Hi,
I am finally at a computer again to update you on my happenings!!
I am in Sterling, Colorado presently. I am in their library; using their computer.
For the first time ever, I am in a library that has a flat screen T.V. on the wall with the news on. Wow!!
Well today, I woke up in the tall grasses with a few cows across the fence. I camped last night just off Route 14 in Colorado after cycling over 60 miles yesterday. The clouds were amazing all day and I could see forever.
I am almost in Nebraska. Maybe about 60 miles away. It will be my 5th state to travel to.
My recap of Colorado..... I started off in Colorado at about 7,500 feet in elevation. I went up to about 9,500 feet one morning. I had a 5 mile ascent up the pass. This was after sleeping up in the mountains with snow around me and some snow falling when I woke up. It was cold and windy that night.
During my stay here in Colorado; I have been through the towns of San Luis, Fort Garland, Walsenburg, Colorado City, Pueblo, Black Forest, Frank Town, Parker, Aurora, Denver, Evans, Greeley, Gill, Stoneham and now Sterling. I have a few more towns to go.
I spoke with many students in the Denver area. I would have liked to have visited more schools, but a lot of schools are on spring break at this time.
I have again met so many wonderful people along my way. It is amazing how many people have wanted to help me out.
Some of these people are Joan and Bob in Pueblo, Angie in Black Forest, Patricia in Aurora, Kathleen and Alexis in Denver.
I have had trouble uploading my photos. So I hope to be able to post those soon.
Even though I have encountered many climbs up mountains, strong winds and some flats - I am still finding the hardest part of my trip is to leave the people that I have made strong connections with in such a short period of time.
Thanks to all of you who have made my visit to Colorado a memorable one!!!
Coach Cate
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
State Number 4 - Colorado
March 18th-March 21st
I made it to my next state later on that morning. This road was very remote. Not many cars and the shoulder a decent size. Most of the time, I hugged the line and vehicles went around me.
It was a lonely ride to the border. I did stop a mile before the border to charge my phone. I was out of service, but I wanted it charged for pictures and just in case I was in the zone again.
I rode for many miles with wilderness and mountains in the background. There were not many towns that I rode through that day.
Around lunch time I arrived in the oldest town of Colorado; San Luis. I tried to go to the library, but it was closed on Friday. I rode around and then ate at a small sandwich place.
I then rode on to Fort Garland. The winds had picked up and they were really blowing. It was getting cloudy and colder. I decided to hang out in Fort Garland for a couple of hours to write. I knew that a big pass was coming up, but I wanted to camp on the western side of it. I was still thinking of bears and not being able to hang my food.
I started riding again at 4:00, knowing that I had a few hours because of the time change. At close to 6:00, I started to seriously look for a place. I was now out of the sage brush and into the forest with snow on the ground.
I finally found a place not far from the road, but up off of it.
The ground was muddy and wet. Snow was within feet of were I set up camp. I knew that I was taking a chance with the bears; although there was a lot of traffic on the road.
Later on that night, the winds really started to whip around. I had to go out to secure my tent. The moon was not visible all of the time, because of the clouds.
It was getting cold and colder, because of the heavy winds. I was not sheltered at all.
I made it through the night and immediately had a climb of 5 miles ahead of me to get to the top of the pass, which was about 9.600 feet. I did it and felt very good after I did. Fresh legs at the beginning of the day definitely helped.
It was downhill for awhile and then I was in the Plains.
I road into Walsenburg and the winds were really picking up. I again went to the library to try to catch up on my blog, but it was closed.
I stopped at a grocery store to get some drinks and charge my phone. Even though I had just gone many miles, I still wanted to do at least 20 more for the day.
When I got the Interstate 25 the winds almost blew me over. I decided to wait a couple of hours and try again. I checked the forecast and I checked to see if I could go on any secondary roads.
After waiting, I gave it another go. There were a few frontage roads to ride on and the winds had subdued a little. I did ride another 20 miles to Colorado City.
I camped at the KOA, behind a cabin. Lucky for me, as the winds reached 60 miles per hour that night. Even though I was sheltered for the most part, the winds still rocked my tent for a few hours.
