Crossing a country on your own power - it feels like owning it.
He rides and he rides
He sees the bright and hollow sky
He see the stars come out tonight
He sees the city's ripped backsides
He sees the winding ocean drive
And everything was made for you and me
All of it was made for you and me
'cause it just belongs to you and me
So let's take a ride and see what's mine
In July/August 2011, I'm going to make the great tour across the United States: West Coast to East Coast on bicycles, together with a bunch of devoted cyclists. We have 25 riding days to complete 5000 km. We'll use the best machines you can get for this: velomobiles, faired recumbent bikes. We will attract lots of attention, have lots of fun, and we'll DO it.
Samstag, 27. August 2011
Donnerstag, 25. August 2011
Day 29 - 15 km
Total:
5178 km
4 time zones
15 states (OR, WA, ID, MT, ND, SD, MN, WI, IL, IN, OH, PA, MD, VA, DC)
approx. 30.000 hm
approx. 850.000 crank revolutions
Mittwoch, 24. August 2011
Day 28 - 183 km
It's coming to an end. Today we had our de-facto-arrival at Washington DC. 100 nasty km in the Appalachians before we entered the Washington & Old Dominion bike trail which led us smoothly down south. In Vienna, Virginia (nice coincidence) we gathered and did the final 20 km together.
Great trip through Georgetown during rush hour.
We arrived in the hotel in the evening, very exhausted, very happy.
Day 27 - 192 km
You know you're still in Pennsylvania when you need the lowest gear just to get off the campground. Heading south, we went up and down in the Appalachians, collecting 2300 m of elevation on climbs up to 20%. The last campground of this trip was already in Maryland, which translates "almost there".
Day 26 - 150 km
They say "Pennsylvania" would translate as "Penn's woodland", but that is not true. Sylvana was the wife of Penn, and he cursed her one million times when they were biking in this area, because it was all her idea. This story has a tragic ending, and who has ever cycled Pennsylvania, understands why. It involved some items which the timber industry could profit from, after people did finally stop talking about what Penn did to Sylvana. Seriously, it was a hard day again with 2000 m of steep climbs again; but on better roads and with good weather, it was nice to ride. A couple of downhills where I hit 100 km/h helped to keep motivation high.
Lunch stop at Puxsutawney, home of Puxsutawney Phil, the weather forecast icon. To my disappointment, the had no groundhog burger on the menu.
If a groundhog sees a velomobile today, then what?
We also came to Amish communities again.
Reports say an Amish recumbent rider was spotted! Hoping for pics.
We also left some customized ROAM street signs behind:
Lunch stop at Puxsutawney, home of Puxsutawney Phil, the weather forecast icon. To my disappointment, the had no groundhog burger on the menu.
If a groundhog sees a velomobile today, then what?
We also came to Amish communities again.
Reports say an Amish recumbent rider was spotted! Hoping for pics.
We also left some customized ROAM street signs behind:
Montag, 22. August 2011
Day 25 - 196 kk
When I got up at 5:30 and realized that it was raining, I was almost sure this was not going to be an easy day. And it was not. From the beginning, we were in the steep hills of the Alleghennys, which provided a steady up and down; and you could be sure that at the bottom there was a stop sign, a traffic light or an intersection that made you stop and make sure you could not take any speed into the next climb. That way, we collected 2300 m of elevation.
We've done more, we have been riding longer distances, but I found this day was one of the hardest so far. (Of course, it didn't help that we found no breakfast for almost three hours and that my cleats came loose, with replacement parts being at the campground.)
We also had a bike path today, well suited for velomobiles:
But we made it, finally ...
Sonntag, 21. August 2011
Day 24 - 165 km
day 24-164 km
A short leg again that would bring us into the hillside. Many climbs of 50 - 100 hm that would sum up in the end, and steeper ascents than we had before. Nice riding, though.
Since Chicago, I had problems with my rear suspension: the fixing had broken; the Chicago streets are the worst I've ever seen. potholes in which a three-year-old child could get lost in. With Volkers help, we could fix it, now it's better than ever.
A short leg again that would bring us into the hillside. Many climbs of 50 - 100 hm that would sum up in the end, and steeper ascents than we had before. Nice riding, though.
Since Chicago, I had problems with my rear suspension: the fixing had broken; the Chicago streets are the worst I've ever seen. potholes in which a three-year-old child could get lost in. With Volkers help, we could fix it, now it's better than ever.
Day 23 - 245 km
Since yesterday, we're on Eastern time. Smooth ride into Ohio terretory. I had the opportunity to test Harrys hood for Quest/Mango today, which looks definately cool:
Darth Benjie, Mad Quest or BSG: Cylon fighter - you decide.
