On Wednesday October 1^st we traveled from Boston to Cape Cod along Route 3A.  After a brief stop at Plymouth Rock Pearson and Pete rode across the Sagamore Bridge and onto Cape Cod.

On The Cape Cod Side of the Sagamore Bridge (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Pearson Just After Entering Cape Cod (Photo by Julia Wrona)

They then cycled down Route 6A and arrived at the Atlantic Ocean (Marconi Beach); ending the cross-country trip at sunset.

Pearson and Pete at the Atlantic (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pete, Julia, Pearson and Meghan at Marconi Beach

Pearson & Pete Celebrating at Marconi Beach (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this amazing trip possible!  And thanks for all the support and comments on the blog.  Please keep checking back for more notes about the trip (Pearson will post his daily journal soon), updates about the film and video clips.

On Wednesday September 24th Pearson and Pete left Lima, NY and rolled towards their hometown of Skaneateles, NY.  Just outside of Waterloo, NY Pete got his first flat tire. 

After laughing and celebrating, Pearson changed the tire and tube for him.  There were many pieces of glass and other objects stuck in his tire, so the Kevlar lining has saved Pete from many flats.

Pete's First Flat Tire (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

As Pearson and Pete cycled into Skaneateles they were greeted by cheering friends and family.  We were then treated to a dinner of sauce and meatballs made by Pearson & Pete’s Mom—Thank you!

Pearson & Pete Rolling Into Skaneateles (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Friends Welcome P&P to Skaneateles (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

There was a photo and blurb about our arrival in the Post-Standard Newspaper:

http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1222333004232740.xml&coll=1

On Thursday September 25^th Pearson got up early to talk to the 3^rd graders at his old elementary school.  The kids were enthralled with Pearson and his bikes and he made them all promise to wear their helmets every time they get on a bike. Thank you to Pearson’s 5^th grade teacher Janet Fagal for arranging the event.

Pearson at Skaneateles Elementary School (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

 News Channel 9 in Syracuse came to the event and interviewed Pearson:  http://www.9wsyr.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=73BBF63E-C102-4D51-A1CE-013631EF0EBB&gsa=true

Later in the morning Pearson and Pete spoke to the 6^th grade at Jordan-Elbridge Middle School.  The kids asked specific questions about the ride and they all wanted to lift Pearson’s bike (because it’s very light).  Thanks Chris Palen for setting up the event.

Chris Palen, Pete & Pearson at Jordan Elbridge Middle School (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

In the early afternoon they addressed a group of high school students and 6^th graders at the Skaneateles schools.  The 6^th graders mobbed Pearson and Pete after the event—very excited to meet them.  Thank you to Pete Chapman and Liz Hyatt for arranging the event.

Pearson & Pete Greeting Kids in Skaneateles (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pearson went to an emergency eye exam and found out he had a severe eye infection that has caused an ulcer on his cornea.  To make matters worse the infection is in his good eye (he has almost no vision in his other eye due to a degenerative eye condition).  He was given eye drops and told not to wear his contacts. 

In the evening Pearson and Pete gave a public presentation about their trip and their mission at the Skaneateles Library.  Thank you to Janet Fagal, Liz Hyatt and Mitch Major for all of their hard work to make the event possible.

Pearson and Pete Giving Presentation at Skaneateles Library (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Friday September 26^th, despite the rain and a problem with Pete’s back brakes, P&P tackled the hills between Skaneateles and Cazenovia – which were anticipated to be the toughest of the trip – with relative ease.

While going up the first big hill Pearson tumbled off his bike and took Pete down with him.  Luckily both of them were okay. 

They rolled through Lafayette, NY (about 20 miles from Skaneateles) to the cheering of the Elementary School.  Pearson and Pete shook hands, gave hi-fives and even signed autographs for the kids—it was like they were rockstars!  Just before they left Pearson encouraged all the kids to wear their helmets. 

Pearson and Pete with Lafayette Elementary School Kids (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Down the road they found the second LBB sign spray-painted on the road by friend Todd Diel.

Note From Todd Diel (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Because of his eye infection Pearson couldn’t wear his contacts and because of the rain he wasn’t able to wear his glasses so he was effectively riding blind.  About halfway through the ride he slammed into a mailbox and was knocked off his bike and onto his left arm (again).

