61 Miles
July 1
Dedicated to Mama Meadow's COPD & Emphysema




The good, the bad, and the ugly all into one day! Continental Divide climb, Lt Governor of Montana gave us a personal tour of the Capitol building, met the Governor, road through two hail storms, then got sick and went to the emergency room! WHAT A DAY!

The morning couldn't have been any better. We left Avon with a quick warm up before climbing up the Continental Divide at MacDonald Pass.  I was so excited to finally be doing a real climb! I was feeling great and was the first one up the pass. Made it to the top and started taking pictures.

Then we headed down hill trying to go fast but wind was holding us up - check out the video Andrew took of us descending . I'm in the yellow jacket - one of the first down with Izzy.

Lunch was in Montana's capital.  Andrew and I decided we were going to walk into the Capitol building and ask to speak to the Governor. What did we have to loose? We were expecting a no, but I guess our cycling clothes won them over. We were sent to the Governor's office (but he was not there at the time). The Lt. Governor came out to greet us and give us a tour.  Lots of history learned. Did you know that Montana is the only Capitol building that has the 7 Indian Nation flags displayed? (our picture in front of the flags below). The Governor has an open pet policy - both he and the Lt. Gov bring their pups to work. Below I'm hanging out with the Lt. Gov pup (I'm a sucker for dogs, and was really missing mine).  On the way out, we saw another dog walking. A light bulb went off that it had to be the Governor's dog - it was. We looked up and saw this tall guy in jeans and a button down - looked at him and said - that's the Governor's dog so you must be the Governor. He smiled, laughed and said you are correct. I don't know his politics, but I'd vote for him for his pet policy and open door policy. Very cool!!

After the tour of the Capitol tour, we headed to the museum per the suggestion of the Lt. Governor. It was pretty neat as well - you can see some pictures on my Facebook page .  While waiting for our group to finish the museum, we noticed some dark clouds coming in.  Radar on my weather app on my phone didn't look good at all! It was time to hit the road.




We had 9 people formed up in a pace line which I led out.  Out of Helena there was a gradual climb with a huge mountain off in the distance to our right. We kept peaking over watching this mammoth black cloud coming over, working its way down the mountain totally engulfing it! I've never seen anything like it. We new we had to get out in front of it. Lightening off in the distance, thunder rolling, and rain starting to hit.

This is where the trouble for me started.  Dumb me didn't drink at all while we were in the capitol nor museum, and as I was leading our line to out run the storm, I was more concerned with our team and the storm and ended up not drinking.  I started feeling a little sick, dizzy and lightheaded. At the time, I didn't think much about it other then I probably am just tired and need food - I'll be fine once I'm back to camp and can lay down.

Brad, Izzy, Timmy, and  I took turns leading the line, when finally I said I would just take us. It was selfish at the time, not heroic. Izzy was leading and standing - as I sat behind him watching his tush go side to side, I just got nauseated (yes we joke about that now).  Soon the hail started hitting and it hurt! We probably road at least 10 miles in hail as there was not a place to seek shelter - no trees, houses, bridges, nothing!! FINALLY - some trees and a house appeared. What was left of our line scattered. I saw a house and thought porch, however the german shepard in the fenced in yard suggest I go elsewhere. I road back across the road to join Brad and Jan in a ditch under some trees. Now that we were stopped, I really started feeling bad - very dizzy, lightheaded, like I had cop webs in my head. I've never felt this way before and I new it wasn't good, but again, thought I just needed to get to camp to lay down. While waiting for the hail to ease up, I "sat" down hard, ate some Accell Gel and Clif bars and tried to drink to feel better. It wasn't working. As the hail eased up, Brad, Jan, and I climbed out of the ditch. I really didn't say much to Brad and Jan other then I wasn't feeling great. I tried to mount my bike and lost balance. I knew if I could just get going I'd be fine. I couldn't look left or right or have anyone in front of me. As long as I was peddling and going straight I felt ok. It wasn't long after we got going again that more hail came.  I ended up just taking off to try and get through it.  It was at this time that I glanced at my heart rate and noticed how low it was especially considering how fast I was going.  I soon started slowing up and getting very tired. Brad and Jan caught up and guided me into camp. I can't thank them enough. As we got into town - I saw the hospital signs and thought, humm, maybe I should just go there. Instead I went to camp - which was a high school. Parked my bike and walked directly into the gym to lay down. While laying there I started feeling worse and then ran outside to the yard...just in case.  Shortly after, I lost my lunch numerous times and earned the name pickles. Timmy and Izzy, my ride family, came to comfort me and take care of me. I couldn't move without getting sick.  It was the worst feeling I have ever felt. Our ride director, Bridgette, brought me salty food and water. However, nothing was staying down. Bridgette made the wise decision to call the ambulance and I agreed.

