4th day of cycling

Today's route was the least interesting, high traffic and more cyclists.

The highlight was a winery visit.

Day 3 of cycling

Many murals on the walls in the town of Saludecio. They call murals grafetti.

65 km ride

Yea, that is the Adriatic in the background. I was with the not-fast riders...Howard, Bill, Peter, Marge and Greg.
More later

Sep 9 First full day in Riccione

Walked on the beach at sun rise. More later

Sunny London

Returned the rental bike this am by biking by myself from Canary Wharf across Tower Bridge.  Scary!!

It has been many years since I was in St. Pau'ls so decided to visit again.  Climbed about 500 steps to the very top of the Dome.  Here is a view of the London Eye.  The mural on the left is actually a printed fabric covering construction.  Here are some intereting facts about St. Paul's:

604  St Paul's founded  by King Ethelbert of Kent
1066 William of Normandy invades Englnd
1606  Four gunpowder plotters executed in St Paul's Churchyard
1666  The Great Fire of London devastates St Paul's
1981  Diana married Charles here 

I then retraced my steps across the Millenium Bridge to visit Shakespear's Globe Theatre.  I learned that it was rebuilt only because of an American Actor, Sam Wanamaker.  He went to London in 1949 and all he found of the Globe was a plaque.  He could hardly believe it and had a vision that he should rebuild it in the same manner of the original.  It took many, many years to accomplish.

The Globe was modeled after Roman amphitheatres and Greek Theatres.  The stage represents the world with two trap doors leading to Hell and the ceiling is painted to look like heaven. It has a thatch roof that is open to the sky in the middle.   Do you remember the famous line:  "All the world is a stage and all the men and women are merely players".  I also learned that scenery wasn't invented by Shakespere's time.  That is why he painted word pictures of what the scenery should be.

All the steps and walking today combined with the 8 hours yesterday on the heavy town bike are catching up with me.  I'm leaving very early in the morning for Bologna, Italy so will get organized and hopefully, to bed not too late.

Brands Hatch, Kent

Chloe and I set out this morning on rented, hybrid bikes this morning from Tower Bridge, London.  The good news is that no one crashed and we had fantastic weather.  We meandered, and I mean really meandered along the Thames cycle path then got lost a couple times.  It took us about 4 hours to go what John said would be about a 2 hour journey.  Seems he had never done it and we made several u-turns...laughing the whole way.  He is a relaxed guide.
 
The Brands Hatch venue for the Paralympics was well attended and we were able to stand right next to the spot where the racers were 200 meters from the finish.  Unfortunately, our friends Dave and Clark finished 6th. 

Am heading into London tomorrow for my last day here. 

Wed, Aug 29

View from the gigantic patio at the flat in Canary Wharf. Chloe's friend Emma lives in Cambridge and her friend, John, had two spare bedrooms to share with us. He works for Credit Swisse and recently returned from Singapore.

Greenwich

We saw the Paralympic torch go through Greenwich and Chloe flirted with the cute policeman. I loved walking back along the Thames to the flat in Canary Wharf. Today was a bit cool and rainy.

Dave & Clark

Warming up around the Velodrome.

Fri, Aug 31, 2012

Met up with Dave and Clark after their races. They did the 4K pursuit and the Kilo (1K time trial). Unfortunately, they didn't medal. Their strength is on the road. We have to tickets for the road time trial on Wed.

Sat, Sept 1, 2012

The police presence was every where. Luckily, they were friendly. Most of looked as though they weren't old enough to shave. Yes, I know that was a sexist comment but we saw very few women.
We had to walk by the gigantic Westfield Mall to get into the Olympic Park. Of course, we checked it out more than once.

Sunday, Sept 2, 2012

We watched the US team win bronze in the Mixed C-1 to C-5 Sprint. Joe has no right arm, Sam has no right leg and Jennifer has cerbral palsey.

Monday, Sept 3, 2012

Took the underground to London Bridge Station, walked along the Thames on Queen's Way to Tower Bridge. The symbol for the Parympics is hanging from the middle if it.

