talked to some of the officers who were working there, they were not unduly impressed that we were riding across the country. They were VERY taken aback that we were going to ride Bridge Creek Road on a bicycle. That's just not something that sane people do, apparently. It was on that road that I hit the wall and had to stop for the night.
Our campsites have been fabulous. We have been on a river most of the nights. Washington has been gorgrous- breathtaking vistas, mountain streams, and insanely hard riding. I am looking forward to Idaho and Montana, although we will be in Montana for a long time. It is a BIG state.
I'll see you again next time we get access to a computer.
Pat's turn
Dave Henneghan
Bill mentioned having lunch on the reservation. One older gentleman saw us, went straight to his car, and gave us each a cold water bottle. That was very nice of him. When we talked to some of the officers who were working there, they were not unduly impressed that we were riding across the country. They were VERY taken aback that we were going to ride Bridge Creek Road on a bicycle. That's just not something that sane people do, apparently. It was on that road that I hit the wall and had to stop for the night.
Our campsites have been fabulous. We have been on a river most of the nights. Washington has been gorgrous- breathtaking vistas, mountain streams, and insanely hard riding. I am looking forward to Idaho and Montana, although we will be in Montana for a long time. It is a BIG state.
I'll see you again next time we get access to a computer.
Pat's turn
Dave Henneghan
SANDPOINT, IDAHO (1)
Well, what a long strange trip it's been! We have safely arrived in Sandpoint, none the worse for wear. Our total mileage now reads 504 in 9 days; we are averaging about 55 miles a day which is pretty good for all of the mountains that we have been climbing. We have crossed some incredibly beautiful country, most of it very remote so, of course, no access to a computer to make our postings. So you will now get a huge dose of update from all 3 of us.
Tonight we are staying at the home of Geoffrey and Cathy Cant, U.S. Naval Academy class of 1959. They are being kind and gracious to host us and provide us a little creature comfort along our journey. Geoffrey is a classmate of Bob Beaton who was my company officer when I was a Midshipman at the academy. What a wonderful sense of connectedness there is among academy graduates.
After our last posting in Twisp, we had a big breakfast at a friendly local restaurant. Upon leaving the restarurant to get on our bikes, we discovered that my bike had a flat tire -- glass puncture. So we have had our first on-road repair (certainly not our last), probably because it was Friday the 13th! That day we cycled over a very difficult Loup-Loup Pass, probably our steepest overall climb. Because of that climb we only cycled 40 miles to Omak, where we camped in the local stampede grounds. We had a great meal in town at the Main Street Bar & Grill where Steve, Milo, and Jim were very friendly and helpful in giving us advice for the next day's cycling. We were even able to bring our bikes inside the restaurant for safekeeping. After dinner we provisioned at the local Safeway for 2 days worth of meals.
The next day (Saturday June 14) we deviated from our Adventure Cycling maps and headed across the Colville Indian Reservation. We changed the route because we wanted to avoid Sherman Pass to the north, which at 5575 feet would have been our highest climb. We had heard that it was very difficult, so we chose a southern route through the reservation. We had a beautiful ride along the Columbia River, with a few difficult but short climbs thrown in. We stopped at the Colville Indian Agency for lunch, eating our special pita bread sandwiches as tribal members came and went; that day were tribal elections. We had some interesting looks and some curious questions from the locals; I think to a person they thought we were nuts. A local tribal constable found out we were cycling along Bridge Creek Road and laughed. We found out later in the day why he was laughing. In the heat of the day we were trudging up steep (but thankfully short) roads -- Dave and I twice had to stop and walk our bikes up 10% grades to the top. We made it about 66 miles into the Kettle River mountains when we came across a clearing in the forest along the road with an outhouse and we said -- that's it. Dave could go no farther and we all agreed we should stop for the night. So we camped on the Indian reservation without permission, but no one bothered us. The next day we found out we had made a wise choice, because we had more serious climbing before finally descending 2500 feet at breakneck speed into the Columbia River gorge. We stopped for lunch at a town called Inchelium, along Lake FDR. It was a little hole in the wall gas station with a lunch counter with 5 seats. We ate fried food -- burritos, onion rings, whatever. It was delicious! We then proceeded to cycle up the Columbia River, stopped for a swim, and made it to Colville. We camped at the county fairgrounds and ate the best Mexican food we had ever tasted.
