FOLLOW MY LEAD!

step one:
Find a Mountain



step two:
Climb to the top of said mountain



step three:
Ski down the side of mountain with friends


NOW thats a friday of no work!

Election Day Jitters!



I've been reading through a lot of bicycle repair and frame building books as of late and came across this gem in a book titled "Bicycle the history." Go online for a library near you, and check out something that interests you. These two young upstarts had to take this photo, at our capitol, early in the morning to avoid arrest. Don't forget to vote!

jesus.

Like I need another blog.

I know your telling yourself, does Carlos ever update this thing, and the answer is no, not really. But, yes I decided to co-op on another blog with my buddy Sam. Check the link below for some super sexy sketches.

supersexysketchparty

I promise I'll take some damn fotos of this city and post them soon. Im really hoping to get my real camera in the mail cause my camera phone does nothing its justice.

Portland, OR

Its been a little over a month since I arrived in Portland, and what a whirl wind of changes have taken place. My first mission once in town was to find a place to sleep. For the first week Chris (Hip Hop) and some friends from Atlanta let me crash on their collective couches. And it was good, but a man needs a place of his own. So, i hit craigslist with a vengence. I must have emailed a dozen people and seen 4-5 places. But it was this great old house with two folks and a dog, that I decided to call home. I'm renting a huge room, with two walk-in closets, one of which I'm using as an office. At first I was taken back with Portland. It wasn't what I was expecting,and I'm not sure I was ready for a big city, after being alone in the country for so long. But, after a week or so I adjusted to city life. The people here are very laid back and at first I took that as not caring. To a degree this is true, but upon further review I've found most people to be very nice, they just tend to stay out of your way. The next thing I needed to do was find a job. Now, I was willing to settle for anything, but when I got a phone call on Thursday and asked to come in on friday for an interview I was shocked. I hadn't even sent resumes or filled out applications and here I was already getting a call back. Turns out Chris made some phone calls to some folks, and next thing you know I'm working at a company. They fabricate and design mechandise booths & store fronts, and were in desperate need of a replacement 3d modeler. So I picked up the job without even showing a bit of my work, just Chris' word (thanks HipHop ;-). Now all this has happened in just the first 2weeks, so you can imagine my head is spinning. But I wasn't done yet, another friend had told me about a coffee shop that just opened. They needed baristas stat. Low and behold, I was working for another company without so much as a referance. Now my plate is full, I went from having nothing to do but ride a bike day in and out, to having two jobs in less than a month. Its truely been mind boggling going from one extreme to the other. Its like I woke up one day and had a completely different life. With so much excitement I haven't gotten out and explored the city fully yet. I've got to get on it soon though, cause once the rain hits, it won't let up until spring. So, before that happens, Im going to get out, take some photos and post them here for your enjoyment. Thanks again everyboby for your comments and emails. Everytime I read a new one I smile. I still miss my ATL crew, but all ya'll should know Im in a better place, not just physically, but mentally as well (no Im not dead or in heaven).

Me and the Burro chill'n in the coast.

This should have been sent last Thursday. Unfortunately blogspot did not receive it. My bad...

That's right sports fans, I'm at the beach. Flew in yesterday with plenty of fan fair and excitement.This is a pic of el burro sipp'n on a cold one at the beach. I let him have a sip for making all the way here, he was very thirsty (check the waterbottle cage). The whole beach was gray with cloud cover and dark sand, very windy. It had a rusty shell of a ship in the sand, that I climbed in for a photo op. The other tourists were not so amused.
I think its going to take two weeks to wash off all the dirt I'm carring around. After that I may look for a place to live and some where that will give me $ for services rendered. No real thought as to the future right now, just enjoying the view.

The rusty old ship

Portland or Bust.

Its hotter than hell out here now, with little sign of letting up. Actually the futher west I go the cooler it gets, but yesterday I actually thought I was riding in hell. Ran out of water, broke my front rack, and went delirous from dehydration. I dumped a bunch of my none essentials on the side of the road to take weight of the rack and speed up my traveling. If I decided to go on from Portland to the coast, I've decided I need to drop the front panniers (bags), rack, and all other none essentials at Portland, possibly in a locker at the airport. Otherwise I'll just stop in Portland and make it to the coast eventually. Just really tired of being homeless and riding a bike for eight hours a day. After two months, one week, and three days, anything will start to get old.

