Retta's Ride

Back Home

2007-05-07T21:00:00.000-05:00

My sister brought me home Saturday. It was certainly nice to be back. I had a surprise birthday/welcome back dinner with a nifty cake. I managed to unpack my suitcase and this morning I put on my lab jacket and walked to work. I was anxious to get to work, but I had this need to be outside. For two months I have been outside all day long, and that is hard for me to give up.

Everyone at work was happy to see me. The bicycle trip seems sweeter already. Tonight I seem overwhelmingly tired. I have to wait for the weekend to see my new grandbaby and the rest of my grandchildren. I am going to bring my “jumpy house” and sleep in a tent with the bigger grandkids.

I’ll keep this blog site going for a while until I make my re-entry into my world of 50 hour work weeks plus a second job.

Goin' Home

2007-05-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

Sayin’ goodbyes were hard again. Only six of us needed a lift to the airport. What we didn’t know was the forest fires and the morning fog closed the airport for three hours. Why did we hurry to get there? There were bicycles in the airport, but they belonged to the police. The weather changed my flying schedule and rearranged my getting home - I haven’t made it there yet. The land shuttle didn’t run that late at night to pick me up from St. Louis. I only had three flights to get to St. Louis last night. My dear sister and brother-in-law volunteered to pick me up and take me home tomorrow.

My good news is that I found my picture of Doug and Marg from the beach.

Over, Done. Now what?

2007-05-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

47 miles today to St. Augustine, Florida, 3,115 miles down. We had wonderful fresh papaya at our sag stop — they don’t come that fresh in Missouri. We pedaled by the St. John’s River for a good part of the morning. We got to the fire station at 11:00 and took a bunch of photos. We took them by age groups: 70’s, 60’s (of which I am now a member) 50’s and our sag drivers. Then we had a police escort the last 6mi of the way to the Anastasia Beach were we were meet by a crowd of family and friends. It was almost more than I could take in.

The most serendipitous experience happened. My parents dear friends, who live part-time in southern Florida and drive home to Ontario, started driving north yesterday and decided to camp at Anastasia Park last night. This morning they walked to the beach and heard there were female bike riders from San Diego coming at lunch. They knew I could be one of them and stayed to see. I hadn’t seen them in five years. I was shocked and still am. It was so good to see them. My regret - I didn’t take their picture. So Doug and Marg thanks so much for the ride to the hotel!

My 60th Birthday

2007-05-02T06:38:00.000-05:00

73 miles today - almost there.

Gee, my birthday and the day before the end of the trip. I suppose it is time to say something profound.

I went to London a few years ago and took a side trip to Greenwich. The Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line, is one of the most important historic scientific sites in the world. It was founded by Charles II in 1675 and is, by international decree, the official starting point for each new day, year and millennium (at the stroke of midnight GMT as measured from the Prime Meridian). I had my picture made near it. This time line is just that — a marking — a line.

I don’t feel any older than yesterday. There are two riders here who are 70, and my goal has been to keep up with them. Watching them on this trip has eased my mind about getting “older.” Mostly, I feel grateful that I was able to physically participate in the ride.

I have been sung to many times today. I got to wear one of the birthday socks, because I share the day with Barb who also has turned 60 today. I have had birthday sprinkles, and someone bought me lunch. Then there was a birthday cake and a shared birthday. Last night I stood next to Elvis — what else can a girl ask for??

High Springs, FL

2007-05-01T22:47:00.000-05:00

76 miles today, 2,695 miles down. It is getting real close to bein’ done. Two more days. We are so strong now we can plan to go swimming in the middle of a 76 mile day. We got here soon enough to have an ice cream soda at Floyd’s Diner - with Elvis Presley in the lobby.

I had a little trouble with all the truck traffic this morning - actually I have traffic jitters frequently. The sag is always accommodating to “lift” me through the trouble spots. There was a bike path for part of the way, that is always nice.

We saw wild phlox today. We haven’t seen wild flowers in a while. The fresh water spring was beautiful and perfect to cool us down.

Maybe I took a picture of the last flat tire today; it is a nice thought. Some riders have had as many as 10 flats, and some have had none. I’m not sayin’ because I don’t want to jinx myself!

Sunday, April 29

2007-04-29T22:07:00.000-05:00

Our last rest day. We seem to be grouping up and talking about returning to our lives. It actually was a quiet day. There is a church next door - how convenient since today was Sunday. It was a spirit filled church, a little different for this traditionalist, but in the spirit of being on an adventure it was an eye opener.

No pictures, just visiting, eating, and reading. I have actually read four books: Ordinary Heroes (very good), The Measure of a Man (disappointing), Women of the Silk (excellent) and now, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter (awesome). Soon I will be going back to reading Wound journals - nice and informative - and there is a stack of them waiting for me.

Quincy/Wakulla, FL

2007-04-28T13:20:00.000-05:00

54 miles today, 2,819 down so far. Wakulla Springs is one of the world’s deepest fresh water springs: 130 feet deep. When conditions are right you can see to the bottom. Today of course wasn’t the day, so the glass bottom boat didn’t run.

Old Tarzan movies were filmed here - I didn’t see him. I did take a 3 mile boat ride and finally saw the alligators. Of course they were always on the left side of the boat whichever way the boat was headed. The springs were 10 miles out of the way — anymore “that ain’t a big deal.” I did get a picture through the crowd of an Anhinga drying himself on a log. Anhingas are diving birds and have to “dry out” so their feathers don’t get waterlogged.