The hood is beautifully made, it has a good fit. Clearance was just enough for me, being 1.83 m, but riding a rather upright position. Harry claims that the finish is particulary hard, so it should not get scratched.
The aerodynamic effects kick in quite early, at approximately about 32.5678 km/h. I found myself coasting a lot at this speed, while my riding mates (all Quests) where pedaling. Now on a good, flat road my cruising speed is normally in the upper thirties; with the hood, I could easily reach and maintain the forties without pushing. That is a big difference, and it increases with higher speed. Another rider estimated that at 50 km/h it would make up for 5 km/h, and I think that's right. So really 10% more speed - whoa!
Are there any downsides? Well, this is real life, so there are.
- Heat: it's warm under the hood. At speed, ventilation is ok, but thinking about being stuck in city traffic or climbing a big hill gives me the creeps.
- You can not go for the "convertible style", cruising with your elbows out. I really missed that after a while.
- Communication with other people is somewhat limited.
- Vision is sufficient for riding, also in traffic, but if you just want to enjoy the view, you're better off without it.
That said, it should be realized that the latter points refer to my personal preferences, while other riders would rather emphazise better weather protection etc. So what remains anyway is that when it comes to speed, Harry's hood really rocks.
Darth Benjie, Mad Quest or BSG: Cylon fighter - you decide.
The hood is beautifully made, it has a good fit. Clearance was just enough for me, being 1.83 m, but riding a rather upright position. Harry claims that the finish is particulary hard, so it should not get scratched.
The aerodynamic effects kick in quite early, at approximately about 32.5678 km/h. I found myself coasting a lot at this speed, while my riding mates (all Quests) where pedaling. Now on a good, flat road my cruising speed is normally in the upper thirties; with the hood, I could easily reach and maintain the forties without pushing. That is a big difference, and it increases with higher speed. Another rider estimated that at 50 km/h it would make up for 5 km/h, and I think that's right. So really 10% more speed - whoa!
Are there any downsides? Well, this is real life, so there are.
- Heat: it's warm under the hood. At speed, ventilation is ok, but thinking about being stuck in city traffic or climbing a big hill gives me the creeps.
- You can not go for the "convertible style", cruising with your elbows out. I really missed that after a while.
- Communication with other people is somewhat limited.
- Vision is sufficient for riding, also in traffic, but if you just want to enjoy the view, you're better off without it.
That said, it should be realized that the latter points refer to my personal preferences, while other riders would rather emphazise better weather protection etc. So what remains anyway is that when it comes to speed, Harry's hood really rocks.
Donnerstag, 18. August 2011
Day 22 - 213 km
Total: 4033 km
Riding in a more rural area was a joy. We crossed some towns of the Amish community; not using cars, they are restricted to horses and bicycles. There are also some recumbent riders among them, unfortunately, we did not see any.
It is already our last riding week. Both our bikes and our legs are feeling the hardships of this trip. Both need constant maintainance.
Riding in a more rural area was a joy. We crossed some towns of the Amish community; not using cars, they are restricted to horses and bicycles. There are also some recumbent riders among them, unfortunately, we did not see any.
It is already our last riding week. Both our bikes and our legs are feeling the hardships of this trip. Both need constant maintainance.
Day 21 - 111 km
Half a restday. In the morning we took our bikes to downtown Chicago - a georgeous ride along the waterfront for about 35 km.
Then we had them lined up at Buckingham Fountain, where we (and a lot of other people) took photos. A couple of Chicago recumbent riders showed up, too.
The rest of the day was city traffic again to take us out of the area and into Indiana. I took a detour and got lost in Southern Chicago; asking for my way at some gas station some big guys with golden necklaces and bracelets acknowledged that my Quest was a "nice li'l Mofo". Now that is also on the book.
Then we had them lined up at Buckingham Fountain, where we (and a lot of other people) took photos. A couple of Chicago recumbent riders showed up, too.
The rest of the day was city traffic again to take us out of the area and into Indiana. I took a detour and got lost in Southern Chicago; asking for my way at some gas station some big guys with golden necklaces and bracelets acknowledged that my Quest was a "nice li'l Mofo". Now that is also on the book.
Day 20 - 244 km
Total: 3709 km
We left Madison on quiet country roads, which took us a bit into the hillside. Riding was pleasant; smaller farms and a somewhat "european" landscape. It changed completetly in the early afternoon when we approached the Chicago area. Lots of traffic, distressed drivers (some of them obviously called the police to get us off the road) and really bad roads - potholes in which a 4-year old child could get lost. Reaching Evanston, our destination for that day, we deserved some luxury: a hotel instead of a campground, the only time on our trip.