Tim and Richard, volunteer firemen and EMT's, came very fast.  These guys were the nicest guys ever. They took very good care of me from the school to the hospital, and even stayed with me in the ER for a while. Tim kept throwing warm blankets on me, and pointing out to the nurse who was still a student that her "patient is grimacing" as she attempted to put in an IV in my wrist area. That IV never got in - but I do have a tiny scare to remind me.  After some more dry heaves, two bags of fluid, sprite, ginger ale, and a sandwich which I kept down, I was able to go "home."  Bridgette stayed with me the entire time and made sure I was taken care of.

Once I got back to camp - I was so touched. Timmy, Izzy, Sue, Sam, Big Tim all got my bags from the truck and had my bed ready to go when I got back. The support and concern from fellow riders was very touching and something I could never forget.

WHAT A DAY!

Sorry, no pics from ER or from being sick in the yard (that I know of)...but this is a picture when I stopped with Brad and Jan in the ditch minutes before I started feeling really bad.

Day 10: Missoula, MT Avon, MT
99 miles - actually over 99 miles
June 30, 2010
Dedicated to friend Chris Chandler's Grandma who is battling Lung tumors.  Through ALA research - she has survived!


Today was a long long day. As the elevation increases I have started to notice that I'm using my inhaler more then normal.  It threatened to rain today but nothing major happened on the ride, just some drops.  Big storm came through during the night thought - nice to be inside for it.  Really not many places to stop or see...or hide for bathroom breaks - guys you don't know how lucky you have it .

The campsite in Avon was a little, hum, lets just say a good setting for a horror movie. We were able to stay inside "cabins" right after a group of teens left.  The "bed" selection was interesting - basically trying to find one that didn't smell too much like urine.

On a plus side, the Avon cafe provided the best pasta dinner, ice tea, and pies! YUMM!

Another rider joined us today - Yeah Suzanne!

Day 10 video

Day 8: Thompason Falls to Missoula
102 Miles
June 28, 2010
Dedicated to Clinkscales Chevrolet - Belton, SC

(notice the snow cap mtns in background!)



Our first century ride!! Another great ride along the Clark Fork River. Every day I think this is my favorite day, then while riding the next day - I think, no - this is my favorite day. The river water is absolutely gorgeous and the mountains make a breathe taking view. Sometimes its just nice to take a break from riding, enjoy the view and ponder about life.



Today I used fellow rider, Andrew's, flip cam - check out the ride from my perspective, people I met along the way, and my awesome huckleberry milkshake!! click: Day 8 video .

Day 7: Sandpoint, ID to Thompason Falls, MT
June 27, 2010
89 Miles
Dedicated to Ginger McElroy - COPD



This morning was a sad morning as we said goodbye and best of luck to Noel and Cindy.  Noel is our oldest rider with a distinctive and contagious laugh that always seemed to brighten your day.  Cindy was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks prior to the beginning of our ride and is heading back to Seattle for treatment.  Cindy is the kindest sole I have ever met - best of luck, no doubt you will kick cancers butt.

What a gorgeous ride! Lakes - Mountain...WOW! I could do this ride again! It's becoming a tradition - cold water at the end of a ride is very refreshing!

