Transcontinentalitis, Days 41 & 42 (Victorville, CA to Newport Beach, CA)

Day 41: Victorville, CA to Yorba Linda, CA (85.9 miles, 3171.1 total, 44.4 mph max)

We're in Yorba Linda, CA at my cousin Marie's house. I feel more comfortable here than ever on this trip. Today was easy. We found our way using people's directions and kind of guessing. Not a bad ride at all.


San Bernardino was pretty rough. Not a place I'd like to stop for long. California is different. As soon as we crossed the Cajon Pass we could feel and smell the ocean breeze. It was the most incredible feeling, and I was ear to ear with smiles. What a great trip.


Tomorrow we'll ride to the coast and back. I'm so excited.

Day 42: Yorba Linda, CA to Newport Beach, CA (~30 miles, 3201.1 total, 40 mph max)

Well, now it's official. We biked to the Pacific Ocean. The bike trail was nice; it's kind of neat that we started and ended on bike paths. 

I'm very proud of myself. I think I deserve it. This trip was a dream of mine. I don't think I've ever accomplished anything that I'd dreamed of doing like this. What an incredible feeling. 

I need a new dream now. I'll think one up soon, I'm sure. I can't wait to tell stories.

Now we start up the coast, but we won't do that for awhile. 

Total trip distance: 3201 miles. It doesn't feel like it was that much, though. 

I hope I have this feeling again someday. 

"A brilliant idea never starts out brilliant. It starts out ridiculed, because nobody has ever seen anything like it before. Be unreasonable. Insist that it can be done. Show them how"

I never forgot these words; they're from a commercial I saw. I memorized them so that I could write them to all the people who didn't believe I'd really do it. Well, I'm not going to do that, but I know they won't doubt me again.

 I told them I would ride my bike the California and I did it.

That's it! I couldn't be more thrilled to be done with this transcription. For two weeks, Chris and I enjoyed ourselves, couch-surfing among various friends in Southern California. Then, we started North with the ultimate goal of reaching San Francisco. The trip ended four days later in Gorda, CA, where we decided to hitch-hike the remaining distance to Santa Cruz.

In retrospect, it is an unfortunate end to the journey, but was predicated by couple of days of overly ambitious riding. Day 2 -- 100 miles. Day 3 -- 135 miles -- Chris and I thought it would be a good idea to just ignore sundown and ride into the night on the Pacific Coast Highway. Unfortunately, with no lights illuminating the roadway we were riding into pitch darkness before long. A flat caused by an unseen obstruction began a miserable night attempting to navigate darkness on the shoulder of a remote road, but somehow (I honestly don't recall how) we ended up in a campground sometime before midnight. Then, as if we hadn't learned a thing, we set our watch alarms for 5 am so that we could get up and ride another 140 miles to Santa Cruz before it got dark on Day 4.

By 9 am on Day 4 up the coast, Chris and I had ridden about 30 miles to a small cafe in Gorda, CA. It was there that we agreed to throw in the towel. I spent the remainder of the trip in the bed of a pickup driven by a strung-out teenager running away from home (seriously).

THE END.

Transcontinentalitis, Days 36 - 40 (Kanab, UT to Victorville, CA)

The miles flew past in the Southwest. We were at our peak fitness levels, and Chris and I watched the mountain landscape turn dry and flat. The winds were gone. Because of all of this, riding a 100 miles in a day was no longer an issue. The desert was the next phase, and the stretches between towns had become enormous. Then, Vegas comes out of nowhere, and disappears quickly.

Day 36: Kanab, UT to St. George, UT (86.3 miles, 2756.5 total, 40.7 mph max)

Wow! Zion is amazing. The best part of the trip so far. Unbelievable. 
We got off to a late start today because we had to repair a spoke and buy a patch kit. It was a good ride, though. Two climbs then all downhill. 
Going through the park was absolutely spectacular. The road was smooth and downhill. We had to get a ride through the tunnel in the ranger's pick-up. We were kind of discouraged, but it was a very long, windy tunnel. 
We made it St. George, UT and are camping here. We had a long conversation with a man from Idaho in a hot tub at the campground. He looked like my Uncle Sam but acted like Cliff from Cheers. A little boy at a gas station punched my leg today and then his father made him apologize.
We just missed a brushfire in Hurricane, UT, but saw the aftermath. 
I thought about camp all day long. Today is the day the campers arrive. I hope it's going good for them.
We're close. Pacific time zone tomorrow.
 
