Biking Along Lake Michigan (in Chicago)

Climbing on the Parkway

No this is not a flat stretch. Beth is climbing.

There are two things you will absolutely do on the parkway, climb and descend. The former will last at least 7 times longer than the latter. So when climbing you have plenty of time to reflect on the bugs, the scenery, your job, your life, the salamanders (bright orange), the flowers, the trees, your body, what to eat next, the coming descent, nothing at all (what jb usually thinks about), whatever.

Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway

We started this trip on May 8 and finished on May 17. 623 miles and 60,000 feet of climbing. From Front Royal, VA to Cherokee, NC. Below is the obligatory shot of John and Beth standing on a bridge overlooking a river, in this case, the James River, on the morning of the 4th day of the journey. Still a great picture though.

Five Boro Bike Tour

Geri, John, Beth, Andie, and Ralph

On May 5 we participated in the Five Boro Bike Tour in NYC. Great day, a bit cool, but lots of nice riding with only a few bottlenecks.

Southern Utah/Grand Canyon Trip

We did finish the Canadian trip then headed off to France for the remainder of the year. What's in store for 2013? Paul Gordy, our friend from Virginia has put together two trips in 2013. We have committed to riding them both. I'm really psyched about the Southern Utah/Grand Canyon trip.

Here's the tentative itinerary of the Utah/Grand Canyon trip:

Paul rides the Blue Ridge Parkway every other year. We did it in 2011, northbound, with Skyline Drive thrown in (I think he was attracted by the 60,000 feet of climbing). This year it's southbound, and Skyline Drive is once again included. If you want to do this ride and enjoy it you need to be in shape. A great motivator to get back in the saddle on a regular bases.

Here's the tentative itinerary of the Skyline/BRP trip:

 

 Looks like fun!

Saint Lawrence River and Quebec City. 8/28

Finished the Gaspe Peninsula this morning. Began the day riding in the rain but managed to outrun the clouds rest of the day.

Rode along the Saint Lawrence River the rest of the day. Gorgeous. Surprised how beautiful it is. Reminded me of France. As soon as you leave one small village, you see the steeple of the church up ahead. Adorable small houses, some very distinctive.

Arrived in Quebec City late afternoon. The old town below the Chateau Frontenac really is very Disney-like, an artificial sameness in all the over-priced restaurants and boutiques. We did enjoy riding the bike around the other areas of Quebec City.

Gaspe Peninsula and food. 8/27

Another day along the Gaspe. Beautiful and good riding.

A passing truck signaled we had dropped something. Our food bag had fallen off our bike. Casualties: box of mushrooms, can of milk, most of our oatmeal, and the bag itself.

We have been eating healthy on this trip. We meet oatmeal in camp or a cheap breakfast, fruit for lunch, and prepare our own dinner. Memorable meals include: sautéed mushrooms and onions with mashed potatoes; chili with sharp cheddar, fritos, and cauliflower; and sandwiches with avocado, Camembert, cucumber, and tomato on fresh baguette.