Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2011
YouTube Update!
New videos posted to the WOCN Cycling YouTube channel feature Katherine's reflections of the 3,100-mile bicycle tour. She discusses the life lessons she learned and how she'll incorporate them into her daily life post-tour.
Friday, May 6, 2011
According to Katherine: Post-Tour Recap
Just a week to the day from our arrival in St. Augustine, I had a fun reunion with my coach, Jimmy Gibson. I couldn't have done the cross country without his methodical preparation. We did a lovely 18-mile ride in the country today. He wants me to rest and stay off my bike for the next week. How can I?
 |
| Katherine and Jimmy Gibson, her trainer, pose for a picture after a nice ride. |
Friday, April 29, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 56 Recap
It was easy to fly out of bed at 5:15 for a 6:00 breakfast and 6:45 departure. This was our LAST day. Many emotions were merging and colliding as we loaded luggage and pumped tires for the last time. I had some grapes and a banana for breakfast. Best I could do with all the butterflies.
The ride was 40 miles to the St. John's Fire Department where we reassembled for the 7-mile parade through town and to the beach. On the way, we rode under gorgeous trees draped in Spanish moss, by the banks of the mighty St. John's River, and past acres of potatoes growing. I thought Idaho had the corner on potatoes.
The men at the fire station were most hospitable. Our police escorts positioned themselves in front and back of our column of 17 cyclists with one guide driving the SAG Wagon. People along the way cheered boisterously without knowing what for! We loved it anyway! Most of us cried. Cycling over the Bridge of Lions was a thrill.
And then, there we were. There were our families, friends and, for me, members of WOCN, management staff and our generous corporate sponsors. I felt so proud to be wearing the Convatec and Hollister, Inc. logos.
After all the hugs and kisses, we carried our bikes to the ocean where we ceremoniously dipped our front tire in the surf. Before it was over, most of us dipped half or all of ourselves into the cool Atlantic waters. Dr. Phyllis Bonham gave me the glorious news that we had met our goal of $200,000 for the Cycling for Scholarships Foundation. We toasted with champagne that Jack Jeter had brought for everyone.
We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and then dispersed to regroup later in the evening. WomanTours hosted a final dinner for "just us" or the 16 cyclists and two guides who completed the 3,100-mile tour. Everyone had an opportunity to reflect, remember, and to say good-bye and thank you.
Then we left that party to attend the grand WOCN celebration at the Leitner Museum. What a fabulous occasion that featured a cake, more champagne, the official announcement that to date $208,613 has been raised, and a fun slide show from the ride. I was amazed to be so honored. The Mayor had proclaimed the day as WOC Nursing Day in St. Augustine. Our sons presented me with a colorful metal cyclist sculpture. With their sister and Jack they had sent cards of encouragement nearly every day of the trip. It was fun to have them participating in all the festivities.
If I've ever been so thankful and satisfied, I don't remember when. We fell into bed at 10:00, so I would be up for a ride in the morning with our sons. We did it! So many people had a hand in it and deserve resounding applause. I can't imagine how long it will take to put the whole experience into perspective and to be able to express what it has meant and will continue to mean in years to come.
I am so grateful to so many.
The ride was 40 miles to the St. John's Fire Department where we reassembled for the 7-mile parade through town and to the beach. On the way, we rode under gorgeous trees draped in Spanish moss, by the banks of the mighty St. John's River, and past acres of potatoes growing. I thought Idaho had the corner on potatoes.
The men at the fire station were most hospitable. Our police escorts positioned themselves in front and back of our column of 17 cyclists with one guide driving the SAG Wagon. People along the way cheered boisterously without knowing what for! We loved it anyway! Most of us cried. Cycling over the Bridge of Lions was a thrill.
 |
| We all gathered here to begin our 7-mile ride with police escort through St. Augustine, over the Bridge of Lions, to Anastasia Beach where our family and friends were waiting. Sixteen women now always bonded in friendship by the extraordinary journey we shared. |
And then, there we were. There were our families, friends and, for me, members of WOCN, management staff and our generous corporate sponsors. I felt so proud to be wearing the Convatec and Hollister, Inc. logos.
After all the hugs and kisses, we carried our bikes to the ocean where we ceremoniously dipped our front tire in the surf. Before it was over, most of us dipped half or all of ourselves into the cool Atlantic waters. Dr. Phyllis Bonham gave me the glorious news that we had met our goal of $200,000 for the Cycling for Scholarships Foundation. We toasted with champagne that Jack Jeter had brought for everyone.
 |
| Marge and I at the finish line! |
We all enjoyed a picnic lunch and then dispersed to regroup later in the evening. WomanTours hosted a final dinner for "just us" or the 16 cyclists and two guides who completed the 3,100-mile tour. Everyone had an opportunity to reflect, remember, and to say good-bye and thank you.
