David's World Tour

Salsa Cycles - I applaud you!

2008-11-09T10:48:00.006+10:00

(Click on the image to enlarge)
When something good happens then it's important to share! The image above shows me proudly in possession of two brand new Salsa Delgado rims for my Surley. This photo was taken today in my backyard in Cairns, North Queensland, Australia.

You may recall that on my tour I noticed that my original Salsa rims were cracked. While in Michigan, USA, I contacted Salsa who immediately indicated their willingness to replace the rims as they were within a 12 month warranty. They were happy to do this even though on my tour I had clearly expected the rims to do more than that for which they had been designed. I carried 30kg of panniers on my Surley LHT from Minneapolis, across Wisconsin, through the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan and across Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. This tour was undertaken after spending two months touring Spain, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the UK. The major challenge for the rims were the combined weight of rider and panniers while travelling at times on some very damaged concrete pavement - not to mention the "rumble" strips!
(My Michigan mates also advised that its better for your rims to lift your butt off the seat when negotiating bumpy conditions. I had not been doing this!...I will from now on.)

As I was soon to travel home it was decided to make the claim for rim replacement while back in Australia. Well, the picture speaks for itself. The rims have come all the way from the States to the Australian supplier and then from there to my home here in North Queensland.---at no cost at all to me.

Salsa Cycles I salute you!

I am soon to take possession of a Burley Nomad Trailer which from now on will replace my panniers while touring. So my new Salsa Rims will be treated appropriately.

Thank you Salsa. I will be keen to recommend you and your products to any one seeking quality in products and service.

Click on the heading above to see the Salsa Cycles website.

The Salsa Rim and warranty negotiations.

2008-10-20T17:03:00.003+10:00

I'm still waiting to hear from Salsa and am confident of their support. I'll post the response as soon as I get news. I am keen to get my wheel operating again as I'm soon to go on a tour. I'm also in the process of getting a Burley Nomad trailer to replace my panniers.

Hi there all my Adventure Cycling followers. This is about Lance Armstrong!

2008-10-16T20:43:00.007+10:00

I'm delighted to be able to say that before I return to the USA in 2009 that I'll be able to see Lance in January 2009. I'll travel 4000km south of Cairns to Adelaide in January to see the Tour Down Under as mentioned below in Bike Bits. How lucky am I? In the image I'm the guy with the big head and blue ball cap that Lance is talking to. (Ragbrai 2006)

David O'Loughlin

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Bike Bits Vol. 10, No. 20, October 15, 2008
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This is the 203rd issue of Bike Bits, Adventure Cycling's twice-monthly bicycle bulletin. Bike Bits is delivered to you--and 34,555 other readers--because you've signed up for it at the Adventure Cycling Association website, http://www.adventurecycling.org. Bike Bits arrives in text-only format for quick download and includes links for more information.
We want to inspire you to dream, and to live your own bicycle adventures.

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"Lance [Armstrong] participating in the Tour Down Under will mean the biggest influx of overseas and interstate visitors to any sporting event in South Australia's history."
-- South Australia Premier Mike Rann, on confirming Lance's plans to return to professional road cycling at next January's Tour Down Under

Cairns to Cooktown

2008-10-01T10:13:00.003+10:00

I'm now back home in Cairns after spending Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 27th to 29th September with about 150 others, riding the 330 kilometres from Cairns to Cooktown. With the help of this blog and direct contact with friends I was able to raise over $500.00 for the local Hospital Foundation. My thanks go to all who sponsored me and those who also sent their best wishes. Its a blessing to have such great friends.The images provide some detail of the ride.

Salsa Rims:To all my Adventure Cycling fellow members

2008-09-08T11:40:00.002+10:00

I have really enjoyed many emails from Adventure Cycling members who have been following this blog site. A number of you are interested in what's happening re my damaged Salsa Rim. At this stage I have had a very positive response from Salsa and will update you once they finalise their response to me. (Click on the heading above to view Salsa's website.)
You may recall the following in Bike Bits:

From Adventure Cycling Association:

“Bike Bits Vol. 10, No. 12, June 18, 2008

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This is the 195th issue of Bike Bits, Adventure Cycling's twice-monthly bicycle bulletin. Bike Bits is delivered to you because you've signed up for it at the Adventure Cycling Association website, http://www.adventurecycling.org. Bike Bits arrives in text-only format for quick download and includes links for more information. We want to inspire you to dream, and to live your own bicycle adventures.

*******

DAVE'S NOT HERE

But he is somewhere, and he's one enthusiastic bicycle traveler. David O'Loughlin is a sixty-three-year-old Aussie who's making a 5,300-mile tour through the United States and Europe, while raising funds for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation. Scroll through some of his past journal entries and you'll see that he graphically reveals his various locations by posting photos of panels from Adventure Cycling maps.

http://davidsworldtour.blogspot.com

*******”

KIosk - Lake Morris.

2008-08-23T20:24:00.002+10:00

Completed a ride up a 16km hill to the Copperload dam Kiosk. Great food and welcome from Janet, Jason and Kel Lane.

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation Donation. Click on this heading!

2008-08-21T21:32:00.003+10:00

To send me on a three-day, 335Km bike ride - click on the heading above.

Did I say this? Click on this heading.

2008-08-16T22:57:00.001+10:00

Must be an imposter.

The end has arrived!

2008-08-16T22:37:00.002+10:00

It was an absolute honour to have a group of wonderful friends come and help me settle back in my house at my "Glad to be Back" party. Here they are, we have filled up with Pizza and wine and have had a great night. For my friends in Minneapolis.....I am drooling purple and gold!!!!

Click on this heading!

2008-08-15T04:43:00.002+10:00

My buddy, Ray, snuck up on me when I was packing my bike at the end of the ride and produced this video!

You just have to watch out for this technology nowadays!

Welcome Home!

2008-08-12T20:28:00.003+10:00

How lucky am I? I was surprised to find Val, Llew and Brian were at the airport on a Sunday evening at 11.00 PM to welcome me back to Cairns! What a treat and honour!

(Llew's friendship was tested further. When arriving at my house I couldn't get into it as my keys were no where to be found so.... I had an impromptu sleep at his place until I located them on Monday morning!)

