Tour de Loaf 2008

Pics

2008-06-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

Barry pics up movie at local gun shop

Yep.

Stace-a-licious?! What are the chances?!

Coast and wine country

2008-06-28T22:45:00.001-07:00

We had a beautiful day yesterday as the attempt to vacation continued...granted this also included 85 miles of riding :) we rode out of cannon beach for a coffee stop in Manzanita, a quaint little beach town. Then continued down the coast to Tillamook. Here strawberries were purchased from a fruit stand and the self guided tour thru the tillamook cheese factory led us by the free samples a couple of times...we then headed to the blue heron cheese factory who specialize in brie...mmmmmm! We sampled mustards, jams, sauces, and wine and enjoyed bread and cheese for lunch at a picnic table in the valley. Wine a depressent? Not so...we still had 45 miles to go! We took a longcut out to the 3 capes scenic route where we rode on lush windy roads to a lighthouse and seaside views. And best yet Barry sealed the deal with a new job!!! In spandex and a grasshopper helmet in the middle of nowhere...now that's skill! :) we attempted to camp at a forest campground in sandlake, which it ends up sand dunes are a haven for atv's and gas guzzling. Cruising in on our bikes we realized that just maybe we didn't fit in here. Apparently they ride and party all night, not so great for the tuckered cyclist. A local shared news of a great beach spot, county park, and brewpub less than 10 miles away so we charged up on some smartes coutesy of the tillamook chamber of commerce and adjusted the route to find our happy place. We camped next to some cyclists, enjoyed a beer from the #1 brewpub in the nation (hence the $6 price...crazy!) And slept with hundreds of bunnies. Apparently a couple years back someone thought it would be nice (or not) to drop off a couple bunnies. Well, these bunnies did it like...well u know and a couple years later we have bunnies galore! We woke this morn and headed out on a tree canopied road up and over to the willamette valley and wine country. A nice 55 mile ride until we realized it was 100 degrees and we had reason to complain (high of 109)...don't worry people this did not deter our motivation for wine tasting! We also crashed stacy's friend kendra and new hubby tom honeymoon by hitting up a couple tastings and enjoying a fabulous spanish tapas style dinner together, it was great that we actually crossed paths!! McMinnville has a cute little downtown and is the perfect spot to end the vacation portion of TDL....tomorrow we head back to Portland 1900 miles post departure :)

Lighthouse

2008-06-28T07:35:00.001-07:00

Lighthouse

Coastal pics

2008-06-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

Cape mears

2008-06-27T08:33:00.001-07:00

Haystack rock

Pacific ocean sunset

Oswald west overlook

2008-06-27T05:47:00.001-07:00

2008-06-27T05:46:00.001-07:00

Pics

2008-06-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

Sunset

Barry sunsetting

Heeeey you guuuuysss. Goonies rock

Nighttime pics...

2008-06-26T21:34:00.001-07:00

Cannon beach

Jellyfish

Pacific ocean!

2008-06-26T16:46:00.001-07:00

Cannon beach

Coastal pics!

2008-06-26T16:44:00.001-07:00

Astoria tower

Ayn at seaside coast

Astoria or bust?!

2008-06-25T22:41:00.001-07:00

ASTORIA!!!! Well folks, we made it all in one piece. A mere 36 miles from our city park campsite and we arrived. We made a pit stop at "the Logger" restaurant. In Idaho at a huckleberry/cherry fruit stand we ran into some peeps touring Idaho in their classic cars. There were some people who had a breakdown(car) and we entertained them with stories of life on the road and the ventures had. It ended up that one of the couples had a daughter that owned a restaurant near the OR coast, and we happened to come apon it today. Best of all the parents had returned from the trip, met us there, and bought our lunch! We've come across some seriously generous people. We ate dinner at a local brewery overlooking the water and toasted making it here. Are cozying up at a celebratory motel thanks to ma and pa page :) tomorrow we'll be tourists and explore the maritime museum, eat fish and chips out of a boat, and take the trolley. Then we'll head down the coast for a bit more fun!

Happy place

2008-06-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

Stacy finds a new book...and her happy place.

Almost there!

