Amy, Evonne, Sam, and Deidre
Deidre in Big Sky Country
Tim, Mark, Charles, Deidre, Sam, Susan, Evonne, Amy, Mike
In this beautiful countryside, I only need to say, "I want to stop and take a photo." (Even if it is only an excuse for a rest break.)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Photo Opportunities
"The world lies right beyond the handlebars of any bicycle" -Daniel Behrman
Amy, Evonne, Sam, and Deidre
Deidre in Big Sky Country
Tim, Mark, Charles, Deidre, Sam, Susan, Evonne, Amy, Mike
In this beautiful countryside, I only need to say, "I want to stop and take a photo." (Even if it is only an excuse for a rest break.)
Amy, Evonne, Sam, and Deidre
Deidre in Big Sky Country
Tim, Mark, Charles, Deidre, Sam, Susan, Evonne, Amy, Mike
In this beautiful countryside, I only need to say, "I want to stop and take a photo." (Even if it is only an excuse for a rest break.)
Crossing State Lines
While cycling these past two weeks, we have encountered some regional differences, not just state lines. Here are a few:
Yes, indeed! A rodeo parade in WA!
State number 2 = Idaho
Idaho has drive thru convenience stores - the Express Way in Sandpoint, Idaho. Now you don't even need to leave your car - they bring the snacks to you! (oh boy!)
Evonne and I have been perplexed as we have seen multiple signs for "falls" - we have looked all over for the waterfalls, only to learn in the West "falls = dams". And yes, we were disappointed.
State number 3 = Montana
Yes, indeed! A rodeo parade in WA!
State number 2 = Idaho
Idaho has drive thru convenience stores - the Express Way in Sandpoint, Idaho. Now you don't even need to leave your car - they bring the snacks to you! (oh boy!)
Evonne and I have been perplexed as we have seen multiple signs for "falls" - we have looked all over for the waterfalls, only to learn in the West "falls = dams". And yes, we were disappointed.
State number 3 = Montana
Spokane, WA to Sandpoint, Idaho
A beautiful day riding today (June 26th) from Spokane to Sandpoint! Sunshine! God's beautiful creation - bright blue skies, green forested hills, lakes! Glorious! I was just giving shouts of praise! (Plus, having a day off to rest in Spokane worked wonders!)
"o Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth...When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him." -Psalm 8:1, 3-4
"Shout to the Lord, all the earth, break out in praise and sing for you! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord" - Psalm 98
Friday, June 25, 2010
Day 4: Odessa to Spokane
Absolutely gorgeous end to the 75+ mile ride yesterday from Odessa to Spokane.
Everyone is excited for a rest day. I am hoping a day off will help my left knee, as I developed bursitis in the first few days of this ride. Overall, I am blessed to have the health I do which enables me to partake in such a ride. I am thankful!
Everyone is excited for a rest day. I am hoping a day off will help my left knee, as I developed bursitis in the first few days of this ride. Overall, I am blessed to have the health I do which enables me to partake in such a ride. I am thankful!
DAY 2 AND 3
Day 2 = 72+ miles from Easton State Park to Vantage.
Fellow riders biking away from the Petrified Forest near Vantage.
Columbia River in Vantage.
Day 3 = a brutal ride from Vantage to Odessa, WA...fortunately, I found comfort in the fact that all my fellow riders agreed that today was tough. I certainly did not know the state of Washington was arid and desert-like. No services for the last 40 miles and the headwind forced us to even pedal downhill.
(We were amused by this sign: "Welcome to the peaceful community of Willow Creek!" Peaceful - yes! Community - where's the community?)
Evonne and I actually pedalled slower downhill than uphill.
Fellow riders biking away from the Petrified Forest near Vantage.
Columbia River in Vantage.
Day 3 = a brutal ride from Vantage to Odessa, WA...fortunately, I found comfort in the fact that all my fellow riders agreed that today was tough. I certainly did not know the state of Washington was arid and desert-like. No services for the last 40 miles and the headwind forced us to even pedal downhill.
(We were amused by this sign: "Welcome to the peaceful community of Willow Creek!" Peaceful - yes! Community - where's the community?)
Evonne and I actually pedalled slower downhill than uphill.
Day 2: GIVE A HOOT! DON'T POLLUTE
Today I was quite frustrated while riding thru the beautiful countryside because there would be bags of trash dumped on the side of the road.
Intentionally.
Grr.
Seriously, it's not as if one was driving, deciding on a whim to pull over to the side of the road while thinking "oh what a great time to clean my car. There is not waste bin, so I guess I can just dump all my trash here." Come on people. If one is intentionally dumping, can't he/she intentionally wait for a rubbish bin!
Reminds me of my cousin Deb saying, "The world is not your ashtray!" to those who throw cigarette butts on the ground. Indeed, "The world is not your trash bin!"