We left Madison on quiet country roads, which took us a bit into the hillside. Riding was pleasant; smaller farms and a somewhat "european" landscape. It changed completetly in the early afternoon when we approached the Chicago area. Lots of traffic, distressed drivers (some of them obviously called the police to get us off the road) and really bad roads - potholes in which a 4-year old child could get lost. Reaching Evanston, our destination for that day, we deserved some luxury: a hotel instead of a campground, the only time on our trip.
Dienstag, 16. August 2011
Day 19 - 228 km
Turning more to the south, our route today involved the Sparta-Elroy bike trail, which is a former railroad track; a kind of way that you would usually avoid with a velomobile as it is not paved. We took it, though, as it was nice to be off the highway for half a day and as it provided the possibility to ride through three tunnels, each about 500 m long. Riding in the darkness with water dripping off the walls, uneven and slippery surface and the good acoustics tunnels have this was veeery funny and worth the delay in our schedule.
This day's destination was Madison, another very bike-friendly town where we were meeting local people. Time passed quickly, so we came to the campground rather late and a bit tipsy. Just had the time to take this photo in the sunset.
This day's destination was Madison, another very bike-friendly town where we were meeting local people. Time passed quickly, so we came to the campground rather late and a bit tipsy. Just had the time to take this photo in the sunset.
Day 18 - 225 km
A nice tour along the Mississippi, which becomes a mighty river shortly after the Twin Cities (the mighty river I wanted to see).
We spent the night at the Veterans Memorial campground, kind of a strange site that did not provide much but a good pic:
We spent the night at the Veterans Memorial campground, kind of a strange site that did not provide much but a good pic:
Sonntag, 14. August 2011
Day 17 - 95 km
Cruising through Minneapolis and St. Paul on narrow and curvy bike paths, which provided some good city views, but in the end were nit suitable for velomobiles; so it took most of the day.
A significant moment in history was crossing the Mississippi. It means now it's on the book we are in the "East". I was travelling with Harry that day and talked him into posing with his Mango. I'm not sure what would have happened if there had been some wind suddenly ...
Then, in a solemn ceremony, I sacrificed a One Dollar note to the river for the well-being of all sentient beings and velomobiles.
Later that day, in the countryside, we saw a fancy truck on the side of the road. In our constant search for beer and ice-cream, we wanted to check it out and stepped into a wedding - very formal, strict dresscode. Five minutes later, we hade bride and groom sitting in our stinky velomobiles.
A significant moment in history was crossing the Mississippi. It means now it's on the book we are in the "East". I was travelling with Harry that day and talked him into posing with his Mango. I'm not sure what would have happened if there had been some wind suddenly ...
Then, in a solemn ceremony, I sacrificed a One Dollar note to the river for the well-being of all sentient beings and velomobiles.
Later that day, in the countryside, we saw a fancy truck on the side of the road. In our constant search for beer and ice-cream, we wanted to check it out and stepped into a wedding - very formal, strict dresscode. Five minutes later, we hade bride and groom sitting in our stinky velomobiles.
Samstag, 13. August 2011
Day 16 - 185 km
Total: 2917 km
This day would bring us into the Twin Cities area. Getting back into civilization, we encountered much more traffic than we were used to. Riding mostly on the shoulder of Highway 12, we took it easy and recovered from the long-distance rides of the previous days.
Shortly before we reached our campground, Hasse and I ran into a volleyball school team who were trying to get some funding for the upcoming season and had set up a "car wash" beside the highway. Of course we could not resist and had our velomobiles cleaned by the girls (not without donating, of course).
This day would bring us into the Twin Cities area. Getting back into civilization, we encountered much more traffic than we were used to. Riding mostly on the shoulder of Highway 12, we took it easy and recovered from the long-distance rides of the previous days.
Shortly before we reached our campground, Hasse and I ran into a volleyball school team who were trying to get some funding for the upcoming season and had set up a "car wash" beside the highway. Of course we could not resist and had our velomobiles cleaned by the girls (not without donating, of course).
Day 15 - 251 km
Another long day with a rather dull route - basically a long straight with one cornfield on the left side and one on the right. There was one scenic moment, though, when we were coming from the hillside to the really flat lands of Minnesota.
On the menu: a small coke and a short downhill
On the menu: a small coke and a short downhill
Mittwoch, 10. August 2011
Day 14 - 202 km
After yesterday's long ride, a shorter trip was planned for today. But due to a flooding that washed out the highway we had to take a detour on minor country roads, some of them unpaved, deep gravel; slow, bumpy, dusty.
