Medway Messenger Latest - Welcome Home

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Medway Messenger Friday Edition
13 Apr 2012

Medway Messenger Latest - The finish

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Medway Messenger Monday Edition
9 Apr 2012

Lake City to St Augustine - Day 19

The last post, woke up early with a spring in my step knowing this was going to be the last day. The last day of living out of the trunk of the car, sore backside, white finger, backache and knackerd legs! Breakfast was the usual, even though today was approx 90 miles still have to be fuelled right to get there in good condition.


The roll out was quite tricky through the City and onto the US 100 East, wind was favourable and off I went like it was a race, I just wanted to get there and I know Caroline has wanted to for several days now. I have to say she has done a fantastic job of being there when needed with food, drink and a smile ( as well as a full fuel tank) we made good time through the middle of Florida, it was flat and road surface was new tarmac - a dream. The Weather channel predicted storms later on in the afternoon as well as heavy rain. Fortunately that wasn't the case in the morning.


Lunch was at the roadside near the Shands bridge which would take us east on the final leg into St Augustine, I was getting excited that this journey that had taken 2 years of planning and prepertion was about to end.


St Augustine city limits sign came out of the blue and with it lots of tourism, cars, amenities. All I wanted was the beach, fortunately we came across our motel on route and so checked in and got some directions. The final leg of approx 2 miles was on of the hardest I had to do! The wind had picked up and blew me backwards especially when I crossed the final bridge and down onto the penninsula where the beach was. This was it......


Caroline caught me up, by this time I was walking towards the beach in preperation to finish this epic venture. It reminded me more of John O Groats than Florida! Caro came down to the beach and I waded into the Ocean with bike - I only had thoughts for my girls, it sounds silly but I wished I wasn't here doing this but in the same thought a sense of achievement in Emilys name.


Lesson learnt today:


You can do anything if you want to


I am back in the commercial world


My bike and wheels are worth every penny

Quincey to Lake City - Day 18

Alarm clock failure this morning which didn't start the day very well, having to play catch up and get out on the road as quick as possible, every minute is accountable especially when you only get 12 hours daylight. Maybe it was the rushed breakfast or the wind that couldn't make its mind up for the reason why I struggled for the first couple of hours. Amazingly after a good break and several litres of fuel, including Dr P for a sugar rush I was back on the road and soon back up to mileage.
The weather was hot, humid with a 40% chance of precipitation but not until the afternoon. The countryside was rolling and the roadside trees were draped with Spanish moss and the little tow ns were very colonial. As we want through Monticello, Caroline went to fill up as half a tank of fuel is panic stations and she needs to fill up (OCD) I said i was peddling on but slowly for her to catch up as there were critical junctions coming up as in follow the US 90 East sign!!!! Twenty minutes had passed and i got on the radio to ask nicely where are you? and what are you doing? She finally caught up with me as i was cycling back when we pulled over Caroline explained how the garage attendant was a really nice guy, called her a limey and ended up showing her his 9mm pistol!!!!! " oh ok, I thought you might be in trouble" I answered.
I think he was trying to make the point that he couldn't live in the UK because of their weapon laws. He wouldn't pose for a photo though:-)
Further up the road there was a roadside BBQ in support of the local correction centre - smelt so good but it was too early. Through Greenville and onto Madison for lunch at McDeez, a blackberry smoothie and another Dr P. The smoothie gave me brain freeze not once but 3 times-agony!
Back in the saddle and pushing on over the Suannee river and on to Live Oaks on the US 90 East. Pace had picked up and the goal of Lake City was insight, I needed this if I was to finish tomorrow at a decent time ie; mid afternoon. No punctures today:-)
Just planned the route (rowte) for tomorrow and it should be very scenic as we go down the spine and through the swamps and onto the coast where this journey ends.
Lesson learnt today:
Caroline is definately on the spectrum
Garage attendants need to pack a weapon
Florida isn't all commercial and is really scenic

Pensacola to Marianna - Day 17

All excited and an early breakfast - I had a good tailwind waiting to push me along and it didn't dissapoint. On the road for 8 and pushing the big cog the road was rolling but really good surface as I breezed through the miles. The small towns were quaint and Spanish moss covered the trees giving it a haunted look. The sides of the road were swampy and wooded, no sign of gators!!!! The route was the good old US 90 East and would take me parralell to the I-10 and the main trans US rail line - Casey Jones was always my hero (for those who are old enough to remember) you could hear the engines horn as it came through the towns.
Had a DIY lunch swilled down with Dr P and got back out on the road again, I really wanted to make the most of the conditions, my progress was halted by a guy on what I can only describe as a cross trainer with wheels! He was doing a Coast to Coast over a 100 days in support of the US Marine Corp Injured. He was carrying a bergan, sleeping bag and camelbak complete with GPS - respect.
We went passed our proposed stop point in Mariana and battled on, little did we realise that we lost an hour and were now on Eastern time!!!!! Time to try and find a motel. I had made it to within 20 miles of Tallahasee:-) this means if everything goes to plan we could be in St Augustine on Friday:-) still 2 full days to go and can't take anything for granted. Another punctureless day which is always a bonus.
At the Best Western I met a State Trooper who showed a great interest in my bike and gave me some good advice for in and around St Augustine as well as the rest of Florida. He too had a Madone and was a keen cyclist. Again everybody is so pleasant and helpful.
So the penultimate day is nearly here and I can't wait.
Lessons learnt today:
This part of Florida is very similar to England - green and wet:-)
You can turn right at a red light if clear (that is for my driver:-)
I have 5 days to get rid of this ridiculous tan!
The US is a country built on convenience .

