Patty Harm's Big Ride Across America

A little bit about you

2008-08-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

- From Blog Admin -

I don't know your name, your phone number and/or where you live. In fact, I don't know anything about you but since the conception of this blog till today...

This blog has been visited 3273 times and 7936 total pages are viewed

On average, You have spent 3 minutes 52 seconds per visit and viewed 2.42 pages per visit

60.68% of you came from the ALAW home page for Big Ride Across America

7.09 % of you found this blog by Google search. 65.13% of you used the key word 'Patty Harm'

In the U.S., you are from one of 46 states. Top 3 states: Washington, California, and North Carolina

List of countries and regions visits have been made from:

United States/Canada/Australia/Finland/Malaysia/Singapore/Mexico/Brazil/Germany/India/Colombia/Argentina/Guatemala/United Kingdom/Spain/Venezuela/Greece/Chile/Austria/Iran/Peru/Israel/Sri Lanka/Romania/New Zealand/Iraq/Switzerland/South Korea/Japan/Indonesia/China/Honduras/Sweden/Egypt/Slovenia/Taiwan/South Africa/Maldives

Thank you for your visit, support and comments. We'll be posting more post-BRAA articles so please stay tuned....

Peace,

Akira

Day 48: Final Day, Washington DC

2008-08-09T16:44:00.001-07:00

WE MADE IT!!!

(T-racer, Janet, Patty, Diana) The Sweep golden girls getting ready for the last day's ride.

Chuck and Patty at lunch in the Old Post Office Pavilion

In love at last! Sorry Bob!

Chuck getting into his truck. He stuck to his vow. He has not been in a vehicle for 48 day.

Maureen and Larry, Chuck's sister and brother in law, making us a celebratory dinner at their home in Potomac.

Day 47 - Clarksburg, MD

2008-08-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

- Pictures from Patty (more in the album) -

This is Scott Powell, he works with Chuck at Frito Lay. We ran into him on our ride today just outside of Chuck's home town of Frederick, Maryland

Em these are your last frogs from my trip. they are playing checkers.. from Maryland with love, Mom

Chuck is so happy to be in his hometown. We are only about a mile from his apartment

This is Best Farm, near the Monocacy battlefield in Frederick, MD. I left Chuck back in Frederick. He is going to spend the night at his apartment and meet us at our sag stop tomorrow. I am staying at camp in Clarksburg since it is our last night together as a group. It's already sad to start saying our goodbyes

Our last evening together. Everyone is happy but kind of sad at the same time

- Text Message From Patty -

Made it to Clarksburg, MD. I can't believe that we are just 50 miles from DC. Got to get a short tour of Frederick, MD, with Chuck as my tour guide.

Clarksburg Weather Forecast, MD

Day 46 - Rest Day in Gettysburg, PA

2008-08-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Pictures from day 42+ updated in the album

- Text Message From Patty -

Laid back rest day at Gettysburg.

Tomorrow we enter Maryland and the day after is our final day ending in DC. I'm off to bed.

Gettysburg Weather Forecast, PA

Day 45 - Gettysburg, PA

2008-08-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

- Email From Patty -

The day started off bad. I got a call from my daughter at about two in the morning (EST), that there was some commotion going on involving my neighbor (I won't go into the details) but it kept me up till about 3 am. I finally fell asleep about 4am but then had to get up at 5am. I just knew that it was going to be a hell of a long day.
I took a shower and then Chuck and I ate breakfast at the hotel before going back to the campground to meet up with everyone else. As we were riding over there we realized that it had rained during the night (that's two rain storms that we have missed because we were staying in a hotel for the evening). When we got to camp, I looked for my bags but the building that we left them in was locked up. I asked Mark, one of our support people, where my bags were. He said that all the bags were loaded on the truck. I hoped that they were, and proceeded to get ready for the days ride. The only bad thing was that my prednisone was in one of my bags. That meant skipping a dose

- text cut off -

Chuck took off before me as he is a strong climber and I am not. Climbing is a very individual thing. Its really hard to climb slower than you like to go and waiting at the top oh a hill really breaks up your cadence. So I rode with Tracy and Diana as we more closely ride at the same speed.

The first 50 miles of the ride was extremely hilly with very steep grades. Our cue sheets for the day at the top of the page even said that this would be our final Big Ride Examination...They were kidding.

At about the time we reached our lunch sag, I knew that I was a hurting pup. Lack of sleep and skipping a dose of prednisone was taking its toll. I I wasn't tolerating the heat and humidity very well either.

The only good thing at that point in time was that the lunch sag was at a lake, so I went down to the lake and waded up to my thighs (after pulling up the legs of my biking shorts). Talk about white legs above the short line and a funky looking tan line. Rachel and Joe were doing the same thing.

- More Email From Patty -

I dunked my head and went up and got a soft serve twist ice cream cone. After the lunch stop I felt a little better and the hills were now rolling instead of having such steep grades.

We had one last long 3% grade climb on highway 30 going into Gettysburg and then the last 10+ miles were don the same % decline.

I made it to camp at about 6:15pm. Janet was already at the camp and took one look at me and knew that I wasn't doing very well. I told her that I had missed a dose of prednisone and I needed to find my bags so that I could take one.

We found my tent and camping gear bag, but couldn't find my bag with everything else in it. I was beginning to worry that my bag had been left at the last campground in Bedford. Luckily Janet had some prednisone (she has bad asthma so needs to take it every once in awhile) so I was able to take the dose that I needed.

Nick, our ride bike mechanic showed up and my other bag was in his car. It was good to have both of my bags but

unfortunately they both had gotten rained on the night before. I found out later that the building where I had left them had had to be locked up the night before. My bags had to be removed and no one bothered to put them on the gear truck.

So I put up my tent up and threw all of my wet belongings into it. My clothes were actually dry because they were in air tight water proof bags (thanks sis Pam).

After a shower I had a couple of pieces of pizza and a pepsi that Sharon had brought out to the campground. At this point in time it was too dark to ride my bike into town to meet Chuck at the Travel lodge where a bunch of the Big Riders had gotten rooms for our rest day in Gettysburgh. Amy and her son Sam offered to give me a ride into town after Mark got back from the grocery store as they were staying there too.

I finally reached the hotel at about 9:30. Chuck gave me a big hug when he saw me because he knew I had had such a stressful day. We called it a night shortly after that. Boy what a day.

Gettysburg Weather Forecast, PA

Day 44 - Text Message From Patty

2008-08-05T17:52:00.000-07:00

- Text Messages From Patty - Sorry for this late posting, sometimes I have to work.... (Akira)

standing on an overpass on the allegheny highlands trailk near meyersdale. First time I've had service in two days.

Tracy, Diana and I are walking the last two miles of the trail to our Support vehicle because Tracy's front tire has had three flats in under 10 miles.

She'll be able to change out her tire there. They have no way to get to us so we have to walk to the,. So, can we call this the Big Wlak Across America?

Hopefully we will make it into Bedford sometime today. Ha!

The trail was nice yesterday, but today it sucked. Rain equals mud on a dirt trail.

Nick our mechanic rode out and met us a mile from the end of the trail. We have finally made it to our first sag stop. 30 miles done with 50 more to go.

It's already noon and we have 50 miles to go. It's going to be a late one today.

Bedford Weather Forecast, PA

Day 44: Bedford, PA

2008-08-05T17:18:00.001-07:00

So I textd Akira this morning, but it looks like he hasn't been able to update the blog yet.

The list few days we have been riding on the rails to trails bike trail that goes from Pittsburgh all the way to Washington DC. We did the first 40 miles yesterday from Washington, PA to Confluence on up and down roads and then did the last 50 on the trail. Today we rode the first 30 miles on the trail and then the last 50 on up and down roads (the last 20 were almost all down).

I won't spoil what happened earlier today because Akira will post the txt messages and pictures later today or tomorrow. I'll just say that Diana, Tracy, and I finally made it to Bedford at about 5:15 this evening. We got rained on during the day, but beat the really severe weather into camp. Bless Chuck, he had gotten a hotel room for me and him at the Hampton Inn about 2 miles from camp. We rode our bikes over from the camp to here (I'm on the hotel's computer). It was nice to soak in a tub and order pizza in. We will be heading to bed soon.

Tomorrow we have one of the toughest rides of the whole trip. We ride from Bedford to Gettysburg (100 very steep hilly miles) and then we have a day off. After our day off we have just 2 more days of the ride and each is only a 50 miler. We finish on August 9th.

I can't believe first of all that I made it clear across America on my bike ( minus the 3 days in Minnesota and 1 day in Montana that I sagged due to being to ill to ride) and second that it is almost over. To tell you the truth, I think after Burton, Ohio, most people are just ready to be off their bikes. Everyone is getting a little homesick (I am).

I would like to thank everyone who has visited my blog and also to those who have contributed. I will go back and completely fill out my blog when I get back home to Puyallup, so those who have a desire, please revisit my blog in a few weeks and then you will see the completed version.

I think that I will extend my big ride blog to include my stay in DC and also my first week at home since Chuck will be coming back with me for a week. We are going to San Juan Island the day after we get back (Aug 12th) to kayak and relax with my daughter Em and her Boyfriend.