Yesterday (Monday June 16) was as beautiful a ride as the previous days were arduous. We had some climbing, but much of the ride was along the beautiful Pend Oreille River. We stayed at a deserted National Park Service campground right on the river; unfortunately, the mosquitos were bigger and nastier than those in Wisconsin. We ate pasta are went to bed early.
Today (Tuesday June 17) we had the most pleasant cycling day of our trip. We cycled 64 miles up the Pend Oreille river to Sandpoint, via Newport. In Newport we met Hughes "Crumps" Crumpler, USNA '65 for a Mexican lunch and had a nice visit. Thanks Crumps for the chance to meet you.
So that's the big update. Dave has some things to add, and Pat wants to get some photos on line. The Cants have some other USNA and cycling folks coming over to meet us, and we may even be featured in the local newspaper. So we are pleased with our progress, excited about the future, and having fun.
Bill Jenkins
Tonight we are staying at the home of Geoffrey and Cathy Cant, U.S. Naval Academy class of 1959. They are being kind and gracious to host us and provide us a little creature comfort along our journey. Geoffrey is a classmate of Bob Beaton who was my company officer when I was a Midshipman at the academy. What a wonderful sense of connectedness there is among academy graduates.
After our last posting in Twisp, we had a big breakfast at a friendly local restaurant. Upon leaving the restarurant to get on our bikes, we discovered that my bike had a flat tire -- glass puncture. So we have had our first on-road repair (certainly not our last), probably because it was Friday the 13th! That day we cycled over a very difficult Loup-Loup Pass, probably our steepest overall climb. Because of that climb we only cycled 40 miles to Omak, where we camped in the local stampede grounds. We had a great meal in town at the Main Street Bar & Grill where Steve, Milo, and Jim were very friendly and helpful in giving us advice for the next day's cycling. We were even able to bring our bikes inside the restaurant for safekeeping. After dinner we provisioned at the local Safeway for 2 days worth of meals.
The next day (Saturday June 14) we deviated from our Adventure Cycling maps and headed across the Colville Indian Reservation. We changed the route because we wanted to avoid Sherman Pass to the north, which at 5575 feet would have been our highest climb. We had heard that it was very difficult, so we chose a southern route through the reservation. We had a beautiful ride along the Columbia River, with a few difficult but short climbs thrown in. We stopped at the Colville Indian Agency for lunch, eating our special pita bread sandwiches as tribal members came and went; that day were tribal elections. We had some interesting looks and some curious questions from the locals; I think to a person they thought we were nuts. A local tribal constable found out we were cycling along Bridge Creek Road and laughed. We found out later in the day why he was laughing. In the heat of the day we were trudging up steep (but thankfully short) roads -- Dave and I twice had to stop and walk our bikes up 10% grades to the top. We made it about 66 miles into the Kettle River mountains when we came across a clearing in the forest along the road with an outhouse and we said -- that's it. Dave could go no farther and we all agreed we should stop for the night. So we camped on the Indian reservation without permission, but no one bothered us. The next day we found out we had made a wise choice, because we had more serious climbing before finally descending 2500 feet at breakneck speed into the Columbia River gorge. We stopped for lunch at a town called Inchelium, along Lake FDR. It was a little hole in the wall gas station with a lunch counter with 5 seats. We ate fried food -- burritos, onion rings, whatever. It was delicious! We then proceeded to cycle up the Columbia River, stopped for a swim, and made it to Colville. We camped at the county fairgrounds and ate the best Mexican food we had ever tasted.
Yesterday (Monday June 16) was as beautiful a ride as the previous days were arduous. We had some climbing, but much of the ride was along the beautiful Pend Oreille River. We stayed at a deserted National Park Service campground right on the river; unfortunately, the mosquitos were bigger and nastier than those in Wisconsin. We ate pasta are went to bed early.
Today (Tuesday June 17) we had the most pleasant cycling day of our trip. We cycled 64 miles up the Pend Oreille river to Sandpoint, via Newport. In Newport we met Hughes "Crumps" Crumpler, USNA '65 for a Mexican lunch and had a nice visit. Thanks Crumps for the chance to meet you.
So that's the big update. Dave has some things to add, and Pat wants to get some photos on line. The Cants have some other USNA and cycling folks coming over to meet us, and we may even be featured in the local newspaper. So we are pleased with our progress, excited about the future, and having fun.