The next day I rode to Pueblo. Some miles on the interstate and some on a frontage road. I did see one prairie dog town, which was really cool!
I met my new friends Joan and Bob, who are friends of Rike, Leo, Mary Ann and Bruce from Albuquerque. I would be staying with them for a few nights.
I made it to my next state later on that morning. This road was very remote. Not many cars and the shoulder a decent size. Most of the time, I hugged the line and vehicles went around me.
It was a lonely ride to the border. I did stop a mile before the border to charge my phone. I was out of service, but I wanted it charged for pictures and just in case I was in the zone again.
I rode for many miles with wilderness and mountains in the background. There were not many towns that I rode through that day.
Around lunch time I arrived in the oldest town of Colorado; San Luis. I tried to go to the library, but it was closed on Friday. I rode around and then ate at a small sandwich place.
I then rode on to Fort Garland. The winds had picked up and they were really blowing. It was getting cloudy and colder. I decided to hang out in Fort Garland for a couple of hours to write. I knew that a big pass was coming up, but I wanted to camp on the western side of it. I was still thinking of bears and not being able to hang my food.
I started riding again at 4:00, knowing that I had a few hours because of the time change. At close to 6:00, I started to seriously look for a place. I was now out of the sage brush and into the forest with snow on the ground.
I finally found a place not far from the road, but up off of it.
The ground was muddy and wet. Snow was within feet of were I set up camp. I knew that I was taking a chance with the bears; although there was a lot of traffic on the road.
Later on that night, the winds really started to whip around. I had to go out to secure my tent. The moon was not visible all of the time, because of the clouds.
It was getting cold and colder, because of the heavy winds. I was not sheltered at all.
I made it through the night and immediately had a climb of 5 miles ahead of me to get to the top of the pass, which was about 9.600 feet. I did it and felt very good after I did. Fresh legs at the beginning of the day definitely helped.
It was downhill for awhile and then I was in the Plains.
I road into Walsenburg and the winds were really picking up. I again went to the library to try to catch up on my blog, but it was closed.
I stopped at a grocery store to get some drinks and charge my phone. Even though I had just gone many miles, I still wanted to do at least 20 more for the day.
When I got the Interstate 25 the winds almost blew me over. I decided to wait a couple of hours and try again. I checked the forecast and I checked to see if I could go on any secondary roads.
After waiting, I gave it another go. There were a few frontage roads to ride on and the winds had subdued a little. I did ride another 20 miles to Colorado City.
I camped at the KOA, behind a cabin. Lucky for me, as the winds reached 60 miles per hour that night. Even though I was sheltered for the most part, the winds still rocked my tent for a few hours.
The next day I rode to Pueblo. Some miles on the interstate and some on a frontage road. I did see one prairie dog town, which was really cool!
I met my new friends Joan and Bob, who are friends of Rike, Leo, Mary Ann and Bruce from Albuquerque. I would be staying with them for a few nights.
Taos - New Mexico
March 16th-March 17th
When I woke up to another sunny day, I packed and headed to Taos. This is a town that is near one of New Mexico's biggest ski areas.
I was immediately treated to a nice ride along the Rio Grande river. The road snaked along some farming fields and small canyons.
I stopped for lunch at the River Gorge Visitor Center. I had my gourmet lunch of goat cheese with blueberries, almonds, greens on a whole wheat tortilla. I washed it down with organic chocolate milk. This is the way to eat on the road!!
I meet a young gentleman from Korea who was also riding his bike. He started in San Francisco and was also riding to Boston. Once he gets to Boston, he will ride up to Canada and then back across to the west coast. He was very nice and friendly. Good luck to him.
It was uphill after lunch. I mean uphill!! One of my biggest climbs so far and then there was another climb. I climbed a lot that afternoon. The snow covered mountains a constant visual.
I arrived in Taos at about 2:30. I went to the visitor center and asked about lodging.
They did tell me that there were campsites up on the river, about 3 miles or so from town.
I hung out at the visitor center to charge my phone and read a little. I then headed up into the canyon.
It was an uphill climb at the end of the day. My legs were tired, but I kept on going. I found one of the campgrounds and no one was there.