2008-06-24T20:11:00.001-07:00

After a relaxing day in Portland doing what Portlandians do....drinking coffee, eating from street vendors, biking round the town, doughnuts at voodoo donuts (you can get married for $175 if the ordained minister is in...we didnt) browsing Powells bookstore, and raided the sale rack at icebreakers wool store. A great day in the city! Today we rode out of Portland on their bike friendly streets after Barry fixed a flat tire 2 minutes out of the gate. We rode along the columbia river with lots of logging trucks and mt st helens in the distance! Staying in a city park in clatskanie, less than 40 miles from Astoria. Could it be? Will we actually make it? We'll find out tomorrow ;). Barry pre-sugar high with bacon topped maple iced donut not standing a chance.

Party time!

2008-06-23T10:23:00.001-07:00

Dumpster diving portland style...

Score! Marci's got some new chairs.

Rest day in portland!

2008-06-23T10:21:00.001-07:00

We made it! FYI if you ever want to go to Portland via backroads and Missoula its about 1615 miles...but whose counting? Mostly downhill into town from our lunch spot. Kris's/barry's friend, Marci, and her roomies have welcomed us with open arms! We couldn't ask for a better place to stay :) Last night we relaxed for a bit, celebrated with a local beer(or in Barry's case a mason jar full of whiskey goodness), and then scarfed down some Thai food. Although marci and the servers remained polite they were clearly in awe of the ability of TDL to pack it away! Marci's house is great and we cozied on the floor and fell asleep to the lull of barry's snore rather than the flowing river...hoping to sleep in we awoke bright eyed and bushy tailed in the early six o clock hour, apparently our bodies are used to the abuse. Barry dream breakfast FINALLY came true and we no longer have to anticipate the beloved scotch eggs bc he enjoyed not one, but two this morn for bfast. What's a scotch egg you may ask? Picture this...hard boiled egg wrapped in sausage, breaded, and deep fried. No doggie bags were needed for the bearster. So we're off to enjoy the sights, tasty food, and people of Portland....tomorrow we head to astoria! Barry and stacy after espresso at the top of the mt hood pass. What hills?

German tourist?? Hawaiian cruise?? Nope Barry enjoys a night on the town :)

Day 22 continued...

2008-06-22T10:17:00.001-07:00

Welp...we made it to our campground in mt hood national forest! We had beautiful views of the hood as we cycled in, gorgeous! We continued our day riding to Madras and enjoyed a tasty burrito at Pepe's. 5 min after we walked in raindrops started to fall and the power went out...we made it in the nick of time. This was nice as it cooled off the rest of the day so we were in peak form with no excuses not to continue ;) we rode down into an indian reservation and then climbed, and climbed, and climbed out of it. Always a joy. We then entered pine forests and soon after mt hood area. what seemed like hours later, or maybe it was we finally came across a campsite alongside a lake. It was almost as if we got a glimpse of life on the Oregon Trail, with only the blue mountains in our way...except we didn't have oxen to eat in a pinch, but we did have each other ;) Grand total(drumroll please)...136 miles! Barry took a "shower"and then informed us that the soltice is the 22nd?!?!? He knows us well because if he told us earlier, we'd have found a place to stay 50 miles ago. So we celebrated the day before soltice by riding from 5am to 9pm. This seems like one of those things you do once and call it good. Believe it or not, we'll be in Portland tomorrow! Up at 4:45 with the sun for "solstice"

Riding towards mt hood...sweetness!

Super solstice style!

2008-06-21T11:33:00.001-07:00

After staying in the great city park of mt vernon we hopped on our bikes and headed thru central OR and fossil beds...up up up. We passed about 60 cyclists going down the other way who were with america by bicycle. Lucky for them they had sag wagons so it was just then on their road bikes speeding downhill. It was a pretty hot day so it was nice to have all the bikers pass and wave and get some motivation. We desended into a little town called Mitchell and stayed for free in the lions club park. Even had water and electricity and bathrooms! Town had a store and a cafe and that was about it. Oh yes, and Henry the local caged black bear. Henry was going to euthanized and was born on a bear farm in Iowa...declawed and caged since birth he'd get eaten by a badger if released to the wild so instead he lives in a cage in mitchell. give me liberty or give me death! Henry got screwed. So in honor of summer soltice we decided rto try something new...get on our bikes and ride all day long!! We woke up with the sun and had departed our lovely park before 6. We're 50 miles in and its not quite 11:30. We're less than 150 miles from Portland! Its a much cooler day today and we made it over our big pass for today earlier this morn so we'll see how far we get, stay tuned as the adventure continues! We are departing the transamerica trail from here and barry will finally get the sense of adventure he's been waiting for! Look closely dem der are real live cowboys!