Bill Jenkins
Friday, June 13, 2008
Twisp, WA
Minutes after our last post we met a wonderful couple, Don and Earline Walley. We talked to them for a while and found out that Don is a retired teacher from Sedro-Woolley and Earline is a retired Nurse. Earline is battling lung cancer, we wish her the best of luck. They suggested that we go to a restaurant run by Tootsie Clark in Marblemount, WA. Tootsie opens the gate to Washington Pass by handing out free cinnamon rolls every year. We finished that day by staying in Colonial Campground at the base of Rainy pass. The wildlife there was very tame. A deer approached our campground and allowed us to get within 3m without startling. There was also a chipmunk who persistently attempted to steal Bill's chocolate covered espresso beans.
Yesterday we awoke early to attack Rainy Pass. This pass is 30 miles long and rises approximately a vertical mile. This took us about 5-6 hours of hard climbing. Along the way Doug and Sally, a couple who had seen our names in the guest book at New Halem found us partway up our climb. We found out that Doug is a 1973 Naval Academy Graduate, he graduated only 3 Years after Bill. We continued on our climb at a brisk pace of about 5mph and took in the beautiful views. When we finally reached Rainy Pass we met Nico from Belgium, who had just biked up the other side of the pass. Nico has a blog about his adventures in America at nicoceunen.blogspot.com. After Rainy Pass we had a 2 mile descent followed by a 4 mile climb up Washington Pass.
After summiting Washington Pass we had lunch at 3:00 in the afternoon and nearly coasted the next 40 miles or so at 20-30mph into Twisp. This coast was punctuated by a break to swim in the Methow River. This swim was more like a quick dunk in the glacial melt, and running out screaming like little girls, sort of. We were happy to have a great dinner last night after 75 miles of riding and our first pass. We got into the campsite about sundown and rejuvenated for today's pass.
If you would like to donate to the Livestrong Foundation please visit http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope.
--Patrick Henneghan
Yesterday we awoke early to attack Rainy Pass. This pass is 30 miles long and rises approximately a vertical mile. This took us about 5-6 hours of hard climbing. Along the way Doug and Sally, a couple who had seen our names in the guest book at New Halem found us partway up our climb. We found out that Doug is a 1973 Naval Academy Graduate, he graduated only 3 Years after Bill. We continued on our climb at a brisk pace of about 5mph and took in the beautiful views. When we finally reached Rainy Pass we met Nico from Belgium, who had just biked up the other side of the pass. Nico has a blog about his adventures in America at nicoceunen.blogspot.com. After Rainy Pass we had a 2 mile descent followed by a 4 mile climb up Washington Pass.
After summiting Washington Pass we had lunch at 3:00 in the afternoon and nearly coasted the next 40 miles or so at 20-30mph into Twisp. This coast was punctuated by a break to swim in the Methow River. This swim was more like a quick dunk in the glacial melt, and running out screaming like little girls, sort of. We were happy to have a great dinner last night after 75 miles of riding and our first pass. We got into the campsite about sundown and rejuvenated for today's pass.
If you would like to donate to the Livestrong Foundation please visit http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope.
--Patrick Henneghan
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Rockport, WA
Many thanks to Rob Mercer from Above All Roofing in Rockport for lending me this computer to make this entry.
Today was a great day. The guys from Skagit Cycle were great, helping us mail our BOB trailer back home and getting us set up with panniers. Me bike is much more stable and I am happy.
Our ride today took us inland over US 2o. We did some short climbs but ended up in
Rockport at about 300 feet. The weather was quite cool and cloudy, but otherwise very nice. The terrain is magnificent. Pat spotted an elk herd, so we stopped to look for a while. Our campsite is Beautiful, right on the Skagit river.
Tomorrow we start on some small doses of serious climbing. Thursday we will be going over
Rainy Pass and Washington Pass- over a mile of vertical climb over the course of the day. Wish us luck.
Dave Henneghan
Today was a great day. The guys from Skagit Cycle were great, helping us mail our BOB trailer back home and getting us set up with panniers. Me bike is much more stable and I am happy.
Our ride today took us inland over US 2o. We did some short climbs but ended up in
Rockport at about 300 feet. The weather was quite cool and cloudy, but otherwise very nice. The terrain is magnificent. Pat spotted an elk herd, so we stopped to look for a while. Our campsite is Beautiful, right on the Skagit river.