I checked them out. Snow was still on the ground at some of the sites. I was about to start unpacking at a site, when I saw some fresh tracks of an animal. I could immediately tell that they were not dog tracks. Even though one of the women at the visitor center said that there would be no problem with bears; these tracks were definitely looking like that it what they came from.
I had a lot of food with me from my stocking up in Santa Fe, so I decided to ride back down and camp closer to town.
There were no bears where I camped that night.
I proceeded to the Taos Middle School that morning to talk to two Physical Education Classes and another class in the building. The PE classes were in their Archery Unit. I learned a lot that I could bring back to Cougar Pride Land at my school in Sudbury. The students there were very attentive and asked some great questions.
I had some lunch and then I headed to the Ranchos Elementary School, three miles south of the Middle School.
Here I spoke to many of the upper grades and lower grades in the gymnasium. These students were also a great audience. They were in their bowling unit at this school.
After speaking to the students in the gym, I went to Mrs. Trujillo's class. There were in the middle of presenting their research on Courageous Americans. I spoke to them and then they had tons of questions for me. They asked who has inspired me. I told them about two of my heroines; Amelia Earhart and Harriet Tubman.
Everybody at this school was so welcoming; just like all of the other schools I have visited.
After the school visits, I head to the Taos Plaza. I read for a little while and then walked around. I met a family from originally from Ecuador, who now live in Dallas.
As I headed out of town, I was still hungry. I knew that I was going into some pretty remote areas for some time. I was in the mood for pizza and usually in ski towns you will find a good pizza place. I did and I stopped, even though it was getting late and I wanted to ride at least 30 miles or so.
The pizza was very good and I did ride 40 to get home for the night. It was just off the highway, with the snow covered mountains close by. I found a sheltered spot and listening to the coyotes for awhile. They were the closest yet of any of the nights that I had slept out. The wind also was picking up, but I did shelter myself well. It was not quite a full moon, but it was close.
When I woke up to another sunny day, I packed and headed to Taos. This is a town that is near one of New Mexico's biggest ski areas.
I was immediately treated to a nice ride along the Rio Grande river. The road snaked along some farming fields and small canyons.
I stopped for lunch at the River Gorge Visitor Center. I had my gourmet lunch of goat cheese with blueberries, almonds, greens on a whole wheat tortilla. I washed it down with organic chocolate milk. This is the way to eat on the road!!
I meet a young gentleman from Korea who was also riding his bike. He started in San Francisco and was also riding to Boston. Once he gets to Boston, he will ride up to Canada and then back across to the west coast. He was very nice and friendly. Good luck to him.
It was uphill after lunch. I mean uphill!! One of my biggest climbs so far and then there was another climb. I climbed a lot that afternoon. The snow covered mountains a constant visual.
I arrived in Taos at about 2:30. I went to the visitor center and asked about lodging.
They did tell me that there were campsites up on the river, about 3 miles or so from town.
I hung out at the visitor center to charge my phone and read a little. I then headed up into the canyon.
It was an uphill climb at the end of the day. My legs were tired, but I kept on going. I found one of the campgrounds and no one was there.
I checked them out. Snow was still on the ground at some of the sites. I was about to start unpacking at a site, when I saw some fresh tracks of an animal. I could immediately tell that they were not dog tracks. Even though one of the women at the visitor center said that there would be no problem with bears; these tracks were definitely looking like that it what they came from.
I had a lot of food with me from my stocking up in Santa Fe, so I decided to ride back down and camp closer to town.
There were no bears where I camped that night.
I proceeded to the Taos Middle School that morning to talk to two Physical Education Classes and another class in the building. The PE classes were in their Archery Unit. I learned a lot that I could bring back to Cougar Pride Land at my school in Sudbury. The students there were very attentive and asked some great questions.
I had some lunch and then I headed to the Ranchos Elementary School, three miles south of the Middle School.
Here I spoke to many of the upper grades and lower grades in the gymnasium. These students were also a great audience. They were in their bowling unit at this school.
After speaking to the students in the gym, I went to Mrs. Trujillo's class. There were in the middle of presenting their research on Courageous Americans. I spoke to them and then they had tons of questions for me. They asked who has inspired me. I told them about two of my heroines; Amelia Earhart and Harriet Tubman.
