Intersection

Today was opening night of the basketball season. Before the game had a Corona at a hotel called La Figueroa (spelled that wrong) with Matt who I work with at my job. It was a Spanish themed art deco design.

They gave out the following T-Shirt to everyone attending.

Interestingly the premiere of the Michael Jackson film "This is It" was being held right across the street.

Two different events which marked the end of the bike trip, but now represent a new beginning. Life coming full circle.

The Body says rest

For the first time since I came back from the trip I did ride ride during the weekend. I have been feeling a little under the weather so I decided to rest. Mentally this is not so good for me as for some reason I think that I will lose all of my conditioning in a few days. Physically I think it is good to take a few days off.

Feliz Cumpleaños

The weather in Los Angeles has been a little crazy this week. The week started in the high 60's followed by rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday it was in the high 80's, today it will be in the 90's and tomorrow will be the same.

During my bike ride I came across some reminders of some of the Dalton Members.








I have seen this version of "Alec" throughout Los Angeles. I am not sure of the significance, but the similarities between the person I rode with and the above picture is striking.

I believe those who rode with us know the significance of the truck and its contents below. Coincidence or not, this is how I will let you know that it is Harry's Birthday this coming Wednesday. I am sure that he would appreciate if we would all drop him a little note.









Speaking of Harry, he just sent me a picture. I cannot remember which lobby I am standing in, but it seems as if I was changing a tire. Again !!!!











Some Birthday pictures from Harry.















Apparenly, Harry really wants to come to America.

Pasadena

Today no email on the Saturday ride, but more on that later. This is getting a little repetitive, but today was another beautiful day to ride.

Since I had not ridden there in awhile (actually since the Tour de California) I decided to head out to Pasadena. As I have told many persons I am directionally challenged and I got lost. Which reminds me, as hockey season started and the Red Wings were in Stockholm, I dropped Al a line. He is in the midst of training for the orienteering championships. Al I could have used you today because I know you could pointed me in the right direction.

It turned out to be fine as I ended up pedaling through Verdugo Village and then La Canada Flintridge which turned out to be very nice towns. Next, I went the wrong way and pedaled to the Jet Propulsion Lab. I never knew it was located up there until I was stopped at the security gate. They pointed me in the right direction and I finally ended up in Pasadena.

Bridge leaving Pasadena

On my home as I was passing Griffith Park, I saw Mitch and Jay from the Saturday group. Apparently, no one contacted Jay so he did not send out an email for today's ride. So he and Mitch decided to go it alone. I rode with them awhile and then doubled back to Griffith Park so I could get in my 50 miles (actually 54). It seems so effortless to bike 50 miles, especially when it is so cool.

Lastly, a few birthday shout outs for the group this week.

If you recognize this persons feet, then drop him a line as it is his birthday tomorrow.

The magic man celebrates his birthday, this coming Thursday.

Pictures

Today was a beautiful day to bike. It started out in the 50's in the morning and it was a nice cool morning. A lot of gradual uphills today as well with Nichols Canyon 3 mile uphill and then down to Muholland through to Sepulveda Blvd. (google to find the route).

Harry who cannot use a computer, but apparently is adept at using his blackberry has sent a few photos from the bike trip.

Below is a picture inside Tumblin Stumblin Joe's in Liberal, Kansas. The Dalton Gang resulted from the drinking in this establishment.

Most people take pictures of the beautiful scenery to let them know that they traveled across America. Harry had a little different idea.

Willie and I in a bar in Erie, PA. He looks a little scary to me.

Outside a convenience store in Upstate, NY, Harry wondered how long it would take to drink his way from one end of the truck to another. My answer would be 7 weeks which coincidentally is the time it took us to bike across America.

This picture below was taken on Day 47 in Vermont. Alec was not feeling well this day, but he make it to the hotel. Unfortunately, he could not bike the two days remaining in the trip as he felt ill. However, he is fine now, spent alot of time in Europe and seems to not like the fact that it snowed 4 inches today in Tahoe.

Order is restored

For two weeks, Jay who sends out emails notifying us of rides on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday has been on vacation. Although he told us that someone else would send out emails during his time away, this did not occur. Jay was back from vacation and like clockwork the email letting us now about the Saturday ride. Order has been restored.

We did the two hills rides, one up to Mt. St. Mary College and the other up Mandyville Canyon. While at the top we spoke with a local resident. While I knew of one incident of a car stopping in front of a bike (on purpose) and causing a horrible accident, apparently there have been many accidents between cars and bikes. This is not the type of information that you want to hear before starting your descent.

The weather was perfect for biking today. It started out in the high 50's and never got that hot. It really makes biking much easier. During the cross country trip I always thought I was getting stronger as the weeks went by and now I realize that most of my improvement was due to the cooler weather in the later part of the trip as compared to the first week in the desert.

Harry sent out an email to the Dalton Gang plus 1 (that would be Willie) letting us know that he is biking around town. Apparently it is very cold. Alec, Karen and myself let Harry know that the weather has been quite hot in California the prior week. I remember Harry telling me during the bike trip that he was training at night and that he looked like a Christmas tree while biking. I am not sure about that, but he does kind of look like a crossing guard.

Where are my clothes ?

I continue to bike to work. Once I get there I change into jeans and a shirt and hang my bike clothes outside on the fire exit. When I went to get them to prepare to leave for home they were gone. I searched and searched and asked the security guard, Claudia whether anyone had taken them. She had determined that perhaps they were thrown away in the garbage by the cleaning crew. Two buildings and 3 dumpsters later I had found them. Thanks for your help Claudia. And thanks to Rob D for giving me a ride home (it is getting to dark earlier in the day so I could not ride home).

Today is the 3 month anniversary of our ride into Boston and the end of our trip. Was it a dream ? Did I really do it ? Based on the emails going back and forth between the group I know I did it, but it seems such a long time ago.

Apparently, in celebration of the 3 months, I got a flat tire. My first since Liberal, Kansas. Fortunately, I was in front of a bike shop so at least I had access to a tire pump. After observing Harry, Alec and Karen for all of our flat tire repairs (I usually held the bike), it only took me about 10 minutes to fix. Not bad and it was the back tire. Let's see how it holds up tomorrow. Total miles today 62 (20 after the flat).

I tested the Cannodale Synapse 3 and Trek Madone 4.5 road bike today. Getting used to the compact and the gearing will take some time. All of the bikes ride so much lighter and I feel so much faster.

Bob is recovering from his injuries and has ordered his new bike which he should receive in a few weeks. Pictured below is his new bike.