Henry the black bear...he's a biggun. To save for winter he'll eat 45 pounds of food a day and gain 5 pounds a day!

More pics

2008-06-19T20:27:00.001-07:00

Stacy enjoys view too...purdy mountains (mom note triangle...safety first!)

Nothing says family dining like women and bikinis!

Day 20: baker city to Mt Vernon

2008-06-19T20:23:00.001-07:00

Left the lovely Lynne and headed back out on the road. 92 miles later we are at a state park campground. Climbed 3 passes today amidst the OR forests and streams then coasted downhill the last 25 miles or so...not too bad :) stopped at a cute little place called austin junction where homemade cobbler and ice cream were enjoyed to help us make our way...rumor has it riding south to north along the coast is just plain crappy with the wind factor. So, we're thinking of cutting thru Portland on our way to Astoria and then heading down the coast for a bit and up thru wine country...will keep u posted as we progress. Here are some pics from todays travels! Barry learning a little history.

Ayn enjoys the view after climbing 3 passes!

Pictures link

2008-06-18T09:51:00.003-07:00

Here are some newly released photos from the trip, check them out at (or click on the title link above)...

http://www.flickr.com/barryslife

We are enjoying a rest day in Baker CIty, OR. Lynne cooked us up some french toast and peaches for bfast and we're heading to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for some history lessons. Ayn is excited for some "market research"! We realized this morning that riding an average of 70 miles for 18 days straight may be a little extreme...even for TDL. Ayn helped clarify this point in dramatic fashion yesterday....as Barry mentioned to Ayn post ER if she had wanted a rest day that bad, she could have just said so :) Oh, never a dull moment on the Tour. Ayn is feeling much better today, but very sore, especially her neck! Enjoy the pics!

TDL

Day 18: hells canyon to emergency room

2008-06-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

Welp...let's just say OR got more interesting after a relaxing lunch in Richland...as you can see in the pics we were some smiley folks. Don't fret too much, all is OK! After a hot afternoon of riding in hells canyon we came out of the canyon to a nice headwind. Stacy and Ayn drafted for about 10 miles when the shit hit the fan...so to speak. Ayn day dreaming of a rest day nicked stacy's back wheel, lost control of the bike, went to the gravel, and skidded to a halt in the roadside ditch while hitting her head, lacerating her ankle, and scaping up her elbow...did we mention hitting her head? Kinda scary. Stacy pretended to be a doctor and grabbed wet wipes, water, and a granola bar. After flagging down the first vehicle in sight the bikes were tucked into the vans of 2 nice guys, john and elliott, who worked for a fire company who saved the day and dropped us in town after driving up the road in search of speedy barry.. one ER visit and a catscan later it was determined that for the first time ever...ayn is "normal". We celebrated with a mexican dinner and ice cream. And, better yet a rest day tomorrow! We are all very glad that ayn is alive and well...lesson for the day...WEAR YOUR HELMETS!! We'll relax in Baker City tomorrow and have been graciously taken in by a friend of barry's dad. So in that sense its good that the incident happened here where there is a bed to sleep in, a car to borrow, and even a hot tub...quite the change of scenery from our campsites the past few nights :)

Relaxing in richland OR

2008-06-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

Jazz hands

Tan lines finally

Road scores!

2008-06-17T11:25:00.001-07:00

Another garage sale anyone?

In oregon

2008-06-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hopefully they'll be time to post later, but for all you faithful onlookers (moms and dads ;) we crossed into Oregon this morning. Not sure quite why but we did another 100 miler yesterday...we're excited to be in another tax free state.

BT

2008-06-17T11:18:00.001-07:00

100 mile days make a person darn hungry!

What day are we on?

2008-06-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Still early morn here but got up early and biking by 6:15...earliest morn yet! Had a climb up to new meadows, ID still riding along the river. Barry has enjoyed lots of road jerky. A nice sunny day again. Crossed the 45th parallel we are directly in between the equator and santas workshop. Sweetness. Ayn calling home from what looks like her home.

Tents are fun

2008-06-16T08:16:00.001-07:00

Stacy discovers the meaning of life by night...

