Day 12 March 30: Post Race Surprise!!

What was supposed to be the start of the Texas segment of our ride has been postponed! Winds of 50mph and gusts up to 70mph blew through tent city on the missile base last night, creating chaos. With virtually every tent destroyed and sand blowing everywhere, we found refuge in the cement block restrooms. We hope this is the first and only time either of us has to spend a night in a public lavatory!!

The winds last night shredded tents, broke poles, overturned port-a-potties, and blew personal effects out of sight! We had a ceremonial retiring of our nine year old, much loved tent, as it was deposited into a dumpster (not to worry...we have a spare with us).

Aftermath

In spite of these trials, which are very minor in the big picture, we had a great time with our Minnesota friends and a weekend none of us will every forget!

Goodbye Team Minnesota! It was a Blast (literally)

Farewell, White Sands Missile Base

This morning with winds persisting in the 30-40mph range and forecast to worsen, there was obviously no possibility of cycling, which gives us time to sort out the jumbled mess in the back of the car. Consequently, we are sitting in Starbucks in Las Cruces using their internet to provide this update. Incidentally, the barrista here turns out to be a young staffer, named Clay, with Las Cruces Young Life!


We are praying for favorable winds tomorrow so the journey across Texas can begin.


Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 11 Sunday March 29: Race Day for Penny

No riding today. Don sleeps in until rudely awakened by a jet fly over to honor the Bataan veterans from WWII. Penny attended the opening ceremonies in the company of current military teams from the US and around the world, as well as civilian runners. At the boom of a howitzer, the race through the desert began for the approximately 4500 runners, including amputees from the Iraqi war, a very moving sight.

The race conditions were perfect, with moderate temps and cooling breezes. Penny was especially pleased to run alongside the British Army team, though not for long!

The day was rounded off with a meal with our Minnesota friends. Tomorrow the long dusty ride through Texas begins (1200 miles over 2 weeks!)!

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 10 Saturday March 28: Rest Day (sort of) in Las Cruces

Miles Today: 35 Total Miles: 847
Temp: 60-65 Terrain: Flat in Town


This is really the first of two consecutive rest days, with only a brief ride to get through the busy part of Las Cruces on a weekend rather than Monday morning. This longer layover will allow Don more rest and for Penny to take part in the Bataan Death March Memorial Race at White Sands Missile Base. We arrived on the military base early afternoon (after Penny took a scenic detour into Texas and back!). We met up with about a dozen running friends from Minnesota and set up our camp in tent city, namely the recreation area of the missile base. Now we await an early wakeup (4am bugle call) for the start of the race.



Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 9 Friday March 27: 19 miles west of Kingston, NM to Las Cruces, NM

Miles Today: 98 Total Miles: 812 Terrain: downhill

Temp: mixed Time: 7hrs 30 min Ave Speed: 15.5 mph

Would you believe it? We awoke to a layer of fresh snow and 24 degree temperature!! Consequently we lingered over a delicious breakfast to await some warmup before returning to the stopping point from yesterday. Dressed in 4 layers of clothes, Don started the ride at 7000 ft again heading up to Emory Pass at 8228 ft.

Don felt revitalized after a good night's rest and huge quantities of food. Met a young solo cyclist named Bryan, who also was doing a coast to coast ride, but self supported. Then it was a very chilly descent 17 miles to the tiny town of Hillsboro, just a main street with a few stores, library, church, and school.





Thus ended the most difficult terrain to date, with the balance of the day downhill to Las Cruces, with a strong wind at Don's back. En route we paralleled the Rio Grande River, crossing it several times (by bridge!). This area is a major pecan producer, with vast pecan orchards irrigated by controlled flooding.

Pecan Orchard Irrigation

Our hosts in Las Cruces were the Young Life Committee Chairman, Greg and his wife, Wanda, plus their two charming little dachshunds. We enjoyed a great evening with them, and exchanged many ideas and experiences about Young Life. Thank you Greg and Wanda.

Yours on the Road,
Don and Penny

Day 8, Thursday March 26: Lordsburg, NM to 19 Miles West of Kingston, NM

Miles today: 70 Total Miles: 713 Terrain: Repeated Climbs to 7,000 ft.

Temp: 63 Time: Forever

A cold start to the day and a blustery wind made progress heavy going. Took a welcome lunch break at Silver City, elevation 6000 ft, a charming, unspoiled western mining town.

Silver City, New Mexico

What's this "19 miles west of Kingston", you ask? Well, after repeated climbs and descents all morning, at 60 miles I hit the proverbial "wall", completely ran out of fuel. After determining that I was walking more than riding, I decided to call it a day, reaching a high point of 7,000 ft, with a cumulative ascent of at least a million feet!!!!

Does this climb look like fun?

We stayed the night at Black Range Lodge (hosts Catherine and Pete) in the settlement of Kingston - population 30 plus friendly dogs. This is a rambling stone built lodge, built from the ruins of Pretty Sam's Casino and the Monarch Saloon in the mid-1940s. The original construction dates back to the 1880s, when it housed miners and cavalry. Furnished for comfort and yet unspoiled, we were given the run of the kitchen to prepare our meal and sample the delicious turkey stock simmering on an ancient iron stove (circa 1912).

