Day 23 – Utah to Arizona to Nevada to California

Due to time constraints, we retraced our tracks through the Grand Canyon and the rest of the way home.  If we had just a few more days, I would have added New Mexico, a larger portion of Arizona, and maybe Kansas to our return route. 

Ah well, next time!

The return home was bittersweet as we pulled into our garage and stamped the layers of road dust from our feet.

We have many fond memories of our Summer Road Trip and Bicycle Quest across the US into Canada and back again.

1 minivan (2 bikes), 17 States, 1 Province, 23 days: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado.

 What a fantastic adventure!

Day 22 - Colorado to Utah

When we left Denver, we stopped in Dillon to log in our Colorado ride. 

We rode 30k around Lake Dillon.  We could certainly feel the altitude (9000 feet) on the climbs.

I can honestly say that all of our rides were memorable in some way or another. But out of all of them, this was one of my favorites. The lake, the forest, the mountains with snow in the distance... this one was the most breathtaking. An appropriate finale, I think, for our endeavor to spin in every state.

Dillon, Colorado

As we continued our drive through the mountains to the west, the rock formations of Utah were probably the most picturesque yet desolate landscape we’ve seen on the entire trip.

The diversity of the topography we've experienced as we traversed the country has been one of the most striking aspects of this entire trip. Some lush, some barren, some majestic, some serene – all magnificent and exceptional in its own way. I guess there’s something out there for everyone.

Day 21 – Nebraska to Colorado

Today we left the flat plains and headed for the mountains.

Along the way we made a very historical stop at a place that was used by the Pony Express.  This small log cabin with its tiny door and low ceilings was a fascinating preservation of the days before automobiles and trains.

Not far from the Pony Express log cabin, was the Frito Lay corn depot.  Corn used in the company’s products is sent to this massive depot and then redistributed to the various manufacturing locations throughout most of the country.  This relatively modern giant was quite a contrast to the miniature timeworn lodge.

After many o’ small town, our final destination today was in Big City Denver, Colorado.  In the evening we wandered the city streets, had a nice dinner, and stopped to play piano.

It was a fun, laid back evening.

Day 20 – Nebraska

This morning, Dave and I got up early and took a nice, long ride around Lincoln, Nebraska.  It was very flat and very nice and relaxing - a great way to start the day!

Lincoln, Nebraska

To properly celebrate the 4^th of July, we drove a short distance to Seward, Nebraska - The 4^th of July City. No really, – it has actually been declared:  4^th of July City.

Where else would one go to celebrate?

There was an extensive car show, which the boys enjoyed.

There was an art show, food, face painting (the girls and I got tattoos painted on our shoulders), entertainment (even belly dancers! – a well-known American 4^th of July tradition).

And… What would the 4^th of July be without a parade?   There were fire trucks, tractors, motorcycle gangs, candy, politicians, marching bands, and, more tractors. 

The 4^th of July City did not disappoint!

Although we could’ve carried on with the festivities (BBQ, etc.) we opted for some quiet time and went to see the Minion Movie.  It was a cool break from the afternoon’s excitement.

As the sun went down, the fireworks, once again, started up. All over town we could see colorful explosions of light.   There was a view in every direction.  It was quite spectacular (the movie just gives a glimpse of the show).

Definitely, a very memorable 4^th of July!

Day 19 – Indiana to Iowa to Nebraska

Today, we were going to stop at the Mississippi River to ride across (Indiana to Iowa), but here too they have experienced a lot of rain lately and the banks of the river were so swollen that the bicycle path was underwater.  Since we already had Indiana covered we stopped at the World’s Largest Truck Stop, in Iowa, as our back up location.

We explored this huge rest area, which is aptly named - there are at least three Big Rigs inside (!), among other things, like restaurants, stores, and anything you need for your 18 Wheeler.

Dave and I set out for what we thought would be a quick Iowa 5k.  The plan was to go “around the block”, but much to our surprise and disappointment, two of the roads were loose gravel (not fun to ride with a skinny-tired road bike) and a third was a grass farm road, barely visible.  We did manage get in our 5k, toughing it out on the gravel (probably not the bets experience for Dave’s already testy tires), but it was better than riding underwater in the Mississippi.