Tomorrow we start on some small doses of serious climbing. Thursday we will be going over
Rainy Pass and Washington Pass- over a mile of vertical climb over the course of the day. Wish us luck.
Dave Henneghan
Burlington
Well, yesterday was an interesting day. It was our first day riding. We started at Wil and Pam's house and rode North on Whidbey Island. About 20 miles into our ride, I learned the speed at which you can safely descend a hill with a BOB trailer. Sadly, I learned that the upper limit was about 5 MPH slower than I was traveling. Fortunately, I only destroyed my helmet, jersey, shorts, glasses,and ego. I have some road rash and a deep bruise on my left thigh. I will see how things go today.
The local weather forecasters are describing the current weather as "freaky". We rode through what they are saying are record winds (mostly crosswinds, but about 10 miles of headwinds), a hurricane (it felt like one anyway), and for them, record cold temperatures. Since we have been riding in Wisconsin though, none of this seemed terribly unusual. They are predicting snow in the cascades today and tomorrow, so we are going to slow our pace from our projected pace to wait out the snow.
On the upside, the scenery has been fabulous. The vegetation is very lush, and Deception Pass was beautiful.
See you soon.
Dave Henneghan
The local weather forecasters are describing the current weather as "freaky". We rode through what they are saying are record winds (mostly crosswinds, but about 10 miles of headwinds), a hurricane (it felt like one anyway), and for them, record cold temperatures. Since we have been riding in Wisconsin though, none of this seemed terribly unusual. They are predicting snow in the cascades today and tomorrow, so we are going to slow our pace from our projected pace to wait out the snow.
On the upside, the scenery has been fabulous. The vegetation is very lush, and Deception Pass was beautiful.
See you soon.
Dave Henneghan
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Whidbey Island (2)
My turn. This is Dave.
Wil and Pam have been unbelievable hosts. We have had a fantastic view of Puget Sound, great food, and wonderful company. We will be going out tonight for a seafood feast before we start riding for real tomorrow.
Thanks again to Zach and Kyle for helping us with the pictures. As Bill said, hopefully we will meet many more friendly people like them along the way. I was appopriately humbled on the short but extremely steep climb from the water back to Wil and Pam's house. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the Cascades.
Tomorrow we plan to ride to Sedro-Wooley, or somewhere in the vicinity. Hopefully we will find a computer and update the blog then.
--Dave Henneghan
Wil and Pam have been unbelievable hosts. We have had a fantastic view of Puget Sound, great food, and wonderful company. We will be going out tonight for a seafood feast before we start riding for real tomorrow.
Thanks again to Zach and Kyle for helping us with the pictures. As Bill said, hopefully we will meet many more friendly people like them along the way. I was appopriately humbled on the short but extremely steep climb from the water back to Wil and Pam's house. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the Cascades.
Tomorrow we plan to ride to Sedro-Wooley, or somewhere in the vicinity. Hopefully we will find a computer and update the blog then.
--Dave Henneghan
Whidbey Island
This is Bill writing this blog; Pat had to show this old guy how to do it. We are staying at the home of my Navy friends, Wil and Pam Shellenberger, on Whidbey Island, Washington. I have known the Shellenbergers since 1978 when Wil and I were stationed on USS Tripoli together. I was the Navigator and Wil was the Chief Engineer of the ship. The Shellenbergers have been very gracious in picking us at the airport and hosting us this weekend. They have a beautiful view of the Puget Sound and we can look out on the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Pacific Ocean.
We left Stevens Point yesterday (Saturday June 7) loaded into my van with my wife Teri and daughter Jillian. We said goodbye to Karen and Laura Henneghan and hit the road at 7:30 AM. We drove over to Minneapolis, where we stopped at REI for some last minute shopping before heading to the airport. At the airport I said goodbye to Teri and Jillian and away they drove, leaving us at the check-in counter. It was then that I realized that we were committed to this adventure.
Today (Sunday June 8) we assembled our bikes and loaded them up with all of our gear. We just returned from a test ride down to the bay, where we dipped our rear tires in the Pacific Ocean. With a little luck and effort, we should be dipping our front tires in the Atlantic Ocean in about 2 months. While by the water, we met Zach and Kyle of Whidbey Island who were kind enough to take photos of the three of us beginning our trip. Hopefully, the folks we meet along our route will be as friendly and helpful as Zach and Kyle were.