Grassi Lake Trail

I'm hiking with Fiona and Denis a littlr west of Calgary. This happened in July and was on of the best days of the 6-week road trip.
I met Denis and Fiona a couple years while hiking/rambling on the Wainwright trail across England

Not such good news

Haven't written much since June because there wasn't much fun to share.  I returned to Tucson earlier than planned because I wanted to see a local hand surgeon about my finger.

Had the splint removed from my pinkie and the tendon didn't reattach.  That means I'll have a permanently bent finger or have the finger fused into a straight line.  I'm going to wait a few weeks to see how much it bothers me before making a decision.

The good news is that it doesn't seem to adversely affect cycling.  I'm heading out in a few days for the Paralympics in London followed by a couple weeks cycling in Italy.  Traveling should give me a good feel for what I will do about the finger.

Oh well,  guess that is what happens when one is physically active.

Good News

Saw the hand surgeon, a cyclist, yesterday and don't need surgery.  YEA!!  It seems that the treatment for a detached excisor tendon is to keep the digit straight with a splint.   After 6 weeks with the splint I can take it off to exercise the pinkie 4x-6x a day for 2 weeks.  Then 2 weeks of night time wear only.  Hopefully, it will be healed.  If I'm not able to fully straighten it then I'll see another doctor.  You know me well enough to know I'll do whatever is necessary to make sure it gets fixed right the first time.

The doc also said I could start cycling.  I'll give it a few more days since it still hurts when I bump into things.  I'm concerned about not being able to handle the brakes well enough.

Rest Day

Today is a rest day.  The days since the accident have been full and a bit stressful.  On Thursday I returned from the RV camp in Hope, MN to Rochester; dropped off the bike and found it needed parts and a good bit of work so will pick it up on Friday afternoon; had lunch at Chester's with Beth then went to her home.  Made several phone calls and arranged an appt with a hand surgeon for Monday.  That means I'll drive to Mike's house in Charleston on Sat.

When I unpacked at Beth's I realized I had left the hanging bag with clothes in it in Tom's RV.  Guess the stress of the past couple days was working.  So, back in the car Fri morning to drive to Apple Valley.  Returned to Rochester to do laundry and repack.  Sat on the back porch for a great salmon dinner.  The temp was perfect and the wind was non-existent.  The most relaxing and fun since Wed.

Easy 8 hr drive to Charleston then out to dinner and a movie.  I was surprised to thoroughly enjoy The Avengers.  It was actually funny.

Went for an hour walk early this morning and then watched London lose to Italy in the World Cup.

Hope for some good news tomorrow...fingers crossed.

Crash

First bike crash...broken little finger and minor road rash.  Will return to Rochester in the morning to get bike repaired.  The finger is in a splint and will need an MRI in a week to see if the extensor tendon needs surgery.  Hope all is healed before the bike rides scheduled for Italy.
Enough for today...need to rest.

Sakatah-Singing Hills Trail

Another easy morning start.  It is wonderful being on holiday with no deadlines and few expectations.  The day started out clear and cool but by the time we got on the trail it was almost noon and getting hot.  We started in Fairbault, MN and had a late lunch in Waterville, near Lake Sakatah. Thought of my old and dear friend, Phyllis.  I went into an old-fashioned hardware store.  It was crammed to the gills with fabulous "stuff".

The wind picked up to about 15-20 mph as a side wind.  The heat/humidity was worse than the wind.  We are now comfortably ensconced in Hope Oak Knoll Campground south of Owatonna.

The plan for tomorrow is to join TCBC, Twin Cities Bicycle Club, for a ride from Owatonna.  The weather forecast isn't good so we will be flexible.

Douglas Trail

It was another hot/humid day in MN....90 degrees with 90+ humidity.

Have you ever come face-to-face with a front end loader on a bicycle trail?  It was a first for me yesterday on the Douglas Trail from Pine Island to Rochester.  It was hard at work clearing downed trees off the trail as the area had experienced severe winds for a couple days.  We didn't have to carry our bikes over trees but there was still a lot of small branches, twigs and leaves.

Had a great dinner with my god-daughter.  She has grown into a lovely young woman and will graduate from HS next year.

The Cannon Valley Bike Trail is closed due to flooding...bummer.  We will head out tomorrow to bike the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail in Fairbault.