Wiggins, via Gulfport to Pensacola - Day 16

You have heard of stormchasers well we were the storm dodgers! There were two options today, one was to go into Mobile from the North West and chance thunder storms and lightening which could be a possible stopper or two, head down to the Gulf Coast and come in along the coastline from the West avoiding the weather front. It was a no brainer and bore the brunt of an extra twenty miles to get down to Gulfport.
Gulfport I would equate to the US Blackpool but hotter with nice white sand and sparkling blue sea. I have to say BP have done a good job cleaning up, I was surprised to see a BP garage still operating.
The ride along the coastline was breathtaking and even more so crossing the deltas on low and high bridges spanning more than several miles at a time. Today was the day we would get through 3 States, Louisiana, Alabama and into Florida - nearly there. Looking at the weather everything is setup to get in for lunchtime Saturday as prefer that to getting in late on Good Friday.As I passed through Alabama, I had to play Lynyrd Skynyrd on the headphones, bit of Freebird and Sweet Home Alabama gets those peddles turning, Mobile was stunning and very colonial a joy to cycle through, the highlight seeing USS Alabama moored at what looked an amazing war museum, however we had stopped before Mobile at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which was very moving.
Finally into the sunshine state of Florida, it was getting late and both of us were getting tired, we pushed onto just East of Pensacola through Bagdad:-) and Milton, however had to go on to Crestview to get a room, so back to Milton in the morning to start - grrrrrrr. Route US 90 East all the way and a tailwind to go:-) No punctures today!
Lessons learnt today:
For all your GPS technology you can't beat a map
Confirmed that I have been beeped in every state
Our car is a V8!!!!! Unfortunately it is red - no love

Baton Rouge to Wiggins

Woke up this morning as per usual time but just had a feeling today wasn't going to be good! I felt good and the alligator and catfish from last night hadn't had any delayed affects, so there was no reason. We set off a few minutes behind time and made great progress in the first hour which is always the hardest hour as you bed in all those aches and pains and get settled in the saddle. Soon hit the town of Hammond and headed North which put the wind behind me and good speed to Franklington. The route was flat, wooded and swampy with random derelicts of what used to serve this highway, more logging vehicles were on the roads as we went through the forest plantations.
Lunch was at McDees, no food just drinks and a bit of internet time to sort out the remainder of the route, it was as we sat in the car the heavens opened and there was a storm of biblical proportions which passed over within 20 minutes, that basically set the trend for the rest of the day. All of a sudden the wind would whip up and you could see the storm coming towards you, I was lucky that I had Caroline in the car in close proximity for shelter, however for the two cyclists travelling in the opposite direction there was nothing. The hail was hurting as it struck me - another reason for wearing a helmet:-) where was Caro? 2 minutes later she tipped up as if nothing was happening!!!!! Again within minutes it had gone. I prepared myself for the next front by putting my waterproof on, this made me feel like a boil in the bag as it was still in the high 80s and the humidity was in the 90s.
We crossed into Mississippi about 3ish, there was no big welcome sign as all the other states had. I rode on and 2 miles down the road there it was - Welcome to Mississippi - but the most unaccessible sign ever to have your photo taken!
The down pours kept coming all the way into Wiggins and now the lightening has started and a weather warning has been given - one thing I will say about the US TV stations is they know how to do weather:-)
Caroline and I are looking at re-routing tomorrow to avoid the storms, however make come at a cost of an extra day and finishing on Saturday - we will see what tomorrow brings.
Lessons learnt today:
Should have done this East to West (confirmed)
Mississippi is full of petrolheads who love their ve -hicles
No hard shoulder on the main highway I'm on.
People still think we are Australian