Regis from St Rita's Parish if you read this please email me (patharm2@yahoo.com) a picture of the front of the church and the grotto out back. My pictures didn't turn out. I really want to write about my wonderful impromptu visit to your beautiful church.

I will keep on texting pictures and messages to Akira (as long as I have reception on my phone), so keep on checking on my blog.

Again, Thanks all, I'm off to bed, wish me luck on my 100 hilly miler tomorrow.

DAy: 43 Confluence, PA

2008-08-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

Confluence Weather Forecast, PA

Day 42 - Washington, PA

2008-08-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

I'm on someone else's computer and she is ready for bed. I have no reception on my phone so I can't send any pictures, texts or email. I will hopefully send something tomorrow if I have reception. We are in Pennsylvania today. Today we either went up or we went down.... nothing flat. the next 3 days are going to be about the same.

Talk to you later, Patty

Washington Weather Forecast, PA

Last Mail Stop

2008-08-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

We have one more mail stop left and the cutoff date is 8/6.

For detail, please see here.

Big Ride Across America Finish in Washington D.C.

2008-08-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

It might be hard to fathom now, but the Big Ride will come to an end, well, let's call it a Finish Line - the impact of this event on your life is such that it never really ends!

Finish Date: Saturday, August 9th

Finish Location: 23rd Street & Constitution Avenue (adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial) Washington D.C.

Estimated Arrival Time: 1:00 EST* (as this is the age of cell pones, we anticipate that you will be in contact with your support crew who will be meeting you so you can update them as we get close. Your crew will also provide an updated ETA on the last night in camp.)

The Big Ride Finish is approx 3 blocks from the State Plaza hotel. Upon completion of the finish, the Gear truck will be available at the hotel for offloading/loading of gear & bikes.

State Plaza Hotel
2117 E Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20037
202-861-8200
800-424-2859

Day 41 - New Waterford, OH

2008-08-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

32 pictures have been posted in the album. Patty will send us email tomorrow.

New Waterford Weather Forecast, OH

Day 40 - Rest day in Burton, OH

2008-08-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

- More Text Messages From Patty -

I'm on my cell phone, so it is a little hard to type this email on the little keyboard.

Yesterday after we left the camp, I rode all day with Diana and Janet. It was supposed to be a 92 mile day, but with detours around construction it turned into almost 97 miles.

We spent the majority of the day riding along the shore of Lake Erie. The mansions along the lake were palacial. Most of the morning we had a bike lane on SR 6. The road was tore up in places. One of the riders {Eddy} went down after hitting a rut in the road. He suffered only minor injuries.

I stopped at one point to take pictures of this guy's flower beds. He was so nice... Talking to me, Janet, and Diana. He offered to fill our water bottles, and I think he would have fed us lunch too if I had stayed there much longer talking to him. Janet and Diana just laughed and shook their heads. Now they know what Chuck means when he says that I'll stop and talk to anyone.

Chuck says that I talk to complete strangers as if I've known them all my life. I Told him its an Iowa thing and especially rampant in my family.

Nathalie, you wondered if I would become more introspective on this trip. Well nope, afraid not. I look at this trip as giving me the license to talk to as many people as possible from sea to shining sea. LOL. I think that I am even more gregarious then before.

We stopped once in Cleveland at a local eatery for lunch. I am so glad that we did because the next 25 miles through Cleveland were the most hair raising on the trip so far. Between pot holes, rude and unaware drivers, trying to find our way by looking at the cue sheet, and trying to avoid parked cars and buses we were all a little frayed when we got to the outer edge of town.

We finally made it to SR 87 that took us the rest of the way from Cleveland to Burton. The rolling hills were a blessing after the traffic in town

Almost everyone else is staying at the fairground at Burton..

Chuck got us a room at a very romantic B & B. Ware having a great time Had a nice breakfast and did laundry at the local laundromat. I'm going to a bike shop this afternoon, but Chuck will have to find something else to do as he has vowed not to get into a car until the end of the trip.

We are going to walk around the town (Its small and charming), and then we have a sit down Amish meal reservation at the B & B tonight. I'll send pictures tomorrow and tell you all about it.

Thanks Nora (Chuck's sis) for the cookies. CHUCK DOESN'T KNOW IT BUT HES GOING TO HAVE TO SHARE.

Day 39 - Burton, OH

2008-07-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

- Text Message and Pictures From Patty -

More pictures posted in the album section.

After the sag stop yesterday, we rode onto Fremont. In Fremont, we stopped by the house that I sent you a picture of.

We talked to the man who owned the house (he was sitting on the porch with his dog and cat). He told us a little bit about the house's history.

The house was build in 1824. He and his wife painted the house near to the original colors.

The house had dormer windows. Over one of the windows was a Quaker Hex Sign to ward off evil spirits.

Chuck was afraid that the man was going to ask us in for a tour because he knew that I would have gone.

He kept envisioning us getting into camp at 6 pm. Ha! he is usually the first one in to camp. We went on though and were amongest the first in.

I even got to help unload the truck which was a first and probably the last for me. We are headed for the hills and Mountains of Pennsylvania.

We had dinner at TGI Fridays last night Our waiter was so funny. We asked how to get out to see Lake Erie, and he said that there were no bike paths there.

We just laughed and didn't even try to explain to him that we have pedaled several thousand miles on all types of roads and freeways.

I din;t think he would have believed us. Sandusky is definitely not a biker friendly town. The drivers are just plain scary.

I wonde what it will be like riding thru Cleveland? We hit Cleveland about mile 50 today. Well gotta roll. ttyl.

Burton Weather Forecast, OH

Day 38 - Sandusky, OH

2008-07-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

- Morning Text Messages and Evening Pictures From Patty -

Me drinking a beer at the end of the day today. I actually made it in in time to unload the truck

Grounds for thought in Bowling Green. Cool coffee shop and used book store. Talking to a few of the locals

Chuck enjoying a cup of Joe

This is what you call a big ride congested sag stop. We have a tail wind and flat roads. Everyone is in a hurry to get done. People are going to Cedar Park tonight. Its a huge amusement park

I'm laying here on my air mattress and it is rainin outside. It's around 5 am and all I want to do is to sleep in. Chuck is already up.

Thanks Erich for reminding me about the silicone earplugs. Those and a good dose of benadryl got me to sleep last night.

We're riding only 90 miles today. It's so funny to hear me say that, but it's true. After doing over a 100 miles for several days in a row, anything under 100 - text cut off -

Well, I can hear everyone else's tent zippers. Gotta quit being a slug. I'm up and moving.....

Oh, by the way with the time change it's completely dark out... Any wise person would stay in bed. ttyl.

Just got back from the bathroom and had the struggle of a lifetime to pull on biking shorts onto my sticky humidity drenched body.

Oh, great mosquitoes just found me!

Nice easy flat 27 miles this morning. I feel good. Riding with Chuck this morning and we are averaging 17 mph. Stopped now for coffee and tea.

Sandusky Weather Forecast, OH

Day 37 - Napoleon, OH

2008-07-29T15:41:00.001-07:00

- Pictures In Album Updated -

This truck and what looks like a man leaning over an engine was beside Larry' shop yesterday, Wyatt, Indiana

I told Moriah to look for her picture on my blog. I bought cucumbers from her at her Gandparent's home in Millersburg yesterday. Kathy (my sis), I wanted to make your vinegar cuc's but the bottle of vinegar at the convenient store was to big to carry on my bike. I bought a small bottle of zesty Italian and marinated them in that instead. we had them with dinner tonight.

Em, yesterday I sent you a frog pic from Indiana. This is an Ohio frog. love you

Napoleon Weather Forecast, OH

Day 36 - Kendallville, IN

2008-07-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

- Pictures From Patty -

The souped up engine on Larry's 1930 Ford

An Edsel...This was Larry's grand father's car

A 1953 ford pick up at Larry's shop

Steph sittin in a 1930 Ford Coupe

This is Larry Martin, who is a brick layer by trade, but his passion is restoring old cars

I stopped to take a picture of this old car and Gulf Sign, when all of a sudden the owner popped his head out of his shop

Sun flower crop North Liberty

Kendallville Weather Forecast, IN

Day 35: Rest day in Valpariso, Indiana

2008-07-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

No pictures to share with you today. Got in to Valparaiso yesterday about 2:30 after a 93 mile ride. I am feeling so much better after being on prednisone for about 5 days now. Plus good hydration with electrolyte supplementation (pill form and tablets in my water) has helped tremendously. I have also increased my salt intake, since I am waisting it so much. I salt everything I eat, but draw the line at dessert. Ha!

I rode five days in a row with 3 of them being centuries, which is huge for me. On the day we rode from Owatanna to Winona and I had to sag after only 25 miles due to extreme fatigue, nausea, cramping, lightheartedness, and overall body aches (due to my adrenal glands not producing enough cortisol) I was ready to quit and go home when we got to Chicago. So now I know I can make it to the end of the ride. Thanks so much to everyone who has been sending well wishes and prayers my way... I think they helped as much as the roids... Ha! and no I wont bulk up like Arnold, but I may get a little moon faced and may need to shave my face before we get to DC, but it will be worth it.