Then we left that party to attend the grand WOCN celebration at the Leitner Museum. What a fabulous occasion that featured a cake, more champagne, the official announcement that to date $208,613 has been raised, and a fun slide show from the ride. I was amazed to be so honored. The Mayor had proclaimed the day as WOC Nursing Day in St. Augustine. Our sons presented me with a colorful metal cyclist sculpture. With their sister and Jack they had sent cards of encouragement nearly every day of the trip. It was fun to have them participating in all the festivities.
If I've ever been so thankful and satisfied, I don't remember when. We fell into bed at 10:00, so I would be up for a ride in the morning with our sons. We did it! So many people had a hand in it and deserve resounding applause. I can't imagine how long it will take to put the whole experience into perspective and to be able to express what it has meant and will continue to mean in years to come.
I am so grateful to so many.
According to Katherine: Day 55 Recap
We're poised in Palatka after a 73.5-mile ride for tomorrow's 47-mile ride into St. Augustine. It will be quite a parade and a glorious reunion. We'll celebrate as we put our front tire in the Atlantic. Thank you all for your love and support. It has meant the world and made the trip the defining life event that it was.
 |
| Welcome to Palatka! Soon we'll be on our way to St. Augustine, FL! |
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 48 Recap
It was 74 degrees with very high humidity and a little fog when we started out for Crestview. I had choked down one hard boiled egg and some oatmeal before we left. I made a PB&J and packed some nuts for the 68-mile ride.
It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.
We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!
As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.
I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.
Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.
It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.
We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!
 |
| Just one of the beautiful scenes during our ride to Crestview. We were still so close to the ocean. |
As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.
I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.
 |
| Jack and Sharon Godwin drove from Niceville, FL to celebrate our amazing adventure. Such a compliment. |
Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.
Friday, April 22, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 47 Recap
After a lovely rest, it was back on the bike again. Linda cooked us a full breakfast in the condo. I had scrambled eggs and oatmeal. I was to drive the SAG Wagon the first half of our 60-mile day to Pensacola. I left the condo at 7:15 to be first in line for the 8:00 ferry.
The temperature was 74 degrees and the humidity was 83 percent. The ferry ride across the mouth of the Mobile Bay was 45 minutes. The ticket taker gave us a break and charged $4.50 for bikers instead of $5.00 for pedestrians!
We passed fairly close to a couple of natural gas rigs. Pelicans were waiting to welcome us on the other side. I stopped for the cyclists at about 18 miles and then again at the "Welcome to Florida" sign. I knew we'd all want a picture of that momentous occasion. Marge and I switched there and I rode on to Pensacola.
I stopped at Bikes Plus where Eric was waiting to try his hand at getting all my gears shifting. I left the bike with him and Marge and I joined several other cyclists at a fun restaurant on the water. We each had crawfish etouffee and thought it was delicious. I was glad to leave that PB&J in the bag for tomorrow!
When we got to the motel we were surprised and delighted to see that Carol Breamer, a WOC nurse and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. had welcome signs and a tub of iced cold drinks. They came back after dinner and brought delicious Whoopee Pies and coffee from Panera Bread. We were all thrilled.
Like all versatile WOC nurses, Joan pitched in to dry the dishes. We had quite a party with members of the UOAA chapter, WOC nurses, the KCI rep, Amanda Brignac from Convatec. We even had Brittany, who hopes to get a scholarship to attend Emory. The UOAA Chapter of Pensacola honored its WOC nurses with a $225.00 contribution to the Scholarship Fund.
It was a marvelous day, and my bike was pronounced fixed and delivered back to me at the motel by our guide, Carol. Dear friends of mine, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL, drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. Our friendship goes all the way back to West Point in the 70s.
2,592 miles behind us. 508 miles to pedal. 9 days to go.
 |
| American flag and the Alabama state flag waving as we prepared to leave for Florida. |
 |
| Patiently waiting for the ferry! |
The temperature was 74 degrees and the humidity was 83 percent. The ferry ride across the mouth of the Mobile Bay was 45 minutes. The ticket taker gave us a break and charged $4.50 for bikers instead of $5.00 for pedestrians!
 |
| We crossed over the intercoastal highway. |
We passed fairly close to a couple of natural gas rigs. Pelicans were waiting to welcome us on the other side. I stopped for the cyclists at about 18 miles and then again at the "Welcome to Florida" sign. I knew we'd all want a picture of that momentous occasion. Marge and I switched there and I rode on to Pensacola.
 |
| This was an exciting and emotional moment for all of the riders. |
I stopped at Bikes Plus where Eric was waiting to try his hand at getting all my gears shifting. I left the bike with him and Marge and I joined several other cyclists at a fun restaurant on the water. We each had crawfish etouffee and thought it was delicious. I was glad to leave that PB&J in the bag for tomorrow!