Iowa 5k

After our Modest Rest and Measly Bike Ride, we left the World’s Largest Truck Stop and headed from Iowa to Nebraska. This is to be our stop for the next couple days in order to celebrate the 4^th of July, mid-west style.  And here too, they had decided not to wait for the actual day to start the firework displays.  All around us (and we could see all around us for miles – think: Flat, very Flat) beautiful fireworks were being set off as a precursor to the big day.

Day 18 – Ontario to New York to Pennsylvania to Ohio to Illinois to Indiana

This morning we loaded up the van and started our return trek back to California (only with a slightly different route, so we could see more States, of course).

Amazingly, we traveled crossed quite a few Sates.  Plus, we even hovered along the border with Michigan for a long stretch.

In order to continue our bicycling challenge, we paused in Pennsylvania to ride across into Ohio, so that we could add them to our list.

Although there was no rain in sight (thankfully), Dave was still plagued by flat tires.  We stopped just inside the Ohio border to pump up the troublesome tire.  While we were sorting out the details of our final destination, the bike when it was leaning against the van, had a catastrophic failure (the tire blew!). It was just leaning there, but it made a Huge Bang! Fortunately, Dave wasn’t on the bike at the time.  Once again, Dave replaced it with a new tube and we completed the ride.

Pennsylvania and Ohio

The fresh continuation of our driving excursion across many State borders brought us, in the end of the day, to Indiana.

Day 17 – Niagara Falls, Ontario

For our last full day in Niagara, the morning was spent cramming as much time with the cousins as possible before they had to head home.

When they left, we spent the afternoon making preparations for our departure, the beginning of our Road Trip back to California. Our very brief visit in Canada was about to end, but not the adventure!

After all items were gathered up (hopefully) and the final laundry loads were started, the kids went to see Monster’s University with Grandma & Grandpa.  It was the final stage of their Pixar marathon.

On the way back from the movies, they got to see another show – actual Canada Day fireworks!

Day 16 – Niagara Falls, Ontario

Today was just another hazy, Summer Day. 

The kids biked, swam, caught frogs in Grandpa’s pond, and just hung out.

In the evening everyone went into the park for some 

Pre-Canada Day fireworks over the Falls. 

Who says you have to have fireworks ONLY the day of??

Day 15 – Niagara Falls, Ontario

Today the sun was shining and the river was calm, so Grandpa and the guys set out to prepare The Boat for launch.

Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan.

Yup, those are the marine police.  After a brief inspection, the police deemed that the boat was not quite ready to be declared sea worthy.  

Launch aborted (or rather... barred).

Plan B:

Swimming & Riding Bikes (for the kids).

Relaxing (for the adults).

Overall, still a great day, despite the change in plan.

Day 14 - Niagara Falls (Canada to US and back again)

This morning Dave and I were hoping to do an 80k loop ride from Ontario into New York state.  However, the weather this morning was not what we'd hoped.  There was a definite threat of rain. Although flash backs of our Michigan ride were the top of our mind, we figured if we didn’t go, it wouldn’t rain, and if we did, it would (I think that's one of Murphy's Laws).We headed out, rationalizing that we would turn back if the weather was not on our side.  When we got to the Peace Bridge (Fort Erie, Ont. to Buffalo, NY), we had experienced a little bit of drizzle, but decided to cross.  While waiting in the secure area OUTSIDE the customs office on the US side it sprinkled some more, but of course we could do nothing because we were committed to entering customs (actually locked into the small waiting area). Once through customs, the rain had abated so we decided to keep going.  It wasn't until we were on Grand Island that the rain found us again, but still only a light mist.  What really plagued us, or I should say, Dave, was a flat.  This took us off our planned route in search of air pumps to keep the tire inflated.  After a few brief stops at various gas stations and mechanics, we made our way back across the border by way of the Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls, US & Canada).  With the home stretch in sight we decided to stop for lunch by the Falls.  It was a great decision, because the skies opened up and it poured. We took our time eating lunch waiting for the rain to stop. After we finished eating, we waited for the rain to stop.  And waited. And waited. And debated calling home for a ride, because it was NOT stopping.  But we were SO close (less than 10k). Finally, we clipped in and peddled our way through the down pour. By the time we got home we were drenched (Michigan...again...)

