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2005 BOAB and coos bay to uk daily updates
scroll to the bottom and read up.
19 May 2006
Qoute of the day; 'is it over already?'
As this is written, the Coos Bay to UK team are over the atlantic, probably fast asleep after their 2 week, non-stop, hectic, here there and everywhere trip to the UK. Together with the Bobby on a Bike team, they have not stopped since arriving in the UK nearly 2 weeks ago! To list what they have done, seen and achieved in that time would take too long.
The city and police dept of Coos Bay should be very very proud of the 5 guys who made up Coos Bay to UK, they have represented themselves, the city and the dept at the highest levels of commitment and dedication and, as we might say here in the UK, 'they are all round good eggs'.
It's often been joked that we'd be glad to see the back of the 'pesky' americans, but nothing could be further from the truth, we have had a great time, the chance to give back support to a USA police dept is truely our pleasure, following all the support we have been shown on both cycle rides in the US, 2002 and 2005...
... so, as another set of updates comes to a close... I'd like to end with a qoute from a story told to us in the last few days...
'for those who want to give up, pedal on, for those who seek shelter from battery, pedal on, for humanity in need of inspiration... I beg... you pedal on'
enough said
16 May 2006
Quote of the day: 'There are just a couple rollers!'
Route: RNAS Yeovilton - Minehead
Distance: 50 miles
Time cycling: 3 hrs 27 min
Chris and Mark greeted us this morning bearing the smell of Tiger Balm athletic sports cream... We started the day with some group photos with our guest cyclist from the RNAS. The we were off toward Bridgwater to have lunch at Neil's father and step mothers home. They prepepared a full lunch spread for all of the riders.
The first half of the ride lulled us into a false sense of security thinking we were going to finish on flat ground. Then we were introduced to the Quantocks... this was a 'beyond catagory' climb to get to the top and then a 25.5 degree descent down the other side. Yipee... we broke the Bobby on a Bike speed record as we reached 53 miles per hour! The view from the top was spectacular as we could see the Bristol Channel and across to Wales. There was an open range at the top and we got to view some mountain goats, wild horses, and ponies.
We ended the ride with a short celebration looking out over the Bristol Channel and to the Atlantic Ocean. We said our goodbyes to the local cyclists who were going to ride a return 50 miles home.
WE MADE IT ACROSS THE UK! Some of the group went off to celebrate the occasion by visiting a local pub.
We have returned to Neil's dad home for a shower and then we are off for a 6 hour drive back to Woodbridge.
We were blessed with a safe ride by not having any injuries or mishaps. We were treated like royalty with the greatest of hospitality from everyone we visited.
We are going to be winding down by riding the train into London the next two days preparing for our return trip to the states.
Quote of the day: '10 more miles in the bank'
Route: Alderbury - RNAS Yeovilton
Distance: 54 miles
Time cycling: 4 hours 0 min
We went for a van ride to start off the day to go take a view of Stonehenge. That was a site to see something made over 3000 years ago.
We returned to take down camp and head out on the bike ride. Our first stop to view the Salisbury Cathedral which was built in the 1200's. We are feeling much younger because we are hanging around these things which are so old... maybe it is all the cycling we are doing which makes us feel younger?
We cycled through several quaint English villages today, they continue to amaze us. We arrived in dairy country today and we knew so because of the smell and the smile on Nick's face. Nick had to pose along side the road sporting his Got Milk t-shirt.
We were welcomed to the Royal Naval Airstation by what we thought was a fly over for us and then Neil had to break our bubble and tell us they were just out for a training flight. We were put up in the station's officer's quarter. We feel pretty important!
Tomorrow is our last day cycling and Neil has just informed us we will have 7 guests along for the ride. We have heard they are taking us up a pretty steep climb but they have told us the veiw will be worth the work!
14 May 2006
Quote of the day 'that which does not kill you makes you stronger'
Route: Windsor - Alderbury
Distance: 75 miles
Time cycling: 5 hrs 0 min
We headed out this morning and made another quick stop at the Queen's Castle for a photo opportunity. Then we were off for our longest ride of the trip. We did have some slick roadways due to a little morning drizzle. Today's ride seemed to have never ending ups and downs it was like we were on a roller coaster! The ups did get gruelling toward the end of the day. During the ride, we did get to see a bit of police work in action as the local county police were finishing up at a single vehicle crash on the roadway.
We we were all greeted at the campground by our wonderful support team which already had camp set incluing our tents. That was the good news... we all set out for our usual after ride warm shower to find the stinkiest, dirtiest bathrooms which had cock roaches running around; it was not pleasant.
Quote of the day: 'Three naughty donkeys walking shamefully home' or 'how many donkeys does it take to cross Neil'
Route: RAF Halton - Windsor
Distance: 32 miles
Cycling time: 2 hrs 11 min
We woke up today feeling at home with a morning rain shower. It was an early morning because we wanted to get to Windsor in time to see the Royal Worcester Regiment Band and guards marching toward the Queen's castle for the changing of the guard. The Queen was home because her flag was flying over the castle.
We met Neil's mum and step father there and they treated us to some coffee to warm us up after a chilly morning of riding. Then we were off to our campground to set up camp after a run in with a chap on a motorcycle!
We are now off to get a closer look of the Queen's Castle and surrounding area. Who knows, maybe she will invite us in for a little tea...
12 May 2006
Quote of the day: 'It's POETS day'
Route: Cambridge - RAF Halton
Distance: 54 miles
Time cycling: 3 hrs 47 min.