When we got to the motel we were surprised and delighted to see that Carol Breamer, a WOC nurse and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. had welcome signs and a tub of iced cold drinks. They came back after dinner and brought delicious Whoopee Pies and coffee from Panera Bread. We were all thrilled.
 |
| A refreshing welcome when we arrived in Pensacola! |
Like all versatile WOC nurses, Joan pitched in to dry the dishes. We had quite a party with members of the UOAA chapter, WOC nurses, the KCI rep, Amanda Brignac from Convatec. We even had Brittany, who hopes to get a scholarship to attend Emory. The UOAA Chapter of Pensacola honored its WOC nurses with a $225.00 contribution to the Scholarship Fund.
 |
| Amanda Brignac representing Convatec, one of our corporate sponsors. |
 |
| Carol Breamer, a Pensacola WOC nurse, and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. sure do know how to host a celebration! |
It was a marvelous day, and my bike was pronounced fixed and delivered back to me at the motel by our guide, Carol. Dear friends of mine, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL, drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. Our friendship goes all the way back to West Point in the 70s.
 |
| My dear friends, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. |
2,592 miles behind us. 508 miles to pedal. 9 days to go.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
According to Katherine: Mind Racing
In the early weeks of February 2010, I put down the non-refundable deposit to secure my cross-country bike tour, sponsored by WomanTours. I had a ton of questions for the president of the company before I felt comfortable signing that check. I bounced from one question to the next, covering all topics and making sure I’d be able to train to prepare for the grueling trip without it interfering in my personal life too much -- and of course, that I'd be able to finish the tour. A 3,100-mile bike tour! My brain was racing as I asked my questions.
- Can a 72-year-old woman complete something like this?
- Will my 72-year-old self be able to endure the different terrains?
- How can I train during ski season? (I couldn’t give up skiing.)
- How could I train despite the snow on the ground?
Jackie, the president of the company, lifted all of that weight off my shoulders. First, she assured me plenty of older women have participated in these tours. Next, she shared that through all the training, my body would be strong enough within a year to endure the ride. Finally, she helped me realize I could split my time between skiing, training and a bicycle set-up on a trainer indoors -- a fine substitute for riding outside.
This past year was quite a ride and I’m looking forward to embarking on new adventures during -- and even after -- the actual tour.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 45
It was a chilly 45 degrees this morning in Pascagoula. The beds and pillows at the motel were awful, but the kindnesses of the management made up for it! They added hard boiled eggs and yogurt for us to complement the cereal and English muffins (fun foreshadowing, little did we know!) they usually offer. I had two eggs and a yogurt, and took a PB&J sandwich and nuts to snack on.
We were pedaling 43 miles under clear skies to Dauphin Island, AL. We left at 8:30 a.m. for what is now considered a very short ride! It was a gorgeous ride, except for a tiring head wind. We stopped at the "Welcome to Alabama" sign and took lots of photos.
Along the way I was careful about hydration, which is hard when it's cooler and you don't feel thirsty. I ate the sandwich and worked on the nuts. At the end of the ride, we saw the 3.7-mile bridge in the distance. As we approached it loomed higher, but it was only a six percent grade -- fun going up and over!
At the end of the bridge was our lunch destination, Barnacle Bill's. Most of us ordered the blackened grouper sandwich and sweet potato fries with freshly brewed iced tea. Divine. Just as the seven of us were finishing, an attractive 60-ish male cyclist opened the door and exclaimed loudly enough for the whole restaurant to hear, "I've found them! I've finally found the girls."
He was Dave of Dave, Matthew and John, three Brits who are doing the same route across America that we are. The two cyclists call themselves "Two Tykes on Bikes." It seems that men in Yorkshire, England are called "tykes." They had heard about us several weeks ago, and had been "chasing us" ever since. They are doing about 100 miles per day. John drives the RV, which is their SAG and sleeping vehicle. We had an uproarious half hour visit. They said they saw the bikes out in front of the restaurant, and thought they'd take a chance that it was "the girls." Their blog, which Dave writes in rhyme, is www.dmjacrossusa.tumblr.com.
After all the hoopla, during which Dave and Matthew scarfed up every one of our leftover sweet potato fries, they were off for 40 more miles, and we pedaled a mile or so to our comfy digs at the Dauphin Island Beach Resort, where we will be for the night and tomorrow for our rest day. We have a washer and dryer in our condo -- pure luxury!
We celebrated our guide Carol's birthday with her favorite meal: lasagna, spinach and strawberry salad and garlic and cheese bread. Her brother had arranged for a gorgeous cake that tasted like tiramisu, and three kinds of ice cream. I could not resist the cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
What a memorable day it was. Rest tomorrow will be divine. 2,532 miles behind us. 568 miles to pedal. Only 11 days and hundreds of WOCN Scholarship Fund donations to go.
