I am so proud of you both. Gerard, for taking on a challenge of this magnitude, and Jen, for willingly shouldering the myriad of details that make it all possible. What a great partnership!! I am enjoying your posts as you are both very entertaining writers, so keep up the writing. Maybe your next joint project could be a book??!!
I'm hoping to make it to Portland, Oregon also, but won't be able to if you don't get there between August 2 and 4 at the latest, as I will be swinging into Frenetic Mode at school!!! Flying from one end of the country to the other is as much of a workout as I'm up to I'm afraid. Enjoy your little break to rejuvenate yourself.
From Rick: I got to tell you, I LOVE the blog. The way you and Jen write, I feel I am on the Journey with you. I look forward to reading it every night before bed. It is my new addiction. You both are amazing and the love and respect you have for each other shows in your writings. Thanks for sharing, be safe..
Good Morning to both of you!!! I have been reading your blog and truly love it! I feel like you are in the office telling me the details of the trip, the people, and funny stories/people you have encountered. The U.S. is a great place to vacation, and just knowing that you are meeting the best people "Ever" makes the ride even better. I'm sure you are helping to make the people connect with you with your positive energy, (and a adorable, kind, sweet, wife always a plus!) You make the old saying so true: "The shortest distance between two people is a smile" Good luck on your journey, stay safe, and rest some on the Lords Day. Holly
Hey from your favourite Dunkin' Donuts employee, Ethan! Thanks for the kind words, I was and am truly flattered! The fact that you waited in line just to commend me on my service simply made my morning. Great blog. All the best on your excursion!
Ethan, first of all, sorry about messing up your name. Second of all, the fact that you even NOTICED that I got in line again makes you even more impressive! As you probably recall, the customers at that point were literally lined up outside the door, yet your efficient, no-nonsense Indiana manner kept them filing through at a quick pace. Thanks again for a great D&D experience!
Illinois! What is your mile update? By the way, I floated down a river this weekend in Apopka, Florida in an intertube. There was a moment when I thought of your journey and felt a bit guilty- but it was fleeting:) It was too divine to feel guilty for long. Stay safe and keep writing!
Gerard: You've come a long way (sorry for the pun) from the days of "Jeremy" and South Orange Avenue... Jen: We met once a long time ago in a restaurant on University Parkway in Sarasota... To you both: I am so glad that you found one another, became husband and wife, and are now on this incredible journey together! What a great team the two of you make! I wish you both safe, happy trails! Best wishes and lots of positive thoughts coming your way - Deb Bryan PS: Jen, I love that "double-cheeked" bike seat you found at a Walmart! Gotta get me one of those! : )
Yikes! I meant "North" Orange Avenue! (What was I thinking... Maybe that here I am in the South and you guys are out in the Midwest... South... Midwest... Yep... That must be it...) Anyway, "North" Orange Avenue it is! : ) Deb Bryan
Deb, Orange you glad you figured out where you work???? Gee Ps. The double cheeked bike seat worked well, but I still stand by the spongy wonder. They both served their purpose, which I will explain in an upcoming blog entry entitled, "Picking your seat", a punny, yet in depth look at butt support.
Yee-haa Peggy and back at ya! As a matter of fact, the wind WAS at my back for all 125 miles today. Are YOU the one responsible for that? If so, could I get a double helping tomorrow?
I felt a little guilty about giggling while I read the blog...dirt roads, poor directions, winds, then rain! It is like the plagues have descended! Keep your spirits up. We're all rooting for you:)
No longer working near North Orange... maybe that could explain the error... anyway, following your journey when I can and am always impressed by your "sheer grit and determination"... if you are still teaching US history, you can honestly relate now to what it means to "Go West, young man" (Horace Greeley)... it's your "Destiny"!!! : ) Deb
Gee, if you want to make it to Portland stay away from McDonalds. Burger King has a much more nutritious, healthier breakfast menu. I have also heard that cyclists who had breakfast at Burger King averaged 25 more miles a day than those who chose McDonalds. One more thing - Jen told me before you left that she really wanted to spend at least 1/2 of the nights camping rather than hotel. Just passing that on.Dave
I love reading the blog! Also, I don't know what your route is, but I'm wondering if you're going through Glacier National Park. A few years ago Mark met some friends for a portion of their x-c bike ride. He rode from Great Falls, Montana to Spokane. He said Glacier was beautiful. Anyway, keep up the good work both of you. I just got back from a 27 mile bike ride and I don't know how you do it! Your blog is so entertaining!