Head for The Rockies

A few weeks ago some one asked me which place I liked the best out of all the things I've seen. I didn't have a good answer, and thought about the question long after. Each place I've been to has its own charm and wonder, how could I choose just one. And then, I crossed the Rockies. This has got to be some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. I has everything and not in a gaudy way, it all fits seamlessly together. Tall trees, Huge Mountains, and rushing rivers, each one complimenting the other. I made sure to ride slow and spend a couple of days just taking in the beauty. Another great thing about the Rockis is there is no signs of civilization. Most places have at least powerlines, farms, or livestock. Not here just the road and you, surounded by wilderness.
Well, I've made it to the other side of the Rockies and have hit the desert like terrain of Washington state. Desert in WA, you may ask, yes its true. A dry arrid region stands between me and the green valley of Columbian Gorge. I figure Im down to one more week, so instead of breaking this week Im going to push on to the coast. I may stop in Portland next weekend, because from what I hear their having one of the biggest beer festivals in the country that weekend. And if you know me in the least bit, you know that I have a slight fondness for beer. So, by next weekend you'll either have a post from me saying YEEEaaah I made it to the coast or one that says AAhhww yeah, beer good, Ima make it coast, eeehhaa soon. hik-up! Take care all. Dont stop Beliving

My next Car

I've been taking steafy photos of old cars that really appeal to me. I'll post them all when I get settled and can organize them all. This was a great old beater I saw in Grass Range, MT. If you can't see, its got the #13 on the side whcich led me to belive someone actually raced this at one time.

RockyMountain High

Start of the Rockies

Far away pics are not my camera's strong point. But I wanted tp get a pic of the Rockies in there

Slept Near this one night in MT

Pierre SD

I'm sending so older pics of things that never got sent. This is the capital of South Dakota. I ws really digging the black dome when I took this.

Earth Lodge Replica in North Dakota

I'm on top of the world!

M High Plains Drifter

Montana is even bigger than u think. Crossing a state typically has taken me 5-6 days. It took me 10 days to get to Missoula, which is where I'm at now, and I still have about half a day left in MT. Not only is the state big, but so are the people, terrain, and weather. Many people I've come across have been larger than life, with huge hearts and open minds. The terrain has changed so drastically from east to west in MT. This state has it all desert, plains, rolling hills, and mountains. While the wind and heat have been brutal. I've been told time and time again by cyclists I see heading east, that say I'm doing it the hard way heading west. I knew the head wind would be a factor but never did I expect it to be such a major facor in this ride.
Through all the struggle, though I've managed to make it to the rockies. I crossed the continental divide a few days ago, and have passed the 3000 mile mark as well. My saddle is cashed, but with just 2 weeks left I've decided to stick with it. There is still so little I've been able to put into words on this blog, about the trip. Typing into a little keypad on my cell prohibits a lot of detail, but still so much has happened, its hard to even rember it all. I hhave been keeping a journal though. And when I get settled into Portland, I hope to elaborate on all the exciting things that I have experinced. Until then, I hope all of you are doing well and are making the most of youe time. Will write again soon when I've crossed the rockies.

WIld West here I come

I've taken yet another day off, in an attempt to rest sore knees and muscles. I'm just inside Noth Dakota, looking west to Montana, which stands less than 50 miles from me. Once in Montana I do not expect much contact with the outside world. Its very desolete out there from what I've been told. So this may be one of the last posts for awhile. Currently, I'm about two thirds of the way through my trip. I've got some where around 1200 miles to go with 2500 behind me, ish.

The Dakotas have been beautiful, with very friendly people and LOTS of wind. At times it seems like Im standing still, even thouhg my legs are still moving, thats how strong the wind is here. I've been riding mostly through the Missouri Plateaus, which as you can imagine are hilly then flat, very brown. In the last couple of days the color has come back to the land in a big way, with fields of yellow and violet as far as the eye can see. This is because I've rode into the black hills of Dakota, which are not as flat and very round. Its amazing how the country side changes, ever so subltly, everywhere I go. Montana should be flat with more wind and less color. I'm starting to prefer, the hills and mountains to all these flats and there unceasing wind. At least with the uphills there's usually a downhill.

I've added a few more links, so check out these other blogs of folks I love or at least can stand. Larisa's started a blog for her trip to Switzerland, which she left for this week. And in true L'sauce style is already making a time of it. I wanted to thank eveyone who has sent emails, called, or posted a comment on the blog. It truely keeps me going knowing how people are doing, and that they are thinkg of me just as much as I think of them.