But we DID it!

Ontario/New York 80k

While we were gone, the kids rode their bikes and swam in the river in the rain.  Basically, had a blast with their cousins. 

In the evening, after a warm shower and drying off, I had a very nice dinner with my childhood friend, Amy. Once again, another great opportunity to catch up with a good friend.

Day 13 – Oakville to Niagara Falls, Ontario

Our low key day from yesterday continued into a  relaxing morning in Oakville today.

After a leisurely lunch with Dave’s parents we set out for Niagara Falls.

Another (relatively) short drive had us arriving in Niagara just a few minutes after my brother and his family.  The kids disappeared instantly to catch up with their cousins (and maybe get into some mischief??).

The adults, too, were excited to spend the afternoon and evening catching up.

Day 12 - Oakville (Limehouse, too) Ontario

This morning, Dave and I made an 80k ride from Oakville to our old house in Limehouse (return).  It was pretty warm, but we left fairly early and took our time.  It was fun to ride along some of the old familiar streets and see how much the old neighbourhood has grown up.

To Limehouse and back (80k)

We made it back in time to shower and have a nice lunch with Dave’s parents.

After which, we girls went Shopping. Jasmin and Alia had a blast getting their makeup done – very glamourous! (too glamourous to post a picture, in fact – the paparazzi were clearly distracted elsewhere, maybe in LA?)

What better way to finish off the day, than with some good ol’ Canadiana by having dinner at Swiss Chalet?  (I know… “Swiss” Chalet, does not bring “Canada” to mind…

…trust me: Canadiana!)  A great end to a low key day spent with family.

Day 11 - Toronto & Kleinburg, Ontario

We met our friends in Toronto in the Distillery District downtown.  We did some exploring, had some lunch and took a tour of our friend John’s new oil and spice store.  The Distillery District is a great place to hang out, eat, and shop.

A very unique and fun place!

In the afternoon we went to see John & Lu’s new home in Kleinburg.  It was great to see their new place and catch up some more.  And, Ben got to go for a spin in John’s toy!

I think he had fun.

We all did! It’s always nice to spend time with good friends.

Day 10 - London to Oakville, Ontario

Dave and I made a short 20k ride in the countryside again this morning. It was so nice to ride in London.

London, Ontario 20k

When we got back, we packed up the van.  Before leaving London we had a picnic in the park with Mark, Irene & Michael.  The park had go carts, so Alia & Ben got a few laps in before we left.

We had a (relatively) short drive to Oakville, with a stop at Tim Hortons for some timbits to help us along the way.

In Oakville, we settled in for our stay with Dave’s parents.

In the evening, the kids spent time with Dave’s parents (dinner and ice cream), while Dave and I had dinner (no ice cream) with his high school friends.  The kids enjoyed their time with their grandparents and we were fortunate to get a small visit with friends.

Day 9 – London, Ontario

First thing this morning, Dave and I went on a 40k bike ride along the outskirts of London.  It was a lovely ride in the countryside.

London, Ontario, Canada (40K)

After lunch we spent a couple hours visiting family friends that also live in London.  It was a fun, but all too short reunion.  The kids had a great time swimming in the pool and hanging out.

Back at the house, the kids spent more time playing with Michael.  The boys went exploring the neighbourhood on their bikes too. 

I had a nice, intimate dinner with my friend that allowed us more catching up.  I’m so glad we had a chance to get together.

Day 8 – London, Ontario

We took it easy this morning and stayed at the house, playing with Michael (& Coco) and visiting with Irene and Mark.  The kids enjoyed amusing their little cousin. And he enjoyed being entertained by them.

We spent the afternoon at Storybook Park.  The boys had fun on the Ferris wheel, swings, and giant slide and the girls enjoyed the carousel with Michael. 

Afterwards, for some relief from the humidity, the kids played at the water park.

They had a lot of fun splashing and keeping cool.

We had a quiet evening back at the house.