Intentionally.
Grr.
Seriously, it's not as if one was driving, deciding on a whim to pull over to the side of the road while thinking "oh what a great time to clean my car. There is not waste bin, so I guess I can just dump all my trash here." Come on people. If one is intentionally dumping, can't he/she intentionally wait for a rubbish bin!
Reminds me of my cousin Deb saying, "The world is not your ashtray!" to those who throw cigarette butts on the ground. Indeed, "The world is not your trash bin!"
DAY ONE: Monday June 21, 2010
Collectively, 25 BIG RIDERS raised over 175,000 dollars for the American Lung Association.
Day One = 97+ miles from Seattle to Easton. Excited to just begin. Beautiful countryside! Waterfalls.
Mountains.
Forests.
According to our ride organizer Bridgett, Day One is the 2nd hardest day of the ride. Definitely nice to have this day behind me. While riding thru the mountains, I was surprised by how some obvious downhills actually felt like I was climbing upwards!
Day One = 97+ miles from Seattle to Easton. Excited to just begin. Beautiful countryside! Waterfalls.
Mountains.
Forests.
According to our ride organizer Bridgett, Day One is the 2nd hardest day of the ride. Definitely nice to have this day behind me. While riding thru the mountains, I was surprised by how some obvious downhills actually felt like I was climbing upwards!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
SEATTLE via photos
Exploring the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
I couldn't ask for a better view to do laundry! - at Olympic Sculpture Park
Puget Sound
Seattle Space Needle as seen from Olympic Sculpture Park
View of the Mountains from the Seattle Waterfront on the Puget Sound
SEATTLE DAY 0
On Friday, as I looked out the airplane window at the world below, I thought to myself "I am going to bike across this vast land!" Wow. I just sat there, shaking my head. Excitement abounds. But I also think I may be a little crazy :) Or as one friend stated "a cycl-opath"...
Seattle is absolutely beautiful - the outdoors - the greenery, water, mountains, abundance of cyclists, runners, kayakers... all this despite what my fellow rider Noel states as the "june gloom".
I have so enjoyed meeting my fellow riders over the past 3 days. After orientation today and meeting former BIG RIDERS, I am just ready to start cycling. After so much preparation and anticipation, the day is almost here. We head out at 7:45 PST tomorrow (Monday June 21st). The first ride is 91 miles from Seattle to Easton - over Snoqualmie Pass (3022 ft) in the Cascade Mountains. I'm sure it will be a great introduction (err, initiation) to the BIG RIDE. (MN hills are nothing compared to this climb.) Come what may!
Seattle is absolutely beautiful - the outdoors - the greenery, water, mountains, abundance of cyclists, runners, kayakers... all this despite what my fellow rider Noel states as the "june gloom".
I have so enjoyed meeting my fellow riders over the past 3 days. After orientation today and meeting former BIG RIDERS, I am just ready to start cycling. After so much preparation and anticipation, the day is almost here. We head out at 7:45 PST tomorrow (Monday June 21st). The first ride is 91 miles from Seattle to Easton - over Snoqualmie Pass (3022 ft) in the Cascade Mountains. I'm sure it will be a great introduction (err, initiation) to the BIG RIDE. (MN hills are nothing compared to this climb.) Come what may!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
MAIL - and yes, my second career choice would be a postal carrier!
If you would like to write to me during my Big Ride Across America, here are the addresses. It is recommended that you mail the letter at least one week before the ‘Date of Arrival’ so it makes it there on time.
I'm sure receiving a letter would be a source of encouragement and renewed energy as I pedal across the States. Thanks for your support.
Date of Arrival Address
Thursday, June 24 Riverside Station, 904 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Monday, June 28 Missoula Main Office, 1100 W Kent Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
Friday, July 09 Rapid City Main Office, 500 East Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Friday, July 16 New Ulm Main Office, 27 S German St, New Ulm, MN 56073
Wednesday, July 21 Madison University Station Office, 441 N Lake St, Madison, WI 53715
Thursday, July 29 Burton Main Office, 14525 Main St, Burton, OH 44021
Wednesday, August 04 Gettysburg Main Office, 115 Buford Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Sample address below:
Big Ride 2010
Deidre Lindstrom
General Delivery - Riverside Station
904 W Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
I'm sure receiving a letter would be a source of encouragement and renewed energy as I pedal across the States. Thanks for your support.
Date of Arrival Address
Thursday, June 24 Riverside Station, 904 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Monday, June 28 Missoula Main Office, 1100 W Kent Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
Friday, July 09 Rapid City Main Office, 500 East Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Friday, July 16 New Ulm Main Office, 27 S German St, New Ulm, MN 56073
Wednesday, July 21 Madison University Station Office, 441 N Lake St, Madison, WI 53715
Thursday, July 29 Burton Main Office, 14525 Main St, Burton, OH 44021
Wednesday, August 04 Gettysburg Main Office, 115 Buford Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Sample address below:
Big Ride 2010
Deidre Lindstrom
General Delivery - Riverside Station
904 W Riverside Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
"On Yer Bike"
No, this is not my bike!! Although the name "boneshaker" rocks! I'm sure anyone willing enough to test ride this bike across the grand U.S. of A. would testify the bike is true to its name. Call it like it is - Boneshaker!