We were off today after Randy led us into some warm-ups to stretch out our sore aching muscles and Nick supplied everyone with some ibuprophen. Our only downhill for the day seemed to be out of the campground... We ended the day with two climbs which took us to the Royal Air Force base. I think Neil said the UK was flat?
We spent the afternoon on camp (base) getting ready for what looks like rain headed our way for tomorrow. We ate at the canteen and went to the camp police establishment.
Quote of the day: 'You're gaining on it'
Route: Bury St Edmunds - Cambridge
Distance: 36 miles
Time cycling: 2 hrs 44 min
The day started with a near seven bike pile up as we (or at least Jeff) stopped for a traffic signal. After getting that out of our system, we were off to view some gorgeous countryside. We stopped for a photo of a gorgeous mansion which overlooked a beutiful valley below. We decided this was big enough for all of us to retire to someday...
Our first stop was at the country's horse racing city of Newmarket. There we got to view some real horsepower in action... but that is a whole other story hehehe.
Our caravan of cyclists headed toward Cambridge where some of us experienced a cycling paceline for the first time. Jeff did a stellar job of following Neil's directions, as a matter of fact, better than Neil... Neil and our support team took a wrong turn and got lost. He had a few quotes for the day which were not suitable for the update pages.
We finished the day in downtown Cambridge around the colleges and universities and we all feel smarter now because of it. We had a cultural experience as we all tried to punt (no, it does not have anything to do with football).
10 May 2006
Quote of the day: 'pinch me'
Route: Orford to Bury St Edmunds
Mileage: 61 miles
Time cycling: 4 hrs. 30 min.
Today was our first day of cycling; we started in Orford by dipping our tires in the North Sea and then off to the ride. We saw some beautiful countryside along with several English Cottages and Market Squares. We found we were having to work out the kinks because we have been not riding for over a week. We are now paying the price for being on the saddle for over 4.5 hours. We have all check our inventory for ibuprophen.
We received a police escort through the center of Woodbridge and up Market Hill by the Suffolk Constabulary. We stopped for lunch in Stowmarket where we were hosted by Tracey of the Police Federation Office. She presented us with a special gift.
We then were off to Lavenham where we visited their market square which was the home of buildings dating back to the 1200's. We stopped off to have another 'Blessing of the our Bikes' at a church which was also built in the 1200's.
The day was finished at the Suffolk Constabulary Bury St Edmunds office where Neil and Mel prepared a splendid dinner.
We have had two guest riders today and we added another two riders who are going the distance with us. We are pleased to have Jeff 'Bobby on a Bike' team member and his friend Kevin with us.
Quote of the day 'ditch the shirt'
Whew! Neil and Jeff had us running out of the shoot today without a rest. We spent the morning visiting Sproughton Primary School where they had all of the children gather for an assembly where we discussed American Policing and the Coos Bay to UK and Bobby on a Bike connection. We presented the Head Teacher, Mrs. Needle, with a package from Mrs. Tedder and Millicoma Intermediate School. The children even sang a couple songs for us.
We spoke to the Suffolk Constabulary school officers and then off to lunch. After lunch, we made a methamphetamine presentation to their Chief Inspectors. They are just starting to hear about methamphetamine in the UK. We were then off to talk to their Domestic Violence group where we shared information brought from the states from our Women's Safety and Resource Center. Their Domestic Violence group, Break the Cycle, is excited about forming a partnership with our center.
We are looking forward to starting our ride tomorrow considering it is no longer raining. The bike ride may be restful after the paces we have been run through the last couple days!
08 May 2006
Quote of the day: 'when is a pudding not a pudding?'
We continued to receive some great Suffolk Police hospitality. Neil and his Bobby team are treating us like royalty. We are to the point where thank you just does not seem adequate and we are only two days into this adventure.
We started our day meeting with the Chief Constable and then on from place to place learning all about policing in the UK. We spent the afternoon on a ride along and each of us were shown some genuine UK emergency vehicle operation (whew! don't think they have heard of the two second rule which had us trying to find the brake pedal which should have been on the left where we were sitting). We are having a difficult time adjusting to riding in the drivers seat as a passenger and going down the wrong side of the road! We are trying aquire one of their police cars to bring home with us; we would like either the turbo charged Volvo or the Ford Mondeo (we think one may fit into our bike boxes to on our return trip).
We just finished with a awsome traditional roasted chicken dinner hosted by Neil and his family. Now, we are off to the Suffolk Police 'pub' to listen to a live band comprised of of members of the force.
Quote of the day '1:30 PM?'
It seemed like it took the Coos Bay to UK team forever to get to London. TSA decided they needed to open our bike boxes in Portland to inspect them; I bet they were surprised to see how much we were able to cram into them. Nick was frantic upon opening his box to find a note telling him they removed his explosive devices. They did not like his CO2 tire inflators??? (must have looked like a bomb or something) Then he thought they took his pedals as a joke but he eventually found them stowed away somewhere else.
We had Neil and Tony waiting for us at the airport and they took us to the Suffolk headquarters where we will be staying for the next few nights before we start cycling. This facility is much like our police academy. Jeff cooked up sausage, hamburger, and chicken which was a very pleasant dinner after what they fed us on the airline!! Several members of the agency had dinner with us as we exchanged some policing stories with each other. Matthew tried to teach us how to play rugby but we have decided to stick with football.
We took a few moment to exchange our greetings and gifts. They provided us with some genuine Suffolk Constabulary coffee mugs and notebooks.
We are all suffering from a bad case of jet lag so we are off to get some much needed sleep to start at 'half past seven' tomorrow for a day full of events.