We were pedaling 43 miles under clear skies to Dauphin Island, AL. We left at 8:30 a.m. for what is now considered a very short ride! It was a gorgeous ride, except for a tiring head wind. We stopped at the "Welcome to Alabama" sign and took lots of photos.
 |
| Today, Alabama. Tuesday, it's Florida! |
Along the way I was careful about hydration, which is hard when it's cooler and you don't feel thirsty. I ate the sandwich and worked on the nuts. At the end of the ride, we saw the 3.7-mile bridge in the distance. As we approached it loomed higher, but it was only a six percent grade -- fun going up and over!
 |
| The 3.7-mile bridge we crossed. |
 |
| It's beginning to look like the beach. |
At the end of the bridge was our lunch destination, Barnacle Bill's. Most of us ordered the blackened grouper sandwich and sweet potato fries with freshly brewed iced tea. Divine. Just as the seven of us were finishing, an attractive 60-ish male cyclist opened the door and exclaimed loudly enough for the whole restaurant to hear, "I've found them! I've finally found the girls."
 |
| He was so excited to find us! |
He was Dave of Dave, Matthew and John, three Brits who are doing the same route across America that we are. The two cyclists call themselves "Two Tykes on Bikes." It seems that men in Yorkshire, England are called "tykes." They had heard about us several weeks ago, and had been "chasing us" ever since. They are doing about 100 miles per day. John drives the RV, which is their SAG and sleeping vehicle. We had an uproarious half hour visit. They said they saw the bikes out in front of the restaurant, and thought they'd take a chance that it was "the girls." Their blog, which Dave writes in rhyme, is www.dmjacrossusa.tumblr.com.
 |
| Dave's great logo: Two Tykes on Bikes. |
 |
| Dave, Matthew, and John wearing our WomanTours safety triangles. |
After all the hoopla, during which Dave and Matthew scarfed up every one of our leftover sweet potato fries, they were off for 40 more miles, and we pedaled a mile or so to our comfy digs at the Dauphin Island Beach Resort, where we will be for the night and tomorrow for our rest day. We have a washer and dryer in our condo -- pure luxury!
We celebrated our guide Carol's birthday with her favorite meal: lasagna, spinach and strawberry salad and garlic and cheese bread. Her brother had arranged for a gorgeous cake that tasted like tiramisu, and three kinds of ice cream. I could not resist the cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
What a memorable day it was. Rest tomorrow will be divine. 2,532 miles behind us. 568 miles to pedal. Only 11 days and hundreds of WOCN Scholarship Fund donations to go.
According to Katherine: Day 44
Saturday's superlatives: There just aren't enough for this splendid day!
The morning dawned clear and calm. I had three of those motel egg patties and a Lärabar for breakfast. The temperature was 56 degrees when we left at 7:30 a.m.. As the sun rose in the cloudless sky above the long leaf pines, I could almost hear choirs singing "Morning has broken like the first morning..." and "When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries, 'May Jesus Christ be praised.'" It was a perfect day for a bike ride.
We rode through DeSoto National Forest on roads that were virtually empty. Apparently German P.O.W.s were encamped there during World War II. We were enveloped in silence and the refreshing scent of pine for an hour or more. There was a soft breeze all day, and the high was 76 degrees. We were fascinated by all the roads in the countryside that were named, we suppose, for people who live on then: Jane Mallettee Road, Shirley Ramsay Road, Jim Ramsay Road and Joe Batt Road were just three of countless ones.
I really had the water and nutrition thing going, and felt so much stronger because of it! I had a PB&J before noon.
It was 68 miles from Bogalusa to Pascagoula. By the time we arrived there, we were famished so we had a tuna fish sandwich on flat bread from Subway. Linda's dinner, a few hours later, was another extravaganza: Chicken curry (tofu curry for us), broccoli slaw, and pineapple and mango chunks. Maya, who owns or manages the motel, brought us huge fresh strawberries, cake and ice cream for dessert. I ate a giant strawberry!
Earlier in the afternoon, she had gone on some errands, and brought back postcards for one of our cyclists, who sends cards from each state to her grandchildren. So generous!
I dressed all of Lise's wounds after her shower. They are healing beautifully. 2,489 miles behind us. 611 to pedal. 12 days to go.
The morning dawned clear and calm. I had three of those motel egg patties and a Lärabar for breakfast. The temperature was 56 degrees when we left at 7:30 a.m.. As the sun rose in the cloudless sky above the long leaf pines, I could almost hear choirs singing "Morning has broken like the first morning..." and "When morning gilds the skies my heart awaking cries, 'May Jesus Christ be praised.'" It was a perfect day for a bike ride.
We rode through DeSoto National Forest on roads that were virtually empty. Apparently German P.O.W.s were encamped there during World War II. We were enveloped in silence and the refreshing scent of pine for an hour or more. There was a soft breeze all day, and the high was 76 degrees. We were fascinated by all the roads in the countryside that were named, we suppose, for people who live on then: Jane Mallettee Road, Shirley Ramsay Road, Jim Ramsay Road and Joe Batt Road were just three of countless ones.
I really had the water and nutrition thing going, and felt so much stronger because of it! I had a PB&J before noon.
It was 68 miles from Bogalusa to Pascagoula. By the time we arrived there, we were famished so we had a tuna fish sandwich on flat bread from Subway. Linda's dinner, a few hours later, was another extravaganza: Chicken curry (tofu curry for us), broccoli slaw, and pineapple and mango chunks. Maya, who owns or manages the motel, brought us huge fresh strawberries, cake and ice cream for dessert. I ate a giant strawberry!