Thanks, Jody! Your kind words mean a lot! Yeah, we've heard Glacier is beautiful too, but our route is the southern part of Montana. Glacier is the northern part closer bordering Canada. Awesome job on the 27 miles!
Wow, you two are truly having an adventure of a lifetime. Pictures and videos with some commentary a must. I love reading the road stories and thoughts, keep them coming. Jen really deserves an award for driving the chase car, it is not as easy as it may seem, I've done it. G- you have inspired me to start planning an adventure for next summer of a similar nature, you are rocking this thing. Good luck and watch out for thoise logging trucks. -Schleer
This is weird. J may have mentioned logging trucks, but I personally haven't really even THOUGHT about them till just now, and just now, I happened to read your entire comment. We picked a route tomorrow to specifically AVOID logging trucks. The choice was between the northern route (route 14) on the Columbia River or the southern route (route 84). We picked 84 because 14 happens to have a sizable logging truck traffic whereas 84 does not. Are you a psychic? Or do you just play one on TV?
G-Just got home and thought I'd let you know how much I enjoyed meeting you on the trail to Spokane. You and Jen are amazing people tackling such a daunting task together. I thought you should know that when you get to Biggs, take the off ramp and then straight across the intersection and down the on ramp due to construction. There is no shoulder on that stretch due to construction so I think you'll be better off if you take the off ramp at that spot. The rest of the gorge should be OK as far as construction goes. The other recommendation I have is to start early once you get to the Dalles because the wind is certainly going to be an issue. I do believe there will be less wind in the morning than in the afternoon. Thanks for your kindness in offering to help with my flat tire on the Idaho/Washington border and for the great time conversing along the trail to Spokane. I was able to get my bike worked on the next morning and they found the cable frayed and just about ready to explode. Anyway, got it fixed and have ridden each day since. I would like to talk with you further about some of the specifics of your journey since I'm trying to talk my wife into providing support for my cross country journey in a few years. You could contact me at meruyle@gmail.com Your buddy, Pastor Mike
Pastor Mike, I will certainly get in contact with you. We only rode for a brief time, but as Malcolm Gladwell asserted in his book, BLINK I'm pretty sure that brief time was enough to tell that I'd be happy to ride again with you at some other future time. I just enjoy the heck out of riding bikes and am pretty sure you do too. So whether it's helping you plan a ride, or taking a ride with you, I'M IN! Thanks again for the prayer you said for us as we left. It still lives within both our hearts. You are a blessed man, and we are lucky to have crossed paths with you. Hope it happens again in the the future. Gerard
Gerard, Yes, I love to ride everyday. My wife is convinced I'm obsessed. My privilege to pray with you and Jenn. The Lord has been teaching me more and more this past year about the importance of prayer. It seems like it's taken me a long time to appreciate taking the time in prayer like I should even though I'm a pastor. I'm a slow learner but guess, better late than never. When do you anticipate arriving in Astoria? I probably couldn't make it but would like to try and see you finish if at all possible. I'm back in the saddle here at work starting in the morning and it looks like a busy week trying to get caught up. I'm anticipating that I'll be ready for another day off by the end of the week so let me know when you get close and I'll see if I can break away for the day. From one blessed man to another, Mike P.S. If we don't connect this week for a ride, maybe on the East Coast in a few years.
Mike, I'm going to post this on the main page, but wanted to give you the heads up first. (and of course for anyone else that's reading the comments!) .... J and I have decided on Bay City, Oregon for our official Pacific Ocean front wheel dip. We're in The Dalles right now. What's up with putting "The" in front of a city name? So here's our itinerary, barring any unforeseen events:
August 4th - Arrive Portland, Oregon August 5th - Ride to Bay City, Oregon
Both rides are about 80 miles long so arrival time will be sometime in the afternoon. It would indeed be cool to have you there, but if you can't make it, I'm sure we'll stay in touch. Gerard Ps. Your wife is right, you ARE obsessed with cycling. That's why I like you!!!
