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At the first Divide crossing, I took a self-portrait while pouring water from my bottle onto the divide. Theoretically, half will end up in the Atlantic, and half in the Pacific.
CYCLING SEASON'S OPEN and one dream of many cyclists - as they rouse their wheels out of hibernation - is to take time out and ride across America. Pocket Rocket owner David Seidman, from Philadelphia, had a special reason to put rubber to the road for ninety gruelling days - he is raising money for Amanda, a little girl born with a deletion in her 18th chromosome. "This deletion leaves her unable to sit, walk, talk, crawl or grasp objects. She also has developmental and cognitive delays, as well as many other medical problems." Many Bike Friday owners set out to ride the long and winding road for charity: breast cancer, MS, AIDS and diabetes. But whether you do it for a just cause or just for kicks, join an organized tour, round up some friends or go it alone, it's still one of the great journeys you can do - right out of your own back door. These words and pictures are taken from his superb website, www.ridingforamanda.com
Here's an excerpt from his diary "Eugene to Baker City".
Up, up, up. Five hours after leaving the campground, I entered a surreal landscape. Lava all around. It looked like it was dumped there yesterday! In fact, I stopped to touch it to see if it was still warm. It wasn't - according to the U. S. Geological Survey, the lava is 1500 years old.
Half an hour later, I reached the top. The Dee Wright Observatory sits on the summit, built in the 1930's out of lava and rock by FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps - a depression era public works program. The observatory offers an amazing view in all directions from its roof.
On its lower level (still perched well up there), small windows in the structure face each visible peak, with the peak's name and distance away on a plaque set into the lava just
 Encouraging messages for cyclists on the 7 mile 'killer' Keyes Creek Pass. |
 The Three Sisters - there's no ugly one! |
The descent from the pass into the town of Sisters was a bit disappointing ... I didn't have to touch the brakes, and never broke 40 mph. My Bike Friday descends like it's on rails!
Sisters (pop. 1080) sits in Central Oregon's high desert, at 3,000 ft. above sea level. It's a growing resort town, with strict zoning laws to maintain its "Old West" flavor.
I camped in the city park, a nice quiet spot with no showers (I used my shower bag again), and went back into town for dinner at the Depot Café. It was good enough that I went back there for breakfast on Sunday morning, July 4th, before heading out of town.
I had a leisurely, flat Independence Day ride, with perfect weather. Actually, the weather has been just about perfect since I started.
I also thought about Amanda, as I frequently do while I ride. I am privileged to be helping her to learn to do the everyday things that we do without thinking, every day ...
KIT UP FOR YOUR SPRING/SUMMER TOUR ON A FRIDAY!
Got stuff? At Bike Friday we have a selection of tested touring equipment to go with your Friday. Our online store is being redeveloped, so call Service on 1-800-777-0258 or email service@bikefriday.com to learn more about the accessories we offer. Below: Metro Handlebar Bag ($45), Transit Pannier ($80/pair), HiTail Seatpost bag($70) - great for dayrides, and the GD Folding Rack ($100).
DETOURS handlebar bags, seatpost bags and panniers. All held securely on the exclusive Bike Friday GD Folding Rack ($100)!
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For more information, follow this link http://www.ridingforamanda.com.