Ayn blocks stacy out with her ear plugs...sometimes stacy wishes she could use them as nose plugs ;)

Camping it up!

2008-06-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

View from site along river

BT whipping up his famous tuna surprise!

The crew

2008-06-15T15:25:00.000-07:00

In riggins, ID...still more to go. HOT and sunny today, better than snow tho. Here we are right after we took a cat nap in the park and apllied sunscreen.

Pics

2008-06-14T21:23:00.001-07:00

Lupus is a real killer

View from ernie's BBQ pit during tasty dinner, granesville, ID. Red sky at night sailors delight, red sky in morning, sailors take warning. PS...we're not sailing, but tomorrow should be another good day :)

Day 15 Jerry J to Grangeville, ID

2008-06-14T21:04:00.001-07:00

106 miles...were changing our name to Loaf No More (LNM). Downhill thru a beautiful canyon, river flowing like crazy alongside us. Pit stop in Lowell for lunch and met a cyclist heading to Virginia. Seeing more and more along the road...another a school teacher from VA riding across entire country. In our parents age bracket, so peeps of all ages out here partaking in the fun! Big day as we also crossed the 1000 mile mark!! The last 10 miles today were UP..a little icing on the cake.

Day 14 Missoula to Jerry Johnson, ID

2008-06-14T20:37:00.001-07:00

68 miles out of Missoula up Lolo Pass. Along a river. Lots of national forests. Super green and lots of moisture in air...but the nice refreshing kinda wet not the kind in rain, sleet, or snow that we were previously familiar with." Mountain biked" our way 1.5 miles back to hot springs and enjoyed a nice soak. And, yes, we did this panniers and all...ridiculous looking to many, but not tour de loaf. Camped down the road with mice in our shoes. Barry made a delicious mac and cheese w brocolli and tuna, tell ya what we're getting spoiled out here! Crossing to idaho also took us to pacific time so we gained an hour not that it really matters since we don't have to look at our watches :)

Day 13...we in Missoula people

2008-06-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

A short 40 miles from yesterday and we're in Missoula. The biggest city we hit on the trip. Stopped at adventure cycling for a photo sesh and free ice cream. Big THANKs to the one and only ria for putting us up in a comfy hotel for the night!! Hanging out with barry friend Sage whose led us to all the right places in town! We've ridden over 840 miles since we left the Fort!! Heading into hot springs and wild west of idaho tomorrow so may be outta communicado...but will write when can...still lovin the life on bike :) MT is absolutely beauitiful and looks like good weather could be heading our way...keep those fingers crossed! Laters!

Day 12

2008-06-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

155 miles...OK well 84 of those were in a comfy truck. Tis true, we caved. After 20 miles uphill in sleet, wind blowing us off the road TDL cracked under weather when our new liberal, cowboy, patagonia workin, washington surfer friend drove by on his way to a rodeo. Ayn and stacy had no hesitation as he offered a ride over the snowy, miserable mountain passes. Good move for team morale! Thanks Alex!! We stayed last night at our new travel trail angel, darla and fam who opened their home, bar, and grill to a tuckered group. She saw us on the road a day prior and stopped to offer us a place to stay. TDL not known for being shy took her up and had a night of great company, food, and sleep. The generousity we received today was truly incredible. Let's just say we're in karma debt!! We've had some amazing people cross our paths and Alex, Darla, Tom, and Sarah are just a few....although not gonna lie there's more love in MT!

Only the necessities...

2008-06-12T20:15:00.001-07:00

The famous pineapple...now that's a sturdy bungee!

More yellow...

2008-06-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Old faithful...unfortunately ayn looked on from a sidewayz perspective as she fixed BOTH flat tires...we pretended there was only one so we could get to old faith in time :) don't worry we helped!

Pastoral pic...bliss and peace before barry took a "shortcut". Yes, "shortcut". We still ponder as to WHY?? We found him 2 hours later...but were on vacation all smiles here!

Yellowstone pics

2008-06-12T20:07:00.001-07:00

Brrrrr...yes this snow is real. Winter wonderland...maybe awesome if on x country skis??

Cascades in jellystone

Moon boots

2008-06-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Becca leaves tour de loaf for astronaut expedition! This gladiator is ready...

Fw: Day 7 dubois, WY to Grand Tetons!

2008-06-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

"Close" to top of Togowotee Pass elevation 9568

Tetons in background!