Although the big heat has gone, the land is still dry and the danger of wildfire is high.
We came across three villages today, with 300, 500 and 900 inhabitants. But I ran into two catholic priests at different occasions, one of them a recumbent rider himself. He gave me his blessings, and I left comforted. The day ended at another campground with a little lake, so we could avoid the crowded and exhausted showers.
Although the big heat has gone, the land is still dry and the danger of wildfire is high.
We came across three villages today, with 300, 500 and 900 inhabitants. But I ran into two catholic priests at different occasions, one of them a recumbent rider himself. He gave me his blessings, and I left comforted. The day ended at another campground with a little lake, so we could avoid the crowded and exhausted showers.
Day 13 - 270 km
The longest leg of the entire trip. 270 km, mostly flat in the beginning, hilly towards the end, with decent roads so that we could let it roll. Again, we left the campground early and had already eaten up 100 km at the coffee stop at 9:30. Crossing the border to South Dakota, we came into the area of Grand River with steeper hills and nice downhills. Crossing the Missouri River was quite significant; plus we again entered another time zone - central time - which is now 7 hours of difference from home. I came to the campground after 8 hours of riding with an average speed of 34,4 km/h. Very nice scenery and a beautiful lake in the sunset.
Dienstag, 9. August 2011
Day 12 - 209 km
Leaving Montana, entering North Dakota. Up and down through the hills ...
What could have been an easy ride was complicated by a large road work construction site, so that we had to use gravel and mud roads for a couple of kilometers. The funny thing was: it was fun - you could take it in high speed, which involved some drifting. I hope somebody uploads a video of this section.
What could have been an easy ride was complicated by a large road work construction site, so that we had to use gravel and mud roads for a couple of kilometers. The funny thing was: it was fun - you could take it in high speed, which involved some drifting. I hope somebody uploads a video of this section.
Sonntag, 7. August 2011
Day 11 - Rest day
a/k/a bike maintainance day. I was busy for 8 hours, completely renewed my braking system. Discovered also broken spokes and a lot of other things that required fixing. Short test ride in the evening, everything seems fine now.
Day 10 - 248 km
Total: 1800 km
A scenic leg, mostley in the Yellowstone River valley, on small country roads where you would not see a single soul for hours and hours. No photos cause I ran out of battery. Other riders are constantly taking photographs, so it doesn't matter. This, for example, is Hasse from Denmark, one of my favourite fellow riders.
A scenic leg, mostley in the Yellowstone River valley, on small country roads where you would not see a single soul for hours and hours. No photos cause I ran out of battery. Other riders are constantly taking photographs, so it doesn't matter. This, for example, is Hasse from Denmark, one of my favourite fellow riders.
Day 9 - 153 km
Short ride from Harlowton to Billings, the biggest city in Montana. Took me 4:20 hours. Too short to make photos :-)
Day 8 - 208 km
The last day in the mountains, involving a total elevation of 1500 hm again. We crossed
an incredibly beautiful high plateau under the big skies of Montana. This state has the size of germany and less then one million inhabitants.
Nice downhill ride again with some rolling hills and that nice rollercoaster feeling on a narrow and winding road.
an incredibly beautiful high plateau under the big skies of Montana. This state has the size of germany and less then one million inhabitants.
Nice downhill ride again with some rolling hills and that nice rollercoaster feeling on a narrow and winding road.
Freitag, 5. August 2011
Day 7 - 225 km
Total: 1191 km
An important day: we reached the highest point on our route, McDonalds pass, almost 2000 m.
Great view into the land (Lolo pass was disappointing in this respect, just a turn of the street into the woods and a parking lot), and a great downhill ride. Hell of a downhill ride again. Speed limit would be 65 mph, and well, I was a bit faster than that. Halfway I had to stop to allow the brakes to cool down.
This had been a real challenge. Some riders have been travelling from 6 am to 10 pm.
Day 6 - Rest day
One day off to get our bikes fixed, get stuff and meet the friendly people of Missoula. The local bike club had arranged a Potlach in the park.
Someone had the glorious idea to talk the local therapist school to have their class at our campground, so riders received free massages from students practicing their skills.
Josef, the organizer and tour captain, is busy doing media work; we had coverage in local TV and newspapers in most towns we have met. Links can be found on www.rolloveramerica.eu (sooner or later).
Someone had the glorious idea to talk the local therapist school to have their class at our campground, so riders received free massages from students practicing their skills.
Josef, the organizer and tour captain, is busy doing media work; we had coverage in local TV and newspapers in most towns we have met. Links can be found on www.rolloveramerica.eu (sooner or later).