Well, as most of you have guessed, I have met a really nice man on this ride, Chuck Field. I am so lucky to be sharing this experience with him. Granted it may be difficult keeping things going after the ride is over as he lives in Fredrick, Maryland and I live in Puyallup, WA.... Lets see that makes it what 3,300 miles that we live apart. I guess we could each ride half way and meet in the middle of the country.

I am going to stay in the DC area for a few days after the ride with him and then he is going to fly back to the Seattle area with me for 5 days. It will extend both of our vacations a little. I am looking forward to spending time in DC as the last time I was there was about 25 years ago.

We have been pampering ourselves for the past day and a half. Chuck got us a hotel room at the Courtyard Marriott, and I sprung for two great meals at Kelsey's restaurant. Both of our meals were awesome (seafood last night for both of us and fillet Mignon and prime rib tonight). Jason (our waiter) if you read this, you gave us such great service and really made our stay here in Valparaiso so much more enjoyable, thanks so much... If those of you who are reading this blog, i ever get to Valparaiso, eat at Kelsey's and ask to sit in Jason's section, he'll take great care of you.

Also today, we went to Walmart to pick up some things... seems like we are always running out of snacks and toiletries and now bug spray... ha! We did laundry at the University where we are keeping our gear and cleaned our bikes. I even changed out my tire on the back (had a couple of weak spots on the tread) and changed my chain.. (thanks Ephiony and Jim at Spoke and Sprocket, you'd be so proud of how I am taking care of my bike).

Chuck and I even got to soak in the hot tub this morning before a full complimentary breakfast in the hotel. It was so funny watching us put various body parts up to the jets ( the ball of his foot and his calves, my knees and a part of my body I don't want to admit to putting up next to the jets). We just would sigh and make these funny faces. Good thing no one else was in the pool area or they may have gotten grossed out.

Well, I really need to get some sleep... Chuck went to bed hours ago. A side effect of prednisone (especially the dose that I am on) is insomnia.... so I guess I will go and try and catch some zzz's. It may be DC before I have internet access, but I will keep sending pictures from my camera phone and txt messages to Akira to post. Take care all... Arnie, safe travels back to NZ.. stay in touch. I have your email address and will write when I get done with my great adventure.. I am sure blessed to be able to finish it.

Day 34 - Coal City, Illinois to Valparaiso, Indiana

2008-07-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

- Text Message From Patty -

My Nebraska boys, Greg and Chad, thanks for the beefcake this morning. You started my day with a smile

In Valparaiso resting. I feel great. Did five days of riding and even had to change two flats at the same time today. I will update my blog tomorrow.

Valparaiso Weather Forecast, IN

Day 33- Morris, IL

2008-07-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Stopped for a train in Malta

Mural on the side of a pizza place in Kirkland

For my family

Bikes ready to go and bikers eating breakfast

- En Route Text Message From Patty -

101 miles today. Riding from Belvidere to Coal City, Illinois. Very close to Chicago. Rural ride along corn and bean fields. The scenery is way different from Montana.

Cleaning up after breakfast and then I am on my way. Mosquitoes are terrible, but it is cool and overcast today. Heat is affecting me a lot less now. ttyl.

In Kirkland, Illinois. Riding with Sam this morning since both of us had breakfast duty. We are the last ones on the ride today.

We are rolllin through corn fields and bean fields. Looks a lot like Iowa. I stopped to get rid of my morning tea in a corn field. Ha! brought back a lot of memories.

We saw free range chickens and even heard a few roosters crow. It may rain today. Sam's here. He wouldn't go in a corn field (city boy). ttyl.

Morris Weather Forecast, IL

Day 31 and 32 - Madison, WI and Belvidere, IL

2008-07-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Contour farming in the hills near Viroqua from yesterday

- Text Message From Patty -

Just a few quick notes. First I am doing great. I started taking prednisone 3 days ago and have increased my salt intake.

I did 112 miles yesterday and 98 today. I feel better today than on any of our short millage days. It's amazing what prayers, good thoughts from others and a.... - text cut 0ff -

ttyl...I'm off to bed. I'm on breakfast duty tomorrow. Oh, thank you, thank you Dotty for the off wipes. We are in mosquitoville...

I will try to write more tomorrow. We have two more riding days and then finally a day off.

Belvidere Weather Forecast, IL

Day 30 - Viroqua, WI

2008-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Some of the hill country I rode in today

Me and Chuck crossing over into Wisconsin

- Updated Text Message From Patty -

Today was a beautiful ride along the Mississippi and then on back, very hilly roads up out of the Mississippi Vally to Viroqua, Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin countryside is as picturesque as I thought it would be. Saw many Amish families working in the fields.

We're camping in the county fairground tonight. TTY tomorrow. Wish me luck and say a few prayers for a good century tomorrow.

- En Route Text Message From Patty -

Good Morning. Slept hard for about 4 hours, after it finally cooled down.

I am so happy this morning riding along the Mississippi. Stopped now at the Meyers House.

It's cooler right now than it was in my room last night. Everyone else is putting on their coats.... Not me... ha!

Viroqua Weather Forecast, WI

Day 29 - Winona, MN

2008-07-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Pictures updated in the album

- Text Message From Patty -

Can't sleep due to the heat and humidity. There is no air conditioning or fans. I have been in.the shower three time tonight.

Thank you Dotty Jaeger for all the goodies. You did good! Everything was or will be put to use.

Thank you to Kelly, Vicki's cousin for the comments too.

Thank you to my wonderful sis and brother in law, Pam and Vlad. FOR EVERYTHING...

Thank you for Arnie for visiting my page. I am sure struggling with the heat. How are you doing? When do you head back to New Zealand?

To Kathy, Bill, Pat and Trina: Thanks for the wonderful visit and for everything that you did for me and my adopted family. AMLP

Thank you to Wes and Annette for the wonderful food, the lunch and snack makings, doing laundry, and for running us around in Sheridan.

Thanks to Lenise Brennan for taking me and my neice Trina's picture in the laundromat in New Ulm. Picture will be posted later.

Thank you again so much Mark Otero for helping me get connected to the wireless system at Cariboo Coffe in Minneapolis. They have great tea .

Thank you Dr. Zenger for doing resarch into steroid use and the stress I have been under. Maybe you can help solve what's going on with me.

For those of you that don't know, I have been on prednisone off and on for over 10 years for ulcerative colitis. I finished over two month taper just in May.

Part of the difficulties that I have been having may be due to my body's inablility to produce enough cortisol in the constant stress it is under.

Hopefully Dr. Zenger will be able to find something in the medical literature for me. Dr. Field, Chuck's brother, if you read this and have any info please contact me.

Thank you to John, Debbie, and Nancy, our wonderful anesthesia techs at MAMC, for the nice comment. I miss you guys.

Well it is finally cooling off now. Maybe I can get some sleep. We are only riding 66 miles today but the first 10 to 12 are out of the Mississippi Valley.

If I missed anyone to say thank you to, I apologize.

Oh, check out the American Wind Energy Association (www.awea.org) to lean something abut Wind Energy. Those turbines are fricking huge...

Winona Weather Forecast, MN

Day 27 and 28 - Rest Days

2008-07-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

- Email From Patty -

I am at Cariboo Coffee in Minneapolis. My niece and her husband are at his son's pee wee ball game. They will drop me off in Owatonna this evening on the way back to Iowa Falls.

I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER. Being out of the heat for 3 days has helped tremendously, and resting has helped. I plan on rejoining the group and continuing the ride tomorrow. I may only be able to ride in the mornings when it is cool. I really wanted to ride the entire length of the US but it is not worth it at the risk of permanent injury to my health.

The doctor in New Ulm said that coming into the ride recovering from pneumonia was one thing, but then suffering from bronchitis 5 days into the ride, and then getting food poisoning, coupled with the heat, he said it was amazing that I didn't end up in the hospital.

I have promised my family (real and adopted) to take care of myself.

Well you can post this to our web page, because I may not have time as I have to go and pick Trina and Pat up in about a half hour. I had a wonderful time in New Ulm with my family. I bought some 1919 root beer from the Schell Brewery and plan on picking up ice cream in Owatonna before rejoining the group tonight. I will make everyone root beer floats. By the way if Schell has a web page can you make a link to it. It has an awesome history. They made it through prohibition by making the 1919 root beer.

Talk to you soon, Patty

Owatonna Weather Forecast, MN

Day 25 and 26 - Tyler, MN and New Ulm, MN

2008-07-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

Wind Mill Farm near Tyler, Minn. I stopped into one of the maintenance shops and talked to the guys that work on these monsters. I guess the local farmers consider them another crop.

- Text Message From Patty -

I'm at New Ulm, Mn. Spending some time with my family.

Last time I txt'd you was the night before last. We got some rain, thunder and lightening, but it wasn't too bad.

Yesterday morning we got up late (5:30). It was so dark out because another storm front was coming in.

Chuck and I got our tents down, packed and he threw them onto the gear truck before the rain started to come down in buckets.

Good thing Steph had her tent up still because Kevin and James dove into her tent to avoid the downpour.

Kevin and James had got their stuff on the truck too, but Steph was still in her tent when the deluge hit.

We had breakfast at the church and finally the rain let up enough to give us enough light to take off. It was a fairly cool day and we only did 78 miles.

