West Yellowstone, Montana 1400 give or take

Greetings campers!! Aloha from the big sky country. When they say that they're not kidding either. The big wind country too!!! Holy schmoly. Spent the last 24 hours battling a serious headwinf that seemd to be coming from every direction on the compass rose. I swear it followed me. Not to worry though, brave comrades, my spririts are high and my BO is flowing freely.
As always, where to begin? The last days have been filled with so much beauty. The Bitterroots, Beaverhead and countless other mountain ranges. Killer mosquitoes, huge storms and a thousand other things. I wish I could tell about them all.
I guess I'll tell you about my day yesterday. What a day!! I'm not sure what it was but I felt as fresh as a spring rain. My legs that is, other parts may be a bit south. Got off nice and early from the town of Dillon MT after an enormous greasy b-fast and about a gallon of coffee. I felt like there was no limit to what my legs could do. The miles just flew by, and the scenery was fantastic. Only one small setback. It's getting incredibly hot. 90's and scorching. Some of you out there may say "ahh yes, but it's a dry heat". I will forgo my response to this theory because I was alway taught if you have nothing nice to say say nothing at all. Dry or not, it's murderous. I can't seem to ever drink enough water. The heat, however, is no match for the joy of traveling with such freedom. It also led to another great purge of gear. I am now officially down to bare bones. All the long underwear, hats and socks are gone. Stay tuned, rain gear and fleece will be going soon. anyway, we're talking shop, back to the riding.
Seeing as I seem to have been born under a lucky sign for this trip, soon after lightening my load the clouds began to roll in. What a blessing!!! There were even short bursts of rain. I would have loved a serious downpour, but anything was better than nothing. The riding was fairly easy for the first 55 miles to Va. City. I took a nice relaxing break here and planned to stay for a bit, but the clouds kept rolling in. Within minutes there was a hellacious wind blowing......right up the pass outside of town. Can't pass that up, so I was off. while the pass was incredibly steep, the wind gave me that extra boost and I topped out in no time. If you had told me I would be climbing hills like that a few months ago I never would have left home. These days, it's just what you do. The wind was blowing so strong it literally carried me over the 1/2mile of flat on the top, as though it wanted me to see what was on the other side.....
And what was on the other side. THE HOLY OF HOLIES. The one. The alpha and the omega. Moment of silence please. In the next 16 minutes I covered 9 miles. Do the math. This was the one. It took a death grip on both front and rear brakes to keep the bike under 35 mph, which is fast enough for me. And the view was unrivaled. Huge granite peaks ringing all sides of the valley. I'm not sure whether I was more happy or scared, but I screamed like an idiot the whole way. What a ride.
At the bottom in the town of Ennis was where I had planned to spend the night, but I arrived so early I decided to press on. I had had a few easy days and really felt like seeing what I had. Whether this was a good idea is up for debate. For the next four hours I battled into a 30 knot headwind, sometimes barely making forward progress and covering only 25 more mile. The pace was barley faster than a climbing speed. But I felt great and was simply happy to be healthy and able. I wasn't worried about the miles, I just wanted to keep going.
I cut it off at a clean 95 miles and set up camp with just enought time to write in my journal and do a little reading before dark. My legs hurt, my heart swelled and my mind raced. Yesterday was the first day that it struck me that I'm really out there. A long way from home both east and west. It feels good.I have really fallen into a rythm out here. Ahh, but the day was over. Shortly after I dozed off I was awakened by the flashing of lightning over the ridge next to my camp. What followed was the biggest baddest storm I have ever seen. The wind must have been blowing at least 50 knots consistently with gusts much higher. I have never seen so much lighting in my life, and at times the whole earth seemed to shake when the thunder rollled. What an experience. My only worry was that my tent would rip or a pole break. But it was solid as a rock. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever experienced. I felt very small during that 1/2 hour or so.
I'm at the gates of Yellowstone (Jellystone) National Park currently. I haven't decided whether or not to go in tonight or tomorrow. The next few days should be some of the most beautiful of the trip, and that's saying a lot. These past 3 or 400 miles have been amazing. The mountains and vistas here could almost swallow a person. It's hard to believe but soon I'll be at the point of no return, where it is farther to go back than forward. I've never felt so healthy or confident in my life. I am really seeing the country in a whole new way.
Well, my time on the computer is coming to and end. Until next time. Big hugs to all my family and loved ones. I'll see ya'll sooner than you think!!!!