Day 37: St. George, UT to  Mesquite, NV (44.1 miles, 2800.6 total, 36.6 mph max)

A short day. We had to stop because it's 80 miles to Vegas and there's nothing in between. We rode the interstate the entire day because there is no other road. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. 
Mesquite is a gambling town with two casinos. We stayed at the Virgin River Hotel & Casino because it is cheaper than a campground. They advertised rooms for the past 50 miles.
We hung out at the casino and spent a grand total of $1.90 together, saw a movie and went to a great buffet.
I feel like I'm going to be ripped off here somehow. Casinos are a scam. There are no windows so you can't tell if it's day or night. No clocks. No water fountains. I'm always watching my back. I'm very weary of Las Vegas now, because I know it's going to be 100 times worse, at least.
The band played "Me & Bobby McGee" and it reminded me of my girlfriend who used to sing that.
What a drag the casino is. I see hundreds of people throwing money away. I feel like they're stupid. Don't they know they're going to lose? I can't understand it.
Some of them are on vacation and so this is how they choose to spend money. I just can't see how that's any fun. There are a million other things that are much more fun than this. Well, let them blow the money. I'll hang on to mine.
 
Day 38: Mesquite, NV to Las Vagas, NV (85.3 miles, 2885.8 total, 37.7 mph max)

Quite a day. We got up at 5. We split early and were on the road by 6. We made it to Vegas by noon after stopping twice for rest. The Ziblers, Chris's sister's friends-of-a-friend, have taken us in for the night. They are very nice to do so. Mr Z is very funny. He knows everything. We went to the strip at night. It's unreal. It's as light as day -- neon everywhere. The casinos are huge. What an amazing place. I lost $10 at blackjack. The security is super tight. We were both carded and I was told I couldn't stand in one place for too long without gambling. Everybody has a wire in their ear.
 
Day 39: Las Vegas, NV to Baker, CA (96.0 miles, 2981.9 total, 36.2 mph max)

We're within 20 miles of the 3000 mile mark. Today was so tough.
The desert is quite lonely and hot. We climbed to 4800 ft in triple digit weather. It's very trying, but I felt good and not nearly as drained as I felt in Virginia. I'm in great shape now. 
We're in Baker, CALIFORNIA!! We crossed into our final state and are 200 miles from our destination. 
I never pictured being so close to accomplishing a dream so important to me. Baker's hotter than hell (106 F). We're spoiling ourselves with a hotel room. It's a really lousy place. There are palm trees painted on the walls. 
People here are really impressed with our trip, a lot more than back East. We were only starting then. I'm glad to be out of Vegas and Nevada. Too much chaos there. 
Three more days. What a feeling this is.
 
Day 40: Baker, CA to Victorville, CA (104.3 miles, 3086.2 total, 33.6 mph max) 

Where to begin? Woke up at 5. We were in Barstow by noon. In town, I rode onto an enormous sewer grate. So, I'm back on a bumpy ride.
While eating lunch in Lenwood, CA, two kids (3 - 5 years old) were in a station wagon parked in front of us, facing us. They were playing, waiting for Mom to get our of the store. The little boy shifted gears and the car started rolling backwards toward the highway. I got up, jumped in, and put on the emergency brake. My moment as a hero! Hurrah!
We got to Victorville. It is very much an Hispanic town. Big town -- 60,000 people. 
Somebody tried to rob Chris. They were going through his bags while we were in a store. What a shit! Chris and I were pissed. We didn't notice until later when we realized that Chris's bags were all shifted around. Nothing missing, though. 
We're up in the air for tomorrow. We don't know where to go. We'll play it by ear. On day left!
The Tin Can Man - a 14-16 year old boy. He has a lot of ambition with his 4x4 Radio Flyer. "In God's Way"

I was ecstatic at this point of the trip. Aside from beach vacations and road trips with my family, I'd never traveled far from home on my own. To finally go out on my own was exciting, but to do it on a bicycle felt even more freeing. I'd watched every inch of the way pass by.

I have no idea what the last bit of the entry from Day 40 means. Chris, can you help?

Transcontinentalitis, Days 31 - 35 (near Chama, NM to Kanab, UT)

Ugh. It's a good thing I wasn't as lazy about the trip as I have been about recording this journal.

We were out of the Rockies, feeling invincible. Of course Mother Nature wouldn't allow that to persist for long.

Day 31: near Chama, NM to Bloomfield, NM (98.5 miles, 2347.5 total, 38.20 mph max)

Well, one month down. Twelve segments to go.

We forgot we were out of bagels today so we had to wait until mile 60 at 1:30 pm before we got to a store. We polished off a whole loaf of bread making PB sandwiches. We made it to Bloomfield and got a cabin at a KOA.We're watching TV in the lounge shack. 

