Pictures/Videos

So we finally got to a library that allows us to upload things, so here ya go

The homeless biker

We were bitter and cold coming down a pass, BUT some random driver gave us some brew~

The amazing scenery

Preparing for the 8500 to 4500ft decent.

3 days hard work paying off!

Cuples Lake campsite

The steeds

We were wayyy too happy to only be 1/2 up the way of the Sierra Nevadas

Just in case you thought we never biked

"Campsite" we made in a random field. Woke up to the cows-a-grazing right before the Sierras.

Not soon enough

Napa valley

Pretty much sums up the weather situation

The fish that Loren didn't catch

"Dipping" our back tires in the Pacific Ocean

1st feast in San Fransisco

Packing our bikes up back in Goshen

We Love the Care Packages!

Jordan writing-

We arrived in Milford around 7:30pm yesterday to the sweet surprise of cookies and assorted treats thanks to Laurie, Debbie, and Darin. Many thanks to you all for the much needed sustenance! The night before was spent in Baker, Nevada, a tiny tourist town with only a few residents. There we met fellow bikers Peter, Scott, and Andy who are doing the exact same trip as us, and were stranded there due to technical difficulties. Peter, however, was able to fix Jakes broken spoke, which was greatly appreciated. To our surprise, there was a great little artsy motel/restuarant called Silver Jack's where if you eat there you can set up your tent in the back for free. So after some delicious burgers we set up our tents in the back and spent the night conversing with our fellow travlers sharing stories of our trips so far.

The next day we set off for Utah, minus Loren who hitched his way due to a bum knee. After exiting the lying state of Nevada we had high hopes for our new residence of Utah to pull through for us and be better..... didn't happen.

So far Utah sucks just as much as Nevada. It looks the same and we got rained on just as much. Today is supposed to be the last day of rain, and supposedly the terrain should change here shortly, so Utah may just turn out to be better than Nevada. We spent the night in a pavilion shared with another fellow rider, Dawn, and a stray dog who insisted on sleeping next to our tent. We awoke to a bible vacation school service for kids who also required the use of the pavilion in the morning.

Today we're taking the day off in Milford and are looking forward to some much needed recovery with the aid of our care packages!

Nevada Lies

Eric writing from Ely, Nevada ~ (No desert here, see Loren shaking?)

Well I think the group consensus is to write the Governor of Nevada and tell him that we are suing the state for false advertising. Have you ever seen one of those "come to Nevada" commercials? They show deserts and flat lands with little oasises of casinos. Well Nevada actually has been one big state of rain, bitter cold, and mountains. We climbed about the same amount of elevation as we did in the Sierra Nevadas. Just going up and down and up and down. BUT in 50 degree temperatures getting rained on, don't let me forget the occasional hail. Needless to say we have stayed in a hotel a couple nights now.

It looks like Utah is much more accommodating though. We should be in Milford, Utah in about 2 days, and out of Nevada by tonight! One more state behind our backs!

Details on sending us some Cookies!

Eric writing -

Alright, there has been much discussion on how to send us much needed carbs. This is GREAT to hear! I did a little research and found out that you can send packages to a post office "general delivery" with one of our names on it, and they will hold it for 30 days. This way we just walk in there and grab some nummies. The only problem is predicting where our route will take us since it takes a few days of travel for the package to get there. I guess what we can do is post a city name where we should be in about a week or so, this should work out great to send us a package. I guess just give us a call or txt us if you send a package and where you sent it to so we know to pick it up, as we might not have internet.

I know I am excited, and I am sure that I can speak for the others!

The next package drop would be good at -Milford, Utah. Just send it to the post office there. Thanks!!

Carson City library is kind of lame

Jake writing-

Jordan and I sit here in an unpredictably crowded library in Carson City, NV. We've just descended 4000 feet and 50 miles today to end here in this highway junction town. We're taking tomorrow off to allow our bodies to rest and recoup; it's been an intense 8 days.

The library here isn't allowing me to upload any videos, but it seems that Jordan has hacked into the mainframe and will be uploading some photos shortly.

