We left West Yellowstone and started cycling through Yellowstone national Park. Yellowstone is certainly a national treasure and the team took their time to go through the park and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. I took some great pictures, and once I get a camera cord, I’m going to upload them all. We saw a wolf, bald eagles, bison, elk, and old faithful erupt. It was pretty amazing, and I was glad to be on the Trans America team and cycling through Yellowstone with such a great group of guys. Cycling was definitely the best way to see Yellowstone, and we crossed the continental divide three times on our bike. At night we had dinner at a pasta buffet on Lake Yellowstone and we stayed at a hotel in the park.
Although we did not have a friendship visit we spread more awareness about people with disabilities than all the other days of the trip combined. It was great to talk to people about the Journey of Hope from all around the country and the world. We even had an alumni from the delta chapter at Furman randomly come up at one of our crew stops. He emptied out his wallet and donated it to Push America. It was pretty awesome.
The next day we woke up and racked through some construction until the exit of Yellowstone. The southern exit of Yellowstone borders Grand Teton National Park, and it was truly amazing. I could not believe how amazing the Teton mountain range was, and I truly considered myself lucky to have the ability to cycle there. We cruised the entire day to Jackson WY, where we had an arrival in the city square.
The arrival was really special because we had a special Olympic athlete with sever autism cycle into the park with us. At the park the mayor of Jackson made a proclamation and thanked us for what we were doing. We then rode about a mile to a ski resort where we did alpine sliding with a group of kids with disabilities. It was a lot of fun.
After that our day got even better. We racked our bikes and drove to Twin Creeks Ranch. Twin Creeks Ranch is pretty much the most amazing place I’ve ever been. One of Eta Gamma chapter’s alumni, Peter Cushman, invited us to his family ranch, and we were treated like kings. The art in some of the house was worth more than most houses, and it was quite a site to see.
The next day we woke up and ate an amazing breakfast prepared by some Eta Gamma chapter alumni, and then we had “activities.” I went horseback riding and golfing. It was insane, and I think the pictures will do it well once I can post them. It was nice to have my own bed to sleep in too. Hopefully I’ll be well rested for the century tomorrow
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Day 13: Bozeman to West Yellowstone
Today was rather uneventful. We slept in today, and had to rack through about 40 miles of the original ninety miles of riding we had planned since the roads were unsafe.
Today we entered Yellowstone National Park and it’s definitely a national treasure. The place is beautiful and the cycling is good. We rode into town around 2, and we’re staying in the local middle school’s cafeteria.
Our dinner sponsor fell through for tonight so we’re all being given a per diem for dinner. I think a good amount of the team is going for Chinese food, which should be a good change of pace from burgers and pizza.
Today we entered Yellowstone National Park and it’s definitely a national treasure. The place is beautiful and the cycling is good. We rode into town around 2, and we’re staying in the local middle school’s cafeteria.
Our dinner sponsor fell through for tonight so we’re all being given a per diem for dinner. I think a good amount of the team is going for Chinese food, which should be a good change of pace from burgers and pizza.
Day 12: Butte to Bozeman
Today we woke up for a century ride. Actually we would be riding just over 100 miles today, and I think most of the team was pretty excited. Everyday we dedicate our ride to someone. Almost always we dedicate the day to someone we have met at a friendship visit. Today we dedicated the day to a guy name Hawk.
The team met Hawk at the friendship visit last night. He is a native american living at a group home off the reservation of his tribe. Apparently, he is from a poor tribe and they started a bit of a legal battle to get his trust fund. Currently, that money belongs to him and goes to BSW Inc since they are his care takers, but they were going to tribal court today to demtermine if the tribe can take control of the money and then simply put him in a nursing home on the reservation. It was a bad situation that the team was hoping would work out for the best.
It was somewhat appropriate that we saw a hawk flying around at lunch time, and we stayed at a high school whose mascot is tha hawk.