Homeward bound!

2008-08-10T04:25:00.004+10:00

Checked in at Honolulu half an hour ago with one 25Kg bike and a 25Kg bag while carrying hand luggage filled with clothing!

Yesterday I increased my awareness of one side's argument regarding the USA election by listening to Barack Obama here in Honolulu. (The white hat protected my sensitive self from the sun while listening to the political-speak.)

This afternoon I arrive in Sydney and then at 10:35 I'm home in Cairns! Currently it's Saturday morning at 8:30 and during the flight it turns into Sunday as we cross the international dateline.--just in case you didn't know!

Am I in Cairns or Hawai'i

2008-08-07T13:51:00.003+10:00

I feel I'm surrounded by so many similarities to Cairns, my current place of residence.
Similar climate, vegetation, topography, tourism infrastructure, restaurants etc etc. It's great to be here as it breaks an otherwise very long flight but its very like home. Here's a couple of touristy images of Waikiki and a turtle. (It's the one on the sand - not in the orange shirt!)

Stereotypes. Have a laugh!

2008-08-07T13:41:00.002+10:00

I have avoided stereotypes when describing characteristics of the peoples of various countries I have visited. Generally all people have been generous, thoughtful, caring and good fun. However, this little story makes good fun of the standard stereotypes and I love it.

For the oldies!

2008-08-07T13:38:00.002+10:00

Apparently, many many years ago, there was a film actor with the name Burt Lancaster. On this little bay below he had a long lingering kiss with a well known actress. The film, I think, was called "From Here to Eternity." Some oldies told me this story.........

Who put that beer in my hand?

2008-08-07T13:36:00.001+10:00

Sitting by the pool relaxing. Life is tough!

G'day Honolulu

2008-08-04T13:31:00.002+10:00

Here I am in Hawaii! I left Chicago early Saturday morning. I'm here as a consequence of having a Qantas "Around the World" ticket. When booking the flight my travel agent suggested I interrupt the 18 hour flying time back from Chicago to Cairns by dropping down in Hawaii. It didn't cost anymore and therefore I had no difficulty adding it to my itinerary.

So I now have a week to chill out, enjoy the sights and importantly reflect on what I have learnt during my six month adventure. I have lovely private accommodation five minutes walking distance from Waikiki Beach.

The climate, plants and scenery remind me very much of Paradise. No, I haven't been to that place yet, I mean Cairns - my home town.

Mike says goodbye

2008-08-04T13:23:00.004+10:00

My brother Mike, on Friday 1st, began his long journey back to Cairns.......with "Shirley", his new Surley! Here he is being dropped off at the Chicago O'Hare airport.

For Mike and I it is difficult to express appropriately our thanks to Bob and Frank. They have been such such generous hosts. The red carpet will be out when they come to Cairns!

Bob's Chevvy Tahoe

2008-08-04T13:19:00.004+10:00

What a fabulous car for carrying bikes, lots of people and in great comfort!
Thanks Bob

PS: When he's only by himself he uses his Thunderbird convertable!

Copycat!

2008-07-31T05:16:00.000+10:00

Mike now has his own Surley!

You don't have to sit on a bike seat all the time!

2008-07-31T05:12:00.003+10:00

Thanks "Whiner" Steve for letting me ride in your classic Chevrolet Corvette.

The Aussie team with Bob, our host!

2008-07-31T05:09:00.003+10:00

Here we have L to R:
Me, Bob, Trevor, Mike, Farmer Trev and Ray.

How big is Australia compared to USA?

2008-07-31T05:06:00.002+10:00

Adventure Cycling Association

2008-07-31T04:54:00.001+10:00

I have to acknowledge the fabulous resources of the Adventure Cycling Association. Their maps have been so informative and kept me very safe. Also, with their promotion of my ride with their members I have received some great emails from other tourers and members of the association. Thanks to all and maybe its just another minor encouragement to get people onto bikes.

My poor Surley and her Salsa Rims!

2008-07-28T12:32:00.008+10:00

At the start of Ragbrai I noticed the rear wheel of my Surley was buckled and catching on the brakes. After consulting a bike mechanic on the ride it was discovered that the wheel can not be repaired as the rim is breaking up. I took a chance, loosened off the brakes and rode Ragbrai - mainly as the only weight I carried was a handlebar bag and my small self. It seems the 'strong' Salsa rims, that I specially fitted, haven't coped with the load I've been carrying. The attached image shows a portion of the cracking that continues the full circumference of the wheel on both sides. (Click on the image to enlarge and get a better view.)

I'm going to try to find out why this problem occurred as my bike shop, "Alfred E Bike" at Kalamazoo, has not yet been able to provide a convincing reason. If you click on the heading of this post you'll get info on "Salsa" rims and see that they are described as being pretty good. (Mine are the "Delgado Cross".)I'm concerned, that as a touring cyclist I'm suffering a problem with rims that has not been the experience of my many touring cyclist friends who have carried similar loads similar distances and more? Is there something in this experience of mine from which we can all learn?

(Alfred E Bikes can be located at:
www.aebike.com )

Food - water - finish!

2008-07-28T09:49:00.007+10:00

To refill water all towns had various clever ways of assisting 10,000 people refill bottles.

Occasionally we'd get hungry and we'd need a refill - howabout a Turkey Leg!

At the end of the road the mighty Mississippi.

Things we did on Ragbrai

2008-07-28T09:42:00.004+10:00

Images show:

Mike being "Tasered" by a local Police Officer!

Meeting Shovel after two years for Mike.

Dancing at Whiteys with the Whiners in the middle of the day.

What a fun town: a Looneys next to Homers!

Mike's Ragbrai Photos of wierd teams

2008-07-28T09:34:00.003+10:00

Team Bananas

Team no seat!

Team Bastard

Team "Running of the Bull"

Some images from the last few days!

2008-07-28T02:41:00.005+10:00

My little Koala now has a new home with Angela and her partner. Angela fell in love with him!
Here we have images including: our arrival at the Iowa Mississippi border at Le Claire; the Whiner bus; packing on Saturday afternoon; gathering of our one hundred Whiners ready for the colorful pace-line entry into Le Claire; 'me' the cyclist passing cornfields.