Deridder to Baton Rouge - Day 14

Today started with the Weather Channel informing me that there was to be a record high across Louisiana, it seems everyday somewhere in the US is having glorious weather and records tumbling apart from the Sunshine State and West Coast. Today was a big stage, however flat as a pancake and a SSE crosswind that would still assist in giving me an average speed of 18/19 mph. From Deridder to Baton Rouge it was all East on the US 190.
The road was very easy going as we passed what seemed the whole of the state was at one form of worship place or another, it seems like in the cartoon Family Guy, Jesus is Alive and well somewhere in the US?
The humidity was frightening and either through irrigation or recent rainfall the area is swampy and fields I could only describe as similar to paddy fields, harvesting what crop I don't know. I saw a few craft that wouldn't look out of place in the Everglades and it did make me think of the film Waterboy - everything from the houses to the locals. Caroline had a local ask her something of which she just smiled and nodded!!!!!
The route headed due South for 10 miles and the head wind slowed me down for an hour, but I knew the heading would soon be easterly to get me back on track. The roads from Opelousas all the way onto the northern bridge across the mighty Mississippi on the outskirts of Baton Rouge were shocking, I had one puncture which I saw coming but couldn't do anything about and the loss of my magent for the speedo. This is always frustrating as i ride to the data, I found my self doing bunny hops on my road bike to avoid wrecking the wheels - both sets will need to be serviced after this adventure.
The frustrating thing when riding the freeways is the state of the shoulder, usually quite good, however today it was unrideable. There are some locals usually in pickups, this one particular idiot was driving a heavy duty pickup that gave me a wide birth then accelerated with the speed of a striking slug to coat me in a cloud of V12 smoke, the embarressing thing was I nearly overtook him!
A good day the only climb was the ramp up the Mississippi bridge. The day has ended on my first taste of Catfish and Alligator, we will see how i feel in the morning!!!! My thoughts are with the turtle crossing a 2 lane freeway - is the grass greener on the other side? Hope he made it!
Lessons learnt today:
Jesus is alive and well in Louisiana as well as all the other States
New roadkill - frogs/toads
Different language and dialect with a definate English origin

Cleveland to Deridder - Day 13

Thought I would start off by running through my morning routine:
0630 Alarm
0700 Get up and start stretching and pack car
0730 Breakfast (depends on the motel, usually toast, porridge and cakes)
Medical prep: painkillers, heat roll on, suntan screen and vaseline
0800 Roll out
Well today was the last day in Texas and if honest I was quite happy to see the back of it. Texas has been more than a third of this ride and certainly has been a state of two halves, the first being dry, arid and big country the second being green, temperate and American.
It was a hot one the clouds had gone and by 10am it was 80 degrees and climbing. The route should have been quite simple but a sequence of events and communication breakdown led to the first hour being not as productive as it should have been. After a ten minute review of our procedures and contingencies the day started again.
The route was flat with a nice southerly wind from the west assisting me, being a the weekend there was a lot happening in every town we went through all family orientated which was nice to see - Yard sales, BBQs , walks and a fire station open day. We had lunch in Buna just off the highway, i find my best cycling comes after being fed. Caroline was having a bit of a nightmare with the map today but in her defence there were some dubious road markings, however no excuse for taking me over a road that was fit for mountain bikes and tracked vehicles, fortunately it was only 2 miles long. Important note is not to go off the main roads, especially in the back end of Texas.
Louisiana was on the horizon, I for one was happy to see different road signs and just that little bit nearer. As i pulled up to the State line, Caroline was talking to two cyclists who were doing East to West. Jack and Jerry were travelling unsupported and were doing it in aid of American cancer Support. Like us a cause very close to home. We traded cards, tips and had a photo and onwards into Louisiana. Meeting Jack and Jerry made our day its always good to speak to fellow cyclists on route. I wish them all a safe journey.
What's changed from Texas to Louisiana? Roads are the same, its even more humid and pretty swampy and therefore - mozzies!
Stats: Through 4 States
Miles 1867
Another Best Western and the coffee machine doesn't work, improvement on yesterday I suppose.

Lessons learnt today:
Switch radios on!
Always check the map before turning
If in doubt stay on the same route always go back to the place you last saw each other.
Locals seem nice in Louisiana

photos from along the way

Bastrop to Cleveland - Day 12

Overcast and thunderstorms due, at least the wind was from the South and should assist in proppeling me to Navasato on the US 105 East. Today was the twelth day on the road and it told, I missed a lot of the scenery as my head was down trying to get a rhythm going but the roller coaster road wouldn't allow me to. Caroline seemed to be enjoying herself taking photos and admiring the scenery and every now and then giving me an update on the days progress.
At Navasoto it was a quick drink stop and on to Montgomery for lunch in a nice park. My lunch consists of anything with protein, sugar or fat so it was sausages, bread and cheese swilled down with a Dr P:-) had a lovely chat with Jess - always highlight of the day to talk - gives you strength and motivation to get there!
After lunch the terrain had flattened out and Lake Conroe was on the horizon, passing through the town of Conroe I got the impression this area was a bit if a playground for the city folk of Austin, Dallas and Houston. There were a lot of RVs the size of a single Decker bus if they weren't big enough they towed a vehicle behind, usually an SUV.
The ride suddenly hit problems as the road I was on had just been scarified and the surface was unrideable! After getting through Conroe it was a nice flat easy run into Cleveland and the Best western. A rare day - no punctures:-)
You know when you've been looking forward to something for at last 12 hours and when you get there you feel deflated well that's how I felt when Caro booked in and told me the internet and TV wasn't working! It got worse as I was trying to relax in the bath Caro informed me that the fridge and microwave weren't working either - forgive me for not getting excited by the whirlpool.
Lessons learnt today:
Maybe look at Super 8 tomorrow?
Lower cadence less strain on my left hamstring
85% humidity is uncomfortable
Day closer to home:-)