We had dinner at a place called eaglemount that started in the 80s by providing ski instruction to people with disabilities. It now includes, swimming, therapeutic horse riding, cycling, skiing, and a variety of other program for people with disabilities. At the end of dinner we took a tour of the facility, and the whole team was impressed with the great things Eaglemount was doing for people with disabilities. They really focus on abilities rather than disabilities.
We also provided a grant to Eaglemount and it was good to see our fundraising go to good use.
Andrew Green, a pi kapp from Truman is in Bozeman this summer so he also came out to dinner with us at Eaglemount, and we were able to head out a little bit before bed.
So far we've traveled 800 miles, and in celebraton we're sleeping in tomorrow since we don't have much planned!
The team met Hawk at the friendship visit last night. He is a native american living at a group home off the reservation of his tribe. Apparently, he is from a poor tribe and they started a bit of a legal battle to get his trust fund. Currently, that money belongs to him and goes to BSW Inc since they are his care takers, but they were going to tribal court today to demtermine if the tribe can take control of the money and then simply put him in a nursing home on the reservation. It was a bad situation that the team was hoping would work out for the best.
It was somewhat appropriate that we saw a hawk flying around at lunch time, and we stayed at a high school whose mascot is tha hawk.
We had dinner at a place called eaglemount that started in the 80s by providing ski instruction to people with disabilities. It now includes, swimming, therapeutic horse riding, cycling, skiing, and a variety of other program for people with disabilities. At the end of dinner we took a tour of the facility, and the whole team was impressed with the great things Eaglemount was doing for people with disabilities. They really focus on abilities rather than disabilities.
We also provided a grant to Eaglemount and it was good to see our fundraising go to good use.
Andrew Green, a pi kapp from Truman is in Bozeman this summer so he also came out to dinner with us at Eaglemount, and we were able to head out a little bit before bed.
So far we've traveled 800 miles, and in celebraton we're sleeping in tomorrow since we don't have much planned!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Philipsburg to Butte: 60 miles
The team woke up today at 6:00, and we were on the road by 6:30. While we were packing up the vans we saw some lightening and it rained a bit, but as soon as we got on the bikes, there was no more rain.
The day started with a climb through a beautiful mountain pass. When we got to the top we took pictures of the snow capped mountains on the other side of Georgetown Lake. It was beautiful. After resting for about 20 minutes after the climb and grabbing some cliff bars, we continued towards butte.
Between Butte and Philipsburg there was a mining town called Anoconda. Anaconda is home of the largest free standing brick structure, which is a giant tower left over from mining operations. It really towered over the entire landscape. Most of the ride was uneventful, except for cycling on I-90. Our Project Manager Jay is trying to keep us off the Interstates as much as possible, but today it was unavoidable. Hopefully, we won’t be doing much more of that anytime soon.
We arrived in Butter by 11:30 and had cold cuts prepared by our crew chief Jesse. After lunch we relaxed in the hot tub and pool at the YMCA where we are staying. I also iced down my knee in hopes that it would feel better tomorrow.
For dinner we had a friendship visit with BSW INC. I spent most of my time talking to a guy named Jermey. He was pretty funny, and kept talking about conspiracy theories and the presidents. He was definitely into the history of our presidents, but he had some out their opinions about some things. He claimed to be writing a book about the presidents, but he hadn’t started because he was making sure his facts were straight... I’ve found that some of the people we work with have large plans of grandeur in the future, and I’m not really sure what causes them to think these things, but it is certainly an interesting aspect of some developmental disabilities, that I’ve come to understand.
We have a 5:15 wake-up tomorrow, so I’ll probably go to bed tonight before it’s dark out. Oh well, I have to be rested for tomorrow’s 105 mile day.
The day started with a climb through a beautiful mountain pass. When we got to the top we took pictures of the snow capped mountains on the other side of Georgetown Lake. It was beautiful. After resting for about 20 minutes after the climb and grabbing some cliff bars, we continued towards butte.