We're into some desolate country now. A lot of planning involved. If we go too far, we may be stuck the night after. So, we're taking a lot of precautions. 

I loved the scenery today. Rocky canyons and cliffs. The wind was rough and will be for awhile. Tomorrow, Arizona. I'm psyched we're going so fast.

We crossed the Continental Divide today. I like the couple that owns the KOA. They helped us find a place for tomorrow night.

Day 32: Bloomfield, NM to Mexican Water, AZ (103.2 miles, 2450.7 total, 38.3 mph max)

First day of month two, and today was the worst day yet. We cruised for 40 miles and had lunch, and averaged 20 mph for that leg. Then, for the last 60 we had a very strong headwind. Very tough. Harder than any day in VA or NM. I really got discouraged today.

I hate Arizona already.

We crossed the border around 2:45. Dinner sucked. The Mexican Water restaurant was the only choice.

I really hated today. I got run off the road by a rig and another time, blown off by the wind. Well, we know not to ride past 4 pm now. 

I can't figure out why we smell like ammonia all the time. Our clothes and bodies. Weird.

Day 33: Mexican Water, AZ to Kayenta, AZ (42.6 miles, 2493.4 total, 36.4 mph max)

Well, to say the least, today sucked. We went a short distance in 6 hours, at like 7 mph starting at 9 am. I was actually crying at one point, pleading with the wind. It was like we were being punished. Winds right in our face.

Then, a truck would come past and cause the wind to go in all kinds of swirls. Chris got thrown off the road once. I looked back and he was headed off to the right into a field. Crazy.

I think we'll be slowed way down on this trip if the winds keep up. It's very disheartening.
We hope to make it to Glen Canyon tomorrow, 98 miles away. That means we can have no wind problems. Fat chance.

If not, we'll get there in two days. 

The winds are so bad we had to get a room at a hotel in Kayenta. It's a cool town, the big deal is Monument Valley 20 miles to the north. Please may the winds stop for us. Please!

Day 34: Kayenta, AZ to Page, AZ (100.3 miles, 2593.4 total, 37.4 mph max)

Today was okay. Headwinds for half the day, tailwinds for the other half. I woke up feeling sick from yesterday. I still have a cold that makes riding hard.
We crept along for the first 35 miles and then got some wind at our back.

Chris lost his cyclometer and is searching for it now. He's convinced somebody stole it. 

We had lunch in Kaibito, AZ, a small Indian village. They were having a picnic and gave us burgers. The most friendly Indians yet. They actually still speak their native language there. 

Then it rained for awhile. We had to layer because it got really cold, and we made it to Page.

Alas, a day to be happy about. Chris found his computer. I thought things were going to get heated there for awhile.

Page is very cool, even though it's a tourist town. Lots of people come here to fish and raft.
Oh yeah -- the kids in Kaibito were nosy. They hung around us while we did some bike repairs. Kind of nice to communicate, but they kept trying to get involved.

Tomorrow, the bridge in the first five miles, and then Utah. We may kill ourselves and go to Zion if the wind cooperates.

Day 35: Page, AZ to Kenab, UT (76.8 miles, 2670.2 total, 38.7 mph max)

A great day. The winds were somewhat cooperative. 

The Glen Canyon Bridge and Dam were fantastic. We made it to Kenab, UT no sweat. 500 miles to go. I'm psyched.

We cruised all day long beside cliffs and rock formations. Beautiful stuff. I spent the better part of the day daydreaming about starting a mountain bike program at camp. 

The day flew past like never before. What a great feeling!

Zion National Park tomorrow. We should be about a week from LA. I can't believe it. Kenab is a small town,  but just big enough to have a Pizza Hut.

It's Father's Day and I'm going to call Dad. He's been so awesome and supportive with this trip. I think he's more excited that I am, with the newspapers, T-shirts, and cash. It's all been a tremendous help.

I'll never be able to thank him enough. I'll try though.

We've gotten accustomed to having a snack before crashing. We are always hungry, so we always eat. Tonight Chris and I each ate a whole pie and a half gallon of chocolate milk.

Some of these memories come back to me vividly: Chris's feverish search for his cyclometer (keep in mind that all of our possessions were on our bodies or hanging from our bicycles). Trying to ride a bike straight at the moment a strong headwind becomes a strong vortex of winds as a truck passes. Eating an entire apple pie by myself. The Indian kids in Kaibito trying to hold our bikes up for us while we fixed them. Reading through this journal is bringing it back.