Pearson Hitting Mailbox (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

As Pearson and Pete cycled through Richfield Springs on Saturday September 27^th they had an interview with the Richfield Springs Mercury newspaper. 

As we approached Cooperstown Pearson got flat #19.  During the rush to change his tire and get going again I put my tripod on the side of the road and must have forgotten to put it back in the van – Pearson’s parents looked for it- even knocking on doors but with no luck.  So if anyone in near the Cooperstown baseball diamond or in Richfield Springs find a black tripod please let me know.

In the late afternoon we met up with a group from the New York Bicycling Coalition and they, along with my Dad, rode the last 15 miles with Pearson and Pete.  They all rode to the Upstate Artists Guild where the New York Bicycling Coalition welcomed us with a reception and Pearson and Pete gave a presentation about their mission.

Pearson Riding with NYBC Group (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Pearson and Pete Riding with Albany Group (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

The Albany Times Union ran an article about our arrival and events on Sept 25^th:

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=723674&category=SPORTS 

In the late evening we all went to a party and great dinner at Chris Duryea and Mary Witkowski’s house—thank you!

On Sunday September 28^th we took a rest day in Albany and Pearson had an interview with Albany’s ABC affiliate WTEN and they did a great story on the 6 and 10pm.

On Monday September 29^th we were back on the road and Pearson and Pete were joined by David Wilson, the president of the Westchester Cycle Club, who is writing a profile of us for the Purchase Alumni magazine.

Pearson and Pete Riding with David Wilson (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

In the afternoon we entered Massachusetts — our last state.

Entering Massachusetts (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Pearson took another nasty fall (#7) “supermaning” across the rode and is now covered in a bloody road rash.

 On Tuesday September 30^th we started with an interview for the Springfield Republican Newspaper and then took off towards Boston.  Just outside of Palmer, MA Pearson’s rear derailleur hanger sheared off his bike. 

Pearson's Broken Derailleur (Photo by Julia Wrona)

We stopped at the nearest bike shop but they didn’t have the proper piece. We called around to the nearest bike shops and Raleigh dealers but couldn’t find the piece.  Erin got on the case (thank you!) and found us a bike shop in Boston that didn’t have the piece but could rig something.  Determined to ride to the end, Pearson rode his mountain bike to Boston and the end of Route 20!

Julia, Pearson, Pete & Meghan at the End of 20 in Boston

Along the way Pearson had an interview with WXTK news radio in Hyannis and a Worcester bicycle columnist. 

After celebrating at the end 20 sign we took Pearson’s bike to Bicycle Bill’s and the shop manager/mechanic/frame-builder created a derailleur hanger that worked—we were all very impressed.

Today we head for the Atlantic Ocean and the completion of our cross-country odyssey.

On Friday September 19^th we started the morning with a photo shoot for the Advertiser-Tribune newspaper in Tiffin, OH and then had a radio interview with a Tiffin radio station.

Later in the day we met with Rob Duncan and reporter Mary Lisa Boose in Norwalk, OH.  Rob’s 18-year-old son Daniel was tragically killed a few weeks ago by a drunk driver while riding his bicycle.  It was an emotional meeting and reminded us how important it is to improve the safety on the roads.  The article Mary Lisa Boose wrote is here:http://www.norwalkreflector.com/articles/2008/09/22/front/iq_622302.txt

Outside of Cleveland, Pearson and Pete were riding through heavy suburban traffic when a minivan turned left into them.  Pearson’s front wheel was hit, he put his arms out and caught himself on the side of the van fell on his wrist.  The van tried to drive away, the driver claiming she never saw them.  They were both very shaken and Pearson was badly bruised from the handlebars but it could have been much worse.  Unfortunately the driver did not seem shaken up proving that there is still a long way to go to have drivers respect the vulnerability of cyclists.