04 May 2006
Quote of the day; ‘How many cops does it take to put a bike in a box?’
The Coos Bay to UK team is having a busy week making final preparations for the trip. We made two stops Monday morning; the first was at Millicoma Intermediate School for a send off celebration. Mrs. Tedder and several 6th grade students gathered for and assembly to send us off with a gift to present to the school in the UK. From there we got a “Bobby on a Bike” style police and fire escort (the only difference was they were heckling us on the loud speaker instead of sounding the siren… at least they were polite to our Bobby friends during their escort hehehe) to the Coos Bay Boardwalk where Chaplain Hamilton blessed the team and their bikes for a safe journey. We also took time to speak to local members of the media to promote our trip.
We spent three hours Tuesday night packing our bikes for shipment on the airplane. This signaled the end of our training so watch out UK here we come. We owe a BIG THANK YOU to Alan Moe at Moe’s Bike Shop for doing a final tune up and for helping us pack them away. We tried to pack Alan in one of the boxes to come along as our bike mechanic but it made our boxes exceed the 50 lb airline limit. We sure hope Neil, Jeff, Tony, or Chris know how to put them back together.
Quote of the day; ‘this tube rolls faster’
Route; Coos Bay - Coquille – Bandon – Charleston - Coos Bay
Mileage; 62
Time cycling; 4hrs 27 min.
You could say today’s group ride was eventful; 4 tires, 3 tubes, and 2 patches and that was all before we left the police department parking lot! Mark and Chris decided to change their tires before leaving and the process ‘blew’ out 3 tubes. We are now efficient in changing tires and tubes! Six miles into the trip Chris announced he had another flat so we stopped for repair. Two more miles down the road Mark hit a boulder causing his Gatorade to go flying. The rest of the trip to Coquille went smoothly. Nick, Chris and Mark had to head back to town because of other obligations. Randy and Robert forged ahead. Robert took a wrong turn taking them down a road which had a 4 mile section of gravel where the road seemed to go straight up and straight down for the entire time (7 times it seemed; now we know why the road is called Seven Devils; the name should have been a clue). They got back on the paved road to be hit with a strong head wind and the good ol’coastline fog blowing in their faces. It is fair to say the team is ready for anything Neil and his “Bobby on a Bike” friends have in store for them on their trek across the United Kingdom – Whew, what a day!
The team is now preparing for their send off at Millicoma Intermediate School and a “Blessing of the Bikes” celebration at the Coos Bay Boardwalk on Monday. We leave from Portland next Saturday, May 6, 2006.
27 April 2006
Quote of the day; 'We'll have you speaking proper English by the time you return home'
The Coos Bay team is in the final stages of preperation for their trip. Robert and Neil have been frantically working (stressing) to make sure all of the last minute details are in place to make the trip a success. All of the phone time has had their wives wondering if this Bobby on a Bike and Coos Bay to UK relationship will ever end ... hahaha.
On the home front, we are preparing for a 70 mile group ride scheduled for Friday. We are having perfect weather for our last minute training for the trip.
Our passports and plane tickets are in hand and we can feel the excitement in the air!
It's less than 2 weeks before, Robert, Nick, Chris, Randy and Mark arrive in the UK for Coos Bay to UK... the return visit after Bobby on a Bike 2005.
Re-visit here each day from 7th May to read their adventure updates.
18 July 2005
A small snippet appeared in the East Anglian Daily Times, Friday 15th July 2005.
This snippet was slightly wrong... it began with a head line of 'Biking bobbies raise £3,000'
The amount raised is still climbing and currently stands at over £13,000 !!
The £3,000 mentioned in the article was very kindly raised for us by the Suffolk Police Federation Ball, held at Ipswich Town Football Club.
We'd like to add some thanks, a little belated, but better late than never...
A number of companies / organisations have donated to our cause, we'd like to thank them for their support.
The Cake Shop, Thoroughfare, Woodbridge
Roy Humphrey, www.royhumphrey.com
D J Spall,(recycling) Ltd, Dallinghoo
Chancery Garage Ltd, 24hr Breakdown and repairs, Gt Whip St, Ipswich.
25 June 2005
Quote of the day; 'Today... we will mostly be packing... '
... and now the end is near and so we face the final curtain...
We've spent the day cleaning the RV and trying to fit all our bits and pieces into the suitcases and boxes. Just the one bike to pack... Tony and Neil's bikes have been left at Coos Bay PD as part of the Coos Bay to UK ride planned for May next year. They'll be cycled by 2 of the Coos Bay officers during the training for and completion of their ride in the UK... then handed back to us, a good 12 months more advertising for TREK and a great little link story for us and the Coos Bay team. Watch this space for a link to their site when it is created.
We had a great fundraiser last evening, raising over $700 to add to the amount raised during the trip... thanks to Gail for hosting that.
So... just a few hours left in the States... the last 4 weeks or more have been amazing, the support has, again, been overwhelming, we've made some great new friends, some of whom we'll be seeing in the UK over the next 12 months... We're certainly looking forward to returning the support shown to us !!
Here's the bobbies on their bikes (and in the support vehicle) signing off... maybe not for ever... but lets leave that there for now.
We received some bad news today from home, a friend and colleague was killed whilst driving their patrol car in Ipswich, late Saturday evening. The passenger is seriously ill in hospital.
We're all thinking of them and their families in this very sad time.
Remember... we serve and protect, but we ourselves are vulnerable too... please take a moment when you read this and think of our friends.
18 June 2005
Please check out the gallery link on the front/homepage... we've added some pictures.
Quote of the day; 'are we there yet?'