Earlier in the afternoon, she had gone on some errands, and brought back postcards for one of our cyclists, who sends cards from each state to her grandchildren. So generous!
I dressed all of Lise's wounds after her shower. They are healing beautifully. 2,489 miles behind us. 611 to pedal. 12 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 43 Recap
Thursday's trauma gave way to Friday's frustrations! Morning didn't go smoothly, so I gobbled some scrambled eggs while I packed and had a nutritious Lärabar.
We got a late start for the 60-mile ride to Wiggins, MS. Marge's flashing light fell off the back of her bike so she had to stop and collect it up. As we cycled into the countryside, the storm-filled clouds scudded northward to spare us the severe weather they carried. The sweet aromas of tea olive trees and honeysuckle were a lovely welcome to Mississippi.
Then, we came upon all the cyclists gathered around the SAG Wagon. Not a good sign! Another road closure. Another detour.
There was a box of fresh donuts the motel owner had given us before we left. Everyone was raving about them. I ate two! When we got our new directions we set out again. The winds had picked up and were threatening to blow me over. It was so hard that I was delighted to see the van and trailer waiting at the 30-mile mark. They encouraged us to play it safe and ride the rest of the way with them. Marge and I were only too happy to accept their invitation and join two others who were already with them.
I ate some cashews and corn nuts that I might have called lunch. When we got to the motel I decided to do our laundry, take a hot bath, and take a nap. Good choices. I felt better. The wind had not abated and the rains came as we walked across the parking lot to a Mexican restaurant. I had a chile relleno and continued to treat my frustration with a delicious flan for dessert.
When we came back to the motel, I redressed one of Lise's wounds and marveled at the improvement. Lise was impressed too. I surely ingested more calories today than I burned. Oh well!
Today was Jack Jeter's 79th birthday and I wasn't there to fête him, but Sally, our boys and lots of friends were very attentive in my stead. We turned off the lights at 9:30, listened to the thunder and watched the lightning (for a few seconds!) outside our window. It is supposed to be a beautiful day for cycling tomorrow.
2,421 miles behind us. 649 miles to pedal. 13 days to go. WOCN members, please donate!
We got a late start for the 60-mile ride to Wiggins, MS. Marge's flashing light fell off the back of her bike so she had to stop and collect it up. As we cycled into the countryside, the storm-filled clouds scudded northward to spare us the severe weather they carried. The sweet aromas of tea olive trees and honeysuckle were a lovely welcome to Mississippi.
 |
| Seeing this sign didn't make the day get any better. |
At nine miles we missed a turn and added about three "bonus miles" to our trip. Next we came upon a "Road Closed" sign that we had not been told about it. We proceeded on and found a local who said the road was passable. However, there was about 100-yards of gravel on both sides of the bridge that we had to walk our bikes across.
 |
| Marge walking her bike across the gravel. |
Then, we came upon all the cyclists gathered around the SAG Wagon. Not a good sign! Another road closure. Another detour.
 |
| This is not a good sign when all the riders are milling around the SAG vehicle at the same time. |
There was a box of fresh donuts the motel owner had given us before we left. Everyone was raving about them. I ate two! When we got our new directions we set out again. The winds had picked up and were threatening to blow me over. It was so hard that I was delighted to see the van and trailer waiting at the 30-mile mark. They encouraged us to play it safe and ride the rest of the way with them. Marge and I were only too happy to accept their invitation and join two others who were already with them.
 |
| This road really is closed and we have to make a three-mile detour. |
When we came back to the motel, I redressed one of Lise's wounds and marveled at the improvement. Lise was impressed too. I surely ingested more calories today than I burned. Oh well!
Today was Jack Jeter's 79th birthday and I wasn't there to fête him, but Sally, our boys and lots of friends were very attentive in my stead. We turned off the lights at 9:30, listened to the thunder and watched the lightning (for a few seconds!) outside our window. It is supposed to be a beautiful day for cycling tomorrow.
2,421 miles behind us. 649 miles to pedal. 13 days to go. WOCN members, please donate!
Monday, April 18, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 42 Recap
Alternate post title: Thursday's Trauma.
Coming off yesterday's 92.6-mile ride and the fun WOCN dinner in Hammond, it seemed like a great day to SAG. I let Marge begin cycling in the cool of the morning.
I was just finishing doling out water and replenishing snacks to most of the cyclists at mile 20 when a utility van pulled over to say two of our cyclists were down "back aways" because a dog had come out after them. He told me they had been able to get up and ride but they would be slow coming in. All the cyclists hustled out of the way and I did a U-turn to go back and find them.
We met back at mile 17, not too far from where their falls occurred. Two other riders had come upon the scene, and were riding with them. Nancy had just a little road rash on her right elbow and a sore hip. She was ashen. Poor Lise was all banged up with partial and full thickness skin loss on her elbow, lateral knee area, upper leg and lateral malleolus. She said she had really banged her head. Thankfully, they both had good helmets. Lise was a bit dazed. She's our physician, and all she wanted was some Neosporin. No help from me!