Pearson & Pete riding towards Cleveland, OH (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Saturday September 20^th we started the morning by traveling through downtown Cleveland and into suburban strip mall traffic.  We crossed into Pennsylvania and met up with my mom Kathy, my sister Elyse and Meghan’s dad Pat and they all rode the last few miles together.  We then headed over to the Brewerie http://www.brewerie.com for Oktoberfest and had an interview with the Erie’s WSEE tv station.  A brief article about the trip appeared in the Erie Newspaper before we arrived http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809190359

Pete, Elyse, Pearson, Kathy & Pat riding into Erie, PA (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Sunday September 21st we started our rest day in Erie with an interview for WICU tv.  In the evening we had a great home-cooked with my mom and Meghan’s family- Thank you!

On Monday September 22^nd we traveled out of Erie and into the vineyards of Northeast, PA and Western New York.  Pearson made it through Pennsylvania without a flat tire!  We enjoyed the sweet smell (and taste) of grapes all day- I wish I had “smell-o-vision” to capture the wonderful aroma and add it to the film. 

Grapes in NY (Photo by Julia Wrona)

We ended the day at Duff’s in Orchard Park, NY (just off Route 20) where we were greeted by my Grandparents, my aunt Joy, her boyfriend Greg, my uncle Jack and aunt Nancy.  We had a brief interview with WIVB tv station http://www.wivb.com/Global/category.asp?C=104633&nav=menu41_2_6 and then my Grandparents treated us to a dinner of Duff’s awesome wings- Thank you!

Pearson with Family & Press at Duff's (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Tuesday September 23^rd some of the 30 miles we “found” in Nebraska (miles Pete and Pearson had to ride that weren’t listed on the itinerary) were “lost” today when we realized it was only 67 miles to Lima, not 90—I think this was a more pleasant surprise than the extra 30. 

As we got close to our destination of Lima, NY there were signs to along the road to greet us and food, wine and beer for us to enjoy at the end thanks to my aunt Christine, aunt Sharon, uncle Dana and cousin Dylan—Thank you!

Pearson & Pete Riding by Welcome Sign Outside of Lima, NY (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Julia & Meghan with Welcome Sign outside of Lima, NY (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

We also had a write up in Syracuse’s Post Standard anticipating our arrival there tomorrow:

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf?/base/news-11/122216031239700.xml&coll=1

On Monday September 15^th Pearson and I spent a couple of hours having his left arm examined and x-rayed in Chicago.  The good news is it’s not broken, but the bad news is it’s still swollen and painful. 

We received a great care package of fresh baked goods, cheese, sausage and other goodies from Erin’s Grandmother and Aunts—Thank you!

On Tuesday September 16^th we headed out of Chicago in the sunlight- something we haven’t seen in many days- and met up with Nancy, Lisa and Daniel in Evergreen Park.  Nancy and Lisa have spent the summer biking instead of driving and they led Pearson and Pete from Oak Grove to Evergreen Park.

Daniel, Lisa, Pearson, Pete and Nancy (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pearson and Pete riding with Lisa, Nancy and Daniel in Evergreen Park (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Just before entering Indiana Pearson got flat #15.

We were concerned about detours through Gary, IN because of all the flooding (I-80& I-94 were closed) but we made it through without any major flooding on the roads.

On Wednesday September 17^th we traveled through Shipshewana, IN home of the largest Amish community in the world.  We saw more bicyclists (and horse and buggy) here than on the entire rest of the trip.

Shipshewana, IN (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Just before the Ohio border Pearson started to think he would make it through a state without a flat, but alas he blew out his back tire (#16) and found that he didn’t have another spare tube.  After trying to MacGyver the back tire he gave up and rode his mountain bike into Ohio.

Pearson with Flat #16 (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

The closest bike shop along our route was in Toledo, 65 miles from Thursday September 18 start point so Pearson started the day with a flat back tire.  After struggling to pump up the tire every few miles and battling a head wind (again employing the PAT) Pearson switched back to his mountain bike for a while.  He finally made it to the bike shop, bought a new tube and tried to catch up with Pete.

Pearson Using The PAT (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Today we have a photo shoot for the Advertiser Tribune newspaper in Tiffin, OH and I will be on the radio in Cleveland on WTAM.

On Saturday September 6^th we traveled from O’Neill, NE to Randolph, NE in the rain.  18 miles from our destination Pearson found himself with flat #10 and sick of changing tires he finished the day on his mountain bike.