Route; Newport Beach - Mexico
Mileage; 102.48
time cycling; 6hrs 49mins
Well... here we are... the last riding diary entry, another 100 miler today, our 3rd in 7 days! We left Newport Beach in the rain wearing rain coats !! yes in southern CA !! Got about a mile down the road when a driver shouted out of their window... go you guys ! read about you in the paper ! good luck !!... fantastic...
Rode in the wet for about 15 miles, then were able to get rid of the jackets and subject the southern californians to bobby on a bike in lycra !! he he he
A stop at about 57 miles for a breakfast bagle, then on the road again till the border, fighting our way through downtown San Diego, passed the end of the runway at the main airport, very nearly being blown off the bikes by the backdraft from a DC9 taking off !!
Photos and stuff at the border, where Chris and Matt had been chatting to the border patrol, enabling us to get our feet into mexico for photos... a bottle of cold champagne was given to Jeff, who then sprayed half the bottle over neil and tony...
It's been a great trip... hard work... anyone thinking it's a holiday needs to get their butt on a couple of inches of saddle and do what we've done in the last few weeks... we've had ups and downs, trials and tribulations... but it's been a great trip and one we'll not forget for a long while.
We'd like to thank all the depts and individuals along the route who have been just awesome in the support for our cause.
Please check back as we'll add the odd update here before we get back to the UK.
note from Neil,
I've enjoyed adding these updates on behalf of the team, I hope you've enjoyed reading them and thanks for following us over the last 23 days of cycling.
15 June 2005
Qoute of the day; '360 view'
Route; Santa Monica - Newport Beach
Mileage; 55.60
time cycling; 3hrs 52mins
Shorter day today, but not that quick a pace, had to negotiate the hectic highways of LA... on the last ride Neil and Tony rode this on a weekend... a lot more traffic about today !! made for some tough cycling... but we made it through to the other side... and had the luxury of some nice beach cycle paths !
Met at the Newport Beach city limits by the PD lead by Bill Hartford, 2 motorcycles and a patrol car escorted us in... we had our friend Jim Halloran with us... local to the LA area and our guide through the city.
last day tomorrow... looking forward to that update... till then... thanks for the support, we will get back to you all over the weekend.
Quote of the day; 'who said you could get up that hill first!!'
Route; Santa Barbara - Santa Monica
Mileage; 100
Time cycling; 6hrs 15mins
Yes another 100 miler... the last day is too, so that'll be 3 in a 7 day period!!
A fairly slow start to the day, took a while for all the muscles and joints to get into play! Some dusty windy roads, alongside fields and fields of cabbage, strawberries and various other veggies !! fantastic views !!
Some great few miles along the Pacific Highway on newly laid roads... through Malibu and very overpriced ocean view houses !!
Got caught in some heavy traffic, but with a large shoulder at the side of the road we were able to move along at a great pace.
Stopped outside some friends in Santa Monica and headed into town for a donated meal at the Kings Head. Whilst sat eating dinner we saw... cor blimey nana moon... Shane Ritchie !! guess he's on a filming break !
13 June 2005
Quote of the day; 'Horny cow'
Route; Pismo Beach - Santa Barbara
Mileage; 71.88
Time cycling; 4hrs 26mins
A late start to the day, left Pismo at 10am, thanks very much to the Pd for the support. Headed out to the point we'd cycled to the day before, some 15 miles out of town. 10 miles into the ride it was Tony's turn to get a puncture ! hopefully that's it.
Went in land away from the sea, the further we got the hotter it got, went up to 90degrees plus as we headed over a 900ft climb... nice drop down to Lompoc.
We stopped there for lunch with Dave Duskin, Lompoc PD, who we met on the last ride, bar-b-q and donations, thanks very much.
Left Lompoc back to the valleys, the heat beating down on us, rode over 18 miles on some very rough road, this made umcomfortable little bits even more uncomfortable.
The last 20 miles was on some boring freeway... in the fog !! strange end to a very hot day.
Finished the ride in Santa Barbara, heading back to El Capitan State Beach, as arranged by the CHP, many thanks to them.
Quote of the day; 'Which RV are you at'
Route; San Simeon - Guadalupa
Mileage; 66.29
Time cycling; 4hrs 6mins
Fog fog and more fog... coming in off the sea, made for a cool start to the day, slower start as thighs were aching, must have been all the singing and dancing around the fire the night before !!
Not a great news day today... just cycling and turning the pedals, but a little harder as the wind was in our faces, so kept swapping around and taking the front to ease the way.
We cycled a little further than the pre-planned route, just because we could !! now back at Pismo Beach PD, being well looked after, as we have been all route !!
We'd all like to say a special hello to all at Sproughton Primary School, the children have been following our progress over the last few weeks. They've also been fund raising for us too, having they're own sponsored bike ride and other events... so THANK YOU.
11 June 2005
Quote of the day; 'those cheeks will get burnt'
Route; Big Sur - San Simeon
Mileage; 74.35
Time cycling; 4hrs 53mins
We left the CHP outpost of Big Sur under a cloak of fog... but that soon burnt off as we started a long climb up and over the hills... Tony said, 'this looks like Switzerland', so you can guess what the climbing was like.
Some of the most amazing coastline we've cycled... 900ft drops to the ocean made it all exciting !! ha ha... so 100% concentration as we sailed down the hills at 38mph, inches away from certain death !! ooooo scary.
The wind was with us again, making up for the time Neil and Tony did it in 2002, very little tail winds then, well not the sort that helps the cycling that is !! Made our way along the flatter coast into San Simeon at a steady 25mph with not too much work... a little respite from the hard work up and down the hills.