 

Day 6 Spokane, WA to Sandpoint, ID
June 26, 2010
Dedicated to Sharon Long
77 miles

How often do you go on a bike ride and stumble upon a rodeo parade? Right before crossing the state line we entered Newport, WA where a check point and lunch stop was located. We saw some locals who informed us that a rodeo parade would be starting within the hour.  Who can pass up a parade??  I headed to a corner store to get a super-fantastic strawberry milkshake that hit the spot big time! Check out my photo gallery  for all the parade action including Ronald McDonald, lots of Chevy vehicles, and all the rodeo queens waving that special wave.  I'm still practicing that wave, but my arm doesn't seem to bend that way. After the parade we crossed into Idaho, and I kept an eye out for the potatoes but didn't see any....so sad.

Middle picture: Mark holding my dedication sign. You can always count on Mark for a laugh and the unexpected!

Day 4
June 24, 2010
78 Miles to Gonzaga University and our first rest day
Dedicated to Farrell Chevrolet

  Fun day but body is looking forward to our first day of and first day not in tents.  My right shoulder  has been extremely tight - I need a massage and will get one on our day off.  A group of us formed a pace line and cranked out a 9 mile very very gradual "climb" - the grade was very low and really not a challenge, just long, and so much fun to pace line through it going 20+mph.  Beautiful and scenic ride  coming into Spokane - checking out rivers along the way.  Spokane is a pretty town.




Sue, Timmy, me, George, Izzy, and Brad


Once into Spokane, we cooled off in the river while Isang was gracious enough to give a round of shoulder massages.  Always nice to have a inspiring masseuse along!

 

Day 3 Vantage, WA to Odessa WA
83 Miles
June 23, 2010
Dedicated to Helen Nowak - passed of Asthma attack in early 1950's













Today was a long day. It started with a breakfast from the camp site restaurant that took a long time. Once departed we had a 2 mile easy climb out of the Columbia River Gorge in Vantage up to the Wild Horse Monument. Only about 5 miles into our ride, as soon as we got to the top of the climb I got my first flat tire!! My back tire was worn from all the the training I had done and first two days of riding. When we got to Odessa, I changed out both of my tires with new tires. The old tires did well - about 3,000 miles on them and this was my only flat.

In addition to the flat tire we at lunch on the side of the road near a golf course, got chased by a dog, Chacko got some calf cramps, and faced some head wind.

Below: Wild Horse Monument; Brad, Chacko, Tim, Izzy and I enjoying wide open spaces; I'm a little dirty after changing my tires - nice tan lines setting in.

June 22, 2010
Day 2: Easton, WA to Vantage, WA
72.3 Miles

Dedicated to Jeff & Amanda States Winfield - asthma

First night in the tent - not much sleep was had, at least by me.  I rested, and laid there staring at the ceiling of my tent noticing that its still daylight out.  My body clock is all messed up.  West coast for bed time, east coast for wake up.  I faded in and out through the night finally waking up at about 4:30AM PST which is 7:30 EST.  This would be the start of a new morning and well life routine for the next 7 weeks.  Wake up, get dressed, pack bags, break down tent, load truck, eat breakfast, then ride.  Simple but takes time.  Not a lot of time to check email or Facebook, make calls, etc.  Life is on time schedule from the time you wake up until you go to sleep.

Our group is broken up into 5 teams which are assigned meals where they have to set up and break down the meals.  This morning, my team has breakfast duty.  This means I needed to make sure I was up and packed, ready to go in order to put out food in time for everyone else, then clean it up and pack it up. Texts and phones calls kept happening, and I wanted to answer and talk to friends - but had to ignore in order help make sure everything was ready to go by departure time. 

Every morning we are told what time the gear truck needs to be packed, what time breakfast is, given cue sheets for the days route and told when we need to be into camp by for dinner.

This morning we followed Izzy, Tim, and I followed Noel out and listened to him sing and laugh.  Noel has a unique laugh that brings a smile to your face and brightens everyone's day.

Today we were told about this long climb and that it would be our second hardest day until we got to Pennsylvania.  So I envisioned this huge steep climb similar or worse then what I had been training on.  Much to my surprise and happiness, it was a long very gradual climb.  I was kept thinking - is this it, is this the climb, or is it ahead? That type of thinking means that I trained well - thanks Coach Shelby!

