Currently in Accra, Ghana to do some site visits to libraries and interviews with librarians, educators, and administrators. Today I walked through the Nima Market and found an interesting blend of bikes and books. Enjoy.

Overnight to Damascus, Va.

John and I made another overnight trip to Damascus, Virginia from Todd, NC. Unlike two years ago, when we ran into a hailstorm and cold rain (John nearly got hypothermia), this trip was warm and mostly sunny. Our route took us over many steep gravel roads that required walking our bikes. It was the closest one can get to backpacking with touring bikes.

Asheville to Boone

Ian and his girlfriend Sarah graduated from UNC-Ashevill on May 10th! We spent the day celebrating in Asheville with brownies, gifts, meals, and a movie. Next day, John, Emma, and I headed out to ride our bikes back to Boone, with Ian driving the sag-wagon. First stage- 30 mile ascent up the Blue Ridge Parkway. I think Emma was a bit stunned by the uphill. She told us she kept going thinking a downhill would be around the next corner. Guess we should have warned her. We rode 53 miles the first day, spent the night in Little Switzerland, and rode 43 miles the next day. Good training for Emma for Bike and Build. And thanks to Ian for keeping up with us, real enjoyed having the whole family together.

Spring Break in Florida

Our family headed down to Florida for Spring Break. One main objective was to get Emma ready for riding her bike across the United States this year with Bike and Build. She is raising $4,500 to ride across the country with 30+ other young people to support Habitat for Humanity. Yes, she totally stole our dream but I couldn't be happier for her or prouder! We rode over 150 miles during the week and initiated our daughter into the ways of the bike (seat soreness, head winds, and lots of eating. We were happy that our son Ian came along as well, especially since he was nearing graduation from UNC-Asheville. Good times!

Photoset of Utah/Grand Canyon Trip

To see more pictures of our 11-day cycling trip of Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon, please go to our Flickr photos.

Mojoes in Damascus

The Saga of Sandy and Daryl's Tires

The saga of Sandy and Daryl's tires (see first picture). Started life in Indonesia, or possibly Taiwan.Traveled across the ocean to Germany or more likely, to the U.S, where they were shipped from California via Denver to Maryland in the suburbs of D.C. The tires followed Sandy and Daryl to Page, AZ for a great bicycle adventure. Sandy and Daryl left Page before the tires arrived. Next stop for the tires was Bryce Canyon National Park, but Sandy and Daryl had already left Bryce Canyon National Park. What to do? Rumor said that their was a North Rim Post Office at the Grand Canyon, and sure enough, there is (see second picture). The tires arrive at the Grand Canyon, enjoy the view and wait for Daryl to pick them up. Daryl does pick them up. Tires arrive at Sandy and Daryl's campsite (see first picture) on Day 8 of the journey where they are placed on Daryl's bike (see third picture) to complete their great adventure.

Descending into Zion

Robert shared this video he took of the descent into Zion Canyon on July 29. A spectacular place! Select the HD quality version if your network speed can support it.

Southern Utah/Grand Canyon Trip

John, Daryl, Dean, Paul, Sandy, and Mike. Leaving Red Canyon on the way to Cedar Breaks.

It was around 40 degrees when we left Cedar Breaks for Zion, but the sun was shining and we were descending from over 10,000 feet to less than 4,000.

On the way to the Grand Canyon on highway 67. A intense fire swept through this area in 2006, and what was a pine forest is now becoming an aspen forest (the green plants in the background). 

Southern Utah/Grand Canyon - July 23 - August 3

We had a great trip with wonderful companions, beautiful scenery, and lots of food. And we did some cycling too! 600 miles over nine days with two rest days (for hiking and staying off the bike) at Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon.

On highway 67 into GCNP.

One Day Left

Left the North Rim this morning, tonight in Kanab, tomorrow the ride ends in Page. It has been 10 days of great fun and adventure.

Grand Canyon

Easy day to the North Rim, with a rest day included. Tonight, dinner at the lodge, and a presentation on John Wesley Powell.

Grand Canyon

Entering Grand Canyon National Park on the North Rim.

Cycling to Kanab

Heading towards Kanab, UT. Not your typical western NC landscape.

Page AZ

Horseshoe Bend overlook of the Colorado, near Page AZ. Easy day of cycling exploring the Page area.

Cycling Trip Out West

1st stop, Norman, OK, for some pre-ride relaxation with Joyce & Randy, kids, and grandkids. Very nice way to spend two days in OK.

Randonneurs Are In It For The Ride, Not The Race : NPR

Randonneuring goes mainstream...

Southern Utah/Grand Canyon Trip

Day two profile of our trip in Southern Utah and the Grand Canyon. It's getting close!

Lizard Under the Skillet

http://www.lbc-cycling.com/rides/lizard.html

A beautiful morning ride in Lawrence, KS. I saw no lizards (too early), and it was not hot. It did get up to 97 degrees later in the day, but we were already on our way back to Boone.

The obligatory headshot of Beth and John at the end of the Lizard Under the Skillet ride. "I never tire of this shot, do you?"

Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway

Our friend, and trip(s) organizer, Paul Gordy recently put together this powerpoint presentation of our 2013 Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway trip.