One time running past John & Kathy Bratland’s house in Sakhalin, John said when he saw me he couldn’t tell if I was running, or riding a chicken. I thought he was just giving me the business because that’s the way tough guys show affection to one another. It turns out his was actually an astute observation. I do have skinny legs and two immediate consequences of that are I look pathetic in spandex bike shorts and I have to work REALLY hard pedalling uphill. Todays 37 miles of uphill (about 7,000 vertical feet gained going over two passes) nearly killed me. It would have been hard enough if I hadn’t run out of water and got dehydrated but then my skinny legs started cramping badly over the last 5 miles of climbing. Sheesh. At the top of the pass I met my first “trail angel”. A women refilled all my watsr bottles and gave me peanut butter pretzels, Payday candy bars and cold Pepsi’s to drink! She saved my life! And the ride down the east side of the past was a steep, 45 mph, 16 mile descent in a pouring rain. It was exhilarating! I ended up going amother 6 miles and am staying in a “bike barn” run by Jim Gregg. You ring a bell outside and his dog runs from the house to meet you. When you say “camping” he leads you to the barn! It is a very cool place and I will sleep well tonight after the tough 62 mile ride. Total mileage after day 3: 172.
Day three scenery:
Dave Bikes America 
I am enjoying your posts and especially your scenery pictures. I hope the ride continues to be epic!
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Thanks Kathy!
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You just say ‘camping,’ that’s awesome! You’ll have big legs by the end of this! I inherited them skinny legs.
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I hope they get big fast…
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Enjoy your updates. We think about you often during each day. Pray that God is watching over you. Stay hydrated my friend.
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When we were leaving Rocky Mountian National Park’s Alpine Ridge (altitude about 12,000 feet) on the way home from Greer, we followed a guy on a bike going INSANELY FAST on a steep downhill. Yikes!
I’m so happy you’re gifting this adventure to yourself – love you!
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It turns out that going insanely fast is fun- anticipating the downhill is what gets me up the mountain. I love you, too!
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I’m proud of you even if you do have chicken legs!!!! Love you and keep it up!!!
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Wow! And that’s after all that conditioning! Mike says,”From one chicken leg to another, you may need to increase your protein to rebuild those leg muscles!” I say, I’m glad you didn’t skid in the rain! Obviously I’m a weiner and would never go that fast myself! We’re praying for you as each day comes and goes. oxox
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Thanks so much- I really appreciate the prayer support
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Hey, I finally see where to comment. I love your energy and dedication to such an amazing undertaking! You are riding in such a beautiful part of the country too. It’s inspiring just reading your blog posts and seeing the spectacular scenery snap shots. I cannot imagine the hills you are riding Dave-that was one of my first thoughts when I saw your route, next was my worry about your safety…so stay safe and strong, and hydrated! Praying for an enjoyable, safe, incredible trip the rest of the way. We’ll travel with you-at least through reading your blog…Dan and Dee
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Thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers- Dan would love this- he is a machine!
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