Springfield SD

The Siiiiiiimpsons! Taking a rest day in South Dakota. This is a beautiful town on the banks of The Lewis and Clark Lake. This pic was taken at a park intown. I've become very introspective out here. With little human contact the mind starts to breakdown everything in strange ways. I've learned a lot about myself, some good, some bad. I thought that I could change myself with this journey, but I've realized you can't change yourself, only accept yourself for who you are. This sounds easier than it is, because to do that you have to accept all those around you too. Everyone is an aspect of your ownself. Larisa said to me awhile back, the things we dislike most about people are the things we dislike about ourselves.

When the going gets tough...

Currently, I'm near Sioux City, IA. I've taken some long pulls on the bike this week to make up for lost time. In turn, my entire body is sore. I'll be in South Dakota tomorrow, though, which makes up for it. The further out I get, the fewer and fewer my resources are. This will be the last major city for awhile so if the posts become fewer, don't worry, I'm probably just no where near civilization.

The Gonzalez Family

These are my cousins I stayed with while in Kansas City. From left to right we have: Tommy, Missy, Aleesha, Mike, Tony, and George. George is my 1st cousin who is married to Missy, the rest are their kids (as you can guess). They were all great, we had such a good time. Went to Worlds of Fun, and rode a bunch of roller coasters. I drank to much, fell down, and busted my knee up pretty bad. It's still sore, but was worth it just to hang with family. And they didn't even laugh when I sucked it up in pool and bowling.

On the 8th day God said let there be ketchup

I've made it to East St. Louis, IL. I can tell I'm not in the south any more for three main reasons:
1. The accents have changed from the southern draw, to a New Englandish- MidWestern thing.
2. The roads are actually marked. Thru GA,TN, and KY I was lucky to get one sign every other intersection. Here, everything is marked. Every road, state park, everything.
3. Finally, the roads have shoulders. It sounds silly but when huge trucks are flying by you its nice to have some where to go.
This is a pic of the worlds largest bottle of ketchup. Its in a town called Collinsville, IL. People here have been very friendly. I'm at the foot of the Lewis and Clark Trail. I'll be taking this all the way to Oregon. Up until now I've been on the trans america or making up my own route. It a relief to have all the guess work out of the way.

THIS IS AN OLDER POST THAT NEVER MADE IT TO THE BLOG!!

The Legend of Piasa

This is a depiction of a legendary creature from Ancient Native American folklore. Piasa was a bird large enough to pick up a whole deer, and carry him away. Piasa got a taste for human blood, and killed whole villages. He lived in these caves in Illinois.
THIS IS AN OLDER POST THAT NEVER MADE IT TO THE BLOG!!

Missouri

Last saturday I camped in a town called Hermann, where apparently on saturdays, they line up their classic cars in the Hardee's parking lot. Wiskey Tango's revved engines and peeled tires all night. I guess every small town has that in common.

I've made it to Kansas City, KS. While in KC, I'm taking a few days off from biking to visit with relatives and relax sore muscles. I figure I'm about one third of the way through my trip. It took a little longer expected, but this isn't a race. And until the money's gone, I'm going to push on.

The Weather has held up especially well. I've only seen hail once and been rained on while riding just a couple of times. The injury report goes as follows:

Right Knee: sore, possibly from over straining it. I think my right side is dominent, which leads to it getting wore out faster.

Left Shoulder: searing pain everyday on the bike. This I attribute to my accident a few years back. That shoulder and side of the neck has never healed right.

More to come later.

Piasa's Caves

And then the sky smiles

Just as the hail stopped and the ground was steaming of melting ice, two rainbows showed up. What a wonderful world.

Bottomless Pit (thats about 150 ft. Deep)

What is this?

Big Mammoth Cave KY

I'm in west KY, hoping

I'm in west KY, hoping to be in IL tomorrow. If it wasn't for the few remarkable people who open their hearts to strangres this world would be very dark place.

The Bike has a name.

The Bike has a name.

I've decided to call him "El Burro," because he carries all my stuff, is slow, and is as stuborn as a mule.

Back in the saddle. The

Back in the saddle.

The Bike is repaired and I made it to Cookevile, TN. Still needs work so I'm staying here another night. Not sure what happened exactly to the bike. I'd been riding it pretty hard all week, over dirt, gravel, glass, everything. I was trying to traverse this dirt road when I hit a mud puddle that was much deeper than I expected. It burried the wheels and I had to hop off and yank the bike out. I kept riding thinking nothing of it, when about a mile down the road, the drive train siezed up. I jumped off again and when I surveyed the damage it was bad. The drop out was bent, derailer was shot, the rear rack was broken in two places, chain snapped and the wheel was bent. There was nothing to do but walk. I walked 8-10 miles before a Park Ranger named Stewart, picked me up. Stewart literally saved my trip. He is one of the kindest men I've ever met. Not only did he take me into camp, but showed me around the Park, checked on me everyday I was there, and even drove me 40 miles to the nearest bike shop. This trip even though its only been a week has been an eye opening adventure. Everyday has brought a new strange story, much more than I can type in this blog. It feels like I'm living in a movie. The highs have been huge and the lows have been devistating. And you never know when either will happen.