An update on the rider in the hospital. Three breaks in her pelvis, a crushed tail bone, and pain management remains an issue. She lives in North Carolina and is hospitalized in Florida. It sounds like she will remain here for a while longer.

The cheerleaders were tonight’s supper entertainment; the riders seem to compose songs while riding and share them at supper.

Quincy, FL

2007-04-27T08:57:00.000-05:00

52 miles today. Some days are just perfect. The temperature, the wind, the road surface, the shoulder, the traffic, the scenery, and the company - get the picture. Today was why I ride my bicycle. We started under a canopy of trees. The humidity was 100% and too many people rushing to work. After they got to work, the sun came out, the humidity dropped and the road was mine. Rolling short hills in the country. Still looking for an alligator, but I did see an anhinga as we ate our peanut butter and jelly at the side of the road.

Marianna, FL

2007-04-26T20:22:00.000-05:00

90 miles to Marianna on Highway 90 with a 70% chance of rain with large hail and winds at 15 - 20mph. After the accident yesterday, and this gloomy forecast this morning, a few of us decided to sag. Of course, today there was a decent shoulder all the way, the rain was only an occasional mist, and sometimes the wind was a tail wind. Sometimes you just can’t win. The ride was a tree lined corridor interrupted with little towns and the Chipola River.

After the ride it was remarkable to see these gals cleaning their bikes — is that displaced housework? Do they miss this activity at home? I went shopping, and found the perfect food group: Coca Cola Plus made with vitamins and minerals! Wow, junk food heaven.

Crestview, FL

2007-04-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

58 miles today, 2,678 miles down. The accident. About 10 miles outside of Pensacola this morning, a rider was entangled in some yellow construction tape. Somehow the free end of the blowing tape wrapped around her and her bike and she fell on her side and fractured her pelvis in two places. She is in the local hospital. Her husband is on the way to bring her home while she will be non-weight bearing for a while. It was an accident, a freak one at that. She was a very strong rider. We have formed our own community here and have gotten quite close to each other. Two months ago we never knew each other and now - what happens to one affects us all. Tomorrow is a 90 mile day on Highway 90 with a 40% chance of rain. I’m not sure I’m up to that.

We are inland in Florida. We will have to ride our way back to the ocean. There are only seven days left. The pictures are of our morning cue meeting and the view of all the bridges across the street from our motel.

Pensacola, FL

2007-04-24T21:11:00.000-05:00

68 miles today, 2,622 miles down. Wow, we are in the last state. We are at the right ocean can we go home yet? We rode a ferry this morning. We saw an oil rig pretty close. We pedaled through Gulf Shores AL. More Katrina damage. Everywhere there is construction. It looks like rental condominiums are our future - the taller the better; it is very difficult to see the ocean.

Rest day on Dauphine Island

2007-04-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

What a nice day on the beach. There was lots to see. Migrating birds in the spring and fall stop over here. There are several known birding spots here along with an Audobon preserve. The local alligator kept himself hidden this morning. I did see a rose breasted grosbeak, several green herons, brown pelicans, and a scarlet tanager.

Fort Garnier is at the very end of the island. It was spared from Hurricane Katrina. 600 homes were lost during that storm. Tourism is trying to rebuild here. There is a wonderful estuarium, a science center that focuses on the importance of estuaries to the environment.

Retta-mobile

2007-04-23T21:08:00.000-05:00

I'm finishing a book and will work on making my tan even this afternoon. I'm going to call you with a message. "Carol" has a very very broken bike; I let her ride mine yesterday and she rode a little song "Riding along in my Ca--retta, mobile" She said she would sing it for you.--it's funny.

As mentioned, you can click here for this special audio blog.

Dauphine Bay, AL

2007-04-22T20:39:00.000-05:00

Over a big windy bridge. We are at the ocean. Can we quit now? We are on a 17 mile barrier island. It was wonderful to walk on the beach. I don’t remember so many tattoos — it must have been a while since I have been on the beach. Little kids feeding the sea gulls — so sweet! I miss my grandkids. I lent my bike today to Carol who wanted to ride worse than me.

Her pedal and crank fell off yesterday — it needs a major fix. Carol wrote a song in praise of the “ca-retta” mobile. She promised she would sing it for the web site.

Pascagoula, MS

2007-04-21T17:02:00.000-05:00

70 miles today, 2,438 miles down. Seagulls. We are on the Gulf Coast. I did see a remnant of the famous FEMA blue tarp roofs. It is hard to believe we are near the ocean again. It was windy on that bridge! The pines were constant on the route today.

We all were working on fixing our biker tans this afternoon. I had some Krystal Burgers this afternoon — the south’s version of White Castle — an ole’ St. Louis favorite.

I don’t know why “the squirrel went berserk” in the little county church in Pascagoula — but that song has been in my head all day long!

Wiggins, MS

2007-04-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

Another 70 mile day to Wiggins MS — a new state. See the picture map showing the "you are here" spot.

I didn’t know the Mississippi flag was built on the Confederate flag.

The countryside has lots of rolling hills and pines. Here is a picture from the nearby National Forest, a blossoming tulip poplar and the black-eyed peas and collard greens we had for supper to recognize the “deep south” — we certainly are here.