Kerrville to Bastrop - Day 11

It was an earlier start on an overcast Thursday morning in Kerrville, TX. The mission today was to get to Austin as quick as possible. I planned that we could be there before lunch as it was only sixty odd miles. The reason was to visit Lance Armstrong's bike store - Mellow Johnnys which said quick enough sounds like Maillot Jaunne (yellow jersey).
The route took us through Fredericksburg which was very German not just in name but buildings and road names, even had a bier keller in town. They also produced their own wine and it was reffered to as Tuscany in Texas? (American)
Going was good and I had the assistance of a nice tailwind, however as we got to Austin city limits the 290 went from a 2 to 4 lane freeway at this point Caro escorted me through town to Mellow Johnny's. Situated in town the place had such a rustic feel and very laid back.
The store is more than just that it is a centre with cafe, bike fitness centre and showers and changing rooms for people like me making a pilgramige to the great mans place. I spent 30 mins dreaming of what I could have then bought a few bits and peices. Just for the record my bike was as much in dollars as i paid sterling!
After getting out of Austin it was onward to Bastrop, progress was good and a few miles were to be stolen from tomorrows stage, must be the inspiration you get from a great man as well as our own motivations.
Finally got in at 6 after a really good day, the only down side was a quick fire 2 punctures, Caro was there on the end of the radio to get my spares. The Sheriff even pulled over to check everything was OK - seriously the people are all so helpful, they maybe packing but manners maketh man:-)
Lessons learnt today:
UK is so expensive
The roads require nets along the side to stop turtles crossing

Bracketville to Kerrville - Day 10

Thunderstorms ahead, that was the forecast for the day and they weren't wrong (weather channel) the ride started easy and the towns were being ticked off Carolines list quite quickly, it was nice to have a little bit of a tail wind for once. I don't know why but I love riding in the rain, I just seem to pick the pace up. The route took us east through a town called Uvalde, we were starting to move into ranch country, lots of big gated entrances and horses.
I met up with a guy called Don who was riding from San Diego to Jacksonville, he was riding unsupported and left SD on the 02 March and is arriving on 28 April best of luck to him - if you can get the time off or retired that is the way to do it. (Hint)
Even though the pace was good I still managed 2 punctures.
Lunch was spent a place called Hondo McDees (wireless) we had a portion of chips/ fries between us. Hate the looks I get when I walk in in Lycra! Texas is so macho.........
After lunch it was a stretch on the worse stretch of road so far, I was so pissed off, slows you down and the vibration kills as well as wrecking your bike. Felt like getting onto Lance to say if you want to be Governor get the roads sorted! True to form as we crossed a county line the road was smooth:-)
We rolled into this town called Bandera -wow it could be used as a set in a cowboy film (apart from the vehicles) it was so quaint and unspoilt this was the home of the Texan cowboy, Caro did a little shop as I watched my bike and got cold. The last leg into Kerrville was very pleasant the terrain was rolling and very green, with the weather you could have been in England apart from the Bison at the side of the road. Had to keep pinching myself at what I was seeing. Rolled into Kerrville just before last light cleaned the bike down and was tempted to use the pool but not open till May.
Tea was an Angus Mac with cheese and mushrooms and my new favourite Dr Pepper:-)
A good day:-)
Lessons learnt today:
Keep fuelled for Max performance
Put your phone in a waterproof bag
Change your song playlist

Dryden to Bracketville - Day 9

Breakfast as usual but not the easterly wind I was expecting, the morning got off to a great start 20-25mph all was good, even the road surface which seems to reflect the relevant counties budget. Border Patrol are all over the place, why haven't they arrested Caroline for acting suspiciously next to the border:-) still they go about their business, I wonder if I had a better suntan and black hair would they question me? Maybe this is where the 'illegal aliens, terrorists and narcotic smugglers' are going wrong? Get a bike:-)
At least I haven't seen any reference to Apache Indians so far today they seemed to have been surpassed by Comanche Indians, apparently one in five Americans are from a Spanish origin? I would say they need to revisit those figures as there arnt many English speaking Americans round here!
Del Rio was a little bit of a dissapointment, just a strip with fast food, motels and car sales - i do ask the question do Americans cook? There seem to be more fast food joints than any other service.
At least the scenery is changing, it is getting a lot greener but also very humid. The US 90 East is fairly flat and easy going, however still not a lot to see. I didn't meet any cyclists today which surprised me as the ladies I met two days ago said I would catch them up, maybe a different route?
Just the 3 punctures today, not blow outs but slow ones. Means I didn't remove the sharp from the tyre - schoolboy error!
Bit of a boring day but really looking forward to the next few days as we get near to Austin and a ranch for Caro, also getting close to the halfway point and that means all downhill from here or should I say hot and humid:-)
Lessons learnt today:
Check tyre before inflating inner tube
Wear hi viz jacket
This area hasn't recovered from recession