Stopped for the evening at a state camp ground, bought some wood and had a sing song around an open fire... ging gang gooly gooly gooly watcha ging gan go... yes the sun is sending us crazy... crazy frog crazy... beep beep.
Quote of the day; 'burger and fries'
Route; Sunset Beach State Park - Big Sur
Mileage; 56.60
Time cycling; 3hrs 45mins
We'd made up the miles yesterday... so the ride today was shorter than planned. There was going to be miles of bike path cycling, so we went unsupported, cash in the back pockets today not a banana, Chris and Matt went off to do the chores, dump the tanks, refill with water, laundry at the laundro-matt and shopping at safeway.
Neil, Jeff and Tony stopped in Monteray for lunch, topping up for the next few miles... .proper sports nutrition on burger and fries !!!
Headed south through Carmel, looking down on some of the most amazing houses perched on the cliff edges... a good wind behind us helped getting up some of the bigger hills heading into Big Sur.
Staying now at a CHP out post (californian highway patrol) thanks to Franks and Sally Packard for their support.
09 June 2005
Quote of the day; 'brakes... '
Route; San Francisco - Sunset State Beach.
Mileage; 104.31
Time cycling; 6hrs 50mins
Yes... you read right... 104 miles !! and all unsupported with just bottles of water and a banana in the back pocket!
The day started with goodbye's to our friends in SF... then an escort out of the city with 7 motorcycle cops !! yes 7, it was great fun ! serious buzzzz, feeling like bigs kids with silly smlies in the faces... great too for Chris and Matt as the RV was included in this escort.
The fog was really thick as we headed out toward to west side... staying with us for about 30 miles, made negotiating Devils Slide a bit hair raising !! the visibilty was down to about 50ft in places.
40 miles out we had some technical problems with the RV... so Chris and Matt stayed, found a garage and got the RV fixed, we rode off... 64 miles further down the coast... Quick dinner and off for the best nights sleep we'd all had so far !!
Quote of the day; 'no rain here this time of year... '
Rest day taken in SF... a lie in then across to the city from our home on Treasure Island to the Police officers assoc building. Presentation to us of a donation cheque and baseball hats, in return we gave them some framed BOAB stuff and a Suffolk Constabulary helmet.
Off into the city, in the rain, for the ol' tram ride... then walk along Fishermans Wharf... have to do the tourist stuff !
Later in the day we went to the ball park to see the Giants game, it rained, rained a little more then started to rain a little more still... so after 2 hours we gave up on the game and headed back to Treasure Island. Glad we'd had the ball game experience.
Well rested and ready for the next few days.
07 June 2005
Quote of the day; 'get off the path !!'
Route; Olema Ranch - San Francisco.
Mileage; 42.05
Time cycling; 3hrs
Leaving the campground we turned left approx 3 tenths of a mile and started a mile long climb !! no chance to warm up... thighs soon burning... but knowing that we only had a short ride today was good.
By the time we'd cycled 18 miles or so, we were onto city streets, but made good time despite STOP signs and nearly running pedestrians over!!
Cycled to the top of the marin Headlands giving a great view down over the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco... a gorgeous sunny day that made the views so much better.
2pm saw us meet with Marty Halloran, of the SFPD police officers assoc. along with 4 motorcycle cops, who gave the 3 cyclists one hell of an escort through the city !! we had people hooting their car horns, people waiting at bus stops and on street corners, cheering and waving at us !! what a buzz... makes all the aches and pains go away for a few minutes.
We're parked up at the marina on Treasure Island, leaving SF on Thursday morning, so a days rest to recover and prepare for the next 8 days of cycling... no rest till we get to Mexico.
Thanks to the SFPD POA for dinner, donations and tickets to the Giants baseball game this evening.
Thanks for being patient with the updates, we've been unable to get to any internet hook up for a few days, this may be the case for the next couple of days too... but we're still here, still pedalling hard... and still very grateful for all the emails of support !
Quote of the day; ' up and down like a fiddlers elbow'
Route ; Gualala - Olema Ranch, Hwy 1, Marin County.
Mileage; 77.64
Time cycling; 4hrs 58mins
Another hard hard day !! more of the same from yesterday, and probably a few of the steepest and longest climbs we've done, giving our gears the hardest workout so far.
Crossed the 1,000 miles cycled point today !! nice milestone...
We all managed to get the bikes at over 50mph !! as we headed away from the coast down a long smooth surfaced road... hell of a rush.
We stopped in a commercial campground, with water and electric hooked up, so no need to sit on the loo holding the coffee machine.
Chris made a great chilli, with a starter of Tammy's smoked salmon... mmmm mmmmmm, we'll have to pick some more of that up as we go back to our friends in Coos Bay on the return leg... hint hint.
Neil then made pancakes... so we were all well and truly stuffed !! or was it packed with carbs for the next days ride ???????
.
05 June 2005
Quote of the day; Beam me up scotty... '
Route; Fort Bragg - Gualala
Mileage; 68.43
Time cycling; 4hrs 20mins
The day started with Chris leaping out of bed on hearing the sound of an original 1942 Ford Jeep... Don had managed to get it started while we'd all slept... so off went Chris beaming from ear to ear driving this jeep...
Hard days ride again... along the coastal roads that climbed and climbed then dropped again tp the coves and bays... harder than the longer consistant climbing we'd done to date...
Strong winds all day, that gusted in off the sea... threatening to blow us under the next RV... or off the edge of the road... with no barriers... to a watery grave 500ft below.