Photo Journal #3

Hello everyone -

Jordan here, Mac's A Ride For The Kids Online Administrator. Just wanted to let you all know if you're having trouble viewing any online information in either the actual A Ride For The Kids website or in this here blog, there's something you can do to alleviate the problem. Try emptying your "cache" which you can find in your "preferences" tabs in the upper right hand corner of your browser window, probable under either, "File" or "Edit". This should clear up most problems.

Here are also some more photos below of our rider, Mac, working his way through the rough and tumble mid-west!

Welcome to Idaho


Broken bottle of liquid soap in the bag!


Words to Live By!


The Score: Whitebird - 1 / Mac - 0, Super-steep Hill!!!


Lochsa River


Oh Yeah!!!


The good life and a good soak!!!

Photo Journal #2

Here are the some photos from the road everyone, hope y'all enjoy them!

Home Sweet Home


mmm, Wet Gear!


Cascade Lava Fields


McKenzie Pass (Brrr)


Sisters, OR


The Nightly Routine


Purty Flowers


What Goes Up Must Come Down!


Black Butte in the Distance


The Amazing, Future WBA Star JESSICA Showing how she beat me at PIG!!!

June 16th, Missoula, Montana 1,000 miles

Greetings one and all from the big sky country. So much to tell, so much to tell. Celebrated my two week anniversary on the road last night. I can't believe it's only been two weeks, it feels like a lifetime of adventure and experience has been packed into these 15 short days. I really starting to feel like a bit of a road dog. I look it, feel it, and certainly smell it. My funk has officially reached terminal velocity. I woke up last night to a strange sound and found my clothes trying to bike off without me. When I left you last I was fat and happy, if somewhat odiferous in Baker City, OR. Shortly after my communique with the outside world I located a laundromat, shower and place to camp. Within an hour or so all was right with the world and I was soaking in a hot tub at the local RV resort. Just what these aching old bones needed. Shortly after my bout with a bar of soap, lucky for them, I met two eastbound transam'ers. Elizabeth, and Amy, both from Santa Cruz, CA. Really nice folks. I know what you're thinking. Southern CA? Nice? But it's true. I ended up falling in line with them for a few days and sharing some gorgeous pedaling. Before we get into that though, there is some great news. The go light craze has hit once again. On a whim I set home my two front saddle bags and in doing so dropped a solid 5 pounds off my bike. Gabe is rolling his eyes at this one, but hey you're the one with the umbrella. I can almost pretend thee is no load at all on my bike when I look down at that bare front fork. I'm hoping to shave off a few more pounds here in Missoula and really get down to brass tacks. because "it's the" what? "BEAR NECESSITIES, those simple bear necessities" Sing it if you know it. So with a new found lightness I struck off from Baker City with Elizabeth and Amy and headed for parts unknown. I really don't know where to begin so I'll just it a few of the high spots. In Richland OR we were treated to the kindest hospitality ever in a small cafe. The girls had their meals bought for them, and everyone in the place offered words of encouragement and support. They also placed bets on who would make it up the hill outside of town first. I was the dark horse apparently. I also met an amazing man who is taking on the task of raising 2 million dollars to build a hospital in Tanzania. He has invited me over to work and explore. HMMMM? This was going to be the last adventure, but.......The hill outside of town turned out to be a monster, and of course at the top the wind was blowing in our faces like crazy. If you'r wondering who won, I offer this advice. Always bet the tri-fecta, it pays big. Although it was close thanks on part to the meal elizabeth ate before embarking. Greasy grilled cheese, fries, and a brownie sunday. She found her "second wind" towards the top. allright enough of that. On the backside we dropped into one of the most beautiful towns I have ever seen. Straight out of the sound of music. The tiny town of Halfway, OR nestled up against the Cornucopia Mountain range. Great place. Went out and shot some pool with the ladies and then returned to camp and played a