We are all now back at friend Bob's place in Bridgman, Michigan. Off to bike shops tomorrow, Monday July 28th.

Whiner stickers are Valuable!

2008-07-28T02:38:00.002+10:00

How far did we travel on Ragbrai?

2008-07-28T02:28:00.002+10:00

Friday 101.3Km
Saturday 84.1Km

All up the ride across Iowa for 2008 used up 727.7 kilometres.

Most days involved fairly stiff headwinds and fortunately my fitness level kept me fit enough to enjoy some pretty demanding "Whiner" partying!

2:30 PM July 25th. More Ragbrai

2008-07-26T05:32:00.004+10:00

Wow! What fun!

These images show aspects of the ride. Mike in a "truck" with 17 others on the way to dinner!
Me with the Mayor of Keystone outside a pub that gave me the sign as a souvenir!

How far have we come?

Sunday 92.1 Km
Monday 129.2 Km
Tuesday 90.4 Km
Wednesday 115.4 Km
Thursday 115.2 Km.

We're movin'!

Phone coverage!

2008-07-25T00:55:00.001+10:00

If you can't contact us its because we have no coverage.

Rabrai is fun!

2008-07-24T04:43:00.008+10:00

Lots of visual fun here! Let the pictures be the words?

The close-up of me shows the expression of 'delight' as I eat a Rocky Mountain Oyster!

Ragbrai is underway!

2008-07-22T05:13:00.005+10:00

On Sunday we did 90 Km after both Mike and I received a hearty welcome from the Whinersd team.

Currently, Monday July 21st at 2:15PM, I'm in Coon Rapids at the local library. We have travelled 50 miles with another 32.2mls to do! Last night we were all woken in Harlan at 2:00 AM and required to go to identified shelters due to a suspected tornado! We got the all-clear at 3:00AM. Bit of a local experience! The images above tell their own story! (The Koalas are now attached to the tops of our helmets!)

We found Breezy Hills Winery!

2008-07-19T02:37:00.004+10:00

This is Friday morning of the 18th July and my last day with luggage,(30kg), of a six month bike-tour. What better way to celebrate than to stop en-route at Breezy Hills Winery with part-owner, Roberta and tasting expert, Karen. Ray and I thoroughly enjoyed consuming the high quality Iowa wine. I just loved the roller coaster hills of the next 40Kms!!!!!!!

Minden Cafe - the only Day One lunch stop on Ragbrai!

2008-07-18T08:23:00.002+10:00

Iowa's best tenderloin sandwich is produced by these guys. Here's Ray and I with Pearlie and Joe at their bar and restaurant in Minden.
A "must stop"for all bikers!

Is my brother- in - law correct?

2008-07-17T14:32:00.001+10:00

He thinks I could jump in this cannon and be fired all the way to Missouri Valley!

Hmmm. .....a little madness methinks!

We're still riding!

2008-07-17T14:14:00.007+10:00

The image above is of Ray, so loaded down with luggage (!!!!), talking to some great guys who allowed us to straddle a road block. The signs earlier on the road said we had no chance of getting through.....but bikes are not cars or trucks!

Monday 14th July. Des Moines to De Soto.

57km.

Tuesday 15th July. De Soto to Adair.

80.7 km.

Wednesday 16th July. Adair to Atlantic.

40.1km.

We have experienced very hot days with high humidity, hilly terrain and been buffeted by strong headwinds! The long day on Tuesday left us a bit dehydrated and tired hence a short day on Wednesday seemed a good idea!

The plan is a short day on Thursday to Minden and then a hop to Missouri Valley on Friday ready for the the start of Ragbrai.

Click on the heading above for the latest Ragbrai news.

Mr T arrives in Des Moines

2008-07-14T11:38:00.002+10:00

Here we are blogging the arrival to all who are interested. Off tomorrow en route to Missiouri Valley.

Beautiful Des Moines, Iowa

2008-07-14T04:54:00.007+10:00

In this photo I'm at the Iowa State Capitol - built between 1871 and 1866. A beautiful building with great masonry employing 29 types of marble. I just loved it. The central dome, not visible in the photo, is gilded in 23-karat gold leaf.

Today I meet my Adelaide mate, Ray Taarnby, and head off to Missouri Valley for the start of Ragbrai 2008. This essentially means my solo bike tour is over! The end is nigh.

Bike touring - What does it cost?

2008-07-10T02:42:00.009+10:00

I have not taken into account travel to destination expenses so once you have got to where you want to begin you become a cycling backpacker! You can choose to camp, to use cheap accommodation, hostels or to use Motels. In my six month tour its been a mixture of all of these with some opportunities to also be a guest staying with friends. Unfortunately I've experienced difficulty accessing hostels and camp grounds at the frequency I would have liked as they haven't existed on my route, - particularly in the USA, as using these facilities keeps your costs down and gives you a greater chance of meeting people.

Probably I have averaged around $A250.00-$A300.00/week on accommodation and maybe $A150.00 on meals, ( a mix of self-catering and restaurants). So, its not really expensive. At the moment I'm in a very good Motel here in Des Moines and paying $A50.00/night. With a travelling companion that would be only $A25.00/night.(This is very reasonable but its more a comment on the very favourable exchange rate that Australia currently has with the USA). Basically I'm spending daily a similar amount to the cost of living at home.

If I was on an organised commercial tour then I would be paying much, much more!

.....and if you consume alcohol....well that's not included above!

What have I done? (As far as riding is concerned!)

2008-07-07T19:50:00.005+10:00

Tuesday 1st July. Kewanee to Orion.

57.4 Km

Wednesday 2 July. Orion to Muscatine.

84.0 Km

Thursday 3rd July. Rest Day Muscatine.

Friday 4th July. Muscatine to Coralville/Iowa City.

70.1Km

Saturday 5th July. Coralville to Keystone.

87.3 Km.

Sunday 6th July. Keystone to Grinnell.

78Km.

Monday July 7th. Grinell to Newton.

62.3Km.

Tuesday July 8th. Newton to Des Moines.

49Km

Well I've done 2514.2km of touring in the USA!

Mike finished the Cairns to Karumba Ride!