Day 7– Illinois to Indiana to Michigan to CANADA

This morning we rode our bikes around parts of Millennium Park and a path along the shore of Lake Michigan.  We had an awesome view of the Chicago cityscape.  Unfortunately, Dave got a flat tire which turned into two, before we headed back to the hotel.

Chicago

We ate breakfast and walked back to Millennium Park with kids.  We listened to an orchestra practicing for a concert in the amphitheater. Then we went to examine our reflections in the giant Cloud Gate Sculpture (also referred to as the bubble; bean; or water droplet).  It was a very cool sight to see.

When we left Chicago, we drove a short distance into Indiana. In a small cottage town along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, we stopped to ride our bikes.  The only worry was that we could see a rain storm coming in fast across the lake.  It had already started to drizzle when we got on our bikes.  Jasmin followed behind us in the van as we rode just over 5k in Indiana.  As we crossed the border into Michigan, the rain picked up. Jasmin parked on the side of the road while we did a loop through the neighbouring small cottage town of Michiana to complete our “Michigan 5k” portion.  Then the downpour started.  It was difficult to see, the rain was coming down so hard.  Fortunately, it was a warm, refreshing summer rain.  We were soaked to the skin as we rode back to the van.  The kids were nice and dry inside.  Lukas gave us a little cheer of congratulations, as we loaded the bikes and jumped inside.

Michigan, Indiana to Michiana, Michigan

Once we were relatively dry, we set out across Michigan.  We stopped in Kalamazoo for dinner and then continued on to the US-Canadian border.  It was late when we finally crossed into Canada and everyone was very excited. A short while after that we reached our first Canadian destination in London, Ontario.

We made it!

Day 6 – Minnesota to Wisconsin to Illinois

This morning, after breakfast, we went to visit the Jolly Green Giant (Ho Ho Ho…).  He was standing only a short distance from our hotel.  There was a tiny little museum (fancy shed) next to him with Green Giant paraphernalia, including Little Green Sprout dolls.

We drove a few hours to the Mississippi River and stopped at a park close by.  The kids rode their bikes and hung out at the park while Dave and I hopped on our bikes.  We rode across the Mississippi and into Wisconsin and back again.

Crossing the Mississippi

After lunch we drove through Wisconsin and into Illinois, headed for Chicago. 

After a very late dinner, we walked around downtown Chicago across the river, admiring the sights and architecture.  We noticed a little bit of Blackhawks enthusiasm.

(Look closely at the windows of the second building on the left. Hint: "Go Hawks")

Day 5 – South Dakota to Minnesota

We weaved our way away from Mt. Rushmore through the pine forests, across pig tail bridges and switch backs.  We even had a final glimpse of the monument, framed by the one-lane tunnels.

(Can you see Mt. Rushmore?)

As we entered the Great Plains, we got a glimpse of the badlands.  The brown, rocky surface protruded contrasted with the green, smooth flatlands.

Shortly after our departure, we stopped at the infamous Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD.  It is home of the Jackalope and all things touristy.  In the days when pioneers traversed across the plains with their handcarts and covered wagons, it was a respite for clean, fresh spring water.  “Legend” goes that you can still draw water from those same fresh springs.  But you have to know who to ask (or you will be directed to the fountain machine)…

Further across the rolling plains, near the east side of the state we stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD.  This is a unique building that has is decorated on the outside every year with huge murals made of corn cobs.  This tradition has been going on for more than 100 years, since the beginning of the 1900s. 

As we continued across the rest of the state we could see rainstorms way off in the distance with the occasional flash of lightning.

We stopped for the night in Blue Earth, MN.

Day 4 – South Dakota

Last night we settled into our one room log cabin for a two night stay in South Dakota.

First thing in the morning, Dave and I went on a 30k bike ride through Keystone and Mt. Rushmore.  We didn’t ride all the way up to the famous mountain (we wanted to save that for when the kids were with us).  However, we did ride along the route and could see the mountain faces in the distance.  We rode to the top of Peter Norbec; the peak across from Mt. Rushmore. It was a beautiful ride through pine forests with pigtail turns and one lane tunnels.

