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!