Between Butte and Philipsburg there was a mining town called Anoconda. Anaconda is home of the largest free standing brick structure, which is a giant tower left over from mining operations. It really towered over the entire landscape. Most of the ride was uneventful, except for cycling on I-90. Our Project Manager Jay is trying to keep us off the Interstates as much as possible, but today it was unavoidable. Hopefully, we won’t be doing much more of that anytime soon.
We arrived in Butter by 11:30 and had cold cuts prepared by our crew chief Jesse. After lunch we relaxed in the hot tub and pool at the YMCA where we are staying. I also iced down my knee in hopes that it would feel better tomorrow.
For dinner we had a friendship visit with BSW INC. I spent most of my time talking to a guy named Jermey. He was pretty funny, and kept talking about conspiracy theories and the presidents. He was definitely into the history of our presidents, but he had some out their opinions about some things. He claimed to be writing a book about the presidents, but he hadn’t started because he was making sure his facts were straight... I’ve found that some of the people we work with have large plans of grandeur in the future, and I’m not really sure what causes them to think these things, but it is certainly an interesting aspect of some developmental disabilities, that I’ve come to understand.
We have a 5:15 wake-up tomorrow, so I’ll probably go to bed tonight before it’s dark out. Oh well, I have to be rested for tomorrow’s 105 mile day.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Day 11: Missoula to P-burg
After a day off, the team was up and ready to go at 5:30 AM. After a delicious breakfast consisting of one pop-tart, half a bagel, and a bowl of cereal, the team was off to the old mining town of Philipsburg Montana.
The ride today was 80 miles, and we made great time. The scenery was beautiful. As we rode into town today, a panoramic of snow capped mountains greeted us in the distance. They’re beautiful for now, but we have to climb them in a couple of days….
We did not have a friendship visit today, but the Philipsburg rotary club sponsored our dinner. We had a delicious lasagna dinner, and I was able to try Huckleberry ice cream. The president of the rotary club talked to us about some of the work they do in town. Right now they are building an ice rink and accompanying changing/warm house. It sounds like they do a real good thing for the community.
After that, the owner of the old fashioned soda fountain treated us to ice cream. It was great. People are generally impressed about what we are doing, and it nice to talk to people about the Journey of Hope and people with disabilities, even though we didn’t have any friendship visits.
I’m really having a great time, and I really do believe that with our media events, friendship visits, and advocacy presentations we are really having a positive impact in the northwest so far this summer.
The ride today was 80 miles, and we made great time. The scenery was beautiful. As we rode into town today, a panoramic of snow capped mountains greeted us in the distance. They’re beautiful for now, but we have to climb them in a couple of days….
We did not have a friendship visit today, but the Philipsburg rotary club sponsored our dinner. We had a delicious lasagna dinner, and I was able to try Huckleberry ice cream. The president of the rotary club talked to us about some of the work they do in town. Right now they are building an ice rink and accompanying changing/warm house. It sounds like they do a real good thing for the community.
After that, the owner of the old fashioned soda fountain treated us to ice cream. It was great. People are generally impressed about what we are doing, and it nice to talk to people about the Journey of Hope and people with disabilities, even though we didn’t have any friendship visits.
I’m really having a great time, and I really do believe that with our media events, friendship visits, and advocacy presentations we are really having a positive impact in the northwest so far this summer.
Day 10: Day off in Missoula
Check out the pictures that have been taken by our historian max. They're sorted by the day!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pushamerica/collections/72157604901121186/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pushamerica/collections/72157604901121186/
Day 9: Paradise to Hellgate
Today we left Paradise Montana for Missoula Montana. Most of the team got a kick out of the fact that we were staying at a place called Hellgate highschool. I guess it was named after some Indian treaty.
We started riding at 6:30 this morning, and It was freezing. I wished I had worn my winter gloves, and not my cycling gloves. Especially since we were riding through a valley for the first half of the day, it took a long time for the sun to start shining on the road. Once it did warm up though, the weather was great for the rest of the day.