The weather remains wonderful. I thought I would work on “softening” my biker’s tan at the pool this afternoon. A tough job but someone has to do it!

Franklinton, LA

2007-04-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

107 miles today, 2,368 miles down. Gee that sounds like a lot — and it was. The countryside has changed again. There are rolling hills and pine trees. We will cross into Mississippi tomorrow. Once again we had great weather the humidity was about 35% and temp was close to 80. Near perfect. My visit with my sister and brother-in-law have gotten so much stronger than the first day when we struggled to complete 35 miles.

Rest day: St. Francisviile

2007-04-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

Culture, History, Cajun food, family - does it get any better than this? Plantation tours and the Audubon museum were pretty wonderful. There was actually a cistern on the roof that after you pulled a rope would deliver a shower - and probably a big mess on the floor.

The best Cajun food was found at a gas station! The prison guards and other locals were getting take-out there. So sad my sister is leaving tomorrow - but not before she gives me a lift to get to town.

The time to pedal is finishing. Folks are starting to talk about re-entry into their regular lives.

St. Francesville, LA

2007-04-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

52 miles today, and 2,261 miles down. Wow, what a day! Rode over 2 bridges and ferried across the Mississippi river. The ferry guy said we were lucky because tomorrow the ferry will be closed for new construction for a bridge. Now if the ferry is down it is a 60 mile drive to Baton Rouge.

Joy and Bob, my sister and brother-in-law, arrived this afternoon for a visit from home. I had a pit stop at a local cemetery; interesting to see the Confederate graves.

The Spring has turned into summer here, although the temperature remains wonderful for riding.

Simmesport, LA

2007-04-16T21:28:00.000-05:00

Beautiful ride. NO traffic – at least after I left town. I had trouble riding: I had to stop too often to take pictures. Bald Cyprus trees, spider lilies, egrets and cattle together. Wonderful temperature with no wind. Considerate drivers. I like this state!

Folks are waiting to use my computer and it is time to go to bed.

Opelousas, LA

2007-04-15T22:11:00.000-05:00

Two 90 mile back to back days. The shoulder was beautiful — past beautiful for over half the day. Then old, cracked surface with little traffic. And then it was respectful drivers - very nice. Rather a glorious day until the wind started coming straight at us. It was hard to pedal. I thought I saw white caps on the watery rice fields. Beautiful calm scenery — until the wind. We saw our first crayfish traps in the rice fields.

I got hungry just thinking about Cajun rice and crawfish — where is the gumbo? Did I tell you there was honeysuckle making the delightful ride even smell better. Oh yeah it was 40 degrees this morning when I started riding — ya’ can’t have everything!

I couldn’t resist taking a picture of a muddy bike at our hotel. There are a lot of construction workers staying in the recent hotels. I’m sure it has to do with Katrina.

Goodbye, Texas

2007-04-14T20:51:00.000-05:00

Gee 21 days - that is a long time. I think I got tired of Mex-Tex food. I know we all got tired of chip and seal roads - too bumpy. There wasn’t a welcome sign to Louisiana on our road, so I guess we came unannounced. We had a tail wind most of the day. Last night’s storm left the air heavy with possible rain, but it held for us.

Deridder, LA is our home tonight, without electrical power in the AM. It is supposed to be 54 degrees in the morning when we start again.

Tonight we had shrimp etouffee and Mardi Gras beads!

Big Thicket National Preserve

2007-04-13T19:05:00.000-05:00

56 miles today, 1,959 down. Kountze or the Big Thicket, Texas. The scenery has changed again. It looks like a thicket — the trees are tall and dense. It has misted rain all morning which has made everything look mysterious. The headquarters for this national park is 7 miles from here. I ain’t goin’ - it’s raining. Below is an excerpt of the National Parks website.

People have called the Big Thicket an American ark and the biological crossroads of Nor ordinary is not the rarity or abundance of its life forms, but how many species coexist here. Once vast, this combination of pine and th America. The preserve was established to protect the remnant of its complex biological diversity. What is extra cypress forest, hardwood forest, meadow, and blackwater swamp is but a remnant. With such varied habitats, "Big Thicket" is a misnomer, but it seems appropriate. An exhausted settler wrote in 1835: "This day passed through the thickest woods I ever saw. It...surpasses any country for brush."

Major North American biological influences bump up against each other here: south eastern swamps, eastern forests, central plains, and southwest deserts. Bogs sit near arid sandhills. Eastern bluebirds nest near roadrunners. There are 85 tree species, more than 60 shrubs, and nearly 1,000 other flowering plants, including 26 ferns and allies, 20 orchids, and four of North America's five types of insect-eating plants. Nearly 186 kinds of birds live here or migrate through. Fifty reptile species include a small, rarely seen population of alligators. Amphibious frogs and toads abound.

Cleveland, Texas

2007-04-12T22:12:00.000-05:00

73 miles today, a whole lot down - but we are still in Texas.

It’s wonderfully warm here. I feel a little guilty it is so cold and miserable in the Midwest. The weather today could not have been better — I never got hot or cold. There was just enough wind to temper the heat.

The landscape continues to change. I saw ferns today and no prickly pear. No bluebonnets but plenty of yellow, orange and pink stuff. There were a few friendly horses near the Sam Houston Reservoir. A nice day minus the traffic. The day ended with a wonderful B-B-Q made just for us.

Rest day in Navasota

2007-04-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

Homemade tortillas!

