All done, heading home

The final descent down Hamilton was delightful.  San Jose is a big city and it took over an hour to reach Amity's house (my sister in law).  They had hamburgers and beer waiting for me!  And a shower!

I arrived in the afternoon and had a flight that night at 10:45.  A quick turnaround, but a flight on Monday means I'd miss all of Labor Day, and that would be a bummer. 
During the trip I would drop a pin in a map on my phone, here's a screenshot of the final route.  And as for Sinewave Cycles, here is my phone's battery level after 30 days on tour...

Overall, just a wonderful month on the road.  The route through the mountains was terrific.  I saw beautiful things and met interesting and kind people.  What else can I say?  I loved every minute.

Mount Hamilton Summit

The road up the east side is STEEP!  2000 feet in the last 5 miles - I think that's more than Tioga Pass.  But I made it and the view was worth it.

The Junction Cafe

A nice oasis in the middle of nowhere.

Done with Del Puerto Canyon!  Next is the climb up Hamilton, then down to San Jose!

Mount Hamilton

There are three ways I can get through the mountains and into the Bay Area - north over Altamont Pass (700 feet), south over Pacheco Pass (1300 feet), or straight over Mount Hamilton (4100 feet).  If you know me you can probably guess which one I'm doing.

But it's much more than simply being a masochist.  I bought my first road bike when I lived in San Jose.  I got it to speed up my commute, which I had been doing on a mountain bike.  Once I had the bike, however, I looked up at Mt Hamilton, the highest point in the Bay Area, and thought, hmm, what would happen if I tried to ride my bike up there?   I went halfway up on my first attempt, and to the top the next time.  The third time I continued over the back side to Livermore.  So to me, Mt Hamilton represents my initial interest in cycling, and the sign on top that says "Patterson - 50 miles" is my wonder of what would happen if I biked just a little further.  So, I can't think of a better way to end this trip, and the 20 mile descent to San Jose won't be so bad either!

All you can eat

All you can eat clam chowder at the Bellevue Bowl in Atwater, CA.  They must line up ambulances in the parking lot.

Steinbeck

I've been looking all day for a John Steinbeck reference - here it is, courtesy of Dustbowl Brewing Company in Turlock, CA.

Severe Tire Damage

Earlier today I pulled off the side of the road and filled both tires with the nastiest thorns I've ever seen.  I only realized this a minute later when both tires went flat.  Fortunately I was near a church with grass and a tree so I pulled off there, made some lunch, and prepared to do battle with these thorns.

It took about 15 minutes to pull them all out of the front tire.  The big ones were easy but there were tons of little needles that I needed pliers to pull out.  Once I felt I had found them all I checked out the tube - I found and patched one hole, but once inflated it slowly lost pressure - it might have several slow leaks, so I pulled it out and put in another tube, which held pressure (meaning I had removed the thorns successfully!)

The rear tire was a complete loss.  Many more thorns than the front, both big and small (I'm talking about DOZENS of them).  The rear was also just about worn through, which was disappointing - the tire is a Pasela TourGuard, I'd expect a tire with the words "Tour" and "Guard" in the name to be a little more durable.  So, I threw away the rear tire and tube and went to the backup I had used when I had some tire problems back in Crater Lake.  That, and a new tube, also held pressure.  Phew!  90 minutes later (including lunch), I was back on the road.   Pretty crappy but at least I was able to get everything fixed up.

The lesson, as always - never get off the pavement to pee, just find a decent shoulder!

Two Pictures

Driven through the canyons I was
Dazzled by the mountains and we didn't go very far
- Semisonic, "California"

I took these two pictures just over 7 hours apart.  On a BICYCLE trip.  It seems impossible, doesn't it?

No more mountains

They're all gone!  I feel kind of lonely.  Actually, that's not quite true - I can already see the hazy outline of the coastal range, about 60 miles away.  I'll be there tomorrow!  And the next day I'll be in San Jose with human beings that I know; that will be nice too.

Merced Canyon

I've been telling people all month that my trip is "from Seattle to Yosemite", and I've been thinking of the few days from Yosemite to San Jose more as a logistical problem to solve, rather than a real part of the tour.