We stayed at Tyler, MN last night. My stomach was quite upset all evening. Come to find out several people had upset stomachs.. probably the food from the church.

We ate at pizza place in Tyler. I started to get uncontrollable chills which spiked into a full blown burning up fever.

Chuck was ready to call 911 he was so worried about me.

Chuck convinced me that it was finally time for me to go to the doctor. Besides Chuck probably would have taken my bike and locked it up if I didn't go

I took a cool shower, took some Tylenol and sweated it out all night.

So I sagged today. Daniel took me into New Ulm and dropped me off at the clinic.

Crossing over into Minnesota

Kath helping Bill put up his huge Kelty tent

My niece Trina and her husband Pat relaxing at our camp site in New Ulm

My sis Kath and me at Oakhaven Campground in New Ulm

My brother Bill chopping wood at our campsite in New Ulm

New Ulm Weather Forecast, MN

Day 24 - De Smet, SD

2008-07-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Updated with pictures. More pics are posted here.

This is Bill

Bill... he graciously gave me and Chuck a tour of his place. this is an.all leather horse.

This is Frontier Park.. Bill who is a local Huron native who is retired is working on his place to make it into a club casino. He's doing all the work himself.

Me at the half way point

Breakfast this morning

Outside the restaurant we ate at last night. My family will understand me taking a picture of these cans. Love you Mom...

James and Steph on arrival to Miller HS

Lunch yesterday

Rosie the Rivitor playing pool at Bob's Thunderbird pool and bowling hall at lunch yesterday

- Text Message From Patty -

Well made it to De Smet. Home of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Not as hot today. Very nice ride. Flat with only a small headwind.

Yesterday, I was getting so hot and tired that Chuck Field, one of our strongest riders, let me draft behind him for most of the afternoon.

Chuck could easily finish before noon on most days but rode with me the last two. i think that by being pushed a little that i will become a better rider.

We are staying in a very nice park tonight. I'll send some pictures of the flower outside my.tent.

I was so happy this morning riding by corn fields. Plus it was cool and cloudy this morning. my happiness would have been complete if it had rained... lol

Tomorrow, we cross over into Minnesota. Day after tomorrow we will be in New Ulm and I will get to see my family.

Severe storm heading our way. Folks in SD are so nice. The ladies at the episcopal church made us such an awesome meal. I ate so much and o did everyone else.

Chuck in the morning yesterday, prior to leaving Pierre. SD has Casino's everywhere

SD State capitol

Tony, Chuck. and Jim at SD State Capitol

De Smet Weather Forecast, SD

Day 23 - Miller, SD

2008-07-15T16:52:00.000-07:00

- Text Message From Patty -

Good morning, beautiful morning here in Miller, SD. 74 mile ride today to De Smet. We cross the half way point today

90+ temps again today, with thunderstorms predicted for this afternoon.

yesterday had a flat ride but with a 20mph headwind and temps in the 90's it took a lot out of everyone

spirits are still as a whole good. i don't think any of us were ready for the physical toll this ride can take on a body.

plus we are on a 6 day stretch. bottoms breakin' down, lips chapped, webs of hands calloused, and some bikes are breaking down

people are trying to eat well, sleep well as possible, and pretty much everyone is taking vitamins and lysine to prevent blistered lips

we stopped at a little roadside park about 5 miles out of town yesterday and this man asked where we were coming from

he just very nonchalantly said well your almost half way... we almost cried we laughed so hard. outta here its time to leave.ttyl

Miller Weather Forecast, SD

Day 22 - Pierre, SD

2008-07-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Updated with pictures

- Text Message From Patty -

hey, were in pierre, sd. the lung association has us staying at steamboat park on the Missouri river, but i got a room in a hotel.

it was so hot today, and we did 95 miles. the heat and long miles is taking its toll on all the riders

we got in to the park and there were signs everywhere to be aware of vagrants... needless to say most who can afford it are getting rooms

i have been needed to be iced down almost everyday of riding. it is getting a little better as i have learned to use electrolyte replacements and vitamins

you can't believe what the food and drink of choice is at the end of the ride. Pepsi and salt and vinegar potato chips. ha...

Kelly, you asked about water. i drink 2 24 oz bottles of an electrolyte solution every 20 miles and take 3 electrolyte pills every hour.

Em. this is our campsite at Kadoka, SD. stupid, doo doo, dumb birds woke us up at 3am

You know how boring the scenery is when a girl from Iowa is excited to see a cornfield. My family will get a kick out of this.

This is a SD roadside restroom! James got caught peeing in a ditch by a SD state trooper on the day of the head wind. we now all try to use the SD restrooms to avoid getting a ticket.

We saw wheat field after wheat field after wheat field and oh yet another wheat field today

Crossed the great MO today... we reach the half way point this week. Yea, 1650 miles... WOW.

Pierre Weather Forecast, SD

Day 21 - Kadoka, SD

2008-07-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

- Text Message From Patty -

Hey, computer access has been a real problem. I may just have to send you a short text each day.

Forgot to tell you about the 50mph head winds we had for 16 miles coming into Rapid City the other day. It was brutal.

Everyone learned how to do pace lines real fast. A lot of iced knees that night.

Went through the badlands today on our 101 mile day. had a great dinner at a local restaurant here at Kodoka...i.think.that.is.ri

Have a 95 miler tomorrow and probably 95+ heat. Tty tomorrow goodnight.

Me by a statue of Ronald Regan in down town Rapid City yesterday

Entering the Badlands

Badlands

Steph and James by the world's largest prairie dog near the Badlands

Kadoka Weather Forecast, SD

pictures

2008-07-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Lips are blistered, butt is blistered, right foot is blistered..... and so on and so forth.... No time to caption pictures or update my day to day blog right now. but I am keeping a written log and will eventually get my blog completely up to date. We have another 100 miler tomorrow...

Day 19 and 20 - Rapid City, SD

2008-07-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

- Text Message From Patty -

We are well and resting in Rapid City. It was a grueling week last week. I will update my blog today.

Steph, Kevin, and James all say hi...

James Cleveland from the Coffee Crew at Plaines, Montana, emailed it to me. Thank you everyone for being a part of my blog.

Rapid City Weather Forecast, SD

Day 18 - Newcastle, WY

2008-07-10T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

An update is expected from next rest point at Rapid City, SD.

Newcastle Weather Forecast, WY

Day 17 - Gillette, WY

2008-07-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Probably no update tonight as they are riding one of the longest segment - about 110 miles.

Gillette Weather Forecast, WY

Day 16 - Sheridan, WY

2008-07-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Patty is going through Wyoming where Internet connectivity is somewhat limited along the route.

In the meantime, if you wish to send a mail/package to her, here is the information on mail stops.

Stay tuned...

Sheridan Weather Forecast, WY

Day 15 - Hardin, MT

2008-07-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

- Text Message From Patty -

Hey, Day 15 of big ride. Coming off a rest day in Billings yesterday. We're in Hardin, Montana. Ride today was only 52 miles.

We are in the Hardin Library trying to stay cool. We are camping at the Hardin High School and it is very hot out on the football field.

hot, hot, and very hot

Steph and Patty

This is Janet. She is my roomie whenever we have a rest day at a University. She's great!

Tonight we will have a gourmet meal catered by More Than Basil. An awesome catering company who fed us at Billings.

Our wonderful Caters

Appetizers

more appetizers

yet more appetizers

salads

Simon exclaims, "This POTATOE is purple!"

Chad and Ruben enjoying dinner

Patty from Delaware and Chuck from Maryland enjoying the appetizers

Pam sent me a care package of market spice tea and this card. Thank you so much Pam.. I love you

Tomorrow we will be in Sheridan, Wyoming. I'll get to see my nephew Wes. I'll not have computer access until Rapid City. Hope all is well.

Hardin Weather Forecast, MT

Day 13 and 14 - Billings, MT

2008-07-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Updates for Day 13 and 14 are expected to be posted once Patty gets computer access.

Click to enlarge

Pictures from Vicki's cabin and some others are updated. Please check here for the complete set of pictures.

Billings Weather Forecast, MT

Day 12 - Harlowton, MT

2008-07-05T10:18:00.001-07:00

- Updated -

James riding a wild horse at our camping spot in Harlowton on the Fourth of July

There was heat, headwinds, hills, and then a thunderstorm to end the ride.

Eating breakfast at Wade's restaurant in Harlowton. Getting to Billings tomorrow. We'll have a rest day there. Yesterday was brutal.

Breakfast at Wade's

Samuel and Janet at Wade's

James at Wade's restaurant in Harlowton

Harlowton Weather Forecast, MT

Day 11 - Townsend, MT

2008-07-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

- Updated -

This is Jim, the school teacher from illinois, with sumo man wearing a koozi at lunch in Helena

-Text Message From Patty-

Went over continental divide today. Only 60 mile day. A thunder and lightening storm went through our camp tonight.

Everyone is okay, but we had to go into the Townsend High School where we are camping tonight. Several people either lost their tents or everything got wet.

Stephanie's tent got wet. Mine, Kevin, and James are okay. We had an awesome sunset tonight.

We are riding another century tomorrow, and some people are getting a bad start. Good night, ttyl.