2008-07-07T19:37:00.004+10:00

Well done brother. This ride, of the last week and in North Queensland, is good preparation for your participation in the Ragbrai beginning on the 20th July. You may even now get close to keeping up with me!

Here's two images that Mike has sent of the start of the ride and one of the riders coming into Karumba.

(Note: He's wearing his Whiners oufit! He's getting ready for RAGBRAI!)

Visit to Keystone......a moving experience!

2008-07-07T19:13:00.004+10:00

I went to Keystone to honor the memory of a very dear friend and long time resident of Keystone, Maxine Mertens. Maxine passed on in May of 2007 after being around for nearly 90 years. I got to know Maxine in 2001 after my first Ragbrai...she nursed my buddy, Ray Taarnby, and I back to good health after exhausting ourselves on that years 530 mile ride. In 2006 she did the same for me, my brother Mike, Ray Taarnby and Trevor King. When we first met she had only recently retired at 82 as the local Tax Accountant.

Maxine was an expert at providing unconditional support to friends and strangers, connecting with people and getting people connected. At Keystone, pop. 700, her pride and joy was to be a major part in the rebuilding of this town's Turner Bar. (It had burnt down but through her previous advice had a replacement Insurance cover.) This facility is a family resource for wedding receptions, birthday events, bowling and of course socialising as families and friends around meals and drinks. Keystone now has a very classy, modern, technologically leading edge, aesthetically pleasing facility that even a large city would be proud of. Good onya Maxine. I visited and was able to properly say Good Bye. (Unfortunately Maxine you didn't get to see the final product and dance on the tables as you threatened!)

While at Keystone I was looked after by Duane Kupka who also has the nickname "Shovel". Shovel has visited Australia and NZ in his search for John Deere antiques. I visited his house and saw so much of his collection. As well as huge restored tractors and motors he has a set of antique John Deere pedal cars.

A big thanks to Keystone's Mayor Mark, and his wife Marilyn for providing accommodation. Much appreciated.

Iowa City Jazz Festival

2008-07-07T19:08:00.002+10:00

We human beings can be so resilient! Even having suffered such a bad flood the Iowa City Jazz Festival got into full swing. It was a great night on the Friday evening of this three day event. I just looove jazz!

Flood Damage in the region.

2008-07-07T18:58:00.002+10:00

As I rode from Muscatine I encountered a road block with signage making it very clear that no one was to go through. I had had no warning of this possibility and a detour for me would have meant an extra 35 Miles, - three and a half hours of pedalling! So I went through and encountered a collapsed road as clear in the photo below. This was downstream on the Cedar River. The same river that devastated Cedar Rapids.

The other shots are of Iowa City. If you enlarge them you can see the "crest" line on the pillars in the front of the shops. I have heard so many despairing stories of the personal loss of so many people.

Hey! Someone loaded up like me!

2008-07-07T18:55:00.002+10:00

A friendly female rider from The Netherlands on a ride from Coast to Coast!

Gate Crashing! Cycling and Beer!

2008-07-07T18:45:00.004+10:00

Cyclists in the USA lead the world. While riding to Keystone I came upon a trail of around 300 cyclists on a weekend run. So why not say G'day I thought. I stopped at their next rest stop and guess what?.....it was catered for by the Amana Colonies Millstream Brewery! I had two cool refreshing pints.

Even more: The ride was named, "Tour de Brew". We in Oz have still so much to learn!

Amana Colonies. (Note : They have a brewery!)

2008-07-07T18:39:00.002+10:00

I visited the Amana Colonies on the way to Keystone. A very interesting place.

From the web:
"The Amana Colonies are a group of settlements of German Pietists in Iowa, USA, comprising seven villages. Calling themselves the Ebenezer Society or the Community of True Inspiration, die Gemeinde der wahren Inspiration, they first settled in New York state near Buffalo in what is now the Town of West Seneca. However, in order to live out their beliefs in more isolated surroundings they moved west to the rich soil of east-central Iowa (near present-day Iowa City) in 1855. They lived a communal life until the mid 1930s.

Today, Amana is a major tourist attraction known mainly for its restaurants and craft shops. Included in the shops are woodworking shops, wine shops, and even a brewery called Millstream. The colonies as a whole have been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1965."

My plans.

2008-07-02T00:07:00.006+10:00

I have about twelve days in which to do just over 200 miles, 320Km, so will have some down time. (Yesterday I managed 100km into a head wind!). I am meeting Ray Taarnby on the 13th July in Des Moines and then travelling together to Missouri Valley - the start of Ragbrai.

Henry! The Bridge over the Illinois River.

2008-07-01T23:53:00.004+10:00

This part of the world has so much water. I ride through fields of corn and beans so lush and green growing out of soil that seems good enough to eat!

At a town called Henry I crossed the Illinois River on a Bridge wide enough for two semis to pass in opposite directions. Thank goodness we did not coincide!

Where am I now?

2008-07-01T09:23:00.005+10:00

Friday 27th June. Rensselaer to Ashkum.
83.3 Km

Saturday 28th June. Ashkum to Pontiac.

76.5 Km

Sunday 29th June. Pontiac to Wenona.

66.6 Km

Monday 30th June. (Today) Wenona to Kewanee.

102 Km.

I have to say how I have come to appreciate the strength of the West wind as I pedal this part of the mid-west. ....and how lovely that I'm travelling west!!!! Its strong, incessant, persistant in fact I've exhausted my repetoir of expletives in trying to describe it!

As I pulled into Pontiac on Saturday I could see my motel 2km in the distance. I was in my lowest gear, (a gear saved for the steepest hills, but I was on the flat), pushing into the strongest wind hitting me directly from the front. I was travelling at 7km per hour so took around 15 minutes to do the two K's! Grrrrr.

Maybe it's the regularity of this wind that allowed me to count over 100 large wind turbines as I travelled today!

However my Saturday experience was cheered up by meeting the "East Peoria Express 14 and under Softball team" outfit. The Mom and Dads were relaxing having a Barbeque outside the Motel to celebrate their daughters' success and hopefully final success on Sunday. I was able to join them for beer and Brats. (I did hand out lots of Aussie Koalas!)

Camping Friday 27th June.