So to my surprise, check out the Merced Canyon!  These sort of mountains and twists and turns went on for a long time.  What a nice treat - I think these last few days will be more scenic than expected.

Happy birthday to me

A bike ride from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Village?  Oh, you shouldn't have!

This ride will henceforth be known as "the best possible bike ride"

Tioga Summit

Took about 2.5 hours, including time to take pictures.  I'm sure the teachers out there will appreciate that I'm also showing my work.

Tioga Pass

9943 feet, the highest pass in the Sierra Nevada.  I am strong and I am not afraid.

Mono Lake

Pronounced "MO-NO", not "MAH-NO".  The formations are called Tufa.  The water is alkaline and the calcium in underwater springs reacts with the water to form the Tufa.  Then Los Angeles starts drawing water from the lake, the water level drops, and the Tufa is revealed.

Safety Duck

In case you didn't know, Quackers the Safety Duck has been with me on this trip, and actually had been on most of my bike tours.  He hangs out on the back of the bike, but he's been a little buried this trip, especially since I picked up a sleeping pad in Bend.  I wanted to give him a better view for today's big ride over Tioga Pass.  He should be much happier now!

Acts of Kindness

Two very kind people helped me out yesterday.

First, while riding up Walker River Canyon, a car pulled over in front of me, and a lady got out and said "You look like you could use an ice cream sandwich".  So she gave me an ice cream sandwich!  And a reflective leg band; she likes to see cyclists being safe.

Second, I arrived for the night at a motel and RV Park just south of Bridgeport, CA.  I asked for a place to set up a tent, and the lady asked where I was riding from.  When I said Seattle, she said "oh goodness - would you like a room?  My treat".  So she gave me a room for the night!  And coffee in the morning.

I think many touring cyclists have similar stories.  The world looks out for us when it's not honking at us to get off the road.

Nevada!?

That's right, a semi-planned detour into a whole new state!  From South Lake Tahoe I had the option to continue south through Markleeville and over Monitor Pass to Topaz Lake, but I opted to go east (into Nevada), up and over Kingsbury Grade (wheee!) and down into Minden to stay the night with my friends Daryl and Jackie.  Veteran blog-readers may remember Daryl, I stayed with him at the beginning of my trip across Nevada in 2012.

So, the route today has been Highway 395, taking the back way to Topaz Lake.  It's been a nice taste of high desert, just a little reminder of that 2012 trip.  Not that I'm tired of all the rivers and forests I've been riding through but it's nice to have a change of scenery.

The other picture is the view of Topaz Lake from the top of the highway.

Lake Tahoe

From Emerald Bay overlook

Donner Camp Picnic Ground

I can't believe this place exists.  Google "Donner Party" if you don't find this funny.

Bikewashed

Are you familiar with the term "Greenwashed"?  When products claim to be "natural" or "earth-friendly", so you buy them even though the claims have no particular backing?  I am often Bikewashed.  Which beer should I buy?  I don't know, I'll just get the one with a bicycle on it.

Killing It

I've been having an awesome time ever since I got down from Lassen.  Yesterday, despite the foggy adventure, I managed to get in 80 miles and ended the day going through the Feather River Canyon - my map actually had a note to consider taking a bus as there is no shoulder and logging truck traffic - but I checked with a local bike shop and they said the trucks don't run on Saturday, and traffic would be light overall.  They were correct and the ride was spectacular.

Today I was focused like a laser on getting to Truckee, 82 miles away (and lots of uphill in between).  Four days ago I looked at the map and thought I should be in Truckee in four days.  The first two were relatively lackluster, but yesterday's miraculous milage put me in range today.  It was a lovely day, mostly climbing through the forest, and I am happy to report that I am writing this while waiting for a pizza in lovely Truckee, California.