Pearson & Pete Riding to Randolph, NE (photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Sunday September 7 P&P cycled into across the Iowa border and into Sioux City.  Pearson tricked Meghan and me into stopping downwind of an enormous cow farm; he found our reaction to the stench hilarious.

Pearson & Julia Smelling the Large Cow Farm (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Monday September 8^th we took a rest day in Sioux City and had an interview with Samantha Suttle of KMEG in Sioux City.  She did a great story on the ride and mission that led off the evening news: http://www.kmeg.com/Global/story.asp?S=8973712

On Tuesday September 9^th we started the morning with an interview with KTIV in Sioux City: http://www.ktiv.com/Global/story.asp?s=8979211

We then took off for Rockwell City, IA.  Along the way Pearson and Pete had phone interviews with a Waterloo Radio station and the Waterloo/ Cedar Falls Courier newspaper:

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2008/09/10/news/metro/10598946.txt

We passed a sign for “Pierson 5” which reminded me of the “Pearson Detour” that we passed outside of Douglas, WY and the Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll candy bars that are everywhere out here.

Pierson 5 (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pearson with his Salted Nut Rolls (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Pearson Detour Through Douglas, WY (Photo by Julia Wrona)

We also traveled by a huge wind farm!

Pearson & Pete at Wind Farm (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Iowa’s roads either have no shoulder (just road, a white line and grass) or a gravel shoulder so P&P ended up riding on the white line.  Most drivers were respectful, giving Pearson and Pete ample room when passing them, however on Wednesday September 10th there was one scary, close call. While riding on the one inch of pavement right of the white line a trucker started honking at Pete to get off the road, with no where to go Pete held his line and the trucker came within inches of him.

Pearson & Pete Riding The White Line (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Halfway through the day’s ride P&P took a detour to avoid 20’s merge with I-380.  After a few miles they ran into unpaved side roads (most side roads in Iowa are unpaved) and they rode their Raleigh bikes through gravel until Pearson got flat #11.

On Thursday September 11th We got lost trying to find our way to Old Route 20 from downtown Waterloo- the Iowa roads even confused our GPS.  Pearson and Pete battled food poisoning but managed to pedal from Waterloo to Earlville, Iowa.  They didn’t find better shoulders but did manage to avoid gravel until the last ½ mile.

Before Pearson even got on the road on Friday September 12th he found flat #12- which must have been acquired from the gravel road to the hotel.

Pearson and Pete rode from Earlville to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa

Pete at the Field of Dreams (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pearson at the Field of Dreams (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

At the Field of Dreams they had an interview with the Dubuque Times Courier

http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=215741

Additional video clip: http://www.thonline.com/multimedia/?id=1709

Lots of rain on Saturday September 13th allowed Pearson and Pete to debut their new camouflage rain gear- the orange safety vest made the outfit!

Pearson & Pete in their Rain Gear (Photo by Julia Wrona)

On the way out of Iowa and off its treacherous roads, Pearson got a tire stuck in a rut and took a hard fall onto the wet highway and injured his left arm.  He still managed to ride one-armed and crossed the Mississippi into Illinois.  With the rain and fog Illinois looked a lot like Ireland.

Sign into Illinois (Photo by Julia Wrona)

On Sunday September 14th we started the day off with an interview with the Freeport Journal News: http://www.journalstandard.com/news/x332633165/The-long-bike-ride-back

We then headed back into the rain.  When we reached Chicago we had to contend with delays and road closures due to severe flooding from record rainfall.

Today we’re hanging out in Chicago and getting Pearson’s arm injury examined.  Tomorrow we’re heading through Chicago and into Indiana!

On Monday September 1^st we traveled through a cold rain (our first day of rain) from Casper to Lusk, Wyoming.  The chilly temps were compounded by wind- but it was finally a tail wind! (at least for the first half of the day)

Pearson and Pete rode mountain bikes for 20 miles on an unpaved gravel road (Tank Farm Road) to avoid the interstate. 

Pearson & Pete off-roading on Tank Farm Road in Wyoming (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Just as they turned onto Tank Farm Road Pearson got a flat tire (#9 for those who are counting).  And halfway through the dirt ride Pete was charged by a cow.

