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Quick Progress Report 8/5/07:
"The Happy Biker"
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"Where in the world is Ian today?"
We welcome your donations at: firstgiving.com/iansbiketour
You can make donations to the Melanoma Research Foundation through this site!
Click for a more detailed map of Ian's route and ride progress...
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Ian at Anacortes, WA taken by his
mother Pauline on her cell phone
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Sunday July 1, 2007
- Ian started from Anacortes,
WA, right on Puget Sound, his mother Pauline flew out
from Boston with Ian last night and they spent much of the day getting ready, putting the bike back together, and
obtaining final supplies at the REI flagship store.
- The day end at Concrete,
WA, at the foothills of Mount Baker.
- Ian reported he rode 55 miles, was feeling great, and that the views were very pretty.
- We've set a charitable donation link (see below) for the Melanoma
Research Foundation.
- Ian called at 7:30 PM PDT and said;
- "I did 55 miles today, averaging 16 MPH. I started the trip about 1:30 PM PDT today from Anacortes
and finished at 5:30. I'm feeling fine even though I didn't sleep enough last night because I was up re-building
my bike. Tonight Mom and I are staying at Ovenell's Heritage Inn ...it's
a cattle ranch nestled between two volcanoes. Tomorrow I'll be biking into the North
Cascades National Park ... it looks likes it all uphill for a while ... so I don't know exactly where I'll
end up tomorrow!"
- Detailed map of the North Cascades National Park
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View from North Cascade N.P.
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Monday July 2, 2007
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Spectacle Lake Resort
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Tuesday July 3, 2007
- Ian and Pauline just reported in from Tonasket, WA at 7:48 PM PDT. Well over 100°F today!
- No WiFi or Internet connections, so sadly no great pictures from Ian today.
- Ian reports via the cell phone:
- "We've made it to Tonasket, Washington and are staying at
the Spectacle Lake Resort. The cabins are very
hot and stuffy, no A/C, just a very weak fan blowing the hot air all around. Even with the two doors in the cabin
wide open, there's no really breeze to speak of.
- "From our cabin, you can look out one door and see a pretty view of Spectacle Lake. Out the other is
a huge RV park, with all sorts of vehicles and people. RV camping now includes 42" flat panel TV's! There's
loud country music blaring from what sounds like a Karaoke machine and there's a woman dancing to the music right
next to her camper.
- "I have to admit that it's been a very long and hot day today. My bike thermometer measured 102°F!
So no surprise, but I've got a nasty headache. I think it's from allergies or maybe it's just plan dehydration.
My right shoulder and butt are feeling the effects from the road.
- "It's pretty scary traffic out here on Route 20. There are huge, speeding lumber trucks, pick-up, and
RV's towing all sorts of things that come just a bit too close for comfort. We've seen no other bikes on this part
of the trip. This whole is area is very arid, similar to western Utah.
- "You can buy all sorts of firework on the street. They even have fireworks just for kids being advertised.
May be I can convince Mom to buy some so that we can celebrate the 4th of July. We're hoping to get to Colville
tomorrow night where there is supposed to be a fireworks show.
- "Tomorrow I plan to bike up to Sherman
Pass, elevation 5,576'. This is the highest pass in Washington State and I'm certainly hoping for it
to be a bit cooler, but the forecast looks about same. Thursday it's supposed to be well over 100°F, perhaps
105°F. Yikes! I thought the mountains were supposed to be cool..."
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Downtown Colville, WA
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Wednesday July 4, 2007
- Pauline and Ian checked in from Colville, WA.
- Pauline says (Ian is cooling off in the shower):
- "Very, very hot day. Still 95°F at 6:15 PM. Ian did great despite a tough ride. For the first 12
miles, the road surface was "ground" in preparation for a re-paving, so a horribly bumpy ride for Ian.
I was very proud of his biking today, lots of uphills, hot, and dry. I think he did 75-80 miles at about 12 MPH.
We saw several other bikers going both directions (east and west). One family with a young girl and about 8 guys
inn their 40's and fifties. One man even had a recumbent
bike which was intriguing to se out here. The locals claim that this weather is very unusual for around the
mountains and that it's usually in the 80's. Ian is still sore today ... and add slightly sore knees to the mix.
Tomorrow it's supposed to be brutally hot ... somewhere around 105°F .. and we hope to get to Newport,
Washinton, right on the Idaho border!"