Pedaling through town with nothing else to do on a rest day, some of us discovered an antique emporium. We were invited to the weekly lunch potluck — how fortunate for us.

Juanita was making fresh tortillas. She said she had been making them for about 60 years now! They were wonderful.

Faber, a local lawyer showed us his recently restored office. Such a nice visit with the town people. Faber filled us in on the local history - an old Spanish road is not the main street in town.

Navasota, Texas

2007-04-10T20:48:00.000-05:00

We are near Washington-on-the-Brazos. 71 miles today, 1,830 miles down. Gosh it is beautiful. The blue bonnets and paintbrushes and evening primroses blend together to make beautiful hillsides everywhere. There has been a drought here - until this Spring; It certainly is breathtaking.

Washington-on-the-Brazos is where the Republic of Texas was founded in 1836 with the defeat of Santa Anna. There is a very nice museum here.

The supper discussion turned to the serious side of “traffic.” Drinking and driving is not a good plan. There was quite a lively discussion about hugging the white line or “taking the lane.” Each side has its merits. The bottom line - a bicycle must always give way to car.

Tomorrow is a rest day. I know we just had one, but no one is complaining.

LaGrange, Texas

2007-04-09T21:52:00.000-05:00

43 miles today, 1759 miles down. Still cool with a high of 62. Cloudy but no wind today. It was a beautiful ride thru a state park — lots of up and downs. Traffic was minimal. It looks like home here. The local paper says a fast moving line of thunderstorms moved through the area on Saturday uprooting and twisting trees with some water damage. I’m glad we missed that.

Since I have been riding this trip, I personally know of 3 women who have been diagnosed with new breast cancer — that’s a lot! Please don’t miss your chance to follow this website for a donation to help in this worthy cause. Most of us riders are wearing bracelets supporting some cancer cause. The preciousness and fragileness of life is held upfront in my mind every day as we constantly look for the unaware driver who shares the road with us.

Thanking you for your support,

Retta

(It is not too late to make a contribution to support Retta's ride for breast cancer. Click here to download the form to contribute.)

Easter

2007-04-08T19:55:00.000-05:00

Still raining. The Easter bunny and the Easter cow(?) showed up this morning. I remembered seeing a church yesterday on the way in and thought I would walk this morning. After 20+ minutes I never got there but had a nice breakfast.

Someone said there was a skiff of snow on the van - that was enough for this chicken rider to retreat to the van for another day. I had lots of company today — too cold, too much traffic. But, I think I may have ridden — at least parts of me: I loaned my tights, gaiter, gloves, and jacket.

Most of us are beginning to wonder if we will ever get to the other side of Texas. I think we have 5 more days. Actually, we just want it to warm up.

Blanco, Texas

2007-04-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

64 miles today, and I don’t remember how many down. 34 degrees and raining. A few brave souls started out this morning. The van was packed and soon we had too-too-cold gals joining us. She was shivering uncontrollably. We undressed her wet clothes as best we could. Someone had an emergency blanket to wrap her with. We gave her hot Gatorade to drink - what a tasty treat. And the ultimate: Someone took off her wet shoes and put those very cold feet on a warm tummy. Now that is friendship! Only 4 very brave gals made the whole day.

Rest Day in Kerrville

2007-04-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

We are halfway through Texas and through the country.

There is still a lot of Texas to do. My bike is fixed - a broken cable to the derailleur.

Some of spent the day looking at stuff in Fredicksburg - a quaint little town that sees a lot of tourists. The weather is cool and supposed to be cooler and wet tomorrow. I can hardly wait.

There are pictures of the new grandbaby. Hmmm... I would like to see her.

Kerrville, Texas

2007-04-05T12:11:00.000-05:00

The Heart of Hill Country. 51 miles today, 1557 miles down. We are halfway.

Most everyone is feeling the ride. We have a gastrointestinal 24 hour flu bug going through the group. The scenery continues to be spectacular. Here I am in the Bluebonnets — it is so refreshing to see flowers after all the arid stuff. My bike is in the shop - something with the derailleur. My pedals locked up today. The chip and seal road has just “rattled” us mercilessly. Tomorrow is a rest day. There are several bikes spending the night in the shop.

Now we are in apple country. Of course, we ride for pie. This morning it was apple turnovers.

The big news is I have my 7th grandbaby yesterday: Kara Ann, 6lbs and 8oz. Of course I was where there was no phone!

Liverpool, Texas

2007-04-04T21:35:00.000-05:00

39 miles, and 1,506 miles down. Liverpool has a population 20! Threats of thunderstorms in the morning. Last night we had the talk what to do if caught outside — didn’t sound pleasant. Hope we never have to do that.

All uphill - really uphill - a 10 percent grade, and a climb of 2800 feet. Did I say the wind was blowing in our face from the moment we left the hotel?

Hill Country - not my expectation of "hill". It reminded me of the Boston Mountains in Arkansas.

Out in the woods tonight: No phone, no internet, no TV. And did I tell you my grandbaby is supposed to be born tonight/tomorrow.

The flower is Mountain Laurel — beautiful We had supper in the Big House because it was too cold to sit outside.

My New Granddaughter!

2007-04-04T10:16:00.000-05:00

Kara Anne Sutterfield
6 lbs 8.9 oz
20 3/4 in

4/4/2007 10:16 AM

Road closed!