We laid her out in a lovely driveway, put someone's jacket under her head, elevated her leg, iced her knee, and called our guides to report the incident. We were instructed to stay put until they came to assess the situation. Lise's head began to clear and she became more amenable to care for her wounds. I opened the bag Janet Davis had brought us in Navasota and found the perfect products. Of course, we carry a well-stocked First Aid kit in the SAG Wagon, too. It was surely by divine appointment that I was the SAG driver for the morning. WOC skills and dressings were crucial.
By the time the guides arrived, Lise was up and demonstrating that her mentation and balance were restored and she was ready to ride. Her helmet had been cracked so Carol, the guide, gave her hers to finish the day. I drove on about 12 miles and found Marge. We agreed we should wait there to be certain Lise and Nancy were alright. Victoria was riding with them.
I got my bike down and rode into Bogalusa. Marge kept a watchful eye from the SAG Wagon as the three made their way to the motel. She even used loud horn intimidation on another four dogs who were intent on chasing the riders. In Louisiana and Mississippi folks don't like to keep their canines restrained by fences or chains!
I realized, as I was riding along, that all the while I had been conversing with the lovely Southern lady about my age, Mrs. Peggy Forest, who had come out to check on the commotion in her driveway, that I was wearing my Anti Monkey Butt Powder hat with the picture of the monkey with a very red butt. I felt like I should ride all the way back and explain in case she had been offended!
After we showered and redressed Lise's wounds, I drove Nancy and Lise to Walmart* to buy new helmets. We discovered at the end of the ride that Nancy's had taken a bigger lick than she realized. It had a hole in it and a big crack. We found snazzy-looking certified helmets for each in the colors they prefer.
We came back for spaghetti, Caesar salad, pesto bread and watermelon for dinner. There was a gloppy chocolate cake for dessert, which I eschewed. I was more than ready to go to sleep at the end of that day.
We have just realized the need to re-calculate our days ahead. We only have two more weeks to ride. We had been including the arriving and departing day like WomanTours does.
2,361 miles behind us. 739 to pedal. Only 14 days to raise $16,000 dollars and get to St. Augustine.
*As we've traveled across the country we've seen Wal-Mart, Wal Mart with their snappy logo between the two words, and Walmart as one word. As long as they have ibuprofen and they're within walking or cycling distance, we don't care how they spell their name!
Coming off yesterday's 92.6-mile ride and the fun WOCN dinner in Hammond, it seemed like a great day to SAG. I let Marge begin cycling in the cool of the morning.
I was just finishing doling out water and replenishing snacks to most of the cyclists at mile 20 when a utility van pulled over to say two of our cyclists were down "back aways" because a dog had come out after them. He told me they had been able to get up and ride but they would be slow coming in. All the cyclists hustled out of the way and I did a U-turn to go back and find them.
We met back at mile 17, not too far from where their falls occurred. Two other riders had come upon the scene, and were riding with them. Nancy had just a little road rash on her right elbow and a sore hip. She was ashen. Poor Lise was all banged up with partial and full thickness skin loss on her elbow, lateral knee area, upper leg and lateral malleolus. She said she had really banged her head. Thankfully, they both had good helmets. Lise was a bit dazed. She's our physician, and all she wanted was some Neosporin. No help from me!
We laid her out in a lovely driveway, put someone's jacket under her head, elevated her leg, iced her knee, and called our guides to report the incident. We were instructed to stay put until they came to assess the situation. Lise's head began to clear and she became more amenable to care for her wounds. I opened the bag Janet Davis had brought us in Navasota and found the perfect products. Of course, we carry a well-stocked First Aid kit in the SAG Wagon, too. It was surely by divine appointment that I was the SAG driver for the morning. WOC skills and dressings were crucial.
 |
| Lise receiving medical attention after the dog attack. |
By the time the guides arrived, Lise was up and demonstrating that her mentation and balance were restored and she was ready to ride. Her helmet had been cracked so Carol, the guide, gave her hers to finish the day. I drove on about 12 miles and found Marge. We agreed we should wait there to be certain Lise and Nancy were alright. Victoria was riding with them.
 |
| Lise demonstrates that she has good balance and is ready to ride. |
I got my bike down and rode into Bogalusa. Marge kept a watchful eye from the SAG Wagon as the three made their way to the motel. She even used loud horn intimidation on another four dogs who were intent on chasing the riders. In Louisiana and Mississippi folks don't like to keep their canines restrained by fences or chains!
I realized, as I was riding along, that all the while I had been conversing with the lovely Southern lady about my age, Mrs. Peggy Forest, who had come out to check on the commotion in her driveway, that I was wearing my Anti Monkey Butt Powder hat with the picture of the monkey with a very red butt. I felt like I should ride all the way back and explain in case she had been offended!
After we showered and redressed Lise's wounds, I drove Nancy and Lise to Walmart* to buy new helmets. We discovered at the end of the ride that Nancy's had taken a bigger lick than she realized. It had a hole in it and a big crack. We found snazzy-looking certified helmets for each in the colors they prefer.