By the way, I forgot to thank you for the advice about Biggs. We are actually going tha way TODAY. I recently found some info on the Historic Columbia River Highway which apparently parallels route 84 along the Columbia River. It looks pretty, but it also looks like it may be a good deal longer than just taking 84. Also, it's not open the entire way from here (Umatilla) to Portland. Any thoughts? Thanks again for the Biggs info.
I've never taken the alternate route but I believe it is an extra 10-15 miles or so. Undoubtedly it would be much more scenic with great views of the river and some shade. Not sure of the elevation gain but it could be a bit dramatic. You'll see what I'm talking about when you get to the Cascade Mountain range. There is a stretch about 20 miles before you get to Biggs which is known for Mountain Sheep. Terri and I have seen them numerous times on the cliffs and right next to the freeway. They may be up high due to the heat but hopefully you'll get some pics...they are impressive. Just another heads up. There is a mile or two of construction before you enter Troutdale but I think there may be a bike path which will enable you to avoid the narrow shoulder at that stretch. Can you smell the ocean yet?
HaHa! That ocean air must've filtered through some of the seedier streets of Portland by the time it reached you in The Dalles. Should smell much better tomorrow! Today as I did my ride I kept thinking about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. God had a purpose for those two men to meet on a chariot ride out in the heat of that afternoon. I couldn't help but think that you've had lots of time to think and process during the many miles you've ridden and that your journey across the country has been more than just putting on miles and conquering the continent. It seems from the brief conversation we had that you've been on a spiritual journey along the way. I'm fully aware that you're fair skinned and not from Ethiopia (even though Connecticut seems to me as far away as Ethiopia). Neither are you a eunuch, thanks to your Spongy Wonder seat! But you certainly seem to have an inquisitiveness and honest desire to know the living God like the Ethiopian. So, we've got more in common than Trek bikes. Anyway, I am glad to have been a small part of whatever the Lord is doing in your life and believe it or not, you and Jenn have caused me to realize how important even a small prayer might be to others. In fact, I'm preaching this next Sunday from Nehemiah chapter one and going to draw application from Nehemiah's prayer recorded in that chapter. I'm planning to see you finish tomorrow because I ride a lot and sort of know the effort you and Jenn put into this adventure. So I need to be there to show support and appreciation for what you've accomplished. I'll try to be in Bay City by noon. Should I just look for a Red Dodge truck along the beach or is there some specific rendezvous spot? I may even take a dip if the sun is out. Mike
Mike, That's awesome! Looking forward to seeing you there! We've never been to Bay City either, so we're not exactly sure where we're gonna end up. If you know of a specific place, let us know. I'll send you more info via your email. Gerard Ps. We probably won't be there till around 4 ish.
OK. I'll try and be there by 3:00. Don't know my way around but looked on Google and found Hayes Pacific Oyster restaurant which is just off hwy.101 on Hayes Oyster Drive. Looks like a good spot with the bay on three sides. Let me know if that works for you. Mike
Hi! We finally found the comments!! Dusty and I are eager to see some Pacific Ocean footage... We're proud of you! We love you lots and are thinking about you every day! :). -julie
Gerard and Jenn, Thanks for letting me celebrate the end of the ride with you and for the delightful meal we shared. Enjoy your time in Portland and have a safe trip home. Mike
Thanks for being my wife Jen!
ReplyDeleteGerard and Jen,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you both. Gerard, for taking on a challenge of this magnitude, and Jen, for willingly shouldering the myriad of details that make it all possible. What a great partnership!! I am enjoying your posts as you are both very entertaining writers, so keep up the writing. Maybe your next joint project could be a book??!!
Many blessings and Godspeed!
Tricia
Thanks for the well wishes! And thanks for coming up to PM to see us off!
DeleteI'm hoping to make it to Portland, Oregon also, but won't be able to if you don't get there between August 2 and 4 at the latest, as I will be swinging into Frenetic Mode at school!!! Flying from one end of the country to the other is as much of a workout as I'm up to I'm afraid. Enjoy your little break to rejuvenate yourself.