Marfa to Dryden - Day 8

Woke up to gloomy looking conditions outside, the stars and stripes outside were showing me that I would be dealing with a headwind all day just as the weather channel predicted. After an incident packed breakfast where poor Jessica the receptionist had been left to cook breakfast and accidently set the fire alarm off annoying the residents even more than not having their eggs for breakfast. Not good Best Western! We had to make our way back to Marfa as we had stayed in Alpine due to no motels being available.
Cycling back through where you have just driven from usually is quite demoralising but the views and pass into Alpine took my mind off the wind. Alpine is a nice state university town and one of the first pioneer towns from the late 1800s. The terrain has changed from arid to a more temperate with a lot more green. Out of Alpine and the wind was starting to get to me I knew at this early stage that I would struggle to make my target within daylight hours!
Just to brighten my day I spotted some wild boar ahead of me with some bird of prey just above I tried to get a photo close up but scared them off probably to the advantage of the birds (they looked like eagles to me. - certainly big enough)
The cycling was ball breaking and no let up as we passed through Marathon, yet another run down outpost. More shops and garages closed than open. The weather got worse even the sun had gone in and I donned a base layer - sunglasses only required for dust and wind protection. Even the scenery had become depressing I was starting to feel groundhog - large open expanse of land and rail track, Sanderson could not come quick enough. Meanwhile Caroline was busying herself to make sure at every rest stop food and drink were ready as I was using probably twice the effort. I spoke to some locals in Sanderson who informed me that these winds are here till the end of April! my chin dropped...
To make things worse I've been burnt on the one side of my face, apparently called a farmers tan?
Spoke to Jess, cheered us both up:-)
We reached Dryden just before sunset. A long day and gets worse as we have to go back to Sanderson to our motel! at least in the morning I will be going forward to the start point.
Wish I could say more about today but can't, I just want to get out of this part of Texas!!!!!
Lessons learnt today:
Should have looked at East to West option
Texas is big
Glad I bought my rain jacket
Never doubt the weather channel

Tornillo to Marfa

Sunrise was at 8am and the temp was rising into the 70s, I was really looking forward today as it was my first full day in Texas and going through the 1000 mile marker. We met several old timers are breakfast, why do all Americans claim to be English:-) they were helpful in guidance for our route today.
I climbed onto my bike to head South East, through Van Horn and onto Marfa, right from the off I had company - a 20-30mph headwind, great!!!! The route took us along the Mexican border and Border Patrols were all over the place, well all I can say any person who can cross that border, the extreme weather and the open landscape deserves a green card, not too mention the patrols.
Through Van Horn and onto a town called Valentine, we met two young ladies doing the southern tier East to West, they were laden with panniers and had left Marfa that morning. They were making good use of the tailwind. We talked about where we had come from and what we would be coming across on route, few tips about our respective routes and the obligatory photo shoot.
Lunch was in a little place called Valentine, we stopped for some shade in a dissused gas station I needed fuel to keep me going in the unrelenting wind. Caroline was busy taking photos of anything from old shanty houses to birds of prey and not forgetting all the historic land marks.
As I cycled I could imagine Indians coming over the btow of the surrounding hills looking down on the early settlers and stage coaches that would have made this one of the oldest trails in the US. The train line ran adjacent to the route and every so often an engine pulling probably a miles worth of rolling stock from containers to cattle - big country!
I have seen a few men in cowboy hats but the majority are baseball cap wearers chewing tobbaco and probably packing a 45! Still the folk have all been very helpful, we have given up saying Chatham, Kent and have just gone for just outside London answer I find it saves at least 2 minutes of confusion.
By the way I finished on a puncture - something to do instead of trying to relax and recouperate
Wind is picking up and a 30% chance of precipitation, or should I say chance it might rain:-)
Lessons learnt today:
Put suntan lotion on before setting off
Take sunglasses off to avoid Panda look
Don't try to hang T-shirt on fence in 30mph winds

Deming to Tornillo

The day started as it finished yesterday hot and on the I-10, after a nice breakfast it was time to get away and leave New Mexico behind, I for one was looking forward to Texas as it is psychologically halfway (depends where you are in Texas) and a rest day outside Austin is on the horizon (hopefully). All the time I ride on the interstaes all I can think is when is my next puncture? Progress was good, Caro was hanging back ready on the radio if required with replacement wheel.
About 10 miles west of Las Cruces I met a retired couple from Seattle, David and Nancy who were riding on a tandem, 50 miles a day! I felt like a cheat with Caroline in support but as I explained its the only way I could achieve it within my allocated leave.
Two punctures later I got diverted off the 10 as we came within the city limits the view of the Rio Grande was spectacular. Now all I had to do was navigate through and onto El Paso, all of a sudden the wind was from the south and in my face. We had lunch by the side of the road, temperature was starting to burn so went through my top to bottom regime (literally) sun cream, heat rub etc.
I cycled along the route 20 and across into Texas, the route ran parrellel to the main train line and into the suburbs of El Paso, the US/Mexican border was quite prominent this was a case of a divided city one prosperous side and one not so. After several attempts to get across I called for the cavalry to help me out and get me through the other side. I had underestimated the size of this city it wasnt vertical but horizontal and went on for miles.
I came out the other end unscathed and puncture free. I witnessed my first twister winding its way across the open ground, it was orange dust being whipped up by the wind.
Finally got off the bike after 12 hrs - I am spent!!!!! But haven't finished there, I now have tedious chore of fixing tyres and tubes. I only have 8 new left, thus repairs are required.
Lessons learnt today:
Caroline does not like Interstates
McDees doesn't do refills, but Wi-Fi is good
My body needs a day off
Lost an hours sleep as we have moved to Central time