Pearson with another flat rear tire (Photo by Julia Wrona)

We stopped in Douglas, WY to warm up, eat and wish the rain away (which worked for a while).  P&P made 101 miles (after the long 137 mile day to Casper!) but had to stop 10 miles outside of Lusk because it was too dark to continue. 

On Tuesday September 2^nd we began again 10 miles west of Lusk and traveled across the Nebraska border to Chadron, NE. 

Julia filming Pearson & Pete riding into Nebraska. (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

As soon as we crossed the border we were greeted by friendly people: waves from drivers, smiles from strangers and people chatting with us every time we stopped.

We found great hospitality and excitement about our project from Annette and her family at the Bunk House Motel.  She even called the local media for us.  Check out the article from the Chadron Record.

On Wednesday Sept 3^rd Meghan, Pearson and I took the day and drove up to South Dakota to briefly explore the Badlands and see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.  We had a great time and can’t wait to return to spend more time in the Badlands.

Julia & Pearson in Badlands (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Thursday Sept 4^th we found a big itinerary snafu.  Chadron to Valentine was listed as a long, but manageable 109 miles, but was actually 139 miles.  To make the day longer and more painful there are large cracks across the road- sometimes unfilled, sometimes covered with loose gravel- every 100^th of a mile.  The unrelenting road condition did quite a number on P&P’s wrists, arms and saddles and really hurt Pearson’s back and knee.

Gravel covered cracks on Route 20 in Nebraska (Photo by Julia Wrona)

When we arrived in Valentine late in the evening (after crossing into Central Time) we met Howard the super nice and hospitable owner of the Motel Raine who very generously put us up for free!

Somehow Pearson and Pete got up on Friday September 5^th and rode 115 miles (which makes 564 miles in 5 days of cycling) to O’Neill, Nebraska. 

Late in the afternoon we passed the halfway point of the country/ trip: Stuart, Nebraska.  We stopped and had a champagne celebration which was bittersweet because while it’s great to make progress, we don’t want to see the trip end.

Pearson & Pete toasting the halfway mark (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Meghan, Julia, Pearson & Pete celebrating halfway!

Today we’re traveling to Randolph, Nebraska and unfortunately it will be our last night in Nebraska.  The people here have been so friendly and hospitable and we can’t wait to return and spend more time!

Thank you to everyone for your comments and support!

Best, Julia

On Thursday August 28^th we left Yellowstone (and the comfort of great home cooking) and returned to the road traveling to Emblem, WY (population: 10).  Just outside of Yellowstone we traveled through a forest fire, the smoke was so thick it blocked the sun and cast a strangely beautiful orange hue over the mountainous desert landscape.

Pearson rides into forest fire (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Friday August 29^th P&P rode through swift head winds to Thermopolis, WY.  Somehow the head wind followed them even after Route 20 turned from Eastbound to Southbound.  Poor Pearson suffered two more flat tires (the total is up to eight) but on the bright side he’s getting better at changing the tubes.

Pearson's Plagued Tires (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Saturday we relaxed in Thermopolis, home of the world’s largest Hot Springs.  Pearson and I are celebrated our 1^st anniversary a few days early by popping a very nice bottle of red wine that Patti & Jeff Evans gave us while we were in Bend, OR. 

Julia & Pearson's 1st Wedding Anniversary Toast (photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pearson tried out a unicycle at the hotel but decided to stick with two wheels for the rest of this trip.

Pearson learns he needs two wheels (photo by Julia Wrona)

Sunday August 31^st P&P completed the longest ride of the trip: 137 miles to Casper, WY. Their saddle sores worsened, but otherwise it was a successful ride.

Pearson & Pete in the Desert (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On a more personal note—now that we’ve returned to the sparsely populated desert, with 50+ miles between gas stations, stores and rest stops, it’s again become a challenge to find restroom “facilities”.  I’ve never been picky, but shallow ditches and low shrubs don’t work easily on the trafficked Wyoming roads like they did in Oregon: where we didn’t pass another car for half an hour or more.

Today we’re off to Lusk, WY—a small town that I’ve heard a lot about and am excited to check out.

On Saturday August 23rd we started the morning with an interview for KIDK, the CBS affiliate in Idaho Falls http://www.kidk.com/news/27335964.html.  Pearson and Pete then cycled to West Yellowstone along the heavily trafficked, but beautiful Route 20.  Again facing a head wind, (who said that the wind always travels west to east?) so both P&P tried out The PAT.