Day 11: Ennis, MT to Patagonia outlet...

2008-06-10T13:47:00.002-07:00

also known as Dillon, MT. We aren't actually there yet but are in a cute little town 28 miles from Dillon so will be there this eve. Right now in twin bridges, MT. There are an abundance of cute towns here. Pop 400 and it even has a bike lane...sweet.

Started this morn with an uphill 10 mile climb over and into a valley. We were above the clouds and surrounded by snow capped mtns in the distance. Then we rode thru Virginia City, a historical town...one that Ayn has drawn pictures from...she thinks. Still had horse and buggys and displays and all kinds of historical stuff. Had a snack at an adorable coffee shop and ran into 3 other cyclists that we'd seen on the road in the past day or 2. 3 guys, one solo all heading to the west coast. They are doing the whole country...so, we're not that bada#*! Barry decided to "ditch" the girls to ride with the guys...but since Stacy and Ayn started first they actually made it to the meeting point ahead of them and enjoyed a cup of hot tea and coffee while waiting...hummm...interesting. ;)

Lots of wind today so the remaining miles could be a bit tough, but really what hasnt been on this trip?! Fortunately we are having the time of our lives and meeting some Incredible people along the way...more about them later. For now, its time to hit the road!

Laura-Happy Birthday and hope you had a great day yesterday!!

TDL.

And, thanks for all the comments!! :)
Pics will be posted ASAP.

Day 10: West Yellowstone to Ennis, MT

2008-06-10T13:42:00.002-07:00

75 miles of downhill/wind at our backs bliss....we deserved this day. Got a late start after hanging out at the local women owned bike shop/cafe/patagonia retailer all morn and getting are bikes fixed up (cleaned and new tires). Stacy and Ayn LOVED this bike shop...enough said.

Gorgeous terrain as we went thru mountains and green, lush river and lakes galore. Absolutely beautiful! Stayed in a forest campground outside of town next to a beautiful river and pumped our water for dinner and dishes...a 3 person job. A pineapple was handed off to us 4 days ago and it was consumed in a "tasty" ham, soy sauce, pasta combo. This pineapple became our trademark and when in the grocery store Barry weighed one and it was 10 pounds...he needs something else to slow him down now. However, we couldnt eat it when there was snow on the ground...its a tropical fruit.

GREAT DAY!

Quick Update: 7, 8, 9

2008-06-09T09:55:00.002-07:00

Well people...we've had quite the incredible few days. Pics will be posted soon, but internet access has been limited. In a nutshell we rode thru the Grand Tetons...freakin incredible!! Yellowstone..couldnt be happy to get out!! and are now in MONTANA. 2 States down, 3 to go.

We were in a winter wonderland in Yellowstone. SEriously ridiculous. Felt like we were on a ski vacation instead of a summer bike trip...it was crazy! Somehow we made it out without losing any time. Stayed at the local hotel and then rode over the continental divide in snowstorm...twice (for good measure). However, once we were on the other side we saw Old Faithful as Ayn had 2, yes 2 flat tires. Then we rode thru buffalo fields and passed them on the roads. At one point Ayn and Stacy were in the back of a truck as 4 buffalo blocked the roadway. Barry was holding onto the truck and riding with us as we informed him that one "little" buffalo was getting closer and closer...2 car lengths, 1 car length, 2 feet away!

Will update more later, but all is going great! Rode over 600 miles and heading to Missoula by the weekend....
Adios!
TDL

Tegan and Sadie who?

2008-06-05T20:56:00.001-07:00

How quickly we forget...

B and B

2008-06-05T20:51:00.001-07:00

Day 6 Lander to Dubois, WY

2008-06-05T20:50:00.001-07:00

76 miles for an overall good day! It started with rain gear for the first fifteen miles..as you can imagine we were psyched. Fortunately we were all rain geared up plastic bags and all. Riding thru the wind river indian reservation for most of the day. Landscape went from sagebrush to rolling green hills, red rock canyons, and finally views of the Tetons! Despite being surrounded by looming clouds all day we diverted them except for a ten minute downpour. A couple miles later there were piles of hail we just missed. Our bike short tan isn't as pronounced as wed thought it would be! Brrrrrr. Dubois is a cute little town and we're camping at the scarily cheery KOA. It was a goodn, and in usual style we're in our tents before dark so we can do it all again. Tomorrow...the Tetons!! Ayn she'll be coming round the mountain

Bikes on tour

2008-06-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

That's barry out there! Amazing expansive land changed every couple miles.