Black Range Lodge (note snow on car)

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 7, Wednesday, March 25: Bylas, AZ to Lordsburg, NM

Miles Today: 103 Total Miles: 643 Terrain: Flat
Temp: 71 Time: 8hrs. 40 min Ave. Speed: 16.4 mph

After a very comfortable night in a motel in Safford, AZ we were to return to Bylas to continue the trek from where we had stopped the previous night. Loading the bike onto the car, we discovered another flat rear tire (#3)! Why always the rear tire?!! Finally on the bike at about 9am, we started out with the town of Lordsburg, NM as our destination, 103 miles away. We stopped in Safford again on the way through to purchase a spare tire and two new tubes. To date, we have destroyed one tire and two tubes. Shortly before the New Mexico border, we stopped for lunch in the small town of Duncan, where we found an unusual diner operated by a "Harley biker", Bob, and his wife, Sharon.

Biker Bob and Cyclist Don

Diner Decor! Bikes Restored by Bob

We enjoyed lunch and great conversation about Duncan and its former glory days as a mining town. Bob is a real mover and shaker and he and Sharon great plans to revitalize Duncan and bring back some of its heritage. Sharon cooks up a delicious chicken and rice teriyaki, and is also a potter.

Duncan Mainstreet Restoration

With strong winds at our back, we were able to make extremely good time, entering New Mexico early afternoon.

Two States Down........ Six states to Go!!

With the high winds and no suitable camping available in Lordsburg, we found a very reasonable motel room for the night. Tomorrow comes the brutal climbing day, going up and over Emory Pass, at 8,228 ft.

Yours on the Road,
Don and Penny

Day 6, Tuesday, March 24: Tempe, AZ to Bylas, AZ

Miles Today: 126 Total Miles: 540 Ascent: 3400 ft. Temp: 74 Time: 10 hrs

Started ride at Tempe Town Lake, but had difficulty getting out of town. Don got caught up in Arizona State University students heading to classes and ended up taking several wrong turns. He eventually got back on track. Penny meanwhile ran along the canal path, observing the East Dam, which is in fact an inflatable 5" thick rubber construction set on concrete. Different sections can be deflated to adjust water levels as necessary. Interesting!

After 60 miles of undulating terrain, ascending 3400 ft, Don had a rear tire blowout just prior to reaching the infamous tunnel between Superior and Globe. Fortunately Penny had waited with the support car to escort him through the tunnel, and was on hand with the needed replacement tire.

Pit Stop

With warning flags flying from the windows and emergency flashers on, the support car drove behind Don through the tunnel, which was about .7 mile long at 6% grade ascent. The noise was deafening, partly from air circulator fans and the thundering traffic going in the opposite direction. (Don fairly sprinted through, and required recovery time at the other end!!)

Faster, faster, the trucks are coming!

We were both getting tired, but with favorable winds and generally downhill after the tunnel, we eventually arrived in Bylas, which proved to be a barren and inhospitable place on the San Carlos Apache Nation Reservation. Finding no suitable site to pitch our tent and no lodgings in the town, we proceeded to a motel in Safford, reaching there at 7:30PM. Today was planned as the longest day of our journey, and it proved to be taxing. Spirits still good. Don is a little sore, in areas left to your imagination!

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Monday, March 23: Rest and Cleanup Day!

Addressed various chores today, namely: laundry, oil change for support car, restocked supplies, minor adjustments to bike,.......and rest! Enjoyed time with family in Peoria. Took this opportunity to update the blog for the first time.

Tutorial on Blogging!!

Penny picked deliciously fragrant lemons from tree in the garden. Ready to go again tomorrow from Tempe, AZ to Bylas, AZ, on San Carlos Apache Nation Reservation.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 4 Sunday, March 22: Wickenburg, AZ to Tempe, AZ

Miles Today: 77 Total Miles: 414 Temp: 74 Time: 6 hrs 20 min

After enjoying a great breakfast served by our hosts, we attended worship at the Community Alliance Church, where we were greeted by Will Hopkins, the Wickenburg Young Life Area Director. On the road again at 12:30, headed for Tempe, we experienced strong side winds and a steady stream of recreational traffic. At Lake Pleasant we were met by Don's daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Charlie Boeyink, who accompanied him the rest of the way to Tempe, a distance of 47 miles. Don really appreciated the "kids", both of whom are exceptionally strong bikers, leading him on this stretch, blocking the fierce headwinds. It was really special having the kids share in this journey.

Sheri & Charlie Boeyink plus Don (previous photo)

The day was rounded off with pizza, beer, and a very welcome shower and bed. Ah, bliss!!