We ended the day at a state camp ground, fairly basic camping, with no water or electirc hook up... we improvised and used the electric socket in the loo to plug the coffee machine in !!
Quote of the day; 'Happy Birthday to you'
Route; Garberville - Fort Bragg
Mileage; 70.29
Time cycling; 4hrs 50mins
Birthday party last night and 2 litres of red wine consumed... Chris, Matt, Tony and Jeff suprised Neil with a meal and cards... very touched... glad the red wine had little effect when we woke this morning.
We started off from garberville straight into the climbing, today was going to be the toughest climbing of the trip, Legget Hill... a climb of 4.5 miles that kept it's gradiant all the way to the top !! but... one hell of a ride down the other side. It had been re-surfaced since Neil and Tony rode it 3 years ago, so it was fun ! 40mph and braking hard to take corners that were sign posted to cars for 15mph... one big adrenalin rush.
The hardest part of the day came with the last 25 miles into Fort Bragg, with short steep climbs a plenty... harder thanthe 4.5 miles of consistant climbing up Legget Hill.
Lt Don Miller rode out to meet us on his Harley, we'd about 28 miles to go, he'd packed an extra helmet and leather jacket, size 'small'... so guess what, Matt rode on a Harley, along some of the most amazing coast line in the world ! he rode off giving us a royal wave and a huge grin across his face.
We've probably worked off more today than any other day... the sun had been out most of the way... which made for some serious sweating going on... Jeff even managed to break into a sweat... with 2 beads visible on his forehead !! this from a man that never sweats !
Into Fort Bragg and hosted again this year by Don and Mary Miller.
03 June 2005
Quote of the day; 'We're doing well, no punctures yet... psssssssssssss'
Route; Eureka - Garberville
Mileage; 71.56
Time cycling; 4hrs 36mins
30 miles of freeway cycling to start the day, on a shoulder littered with rubbish, wood, rubber, nuts and bolts, not much fun, especially with logging trucks going by 2ft away!
Apparently, Tony was just thinking how lucky we'd been to have got so far without any punctures, when Neil shouted 'FLAT'... front wheel punctured. Quick repair at the side of the road, as Jeff kept an eye on the oncoming traffic, we'd seen a few trucks swerving into the shoulder, so were on our guard.
Glad to get to 30 miles, where we were able to turn off the freeway onto the 35 mile Avenue of Giants... Redwood after Redwood, 52,000 acres of the things, some over 2,000 years old, an awesome sight.
All feeling tired today, with each of us going through our own moment of feeling flat with tired non working thighs !
Back onto the freeway for the last 8 or so miles, just incase we had anything left in the tanks, a long steep climb into Garberville just about finished us off. Recovery drinks at the ready and a hot shower at Humboldt County Sheriff's office picked us up a little.
Laundry day today... so off for an entertaining hour or so in the laundromat.
Thanks to Sgt Mike Hislop from Eureka PD for hosting us... we experienced Calzone for the first time... Jeff went for the large one, could have fed us all.
Till later... ...
Quote of the day; 'an uncanny confluence of events'
Route; Crescent City - Eureka
Mileage; 83.75
Time Cycling; 5hrs 30mins
Eureka ka ka ka... .
Just a couple of miles to warm up before we started some of the longest climbing so far, just about 7 miles, maybe just a few little down hills, but mostly up up and up a little more... bit tight in places due to road works, some serious sweating going on by the time we reached the summit. No record speeds today, as the road surfaces were not good and the wind was gusting off the sea at 30mph plus ! you'll have to wait for them.
We've got into a good habit of shouting out bad road conditions, wood in the road and other hazards, this is usually done by the cyclist at the front, just so those behind can look up and take action... today though, in the darkness of the Redwoods, a hole was missed, Neil hit this and seriously banged his nether regions on the saddle... you could hear the groan echo around the woods... well maybe just above the laughter from Jeff and Tony... quick stop to take some breath subsequently dropping the bike and cutting his leg !!
Headed in Eureka fighting very strong side wind, Tony reckons any stronger and we'd have been leaning over at 45degrees.
Currently at Eureka Police Dept, getting showered and a little more respectable... or was it less smelly... till tomorrow.
01 June 2005
Quote of the day; '... it's windy here'
Rest day - Crescent City,CA
Crescent City PD and Chief Doug Plack have done us proud, the RV has been made redundant for a couple of nights and the Lighthouse Hotel, Hwy 101 has become our home... thinking we may stay here... all thanks to the PD. This has allowed us to re-charge and prepare for the next 1,200 miles !!
So, a little lie in before heading off to the PD to spend the morning cleaning and oiling the bikes. But... before Neil and Matt joined the others at the PD, they went to Ocean World, where Matt braved petting the sharks... we'd seen bill boards advertising the place, picturing an aggressive Great White !! think about the fisherman's tale... 'it was this big'... and you'll get the idea.
The local newspaper was delivered to the PD, with the 3 amigos pictured front page... ha ha ha... bet they didn't sell many copies today!
Jeff, seeing the size of the Californian surf, went to the local surf shop to hire wetsuit and board... but... it was closed for the week... plenty of time.
We left the hotel yesterday in tears... we'd been in the lift and someone had made a little smell... as the lift doors opened and revealed a young couple waiting, Matthew shouted 'O Dad, that stinks'... as you can imagine, Neil was gutted to think that he'd been blamed, we all left the hotel crying with tears of laughter...
anyway... back to the serious stuff of cycling the west coast of the USA... 80 miles tomorrow, with some bigger climbs than we've seen so far!