- Quick report from Ian later in the evening:
- "It's been a long hot day on Route 20. The road was tough today, but I made a solid 75 miles today
at 14 MPH average. It's up and down and very winding. Only a little sore --- and the bike is holding together great.
We're at WalMart right now getting supplies and checking out all the RV's in the parking lot. I've heard that anyone
can park their RV here for free at night. I have some more digital pictures to upload if I can get wireless access
at the hotel. And thanks for all the messages in the Guestbook!"
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Orchard along Route 20
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Thursday July 5, 2007
- Pauline and Ian reported in from Sandpoint, Idaho. They are staying at the La
Quinta Inn.
- Ian reported:
- "Rode 90 miles today the longest day so far, averaging 14.5 MPH. Not really tired. Temperature was
officially 106°F, although my bike thermometer read 120°F. The area is pretty flat, although the day started
uphill. My Uncle Thomas called at 7:00 AM and woke us up and we had
a great chat about biking, what to drink to avoid dehydration, etc. I started the day biking at 9:00 AM and finished
around 4:00 PM.
- "We saw lots of buffalo at the Kalispel Indian Reservation.
Idaho seems more prosperous that Washington for some reason, perhaps the soil is richer. We had dinner at the Hydra Steak House and ate teriyaki chicken steak, and rice.
- "I'll be updating my web site, so be sure to check it out!"
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Lake Pend Orielle, Idaho
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Friday July 6, 2007
- Pauline and Ian spent the day in Sandpoint, Idaho traveling around Lake Pend Orielle "recharging"
... a very relaxing day.
- Tomorrow Ian plans to bike about 85 miles to Libby, Montana ... extreme heat is predicted.
- Spoke with Bill Marsch at MRF and we'll be updating the donation procedures
next week...
- Click here for
forecast for Sandpoint, Idaho.
- Montana is experiencing a severe heat wave ... how lucky for Ian! Click
here to read the Yahoo News article.
- Michael Hughes, Ian's uncle, created this limerick for him today and posted it in Ian's
Guestbook:
There once was a man named Ian
Who went off on a bike to go seeing
He stated "I will go west to east"
But oh those Rockies may be a beast
So he sat down each night to a large feast
To fill his belly with more than yeast.
As the trip continued to pass
He sometimes wished he was driving something that used gas
But he was always bolstered by his great Mom, Pauline
Who was there to make sure that the dream came to pass.
As you continue on your way in life
Always remember that we are here to share your joy and strife
Dream large thoughts and strive hard too
As we are always out here thinking of you
Love,
Your Uncle Michael
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Field near Libby, Montana
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Saturday July 7, 2007 (7/7/7)
- Ian rode from Sandpoint to Libby, Montana, the temperatures moderated just a bit, mostly in the high 80's.
- Ian had two flat tires today due to metal debris on the road, and temporarily ran out of tire patch and spare
tires (requiring a wait for another from the roadies). Talking to locals, Ian heard stories about very recently
how a woman biker got blow off the road from a logging truck and how a motorcyclist was killed when he hit a moose!
(Editor: The accident happened on July 5th and the motorcyclist tried to avoid the moose and hit a car and was
indeed killed. Click here for the full story.)
- Pauline and Ian are staying at the Super
8 in Libby, Montana. They ate a hearty dinner at the Antler Restraurant.
- Read about another Massachusetts man is biking
from Seattle to Woburn. He's just a bit ahead of Ian.
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Town of West Glacier, Montana
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Sunday July 8, 2007
- Ian reported in from West
Glacier, Montana, the entrance to Glacier National Park.
- Ian told us that there is no biking allowed in Glacier National Park
from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so he needs to plan his ride accordingly.
- Ian reported:
- "Good long ride today! We went to a bike store in Libby and the man told us about a route to Glacier
that would avoid the scary highway. It was a great road, but somehow we got a bit lost and finally figured out
how to get back to Route 2. I'm feeling fine.
- "I'm thinking about getting up a little earlier and hitting the road before it gets too hot. (Editor:
Reports are that Ian is sleeping like a normal teenager, going to bed past Midnight and getting up around 9:00
after some insistence.)
- "We have to start early tomorrow since Glacier National Park won't let you bike past 11:00 due to the
traffic. I hope to take lots of great pictures in the park, but we don't have an Internet connection so I can't
upload anything today. Thank you for everyone's support!"