Early last week Loren's bike was a pimple on the ass of progress. We flew into San Francisco airport and began assembling our bikes right in the baggage claim area. Shortly after removing his bike from the box, Loren realized he had forgotten the bolt to his stem. Then he somehow got two flats IN the baggage claim area. Four hours laters we were on BART heading to the nearest youth hostel for the night. We found a replacement bolt the next morning (June 2) and got on the road.

We did not, however, get very far. The rear wheel which my dad gave Loren as a last-minute replacement had a problem; namely it reduced tubes to swiss cheese every 5 miles or so. Loren had 4 flats in 15 miles. A kind man, Randy, offered to let us camp at his house in Napa that night. We gladly accepted after a rotisserie chicken and 2 pounds of pasta salad/potato salad. The next morning Loren spent a few hours at the bike shop and we were on the way.

To make this all-too-long-story shorter, we made slow time through Napa valley and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Brian, another kind soul and fellow bike enthusiast offered us his front yard for one night. He helped us with some navigation and went over some maps with us. He even gave us his worn-out but incredibly helpful map of California. The following morning we woke to the sound of a gently strumming classical guitar, hot coffee, and some hearty oatmeal to start our day. Thanks to Brian.

We spent the last few nights in the Sierra Nevadas, traveling 5-6 miles an hour from sea level to 8,500 feet in elevation at Carson's Pass. Finally, 8 days into the trip (although only about 6 in the saddle) we're at a good point where we can take a day off. With the aid of a kind visitor-center-employee, we're spending the next two nights in queen sized beds for only $60! For two nights! We're more than enthused and will be dining out (Cici's would be ideal) in a half hour.

I should add that the last few days, while wreaking havoc on our muscles, have also whipped us into shape. Climbing is easier and the Rockies sound far less daunting. A few minor knee and achille's tendon pains are now much better and with tomorrows rest we should be feeling great.

Mileage is at a disappointingly-low 300. We need to make up time over the next two weeks.

Bios

So we all decided to let you know a little more about ourselves!

Name: Jordan Friesen
Age: 22
University: Purdue
Major(s)/Minor(s): majored in Psychology, minored in Organizational Leadership/Supervision and Sociology
Bike Used: Surly Cross-Check
Animal most closely related to: Grizzly Bear
Reason for going on this trip: A once in a lifetime opportunity to do something amazing (again) with my best friends and live a simple lifestyle with only the things I can carry on my bike
What you would like to get out of the experience: Learn to let go of my worries and just go with the flow.... and build the sexiest legs in existence
Favorite cookie (*cough cough): white chocolate macadamia nut
Perfect ending meal: Chinese buffet
Thigh circumference (beginning): 22 1/4 inches
Thigh circumference (end):

Name:Jake King
Age:22
University:Eastern Mennonite University
Major(s)/Minor(s):English Major
Bike Used: Fuji Saratoga
Animal most closely related to:Izzy?
Reason for going on this trip: I was hoping I wouldn't need one
What you would like to get out of the experience: A good resume
Favorite cookie (*cough cough): hershey kiss drop peanut butter cookies
Perfect ending meal:A pork chop, spinach lasagna, asparagus, salad
Thigh circumference (beginning): 20 3/4 inches
Thigh circumference (end):

Name: Eric Puro
Age:22
University: Indiana University
Major(s)/Minor(s): Majors -Business Economics & Public Policy, Technology Management
Minor - Philosophy
Bike Used: 1971 Fuji Royale
Animal most closely related to: Show Horse
Reason for going on this trip: To learn to live out of 30lbs of gear
What you would like to get out of the experience: A new perception of reality
Favorite cookie (*cough cough): chocolate chip oatmeal with or without m&ms
Perfect ending meal: 13 lbs of mashed potatoes
Thigh circumference (beginning): 20.5 inches
Thigh circumference (end):

Name: Loren Heacock
Age:23
University: unknown
Major(s)/Minor(s): TBA
Bike Used: 1985 Trek 520
Animal most closely related to: Gibbon
Reason for going on this trip: To have one epic American adventure
What you would like to get out of the experience: see above
Favorite cookie (*cough cough): Gingerbread
Perfect ending meal: smorgasbord of quality pickins
Thigh circumference (beginning): 22 inches
Thigh circumference (end):