Quote of the day; 'don't forget to check your nuts... '
Route; Gold Beach,OR - Cresent City,CA
Mileage; 55.10
Time cycling; 3hrs 36mins
We left Gold Beach waved off by the Mayor at City Hall, after a press interview.
A quick 2 miles warm up before a 3 mile climb, only just enough time to get the legs warmed up!
The wind we had at our backs yesterday came back up from the south to say hello... so we did some serious 'tailing' each other for the first time... a shout of 'ON THE LEFT' and the one at the back flew by and picked up the front spot taking the wind, working twice as hard as the guys behind. This helped a great deal as we did the last 15 miles into Cresecent City.
We stopped at the Oregon / Californian border at the Cafe'RV, Rodz providing a variety of fresh sandwiches,salad and soup, good for most tastes, helps keeps those legs feeeling strong. Prior to our arrival he'd been stalked by a guy dressed in camo' clothing, hiding in the bushes, we just assumed he'd heard about the good food provided...
30 May 2005
Quote of the day; 'Can I pull on your horn again... please'
Route; Coos Bay - Gold Beach
Mileage; 79.47
Time cycling; 5hrs
Awesome !! that's what we said as we left Coos Bay, the PD headed by Sgt Robert Loundsbury looked after us so well, keeping up the support we have received to date. A fantastic dinner at the Mayors Italian restaurant with half the PD, followed by a presentation of gifts to us all, including a huge bag of goodies for Matthew, who stood at the front for ages taking 'all' the things out of the bag... it's a pity he's so shy!!
After dinner, Matthew and the other big kid among us,(can't say his name, but he's well over 6ft) had a visit to Coos Bay Fire Dept and... a ride in the big red fire engine... this at 10.30 at night, so what did they do ? put the blue lights and sirens on ! rode through town, honk honk honk... waking half the town as they went.
Anyway, back to the cycling... left Coos Bay with Robert and Rich escorting us, thanks to Bandon PD for the escort through their town. Hand shakes and stuff and off we went to Gold Beach... with a fantastic tail wind, the best we've had to date... made great time... and topped our fastest speeds, again, varying between 47 and 52 mph ! yipeeeeeee
Updating this from the public library in Gold Beach, with the smell of coffee just about over powering the smell of jeff's sweaty bike shorts... just.
Coos Bay PD are arranging a cycle trip to the UK next May, we're hoping, with the support of Suffolk Constabulary, to make their trip to the UK as memorable as ours here has been.
Quote of the day; 'So ? This is the short cut?'
Route; Florence - Coos bay
Mileage; 52.02
Time; 3hrs 43mins
A most welcome shorter ride today, the 7th day in a row cycling, so nice to have an easier day. We were joined in Florence by Sgt Robert Loundsbury of Coos Bay PD, along with a few 'real' cyclists from the Coos Bay cycle club. One guy who'd recently completed a solo cycle across the USA 4,300 miles in 43 days !! yeah you work out the high average !! They were great in keeping the speed down for us little 'ol bobbies on bikes.
A cooler day, but fortunately no rain. The ride into Coos Bay city was halted 5 miles out, where we were interviewed by the TV/media, and joined by a number of Coos bay and Northbend PD officers, cycled into town with a convey of about 15 cyclists ! police and fire service blue light escorts !! great fun, helps take away the pain of cycling 1,800 miles.
We drew so much attention that a 3 car crash occured by people not looking where they were going.
As we're wearing Discovery Channel clothing we reckon people think we're the Lance Armstrong crew training for the tour !! ha ha ha
28 May 2005
Quote of the day; 'Cruzin and playing my radio... with no particular place to go'
Route; Lincoln City - Florence
Milegae; 76.64
Time cycling; 5hrs 39mins
An unsupported day today for the cyclists, the RV stopped off at the first RV 'mending shop' that Chris could find, some 4 hours and $260 later the RV was fixed, just what we could have done without... we cycled with a few dollars in the pockets and stopped halfway for a clam chowder and bread roll, then back on the bikes for the second half. Lovely weather today, rain rain and a little more rain. Mind you it was a little relief from the intense heat over the last few days.
Not too many big climbs, but plenty of roller coaster hills to keep you on your toes, some with a unprotected drop-off to the pacific!
We passed by Depoe Bay, the place to whale watch... did see a whale breaching in the distance, so Neil's happy he's seen a whale.
Some pretty dirty cycle clothing being washed now at Florence PD, then off out to get some well earned dinner.
We'd like to thank Lincoln City PD for all their support last night, the pizza was great and certainly saw us through our unsupported day.
Thanks again for all the emails, please keep 'em coming, we'd love to reply to you all, but just get time to do these updates.
Quote of the day; 'shit happens... '
Route; Manzanita - Lincoln City
Mileage; 71.53
Time cycling; 5hrs 10mins
Left Mazanita shrouded in mist, nice cool start to the day... a steady few miles to ease to aching muscles in, still sore from the climbs the day before. We had been taken by Mike and Sonja to watch the sunset over the Oregon coast, lots of ooo's and aarrhh's... mainly from the cyclists as they tried to climb the sand dunes, but there may have been some for the sunset too.
Some big big climbs today, they just keep getting bigger... but then one hell of a ride down the other side, we managed 43mph... and in a 35mph limit! waiting for the citation to drop through the RV door.
Arrived on the outskirts of Lincoln City to be escorted the last few miles by Lincoln City Police Dept, all the locals stood and looked as we came by, numerous police vehicles around us... gave the odd royal wave here and there !!