2008-06-29T02:58:00.002+10:00

I spent the night at the City Park in Ashkum and as major thunderstorms were predicted I simply took over a community shelter. I was later joined by Richard, a retired concert pianist, using the same route guide but heading east.

Tornadoes! Aghhhh!

2008-06-29T02:54:00.004+10:00

This is the view prior to being deluged by a very noisy thunderstorm! Thank goodness it didn't develop into one of those tubey things that suck you off the face of the earth! You can see from my Aussie flag that I'm ploughing into a hefty westerly headwind.

What good mates!

2008-06-29T02:52:00.002+10:00

Thanks Ken and Frank for taking me 100 miles to Rensselaer and allowing me to connect with my route to Missouri Valley.

Where am I heading once I get to Muscatine on the Mississippi?

2008-06-27T01:30:00.005+10:00

Check out the map above.
Follow the green highlighted path west of Muscatine and just below Highway 80. When I get to Des Moines I'm just above Highway 80 heading straight for Missouri Valley.

Whiner Ray Taarnby joins me in Des Moines on 14th July. (Arriving Des Moines airport 13th July.)

Click on the heading above to get my RAGBRAI route for the return to Muscatine.

GO, GO, GO - Cairns to Karumba Ride!

2008-06-26T17:48:00.003+10:00

To find out more click on this post's heading above.

I wish all those attending a great ride - and do drink a few of those little sweet chocolaty drinks for me. They are called.....can't quite remember.....something to do with cowboys and.....fowls!

What a lovely place to stay!

2008-06-26T07:28:00.003+10:00

Thanks Ken an Carol for looking after me for three days! A lovely home on a large block as evident in the image above. Behind the reeds is a large duck pond.

This afternoon Ken and I enjoyed some of Michigan's great reds by visiting one of their well known wineries.

A great breakfast served by a very friendly Allison and Velma!

2008-06-26T01:27:00.006+10:00

This morning I enjoyed an early breakfast at "Tio's Restaurant" in Baroda. Velma, on the left, and Allison, on the right, have reserved a place with me back on the 'plane to Cairns! They are such lovely people.

Its great to have a rest!

2008-06-25T03:55:00.003+10:00

I am currently the guest of Ken and his wife Carol at Bridgman.

So far I have travelled 1700km or 1060 miles since leaving Minneapolis on Tuesday 27th May - nearly a month ago.

Since my last detail on travel I can add the following:

Saturday 21st June. Smyrna to Hastings.

77.7 Km.

Sunday 22nd June. Hastings to Paw Paw via Kalamazoo.
82.6 Km

Monday 23rd June. Paw Paw to Bridgman.

60.8 Km.

From the road map below in an earlier post you can see that after Hastings I have deviated from the direct southerly route of the Adventure Cycling Map and travelled south east tp meet up with my Whiner friends.

On Thursday 26th June I am going to take transport with Ken from Bridgman and connect with the Monroeville to Muscatine route at Rensselaer. I'll take accommodation that evening and then begin the ride to Missouri Valley arriving in readiness for the start of RAGBRAI. This will allow me time to rendezvous with my Aussie friend, Ray Taarnby in Des Moine, Iowa on 13th July. With Ken's support I am still planning my route through Iowa. (Ken spent much of his early years in Iowa.)

Isn't it good to have friends!

2008-06-24T06:07:00.002+10:00

Just out of Bridgman, with rain threatening, I was met today by Whiner Ken. We then went to the local supermarket to get supplies for dinner!

Here's a blog site of some female bike tourers! Check it out.

2008-06-23T10:56:00.004+10:00

"This is really amazing. I think it's great that you're raising funds while also having a great time. My girlfriend and I are doing the TransAm in a few days. Please see our blog at www.bikeus.blogspot.com"

Check out this site! They also have a SURLEY!!!! Good on them!

Click on the post heading to reach their site.

I hate to ask!..but you can donate!

2008-06-23T10:37:00.002+10:00

The Cairns Hospital Foundation delights in supporting the Cairns Hospital so that it in turn can look after all International Visitors! So if you donate then when you visit the international destination of Cairns you can say that you paid for the chair you sat on in the hospital while the friendly nurse applied the band aid to the scratch on your hand ... or whatever else may require you to seek their services. Its a great cause.

Click on the heading of this post to find out what you have to do.

Do you remember my plan?

2008-06-23T10:11:00.005+10:00

Below is my original plan that I have used to guide my adventure and its starting to draw to a close. I'm now down to the Minneapolis to Missouri Valley part and one stage of that ride is rapidly coming to an end. Today is Sunday 22nd June and tomorrow I arrive at Ken Baker's house in Bridgman. Ken, Frank and Bob are all Whiners and live in these parts. I will be their guest for about three days before I begin the big ride to Missouri Valley. So I will have enjoyed the outstanding hospitality of Whiner Sharon in Minneapolis, Whiners Betsy and Steve in Boyne City, supported by Whiners Mark and Kathy and now its good old Whiners Ken, Bob and Frank. (I must say that Whiner Michael has offered to suffer my company but I haven't been able to take him up on it!)

Today I travelled from Hastings via Kalamazoo to Paw Paw and tomorrow I'll follow the Red Arrow Highway all the way to Bridgman, arriving about 3.00 PM. The ride from Hastings to Paw Paw today was 80Km. Check out the photo but dismiss the bit where I slip down State Road 140.... I'm going to stick on the Red Arrow Highway and stay on the coast all the way to Bridgman. ...as since recommended by Ken.

(Do you remember Anthropomorphosise? Here's a bit more...... As I travelled through Kalamazoo today I could feel my little friend Surley sitting beneath me getting a little frisky! It was then I realised that she had been purchased in Kalamazoo and then brought to Cairns by my mates Frank and Bob. She must have known she was back home!) .....nut case!