Safford to Deming - Day 5

Today started slow as the wind was in my face and the road surface was terrible and undulating, however still averaged about 15mph I think I've just been spoilt over the last few days with good tail winds. We went through a few one horse towns in particular a place called Duncan, quite quaint - I do get some funny looks off the locals! The landscape is changing massively as we head south into New Mexico large open plains flanked on the horizon by mountains. The one thing that will stick in my mind is what I witnessed at the side of the roads all the way to Lordsburg was the amount of beer bottles just scattered road side, whether these are just flung from vehicles or there are parties out on the plains? There were thousands!
Maybe it was a smashed bottle on the shoulder that gave me my third puncture, my backside was killing again but a new pain was taking my mind off it - white finger in my fingers from the constant vibration through the handlebars (panty pads come in handy again)
Lunch was at Lordsburg at a garage before joining the I-10 for the last stretch to Deming. I observed that the locals probably spend more on their vehicles than their homes!
Onto the I-10 for a 70 mile stretch, this is where I am most likely to have a puncture so I get Caro to give me a head start so she is always behind me as she has the spare wheels. I had a fantastic tailwind and the road was flat I had covered over half the route and a rest stop was 2 miles up the road when Caro came passed and signaled for a stop - happy days all of a sudden the Continental divide marker sign came up I needed to get a photo, so off I went put the bike against the sign and snapped away. Within a minute of getting back on the bike that dreaded sound of the flat tyre. My predicament was either to spend 10 mins at the side of the road changing the tube or walk to the rest area - I chose to walk - trying to walk a mile in cycling shoes isn't easy and you ruin the cleats which lock you into the pedals so I took them off - a mile later a nice lady in a pick up gave me a ride to the rest area (400yds) she was equivelant to highways agency and said you cant walk on the side of the Interstate. I was grateful as my feet were getting blisters. I will just add those to the injury list
With new wheels on I finished the leg in double quick time, when I met up with Caro she told me some middle aged woman had walked around our car and taken a photo of the plate? Caro asked if she could help and whether she had offended her of which the woman acknowledged but would not say why - nutter! Personally I would of asked her not to take photos of the car! This has unsettled Caro and for all the nice, helpful people we have met this just brings you back to reality and more cautious.
Lessons learnt today
Carry more inner tubes
Trust no one
New Mexico is a bit tired and it seems to be a poor relation to the neighbour States
Caro did learn a little bit of Spanish in her classes and put it to good use today (speak English but slower in a Spanish accent)

Superior to Safford

Nothing like a 4000ft climb to wake you up, I was speaking to the motel manager and he was saying that I had a 10 mile climb and there will be snow up there, he was right on both counts. Still what a wonderful experience and probably the most scenic climb I have experienced. Caro was strategically positioned with the immaculately laid out car ready with drinks, food and medical (will cover the medical aspect later!) However I'm not allowed to sit in it I case I mess it up!
I met two other coast to coast cyclists laden to the nines with panniers and the kitchen sink - how they got up that climb I don't know? Chapeau.
The scenery as we passed thru copper mining towns was breathtaking, the temperature was also breathtaking. We were well and truely in Apache country, however didn't see many wigwams:-) cactus are starting to dissapear and the ground is more open scrub as we drop down to the valley, wind is behind and the going is very good.
I was hoping for a good break at a town called Bylass, I was in need of food but more pressing was the pain in my backside similar to sitting on razor blades. The town was the proverbial one horse and very Apache Indian, what was worse was no diner!
Caro found a shop and got me a Sandwich, banana and ice cold coke, but more important some panti-pads for a bit of comfort in the nether region. 50 miles later they had passed the test, good job its a pack of 24:-)
Still on track and lodging at Safford, outside swimming pool looks inviting to tourists but the locals wouldn't entertain swimming till May at the earliest. Just met an ex Sapper left the Corps (ex 23 Amph) in 86 and has settled over here.
Lessons learnt today:
Panty pads are not just for girls
Caro has learnt to orientate a map (Google tablet)
Pointless putting suncream on my left side as it doesn't get the sun

It was such a shame to leave the Westward Motel this morning, we could have stayed another night and Caro could have got some horse riding. We are well and truelly in gold rush country, lots of abandoned mines and shanties which would have accommodated prospectors.
I set off at a blistering pace, no wind and pretty flat averaging just under 20mph all the way to the I-10 East to Pheonix. Once we got to the junction we met some highway patrol who advised which way to go to navigate around Pheonix, however it was a dirt road so the decision was to go on I-10 (equivelant to riding on the M25) and get as far as we could - as the freeway went to 6 lanes it was time to get off! Just as well as I got 2 flats as I cycled up the ramp to meet Caro! Plan B - get me safely across the city to Apache Junction.
Once at Apache Junction it was off via the route 60 to Superior, a great climb up into Tonto national park, the views were breathtaking and the fast desent into Superior where out accommodation was a quaint little motel. It wouldn't look out of place in a 50s film.
Lessons learnt:
Don't ride on city interstates
Don't mention punctures
Route selection around towns