2007-04-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

We rode 20 some miles on a closed road due to high water. Supposedly it was to reopen at 10:00 am. All morning big equipment passed. When I got there at 10:30, the closed sign was still up. The debris was being scraped off the road underwater in preparation of opening. So, there was little choice other than to walk across and have wet feet all day.

The sweet surprise of the day was at mile 45. It was now hot and near the end of the day. My feet were still wet so it was just time to go swimming — how very pleasant – even in knickers. My shoes are drying outside now.

Brackettville, Texas

2007-04-02T19:44:00.000-05:00

42 miles today, 1,418 miles down. We are in Texas 17 days---that’s a long time.

Woke up with humidity - the first time. I should have known, misty rain all day. My electronics quickly were put in a ZipLock bag. So, very few pictures. Trees! And humidity seemed like home. Rain ran off my ball cap under my helmet. My glasses get spotted and you just have to look through the spots. I went into Wal-Mart today - the first time in a month. I didn’t buy anything, too hard to carry anything.

No internet at Fort Clark Springs, an historic army post connected with the cavalry.

I’m tired.

Retta's Photo Archive

2007-03-31T21:32:00.000-05:00

Retta is sending many pictures each day. Only a few are used in her blog, but all of them are being archived in Yahoo Photos. To see her complete archive, also viewable with the Yahoo Photo Slideshow feature, please click the Retta's Photo Archive link now in the "Links" menu on the right of her blog home page -->.

$30 Supper

2007-03-31T16:28:00.000-05:00

54 miles today, 1,265 miles down. Enclosed are more pictures of the beautiful hotel last night and my 30 dollar supper.

The rest of today. For me, today is why I ride — I was in control of the ride, minimal traffic, no rumble strip, so the shoulder was rough, but I can’t complain. I suppose the vibration is keeping calcium in my bones! The cactus yucca was in bloom. There are little yellow and purple flowers everywhere. I saw two deer and one road runner. There are old windmills every once in a while that fill a nearby cistern.

I do wish everyone could have this opportunity to see the country this way; even if you have to borrow the sag once in a while. Neat stuff to see.

Retta

Marathon, Texas

2007-03-30T08:25:00.000-05:00

60 miles today, 1,211 miles down. Today was a doable day for me. Beautiful Hotel: Gage Hotel on the list of historic places. The rooms are nifty — of course I am on the second floor. I love to carry my bike and luggage up the stairs after a day’s ride.

The Gage Hotel

QuickMap of Retta's location as of March 30.

Rest Day in Texas

2007-03-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

Laundry, blue bells, and Fort Davis — an old Army Fort to protect the settlers on the road to El Paso. A sweet little town with an old fashioned ice cream soda fountain. Tin ceilings and antiques are everywhere. Our hotel was built by the CCC. It is beautiful.

There is a peccary - hmmm — a javelina in the photo if you look close. Those cottonwood trees I guess were there when the Fort was started in the 1820's. It closed for the Civil War and reopened. Buffalo soldiers were stationed there.

The scenery is spectacular — I’m in love — the countryside is beautiful. I can’t hear I-44 anywhere.

Fort Davis, Texas

2007-03-28T21:26:00.000-05:00

90 miles today, 1151 miles down. Interstate, border Patrol, and stellar observatories. What a day. The Border Patrol stopped us several times and told us to hurry along , ride in groups, don’t talk to strangers, etc. Then we got on I-10 for miles.

After that we climbed to the second highest peak in Texas to the McDonald Observatory. At one time it was the biggest somewhere, now it is number 3. It was very windy, the guide said oh “it’s nothing last week we had 90 mph gusts." Wether it was a sign of intelligence of wimpy — I sagged.

The hotel was beautiful. Do you see the wooden beams in the ceiling? Only in cowboy country can you buy a saddle in a gas station.

Van Horn, Texas

2007-03-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

74 miles, 1061 down from Van Horn, TX. We drove near the border again today. The sheriff and the Border Patrol stopped us several times and told us to hurry, stay in groups and don’t talk to strangers. Evidently there had been an “incident” a few weeks ago. We even had a helicopter keeping an eye on us.

We had to ride again on the interstate - not a thing I’m fond of. The road surface off the highway was a bumpy version of chip and seal.

The exercise ball was a pleasant stretch during the ride. See the lunch restaurant had different stuff. I’ve never seen so much Salsa. Nobody seems to drink our usual Coke/Pepsi but other stuff. I didn’t try it.

El Paso to Fort Hancock

2007-03-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

47 miles, 987 down. El Paso to Fort Hancock. The day was supposed to be easy - traffic for 15 miles then a leisurely 30 more. Elle our 28 year old leader crashed leaving the hotel and broke her wrist. We were all in suspense about what happened until lunch time. So we had no sag today. We seemed content to ride in a clump. The ride was flat and the wind was at our back. After the traffic stopped it seemed like we were sailing. I managed to sustain 17 mph for a few hours.

We seem to be in the middle of nowhere, without internet service--it should be available in a couple months--I don't think I'll stay and wait.

Hello Texas

2007-03-25T21:31:00.000-05:00

We covered 67 miles today. That makes 940 down. We crossed into Texas today. We were on small roads and never saw a sign to photo. I couldn’t face the traffic nor the 22 turns. I believe I have been practicing saying “no” - something I don’t do very well. I am doing what I want and I’m feeling relaxed - a nice thing. I have almost quit drinking Coca Cola — not a bad thing. We met a number of bikers today. Some who met us at the hotel and road with us and others met us along the way. There was a couple on a double recumbent. I was surprised that it was a new kind of bike to most of our group.