25th Jan. 2008-To Canberra
30th January -Arrive Wagga Wagga
31st January-Begin Ride to Melbourne.-Allowed 10 days-573 km
9th February - Ferry to Tasmania
10th February-Devonport to Launceston.-2 days. 90km
10th to 19th February. Holiday in Launceston
19th February. Madrid, Spain
20th to 25th Feb. - Holiday in Madrid
26th February. Train From Madrid to Seville
27thto 29th February. Explore Seville
1st to 16th March. Seville to Madrid via Lagos.16 days.1300km
16th to 20th March. Holiday in Madrid
21st March to 5th May
This part of the tour remains under construction! Options include:
Cycle tour from South to North of France.
Cycle tour of Germany terminating at Berlin.
Visiting extended family and friends in Southern England.
All of the above! I’ll have 47 days. Approx 2000km
6th May. - Arrive Carlisle
6th to 12th May. Lochs and Glens Cycle Route. Carlisle to Glasgow. 6 days. 345km
12th to 17th May. Holiday at Helensburgh
17th May. Glasgow to Minneapolis, USA via Heathrow, Chicago
17th to 22nd May. Holiday in Minneapolis. (Gain 1 day)
23rd May to 19th July. Minneapolis to Missouri River. 58 days. 3200km
20 to 26th July. RAGBRAI. http://www.ragbrai.org/ with Team Whiners. 7days. 800km
27th July to 2nd August. Bridgman with Whiner friends - Bob, Ken, Frank and Ray. Also brother Mike.
(The details below have been updated as of 24th June 2008.)
2nd August. Chicago to Honolulu
2nd August to 9th August. Honolulu.
9th August. Honolulu to Cairns
Arrive Cairns 22:35 on 10th August. (Lose I day as I cross the International Dateline!)
A tour of quite a few kilometres!

Look what I'm missing out on?

2008-06-23T10:05:00.004+10:00

Some of my Cairns based mates recently did a ride to Chilligo, west of Cairns in North Queensland. Good on 'em.....and they are wearing Cairns to Cooktown jerseys ...just like mine! (Do you recognise Brian who joined me in Scotland?)

Where am I now. Saturday 21st June.

2008-06-22T01:27:00.002+10:00

Tuesday 17th June. Traverse City to Interlochen.

32.6 KM.

Wednesday 18th June. Interlochen to Crn of SR 37 and Old 63.

75.3 KM

Thursday 19th June. Crn of SR37 and Old 63 to Hardy Dam.

100.1 Km.

Friday 20th June. Hardy Dam to Smyrna.

95.2 Km.

Nothing like a fire-pit and a glass of red!

2008-06-22T01:21:00.002+10:00

At the end of a long day I came upon a small group of cabins and hired one for the night. Scott, the owner was pleased to share his company. We enjoyed a few good laughs at the corner of State Road 37 and old 63.

A fellow traveller.

2008-06-22T01:18:00.003+10:00

I met Dr John Hall and his single support crew member, his wife, on the route. He is riding anti-clockwise around America. Check out his Blog by clicking on the heading above.

Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery - Traverse City

2008-06-18T05:21:00.005+10:00

Check out Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery web site by clicking on the heading above. I have just spent time in the bakery learning and borrowing ideas, Tuesday 17th June. The oven in the bakery is exactly like my own sitting in my back yard in Cairns. Both were designed by the same person, Alan Scott. The only difference is that the Bakery oven is a commercial oven and the floor is therefore a little bigger.

The specialty of the Bakery is sour-dough bread - they use no yeast!

Oh .... I have so much to learn and of course now have some great contacts to help me along the way!

(You can see that my emphasis on 'touring cycling' is on the touring! There is so much to see and discover.)

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride

2008-06-18T00:25:00.002+10:00

I can't go this year! I'm on my own ride in the USA. What a great event and I'm going to be missing it! I'll particularly miss the following:

1.The friendship that develops in the packs.
2.The entertainment in the evenings.
3.Lance and Margaret at the Water stops and their own special humour that comes out of the loud-speakers - ...or they wear it!
4.The Calcutta that doesn't really happen. (I was going in it this year.)
5.etc

May all who attend have a great time!

If you want to find out more click onto the heading above.

Where have I been since Mackinac Island?

2008-06-17T05:37:00.003+10:00

Friday 13th June. Mackinac Island to Steve and Betsy's place.
89.2 Km

Saturday 14th June. A rest day with Betsy and Steve.

Sunday 15th June. Betsy and Steve's to Crystal Beach Camping Ground.
75.6 Km

Monday 16th June. (Today) Crystal Beach to Traverse City.

50km.

Since leaving Minneapolis I have carted all of me and my load over 1060Km!

I am a little worried as I seem to be shrinking! Or my clothes are getting larger! Maybe my doctor in Cairns was right when he said weight loss is about 'kilojoules in' and 'kilojoules out'. I haven't lessened on the 'in' but I have certainly been using one heck of a lot on the 'out'! The more I lose the easier it is to pedal. Only around 2300km to go!

Sunset over the Lake Charlevoix

2008-06-17T05:34:00.003+10:00

Such great neighbours

2008-06-17T05:26:00.003+10:00

We all enjoyed an evening with Steve and Betsy's neighbours having 'smores over a fire in the backyard firepit. ('smores are cooked marshmallows over chocolate wrapped in biscuit....yum.) AJ just loved the Cairn's aussie koala!

Cairns - more visitors to come!

2008-06-17T05:23:00.003+10:00

Mark and Kathy just looove scuba diving so have already flagged that I will be fortunate soon to have them as my guests! I took this photo later in the evening after a few reds!!!!!!

It's Party time!

2008-06-17T05:10:00.004+10:00

When an Australian calls it seems you have to go to a restaurant and eat and drink! What's wrong with that?

So off to Redmesa Mexican Restaurant in Boyne City we go. The food was very authentic and beautifully prepared and went so well with the Margaritas. You can see me with (From left) - Kathy, Betsy, Steve and Mark. (Note large glasses of Margaritas.) Following the meal off to Mark and Kathy's place. What a treat. A house that has used the local timbers so creatively and obviously built by the very best craftsmen. Birch bark is not only inlaid within the timbers on the edge of the landings of the stairs but also in the sides of the coffee/occasional tables. (If you look closely you can see that in the photo of us all lounging with our glasses!) Our glasses were filled with fine wine from Mark's cellar.

Betsy and Steve - my Whiner hosts.

2008-06-17T05:04:00.004+10:00

Betsy and Steve are Whiners, and will be doing the RAGBRAI this year, and they generously put me up for two nights. What a fabulous time I had!