DeleteOk, Trish, I'll pedal faster. I don't have any more cousins left between here and Oregon so hopefully that will speed things up a bit!
DeleteUpstate NY is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteFrom Rick:
ReplyDeleteI got to tell you, I LOVE the blog. The way you and Jen write, I feel I am on the Journey with you. I look forward to reading it every night before bed. It is my new addiction. You both are amazing and the love and respect you have for each other shows in your writings. Thanks for sharing, be safe..
Thanks Rick! Thanks to you and yours for coming up to see us off!
DeleteGood Morning to both of you!!! I have been reading your blog and truly love it! I feel like you are in the office telling me the details of the trip, the people, and funny stories/people you have encountered. The U.S. is a great place to vacation, and just knowing that you are meeting the best people "Ever" makes the ride even better. I'm sure you are helping to make the people connect with you with your positive energy, (and a adorable, kind, sweet, wife always a plus!) You make the old saying so true: "The shortest distance between two people is a smile" Good luck on your journey, stay safe, and rest some on the Lords Day. Holly
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly! Hope you're having a great summer. Your kind words and support mean a lot!
DeleteHey from your favourite Dunkin' Donuts employee, Ethan! Thanks for the kind words, I was and am truly flattered! The fact that you waited in line just to commend me on my service simply made my morning. Great blog. All the best on your excursion!
ReplyDeleteEthan, first of all, sorry about messing up your name. Second of all, the fact that you even NOTICED that I got in line again makes you even more impressive! As you probably recall, the customers at that point were literally lined up outside the door, yet your efficient, no-nonsense Indiana manner kept them filing through at a quick pace. Thanks again for a great D&D experience!
DeleteIllinois! What is your mile update? By the way, I floated down a river this weekend in Apopka, Florida in an intertube. There was a moment when I thought of your journey and felt a bit guilty- but it was fleeting:) It was too divine to feel guilty for long. Stay safe and keep writing!
ReplyDeleteNEVER feel guilty while floating down a river!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteGerard: You've come a long way (sorry for the pun) from the days of "Jeremy" and South Orange Avenue... Jen: We met once a long time ago in a restaurant on University Parkway in Sarasota...
ReplyDeleteTo you both: I am so glad that you found one another, became husband and wife, and are now on this incredible journey together! What a great team the two of you make! I wish you both safe, happy trails!
Best wishes and lots of positive thoughts coming your way - Deb Bryan
PS: Jen, I love that "double-cheeked" bike seat you found at a Walmart! Gotta get me one of those! : )
Deb,
DeleteThanks!!! Your words are very sweet :o) I DO remember you. It was a nice reunion for "Jeremy" and his Florida friends! Take care!!
Yikes! I meant "North" Orange Avenue! (What was I thinking... Maybe that here I am in the South and you guys are out in the Midwest... South... Midwest... Yep... That must be it...) Anyway, "North" Orange Avenue it is! : ) Deb Bryan
ReplyDeleteDeb,
DeleteOrange you glad you figured out where you work????
Gee
Ps. The double cheeked bike seat worked well, but I still stand by the spongy wonder. They both served their purpose, which I will explain in an upcoming blog entry entitled, "Picking your seat", a punny, yet in depth look at butt support.
Lovin' your blog! May the wind be at your back, Godspeed, cheerio, and ride 'em cowboy!
ReplyDeleteYee-haa Peggy and back at ya! As a matter of fact, the wind WAS at my back for all 125 miles today. Are YOU the one responsible for that? If so, could I get a double helping tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteI felt a little guilty about giggling while I read the blog...dirt roads, poor directions, winds, then rain! It is like the plagues have descended! Keep your spirits up. We're all rooting for you:)
ReplyDeleteAwe, thanks!!!