Tourist in Tucson

Sunday started out as a beautiful, sunny day.  Went on an easy ride on the bike paths around Rochester, MN.  I felt like a tourist.  The town has changed experienced a gigantic increase of buildings.  Can't believe the number of relatively new apartments.  Not much doesn't change.  It was encouraging to see that the drivers were still "Minnesota Nice".   

Of course, I had to visit my favorite bike shop...Bicycle Sports. Here is Bob Gritman, owner.  

One of my favorite things is a picnic.  Essex Park in Rochester was sparsely populated with children having a grand time and we had no problem finding a picnic table.   The weather dramatically changed, as is usual for a summer day in Rochester.  Threatening but beautiful, purple and grey cloud formations were moving in from the west.  By the time we got back to Bob's house the heavens had opened and gave the green trees/plants what they need.  

We are now in a the Hidden Meadow Campground in Pine Island.  It is aptly named as it is on the dead end of a dirt road.  I hope I'm going to like camping in an RV.  I'm looking forward to an equally good tomorrow.  We plan to ride the Douglas Trail from Pine Island to Rochester and return.  

2012 Two month road trip

It is now Sat, June 16 and I'm in cool, rainy Rochester...68 degrees with 86% humidity.   I have been not on a journey the last 4 days but on a path to reach a destination.

I left Tucson on Tuesday after having dinner with my nephew, Chris, and their family Monday night.  Annabelle, age 5, is a delight to be around with her extensive vocabulary and interest in everything.  Charlie, almost age 3, has to be on the move all the time and is a fantastic cuddler.  Spent a lovely hour visiting with Sue at AJ's Tuesday morning.  She travels more than I and the conversation never flags with both of us telling our tales.  Stopped in Phoenix to visit Josh, Amy and 3 day old Emmett.  He is beautiful, of course, and I'm looking forward to seeing how much he grows in the next 2 months.

Spent the night in Show Low at Pat Jame's house then headed to Colorado Springs early Wednesday morning.  I'm looking forward to cycling with her in Italy in September.  I had several books on CD so the time spent on the interstate flew past.  Jannie and Dave were gracious hosts and after drinks on the old-fashioned front porch we walked to a Bistro for dinner.  One of my favorite activities....walking to an outside dinner.

Left Colorado Springs early Thursday morning heading east.  After driving through some bad weather (beautiful black/purple clouds with lightening) and around a couple accidents on a stretch of road with construction I arrived safely in Omaha.  My friend, Diane in Tucson, introduced me to The Evergreen Club, and I spent the night at a lovely 'B&B' with Dave and Joy Schaal.  Dave is an ex-IBMer and they have traveled extensively.  It was fascinating to hear about their many trips to Kenya and their financial support of several children in their pursuit of an education.

The drive in to Rochester was the shortest day and I was ready for a rest.  I'm staying at Bob and Joan's house.  She had already left for Iowa to help her father celebrate his 90th birthday.  Bob and I went out for dinner then he headed south. 


Now that I've caught up with the present I'm going to try to keep this blog current.  Went to a very warm, but not hot, yoga class this morning and as I'm typing it looks as though the rain is stopping and the clouds are moving on.

Tom arrived in his RV this afternoon and we spent a couple hours driving around Rochester scouting bike trails.  He was impressed with Assissi Heights and the Canadian geese around Silver Lake.

Apple Store, Christchurch, NZ

Gives a different meaning to container shopping.  The Kiwis are creative in using shipping containers for a strip mall area.  This is within sight of the fences around the "red zone" in downtown Christchurch.  Buildings in the red zone will be torn down.  The plan is to rebuild but I was told that could take up to 10 years.  There is still discussion on whether the businesses should relocate away from the center and use that area for something else.

Red Zone

There is a fence around the downtown area. Most and possibly all will be demolished.  The barriers change, to allow for a 'drop zone' based on what buildings are being demolished. 

Clock tower

I lost the picture and am working on getting it back. 

Porto loo

There are many porto loos In the Avonside area...about every 4 houses. Note the blue pipe/hose that is in place to get water to/from the houses.

Avon River

No more punting on the Avon.

Wool

The lanolin was obvious to the touch.  The grey wool is put into a different pile because it is a different grade of wool.

3 Lambs

They looked scared in the pen but were docile when Tony started to shear them.