But... as we were having fun with that, Chris and Matt were at the back of the escort as the RV poop tank fell off ! causing a huge bang under as the back wheels hit it ! leaving the best part of the bobby on a bike team splashed over the highway !
So... as this is typed, Lincoln City PD are helping sort the problem out.
26 May 2005
Quote of the day; 'fanny tanning'
Route ; Bruceport - Manzanita
Mileage ; 88.51
Time cycling; 6hrs 16mins
It can only get cooler... 86 degrees today... my o my... hard hard work getting up some of the biggest and longest climbs of the ride so far ! So hot a change of cycle shorts came into play half way throught the day... hope there's enough vaseline to go around !
Big thrill of the day was cycling the Astoria bridge over the Columbia River ! 4 miles of the thing ! strong side winds and no shoulder to escape the traffic... yee ha !
Finaaly hit the pacific ocean today, some gorgeous views just about made the pain of climbing serious hills bareable ! Spoke with a group of Harley Davidson riders... tried to get them to do a bike swap... but they weren't too keen... o well, guess a few more days on the bike.
Arrived in Manzanita, hosted this evening by Mike and Sonja Moon, Mike passes greetings to all in Suffolk Police... missing you loads... ha ha.
Quote of the day ; 'haulin' logs... '
Route ; Hoosport - Bruceport
Mileage ; 88.79
time cycling ; 5hrs 32min
An early start on the roller coaster road alongside the Hood Canal, most upset that the pod of Orca left last week, after upsetting the local Indian tribe by eating all the salmon ! o well, maybe a chance to see more whales later in the ride.
Special thanks to Mason County Sheriff Dept, John, Rick, Dwayne, Jan and Barabra, who between them took us to dinner, organised the RV park, escorted us every mile of mason County and donated nearly $300 to our cause... thanks very much.
The day was had work in 80 degree heat ! long climbs with the heat bouncing off the road at you, made it tough going. You have to feel for the boys in the RV... they had to turn the air con' on !!
The plan had been to cycle to Raymond, we did, but after a jelly bean induced high we cycled a further 15 miles !! Many thanks to Raymond PD for covering the coast of the RV park and dinner.
24 May 2005
Quote of the day ; 'US101 and Highway 4... where's that then ?'
Route ; Fort Casey - Hoodsport.
mileage ; 61.67 miles
time cycling ; 4hrs 12mins
Thanks to you all who've been emailing us, please keep them coming, it's good to get the support.
We started the day with a 35 minute ferry ride to Port Townsend, picked up Highway 20 and followed that all the way to 101, the road we'll be on for most of the way ! Encountered our first significant climb so far, 3 miles up to the summit of Mount Walker, 8 mph up, then over 40 mph on the way down the other side.
We've also a new mascot, so that's 2 ! the new ones more of an orange colour and fighting for top position on the RV dash... you all think we've gone mad don't you ?? All will be revealed soon.
We'd like to say a speacial thanks to Dale and Sharon from Whideby Island for inviting us to dinner last evening.
Currently at the Glen Ayr RV park on the banks of the Hood Canal, Hoodsport, WA, thanks to them for allowing us where the 'normal' customers aren't allowed, to update our site. check them out at www.glenayr.com
Quote of the day; 'I've never seen one that bad... '
route; Canadian border, Blaine - Oak Harbour.
mileage; 81.2
time cycling; 5hrs 50mins
Well... what can we say ! who's bloody stupid idea was this, in true bobby on a bike tradition the first day hasn't gone to plan, at least 2 or more hours taken out of the day with technical difficulties. Jeff had to pay a visit to a bike shop in Bellingham, Dan Remsen at Kulshan, thanks for your help, however, the bike is now running ok, with fingers, toes and any other digits being kept crossed.
We did finally manage 80 miles, but did come up short of our planned distance, so an early start in the morning to catch up.
The hills are as big as we remembered ! dogs still keen on chasing cyclists too... 2 rather large black dogs snapping at our heels at one point during the ride ! all of us half hoping they'd bite our calf muscles so we didn't have to ride tomorrow !!
To quote the words of Sir Steve Redgrave, Neil said, ' If after this ride you see me get on a bike, you have my permission to shoot me'...
Many thanks to Dale and Sharon Baker for the support on Sunday... we had a great afternoon and evening with them. We also have a mascot ! he sits in the window of the RV watching the route... little yellow painted face, plan to get photos of him and the team as we progress along the coast... we may even treat you to one on the website.
22 May 2005
Here we go with the daily updates from Bobby on a Bike 2005 !!
Quote of the day ; 'You kinda look like a chocolate sort of guy... '
We're here at last, 24hrs door to door on Friday, some great leg room on the Delta 37 flight from Gatwick made it more comfortable, especially for the longer legged one amongst us !
Hosted in Kirkland, Seattle by Don and Connie, they've done a fantastic job of taking care of us and allowed us to use their home as our own, thank you.
The bikes arrived in one piece earlier in the week, many thanks to DHL for providing the transportation. Our RV is ready for the off, kindly provided at a discount from All Seasons Recreational Rentals, of Monroe, WA.
We'll shortly be heading north along the I5 to Lummis Island, our stop for the evening prior to the start of the ride tomorrow... a wee 90 miler.
We hope you'll return here each day and follow us as we cycle 1,800 miles along the west coast of the USA, come wind, rain, snow, heat, colds, injuries etc etc, we will all be cycling every inch of the way !
Please feel free to email your support to us via the contact page.
We'd like to say congrats to Jeff and Chrissi, who only a matter of hours prior to Jeff leaving for Gatwick, had a gorgeous baby girl.