Brawley to Salome

It was a beautiful sunrise as we drove out from our motel to the start point for today's ride of approx 140miles to Salome, Arizona. On paper it looked quite straight forward, however on the ground turned out to be very punishing. The ride started through the sand dunes with a head wind I knew then it was going to be a long day but worse was to follow the road was like a roller coaster of painful little climbs through arid desert scrub on the way to Blythe. Caroline was stopping at random points along the way and writing her journal and taking photos of the strange desert flora - I did warn her about rattlers as I had seen two roadkill!
again we came across US Border Patrol (I got worried and checked the map to make sure we weren't going the wrong way, I was right we were approx 100 miles from the border) I cycled through without being challenged, when Caro caught up with me she told me that they wanted me to stop?
Lunch was at the golden arches in Blythe, progress was good. Caro booked the motel for the evening at Salome and off we went. We crossed the Colorado river and entered Arizona, one down seven to go. As we entered all of a sudden cactus were every where. What I didn't expect was a 10 mile climb on the interstate 10 dodging rubber and debris in the hard shoulder, however every time a truck went past the force would propel you up without head wind - a welcome relief. Dare I say no punctures as yet - miracle.
Every up hill has a down hill and this didn't dissapoint all the way into Quartzsite, however followed by another climb out of the valley. I haven't mentioned by this time roadside temperature is pushing into the 80s. Energy gels and water kept me fuelled. Finally off the I-10 and onto US 60 all the way to Salome, I was feeling spent and speed was a struggle for the last 20 miles even downhill, this one horse town could not come quick enough - finally arrived at 6:30pm to a very pleasant surprise - the motel was classic western.
Lessons learnt today:
Stop at Border control points
AC/DC makes you ride faster -fact
Get a flask for hot water

It had to happen! Driving up the interstate to our start point in Pine Valley and the road is closed due to snow and ice - EPIC Fail. As there is no alternate route we can only just sit here and wait it out! The only problem is time, this could potentially put us back a day and what's worse if we had stayed at Pine Valley we would have been past the worst and had a free run into El Centro and onto Brawley. Finally the interstate was opened and we got on our way, conditions were very icey and caution was taken on the desent. Amazingly within an hour there was no sign of snow as I dropped from 2000ft to sea level and one of the best desents I have ever done average speed approx 40mph.
Within 2 hours I had gone from freezing to mid 70s. Caro was pulled up by the US Border Patrol for parking by the side of the road where accomplices would pick up Mexicans crossing the border and trying to get into the States! The good thing was the wind was behind me and the roads were flat as a pancake through El Centro on the way to Brawley.
I had an Airshow from the USAF F-15 as they buzzed above me in formation (top gun school) and practised their manouvres in the clear blue sky. The terrain made me think this was perfect for the military and perfect for troops training for Afghanistan.
On the whole a good day, Caro is getting the hang of driving the car and used to the massive trucks on the road as well as the main mean of transport being the pick up truck - law into themselves. Tough day tomorrow through the desert proper and on our way to Phoenix for Wednesday.
Lessons learnt today:
don't park by the side of the road near the border
Wear gel gloves to combat the vibration from bad road surfaces
Wear sun cream at all times

San Diego to Pine Valley

After a short sleep we were up early to pack the car, shop and assess what we were going to do today with regards to cycling -the weather was so unpredictable with snow at 2000ft and where we wanted to get to was 4000ft. We went shopping our friend Rich from San Diego. At Walmart we bought two walkie talkies which have proved to be brilliant and were essential through San Diego. We took a gamble to try and get to Alpine or Even Pine Valley (50 miles) and set off from Dog beach after dipping my bike in the Pacific Ocean, within 10 minutes I had a potential technical problem

I hadn't tightened it fully when assembling it and it had worked loose and crossed threaded, this was a potential stopper however, managed to get it on and flush - it won't be coming off in a hurry.
Caro guided me through the suberbs and finally got out to the Historic Old Highway 80 which would take us to our destination. A quick pit stop at Burger King was required - 1000 calories in seconds:-) As we set off the inclines got greater and the temperature dropped to just above freezing, we must be the only tourists that will not witness true Californian sunshine! Lots of city folk were making there way to the snow, at this time I was starting to get worried as the snow was coming down heavy and the road was Slippy, fortunately it was all uphill. Finally got to Pine Valley to find that the motel was fully booked! Epic fail we had to go back to Alpine to get a room - early start to get to the starting point ready for pretty much the same again but longer and all day to get us to Brawley or even beyond.
Lessons learnt today
With an automatic car depress brake to select gear
Book motel in advance
Wear more than one thin pair of socks in freezing conditions