We came back for spaghetti, Caesar salad, pesto bread and watermelon for dinner. There was a gloppy chocolate cake for dessert, which I eschewed. I was more than ready to go to sleep at the end of that day.
We have just realized the need to re-calculate our days ahead. We only have two more weeks to ride. We had been including the arriving and departing day like WomanTours does.
2,361 miles behind us. 739 to pedal. Only 14 days to raise $16,000 dollars and get to St. Augustine.
*As we've traveled across the country we've seen Wal-Mart, Wal Mart with their snappy logo between the two words, and Walmart as one word. As long as they have ibuprofen and they're within walking or cycling distance, we don't care how they spell their name!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 41
We began our day with the gorgeous breakfast at the St. Francisville Inn. I had spinach quiche, grits and a taste of their crepe with stewed apples. It was 49 degrees when we cycled out at 7:00 a.m. to join up with the rest of the group 12 miles down the way, where we fixed our snacks for the 88-mile day. Marge and I were determined to finish. I made two PB&J sandwiches, grabbed two energy bars and a bag of nuts, and we were on our way again.
At mile 42, we were surprised to see all the riders congregated around the SAG Wagon. There was a road closure, and the guides were off exploring alternate routes. I ate another half of the sandwich I had fixed. Soon, we were given a new route -- which added only four miles to the day.
In Denham Springs, we stopped at a convenience store, and met some lovely folks from the Baptist Church. One sweet gentleman gave me his card, and asked me to please send him a note when we were home safely.
We pedaled along one road with lots of strawberries growing -- made me drool! I was very good about drinking lots, and eating at least every hour.
We arrived at the motel at 5:30 p.m. with the odometer reading 92.6 miles! We were grinning from ear to ear.
I quickly showered, and put on nice clothes and shoes for the first time in six weeks. Myra Varnado had arranged a dinner with the local WOC nurses. What a delight it was to regroup with old friends, and meet new ones! I took some excellent video that will be posted in due time.
I savored the oysters and the sampler plate. Christine shared her bread pudding. We took fun pictures on and around the humongous alligator in the restaurant lobby. The two young servers at the restaurant were exceptional, and the restaurant comped my meal. What a splendid conclusion for a memorable day -- the longest ride I have ever done! We were back at the motel by 9:00 p.m. for a good sleep.
2,306 miles behind us. 794 to pedal. 17 days to go.
At mile 42, we were surprised to see all the riders congregated around the SAG Wagon. There was a road closure, and the guides were off exploring alternate routes. I ate another half of the sandwich I had fixed. Soon, we were given a new route -- which added only four miles to the day.
In Denham Springs, we stopped at a convenience store, and met some lovely folks from the Baptist Church. One sweet gentleman gave me his card, and asked me to please send him a note when we were home safely.
We pedaled along one road with lots of strawberries growing -- made me drool! I was very good about drinking lots, and eating at least every hour.
We arrived at the motel at 5:30 p.m. with the odometer reading 92.6 miles! We were grinning from ear to ear.
 |
| The odometer says it all! This is the most miles I've ever ridden in one day. |
I quickly showered, and put on nice clothes and shoes for the first time in six weeks. Myra Varnado had arranged a dinner with the local WOC nurses. What a delight it was to regroup with old friends, and meet new ones! I took some excellent video that will be posted in due time.
I savored the oysters and the sampler plate. Christine shared her bread pudding. We took fun pictures on and around the humongous alligator in the restaurant lobby. The two young servers at the restaurant were exceptional, and the restaurant comped my meal. What a splendid conclusion for a memorable day -- the longest ride I have ever done! We were back at the motel by 9:00 p.m. for a good sleep.
2,306 miles behind us. 794 to pedal. 17 days to go.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 39
A day in Louisiana -- new agriculture and new accents! Breakfast (oatmeal) was at 6:00 a.m. We rode out at 6:45 a.m. when the temperature was in the mid-70s -- and had morning traffic in Lafayette for the first four miles! Since it was an 87-mile day to St. Francisville, Marge and split the SAG duties.
I cycled 45 miles in the morning, while she drove the SAG Wagon, and then we switched. Mine was a gorgeous ride amongst acres of wheat about a month before harvest time and fields ready to grow milo. When we exchanged conversation with the locals, their delightful Louisiana patois was evident from the first sentence.
I got off the bike briefly at 10 miles for an energy bar and energy drink. I rode and ate that bar for a little way. I'm learning! I stopped for a water refill and some cheese at the 20-mile SAG.
At 30 miles, I stopped briefly for more protein and energy drink. I felt really strong! It was a fast ride for me, too, because we were all meeting up to cross the narrow 3.5-mile Morganza Spillway -- a low, flat bridge of sorts. I stopped very briefly. Our group of riders rode two abreast, and we escorted them in the SAG Wagon with blinkers flashing. They were grateful for the security from the traffic whizzing by; we were grateful for the opportunity to keep them safe.