After yesterday’s 105 mile ride, there were a lot of people in pain. My knee was killing me most of the day, but I pushed through the pain. Having a headwind while going up hills was certainly not fun, but the pay off was at the top of the mountain when we started going downhill towards Missoula. I didn’t know if I was going to make it through the day, but we dedicated our ride to a guy we met at a friendship visit named Jack, and I kept reminding myself why we were doing this trip, and that we were doing the ride today for Jack. We arrived safely and did an arrival at Adventure Cycling. They were also kind enough to provide us with lunch.
Adventure cycling is a not for profit that promotes recreational and race cycling across the United States. Their founder first started promoting cycling with a ride from Alaska to the tip of South America. A few years later in 1976 they did the bikecentenial, to promote cycling and the bicentennial of the United States. The original bikecentenial route is now called the Trans America route, and is close to the route we follow today. Currently Adventure cycling publishes a monthly magazine as well as sells bike maps for numerous routes across the country.
After lunch and a tour of adventure cycling we went to lodging at the infamous Hellgate High School. We showered up, rested a bit, and then headed to our friendship visit. This was set up by Truman State’s own and former Build America teammate Lukin Murphy. We had another BBQ dinner, and I spent some time with a woman named Judy and a guy named Dan.
Dan was in a wheel chair, and was hard to understand. He had to repeat himself numerous times, and I was rather impressed that he did not get frustrated. At one point he asked for all of our autographs, so Alex ran out to his van and got a Thank You card we had all signed. He then wanted to give me his autograph, so now I have an autograph I’ll be holding onto the rest of the trip.
I really enjoyed this friendship visits, and the whole team was impressive in the way we all immediately interacted with everyone. Often times we have to step out of our comfort zone at friendship visits, and the whole team is doing great.
Tomorrow is a complete day off with nothing planned. I won’t be doing a journal entry about it, but I’ll go ahead and post some pictures instead one I get the chance for tomorrow’s entry.
We started riding at 6:30 this morning, and It was freezing. I wished I had worn my winter gloves, and not my cycling gloves. Especially since we were riding through a valley for the first half of the day, it took a long time for the sun to start shining on the road. Once it did warm up though, the weather was great for the rest of the day.
After yesterday’s 105 mile ride, there were a lot of people in pain. My knee was killing me most of the day, but I pushed through the pain. Having a headwind while going up hills was certainly not fun, but the pay off was at the top of the mountain when we started going downhill towards Missoula. I didn’t know if I was going to make it through the day, but we dedicated our ride to a guy we met at a friendship visit named Jack, and I kept reminding myself why we were doing this trip, and that we were doing the ride today for Jack. We arrived safely and did an arrival at Adventure Cycling. They were also kind enough to provide us with lunch.
Adventure cycling is a not for profit that promotes recreational and race cycling across the United States. Their founder first started promoting cycling with a ride from Alaska to the tip of South America. A few years later in 1976 they did the bikecentenial, to promote cycling and the bicentennial of the United States. The original bikecentenial route is now called the Trans America route, and is close to the route we follow today. Currently Adventure cycling publishes a monthly magazine as well as sells bike maps for numerous routes across the country.
After lunch and a tour of adventure cycling we went to lodging at the infamous Hellgate High School. We showered up, rested a bit, and then headed to our friendship visit. This was set up by Truman State’s own and former Build America teammate Lukin Murphy. We had another BBQ dinner, and I spent some time with a woman named Judy and a guy named Dan.
Dan was in a wheel chair, and was hard to understand. He had to repeat himself numerous times, and I was rather impressed that he did not get frustrated. At one point he asked for all of our autographs, so Alex ran out to his van and got a Thank You card we had all signed. He then wanted to give me his autograph, so now I have an autograph I’ll be holding onto the rest of the trip.
I really enjoyed this friendship visits, and the whole team was impressive in the way we all immediately interacted with everyone. Often times we have to step out of our comfort zone at friendship visits, and the whole team is doing great.
Tomorrow is a complete day off with nothing planned. I won’t be doing a journal entry about it, but I’ll go ahead and post some pictures instead one I get the chance for tomorrow’s entry.
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