The day always seems to start with flat tires. The day ended with a drive right on the border with lots of fencing.

Big Cake

2007-03-25T19:49:00.000-05:00

I think my mom had a bigger cake than I gave her. That is my sister and brother in the background. It sounds like she had a nice day.

88 Miles Today, 873 miles down

2007-03-24T21:11:00.000-05:00

This morning started at 42 degrees, new snow on the nearby mountain and a rainbow. It was too cold for me I sagged for 25 miles and rode the last 63 miles. There were 6 flats today. An incredible ride with minimal traffic and a decent shoulder without a rumble strip.

Can you see part of pecan grove and a simple wooden fence near the Rio Grande? Then there were horses too.

That cute kid is our tour leader. She teaches Yoga, is a massage therapist and rides a mean bicycle. Oh, did I say she is quite an encouragement to us? I watched her do a handstand. I wonder how old I’ll have to be to do that?

Tomorrow’s ride is thru El Paso — 22 lefts and rights. Watch for traffic here and there, get on the sidewalk as soon as you can - that’s how I fell. I’m still sportin’ a purple hip and a sore rib.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2007-03-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

Saturday my mom is having a surprise 80th Birthday party. All will be there except me. So we celebrated tonight with a little candle burning and a little eating.

Have a nice day Mom, I’ll see ya’ soon.

Love, Retta

Click here for an audio blog entry from Retta.

Rest Day and Lawn Ornaments

2007-03-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

We have rested our bikes in the laundry room.

The kitchen is closed with only a lone biker doing fix-it work.

The rest of us are resting — what strange lawn ornaments!

Silver City, NM

2007-03-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

We crossed the Continental divide once. The weather was a strange mix of hot and cold and impending rain. The pictures are from the evening activity of marking the map from Lordsburg. And a change in the ecosystem, there are some versions of trees here.

Today is the 2nd rest day. It was a long 8 days. There were plenty of personal stressors. Two had altitude sickness. A couple others were just exhausted and too stubborn to say “uncle” and jump in the sag. The sag drivers have become junior therapists for a numbers of gals. My rest day started off in the hot tub — not too shabby.

Lordsburg History

2007-03-20T19:51:00.000-05:00

The calvary climbed this rocky hill to scout for Indians.

The marker says the Indians came down the hill at sunset and killed a family on their way to California — the year 1895.

Lordsburg, NM

2007-03-20T19:06:00.000-05:00

Yep, we crossed into New Mexico today, as we climbed 2,400 ft. We changed time again. My watch, which I haven’t figured out how to reset, is 3 days behind.

I have a purple hip and knee and sore ribs after my fall yesterday. I sagged the first 20 mi and rode the last 55. It was a long slow climb all day. The traffic was pretty light. Most of the way was on “chip n’ seal” with an asphalt shoulder with a skiff of small gravel. The temp ranged from 48 to 93. There was very little wind and pizza for supper. The terrain is changing with some mountains looming in the distance.

Food Seeking

2007-03-19T19:31:00.000-05:00

Can you see the gopher snake hiding in the ledge? I’m surprised we haven’t seen more.

The sag drivers go above and beyond to cater for us. Here is a bite size fruit salad.

Cleats and a Fall

2007-03-19T19:25:00.000-05:00

This was a 78 mile day - that makes 615 miles down. We cross into New Mexico tomorrow. Wow!

This morning I put on one tennis shoe and one bicycle shoe with a cleat. I rode half using the cleat — nice — it really does make a difference. I don’t think it helped me fall; I ran alongside a curb and slid right off. I lost just a little skin and I’m sure I’ll have a purple hip in the morning. My side is a little sore. Well, so I fell, I got that out of the way. I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

We have some excellent riders on with us. Some of us in the back-end had a melt down today. The traffic is more than most of us want to deal with. The rumble strip and the debris on the shoulder create a near constant tension. There are a few more showing up in the sag. This is an 8 day stretch of long days. We are ready for a break.

Sunrise, Sunset, and New People

2007-03-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

That’s Kay - she is sag driver every other day. She is always encouraging and fun.

These 4 guys are from Montreal. They are biking twice as fast as we are. They got invited to supper and volunteered to do the dishes. They are going to ride with us tomorrow.

Sunsets and sunrises in the desert are pretty beautiful.

Phoenix or 67 miles today - 426 down

2007-03-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

We climbed 1500 feet in temps from 55 to 102 degrees. The shoulder was horrible. At 40 miles the riding choice was the highway with the concrete trucks, the white line, the rumble strip, or the guard rail. As I looked up in despair, there was the sag van. I spent the afternoon in the pool - tough job but someone has to do it.

The Arizona desert is beautiful, it is a heat wave here. I guess it is better than cold and rain.

55 Miles from Phoenix

2007-03-15T20:51:00.000-05:00

I rode all of the 56 miles today! We start so early in the morning to avoid the heat. Gals were taking pictures of the moon this AM. Actually it is too hot to be out on the road after 1:00, so you had better be done. Slow climb until we got to Wickenburg. This town is the capital of Dude Ranches. We had some ice cream before the hotel — nice place with internet access.