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 3, Saturday March 21: Blythe, CA to Wickenburg, AZ

Miles Today: 112 Total Miles: 337 Ascent: Mild Temp: 70s Time: 8 hrs 40 min

Average Speed: 15.6 MPH

After quickly striking camp, we headed down main street Blythe in search of McDonald's pancakes. However, we stopped at the Lions annual pancake breakfast. The city manager happened to be sitting at our table and he (Butch) dragged Don to the front of the hall to tell the fellow Lions about Coast to Coast for Kids. They then held a spontaneous collection, raising $345 for Verde Valley Young Life. Small town hospitality and generosity is very much alive in Blythe, CA!!

Blythe Lions Pancake Breakfast

Just in case we became too puffed up with celebrity status, Don started the day with a flat tire!! Off on the road again, with temps a little gentler, there was a tail wind that helped Don achieve the 2500 ft ascent to Wickenburg. Along the way, we passed through Hope, AZ. Hopefully the words on the roadway sign are not prophetic.

What happened to Old Fashioned Good Grammar?

We stayed overnight with members of the Community Alliance Church in Wickenburg. Ah, bliss!! A hot shower and soft bed and a great welcome from Roy and Ruth. We really enjoyed our time together.

Yours on the Road,
Don and Penny

Day 2 March 20: Ocotillo,CA to Blythe, CA

Miles Today: 127 Total Miles: 225 Ascent: Mild Temp: 93 Time: 9hrs 10 min

We bade farewell to our friendly and generous host, John Jackson, and started for Blythe. More undulating hills and yet again temperatures soared into the mid-90s. We traveled on SR 86 & 78 through the Imperial Valley, a lush agricultural area with massive fields and irrigation systems. These fields quickly gave way to the extensive sand dunes of North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, near Glamis, CA. The high temps and blustery winds and continuous climbing made this a very difficult day in the saddle. This vast sand pit is play ground for hundreds of dune buggies and sophisticated sand racing vehicles. Not only were the dunes large, but also the prices charged for services. How about $4.50 for a gallon of water and $2.00 for a bathroom visit?! The whole area had the appearance of a ramshackle transit camp with thousands of RVs, trailers, and mobile homes. Obviously, the recession has not reached Glamis!

Glamis, CA

Our destination was outside the town of Blythe. The support car and Don linked up on the outskirts and proceeded to what we thought was a Cyclists B&B. Alas, it proved to be a patch of grass on which to pitch the tent in the middle of half a dozen trailer homes. The shower was a hose, with no place to fix any kind of meal. The main feature was a bait shop and convenience store, with a bar in the back! Our host was very welcoming, but most definitely not a cyclist. Too tired to look for a hotel, we survived without the expected creature comforts.

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 1 March 19: San Diego to Ocotillo, CA

Miles Today: 98 Total Miles: 98 Ascent: 4320 ft. Temperature: 92 Time: 8hr 15min

We were hosted on Wednesday night in San Diego by Mike and Kristen Curran, and their four great kids. Mike is the Young Life Area Director for Point Loma.

Mike and Kristen Curran and Don

We followed Mike to Ocean Beach Park on Thursday morning to dip the tires in the Pacific Ocean to officially mark the start of the journey.

Weather was damp, misty, and cool on the coast, but the sun soon burned off the sea fog as Don pedaled away. 25 miles further on, Don cleared the city, climbing steadily as did the heat gauge. After cresting the hill and a much needed stop for rest and refreshment, provided by the very friendly Robin at Descanso Trading Post, he was on his way again.

Robin

After a spine tingling descent of 16 miles at 6-7% grade on I-8, Don arrived in Ocotillo at about 5PM. With a total population of 200, there were virtually no services available, with the exception of one small retirement RV park. Much to our delight, the owner (John Jackson) offered us the use of the recreation room for the night. Since this room contained lazy-boy recliners, stove, fridge, ice machine, satellite TV, and adjoining shower, we were in the Taj Mahal of RV parks!!

Yours on the Road,

Don and Penny

Day 0: The Adventure Begins!

At last the day has arrived when we start "Coast to Coast for Kids". The Subaru is packed and we will be on our way to San Diego this morning, with the ride commencing Thursday morning.

The Adventure Begins!!

We want to thank all of you for the support and encouragement you have given us, and for your support for Verde Valley Young Life. So many people have helped us on our way, many with exceptional skills that they have generously shared. To name a few: Wes Lusher of Young Life Committee who designed the pledge letter; Mark Peterson of Sign-A-Rama in Flagstaff who provided the signage for our support vehicle; Steve at Absolute Bikes in Village of Oak Creek for special services in preparing the bike and assistance in provision of spare parts; and Weslie Surprenant, our friend from Minnesota, who established the Coast to Coast for Kids blog.

A special thank you to Pastor Paul of Wayside Chapel and Pastor Frank of Christ Center Wesleyan for allowing us to share the vision of Young Life and the ride with their church congregations.

Support has been tremendous, not only in the Verde Valley, but from as far away as England, Wales, the Channel Islands, Canada, and many other locations around the United States. We are truly humbled and excited by this support.

Check back here for progress updates which will be posted when internet services are available along the course route.

Yours on the road,

Don and Penny

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