Cookeville, TN

Ray, If you read this

Ray,
If you read this call mom tell her not to worry, I am fine. No phone service here only text.Leave tomorrow.

Major stoppage @ Fall Creek

Major stoppage @ Fall Creek Falls.I am ok, but bike is in serious disrepair.Will try to fix.No phone sevice.

Opening Day Finally got out

Opening Day

Finally got out today, after much delay. Happy to be riding again, all be it on iced legs. Made it to "the Rock" campsite outside Rockmark. Heading to just North of Rome. Look for a new post Tuesday, when I'll be in Cookeville, TN

The Test Drive


I went out last weekend and road the first leg of my trip. I wanted to ride the second leg as well, but forgot my phone and had no way of contacting anyone to pick me up. If nothing else this was definitely a learning experience. No pannier (sidebag) is water proof. Fully loaded, this bike weighs a ton, and so did my legs that second day. Slow and steady will win this race. Patience is the key to the game. This picture was taken at my campsite. Between those mountains and my tent somebody was having a raging party. I could hear this live band most of the night, playing in the valley. It was comforting to hear others having such a good time.

Better Late Than Never

My last finished piece in Atlanta. This was done as a Christmas gift for Larisa, unfortunately I didn't finish until February. I've painted others since that time, but nothing as complete as this one. Click on the image for a larger view.

LAST CALL







Some pictures from Saturday's party. It was a great time all around and I wanted to thank eveyone who showed up, AWESUM! I knew, I would not remember the whole night, so i tried to take pictures of eveyone as they came in. This worked for a while till the drinks kicked in. Larisa took over camera duties in the late night, thanks babe ;-) What a send off! Im going to miss all you guys so you better stay in touch. All of YA!

A little bit about the trip.

So I've gotten alot of questions about the trip from many people and wanted to answer a few of the basic questions. First, I think its going to take me around 2-3 months to cross the country. Roughly 4,500 miles of asphalt will be crossed. I'll be carrying between 35-40 lbs. of gear on a 25 lbs. bicycle. There are two well know routes that I will be riding on, The TransAmerica and The Lewis and Clark Trail. The first 7 days will be me navigating the wild, thanks in part to goolge maps. My destination will actually be Astoria, OR. Its on the coast, and my plan is to sit out on the beach for a few days as my reward.

The Truth will set you Free.

Friends,
Today I have shed the last of my dislike and mistrust for all the things that have clouded my mind over the last few months. The truth has set me free to enjoy my own soul. I no longer fear that an evil man lurks behind my eyes, waiting to pounce on those least suspecting. He may still be there, but I have no need to fear him. A strong, beautiful, caring man has taken control of the home I've built in my head. In this home there will be a seat for all my emotions, and all things will be welcome in. Manipulation of the weak is not my crime, and I will no longer be a victim to it.

So, I encourage you all to look deep inside, and face any demons that may have taken control of your spirit. If it's time to do some spring cleaning, go into your home and throw out the garbage that has been stinking up your mind. A smile will appear across your lips and your heart will float in your chest because of the great weight you have released from over top of it.

Rejoice!

-C

The RouteIts Official. I've given my notice at work and most of the route is planned out. Right now the tentative departure date is May 15th 2006. From here on out I'll be using this blog as a stagging point for news and photos of my trip. I hope to keep in contact with all of you, so you should be able to find all the info you need to contact me or just leave a note.

The One Larisa Bagged.
On the camping trip we brought a sling shot and 1000 paintballs. This was just the start of our destruction. So much for the "leave it how u found it" policy. This was the first kill of the night which was shot by our expert marks woman, Larisa.

This is Eric and Mike Frame on a recent camping trip some of us went on. Much, much fun

My Bianchi Volpe. He needs a name, anybody have sugestions? So, far I've heard: Victor, BobbySue, and just Volpe. Im not really sold on any of these.

This is Bobbi. She was going on the trip with me but utility persuaded me to choose a more suitable ride. My new bike is Volpe and I'll have a picture of him up soon. This goes out to you Bobbi, I'll see you soon.

This one i just titled "Thunder". I know Sam hates this one so I had to post it.

another from one of the Best Cities I've ever been to.

SWEET! found some Amsterdam pics, thought I'd post 'em.

Just something to see how this thing works