mean game of PIG with the owners grand daughter jessica. She is a mean baller, but I barely slid by with a victory with a long shot. However, the next day this future WNBA star took me to task with a mean reverse lay up. 1-1. I'll be back soon for the decisive 2 out of 3 Jessica? From there we rode into hells canyon, which was gorgeous, and also crossed out first state ine into Idaho. The ride that day was beautiful. The climb out was steep but good except for one major problem. I had "cherish" by madonna stuck in my head most of the way up. errrrr!!! Not good at all. Probably the worst thing to happen on the trip thus far. Unfortunately the next day I parted ways with my two newfound and struck out again on my own. We have made tentative plans to meet up for the 4th of July if we can. I'm already planning all the decorations I'm going to put on my bike. It'll be just like the parade on sylvan road. Only I'm 27. Who cares right? I had my first technical difficulty in the form of a broken spoke and a severelly bent wheel shortly after parting ways with cali 1 and 2. My wheel was so out of alignment that I had to release the back brake and push on with only my front one. O course down a huge hill. Found a nice free spot to camp in the town of Riggins that night where they were kind enough to offer a free shower at 2;30 in the morning via the sprinkler system. Luckily with my keen road instincts I was able to sense the danger just in time to make a quick escape. Fight or flight, and I chose flight. The next morning as luuck would have it I came across a bike shop that wasn't on the map. The Guides House, run by a young guy named George Nuckols. One of the nicest folks you'll ever meet. While he did not have the right spoke size to fix the problem, he was able to straighten my wheel and rig it weel enough that it made it all the way to the next town where there was a shop that could finish the job. It held George, positive thoughts worked. I want to thank George faor saving me a 50 mile ride on a wobbly wheel. He has a great business going there in Riggins and around the world. At his sight at www.guideshouse.com you can find a guide for anything, and anywhere. George himself is quite a traveler and an all around good guy, even brought me a cup of coffee while I waited. If you're ever in the area check him out. thanks again. Okay this is getting to be an epic saga, and there is a free BBQ at the ADventure Cycling headquarters here. Free food always takes priority folks. Yesterday and today I had the pleasure of riding through some of the prettiest country yet. Lolo Pass. I am hot on the trail of Lewis and CLark at this point. Manly men, even if thesy had frills and ruffles on some of their clothes. The road went up for 77 miles following the Lochsa river through a nearly untouched wilderness. I spent entire hours and countless miles mesmerized by the beautiful scenery around me. I also found the greatest hot springs ever, where I spent a good 2 hours lounging yesterday. I had to work hard to pull myself out. But after a quick dip in the frigid river waters that ran right by the warm pools I was off. I have begun to run into quite a few other eastboubounders in the past few days. It's good to know they're out there. There is so much more to tell, but it will have to wait for another time. Like I said I feel like I have lived an entire lifetime since my last entry and coul honestly go on forever. I'm planning on taking a day off tomorrow to rest and relax here in Missoula. I think it will be nice to find a good shady park and just set myself under a tree and read. Yellowstone soon!! One correction from my last entry. The 11,400 foot pass is not in Idaho, it's in Colorado. oops. Hey I suck in a lot of carbon monoxide out there, give me a break. Again thanks to everyone for the words of support, it means a lot. Until next time, tell a friend, and thanks to gordo for keeping the site current. New pics should be arriving at his door soon. Take care."I sit back and let my eyes just go flowing now where they want to flow they seem to take to the horizon. And now I know there is a world beyond the small place I was coming from I feel at home here in the middle of nowhere. I will never know the names of these places that I travel through to reach a coastline, I've been told I will be there in time.