DeleteNo longer working near North Orange... maybe that could explain the error... anyway, following your journey when I can and am always impressed by your "sheer grit and determination"... if you are still teaching US history, you can honestly relate now to what it means to "Go West, young man" (Horace Greeley)... it's your "Destiny"!!! : ) Deb
ReplyDeleteGee, if you want to make it to Portland stay away from McDonalds. Burger King has a much more nutritious, healthier breakfast menu. I have also heard that cyclists who had breakfast at Burger King averaged 25 more miles a day than those who chose McDonalds. One more thing - Jen told me before you left that she really wanted to spend at least 1/2 of the nights camping rather than hotel. Just passing that on.Dave
ReplyDeleteI love reading the blog! Also, I don't know what your route is, but I'm wondering if you're going through Glacier National Park. A few years ago Mark met some friends for a portion of their x-c bike ride. He rode from Great Falls, Montana to Spokane. He said Glacier was beautiful. Anyway, keep up the good work both of you. I just got back from a 27 mile bike ride and I don't know how you do it! Your blog is so entertaining!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jody! Your kind words mean a lot! Yeah, we've heard Glacier is beautiful too, but our route is the southern part of Montana. Glacier is the northern part closer bordering Canada. Awesome job on the 27 miles!
DeleteWow, you two are truly having an adventure of a lifetime. Pictures and videos with some commentary a must.
ReplyDeleteI love reading the road stories and thoughts, keep them coming. Jen really deserves an award for driving the chase car, it is not as easy as it may seem, I've done it. G- you have inspired me to start planning an adventure for next summer of a similar nature, you are rocking this thing. Good luck and watch out for thoise logging trucks.
-Schleer
This is weird. J may have mentioned logging trucks, but I personally haven't really even THOUGHT about them till just now, and just now, I happened to read your entire comment. We picked a route tomorrow to specifically AVOID logging trucks. The choice was between the northern route (route 14) on the Columbia River or the southern route (route 84). We picked 84 because 14 happens to have a sizable logging truck traffic whereas 84 does not. Are you a psychic? Or do you just play one on TV?
DeleteG-Just got home and thought I'd let you know how much I enjoyed meeting you on the trail to Spokane. You and Jen are amazing people tackling such a daunting task together. I thought you should know that when you get to Biggs, take the off ramp and then straight across the intersection and down the on ramp due to construction. There is no shoulder on that stretch due to construction so I think you'll be better off if you take the off ramp at that spot. The rest of the gorge should be OK as far as construction goes. The other recommendation I have is to start early once you get to the Dalles because the wind is certainly going to be an issue. I do believe there will be less wind in the morning than in the afternoon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kindness in offering to help with my flat tire on the Idaho/Washington border and for the great time conversing along the trail to Spokane. I was able to get my bike worked on the next morning and they found the cable frayed and just about ready to explode. Anyway, got it fixed and have ridden each day since.
I would like to talk with you further about some of the specifics of your journey since I'm trying to talk my wife into providing support for my cross country journey in a few years. You could contact me at meruyle@gmail.com
Your buddy, Pastor Mike
Pastor Mike,
DeleteI will certainly get in contact with you. We only rode for a brief time, but as Malcolm Gladwell asserted in his book, BLINK I'm pretty sure that brief time was enough to tell that I'd be happy to ride again with you at some other future time. I just enjoy the heck out of riding bikes and am pretty sure you do too. So whether it's helping you plan a ride, or taking a ride with you, I'M IN! Thanks again for the prayer you said for us as we left. It still lives within both our hearts. You are a blessed man, and we are lucky to have crossed paths with you. Hope it happens again in the the future.
Gerard
Gerard,
DeleteYes, I love to ride everyday. My wife is convinced I'm obsessed.
My privilege to pray with you and Jenn. The Lord has been teaching me more and more this past year about the importance of prayer. It seems like it's taken me a long time to appreciate taking the time in prayer like I should even though I'm a pastor. I'm a slow learner but guess, better late than never.
When do you anticipate arriving in Astoria? I probably couldn't make it but would like to try and see you finish if at all possible. I'm back in the saddle here at work starting in the morning and it looks like a busy week trying to get caught up. I'm anticipating that I'll be ready for another day off by the end of the week so let me know when you get close and I'll see if I can break away for the day.
From one blessed man to another,
Mike
P.S.
If we don't connect this week for a ride, maybe on the East Coast in a few years.