Enclosed is a picture of a site I didn’t get to see near Blythe. It is on an Indian reservation and not exactly a tourist spot. I’ll have to go back sometime and see it. I’m sure there is some National Geographic show or something about space invaders that would have better viewing than on foot.

Crossing Into Arizona

2007-03-14T20:43:00.000-05:00

The Colorado river is the border. Can you tell from the light it was early in the morning?

A good day. I felt pretty strong. I actually passed a few folks today and rode in the middle of the pack. Alas I got hot at 52 miles and sagged the last 8. There are three women with pressure ulcers and two with heat rash/sun poisoning, someone else with some sort of allergic reaction. Pushin’ the limit isn’t my style this week. I guess I only do that at work - I’m on vacation.

Each day has it’s own challenges. Most of the less strong riders are so nervous we can’t eat breakfast at 0600. Today we rode 30 miles on I-10. That’s enough to think about being nervous. The reality is it was a wonderful ride. The grade is better as we climbed 2634 feet. The shoulder was wide and the nearby mountains shielded the early morning squinting.

I continue to enjoy myself as I hopefully tone up. The favorite stop today was at a little grocery store where we took our pictures with John Wayne.

Rest Day

2007-03-13T20:42:00.000-05:00

Nobody could sleep late. We are just too wired. The gal who rode 100 miles yesterday had swollen feet, hands and lips, but was trialing someone’s recumbent bike this morning. Some are riding 5 miles to the river, others went to yoga class. All have done laundry. See mine hanging off the chair? We all have taken care of our bikes - the chains are cleaned and the loose parts are tightened. Did you see the box of bike tools we have? Actually everything we have needed have been in there.

There are some ancient (pre-Indian?) sites 15 miles north of here at Blythe. There are human stone carvings that are best seen from the air. A group of us are going after lunch - in a car. I’ll probably not have access to a good picture - we’ll see.

It’s nice not to be moving. We are supposed to be in Phoenix in 5 days. I can hardly believe it. The picture of these two gals are the owner and founder of the Tour. The younger one is leaving today and the older one is leaving us in Phoenix. They are rather remarkable women. Gloria, the older one, made this trip the first time when she was 51 — she is now 64 — and thought it would be a great idea to support women wanting to do a trip like this.

I want to thank everyone for supporting me in this adventure!

Retta

Click here for an audio blog entry from Retta.

The Chocolate Mountains and the Indian Trail

2007-03-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

Yep, those are the Chocolate Mountains. It was hot enough they should have melted. The temp was still reasonable while we pedaled through them. One side of the road was a preserve and the other was just sad from the sand buggy riders. It was an interesting contrast to see what mankind can do to a fragile environment.

The stone marker and fence show an ancient pre-Colombian trail through the desert to the Colorado river. We had lunch at the stone marker - just stood in the sun and ate salmon salad and artichoke dip. The temp by this time was 97 degrees and we had 49 miles to go. The recommendation was that we sag in, and about half of us did so. There were about six that finished the ride. Two of those are pretty sore today.

Three Days Down

2007-03-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

Three days down. From sea level to 4,400 feet in that time. Today we descended all of it in 10 miles on the interstate! It was the highway or no way. My brakes squealed the whole way on a 7% grade - the kind with the out of control truck ramps. The scenery was beautiful - and eerie. Rocks and sand.

Then today I rode 23 miles across the Yuma desert. Fortunately it was early enough it wasn’t too hot. I thought of the cowboys being buried up to their necks and left - old John Wayne movies I’m sure. It could have been a hostile place.

Last night we stayed in an old hot springs spa. No phone, no internet, no clock in the room and a time change. I felt quite disconnected from the world. It is a poor place here. We came so close to the border I could see the fence and went thru a border patrol station.

The food is great. Michelle the cook creates meals on a gas burner in that little trailer. We pack the front of it each morning with all our luggage. There is no table so we just sit in those plastic chairs and eat off our laps. The guy in the chef hat came over tonight and offered us a table.

Tomorrow is an 89 mile day. The traffic is so bad for 9 miles we have been cautioned not to ride it. I’m sure I won’t. I plan to come home with all my teeth. There have been several flats - old pieces of shredded tire on the shoulder.

The Last of Getting Ready

2007-03-09T00:42:00.000-06:00

If you ride for pie, you might like this fish taco. I had to go back and get another. The pictures are of the group, getting acquainted and learning some basic fix-it stuff.

So Sweet

2007-03-08T12:33:00.000-06:00

It’s morning. Quiet evening, I needed it. Different time 2 hours earlier here. 55 degrees now. I’m dressed to take a little ride by myself. I haven’t really been on my bike for a while. I’m going to walk it down a flight of stairs and ride on a real bike path for a while. I’ll probably go back to the marina and find breakfast.

This morning I read the book of Ester. I have orange hair now. I’m trying to be brave enough to tell the world about my now orange hair. I paid to have this done - it was supposed to be my young brown. There was not time to have it redone. The first thing my sister asked me on the phone was if someone noticed my hair. The guy who drove my shuttle from Rolla To St. Louis just lost all his hair to chemo for his leukemia. That puts my orange hair into better perspective. I guess I’ll just pretend I am in California - well, I will be for the next 5 days. The new thought is that might have been my last experience with hair color!

Oh yeah, that’s my road kill anklet.