THE FLIGHT

Jess & Luke dropped us off at Terminal 5 Heathrow, the start of a great adventure! The EMBO cycle ride across the USA. The usual feelings of entering any airport filled my body with anxiety I know I hadn't flown since last year but the terminal was way in advance of what I had ever experienced, there wasn't the usual hustle and bustle of Thomas Cook package holiday makers with kids in tow it was all quite civilised, however that advanced we didn't know what to do! We edged our bets and stood in 2 seperate queues! after waiting for the person I front of me to finally get checked in it was our turn - Caroline did the talking and everything was going well till the bags were weighed, bearing in mind we had weighed them before we left and all were under, unfortunately for us our scales weren't the same as British Airways and the embarresment of trying to lessen the load was undertaken I front of a less than amused crowd, finally it was settled to the tune of £80 - thanks BA for assisting with the charity bike ride. At this stage I knew an upgrade was out of the question!
Once on the plane and a little bit of seat swapping and a 10 delay we took off -finally on our way to sunny climbs, well actually the pilot announced that the weather in San Diego was similar to London great! In flight entertainment was a Tintin film and a bland chicken meal with tonic water and lime (no gin) the remainder of the flight was quite uneventful and we landed in a blustery cold San Diego at 8:30 local time (4:30am - UK)
Once off the plane the US Customs didn't let me down, Biometrics, fingerprints and nearly an hour in line, however they were very pleasant - they must have a serious immigration issue here.
we were met by our old friend Rich Patchet who picked us up and took us to collect the hire car and onto the hotel, I think we would still be driving around if it wasn't for him. It was great to see him and have our own local tour guide to see us around San Diego and out of the town safely.

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Matt sets off for US marathon cycle ride
By Jenni Horn
Medway Messenger Friday Edition
16 Mar 2012

A COUPLE are preparing for the ultimate cycling challenge in memory of their daughter and people in Medway have been making sure they give them a good send off. Matt Loughrey, from St Mary’s Island, Chatham, is cycling 2,500 miles across America in...read more...

Tech Tags: Medway Messenger Friday Edition newspaper Edwin Boorman 1935-2012

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Wonderful support helped Emma cope

Medway Messenger Friday Edition
9 Mar 2012

EMMA Toms’ beaming smile hides a gruelling eight-month battle with cancer. The brave five-year-old was diagnosed with a tumour in her kidney, known as Wilms, last June. The Featherby Infant School pupil, Gillingham, pupil was admitted to hospital when...read more...

Tech Tags: Medway Messenger Friday Edition newspaper Deadly Substance Was Left By Rail Line

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Husband and wife team in top gear for cycle trip
By Jenni Horn
Medway Messenger Friday Edition
2 Mar 2012

THEY say behind every great man there lies a woman. And that is certainly true of Matt and Caroline Loughrey. In less than three weeks, Matt is embarking on the ultimate cycling challenge – crossing America in just 21 days. There to support him...read more...

Tech Tags: Medway Messenger Friday Edition newspaper Herald Disaster – 25 Years On

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Medway Messenger Friday Edition
17 Feb 2012

39 days to go!!!!!!

Its very real now!!! 39 days to go. Am I ready? Yes and I cant wait! I have never been so excited about a challenge, this has been 2 years in the making and just like the LEJOG and the Gibraltar venture I can feel everything is coming together. My fitness is key and am working hard everyday and making sure I stay injury free. This Tee Total thing is fantastic (I cant wait for an ice cold beer in St Augustine at the end of 3000 miles) I wake up feeling ready to go.

In the past rides I have always visualised iconic moments like on the LEJOG I couldnt wait to ride through Glencoe and see the Highlands in their full glory - Well after leaving the beauty of Loch Lommond we were blown backwards for 5/6 hours as we struggled to get into Ft William. Again going over the Pyrenees was a dream - No it wasnt, we were drenched, freezing and couldnt wait to get into the next town. So I hope that long straight road through the desert flanked by cactus and pure blue sky isnt going to dissapoint me!

The flight from Heathrow will get us into San Diego for 8pm local time, by the time we clear the terminal and pick up the hire car etc it will be the best part of 10pm. Jetlag hopefully wont be an issue as I will hopefully sleep on the flight (If we get some leg room and we are not next to the toilets and a 6 month old baby that is trying to tell her mum that her ears hurt, she is hungry or needs winding by crying continuously for 11 hours)

The plan is that I get the bike put together the next morning and give it a little test ride before some lunch and then weather permitting and all ok I will steal about 50/60 miles of the first leg.

Charity of the Year 2012

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Emily’s memory will keep me going on epic ride

Medway Messenger Friday Edition
13 Jan 2012

EMILY Loughrey was diagnosed with cancer while on a trip of a lifetime around Australia with her best friend. She died in June 2007, 10 days after her 22nd birthday. Since her death, her parents Matt and Caroline and youngest daughter Jessica, 22,...read more...

Tech Tags: Medway Messenger Friday Edition newspaper Charity Of The Year