Lake Tekapo

View from inside Good Shepard Church in Lake Tekapo.  This is a small town with a strip mall on the highway.  We found this the best place to shop for gifts.  The lake was an exquisite blue because it was glacier fed.

Lake Pukaki

I know this looks fake but it truly is accurate.  This was taken on the road from Mt. Cook to the end of Lake Pukaki. Several of us got in the van at the end of the lake and were very happy we did.  It started pouring down with rain and the wind picked up.  The next place on the route was to cycle along the canal connecting Lake Pukaki with Lake Tekapo.  This was where Josh and Ann drove us earlier and we saw the salmon farm. 
By the time we got to the start of the canal the wind had increased to gale force and the highway department closed the canal road.  Three of our cyclists had already started through and it took us quite a while to collect them.

Cliffs on Lake Pukaki

It looks fake but the water is glacier melt off and is this beautiful aquamarine.  The dark skies added a new dimension to the land and water.  We were in and out of drizzle all morning.

Mt Cook to Fairlie

We had a fantastic tail wind.  The rain was right behind us and encouraged us to not tarry.

Last cycling day

Our last day was from Fairlie to Timaru on the east coast. We did an easy, sunny 62 km.  This was the best weather of the whole 2 weeks.

Sheep shearing

We stayed at a farm...called a 'farm home stay'... in Fairlie. It is a working farm and the farmer was a world class sheep shearer.  He selected three lambs and sheared two of them with the electric shears and one with the super sharp hand shear.  It was amazing to watch.

Cont of sheep shearing

Part 2 of demo.

Coronation Bath House cafe

Built in 1910 in honor of King George V.  We are in Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu.  We had tapas for dinner and watched the local rugby team work out.

Sunset

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, NZ.

Rugby team

The local rugby team almost ran us down then did more training on the beach. Fellow cyclist Jan got so excited she walked into my shot.

Wed, Feb 22 was the 1 year anniversary of the earthquake that devastated downtown Christchurch. We are going to the "red zone" downtown when we return to ChCh on Sunday.  I'll post pictures later from Christchurch.

Sir Edmund

"Even the mediocre can have adventure and the fearful can achieve"
Loved, loved, loved the movie of his life. I'm at the Mt Cook Hermitage Center and should be able to see Mt Cook... except for the pouring rain.  Hope to ride out along Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo tomorrow.

Chilly, windy descent down Cardona Pass, steepest descent I've ever made. Had to stop half way because I was smelling the brakes. The rims were extremely hot to the touch.

Rainy day on the road from Omarama to Mt. Cook. Many people didn't ride today.

Feb 21, sunny day off in Queenstown. Spent the day walking around and enjoying the sights.

Feb 21, First view of Queenstown from Cardrona Pass.

Feb 21, heading up Cardrona Pass

Feb 21, hundreds of sheep along a stream

Feb 21, unusual metal mailboxes

Could they be re-purposed as bird nests now?

Feb 21, Wanaka to Queenstown, historic building with beautiful back court yard.

Feb 20, sunset over Lake Wanaka, one of the few beautiful sunsets. We had fabulous squid for dinner.

Feb 20, Lake Hawea, on the way from Makarora to Wanaka. Stopped for lunch on a roof patio.

Feb 20, Fearless Foursome with Mr. Plywood biking from Makarora to Wanaka. We are on The Neck summit of 405 meters. Sally, Sue, Marlene, Sue and Jim.

Feb 20, still smiling after 12% incline at The Neck between Makarora and Wanaka.

Feb 20, Lake Makarora

Feb 19, pits in the fruit crumble

Feb 19, wine tasting

PedalTours sponsored a great wine tasting.

Feb 12, Chinese Celebration

Feb 12, Chinese Celebration

Feb 12, Chinese Celebration. Hageland Park, Christchurch.

Feb 11, Operation Deep Freeze

 For a while I seriously considered trying to return to Antarctica to work at McMurdow station.

Feb 12, bike fit

Getting our bikes set up at Chateau on the Park, Christchurch.  Marlene and Sharon from BC.

Feb 11, on the way from Twizel to Christchurch. Thought this was an interesting saying on the back of the truck.

Feb 10, country side

The drive from Twizel back to Christchurch was beautiful even though it wasn't in the mountains,