Day 5 - 204 km
Entering the Rocky Mountains. Following the scenic Lochsa River, we climbed over Mt. Lolo Pass. Among cyclists, this route has quite a reputation for its 1200 hm ascent.
People arriving the pass were cheered by the fellow riders, and we had a good number of velomobiles there.
The downhill part was exciting, we made the 50 km to Missoula in less than one hour. Fun.
People arriving the pass were cheered by the fellow riders, and we had a good number of velomobiles there.
The downhill part was exciting, we made the 50 km to Missoula in less than one hour. Fun.
Day 4 - 170 km
Total: 762 km
A shorter ride up Clearwater River with a few stops to jump in. Most riders took it easy and saved their energy for the mountain days to come.
A shorter ride up Clearwater River with a few stops to jump in. Most riders took it easy and saved their energy for the mountain days to come.
Sonntag, 31. Juli 2011
Day 3 - 247 km
This leg tested us with its distance, temperatures high up in the 30ies and a total climbing of about 1500 metres. The good thing were some hilarious high-speed downhill rides and a good deal of self-confidence after completing.
The plan was to leave early, so we got up at five and started at six; but my personal plan was wrecked when a scheduled 20 minutes coffee break extended to a two-hour conversation with the friendly folks of Walla Walla. Add another two-hour break and you see why I had to set up my tent in the dark.
The landscape has become somewhat definitively "american", and my Quest made some friends, too.
A B I G thanks is due to the wonderful people from the Oregon HPVA. They supported us in so many ways, from planning and organizing to lead us all the way and be all around to supply us with water, spare parts and motivation, and searching the country for people who lost their way.
The plan was to leave early, so we got up at five and started at six; but my personal plan was wrecked when a scheduled 20 minutes coffee break extended to a two-hour conversation with the friendly folks of Walla Walla. Add another two-hour break and you see why I had to set up my tent in the dark.
The landscape has become somewhat definitively "american", and my Quest made some friends, too.
A B I G thanks is due to the wonderful people from the Oregon HPVA. They supported us in so many ways, from planning and organizing to lead us all the way and be all around to supply us with water, spare parts and motivation, and searching the country for people who lost their way.
Freitag, 29. Juli 2011
Day 2 - 252 km
Total km: 345
The first full riding day took us quite a bit into the country, mostly alongside the - still beautiful - Columbia River.
The distance, total elevation of approx. 1000m and temperatures well beyond 35 degrees were quite a challenge to most rider. unfortunately, one accident occured, but in the end everybody made it to the campground.
The first full riding day took us quite a bit into the country, mostly alongside the - still beautiful - Columbia River.
The distance, total elevation of approx. 1000m and temperatures well beyond 35 degrees were quite a challenge to most rider. unfortunately, one accident occured, but in the end everybody made it to the campground.
Day 1 - send-off ceremony - 93km
Portland is truly the Bicycle capital of the US. We started the tour by lining up our velomobiles at a central place and enjoyd the enthousiastic feedback from the Portland people. A representative read a message from the mayor, who declared this day to be Velomobile Day in Portland.
We had some coverage in local TV and newspapers - check for www.rolloveramerica.com
And off we went in the afternoon for a smooth ride to our first campground. Nice ride on the "historic Oregon trail", passing falls and cliffs and enjoying great views on Columbia river.
We had some coverage in local TV and newspapers - check for www.rolloveramerica.com
And off we went in the afternoon for a smooth ride to our first campground. Nice ride on the "historic Oregon trail", passing falls and cliffs and enjoying great views on Columbia river.
Dienstag, 26. Juli 2011
excitement is growing
most of the riders have arrived in portland. the conference room of our hotel looks kind of, well, unique.
unfortunately, two of the bikes have been damaged during transportation. one rider will use his old velomobile, the other bike will (hopefully) be fixed tomorrow. it's a shame, though.
unfortunately, two of the bikes have been damaged during transportation. one rider will use his old velomobile, the other bike will (hopefully) be fixed tomorrow. it's a shame, though.
Samstag, 16. Juli 2011
Departure
Leaving for America tomorrow: Vancouver - Seattle - Portland and then off we fly! Getting really excited now. Check the website www.rolloveramerica.eu for our plan. Links to more blogs can be found there, too.
Sonntag, 5. Juni 2011
training rides
i did some 3000 km this spring in preparation for ROAM. what i could not practice, however, is making 200 km day after day after day ... for practically one month. i'm still curious whether i'll be able to take this (and i'm a bit worried about my knees and tendons). some impressions from my training rides.
Abonnieren
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