This is the sunrise from Avon this morning. I took the sunset picture with my camera.

Stephanie, Mark, and I at MacDonald Pass (the continental devide)

Steph at the Continental devide

Townsend Weather Forecast, MT

Day 10 - Avon, MT

2008-07-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hi, even if I didn't ride today, I had a really fun today. I am feeling much better and plan on riding tomorrow. We are camping at Avon, Montana tonight.

Avon Weather Forecast, MT

Some Things that I have learned so far on the ride

2008-07-02T02:11:00.000-07:00

1. Never put Gatorade in your bike frame water bottle holders. Put them in your bag. ( I poured Gatorade on my head to cool it off, thinking it was water on Day #7)
2. Take pictures of the Road signs with mileage to the next town. (It helps with blogging)
3. Twizzlers make great biking food. (That's good because I love twizzlers)
4. Use Nuetragena spf 70 mist sun block. It goes on easy and does the job. (I tried spf 35 the first sunny day and soon was a convert to the spf 70 variety)
5. Chapstick melts but is washable. (Steph washed my chapstick in Spokane, and I returned the favor by washing her chapstick at Vicki's house at Sand Point)
6. Let some of the air out of your tires on really hot days when your bike is just going to be sitting in the sun. ( several bikers had their tires blow at Thompson Falls)
7. Last but not least.... They don't have mosquitoes in Montana, they have blood sucking birds that like to attack any living thing that is moving, or moving very slowly. (People in Montana need to carry a gun instead of insect repellent, oh! they already do!)

Day # 9, Rest day in Missoula

2008-07-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Day #9

I woke up today to a shuffling noise. When I opened my eyes, there was a squirrel starring right back at me. I jumped out of bed and saw him or her scurry out the window to join three other friends who wanted to come and check me out. Right about then Kristy, a Knowles Hall employee, came running up to my window (its a one story) and called in to me that she hoped the squirrels didn't scare me. I said, "Too late, They already did." She said that the dorm kids during the school year will feed them, so they try to get into the rooms. She said just shut the bottom part of your window and leave the top part open. Apparently they won't try to get into the top part of the window.

I spent the day recuperating, but did get the rear hanger on my bike frame fixed at a local bike shop. I am feeling much better today, but will sag tomorrow. First, because Daniel won't let me ride and second, it is the best thing for me to do.

Another attempt at photos from day 5-9

2008-07-01T18:23:00.001-07:00

DAY 5, Rest Day in Spokane

Spokane Falls

Akira, Kevin, Steph and James at Spokane Falls

This little dinosaur according to Stephanie is alive. Every time that she walked past the house, where he apparently lives, he was in a different place (in the garden with his tail in the air, laying on the sidewalk, standing on the porch). Okay, Stephanie, "I told you to Stop eating those hallucinogenic mushrooms."

DAY 6, Spokane to Sandpoint

Once a farm girl, always a farm girl. I love taking pictures of farms.

Picture of me by the Welcome to Idaho sign.

Highway 2 coming into Sandpoint

Rest stop at Newport

Kevin and James on the road to Sandpoint

Steph taking a break.

Oh James, you look so manly.

Vicki and me at her family reunion.

Matt, Bill and Vicki Buska

Vicki's cousins

DAY 7, Sandpoint to Thompson Falls

This lake is so beautiful. Vicki and Bill are so lucky to have their retirement home here.

James admiring the view out over Lake Pend Orielle

More of Lake Pend Orielle

Some bikers learning how Lake Pend Orielle was formed

Me entering Montana

The scenery sure did change once we got into Montana. Dry high desert, but still beautiful.

This is John, a school teacher from Fairbanks, Alaska. Him and his dog squirrel are solo biking from Fairbanks to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Squirrel

DAY 8, Thompson Falls to Missoula

Hey, I thought boats were supposed to be in the water.

Only in Montana

This is Benji's in Plains, Montana. We had breakfast here.

This couple are from near Plains and sat at the table next to us at Benji's. The wife told me that the reason that the knats and mosquito's have been so bad this year is because of all the rain that they got this spring. I need to apologize to the gentlemen that I took a picture of at the Sinclair Station in Plains. I didn't save your picture by mistake. If any of you read this blog, would you take a picture of the whole crew and email it to me at patharm2@yahoo.com so that I can post it to my blog? Thanks

SR 200 in Montana, near Paradise

SR 200, near Dixon

Skull found at one of our rest stops on SR 200, Near Dixon

Near Rivali on SR 200

Day 9, Rest Day in Missoula

University of Montana

Where we stayed on the University of Montana

This is one of the ride support staff (Mark) under our welcome sign at Knowles Hall. His timing was great as he walked up under the sign just as I was snapping the picture.

Me, working on my blog

Pictures from Vicki's house and her family reunion

2008-07-01T16:49:00.001-07:00

Another picture of the sunrise at the Buska's

The Buska's cabin

The Buska'cabin at Sandpoint

Sam, the Buska's dog at their cabin on Lake Pend Orielle

Photo's Day 5-9

2008-07-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well You get one picture from Day 5, our rest day in Spokane. I screwed up the posting so will start another one. This is our dorm (Marion Hall) at Gonzaga.

Day 8, Missoula, Montana

2008-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

hey, on rest day today in missoula, i will update my blog later today..take.care.ttyl

Missoula Weather Forecast, MT

Day #8

Today was our first Century mileage day on the Big Ride. The weather forecast was for temps in the 90-100's. The route today took us on SR 200 and then US 93 into Missoula.

Daniel gave everyone the option to skip breakfast in town and start riding early. He said that breakfast would have to be on our own if we started early. The four of us decided to get an early start, so my breakfast was twizzlers. When we got to Plains, Montana though, at mile 23, we all knew we needed fuel, so we stopped to eat at Benji's restaurant. I went into the Sinclair station to get some Gatorade while the others went on to the restaurant. I ran into a group of men having their morning coffee. I just started laughing when I saw them because the reminded me so much of my Step Dad, Maynard. Dad has coffee every morning at the local hardware store with his buddies in Belmond, Iowa. I told them about Dad, and took their picture. I asked them if they told tall tales and solved all the world's problems before lunch time. They all laughed and said, "You betcha!" ( I hope one of you gentlemen will email me a picture of your crew to post, as I forgot to save the really good picture that I took of you on my cell phone)

We had a wonderful breakfast, great service and got to visit with the locals. Steph insisted on mixing me up a cup of tea with honey as I have been coughing for two days now. She messed up and put it into her coffee cup instead. I took a drink of it thinking it was tea and almost spit it out ( I hate coffee). Steph drank it anyway, and then mixed some honey into my tea. She got it right the second time around.

We all did well until about Dixon (mile 56), Kevin was feeling good so he went on a head of me, James and Stephanie. The heat was getting to all of the riders (some more than others). Most of us have to acclimate to the high temps (especially us Northwesterners). At mile 75.7 we hit a 4.5 mile climb up and over to Missoula on SR 200. Steph and I went a head of James, and he joined up with 3 other riders behind us. The last 1.5 miles up that climb were brutal, but the ride down was sure fun. Steph and I got into Missoula before I really started noticing that I felt really bad. I have been fighting off a cold for a couple of days and the heat was getting to both of us.

When we got to the dorm at the U of Montana, we went to find Daniel to let him know that we had arrived okay. He took one look at me and came over to feel my skin (Daniel was trained as a medic in the Army). I guess that I was gray, cool and clammy. Daniel took me to the infirmary in the dorm and iced me down. I guess several other riders had had to get ice baths too. After my color improved and my mentation got better (Daniel kept asking me for my last name. I told him that I remembered my name, but had no idea what day it was as I had lost track several days ago, and that the President was still George Bush) I took a cool shower,was put to bed and brought some food from a local pub. Later that night Daniel took my temperature and it was 100 degrees. I guess that is why I looked so bad when I rode in because I had a fever as well as exposure to the heat. Daniel informed me that I will have to take the next two days off (one a rest day and one a ride day). I will come back someday and ride this piece of Montana that I am missing.

The brightest part of the day was that Steph, now her first Century under her belt. It was my fourth, but by far the hardest.

Day 7 - Thompson Falls, MT

2008-06-29T23:10:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting on updates for Day 6 and Day 7.

They went though thin cell phone coverage areas.

Thompson Falls Weather Forecast, MT

They will be in Missoula, MT by tomorrow evening followed by a rest day.

More to follow...

Day #7

I started out the day with a wonderful breakfast made by Vicki and got to see a glorious sunrise over the lake. Bill made me a lunch of a PB & J bagel, while Vicki did the dishes. All that I had to do was stuff my face and watch the sunrise. They treated me like a queen. Thanks you guys!!

Vicki drove me back to the high school where everyone else was breaking camp. James and Steph said that they froze during the night, but I wouldn't know because I slept in a real bed in a palace. Ha! By the way Vicki and Bill, they all thank you for letting me do my and their laundry at your house. Kevin started out the day with two flats before we even got out of the parking lot. He fixed both of them and we were on our way.