Their house is near a place called Walloon Lake and it is hidden amongst the trees. Its magical when you first approach it as you sense that you are entering a large secluded grotto created by the huge tall trees with massive overhanging branches loaded with new spring leaves.

You just gotta rest!

2008-06-17T05:03:00.002+10:00

Mackinac Island.

2008-06-13T06:42:00.008+10:00

Its like experiencing a time warp! All forms of motorised transport are banned on Mackinac Island. To get there it was a very much windswept passage on the Ferry - the wind even flattened out the wrinkles on my face, and made some new ones!

I'm having a day off cycling before heading off on the southern ferry to Mackinaw City tomorrow. I could have used the bridge by paying to have the bike carted across but the ferry journeys are a much more interesting option. (You can't ride across the bridge as you'd be blown off!)

Lake Michigan is huge!!!

2008-06-13T06:37:00.001+10:00

The great people it has been my privilege to meet.

2008-06-13T06:08:00.007+10:00

The first two images are of myself with Chris, (with beard), and Matt. These are two guys with whom I shared a National Forest Campsite at Little Hog Island. I met Chris during the day just out of Manistique and we rode together until reaching St Ignace the following day. Matt found us at dusk at the camp ground while searching for a place to camp - having come from the opposite direction. Two great guys! Chris is a school teacher so we had common stories to share and Matt was simply living his beliefs as an ardent, passionate environmentalist. Matt showed a real firm commitment to address the need for positive change to combat environmental degradation. He gave me the impression that he also had the wherewithal to make it happen. A young man of real integrity and sense of purpose.

The third image is of me meeting a guy walking across the Upper Peninsula to raise money for supporting research into cures for Cerebral Palsey. Like us - he was travelling rain, hail or shine!

The last is of me with two lovely sisters from Chicago - Cynthia and Kathy. Both professional people who were in Foster City to attend the first Communion of a Grand-daughter. We all had spent a most comfortable night in the Mill Town Inn B&B. (I have their emails and they have promised to visit Cairns and stay in my guest room!)

Porridge, Bananas and stirred with a Spurtle!

2008-06-13T06:04:00.002+10:00

Thanks Angela!

Leinenklugel's Honey Weiss

2008-06-13T06:01:00.002+10:00

A great beer. When I get back to Oz I will have to import it!

I haven't seen one of these in Cairns?

2008-06-13T05:58:00.002+10:00

Where am I on Thursday 12th June?

2008-06-13T05:51:00.002+10:00

Saturday 7th June. Crystal falls to Foster City.
56.5 Km.

Sunday 8th June. Foster City to Gladstone Bay.
80.5 Km

Monday 9th June. Gladstone to Manistique.
69.0 Km

Tuesday 10th June. Manistique to Little Hog Island Camp Ground.
80.9 Km

Wednesday 11th June. Little Hog Island Camp Ground to St Ignace.
58.7 Km

Thursday 12th June. Mackinac Island.
Rest Day. (Today)

Where am I now?

2008-06-07T02:36:00.005+10:00

I am having a rest day in Crystal Falls to give my body a break and also to sit out some predicted stormy and thundery weather. Just South of here there have been Tornado warnings and I dont wish to be Dr Doolittle or Mary Poppins and find myself up in the clouds! At this stage I'm around 64 miles/104 Km away from the destination of Escanaba. From there I move onto a new map to take me the 153.5 miles/253.6Km to Mackinaw City. (See image. The section I'm doing is illustrated in the panels 14 to 19.)
Also with this post is evidence that I have actually crossed from Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I have to say the scenery is just so special. Quiet Lakes surrounded by forest with well designed holiday cabins (large!) hidden amongst the trees on the shore line ..... with their own small piers. The road has been undulating, winding and at times has thrown up a little wall to climb. I haven't been helped on this section of the ride by fairly constant drizzle and head winds. Accommodation over the last few days has been Motels - currently assisted by the AUD and USD exchange rate as good rooms have been between $40.00 to $50.00. ...also - who wants to put up a tent in the rain!

Additional details to date:

1. Wednesday 4th June. Boulder Junction to Phelps.
64.0Km

2. Thursday 5th June. Phelps to Crystal Falls
85.4Km.

3. Friday 6th June. Rest day in Crystal Falls.

Click here to donate to the Foundation.

2008-06-04T06:27:00.002+10:00

As Cairns is an international tourist destination then anyone likely to visit in the next few years can make a donation here. By doing so they can be even more confident that their medical needs can be taken care of should it be necessary because of their small contribution. (You don't have to make a donation to enjoy this blog site.)

My new Brooks! Before and After

2008-06-04T06:11:00.007+10:00

The dedicated Touring Cyclist will either be a confirmed devotee of Brooks saddles or will have nothing to do with them! I love them but....they take 500 miles or 300km to break in! Once broken in they match your nether region perfectly and you can sit comfortably on them for six hours a day without suffering any of the many saddle pains. I bought a new one recently in Thame, U.K., and it is now broken in and I love it. Click on the heading above to see the "Brooks" web site.

The first image is how it looks now. The second is before it suffered the pounding of nearly a 1000km! As they say here in the States: ...it now fits my tukus like a glove!

So how much riding have I been doing?

2008-06-04T05:44:00.003+10:00

1. From my arrival in the USA to the commencement of my tour:
176.4 Km.

The Tour Begins:

2. Tuesday 27th May. Sharon's house to Osceola:
68.0Km

3. Wednesday 28th May. Osceola to Cumberland:
94.9 Km

4. Thursday 29th May. Cumberland to Edgewater:
60.4Km

5. Friday 30th May. Rest Day at Edgewater. (Cricked Neck!)

6. Saturday 31st May. Edgewater to Lac Courte Oreille Indian Reservation:
33.4 Km. (This was an unintended stop to experience a Pow Wow. Arrived at 11:00 AM and left the next morning following a radio interview.)

7. Sunday 1st June. Lac Courte Oreille Indian Reservation to Clam Lake:
65.6Km.

8. Sunday 2nd June. Clam Lake to Mercer:
89.3Km.

9. Monday 3rd June. Mercer to Boulder Junction:
43.3Km. (I chose to do a short ride today as I faced 30 m.p.h. direct head wind and I saw a need to give me a bit of a break.)