June 9th FTR!

Baker City, OR June 9th 562 miles
Greetings all!!! What can I say!!! Life is so good it's just not fair. Took a nice short day into Baker City today to do some much need washing of gear, clothes, and especially myself!!! And to EAT!!!!!! food food food eat eat eat. The riding is going incredibly. Despite my short 50 miler today, still averaging 70+ a day. Idaho is just outside of town. I can't believe I've already crossed Oregon. I think I'll be taking my daily averages way down to 50 or so miles a day for Idaho. I took a look ahead at the next map and the terrain looks huge. If I didn't believe the map all I have to do is step outside and look to the east at those snowcapped peaks and know I've got my work cut out for me. Bring it on, I'm ready, I have no doubt. It's strange to say, but I think I love the hills. The steeper and longer the better. Put it in granny gear and crank. It just feeld good, and I take real pride in the hills I'm crossing. I feel strong and am constantly amazed by the varying terrain and vegetation. In on day I can go from desert, to pine forests into deep hardwood stands, it's incredible.
So how to describe the last few days? I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll just tell ya'll about one of my favorite days. If I went into detail about it all I'd never get washed, and believe me for the good of this small mountain community I need a shower.
I guess it was two days ago coming out of a little town called Mitchell that it happened. Straight out of town was a large hill, to speak modestly. winding and straight up. That's the best way though, no wondering about what gear to use, just throw it in granny, put your nose down and spin. All the training leading up to this has really paid off, I'm in no way quick on the ups, but I feel like I can go forever. Someone who had obviously suffered this hill before me had come back and taken the time to spray paint encouragement and jokes on the shoulder on the way up. It kept me cracking up the whole way, and eager to climb to see what they had written next. Thanks to whoever did that. But that's besides the point, the hill isn't what I want to tell you about, it's what came next.
Upon topping out and throwing on some wind gear I began a descent into a memory that will stay with me forever. Huge mesas as far as the eye could see, only occasionally topped with small stand of fir, but mostly sage and juniper. On three sides of me a huge electric storm was breaking, boiling and purple with bright flashes of lighting on the horizon. You could smell the electricity and rain on the breeze. When I looked at the map I knew this was going to be a nice long descent, but how long I had no idea. For the next 2 1/2 hours and 20+ miles I rolled down through every tightening canyons and ravines and into more and more sparse desert conditions. Sometimes rolling along at only 5 mph, sometimes 30+, with nothing more than gravity to speed me on my way. I don't think I pedaled more than 1 1/2 miles of that long descent. As I descended into the deepest of the canyon huge sage brush choked the valley right up to the road, many towering several feet over my head. Remember spring has just come to this area and the sage was at it's most fragrant. The smell was intoxicating, the view breathtaking, all the while lighting flashing all around. The road followed a small brooke that bubbled quietly deside me the entire length. I feel like time stood stil while I glided through those valleys, it's really hard to describe. The only rush came in the form of a huge hound dog, who meant business. I found speed I never knew I had. At the bottom of the canyon I came into an area known as the John Day Fossil Beds, on of the most varied in the world. It was like a small grand canyon. When I finally got spit out of the valley at the end of those hours it was a short spin to a nearby town for a shower and food. That section on that afternoon was one of the happiest moments of my life and will stay with me until I die. Like I say, it's hard to describe.
The past few days have come and gone much the same, with beautiful vistas around each corner and a couple friendly faces. Spent a good hour yesterday chatting with a local bike guide Andrew (is that right?, I'm so bad with names) who was out scouting routes for clients. I really appreciate simple conversations these days. I am in no way lonely though, I really enjoy all the quiet. Lots of time to think and dream. If I was hard pressed to tell you where my minds goes on the hours on the bike I don't think I could. Happened to cross paths with Andrew again today and shared a nice ride and chat into town. Check out www.wildheartcycling.com to see what he's up to. Thanks for the chat, best of luck. Other than that, just soaking in all the sights and sounds of Baker City. It's a really charming city nestled right up in the mountains. Took in a huge lunch of a bacon cheesburger, and an enormous chx ceasar salad, with tons of coffee. Eating vegetarian has had to take a back seat for the moment. Curb your enthusiasm dad!!! It's impossible to find anything out here that fits the bill. It'll probably take my stomach a week or so to cross back over, but I think I'm ready for the challenge. I might get roughed up enquiring about tofu in these parts.
I can only think of one real set back so far. While camping just East of nowhere last night a little kookacho (a.k.a critter, varmint, things that go sniff sniff rustle rustle in the night) snuck into camp and ate the straps off mu helmet to get the salt from my sweat. Unreal. Never thought to hide that. It still straps on, but I look a little ragged. Ahh well, it's gonna take more than that to wipe the smile off my face. Things just keep getting better and better. Send positive thoughts this way for Idaho my way if you would. There's an 11,400 foot pass out there with my name on it. Think about the down on the backside though!!!! all the best to all ya'll.

Photo Journal #1

Here are the some photos from the road everyone, hope y'all enjoy them!

Astoria. Transamerican Starting Point


Me & Tremby


First view of Pacific


Oregon Coast. Beautiful view!!!


Backroads


Bike Bites Back!!!


The Altmans from Idaho


Lunch. I love Peanut Butter.


Why we rush home (Sonoma cooking)

June 6th Update From the Road (or to be known as FTR)