- Ian's Dad was spotted riding a new Trek touring bike through the hills of Lincoln, Concord, Acton, Westford,
and Carlisle back in Massachusetts ... could he be thinking of heading west himself?
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Cabin at Rising Sun Motor Inn
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Monday July 9, 2007
- Ian and Pauline reported in from St. Mary, Montana, on the eastern side of Glacier
National Park.
- The roads in Glacier National Park were severely crowded and dangerous for bikers, and there was that restriction
against biking from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. So instead of riding, it turned into a day of hiking in the extreme beauty
of the park. The day also included some camera lessons for his mother!
- Ian and his mother are staying the night at a rustic cabin at the Rising
Sun Motor Inn, inside the park just west of St. Mary..
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Montana Sky (click for more pics)
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Tuesday July 10, 2007
- Pauline reported in about 10:30 MDT that she was in Cut Bank, Montana. Ian started his ride out today on Browning
and expected to end the day Chester, Montana about 100 miles, the most so far! Ian was going strong. Temperatures
are reported in the mid-70's, expected to 80 by afternoon.
- Update at 9:00 PM MDT:
- Ian and Pauline are in Havre, Montana. Today Ian covered 96 miles averaging 15.2 MPH. They were going to stay
in Chester, but reports are that the motels were just too depressed and run down to stay at. Besides, there were
no restraurants and a very hungry young man! In Havre almost all of the motels and hotels were sold out, but they
managed to find a room at the Siesta Motel on Route 2.
- Ian reports that the landscape this morning was still mountainous, but this afternoon brought beautiful fields
of wheat, farms, and many grain silos. Not much else to report, very few trees. The farmers are very worried about
how dry it is.
- Ian reports that he's doing OK, but his outer right knee is a little sore. They called from a restaurant in
Havre, so no one was very talkative. Ian expects to post lots of great pictures on the trip
log web site.
- Further updates from 7/11 at 9:00 AM PDT:
- The residents of Cut Bank claim that it is the coldest weather in the contiguous 48 states.
- Along Route 2, Ian hit a major road construction area and had a chance to ride through the worst of the construction
in the "point car", a pick-up truck driven by a nice lady. They talked all about the area and she told
Ian that she was seeing lot's of bike riders coming through.
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Wheat Fields in Montana
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Wednesday July 11, 2007
- Ian and Pauline reported this morning in from Havre, Montana. Ian is setting off this morning, looking forward
to biking all the way to Harlem, Montana.
- There are several very small towns along Route 2 that they are passing through -- most are only a handful of
houses and tall grain silos.
- The locals claim that the names were picked by the builders of the northern railroad by spinning a globe and
choosing a town depending on where their finger would land. Another story is that the towns are named after ones
in Europe in a way that would make the early immigrants feel a bit more comfortable there. Also, much of yesterday's
ride was through huge Indian reservations.
- PM report: Ian and Pauline arrived in Malta, Montana! Ian biked a hard 107 miles today ... what a guy!
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Ian and his Mom Pauline in Williston, ND
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Thursday July 12, 2007
- Ian arrived in Williston, North Dakota, biking 73 miles today. There seemed to be a shortage of shoulders along
Route 2 in Montana. Despite this Ian's say he survived it just fine. The western portion on North Dakota is relatively
flat --- rolling hills of wheat, canola, corn, and soybeans. All along the road are small oil wells --- single
pumps typically with four large metal tanks to gather the oil before being shipped off to the refinery.
- Ian's Dad Steve arrived in Minot ("why not, Minot"), ND and joined him via taxi. Dad, Mom, and Ian
enjoyed their first dinner together in two weeks at Applebees.
- Tomorrow Ian and Dad will bike east (together?) along scenic Route 1804 towards Minot, ND. Temps are expected
in the high 80s.
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Ian east of Surrey, ND
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Friday July 13, 2007
- Ian and his dad biked east from Williston, North Dakota to New Town, North Dakota.
- After a quick breakfast at McDonald's, Ian and his Dad are ready to head out. The crowded room looked like
a yard sale, stuff spread out everywhere in preparation for the day ahead. Ian's Dad is a little nervous, Ian is
in great shape and ... well you get the idea.
- Who's idea was it to bike on Friday the 13th??? Ian lost one of his birkenstocks (shoes) along the roadside
and spent about 45 minutes walking back searching for the missing shoe. He gave up, and his mother tried to find
the shoe to no avail. After dinner, he became the proud owner of a pair of $1.58 flip flops from WalMart. (By the
way, Ian and Pauline have frequented more WalMarts during this trip than in their entire previous life!)