We plan to leave Whidbey Island tomorrow morning and start riding east. We will be crossing the Cascade Mountains within the first 3 days, so we will be challenged early on. The weather is cooperating; temperatures in the high 50's/low 60's and cloudy, so perfect for the type of riding we will be doing. We are ready to go and looking forward to the challenge.
--Bill Jenkins
We left Stevens Point yesterday (Saturday June 7) loaded into my van with my wife Teri and daughter Jillian. We said goodbye to Karen and Laura Henneghan and hit the road at 7:30 AM. We drove over to Minneapolis, where we stopped at REI for some last minute shopping before heading to the airport. At the airport I said goodbye to Teri and Jillian and away they drove, leaving us at the check-in counter. It was then that I realized that we were committed to this adventure.
Today (Sunday June 8) we assembled our bikes and loaded them up with all of our gear. We just returned from a test ride down to the bay, where we dipped our rear tires in the Pacific Ocean. With a little luck and effort, we should be dipping our front tires in the Atlantic Ocean in about 2 months. While by the water, we met Zach and Kyle of Whidbey Island who were kind enough to take photos of the three of us beginning our trip. Hopefully, the folks we meet along our route will be as friendly and helpful as Zach and Kyle were.
We plan to leave Whidbey Island tomorrow morning and start riding east. We will be crossing the Cascade Mountains within the first 3 days, so we will be challenged early on. The weather is cooperating; temperatures in the high 50's/low 60's and cloudy, so perfect for the type of riding we will be doing. We are ready to go and looking forward to the challenge.
--Bill Jenkins
Friday, June 6, 2008
Eve of our departure
Tomorrow morning we start traveling obscenely early, around 6:30. Many people have been asking "how do you feel?" and "are you excited?". The simple answer to this question is, Yes. But that does not fully describe our feelings.
"In long-range planning for a trip, I think that there is a private conviction that it won't happen. As the day approached, my warm bed and comfortable house grew increasingly desirable and my dear wife incalculably precious." -- John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie
It hasn't really sunk in for me that we are leaving tomorrow. I don't believe that it will until Sunday when we start assembling our bikes which we shipped via UPS to a friend in WA, or maybe Monday when we start riding, or Wednesday when we gasp for breath while struggling up a mile vertical climb.
While we were preparing to leave on our trip, our friends and community members have shown great support in our undertaking. Many people have gone out of their way to help us, by shipping bikes, by raising and donating money for Livestrong, and offering us places to stay along our journey. Innumerable other people have come out and showed their support by wishing us luck and by showing interest in our undertaking. We appreciate the generosity and care that our friends have shown us and our cause, as of tonight we have raised $975 in the fight against cancer, and every dollar counts. If you wish to donate visit http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope.
We have been excited about this trip for the last two years. On our tour we will see many beautiful places, enjoy many beautiful days, and hopefully meet many amazing people. Having said that, with the good days come the bad. We will be biking in all weather; perfect days, sweltering heat, cold rain, and everything in between. Our trip will be physically strenuous and rewarding. It will have its highs and its lows. Undoubtedly there will be days where we would rather be home with our climate control, packaged food, easily available entertainment, familiar family and friends. We could easily decide not to go, but if we didn't take the risk, of challenging ourselves and depriving ourselves, we would always regret missing this opportunity. We are excited to experience America (and parts of Canada) in our own way, slowly and on two wheels. We look forward to the unfamiliar views stretching on the far horizons, the random acquaintances, and the unexpected. Hopefully through this site you will be able to accompany us on our journey.
--Patrick Henneghan
"In long-range planning for a trip, I think that there is a private conviction that it won't happen. As the day approached, my warm bed and comfortable house grew increasingly desirable and my dear wife incalculably precious." -- John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie
It hasn't really sunk in for me that we are leaving tomorrow. I don't believe that it will until Sunday when we start assembling our bikes which we shipped via UPS to a friend in WA, or maybe Monday when we start riding, or Wednesday when we gasp for breath while struggling up a mile vertical climb.
While we were preparing to leave on our trip, our friends and community members have shown great support in our undertaking. Many people have gone out of their way to help us, by shipping bikes, by raising and donating money for Livestrong, and offering us places to stay along our journey. Innumerable other people have come out and showed their support by wishing us luck and by showing interest in our undertaking. We appreciate the generosity and care that our friends have shown us and our cause, as of tonight we have raised $975 in the fight against cancer, and every dollar counts. If you wish to donate visit http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope.