Everybody at this school was so welcoming; just like all of the other schools I have visited.
After the school visits, I head to the Taos Plaza. I read for a little while and then walked around. I met a family from originally from Ecuador, who now live in Dallas.
As I headed out of town, I was still hungry. I knew that I was going into some pretty remote areas for some time. I was in the mood for pizza and usually in ski towns you will find a good pizza place. I did and I stopped, even though it was getting late and I wanted to ride at least 30 miles or so.
The pizza was very good and I did ride 40 to get home for the night. It was just off the highway, with the snow covered mountains close by. I found a sheltered spot and listening to the coyotes for awhile. They were the closest yet of any of the nights that I had slept out. The wind also was picking up, but I did shelter myself well. It was not quite a full moon, but it was close.
Santa Fe - New Mexico
After Rike dropped me off, I had a long climb up on Interstate 25. I had to ride on this road most of the way to Santa Fe. Many vehicles zooming by again, but not as bad as I-10.
I had not really spent anytime in Sante Fe before, so I was excited about going there. This was also true of Albuquerque.
I arrived in Santa Fe at the later part of the afternoon. I was going to stay at the youth hostel there, but decided against it as it did not look very appealing from the outside. I reread some of the reviews about it and decided I wanted a better place to stay for the night. I have stayed at some youth hostels in the past, that I would not stay at again(even for $18.00).
I decided to backtrack to the Motel 6 and pay 33.99 plus tax for the night. I rode down to the Sunflower Market(a healthy food store chain in the west), but was not too impressed with it.
No problem, since I knew that I would go to good old Trader Joe's to stock up on some good food the next day.
I caught up on letter writing and my journal. I was missing my friends in Albuquerque though.
When I woke up I rode to TJ's and then to REI to exchange my sleeping pad, as it had a hole in it from sleeping in the desert. Thanks to the Santa Fe REI for their great customer service. They exchanged the pad that I had used on previous trips also, with no problems. Great customer service is the way to go!!!
I then rode to the Round House, as they call it in New Mexico. This is what the capital building is called. It is a beautiful building, inside and out. There was a lot going on. I checked out the session that was going on in their great hall.
Then it was time to go to the Plaza at Santa Fe. Sort of like our Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall in Boston. It was very nice and beautiful, with many shops and places to eat. Similar to Albuquerque's Old Town Plaza. I loved it!!!
After that I went to Congressman Tom Udall's office to talk with either him or his staff about the importance of healthy living for all. They were very nice and receptive to me there. Thanks for being teammates on the mission for all of us to be healthy.
I left Santa Fe at about 3:00 and headed north again. I had a steep climb up and then I went downhill for awhile.
I went through a few small towns and then Espanola.
After Espanola, I found State Land to set my tent up for the night.
I found shelter behind some bushes and had some dinner.
Shortly after it getting dark, I heard the first shot. I had seen on the sign at the entrance to the land that there was a target shooting area.
I listened to someone shooting for a good hour that night. Then it was the howling of coyotes and dogs across the highway.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
March 10-March 14 2011
I had a blast in Albuquerque. I met so many wonderful people!!
On Thursday night, I stayed with my new friends Rike and Leo. I arrived at their house late Thursday afternoon. Leo came home from work and we talked for a long time, before Rike arrived home.
They both took me out to dinner that night.
Rike and I rode to her school on Friday morning.
I visited both the Painted Sky and Seven Bar Elementary Schools on Friday. They both have awesome, dedicated Physical Education Teachers and wonderful students!!!
In between school visits, I hiked around the Petroglyphs National Monument.
On Friday night, my new friend Bruce was able to get me a room at the Courtyard Marriott in town. After school, he rode down with me to check into my room. Thanks to both Bruce and Kathy for that. Bruce is one of the PE teachers at 7 Bar Elementary and Kathy is the Guest Services Manager at the Marriott. That night, Bruce, his wife Bonnie and his son Taylor took me out to dinner.
Along the bike trail on Saturday, I met Sandy, a native New Yorker on my way to Bruce's house. She was a PE teacher at one time. She also taught many years as a Special Educator. She is an avid cyclist.