From my reckoning that brings the total of USA kilometres so far to:
631.1Km or around 395 miles.
( All, except the first 176kms, with a loaded bike.)

Surley --You good girl!

2008-06-04T01:12:00.002+10:00

Surley avoiding jumping on the train. In Europe she was too cold so couldn't keep her off them.

(Nutcase; someone who anthropomorphizes a bicycle!)

Pow Wow. (Click on the images to enlarge them to see the detail in the traditional dress.)

2008-06-03T08:25:00.009+10:00

On Saturday 31st May I set off from Edgewater to head for Clam Lake - around a 100 kilometers. After 30k's I stopped at an Espresso Coffee Shop for a rest and to discover I was on the Lac Courte Oreille Indian Reservation. While there I was fortunate to meet up with Wesley Pagel and his friend, Linda, who advised that a Pow Wow was being held nearby and that I may like to attend. Well the rest is history! My adventure is about meeting people and what greater thrill is there than being part of a unique cultural celebration. So, off to the Pow Wow, pitch the tent and then enjoy. Wesley's Indian name is Animikee Anakwud and he spent the evening personally providing me with so much history and background to the many contests and celebrations that took place. The celebration involved tribes from this region: - Chipewna, Ojiwa and Anishinabeg. Wesley is a Grand Nephew of an earlier chief of the region and has a very close link with his people - particularly in his role as a spiritual leader. (He and Linda are included in one of the images). I was honored by being introduced over the microphone to all in attendance as an Australian learning the ways of the Chippewa people. Early the following day I was interviewed on the local radio, WOJB 88.9 FM by the General Manager, Lori Taguma. You can check out their web site by clicking on the heading above.

Have those Black Bears seen me? Do they want to eat me?

2008-06-03T07:11:00.006+10:00

This area is the black bear capital! As I ride along the lonely forest lined highway I can feel the bears eyes burning into my flesh! I imagine that they are peering out from the darkness of the forest area behind the trees along the road. They choose to leave me alone because they can see that my meaty flesh is covered by too much fat! I hope. If I saw one you can be sure that every characteristic of a flight response would occur!

(One of these images is for fun. See if you recognise it?)

I have been privileged to see a few deer. Once I get close they seem to simply launch themselves back into the safety of the forest ...one even ran across the road in front of me! (I did note the feeling of goose pimples on my arms as it crossed the road!)

Goodbye Hillingdon Drive.

2008-06-03T07:03:00.002+10:00

Its Tuesday morning on the 27th May and the 2000 mile, 3200km, ride to Missouri Valley via Michigan begins from Sharon's house.

Monument- Chippawa Valley Century Ride.

2008-06-03T06:56:00.004+10:00

I had a couple of emails seeking information on the Eagle monument.....so clicl on the image to read the story.

Chippawa Valley Century Ride!

2008-05-27T10:53:00.006+10:00

What a wonderful day! We rode 80 Km, 50 miles, at an average pace of 22.4Km/hr with much of the ride into head winds. (Head winds we found out later to be the same ones that had dropped tornadoes onto land nearby!)

At the end of the ride we had Brats and beer. (Brats is short for bratwurst which is served with sourkrout and mustard. I loved it!- as you can see from the photo!)

Thankyou to Dianne, Kristi and Sharon for making the ride such a memorable occasion.

The next long haul begins on Tuesday 27th May.

2008-05-25T06:37:00.007+10:00

On Tuesday I leave the comfort of Sharon's home and begin my largely eastern route to Escanaba on the shores of Lake Michigan. See map 1. This 395 mile route, 632 km, may take around a fortnight. Then its Escanaba to Mackinaw City, Map 2, - 153 miles, 245km, and take around 5 days. From there onto map 3 showing the route from Mackinaw City to Monroeville of 539mile, 852km, which may take also just over two weeks. Map 4 shows the 402 mile, 643km route from Monroeville to Muscatine which is on the eastern border of Iowa. This also may take a fortnight. From Muscatine to Missouri Valley, start of Ragbrai is an estimated 470 miles, 752 km, and will take around 9 days. So it seems I have around 1959 miles to cover or 3134km in 58 days. However, I only have 53 days available so I'd better keep moving! My timing is very much on the consevative side so with good tail winds and sunny days I may have time to spare. Time to harrass a few friends in Michigan!

The deadline is to arrive fit and relaxed at Missouri Valley on Saturday 19th of July ready for the beginning of the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, RAGBRAI - beginning the following day, Sunday 20th July.
(If you click on the heading above you will get the site of the Adventure Cycling Association and greater detail on my route.)

Riding the bicycle trails on the banks of the Mississippi

2008-05-25T06:33:00.002+10:00

Sharon, Mike and I spent a very relaxed Saturday morning riding 26 miles of beautiful trails on the banks of the Mississippi.

Spring has definitely sprung!

2008-05-25T06:29:00.002+10:00

Lilacs not only look beautiful but they have such a cheerful fragrance. These lovely plants are in the back garden of Sharon's house.

A powerhouse of intellect!

2008-05-23T23:04:00.004+10:00

Wow! What a challenge meeting Shaz's work mates. The conversation was intellectually searching, probing, sharp, incisive.......in fact: exhausting!

The real truth! I met a bunch of great people at Elaine and Daryl's place yesterday evening, 22nd May. They work with Sharon and they all got together for a few beers and nibbles after a day at work. We even had a conversation with my brother Mike who coincidentally just happened to call from Cairns, Australia! All of this while also entertained by a chorus of barking resident Yorkshire Terriers heading up the street after a friendly dog on a leash.

For my oversea mates - the lovely house backs onto the Mississippi which is directly behind all the trees in the background of the photo.

(Click on the photo to enlarge.)

Whiners briefing meeting!

2008-05-23T00:05:00.004+10:00

These can be so challenging! Together with Sharon, Diane, Kristi and Lisa we discussed the plans for Sunday's Chippawa ride and the upcoming Whiners' involvement in Ragbrai. It was a little distracting for me with the setting at the fabulous Redstone American Grill, enjoying great food and lovely wines.
(To brother Mike: enjoyed another huge slow roasted prime rib!)