We spent the whole day riding on SR 200 around Lake Pend Orielle and then along the Clark Fork river. James and I felt good so we pushed ourselves to try to beat the heat (110 degrees Fahrenheit on a bank sign as we rode into Thompson Falls), but unfortunately the heat did catch up with us, and we slowed way down in the afternoon. Sometime during the day we crossed over into Montana and took pictures by the Welcome Sign.

When we got to the Thompson Falls High School, we were told that we would be sleeping in the school due to the heat. Steph did some reconnaissance and found a portable classroom at the back of the school that was air conditioned for us to sleep in. Steph, Kevin, James and I were joined by Douglas in the portable. He was as glad as we were to have a cool, mosquito free place to sleep in.

Thompson Fall's High School

Just to let you know how hot it was, at least two bike tires blew up from the expanding air in them due to the heat (James bike was one of them). After we changed his flat we rode in one of the vehicle into town to eat dinner at a restaurant. We were joined at dinner by a school teacher from Fairbanks, Alaska, who is solo biking with his dog, Squirrel from Fairbanks to Colorado Springs for a wedding. Daniel had met him on the road earlier that day and invited him to come and stay with us at the school that night. He said that he had not had a shower in 10 days. John said that Squirrel (who is an Alaskan Husky) runs beside him for about 50 of the 70 miles that he was biking a day. John said, "She just loves to run."

Day 6 - Sandpoint, ID

2008-06-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

No news on Day 6 from Patty yet.

She told me today would be a busy day. She was also planning to work on postcards to all the sponsors today.

Sandpoint was 88°F.

Stay tuned...

DAY #6

I woke up today with a very scratchy throat. I hope that it is just the dry weather or allergies. The ride today after getting out of spokane, wasall on hwy 2. We had breakfast in the cafeteria at the University and were on the road by a little after 7am. Getting out of Spokane was kind of tricky, but once on hwy 2 the biking was smooth sailing (at least the navigation portion of it).

We pedaled by farm land and entered Ponderosa Pine Forest Land. James said that the landscape was very much like upper Michigan state. One of our water stop/check points was at Newport, WA. They were having their annual Rodeo Day's parade, so we stopped to watch a bit of it. The traffic was heavy going out of Newport towards the Idaho border because the parade ended just shortly after we left the water stop.

It was excitin crossing over the Idaho border as this was our first State Sign (9 more plus DC to go). We will be spending only half of two days in Idaho, as our route takes us through the Pan Handle.

We rode most of the day along a pretty river. I'm not sure of its name, if anyone knows it, please post a comment. It is the river along hwy 2 between Newport and Sandpoint. I have learned that I need to start jotting down notes during the day, as there will sometimes be many days inbetween my blog posts.

When we got to Sand Point, I was so tired that I lay down on my thermarest and took a nap under the trees at Sand Point High School( where the group was camping for the night). When I woke up, I called Vicki Buska, a fellow CRNA at Madigan. She and her husband Bill have a cabin on Lake Pend Orielle, where they plan to retire. She was in Sand Point this weekend for a family reunion. She came and picked me up and took me to her family reunion in Coeru D' Alene. I got to meet her cousions and eat a great meal.

I drove back to their cabin separately, so that they could stay longer to visit with their relatives. Vicki knew that I wanted to do laundry and get to bed early. They got home only about a half hour after me, as I kind of got lost on the way back to their cabin. (long story that I don't want to elaborate on right now) I did save Sam their dog from a scolding though, as I cleaned up a piddle spot before they got home. I went to bed shortly after they got back, after taking some cold medicine (my sore throat is now a cold).

Day 5 - Pictures

2008-06-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Day 5 are posted here (more to come).
You'll also see additional pictures from Day 2 - 4 there.

Pictures taken by Pam and Erich's on the Day 1 are added as well (Many thanks).

Approximate location of where pictures are taken is shown on a map in the album.

Day 5: Rest day in Spokane

2008-06-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Day #5:

I woke up at about 5:30 this morning even if I could have slept in later. I guess my body has a hard time sleeping in later. I went out to the common room in our dorm and saw that the 20 something riders had a party the night before. I hope that their hangovers arn't to bad today.

I was making out post cards to my sponsors when I was joined by several of the other riders (Joe, Chuck, Ed, and Barb) . It was nice to talk to and to get to know some of the other riders. Joe, Kevin, Ed, Barb, Liz, Janet, Steph, and I went out for breakfast. We lucked out and found a restaurant with an all you can eat buffet (boy can bikers eat). I am eating so much, but already after 4 days of riding my body is beginning to change. I feel myself getting stronger every day, and my lungs are at at least 98%. YEA!!!!

Here I am now after breakfast at the library again updating my blog and catching up with my email. Later today Akira will be here to take us out for dinner and bring us somethings that all of us need. (sun block for me).

Tomorrow we ride to Sand Point, ID. I will be met there by Vicki Buska (a fellow CRNA at Madigan Army Medical Center). She is hosting me at her house for the night. I am getting so spoiled. That will be three nights in a row in a bed, instead of a tent.

Please look back over my previous blog posts as I have updated those too, and take a look at Stephanie's blog for more pictures and her thoughts on the ride. I will continue to keep up with a least something on the blog every day with Akira's help, but for full updates that will come on my rest days.

Pictures from day 2-4

2008-06-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

DAY #2 PHOTOS

This is me at the top of our first big hill on day #2 after leaving camp at Easton State Park. You can kind of make out the Cascade mountains at Snoqualmie Pass in the distance.

Kevin (on his recumbent) and James conversing as they go down a hill on highway #10 in the Yakima River Valley.

Scenery in the Yakima River Valley. I took this picture from my bike seat, while I was going down hill. Pretty good for someone who Steph has had to keep showing how to use her phone camera and cool pix camera (I am so totally mechanically and electronically un-inclined).

More Yakima River Valley Scenery

Ranch in the Yakima River Valley

Sheep Grazing in a field Near Thorp, WA.

This is Chad at our first sag stop on Day #2

Getting food and water at the sag stop on Day #2

I was trying to take a picture of Mount Stewart from this bridge, but my camera didn't have a good enough telephoto lens.

Other riders trying to get the same shot of Mount Stewart as me.

Stephanie got the shot I tried for with her excellent camera. Cool!!

Stephanie checking out the Yakima River near a river rafting put in point that had Porto potties that we all put to use.

I love this picture: This is Cliff and Stephanie near Thorp, Washington. Cliff, who is from Arkansas, is the oldest and tallest member on the ride. Stephanie is the youngest and shortest member on the ride.

Setting up camp at Vantage, Washington.

Kevin outside of his tent at Vantage.

"Home Sweet Home"

"Where's the showers, I can smell myself?"

DAY#3 PHOTOS

The I-90 Bridge over the Columbia River. I wish someone could have gotten a picture of all of us going across the bridge in mass. We stopped traffic!! to go across

Wild Horses Sculpture above the I-90 Bridge near George, Washington.

This is Daniel (our ride leader) and Sharon (ALAW Big Ride Adminsitrator). We are saying goodbye to Sharon, she is going to rejoin the group in Indiana.

Pauline and Ash, from Vancouver, Canada. This is Ash's second Big Ride Across America.

This is the beautiful sunset from our camp in the field at the Odessa, Washington K-12 School.

Day #4 Pictures

"Oh, the waving wheat, it sure smells sweet." This was taken near Davenport, Washington, I think it looks like the Windows desktop picture.

Up close picture of wheat in a field, near Davenport, Wa.

James, on Highway #2 going into Spokane. "Boy, gotta love that tail wind!"

I thought that this was a pretty farm off Highway 2.

James, me and Stephanie taking a break to Pee (in James case anyway). While Stephanie and I took pictures. Kevin just stopped because the rest of us did.

A pond off Hwy #2, between Davenport and Spokane. I saw a huge group of swallows near here that were dive bombing a mosquito ball. Also, I saw several coots out on the pond.

At first these cattle came down to the fence to check us out. Steph got a great close up of a bull running away. They checked us out and then ran away as if to say,"Don't take our picture."

Well, this is where we are staying on our first rest day (DAY #5). The University gave us a warm welcome. I haven't slept in the top bunk bed since I was in the Army. I told Janet (my roommate) to call 911 if I fall out of bed.

Day 4 - Early Report

2008-06-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Patty just called me.
They are already in Spokane, WA, the Day 4 stop.
Patty, Stephanie, and Kevin are all doing well.
She says they'll clean up, rest, and give us an update later.

Stay tuned...

Day #4

Day #4 started off with breakfast made by the same ladies who made us dinner the night before. Daniel then gave us a little lecture on how some of the riders were riding way too fast. (There were some issues the night before that I won't elaborate on between the fast riders and the slow riders). Daniel told people that this is not a race but a ride and people should slow down and look around instead of seeing just the 6 inchs in front of their tires. Plus it is hard for the support us all if we get spread out over so many miles.

I think that people took the lecture to heart because I saw riders at the back of the pack who I had never seen before. I think all and all people had a better day. Our little family (Steph, Kevin, James and I) did. We had a tail wind the whole day and loved every minute of it. The scenery was mostly wheat fields all day until we came into Spokane. We got to Gonzaga at a little after two. We are staying in a dorm at the University. We had dinner at the University Cafeteria. There is another bike group (Bike Ride Across America, BAA) who are staying in our same dorm. This group does about 60 miles a day, and takes 3 months to go across the country, and is made up mostly of retirees.