- Due to the popularity of these tiny North Dakota towns, there was no hotel room to be had in New Town, North
Dakota, where the guys would end their biking day. A quick change of plans (including having the mother/wife remain
with her car for one more day) had them driving east to Minot, with two bikes carefully arranged in the back trunk,
arriving around 8:30 p.m. A wonderful view of thunder hitting in the distance added drama to the trip. The whole
gang spent the night at a Super 8 Motel in Minot
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Ian in Rugby, ND
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Saturday July 14, 2007
- Ian and Steve biked from Minot, North Dakota to Rugby, North Dakota, known as the geographical center of North
America. Steve played an interesting leap frog game with his rented suv and his bike. He would drive ahead, park
the car, hop on his bike and bike west to meet Ian and then turn around to bike east. This pattern was repeated
during the course of the day.
- Ian reports this to be lowest mileage day of the trip - but not because of his biking partner. They set out
late and ended early.
- In Rugby, they enjoyed counting the large number of churches in this small town. Numerous lutheran, methodist,
catholic and baptist churches were spotted.
- Ian had Pete the Bird flying in front of him for 1.2 miles. He was flying around - "swooping and swopping"!
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Ian in Devils Lake, ND after a severe thunderstorm
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Sunday July 15, 2007
- There were strong head winds (clocked at 25 miles per hour by Steve and reported on the emergency broadcast
system) that slowed down Ian's mileage.
- Ian saw three wolverines in front of a farm. This reminded Steve of the time in 1973 when he was attacked by
a wolverine in a cave in Wisconsin.
- They finally got pie for dinner - Ian got pumpkin pie and Steve got cheesecake.
- There are white caps on the lake.
- They are hoping to make it from Devil's Lake to Cooperstown tomorrow.
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Ian biking near Esmond, ND
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Monday July 16, 2007
- Ian and his Dad arrived in the small town of Cooperstown, North Dakota after a day battling 25 mph headwinds.
There had been wild weather in the area the night before. (A farmer stopped to chat and told them that hail, rain,
and wind removed all the leaves from his corn and soybean fields.)
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Excellent cell phone photo taken by Linda Lightbourn of Ian and his proud
Dad in Page, ND cafe
(Click
here for Linda and John Lightbourn's journal!)
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Tuesday July 17, 2007
- Ian and his father made it to Fargo, North Dakota today. They had a late start (apparently Steve didn't want
to get up this morning) and biked through agricultural fields that had been devastated by the hail storm of a few
days ago. Plants had lost all of their leaves, trees were bare as fall, and the damage was amazing.
- Steve continued his drive, bike back, bike forward, drive, repeat cycle. His competitive drive showed through
-- on one of his loops, he sped past a couple of bikers, rather than stop at his parked vehicle. Once he had passed
the group, he turned around and returned to his car!
- They are staying at the tallest building in Fargo, on the 13th floor.
- Steve will be leaving early in the morning, after he packs up his bike for shipping and returns his rental
car to Minot, North Dakota (about 270 miles away).
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Ian's Camping Setup in Cororant, MN
(Click for Ian's photos and stories)
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Wednesday July 18, 2007
- On to Minnesota! Ian reported in from Cormorant, Minnesota, making good use of his camping gear. He checked
out two camping sites before settling on a "friendlier one". He biked to town for a "take out"
dinner.
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Lake Adley in Parkers Prairie, MN
(Click for Ian's photos and stories)
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Thursday July 19, 2007
- Ian reported in from Parkers Prairie, MN, population
991, on the lovely shores of Lake Adley. Ian biked over 95 miles today, with much "to-ing and fro-ing"
back and forth once he arrived in town.
- Ian is sleeping tonight in the park next to Lake Adley. He was worried about camping there, since a sign declared
"No Camping!", but the biking maps indicated that it was fine (the city's web site also says it's just
fine). Ian, not wanting to run afoul of the law, left a message with the local police that he could be found sleeping
in the park and if they had a problem with that that they would know where to find him.
- Ian ate a hardy dinner at the local diner --- cheeseburgers and cheesy bread. Sadly, there was no pie on the
menu. Perhaps in the next town.
- Is Parkers Prairie near the hard-to-find Lake
Wobegon??? No one could say for sure!