Here In Sunny California

2007-03-07T20:11:00.000-06:00

Nice flight. Not too bumpy. Didn't get lost in the airport. The hotel shuttle picked me up. I met two gals standing in line at the hotel check-in. Did I say it is warm here?

Sleeveless shirt, palm trees, marina across the street. A sea-bass taco on a fresh tortilla for lunch. Why is it again that I live far from the ocean? Earthquakes and hurricanes you say? Hmmm…

Today, it is beautiful.

The Shirt Signing

2007-03-07T19:54:00.000-06:00

They had a wonderful going away party for me today at the hospital where I work. Lots of friends, gifts, and good wishes. They all signed a riding shirt for me, and that was really special.

I am all packed up and ready to go. Got all my riding gear, maps, computer, and camera. Now I just need to figure out how to get to sleep before starting on this expedition. Rise and shine at 6:00am Wednesday morning, and off to San Diego!

Thinking of the Road

2007-03-01T20:58:00.000-06:00

My bicycle has arrived in California. I don’t have TB (annual testing required for nurses). My continuing education credits are caught up. So now my paycheck won’t mysteriously stop while I am gone. I am ready to teach the Ladies Devotional tonight. I presented a State-wide Conference this week. Graduate school will get the extra stuff they wanted for the admission process today — the deadline for admission is today. The article being reviewed for publication finally "bubbled up to the top". So, "...could you have all the required revision to me by March 15th?" Oh my! And then, "Can you come to the kids' school on Friday and tell them about the trip?" "Can the paper interview you Monday?" "Can you get your second job done Friday night?" "Mom can you come for my birthday on Sunday?" I THINK I NEED A VACATION.

I Am Ready!

2007-02-25T22:20:00.000-06:00

Everything has come together! Today I purchased an Ethernet cable and a phone cable so that I can email pictures and notes back to my website. My plane leaves in just ten days - this is really getting exciting! I also got a couple of extra memory sticks for my digital camera, so that I don't miss any opportunities to get some good shots.

I found out that there are pools and laundries in about 75% of the places where will be staying during the tour. This will be an adventure!

Weathering the Preparation

2007-02-15T19:36:00.000-06:00

The weather here has been yucky. I sure hope its good down south. One of the riders is from Hawaii and she says it has been a cool 60 degrees down there - oh so sad.

I’m getting nervous thinking this is more than just 55 miles. I now really understand that this is an expedition. In the past month, I have:

Renewed my car license due April
Renewed my drivers license due May 2
Rented both my apartments
Set up bill payment online
Found someone to collect my mail—you can’t hold mail longer than 30 days
Submitted an article for publication
Applied to post graduate school—DNP- Doctor of Nurse Practioner
Dealt with my mom’s illness
Bought bike clothes
Finally bought a ticket home from FL—I had to think about that one—I’m not sure if I thought I would want to come back (The tour has included some thoughts about “Re-entry” into your regular life)
Made arrangements to ship my bike to CA
Organized my tax stuff and have impending appointment with the tax service
Bought my “Road kill ID” bracelet
Completed my Durable Power of Attorney paperwork

So now, I have spent almost a week exercising two hours a day getting my body ready. IT’S ABOUT TIME!

What’s left?

Renew my CPR due April
Gettin’ folks to commit money for a fundraiser

Kissin' Turkeys

2006-11-09T16:35:00.000-06:00

I’ve heard you have to kiss a lot of turkeys before you can soar with the eagles. I seem to spending a lot of time taking care of my professional and personal life. I am too busy for my “hobby” life. I have earned the money to send the first big check for the trip - a big deal. I had wonderful company from Boston. I did ride a few miles on the Katy trail. I did see the Chihuly glass exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden - outstanding! I have bought my laptop to keep the Website going; I bought the case to hold the laptop to keep the site going. I rented an apartment to keep financially solvent so I can take the trip. I have a second empty apartment if anyone needs to move. I am babysitting my grandkids this weekend - that remains a first priority with me. Steven, age almost 8 intends to ride the entire Katy with me in June - I hope that works out job wise. But riding now is reduced to spinning class.

Biking in Illinois

2006-09-17T21:24:00.000-05:00

There is wonderful biking in Illinois. I rode the state last year, but it was all on roads. I've ridden part of the Great River Road from Alton to Pierre Marque Park. But yesterday, I rode in Edwardsville and it was wonderful. See what is available on this site http://www.bikelib.org/mapstrails/index.htm. Illinois has accomodated bicycles much nicer than Missouri! Of course the food stop was near the trail - oh too nice!

Preparation and Training

2006-09-11T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is my first entry into my blog. Preparation is going to be my focus for months ahead. I am just starting with my training, but the difficulty is finding the time to put in the miles I need to be riding. I am hitting the gym about three times a week now, and I am getting in about 25 miles per week. I have also trimmed down about seven pounds. I came across this interesting picture about the efficiency of biking (or perhaps the inefficiency of automobiles) in terms of calories used.

I was talking to a guy at the local bike shop this past weekend, and I told him that I had heard that the best way to prepare for a long ride was to sit on a post for an hour, and increase the time from day to day. I thought it was pretty funny, but he didn't.

Equipment is a big deal. Good equipment accommodates for lack of strength or skill. For me a lot goes into a bike seat. Over the years I’ve grown to appreciate a leather and gel seat. Bigger is not necessarily better. A suspension seat deters from a “hard” push - not much force is lost in the give of the seat.