After dinner, Steph and I finally had computer access at the library on campus. WE updated our blogs with pictures, but then got so tired we called it a night. I hit my head only once on the ceiling getting out of bed from the top bunk during the night to go to the bathroom. Pretty good I think, and Janet didn't have to call 911 because I didn't fall out of bed.

Day 3 - 82.8 miles / 7 hours 02 min - Odessa, WA

2008-06-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

hey, i'm exhausted, so i am off to bed. we will be staying at gonzaga tomorrow.

it was a long hot day today, my comfy air mattress is calling my name

max 31.8 mph, dist 82.8 miles, time 7 hours 2 min, ave 11.7 mph, pbj, 0 flats, i cant send pictures internet not avail (from my cell phone)

Day #3

We started day 3 off well. I rode again with James, Kevin and Steph( were like a family within a family). No one's tent blew away during the night. We broke down camp, loaded our gear and had a catered breakfast at Blustery's again. Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fruit, toast, and muffins. (Steph and Kevin said that it was the best meal yet)

We got our cue sheets from Daniel and then as a group went out onto Interstate 90 to do across as a group (there are no shoulders on the bridge across the Columbia). Our support vehicles went in front and in back of us. We were quite a sight. Vehicles going west on the bridge slowed and many of them honked and waved their hands. It brought tears to my eyes because I think I finally realized that we had become a large family with a similar goal.

On the climb up I-90 towards George, Steph said, "I don't mind hills anymore." Strong work coming from a flat lander from North Carolina. We went by a lot of different kinds of fields on our way towards and out of George. They post signs now on the road telling people passing by what is in the fields. I didn't know what carrots for seed looked like until I read the sign. The town of George has a sense of humor. They have Valley Forge Fruit Company, Martha's Inn, and a picture (like on the dollar bill) of George Washington on their Water Tower. I stared laughing when I saw the Valley Forge Fruit Company. Steph said, "I don't get it." I explained and she laughed too. "You know I don't like to read books, don't you," she said.

We went from George to Ephrata North 283 and then caught SR-28 from Ephrata to Odessa. This was the most miserable 42 miles I have ever rode on. It was hot and the scenery was just sage brush, and some rock formations. The most exciting part of this whole stretch of highway was when Nick (Our Mechanic) wrote WATER Fall on the pavement. It pointed to an irrigation ditch with a small man made water fall. I took a picture of it with my cell phone camera.

After leaving the water stop/check point at 22 miles into this last slog towards Odessa, I got so burnt out of being on my bike that I took off and rode between 18-23 mph for the last 20 miles. Anyone who has ever hiked with know this mentality that I get ( the mule heading towards the barn one).

At the Odessa School I grabbed my bags, Steph's and Kevins. I would have grabbed Jame's bags too, but didn't know what they looked like. I set up my tent and waited for the others to get into town. Everyone was exhausted (all 37 riders). Steph and I went to the public pool for a swim and shower. Dinner that night was made by the cooks at the school. It was very good. I later took a great picture of the sunset. (see pictures from day 2-4)

Local cyclists embark on Big Ride Across America

2008-06-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

07:03 PM PDT on Monday, June 23, 2008

By CHARLOTTE STARCK / KING 5 News

Video: Cyclists leave Seattle for Big Ride Across America

SEATTLE - Several dozen cyclists are about to embark on an extraordinary cross-country adventure Monday morning from Seattle... <to read more, click here>

Permission to re-post from Travis Pittman/Content Producer/KING5.com

Big Thank You To Spoke & Sprocket

2008-06-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank Jim Couch and all the staff at Spoke and Sprocket, Tacoma, WA. I took a bike maintenance class from them this last winter and learned so much. I wish that I had taken the course prior to buying my last bike at another bike shop in the area (which I will not name). They sold me a carbon fiber bike two years ago by having me stand over the bike and seeing how much clearance that I had from the bar. Needless to say that when Jim (a master fitter, who I highly recommend to anyone in the area) fitted me on one of the last day of the class, told me that my bike was way to big for me. He didn't try to sell me a frame, but gave me my options (I had an older diamond back bike that I could ride, or I could maybe change my handle bars, but neither of these options were optimal). I decided to buy a Torelli frame from him and have him put all of my components from my other bike on the Torelli. I was able to sell my other frame to my friend Erich Bockelie (which fits him perfectly). I am so glad that I made the change, because my training rides and the last four days on my bike for the Big Ride have been so much more comfortable then if I had used my other bike.

Jim also helped me equip myself for the Big Ride with parts that I may need on the way, and taught me about cleaning my biking clothes and bike (Dawn Dish Detergent). Also, he did two tune ups on my bike prior to me leaving. Another thing that he did was put Stephanie's bike together (she shipped it to my house), and did a tune up on it when he put it together.

I cannot thank Jim and his crew enough. If you live in the area give the shop a try. http://spokeandsprocket.com/

Day 2 - 70.5 miles / 5 hours 36 min - Vantage, WA

2008-06-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

i'm just checking in. i'm in vantage, WA. ride yesterday was rough. ride today was great. in odessa tomorrow. (This was a text from my cell phone)

Day # 2

Day #2 at Easton State Park started off with breaking down camp and loading the trucks with our gear for the first time. We were running late as a group so our support crew loaded the trucks instead of us riders.

We had a breakfast of instant oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, and bananas. We got our cue sheets from Daniel and then we were off. I road with Kevin, James, and Stephanie. We traveled some back roads from Easton to Cle Elum. This was a nice ride with some views of the mountains at Snoqualmie Pass from the top of a hill (see picture on pictures from day 2-4 post). In Cle Elum we stopped at a gas station for Gatorade, a Lunchable for me (I'm not overly fond of PBJ sandwhiches), and chocolate milk for Kevin.

Next we got onto Highway 10. We stopped to take pictures of Mount Stewart on our way out of Cle Elum. The ride through the Yakima River Valley was awesome. I have lived in the area for over 20 years off and on and have never been on this road. Wow, I have missed on of the prettiest roads that I have ever seen. We stopped multiple times to take pictures and the had a water stop/check point half way through the Valley. I enjoyed watching some red tailed hawks catching the thermals. When we got down to Thorp, WA. we stopped at a river rafting put in/take out area to use the Porto potties and took more pictures of the river. In the town of Thorp we stopped at the Post Office to check to see if they had a library in town in-order to stop and down load pictures and update our blogs. Oh Course they didn't have one, but something funny happened outside of the library. A woman drove about 30-50 feet out of her driveway over to the Post Office and then drove back the 30-50 feet to her house. We just laughed because here we were riding our bikes cross country and she had to drive that short distance to the library.

Next we came into Ellensburg. We stopped at the last water stop/checkpoint before Vantage, but since there was a Mc Donalds right there we went in and got burgers instead (boy do you get hungry when you are biking so many miles). Right before getting to Ellensburg we went through some farm land, the day was getting hot, so when the irrigation systems were near the road and spraying out into it we had to ride through in order to cool off.

After Leaving Ellensburg we had about a 9 mile climb east of town towards Vantage, and then a 11 mile descent to the camp ground. Kevin said that he has never gone down that long of a hill before. He and James said that they would like to have a whole day of down hill sometime. I told them that they wouldn't feel that way if they have ever done the Tour De Blast up Mount Saint Helens.

That night we staked our tents down tight due to the high winds up the Columbia River Gorge. Supper was catered by the owner of Blustery's Restuarant. He made a huge salad, bread, and three kinds of pasta. For dinner we had birthday cake. Steven Chu turned twenty. Again, most of us were in bed before dark.

only pic i took on camera phone.

max: 38.5 mph, dist: 70.5 miles, time: 5:36, avg: 12.5 mph, PBJ: 1/2, flats: 0, yakima river valley on highway 10 was awesome. felt great today

Day 1 - 89.7 miles / 8 hrs 08 min - Easton, WA

2008-06-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

DAY # 1: Seattle to Easton, WA.

Day # 1 started out with a breakfast of egg, cheese, and ham tortillas (Kevin made them). We loaded my Honda Element with the bikes, and Em's car with our gear. The day started on a little bit of a sour note because I had to yell at Em to get moving so that we wouldn't be late to the start. We lucked out and got there early because the traffic was pretty light. Em and I made up before I left.

My sister, Pam, and my brother-in-law, Vlad were able to make it down to the start. Nathalie and Erich, two of my good friends also made it. So I had Nick, Em, Vlad, Pam, Nathalie, and Erich to see me off. It was nice to have all of them to see me off (and so early too). I love you guys.

The ride route changed this year from last. Last year they went over the I90 bridge over Lake Washington, this year we went around the north end of the lake on the Burke Gilman Trail. Then we caught the Sammamish River trail, and then on to Fall City on Highway 202. We climbed to the falls, took some pictures and then went on to the towns of Snoqualmie and North Bend. We had some of the ex-big riders join us on the ride over the pass. After North Bend we climbed, climbed, climbed, and then climbed some more over up I-90 and then on to Denny Creek Road. We stopped at the summit to refuel and then took the plunge down I-90 and around the reservoir to Lake Easton State Park, our first camping spot.