Mt. Rushmore Ride

While we were gone, the girls sat reading in the shade of the tree by our cabin while the boys rode their bikes through the small stream next to it.  They also got in around of mini-putt at the campgrounds’ course, before we returned.

After a quick shower, we loaded everyone up and had lunch in Mt. Rushmore.  We wandered through the souvenir shops, checking out the wares.  Some rowdy cowboys started making a ruckus in the middle of the street pretending to have a gun fight to advertise for their comedy show.  Ben almost got a little too close to the tall one (7’2”)…

We thought it was a good time to head out of town and up to the Memorial site.  The carved faces of the four US presidents were pretty impressive.  We made the short walk from the information building to the base of the monument to examine the various angles and views.

Inside the gift shop we met a gentleman that was one of the original carvers.  He answered questions and signed a book on the construction of the site for us. It was pretty amazing to meet someone that was a part of this famous symbol.

After we explored the Mt. Rushmore sight, we drove along Needles Highway.  It is a narrow, roadway along a mountainside that twists and turns through narrow passages of tall, rock monoliths.  At times, the rock structures lean together high overhead and we had to thread the van through a single lane passage way.  

After dinner in Custer, we headed back to our cabin.  Along the way we saw wild buffalo, elk, AND deer grazing at different locations along the roadside.  

It was a pretty amazing day!

Day 3 – Wyoming to South Dakota

It was cooler, but the air was still quite dry, this morning as we cycled around Rock Springs, Wyoming.  It is a small,quiet town.

Wyoming Ride

We headed north through Wyoming.  Along the way, as the landscape changed from rock cliffs to rocky plains, we crossed the Continental Divide. 

We stopped for a break at the Mormon Handcart – Martin’s Cove Historical Site. We learned about the history of pioneers that walked across the country from the East to settle in the West.  Even after reading journal passages and looking at photos, it is difficult to imagine the determination and resolve of the individuals that attempted the trek.

The boys tried their hand at pulling a handcart with some special cargo.

While we were there, we made a small hike to the Devil’s Gate; a small cleft in the rock barrier where an unassuming river (at this time of the year), cuts through from the plains on the other side.

Just before crossing into South Dakota, we stopped for dinner in a small coal mining town.  On our way out of town, we passed the mine. The trucks were working away and the train cars were loaded with coal.

It was after dark when we arrived at our cabin in Keystone, South Dakota.

Day 2 – Utah to Wyoming

This morning we woke and made a short ride around St. George, Utah.  The breeze was warm and dry as we cycled around (we even saw a few other cyclists!).  We enjoyed a sweeping view of the area from the top of an escarpment.

Utah Ride

continued our journey north, with a slight detour to Salt Lake City.  We went all the way to the edge of the Great Salt Lake.  It was very aromatic (!) and Alia put her toes in the salty brine.

From the lake, we drove around downtown Salt Lake City; somewhere between S 300 N, W 200 S, N 200 E, E 300 W…confused??? If you’ve ever been to Salt Lake City, you’ll know what I mean…

After Salt Lake, we headed east, through ski country.  The hills are a deep green, speckled with chalets. The permanent snow fences on the roadside gave us an idea of how high the snow must get in the winter.

Not long after crossing the border, we stopped for the night in Wyoming.

Day 1 - California to Nevada to Arizona to Utah

Snacks, water, favourite books, games, DVDs, bikes… All packed up and ready to go.

To kick off our Transcontinental adventure, Dave & I rode our first 5k ride in our “first state”, California.

California 5k Kickoff

We headed out on a familiar Californian route; through mountain passes, past a snowless Mountain High, across the desert of cacti and Joshua trees.  We crossed into Nevada and the temperatures outside sky rocketed to 111F.  We made a brief stop in a popular Nevada landmark, Las Vegas, to marvel at the spectacle, before continuing on. 

At the edge of Nevada, we stopped again, at a small park.  And, with the sun beginning to set and a warm wind blowing, we rode our bikes into Arizona and back again.

Nevada to Arizona and back again

Before we reached our destination for the day, we crossed one more border, into Utah.

Not bad – Four states in one day!
...only 2,300 miles to go!!