A year ago, the MN Historical Society had an exhibit on the evolution of transportation here in America. Check out some of these photos -
Oh boy! I am thankful the perspective of women cycling has changed since 1895... (Sidenote: I would love to read the study that determined that cycling was the "#1 reason...")
Some may believe cycling across the United States may still be considered "reckless" or according to my cousin Dan, "insane". However, in the pursuit of this life long goal (whether it is "insane" or not), I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to support the American Lung Association! This organization is striving to create positive change and improve the quality of life of all those living with lung disease. In addition, the ALA is working to promote clean air for all!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
GENEROSITY
I am amazed by generosity! While fundraising for the American Lung Association, I have repeatedly found myself awestruck by generosity. Opening donations and simply stating "Wow. Wow. Wow." Speechless because others are so generous, selfless, and willing to help those in need. People who are seeing a void and automatically stepping forward to fill it. Thanks to you, I have raised over $7,500 to support the vital work of the American Lung Association.
RIDE BIG. DO GOOD.
The American Lung Association is committed to finding better treatments and cures for those living with lung disease. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. As I was working with a gentleman recently diagnosed with lung cancer at UMMC this spring, he stated how "absolutely frightening" it is to live with lung cancer. Those living with lung disease are fighting to breathe and that is why the American Lung Association is fighting for air! Because "when you can't breathe, nothing else matters!"
You can support my ride and the American Lung Association by visiting:
http://www.cleanairadventures.org/big_ride_across_america
RIDE BIG. DO GOOD.
The American Lung Association is committed to finding better treatments and cures for those living with lung disease. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. As I was working with a gentleman recently diagnosed with lung cancer at UMMC this spring, he stated how "absolutely frightening" it is to live with lung cancer. Those living with lung disease are fighting to breathe and that is why the American Lung Association is fighting for air! Because "when you can't breathe, nothing else matters!"
You can support my ride and the American Lung Association by visiting:
http://www.cleanairadventures.org/big_ride_across_america
BIG RIDE TRAINING
With 3 weeks before the BIG RIDE begins, training is in full swing! I am feeling optimistic heading into the final stretch thanks to the help of my physical therapists Paul (Institute of Athletic Medicine) & Jason (CycleFit at IAM), and the bike fit guru Chris Balser (Penn Cycle). These gentlemen have patiently worked with me and my bike to help me recover from Achilles Tendonitis. After taking 3 weeks off from training in April/May to focus on healing and strengthening, I am happy to be back in the saddle again ;)
I am in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds me. Rick McFerrin stated, "A bike gives you the freedom to go where you want to go at a pace that allows you to take things in." Exploring the Twin Cities on bicycle has been exciting as I discover new landscapes, such as the Native American burial grounds near the State Capitol or the Sculpture Garden in Downtown. I cannot even fathom the beauty of God's creation that I will be surrounded by during the course of the BIG RIDE. Excitement awaits - come what may!
I am in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds me. Rick McFerrin stated, "A bike gives you the freedom to go where you want to go at a pace that allows you to take things in." Exploring the Twin Cities on bicycle has been exciting as I discover new landscapes, such as the Native American burial grounds near the State Capitol or the Sculpture Garden in Downtown. I cannot even fathom the beauty of God's creation that I will be surrounded by during the course of the BIG RIDE. Excitement awaits - come what may!
"Just the knowledge that honest effort was a transforming experience...and that...love was redemptive." - It's Not About the Bike, My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong
This quote stood out to me recently.
To me it means-
~ stepping forward and trying your best whether it is a new challenge or familiar routine. Regardless of the outcome, it can change you, transform you.
~ that despite how uneasy, worried, or fearful I may feel about the UNKNOWN, I can trust that it will be transformative...and when I think of transformation, it is always positive.
~ "love was redemptive" reminds me of Christ's love for me. He is always pursuing me, redeeming me, casting light into my darkness. Love is healing. Love restores!
This quote stood out to me recently.
To me it means-
~ stepping forward and trying your best whether it is a new challenge or familiar routine. Regardless of the outcome, it can change you, transform you.
~ that despite how uneasy, worried, or fearful I may feel about the UNKNOWN, I can trust that it will be transformative...and when I think of transformation, it is always positive.
~ "love was redemptive" reminds me of Christ's love for me. He is always pursuing me, redeeming me, casting light into my darkness. Love is healing. Love restores!
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