We have been excited about this trip for the last two years. On our tour we will see many beautiful places, enjoy many beautiful days, and hopefully meet many amazing people. Having said that, with the good days come the bad. We will be biking in all weather; perfect days, sweltering heat, cold rain, and everything in between. Our trip will be physically strenuous and rewarding. It will have its highs and its lows. Undoubtedly there will be days where we would rather be home with our climate control, packaged food, easily available entertainment, familiar family and friends. We could easily decide not to go, but if we didn't take the risk, of challenging ourselves and depriving ourselves, we would always regret missing this opportunity. We are excited to experience America (and parts of Canada) in our own way, slowly and on two wheels. We look forward to the unfamiliar views stretching on the far horizons, the random acquaintances, and the unexpected. Hopefully through this site you will be able to accompany us on our journey.
--Patrick Henneghan
Monday, May 26, 2008
About the Ride
My dad and I have always been into biking. Since I was young we bonded by biking. Before I was in high school we had biked across Wisconsin, our home state, 3 times together. We always came up with bigger and bigger goals for bike rides, from a 100 mile day, to a 1000 mile summer. As I grew older our goals became more lofty.
For nearly a decade we have been dreaming about biking across the United States. This idea began when we met a group with Adventure Cycling bicycling across America, when we were crossing Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger. About Two years ago when we did RAGBRAI, we realized that we could actually fulfill this dream.
We were at Campus Cycle (a local bike store that has immensely helped us to prepare for our trip) one day around 2 years ago discussing our idea when a family friend of ours, and my high school physics teacher, revealed he also shared this dream. Our adventure would have 3 members, Bill Jenkins, Dave Henneghan (my dad), and Patrick Henneghan (me).
We fly from Saint Paul, MN, to Seattle, WA on June 7th. From there we plan to follow the Northern Border of the United States across WA, ID, MT, ND, MN, WI, MI, Ontario, NY, VT, NH, and ME. We will roughly follow the Northern Tier Route described by Adventure Cycling (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/northerntier.cfm), but will create our own route through MN and WI. We will be traveling unsupported, will be carrying all our own gear (for cooking, sleeping, riding, etc.). We will be camping in tents most nights, except when we have friends who generously offer their basement floors to sleep on. The trip (4500 Miles) should take around 2 months, averaging around 75 miles a day.
Cancer profoundly changes many lives, both of those who struggle to fight it, and those who love people battling cancer. Many of my family members have struggled with cancer, including my mom. We believe that the Livestrong Foundation is one of the foremost organizations in the fight against cancer. On our bike ride we will be raising money for the Livestrong Foundation. If you would like to donate money to fight cancer, we encourage you to visit
So the adventure begins
--Patrick Henneghan
For nearly a decade we have been dreaming about biking across the United States. This idea began when we met a group with Adventure Cycling bicycling across America, when we were crossing Lake Michigan on the S.S. Badger. About Two years ago when we did RAGBRAI, we realized that we could actually fulfill this dream.
We were at Campus Cycle (a local bike store that has immensely helped us to prepare for our trip) one day around 2 years ago discussing our idea when a family friend of ours, and my high school physics teacher, revealed he also shared this dream. Our adventure would have 3 members, Bill Jenkins, Dave Henneghan (my dad), and Patrick Henneghan (me).
We fly from Saint Paul, MN, to Seattle, WA on June 7th. From there we plan to follow the Northern Border of the United States across WA, ID, MT, ND, MN, WI, MI, Ontario, NY, VT, NH, and ME. We will roughly follow the Northern Tier Route described by Adventure Cycling (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/northerntier.cfm), but will create our own route through MN and WI. We will be traveling unsupported, will be carrying all our own gear (for cooking, sleeping, riding, etc.). We will be camping in tents most nights, except when we have friends who generously offer their basement floors to sleep on. The trip (4500 Miles) should take around 2 months, averaging around 75 miles a day.
Cancer profoundly changes many lives, both of those who struggle to fight it, and those who love people battling cancer. Many of my family members have struggled with cancer, including my mom. We believe that the Livestrong Foundation is one of the foremost organizations in the fight against cancer. On our bike ride we will be raising money for the Livestrong Foundation. If you would like to donate money to fight cancer, we encourage you to visit
http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots/cycleusaforhope.
So the adventure begins
--Patrick Henneghan
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