Julia filming Pearson & Pete riding with "The PAT" (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Towards the end of the day P&P crossed continental divide, entered Montana, rode the entire 10 miles of Route 20 in Montana and crossed into Wyoming.

Pearson & Pete Entering Montana (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Sunday August 24th we took a rest day from riding and drove to Jackson WY, through the Grand Tetons (where we spotted a grizzly bear), through Yellowstone National Park and landed in Gardiner MT.  My Dad, Len, and his wife, Lisa, rented a huge house for us just outside the North entrance to Yellowstone and brought Lisa’s father, John, to tour Yellowstone (his lifelong dream). 

View of Jackson, WY along the drive from Idaho Falls (Photo by Julia Wrona)

On Monday August 25th P&P rode from West Yellowstone to Pumice Point on Yellowstone Lake.  Meghan, Erin and I trailed them, filming and photographing their progress through the park and across two continental divides.  We stopped to have lunch and walk around the truly one-of-a-kind Grand Prismatic Spring.

Pete at the 2nd Continental Divide (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

On Tuesday August 26th we took another day off to catch up on some work and tour the beauty of Yellowstone.  We witnessed many Bison in the road, blocking/ leading traffic and a herd of Elk crossing the road at Mammoth Hot Springs.

Elk crossing road at Mammoth Hot Springs (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Elk along the road in Yellowstone (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Pearson and I took a brief bike ride around Gardiner, MT and somehow Pearson found himself with another flat rear tire.

Julia & Pearson after a bike ride in Gardiner, MT

Pearson and his constantly flat tires (Photo by Julia Wrona)

On Wednesday August 27th Pearson and Pete cycled from Pumice Point to the east entrance of Yellowstone- a windy ride up the mountain and speedy 39mph decent.

Pearson stops to look at (and try to fix) a bus along a mountain pass in Yellowstone (Photo by Julia Wrona)

Tomorrow we will travel (riding and filming) 85 miles to Emblem, WY.

All best,

Julia

Sunset Friday August 22, 2008

On Friday Aug 22^nd  Pearson & Pete rode from Butte City to Idaho Falls.  After Pete stopped in Idaho Falls to meet Erin (his girlfiriend) at the airport, Pearson continued on towards St. Anthony, Idaho. 

Since he was facing a head wind Pearson decided to try The Personal Air Transference System (The PAT).  Inspired by an idea from Pat Sheridan he attached at a golf club to the front of his bike (in order to split the wind around him) and increased his speed by 2.5mph.  His ride ended just as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Pearson using The PAT (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Wind on the Moon

On Thursday Aug 21^st P&P rode with 25mph+ tail winds to Butte City, Idaho passing through Craters of the Moon.  We all walked to the top of a hill at Craters where winds toped more than 50 mph- it was like being in a wind tunnel at the top of the world.

Pearson at the top of Craters of the Moon in windy Idaho (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

Pearson suffered 2 flat tires on his on Raleigh Bike.  Tired of changing tubes he cracked out his mountain bike, only for it to go flat as he approached Butte City.

Pearson fixes yet another flat tire

Beauty, Ease & Speed

On Wed Aug 20^th Pearson and Pete cycled to Fairfield, Idaho in cooler weather with a tail wind- making for a speedy ride time.  The Idaho high desert is beautiful and the low clouds were made in photography/ filming heaven.

Route 20 Idaho

Pearson & Pete Entering Idaho (Photo by Meghan Sheridan)

We arrived in Boise Idaho last night and had a nice rest day today– we finally got some sleep.  

Flat #2 at the Snake River on the Oregon/Idaho Border

Pearson had another flat tire just before entering Idaho and this time changing the tube went much more smoothly.  Unfortunately, his back rim was bent and the 3rd day of 110+ degrees fried his bike computer- so we made a trip to Pedersen’s Sports in Boise today and Michael Weiser was fabulously helpful: tuning up both Pearson and Pete’s bikes!

We’re off to Fairfield Idaho tomorrow- through a long detour around US 20s merge with I-84.

All best, Julia