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.