OK GO climbing soundtrack

These are all actual songs by the band OK GO:

- Get Over It
- If I had a Mountain
- This Too Shall Pass
- White Knuckles
- WTF?
- I Won't let you down (get it?)
- You're so damn hot (more applicable back in the 100+ temps of Washington)
- There's a Fire (not here - clear skies ahead!)
- 1000 Miles per Hour (for descending only)

Trouble at Lassen

The plan yesterday was to get up and over Lassen National Park.  This would be no easy feat - I started the day about 60 miles from (and 5500 feet below) Lassen Pass.  Despite an early start it was a tough day and I got to the park entrance around 3:30; 20 miles from (and 2500 feet below) the pass.  There was a campground about 10 miles before the pass, and another just before you got out of the park.  So, my conundrum - either get off the road around 6:00 and camp on this side of the pass (and get to see some Lassen attractions tomorrow), or get up and over, but then be past (and below) everything tomorrow.  Not enough daylight to get up and over AND do any hikes.  So, I fought my usual urge to make more miles and set up camp early.
Well, this morning it was very cloudy.  As I climbed that turned into fog, and as I reached the summit that turned into very thick fog (see picture).  I'd say there was maybe 50' visibility.  On the way down it became very windy and a bit rainy - I was very cold.  The hike I wanted to do (Bumpass Hell, through some geothermal features) was completely socked in, so after all that I didn't even get to see the one thing I wanted to.

I stopped a couple times and kept running into the same guy who seemed to mean well but kept laughing at my situation.  "How's the ride?"; "It's really cold and foggy and I don't feel completely safe"; "Haha, I'll bet!".   He had a cup of coffee the whole time.  I was not amused.

Anyway, since I'm writing this I've obviously survived my ordeal.  I've been drinking coffee in the visitor center for the past hour, the sun is coming out and I'm just about ready to go.  I even stopped shivering (it took 30 minutes).  I just finished eating lunch with a group of grandmas from Reno.  They said it was clear and sunny until just a few miles from the park.  Damn you elevation!  <shaking fist in general direction of Lassen Peak>

Apologies to Steve Martin

If I had one wish, it would be for all the children of the world to hold hands and sing in peace and harmony.

And if I had two wishes, the first would be for all the children of the world to hold hands and sing in peace and harmony, and the second would be to get The Thong Song out of my head.

Stand By Me bridge?

I'm told that this is the train bridge from the scene in Stand By Me where the kids run across just before a train goes by.  Will need to confirm...

Yes please

This was the big descent yesterday into Ashland - about 3000 feet in nine miles.  That was a great 18 minutes!  I've known that this was coming for a few days, so exciting to finally be here.  Also got to see the scenery completely change from a pine forest to dry, brown hills.  Elevation is a crazy thing.  Note the sign in the distance - "Sharp Curves".

The name of this road is "Dead Indian Memorial Highway".  We don't have names like that back East!

Weed etymology

Named for founder Abner Weed.  Grow up, you stoners!

Weed, CA

Shame they're stuck with the name, Weed actually seems like a nice tiny college town - College of the Siskiyous (go Eagles!)

On the other hand, they have fun with the name and it's the only reason you've ever heard of the place, so it's probably really a blessing.  Now to enjoy a turkey burger and Shastafarian Porter at the Mt Shasta Brewing Company...

Pronunciation Station

Pop quiz!  How would you pronounce the town of Yreka, CA?

California!

Forced onto the freeway to cross the border - how Californian.  No "Welcome to California" sign, which is a bummer - but if I've left Oregon where else could I be?

Crater Lake

Two days ago.  Very little data network out here!

Magic Rocks

It's random, the individual things you might remember from classes in junior high.  But I do remember my 8th grade science teacher bemoaning the fact that some local group was putting on a show called "Chemistry Magic", showing the results of different reactions, etc.  It's important not to present science as magic, especially in an educational setting, he said (paraphrased). 

So, I know they're just trying to sell some rocks (a dubious business to begin with), but let's be clear - pumice is formed when lava cools, and in such a way that it traps a lot of air, resulting in a rock that is lighter than water.  Sorry kids, no magic here.

T-shirt weather

9:55 AM, shorts and t-shirt.  The sun is the best!