Mike,
DeleteI'm going to post this on the main page, but wanted to give you the heads up first. (and of course for anyone else that's reading the comments!) .... J and I have decided on Bay City, Oregon for our official Pacific Ocean front wheel dip. We're in The Dalles right now. What's up with putting "The" in front of a city name? So here's our itinerary, barring any unforeseen events:
August 4th - Arrive Portland, Oregon
August 5th - Ride to Bay City, Oregon
Both rides are about 80 miles long so arrival time will be sometime in the afternoon. It would indeed be cool to have you there, but if you can't make it, I'm sure we'll stay in touch.
Gerard
Ps. Your wife is right, you ARE obsessed with cycling. That's why I like you!!!
By the way, I forgot to thank you for the advice about Biggs. We are actually going tha way TODAY. I recently found some info on the Historic Columbia River Highway which apparently parallels route 84 along the Columbia River. It looks pretty, but it also looks like it may be a good deal longer than just taking 84. Also, it's not open the entire way from here (Umatilla) to Portland. Any thoughts? Thanks again for the Biggs info.
ReplyDeleteI've never taken the alternate route but I believe it is an extra 10-15 miles or so. Undoubtedly it would be much more scenic with great views of the river and some shade. Not sure of the elevation gain but it could be a bit dramatic. You'll see what I'm talking about when you get to the Cascade Mountain range.
DeleteThere is a stretch about 20 miles before you get to Biggs which is known for Mountain Sheep. Terri and I have seen them numerous times on the cliffs and right next to the freeway. They may be up high due to the heat but hopefully you'll get some pics...they are impressive.
Just another heads up. There is a mile or two of construction before you enter Troutdale but I think there may be a bike path which will enable you to avoid the narrow shoulder at that stretch.
Can you smell the ocean yet?
HaHa! That ocean air must've filtered through some of the seedier streets of Portland by the time it reached you in The Dalles. Should smell much better tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteToday as I did my ride I kept thinking about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. God had a purpose for those two men to meet on a chariot ride out in the heat of that afternoon. I couldn't help but think that you've had lots of time to think and process during the many miles you've ridden and that your journey across the country has been more than just putting on miles and conquering the continent. It seems from the brief conversation we had that you've been on a spiritual journey along the way. I'm fully aware that you're fair skinned and not from Ethiopia (even though Connecticut seems to me as far away as Ethiopia). Neither are you a eunuch, thanks to your Spongy Wonder seat! But you certainly seem to have an inquisitiveness and honest desire to know the living God like the Ethiopian. So, we've got more in common than Trek bikes.
Anyway, I am glad to have been a small part of whatever the Lord is doing in your life and believe it or not, you and Jenn have caused me to realize how important even a small prayer might be to others. In fact, I'm preaching this next Sunday from Nehemiah chapter one and going to draw application from Nehemiah's prayer recorded in that chapter.
I'm planning to see you finish tomorrow because I ride a lot and sort of know the effort you and Jenn put into this adventure. So I need to be there to show support and appreciation for what you've accomplished. I'll try to be in Bay City by noon. Should I just look for a Red Dodge truck along the beach or is there some specific rendezvous spot?
I may even take a dip if the sun is out.
Mike
Mike,
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Looking forward to seeing you there! We've never been to Bay City either, so we're not exactly sure where we're gonna end up. If you know of a specific place, let us know. I'll send you more info via your email.
Gerard
Ps. We probably won't be there till around 4 ish.
OK. I'll try and be there by 3:00. Don't know my way around but looked on Google and found Hayes Pacific Oyster restaurant which is just off hwy.101 on Hayes Oyster Drive. Looks like a good spot with the bay on three sides. Let me know if that works for you.
ReplyDeleteMike
Done Deal! Jen should be there by around that time. I sent you an email with more details. Here we go!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi! We finally found the comments!! Dusty and I are eager to see some Pacific Ocean footage... We're proud of you! We love you lots and are thinking about you every day! :). -julie
ReplyDeleteGerard and Jenn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me celebrate the end of the ride with you and for the delightful meal we shared.
Enjoy your time in Portland and have a safe trip home.
Mike