June 6th Sisters, OR 326 miles
Greetings all. Sorry for the delay in updates, but when you're on a bike sometimes things take a little longer than you plan. I've only got 15 minutes on the computer here so I'll have to make this fast.
The ride is going amazing. So much has happened in the last few days I'm not sure how to fit it all in. We'll begin at the begining. The first day out of Astoria was incredible. My stomach was filled with butterflies on the ride up, but the minute I hit the road I felt only one thing: calm. All the training and thinking that has gone into this ride was well worth it. as I rolled out of town I fell into an easy rythm and happily pedaled my way down the coast. A good friend of mine from colorado joined me about 20 miles in and shared that first day down the coast. Though it was supposed to rain all day we were lucky enough to get bright sun and a good tailwind after the first 1o miles. That night was spent at my friends girlfriends house in rockaway beach grilling oysters and lounging. It almost felt like cheating.
Day two was spent slogging through a steady rain down the coast. Despite the rain my legs felt strong and my spirits were high. The oregon coast is beautiful. Sadly after only two days I turned my back on Big Blue and headed east into the Coast Range. I finished my day off at a fruit stand after a long climb with a few apples and bananas and had an easy roll to the campground and home for the night. That night I met the nicest family from Idaho, who are on their way to bike from the coast to D.C then up to Portland Maine. It's mom and dad and four kids, the youngest of which I believe was 10. Can you believe it? they're gung ho though and I think they are in for a heck of an adventure. They have a website that I will post the address for when I can. My journal is on my bike and that's where I have the info. I wish them all the best of luck though, and hope they're all singing "happy songs" all summer. the address for the Altman's website is www.cdapress.com/altman . they are riding not only to see the country and learn it's history but to promote families spending quality time together. Again, all the best, and maybe we'll cross paths in yellowstone.
After cruising down out of the coast range into the Willamete Valley, most of day three was spent thinking about what I wanted to eat. While the plan was to stop after 55 mile in Corvallis, once I saw the Coburg Hills I knew I was headed home. Eugen is at the base of those hills and a warm bed and a hot meal. It was really neat to be able to see the hills all the way across the valley and have a real visual gauge for my progress. All in all it was a solid 92 mile into town. It was all worth while because when I walked in the door their was a whole mess of hand fried tacos with avacadoes, spinach, tomatoes, cilantro, onions and salsa, with a side of refried beans and rice. Thanks momma!!! I've never had it so good. All your hospitality was more appreciated than you'll know.
The nest day was spent running errands and tying up loose ends that occures to me while riding. Nothing very exciting. Just a lot of eating and sleeping. Oh, there was one thing that was exciting, I changed my bike seat. The old one was tearing me up after only a few days. the new one is like a little slice of heaven and I am happy to say that my posterior and I are back on speaking terms.
I'll have to say it seemed like all the riding prior to Eugene was just a warm up for the real ride. I knew I had a warm bed and friendly familiar faces to look forward to. As far as I'm concerned the real ride started yesterday when I had to say goodbye for real to my friends and hometown and head off into places unknown. As luck would have it I set off into a stead rain. It's supposed to rain for the next week actually. Ahh well, I'll get a nice hard break in and then hopefully some breaks.
Despite being cold and wet all day, the riding was gorgeous yesterday. My legs seem to feel stronger and stronger each day, and every turn in the road has my curiosity peaked. Put in 65 miles to the base of Mckenzie pass last night where I decided it was best to hole up and dry off. Good call. It rained steadily all night, but I wouldn't have known the way I slept. My new tent seems to be pretty solid, thanks Marge!! I slept almost 11 hours before I finally drug myself out of bed into another wet day. No amount of rain or cold could diminish my excitment. Today I had Mckenzie pass to climb. A solid 5,000 foot climb over 20 miles, and my largest test to date. I left camp feeling strong, and never seemed to slow. I found a nice smooth rythm and stuck with it all the way to the top, only stopping to change cd's and drink water. Oh yeah, and to take pictures of the snow storm, that's right snow storm. I'm not talking a few flakes, but a full on white out. Ahh, summer in the northwest. Despite the snow the riding was excellent, and I took pride in my eagerness to push on in spite of the weather. By the time I reached the top I was half frozen. I couldn't feel my fingers and my feet had long since gone numb in my wet shoes. I only stopped briefly at the top for a little food and some photos. the wind was howling and the snow sting my face when I faced it. The terrain up there is gorgeous. Lava flows come right up to the road from both sides. Most of the mountains were obscured by the clouds, which was unfortunate becasue this is one of my favorite areas in Oregon. And now.....The ride down!!!! Before descending I put on every stitch of clothing I own and crossed myself not to get plowed by any oncoming traffic. It was amazing, a solid 45 minutes of nothing but holding the brakes. At least I think I was holding them, my hands were to numb to tell. Miles flew by and the scenery quickly changed from snow and gloom to a bright and summy day in the valley. What a ride. I feel fantastic. My legs are solid as a rock, and I've now crossed my first major pass. Things are really looking up. I rolled easily into the town of Sisters OR, where I wrangled up a few slices of pizza and will soon be headed to the laundromat to dry off all my gear. I'm hoping to get in 25 or 30 miles before camp tonight. I'd like to thank everyone for their kind letters of encouragement. It's nice to hear from you all. Life on the road os great and only getting better. I should be in Idaho in a few days. I'll send my next update from there. There will be a slight delay with this first round of pictures, but I hope to have them posted by weeks end. Pray for better weather!!

Welcome!

Welcome to the first official entry to the A Ride For the Kids online journal!

This is where I will keep everyone up-to-date with my all-terrain adventure stories and photos during my three month trek across the United States. This site will be updated bi-weekly with anecdotes direct from the road and photographic evidence of the ride.

Thank you all for visiting this site and supporting Brenner Children's Hospital and this cross-country endeavor!

Best -

Mac