I get dry with a little help from my friends

Had some condensation on the tent, so I'm drying it with the help of my friends:
- A tree
- Nuclear fusion (aka sunlight)

Brrrrr

It must have dropped below freezing last night - I know this because there is frozen water outside.  (science!)  I think it was a max of 37 degrees inside the tent.  Good think I bought thicker socks in Bend!  And more coffee!

It's hard to believe that in a few hours I'll be sweating in a T-shirt.  But it's true!

Mt Bachelor

Took a chairlift about halfway up Mt Bachelor.  Nice view!  That's the Three Sisters in the middle, but now from the other side.

Apologies to W.P. Kinsella

"Is this heaven?"

"No, it's Bend, Oregon."

Three Sisters

Where the town of Sisters gets its name.  As always, much more impressive in real life that from the camera phone...

On my way to Bend

Where'd all the mountains go?  No worries, I turn southwest at Bend, back into the mountains!

I've been here!

(Turns out this didn't send the other day, so here it is out of order)

Cascades Locks, Oregon.  Between here and Hood River I am overlapping with my cross-country trip.

Also, I just came across the Bridge of the Gods - this was the site of the last scene in Wild.

Limited Services

That's the name of the game out here.  It was 70+ miles from Randle to Packwood, 90+ miles from Parkdale to Detroit (where I just left), and now 50+ to Sisters.  I do enjoy the camping, especially when I end up at a nice site, but I'd enjoy a night in town at some point.  Maybe tomorrow night in Bend.

I am a scientist

Testing my hypothesis that an insufficient breakfast was to blame for yesterday's general sluggishness.  I'll have to repeat the experiment several times to get the margin of error low enough.  Science!

Gifford-Pinchot National Forest

I entered this forest yesterday, just after coming down from White Pass.  It goes all the way down to the Columbia (where I am now), so I just got out this evening.  I really haven't had real cell service since Yakima, which explains the lack of blog updates. 

It was just about a perfect route.  Three climbs (two big ones) and two big descents - like, cruising around corners at 30 mph for 6 miles.  After White Pass I was apparently back on the west, wetter, cooler side, and it showed - thick forest, moss, ferns, everything!  It was chilly too - I was in long sleeves and a fleece this morning.

Funny story.  My map warned me that it was 71 miles with limited services through the forest.  As I headed in, I did a quick supply check - I just did a big grocery run, and I have my water - but I looked down and saw and empty water bottle cage.  I had left it behind somewhere!  Oh no!  Objectively, I should still be fine.  I had three bottles (a spare on the rack), which was as much as I carried across Nevada.  And I wasn't going to DIE - there were rivers and lakes ahead, I'd drink from them in an emergency.  And the campground would probably have water.  And there was some traffic, I'd stop someone if I ran out.

But even still, I found myself getting all anxious as I continued.  I was making contingency plans - OK, if the campground has no water, and no people, and it's hot tomorrow, I'll head back to town and buy more bottles.  I tried to exhale through my nose instead of my mouth.  So silly, not sure why I got so worked up.  Anyway, I got to the campground, which was full of hundreds of people.  There were water fountains.  And the campground host gave me two bottles of water.  And there were a couple places to fill up the next day.  And it was cool the next day and I didn't even drink more than the three bottles I originally had.  Well, better safe than sorry I guess!

Stories from White Pass

Random lady: "Where are you going?"
Dave: "South through the National Forest"
Random lady: "It's hilly that way, I hope you're in good shape"
Dave (in my head): "Lady, exactly how do you think I got this bike up here?"

At the viewpoint a mom and dad and their two year old were hanging out.  Mom asked if I'd like a PB+J sandwich, which I accepted.  She also gave me an apple juice.  As I finished the sandwich:
Mom: "Would you like another sandwich?"
Dave: "No thanks, I'm good"
Mom: "Are you suuuure?"
Dave: "Umm...no"
So she made me a second one.  And gave me some trail mix. Moms are the best!

Lastly, think what you will about me, but PCT hikers look TERRIBLE.  Northbound thru-hikers have been at it since early spring, that's a long time in the woods!

Rimrock Lake

Keep it coming, Washington,