Author: djlofquist

I woke up this morning at 03:45 to lightning, thunder, high winds and rain. I finally broke camp at 06:00 and rode in a cold rain to a cafe for breakfast. It was so cold this morning I had to pump up my tires (as in deflategate). After breakfast at the Tugboat cafe, I asked … Continue reading Day 7: A tough ride to Coleville, WA

I took a detour from the Northern Tier route to get off busy hwy 20. The detour will add about 25 miles but has much less traffic, beautiful scenery and I saw lots of deer and came close to hitting a few on my bike. I had one 3,500′ climb today and will have another … Continue reading Day 6: 63 miles to Curlew, WA

I slept for 11 hours last night! Then I had a shower, two bowls of cereal with fresh peaches on top, three cups of coffee, two large glasses of water and two slices of cold pizza. My ride today was only 28 miles- (total miles so far 254) I’m “pitching up” to set myself up … Continue reading Day 5: Easy ride to Tonasket

I slept great last night in a Warm Showers (WS) barn between Mazama and Winthrop. I handwashed all my clothed and they were, of course, soaking wet in the morning. So I just bungee them to my bike and tske off with my laundry flapping in the wind. My legs were tired today but felt … Continue reading Day 4: Loup Loup pass and Omak

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 … Continue reading Day 3: Chicken legs

I had a great nights sleep in my one star (if you round up) motel in Concrete, WA. The clothes I handwashed the night before were not dry so I just attached them to my pannier bags and left with the laundry fluttering in the wind. I had a great french toast with blueberries breakfast … Continue reading Day 2: A dose of reality

Had a nice, easy 45 mile ride from Anacortes, WA up to Concrete, WA. My brother-in-law John Davis rode with me and we had a great time! The scenery was beautiful, we munched wild blackberries for our rest stops and met our wives for dinner- it was a perfect start to the trip. Thanks to … Continue reading Day 1 of “the ride”

Had a beautiful ride today- temperatures in the low 60’s, and partly cloudy. Did 55 miles (and gained 2,500′ elevation) and felt strong at the end. I saw a group of about 7 young bighorn sheep and watched them for a few minutes- what a treat! Only three more training rides before we leave for … Continue reading Riding with bighorn sheep!

This was my longest ride to date: I rode 69 miles in the mountains and climbed about 4,000′ in the process. Up top, the road meanders up and down hills and it is very scenic. What I really like is going downhill! I got up to 45 mph on this downhill stretch- I think my … Continue reading Long Mountain Ride

…in the White Mtns of eastern AZ. All rides are at 8,500′ to 10,500′ elevation. Beautiful scenery, lots of wildlife and endless hills and mountains to climb! I just wish there was more oxygen… Short rides are 15-20 miles and long rides are 50-60 miles. I only have about two more weeks of training- we … Continue reading Training hard…