Split rock

2008-06-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

On the pony express trail horseback riders used to ride across the country delivering mail in 70 mile shifts changing horses every 10 miles...or something like that :)

Windy wyoming

2008-06-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hello becca!

Day 5 Jeffrey City to Lander, WY

2008-06-04T15:48:00.002-07:00

59 miles...we LOVE Lander and bike touring again!! The scenery has been beautiful...the wind died down, and we got our first glimpse of the Tetons. Our first pit stop this morn at Sweetwater Station was as sweet as can be. Thanks to Beccas love for randomness we stopped at the only house in town for 6 fresh eggs (green, pink, and yellow...so big they barely fit in Kris's egg container!) and a look around the book store. We ran into a couple other cyclists and enjoyed a downhillish day into town. Met up with other FC cyclists on same route here and are all camping in the backyard of the Lander bike shops employee....good stuff here. Off to check out the local brewery so will update with pics and more later....Stay tuned.
TDL

Day 4 Windy City, WY to Windier City, WY

2008-06-04T15:41:00.002-07:00

70 miles...of pain. The day started off with a tearful goodbye to our beloved TDL member, Kris, who is now training for the Tour de France ;) But, tears could only last so long because our newest bike extroadenaire, Becca, was in her blue spandex and ready to ride. For those of you who don't know...WY is WINDY, very WINDY. So windy that it makes you want to cry and see your mom WINDY. We found out today that we arent too wimpy as there were 30 mph winds yesterday. We made it to the ghost town of Jeffrey City where we received a warm welcome! Not at all...lets jsut say it was interesting and theres not enough time to go into details. We opted for the local Bates motel instead of setting up camp in the sagebrush. Exhausted we were able to get a good nites rest!

Day 3 Riverside to Rawlins, WY

2008-06-02T15:59:00.002-07:00

64 miles. We sadly left our little slice of heaven in Riverside and headed north to I-80 with a pit stop in Saratoga. While Barry suited up and dove in headfirst into the Hobo Pool simultaneously chatting up the local rancher also soaking, a smooth talking rainbow trail christian convert decided to put the moves on the three girls. Kris quickly put the kabash on that one and we headed out to a fabulous lunchspot at the I-80 underpass. Hummus and tortillas. Mmmmmmm! The rainbow gatherers honked as they flew up the on ramp. We made our own way up that on-ramp and proceeded to get our asses handed to us for 14 miles along the interstate (headwind and semi tractor trailers included). But we made it folks, and here we are in the windy city of Rawlins (sorry Chicago). Kris unhitched the B.O.B. and went for an immediate beer run while the rest of the Loaf Team set up camp. We hear there is some sweet Thai food to be had in these parts and are heading that way.

More pics part 2!

2008-06-02T08:31:00.001-07:00

Chambers Lake

More pics!!

2008-06-02T08:27:00.001-07:00

We made it! Beef jerky bag gone in seconds...

We went up that grade...not down

Day 2 CL to Riverside, WY

2008-06-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

87.5 miles! Awesome decent off Cameron Pass with several delectable roadside dining options such as bloated elk, porcupine, and an unidentified mammal we opted for subs in walden, lost a water bottle, went groceery shopping and crossed the WY border...all before three o'clock. Hauling it till we hit a massive hill pictures included us at the top. Yes, that's Barry laying on the road. But, he recovered and started a tab in riverside...population 59, bars 2. And here we are recovering with a beer and a patio....loafers forever. Off to saratoga tomorrow!

Day 1 Sherwood St to Chambers Lake

2008-06-02T08:08:00.001-07:00

62 miles of uphill bliss as we started up the canyon! Absolutely gorgeous and quite the sendoff as we passed six friends along the way. Campground closed so it became an free, private affair for tour de loaf, barry bathing in the eddy, and moose droppings galore. Not to worry our food was stored safely in the "bear safe" outhouse! A great first day!

Who let the dogs out?

2008-05-30T12:40:00.001-07:00

Look at those good dogs. They are ridiculously good looking!

Testing

2008-05-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sending this from my phone let's see if it works. Shall we?