Saturday afternoon, I had to fix my trailer as one of the wheels fell off and I almost crashed. Luckily, Rike and Leo came to my rescue and we went to Lowe's to remedy the situation for $2.36. They then took me hiking. We also drove through many Native American Pueblos.
After the hike, we all went to Bruce's house for dinner; which was very good. I was to stay with Bruce and his family for the night. They would be leaving on a college visit in southern New Mexico for their daughter Tori, in the morning.
On Sunday afternoon, Rike and I cycled to the San Felipe Pueblo (part of my route north). It was so nice to ride with her, even if there was a headwind almost the whole way. We stopped to have lunch at a Mexican eatery. I had the combination plate. It was yummy.
That night, they took me to their friends Mary Ann and Bruce's house where we had a wonderful St. Patrick's meal.
On Monday morning, Rike took me to the spot where we had stopped yesterday. We first went to the building where Leo works, so we could say farewell for now.
It was really hard to leave Albuquerque. As I said earlier, I met so many nice people and made close strong connections with them in such a short period of time.
Some people have asked what have been some of my struggles with my journey. One of the struggles has been to leave the people that have been so kind to me and who I have made these strong connections with. My hope is that we will always stay connected!!!
On Thursday night, I stayed with my new friends Rike and Leo. I arrived at their house late Thursday afternoon. Leo came home from work and we talked for a long time, before Rike arrived home.
They both took me out to dinner that night.
Rike and I rode to her school on Friday morning.
In between school visits, I hiked around the Petroglyphs National Monument.
On Friday night, my new friend Bruce was able to get me a room at the Courtyard Marriott in town. After school, he rode down with me to check into my room. Thanks to both Bruce and Kathy for that. Bruce is one of the PE teachers at 7 Bar Elementary and Kathy is the Guest Services Manager at the Marriott. That night, Bruce, his wife Bonnie and his son Taylor took me out to dinner.
Along the bike trail on Saturday, I met Sandy, a native New Yorker on my way to Bruce's house. She was a PE teacher at one time. She also taught many years as a Special Educator. She is an avid cyclist.
Saturday afternoon, I had to fix my trailer as one of the wheels fell off and I almost crashed. Luckily, Rike and Leo came to my rescue and we went to Lowe's to remedy the situation for $2.36. They then took me hiking. We also drove through many Native American Pueblos.
After the hike, we all went to Bruce's house for dinner; which was very good. I was to stay with Bruce and his family for the night. They would be leaving on a college visit in southern New Mexico for their daughter Tori, in the morning.
On Sunday afternoon, Rike and I cycled to the San Felipe Pueblo (part of my route north). It was so nice to ride with her, even if there was a headwind almost the whole way. We stopped to have lunch at a Mexican eatery. I had the combination plate. It was yummy.
That night, they took me to their friends Mary Ann and Bruce's house where we had a wonderful St. Patrick's meal.
On Monday morning, Rike took me to the spot where we had stopped yesterday. We first went to the building where Leo works, so we could say farewell for now.
It was really hard to leave Albuquerque. As I said earlier, I met so many nice people and made close strong connections with them in such a short period of time.
Out of the Mountains
March 21st, 2011
I have been in the mountains and out of touch. This has again caused me to be behind on my blog postings again.
I am going to give you an update by areas that I have visited: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and the small mountain towns that I have recently been passing through.
I have been in the mountains and out of touch. This has again caused me to be behind on my blog postings again.
I am going to give you an update by areas that I have visited: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos and the small mountain towns that I have recently been passing through.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Old Town Albuquerque
Today was going to be a rest day for me. I was tired.
I had talked with a teacher about going to some schools on Friday, which was perfect.
I would also be staying with her and her family that night.
I had my breakfast that was included at the hostel, packed up and rode through the downtown area of Albuquerque. I really like the downtown and there were a lot of people out and about.
I then proceeded to the Old Town section of the city. I really loved this!
There are shops and places to eat in this small section of the city. It is very quaint.
It was a perfect place for me to rest up and take in the atmosphere, before I headed to the northwest section of the city.
I started riding to Rike's house later in the afternoon. I met here husband Leo, shortly after I had arrived.
We all hit it off right away.
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