Thrive Outside

Even though we had a sound night sleep and the sun was out, we both were feeling Blah.  I think my nerves kicked in because I knew we had 80+ miles to go to reach the destination of the Homer Spit into  Kachemak Bay.  My longest day before that was 53 miles.  But, at least we had some interesting things to distract us on our way. Our closest encounter with a moose.  So sweet.  However, we found that Clam Gulch had NOTHING for us.  (No second breakfast.  No coffee.) A view of the ocean from the road! I did see a humpback whale from the road! BUZZ cafe was the best!  They just got a new espresso machine from Italy.  James had a great time chatting with another biker (motorcycle).  We had no other bicycle touring people at all.  We both agreed that the road conditions and the weather (no wind AMAZING), were the BEST in the entire route from Soldotna to Homer.   We enjoyed a nice l...

Gazing out the window, I can't tell you how excited I am to begin this journey around this beautiful state of Alaska. After weeks of reading books about cycling, listening to podcast about cycling, and interviewing real people about cycling, I am eager to start.  "Sea to Shining Sea" will be a 1000+ mile bicycle tour around Alaska from Prudhoe to Homer and lots of places in-between. Training?    I have done two of the three things to get ready.   1) Get in the bike saddle as long as possible. That just means that I ride whenever and wherever I can.  I have learned the bike safety rules of the road and acquired a great map.  I do my errands, bike to church, ask as many people as I can to bike with me.   *Since I bought a used Surly Long Trucker renamed Green Dragon, I have logged 232 miles.   Please text me or message me if you want to train or bike ride.  I don't mind where or when, I just need the miles. ...

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 mile...