Akira met us at the campsite that night and took pictures and interviewed Kevin, Steph and I. It was nice to have him there. He even went and got aspirin for Steph, and tea and sugar for her to make sweet tea the next morning. Dinner was grilled Sausages (spicy beef, vegetarian, or chicken), pasta salad, and mixed lettuce salad. The dinner made by former Big Riders, some who came from as far away as Phoenix and Maryland.

We were all in bed before dark. My Coleman air mattress was very comfy.

UPDTATE 2 - Erich's pictures (more in Slideshow section):

UPDTATE - Patty's pictures (more in Slideshow section):

Em, Patty, and Pam at mile post 0

Snoqualmie Falls (268 ft)

Kevin and Stephanie on Denny Creek Road

Steph says this climbing sucks. she has never climbed a hill in her life

Snoqualmie Pass (3022 ft)

Patty and other riders have completed Day 1 successfully and are resting in Easton, WA.

Patty

Highlight of the day: Drinking cold Mountain Dew at the end of day, and meeting Amy (our great volunteer) in the shower room. Amy had extra coins for the shower, so she got to take a 6 minute shower, instead of a 3 minute one.

Lowlight of the day: Her pack (Patty, Kevin, and Steph et al.) got lost on the Burke-Gilman Trail. (For those of you who don't know what it is, this is the trail she has been riding practically everyday for her training... for years...). Also, having to get her daughter up in the morning to drive her to the ride start at the University of Washington.

No flat tires, no peanut butter and jerry (a rescue food), uphill around Denny Creek was tough.

Kevin

Highlight of the day: The campsite.

Lowlight of the day: 2-3 miles of uphill before the Snoqualmie Pass.

Stephanie

Lowlight of the day: At 68 miles, someone told her it is 90 miles run today (as opposed to 70's).

Highlight of the day: Sitting in her cozy tent and talking to me (how sweet!).

Day 0 - A Night Before

2008-06-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow we head out on our big adventure. I can't believe that it is finally here. My weekend started two days ago when I picked Stephanie and Kevin up from the airport. Stephanie is a 19 year old from Goldsboro, North Carolina. Kevin is a 51 year old from Michigan City, Indiana. I opened up my home to them to stay with me this weekend before starting the trip tomorrow.

On Saturday we went up to Seattle to see the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade. We saw some naked, body painted, people riding by on bikes, and other crazy stuff. I was telling Stephanie about King County's helmet law. She looked at me like I was crazy. She said, "So its okay to ride around Seattle naked, but you get a ticket for not wearing a helmet? Too funny!!! I just laughed.

Later that night Addy, Em, Stephanie, Kevin, Nick (Em's boyfriend), Jack (a family friend), Akira and I had a BBQ at my house. We had Chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce, pena pasta with sun dried tomatoes, and fresh fruit. The kids roasted marshmallows over my fire pit and made smores.

Today, Kevin, Stephanie, and I went for a 12 mile bike ride to get any kinks out of our bikes before tomorrow, and the only thing that we had to do was lower Stephanie's seat. Then we went up to Seattle and picked up James, another Big Ride Rider at the house where he was staying. I took them to REI to get some last minute things, then we went up in the Space needle. After that we had an orientation meeting, where we got to meet the other Big Riders, and got our Rider #'s (I'm #42). It was good to meet the other riders and the support staff. I sat there and looked around and thought, "these people are all strangers to me, but in 48 days we will be like one big family."

Tomorrow we leave at 7am from the UW Campus. Our first day will be going around the North End of Lake Washington over to Marymoor Park, and then on to East Lake Sammamish. We then climb up to the Issaquah Plateau, and drop down to Fall City, and then go on to North Bend. From North Bend we go over Snoqualmie Pass and down into Easton, where we will spend our first night.

Well that's all for now.. more tomorrow hopefully on DAY #1

Day -1 - Welcome

2008-06-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm new to blogging so bear with me. My name is Patricia Harm, but everyone calls me Patty. I live in Puyallup, Washington, with my daughter Emily Harm, foster daughter, Addy Haga, and sometimes foster daughter, Kiki Haga. I have two cats: Onyx, a black fluffy fur ball who is really my daughter Em's cat, and Belle, who I rescued from under a car in Belmond, Iowa while on an RV Trip (she got to come back in the RV from Belmond to Seattle with us last year). Yes, at 46 years of age I am still taking in strays (both the people and pet version). I have two dogs: Lexy, a husky, and Molly, a rescued cattle dog. Everyone in my house hold is female, so their is a lot of estrogen running around.

I have a big yard and garden, and enjoy working in both, especially in the Summer. I really like to cook and bake, especially when I have fresh vegetables from my garden. I very much enjoy reading, and hardly ever watch TV. I try to read at least 36 books a year. This year will be less because of getting ready for the Big Ride.

My other hobbies include mostly outdoor activities like: hiking, road biking, kayaking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and scuba diving. My daughter Em is certified, and we got a few dives in this spring, until I got pneumonia, and Em was diagnosed with allergies, and allergy induced asthma. She's getting treatment, so hopefully when I get back in the fall, we can start diving again.

As far as employment, I work at Madigan Army Medical Center as a Staff Nurse Anesthetist. I have worked there for 8 years. I spent 20 years in the Army (13 in the Reserves and 7 on Active duty), and retired as a Major in 2005.

I have been interested in riding my bike across the country since I was in high school, but really started making it a reality 3 years ago. I met a man who was biking unsupported across America at that time while on a trip to Winthrop, WA. Later that summer I read a book about a man and his daughter who rode across America. I asked my daughter Em to join me, but she said heck no, but I'll drive the support vehicle. I started to look into it in earnest found out about the American Lung Association's Big Ride. I decided to sign up in 2 years for the 2008 ride. I approached my Department Chief, Col Bolt and Assistant Chief, Col Allison (ret) and asked for permission to take 8 weeks off in three years. They supported me fully, so I owe them a big THANK YOU for allowing me to take the time off.

If you go to my fund raising page you will find out the multiple reasons for me doing this ride for the American Lung Association, but the main reason is because of my Mom. I am riding mainly for my Mom, Shirley Holmgaard, who died from Lung Cancer in 1998.

I want to also Thank my long time friend and ex-roommate Akira Hayashi (plasticpeg) for his support in starting my blog page, and keeping it up while I am on this ride. You may often see updates coming from him, as I will be talking, texting, and emailing him on a regular basis.

Also, a big thank you to my family and friends who have so generously sponsored me. Your generosity is so appreciated. Keep an eye on my blog, hopefully with Akira's help I will keep it updated.

Cheers,
Patty

Day -2 - Getting Ready For The Ride

2008-06-22T03:57:00.000-07:00

Patty is recovering well from the pneumonia and getting ready for the Ride.

Riders - Kevin from Indiana and Stephanie from North Carolina are staying at Patty's place.

Patty speaking in sign language

Stephanie from North Carolina - an excellent tea maker

Kevin from Indiana and Patty talking about big dreams...

Kevin and Harm's regulars...

The Sponsor List Update

2008-06-22T03:40:00.001-07:00

The sponsor list (right bottom side pane of this blog) has been updated with the latest information provided.

If you find misspelling or your name is missing, please click 'comments ' section and send us a message (or send your email to Patty).

Big Ride Across America Mail Stops

2008-06-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

While I woldn't recommend sending any important contracts, needing singnatures, cash or other very important items, you can send care package or other "I forgot" items via general delivery mail to any of the locations below.

Your packages must arrive by the date specified or Patty will not receive them. The crew will not be able to return to the post office in search of overdue packages.

Cutoff Date - Address:
6/26 - Riverside Station, 904 W Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
6/30 - Missoula Main Office, 1100 W Kent Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
7/7 - Hardin Post Office 502 N Cheynee Ave, Hardin, MT 59034
7/11 - Rapid City Main Office, 500 East Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57701
7/18 - New Ulm Main Office, 27 S German St., New Ulm, MN 56073
7/23 - Oregon Post Office, 252 Brook St., Oregon, WI 53575
7/31 - Burton Main Office, 14519 N Cheshire St., Burton, OH 44021
8/6 - Gettysburg Main Office, 115 Buford Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Sample Address:

Big Ride 2008

BE SURE TO INCLUDE RIDER'S NAME

General Delivery - Gettysburg Main Office

115 Buford Ave

Gettysburg, PA 17325

Big Ride Across America Emergency Contact Information

2008-06-22T02:41:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

In case of emergency, below is the emergency contact information:

American Lung Association of Washington
Sharon Cowdery, Event Manager
Patricia Throop, Regional Director of Special Events
Paul Payton, Communications Director
1-800-732-9339
206-441-5100

After Hours:
Sharon Cowdery, Event Manager
917-415-4518 (Emergency Only)

Update On Patty's Condition

2008-05-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Patty just called me.

She was MIA for the past couple of days but is alive, recovering from a pneumonia.

Let's hope for her quick recovery.

We have the first visitor!

2008-05-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

According to our record, someone from Ft. Dodge, Iowa has visited this site on May 11th.

Thanks for the visit.

Day -33 - Big Ride Across America Blog is open now

2008-05-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

This blog site has been created for Patty Harm's 2008 Big Ride Across America.