Over the years, on long tours (1200 to 2600 miles), people often ask how I prepare for that kind of ride. Truthfully, there really isn't a way to prepare to ride many miles day after day. Plus, employment, family, and church commitments before departure make it impossible to ride long distances day after day. So, … Continue reading GNBR – Painful Preparation
The red line (the route) wanders across Canada and through three northern states of the USA as it travels from Victoria, BC, to St. John's, Newfoundland. Map projections, which squish the upper part of the round earth into flat paper images, make Canada look bigger than it is. Still, Canada is the second-largest country in … Continue reading GNBR – The Great Northern Bikepacking Trip – Perspectives
You can't really see it on the map but under the highway "261" marker, the route is a very convoluted and squiggly line. Looking at the profile to the left, you can see that the squiggly route is in fact a rather precipitous rise called the Moki Dugway. It was cut through the cliffs in … Continue reading Bear’s Ears – Day 6
Admittedly posting the map of the day's ride is embarrassing. The only slightly redeeming quality is that we did pedal it both ways. Today was our day trip - another novelty introduced by our local expert Anne. While I complain about the low mileage, I was grateful to be back at the VOG B&B before … Continue reading Bear’s Ears – Day 5
With batteries charged, we left early for the day concerned that wind would be picking up later in the day. We were ready for our first dirt riding of the trip. We had to backtrack to the Valley of the Gods (VOG) and then we would be on dirt until our final destination of the … Continue reading Bear’s Ears – Day 4
It is obvious to me that the people making Google Maps have only ridden their bikes in the flat costal areas of California. And likely then, only 2 - 3 mile commutes to work. Two hours and 15 minutes to travel 25 miles? On a related note, Anne had driven between Bluff and Mexican Hat … Continue reading Bear’s Ears – Day 3
The uniqueness of this particular adventure continued into the second day. Not only had our friends not gone home after day one, they seemed to be enjoying the trip. I'm not sure how much the 1000 watt motors played into that enjoyment, but whatever works to get us out and all together is fine by … Continue reading Bear’s Ears – Day 2
Bears Ears - two mesas on skyline You have likely heard of a place called Bears Ears. It has been a subject in the news off and on of late especially as different political parties have waxed and waned in Washington DC. I have very little understanding of the politics or the legalities, but I … Continue reading Bears Ears – Day 1
It ended like it began in the parking garage of an airport. At Reagan airport in DC, we loaded the bikes in a truck to head for Rehoboth - thanks again Sal and Colleen for accommodating us so nicely in your beach condo. See the grimace? See the huge smile? They are quite telling of … Continue reading D27 NE It’s Over
It is amazing what was engineered in the early 1800's. I thought at first there wasn't any civil engineers in that day but in fact the first degrees were awarded in 1835. The dams along are amazing and created long lakes through which some of the boats floated after being taken through locks off the … Continue reading D26 NE History Tour
Grumpy Grandpa's Great Bicycling Adventures 