At the end of the Spillway, Marge began her ride. The afternoon was very different from the morning. We saw hay growing up the side of the levees.
We crossed the Mississippi on a ferry, which will be replaced when a 16-mile suspension bridge opens in August, and ended the day in the bucolic and historic town of St. Francisville.
Four of us were housed in the lovely old St. Francisville Inn. The rest stayed in the Butler Greenwood Plantation B&B. While theirs is a fairyland about three miles out of town, we were thrilled with our digs.
Bernie Cullen, past president of WOCN (from 1991 to 1993) and Linda Kelley Davis, a WOC nurse from New Orleans, had driven over two hours to be with me. We enjoyed Café au lait and a good visit before we had to return to the Plantation for dinner with our group.
Just before dinner, the clouds that had been darkening and cooling the afternoon to the low 80s delivered a 10-minute thunderstorm. It cooled and refreshed the air, without causing inconvenience or discomfort to anyone!
Linda prepared hamburgers (veggie burgers for Lisa and me) on the grill, potato salad, slaw and three kinds of Blue Bell ice cream with chocolate sauce. I ate two scoops of vanilla, and one of chocolate mint with chocolate sauce over it all. And I didn't feel guilty for very long!
Marge and I were in the bed by 9:00 p.m., looking forward to our rest day and I, looking forward to more catching up with Bernie and Linda.
2,213 miles behind us. 887 miles to pedal. 19 days to go.
I cycled 45 miles in the morning, while she drove the SAG Wagon, and then we switched. Mine was a gorgeous ride amongst acres of wheat about a month before harvest time and fields ready to grow milo. When we exchanged conversation with the locals, their delightful Louisiana patois was evident from the first sentence.
I got off the bike briefly at 10 miles for an energy bar and energy drink. I rode and ate that bar for a little way. I'm learning! I stopped for a water refill and some cheese at the 20-mile SAG.
 |
| Beautiful swamp! |
At 30 miles, I stopped briefly for more protein and energy drink. I felt really strong! It was a fast ride for me, too, because we were all meeting up to cross the narrow 3.5-mile Morganza Spillway -- a low, flat bridge of sorts. I stopped very briefly. Our group of riders rode two abreast, and we escorted them in the SAG Wagon with blinkers flashing. They were grateful for the security from the traffic whizzing by; we were grateful for the opportunity to keep them safe.
 |
| We were close behind with blinkers flashing. |
At the end of the Spillway, Marge began her ride. The afternoon was very different from the morning. We saw hay growing up the side of the levees.
 |
| Hay just harvested from the levee. |
We crossed the Mississippi on a ferry, which will be replaced when a 16-mile suspension bridge opens in August, and ended the day in the bucolic and historic town of St. Francisville.
 |
| It's a six-minute ferry ride across the Mississippi. |
 |
| Cyclists come off the ferry. |
Four of us were housed in the lovely old St. Francisville Inn. The rest stayed in the Butler Greenwood Plantation B&B. While theirs is a fairyland about three miles out of town, we were thrilled with our digs.
 |
| The magical entrance to the Butler Greenwood Plantation, where 12 of our group stayed. |
Bernie Cullen, past president of WOCN (from 1991 to 1993) and Linda Kelley Davis, a WOC nurse from New Orleans, had driven over two hours to be with me. We enjoyed Café au lait and a good visit before we had to return to the Plantation for dinner with our group.
 |
| Every tired cyclist would be rejuvenated by a visit from Bernie Cullen and Linda Kelley Davis -- I sure was! They were so generous to drive the long distance to welcome me to Louisiana. |
Just before dinner, the clouds that had been darkening and cooling the afternoon to the low 80s delivered a 10-minute thunderstorm. It cooled and refreshed the air, without causing inconvenience or discomfort to anyone!
 |
| There was a 40% chance of rain today. |
Linda prepared hamburgers (veggie burgers for Lisa and me) on the grill, potato salad, slaw and three kinds of Blue Bell ice cream with chocolate sauce. I ate two scoops of vanilla, and one of chocolate mint with chocolate sauce over it all. And I didn't feel guilty for very long!
Marge and I were in the bed by 9:00 p.m., looking forward to our rest day and I, looking forward to more catching up with Bernie and Linda.
2,213 miles behind us. 887 miles to pedal. 19 days to go.
Wordless Wednesday: The Wallet Manuever
Diane Franz and me. She's a veteran cyclist who has taken me under her wing (literally in this picture!) and taught me all sorts of helpful riding and gearing techniques.
When she was using a particular hand maneuver that I didn't recognize, I thought I better learn it. When I showed her how she was reaching to her lower back with her left hand, she seemed perplexed. "Oh," she said, "that. I'm just checking to make sure my wallet is in my pocket!"
When she was using a particular hand maneuver that I didn't recognize, I thought I better learn it. When I showed her how she was reaching to her lower back with her left hand, she seemed perplexed. "Oh," she said, "that. I'm just checking to make sure my wallet is in my pocket!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)