During the ride we stopped at a huge fruit stand where I got an apple and we took some pictures outside on an old rusty tractor.  Brad, Izzy, Tim and I road together from the first check point on.  Brad is from Walahalla, WA where retired but still coach's swimming.  I love riding with Brad.  He is so full of knowledge about Washington and is kind enough to point out and educate to the rest of us.  It makes the ride go by much faster and makes it much more interesting.  He has pointed out things that I would otherwise be missing, or notice but take for granted - as just another mountain, etc. 

Today was not as scenic as the first day.  Some places pretty flat and boring to say the least.  When riding, sometimes you get so focused on what is in front of you, you forget to turn around and look at what is behind you.  One stop on this trip reminded us to keep doing that.  We were on a long flat stretch, the five of us stopped (Tim, Izzy, Sam, Brad, myself) I think for a butt break.  We pulled over to the side of the road, and Tim turned around and looked out into the distance - with excited said WHAT IS THAT!!! We all looked in amazement at Mt. Raineer. 

After that side stop, we continued on to face some head and side winds as we rolled passed the hills of windmills.  At one point I was pulling the team and leaning to my right just so my bike would stay vertical. Each of us took turns pulling through that, then enjoyed an awesome downhill.  As we closed

Day 2 Pictures
Day 2 Video

June 21, 2010
Day 1: Dedicated to Tom Oviatt (asthma) & his daughter Payton, Grandma (emphysema) & Grandpa Scott (Black Lung)
Seattle, WA to Easton, WA
91.1 miles (on the cue sheet)

Excitement, anticipation and nervousness filled the air prior to the departure for our ride. Big Ride Alumni along with the new incoming American Lung Association President in the Northwest were present and giving us advices and encouragement.  Talking with Big Ride Alum really helped put the nerves at ease - but just made me want to get on my bike and roll! 

Group photos and a check presentation were made.  Our group of 25 riders have collectively raised over $175,000 for the American Lung Association!!

Noel, a local Seattle resident and our oldest Big Rider at the age of 67 led us out of Seattle onto the Burke Gilman trail for the first 25 miles into our first check point area. The trail was smooth with gorgeous scenic views. It wasn't long until Izzy, the youngest rider - 17, had a his second flat tire, yes, I said second. The day before a group of us went to the Space Needle - where Izzy received his first flat tire. Tim and I held back to help out.  I took the pictures, Tim helped change the tire and we all joked the second flat. 

Rolling out of the first check point was kind of funny.  The first 25 miles were easy - we were on one trails and following a local - no way we could get lost. After the check point, it was open road. We all had our cue sheets, we knew the roads weren't marked, and none of us seemed to really want to become the navigator. lol. Once we got going all was well.  Mike helped navigate us.  With my adrenaline pumping I moved to the front of a pack of riders to do the pulling while Mike did the navigating.  I'm not sure how long I pulled - but am pretty sure it was at least for over half of the ride.  I had the legs and certainly had the heart in it.

A lot of our trip was on I-90 - which was a little nerve wracking to say the least.  Heavy FAST traffic, riding on the shoulder of the interstate...I just kept my focus ahead, legs churning, and thinking how blessed I am to be able to be doing such and amazing ride! At mile 75 we did get off of I-90 and had to be shuttle by cars 8 miles around construction where cyclists were not allowed to ride. 

Being the first riders into camp, we had to help unload the gear truck with everyone's luggage...now I know why they said pack light Although I can't say much as my tent and fuel are heavy making my bag heavy.  We set up our tents, got showers, and fed fajitas from Big Ride Alumni! We were reminded we would not eat this well for the rest of the trip.

Body aching and tired from the days ride and lack of sleep the priors day - it was time to go to bed.  My first night in the tent..

Click here for First day pictures
Click here for video from check presentation and interesting facts.

-Kristin

Updated blog postings of my adventures on Big Ride are coming soon! Until then, check out the pictures!