Thrive Outside

Bike Training:  first week I have learned the road etiquette and put in 77 miles.  Which is what I will need to be doing in a day (approximately), so I have a long way to go.  *love the fresh swept trail along the Glen Highway and Moose Run golf course. Late Friday night, after playing a come-back-from nowhere game (which I lost), we decided to drown our sorrows on a morning hike.  I am still new but knew I didn't want Flattop, asked the world-wide-web and two friends chirped in and suggested the same hike BEAR VALLEY  (click on the name for google maps) So, off we went at 9 am.  During springtime, it is best to hike early because the sun can rapidly thaw the ice which furthers melting and erosion to happen quickly and you could "post-hole". you can hike all the way to McHugh peak (I think) Looking at another hiker below the other valley is Peak two near Flattop There suggestion was the best.  Sun and just a slight breeze at one part, but when we

One of the hardest parts of leaving Palmer is that I had so many opportunities to be outside.  However, a little gem that I didn't realize (born and raised in Alaska with COUNTLESS errands in Anchorage) how bike friendly it is.  There is the mountain bike trails and the multi-use paved trails.  Even some of the major roads have bike lanes. I am trying to train for the "Sea to Shining Sea" and I now consult this map before going out and driving around.  I think I am becoming a bike commuter first.  Someday, I will be a bike tourer.   ***Update*** I went out twice and didn't have ANY near death experiences.  I was able to bike 23 miles that were mostly flat.  But, little by little I feel a bit stronger.  When I see the sweeper trucks, I want to hug them and tell them how much I appreciate them.  Anchorage did put an amazing amount of gravel on the roads.  

1) I got a BIKE. When I decided to do this, I didn't have a bike.  As you might have read yesterday, I still have some learning to do.  Someone who read the challenge just had a bike that was too small for her (she is 5'8) and perfect for me 5'5.  I test and rode it and it was a fit.  So, I will be riding a Surly Long Haul Trucker.  Yeah!  2) I got a Milepost Lael used the Milepost to give her some hints and directions about Alaskan Roads.  I have renewed my one from the library.  But yesterday, I got The Milepost at a thrift store.  So, I can take just the pages of information I need for the journey. 3) I got a Lemon bike bell I am sure all touring bikes have got it wrong.  This is my favorite accessory so far.  James got it and it says, "Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy".  Every time I ring the bell, it feels like James love is spreading all over.  I get this huge grin on my face.  I am so loved. 

My bookshelf and blogs have been filled with basic biking information.  "The Essential Touring Cyclist" even had a chapter of basic bike skills when on the road.  I have been diving into books. Well, when my tires hit the payment, today was definitely an adventure.  An adventure of DEATH.  I first misjudged pulling out and crossing the street in front of ongoing traffic because I thought I had the acceleration of a car (not yet anyway).   Then, as I was trying to stay off the sidewalks (meant for walking) and into the road, I veered a little too much to the right and was stuck in the middle of traffic with cars racing by me on either side. Finding encouragement in a "Bike Lane" sign posted ahead, I lost my proper tire placement and rammed into a bike curb nearly jolting me off the bike.  However, I am finding my little green machine being able to handle jarring and it thankfully lopped unto the sidewalk.   So, a dear friend of mine who read about m

Spurred on by the challenge of the 1000 mile bike across Alaska by Lael Adventure, I caught the burning desire to do this myself.  I have never biked more than 25 miles, but I have enjoyed riding with James on our tandem.  Life was full of challenges last year, as most of you know.  So, I am taking this opportunity to reconnect with James (I will be doing the Homer Portion on the tandem-life is better together).  I also need to bond with my new church family and I am excited to have two or more people join me on the Valdez portion. During the long route, I know that my appreciation and trust in God will grow.  I am looking to unplug and connect with Him through prayer. He is my guide and my shelter.  I LOVE PEOPLE.  I can't wait to see and encourage others all around the state.  The Plan:  Homer to Anchorage   237 miles  Tandem with James Anchorage to Palmer   56 miles Palmer to Glacier View   65 miles Glacier View to Valdez    210 miles  Clear Water Church friends joining