3 Short Days

2008-05-28T09:12:00.010-07:00

Well, there are only three days left till our departure. Although it is true that I've been ready for darn near a month, I seem to be running around in a frenzy trying to get all the loose ends tied. I fortunately have the best parents in the whole world, they agreed to drive out from Florida to house sit for a month while I embark on yet another crazy adventure. Feel free to stop by the Myrtle household and say hello to Mom and Pop Tops'! I also have to throw a shout out to my boss who has allowed me to take my entire year's vacation all at once....you are the best!

So many people in my life have been so supportive of this trip including my loved ones and family. It's great to have people around me who understand the value of living life to the fullest. I've had some people express their concern for our safety, to which I must say I've briefly entertained those fears. But fear can't keep you from living out your dreams! At the moment I'm only afraid my yoga practice is gonna go to shit and that Barry will be too hungover to depart at a decent hour on Saturday:) Besides that, I know we've done all we can to ensure that crazy motorist will see us (I got a little too happy with the reflective tape.... just for you, Mom) .

We will have spotty access to cell phone signals and the internet but we will greatly appreciate some blog love. So keep the comments and emails flowing while we keep you updated with our progress (or lack thereof:) I know what you all are thinking, "these people are the most motivated loafers in Fort Collins!" Yes, we are....and we will have the biggest quads in Fort Collins too, come July!

This Train Is Bound for Glory!! Peace Out!

Ayn

P.S. Check out this guy's blog if you get a chance. He's another FoCo resident doing a similar trip.
Good Luck Paul!

http://rontosfolly.blogspot.com/

Fast Approaching

2008-05-25T21:34:00.002-07:00

T-minus 5 days till departure and there's been lots of prepping. Its exciting to think we're in the last week before takeoff. With the bikes it seems there is always something more to do. And, putting on the racks is never as easy as just putting on the racks. Fortunately, we're all getting close. Ayn could have left a month ago, but the rest of us loafers are just getting our act together...we're team loaf-a-lot for a reason. ;)

Many people have asked "Why?" (to which I reply, "why not?") or , "You're crazy". But, I think there is nothing better than letting go of the daily grind and simplifying everything. For me, biking to Oregon is an adventure of a lifetime. It's about being with friends before transitioning on to new things, exploring places I've never seen at a snails pace with the wind in my face (or better yet at my back), and realizing its possible to do anything you dream of. Biking has been more than a mode of transportation...its connected me with friends, got me off my butt, showed me how to be green, allowed me to get the best parking spot in town, and most importantly given me an opportunity to appreciate my surroundings.

I feel pretty lucky to have the time, friends, and sweet bike :) to make this happen....

We plan to use this blog to keep in touch with our friends, families, and groupies (we know who you are...). But, we're not quite sure how often we'll be able to access a computer. So, we'll do our best! Please feel free to check in often and/or post messages!

Stacy

Team Loaf-A-Lot: Where it all began...

2008-05-15T21:42:00.003-07:00

Team Loaf-A-Lot was unofficially formed in 2005 when a group of friends starting getting together for weekly rides. As delayed start times, frequent breaks, and post-ride BBQ planning consumed the ride itself, the “loaf-a-lot” style became our signature phrase. The rides were much more than an opportunity to get our butt kicked up Rist Canyon and a chance to enjoy the local scenery, share camaraderie with friends, and in essence, “follow our folly”.

Team Loaf-A-Lot has become a motto and way of life for us during the biking season, which seems to last year round. You want to leave at 9? Better tell us 8:30. Want to take a quick ride after work? Be prepared for an adventure on that side dirt road, and bring the headlamp just in case. Hungry? Just ask, there’s probably a picnic stashed in the pannier. With Team Loaf-A-Lot it’s about enjoying the ride, going for hours without looking at a watch, sharing company, and ending the day with a good beer and a BBQ.

Here area few team members in all our glory at Tour de Fat, 2007

Bread helmets and capes were in the year of 07. Team loaf-a-lot will step it up during Tour de Loaf when we'll travel over 1800 miles to the Oregon Coast. But, unfortunately, we'll probably have to tone down the BBQ's. Riding all day and setting up camp will most likely lead to a lot of easy meals and early nights...but, you never know!

Tour de Loaf Fundraiser Pics!

2008-05-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our Tour de Loaf Fundraiser at Lucile's. We had lots of local businesses donate beer, food, and raffle prizes galore! Thanks to everyone who joined us :)