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Downtown Milaca, MN
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Friday July 20, 2007
- Ian arrived today in Milaca, MN after a very hard 116 mile ride, much of it against strong headwinds. Although
Ian never swears, it sounds like he's about to learn...
- Ian hopes to hook with a Groton classmate tomorrow, if they can coordinate their plans.
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Ian reading the paper in Lindstrom,
MN
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Saturday July 21, 2007
- Ian reported in from Lindstrom, MN after biking a hard 60 miles against a strong headwind. He is camping by
himself again ... the only camper without a RV!
- Ian was not able to meet up with his classmate ... thus no warm, comfortable bed or home cooked food.
- Ian's Mom and Dad (Pauline and Steve) have arrived in St. Paul, MN after a short drive from Lincoln, MA (right
outside of Boston) ... only 1,400 miles. Pauline will provide very much appreciated logistical support for Ian
as he bikes across Wisconsin. The long car ride has been hard for Cadi the Dog, but we hear that she's looking
forward to playing with her trainer Ian!
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Ian meets up with his Mom in Lindstrom, MN
(Click here for Ian's photos and
stories)
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Sunday July 22, 2007
- Looking forward to meeting up with Ian for breakfast. Ian called late last night and reported that Lindstrom
is supposed to have outstanding Scandinavian donuts! We'll have to check this out... (no donuts after all, but
a hardy breakfast at the Swedish Diner).
- Ian's route will now depart from the "standard" Northern
Tier route from this point forward until New York state. With his Mom with him, he'll now be able to take a
short cut through Michigan and Canada.
- Steve is heading back to Beantown this evening on a Northwest flight, but Ian is tempting him with an offer
of joining him at the Oshkosh airshow later in the week ... not fair!
(BTW - Joe Steim even offered a free ride back from Rockland, IL). As Steve
says: "You never know!"
- Today was a "recharge day" for Ian, spent with his family and touring Carleton
College, which he liked.
- Thank you to everyone for contributing to MRF ... Ian is almost halfway there with meeting
his $5,000 goal!
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Famous Noske Nook Bakery
(Click here for Ian's photos and
stories)
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Monday July 23, 2007
- Ian and Pauline reported in from Neillsville, Wisconsin. Ian biked
along the scenic Mississippi River today, passing through many small towns. Pauline stopped in and checked out
Peppin, WI ... where Laura Ingalls Wilder once
lived.
- Ian's route today took him along side "Cycle America"
riders ... and their support crews! Pauline spoke with one of the crew members and they explained their tour and
philosophy.
- Ian biked 70+ miles today. He reported that his knees were very sore from the weeks on the road. Also his eye
were stringing today, probably due to some localized allergies. His plans for tomorrow are not yet known.
- They ate dinner at the famous Norske Nook ... thanks to the David
Letterman Show. Ian had Sour Cream Raspberry al la mode and Pauline had Strawberry Ruhbarb ... they reported
it was flaky and delicious!!!
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Old Amish Boys (not Ian's picture)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Tuesday July 24, 2007
- Ian reported in from Appleton, Wisconsin. Biking was not that much fun today, poor shoulders on the road and
lots of tractor trailer trucks. Very little to report ... not a very exciting section of the trip.
- Ian and his Mom met a group of five very cute blond haired Old
Order Amish boys today. Ian did not take their pictures, feeling that this was not respectful of their ways.
But he did buy two nice handmade baskets.
- Fox River Brewery in Appleton for dinner.
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The S.S.Badger
Flying Cadi enjoying the water
(IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and
stories)
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Wednesday July 25, 2007
- Ian and Pauline reported in from Manitowoc, WI on the shores of the
lovely Lake Michigan. There is a 20 mile bike bath along the shore that's always crowed with joggers, bikers, roller
blader, walkers, etc.
- They visited Appleton Bicycles and had a lovely conversation with the owner. He had great advice for less busy
routes from Appleton to Manitowoc. Ian was rained on for the first time on the trip and got soaked. Ian was stopped
by a woman and children for directions. He chatted with the woman and told her about his journey. Her 5 year old
son was very impressed, exclaiming, "...that's a far trip!" She promised to contribute to Ian's fund
rasing. Ian biked by several small dairy farms that were part of the Land-O-Lakes
cooperative.
- Ian and his Mom had a tasty lunch/dinner at the Courthouse Cafe in Manitowoc. Pauline reported tha the handmade
onion rings were "scrumptious". From there they drove north to the Point Beach State Park and Cadi-the-Dog
romped in the water. On their return to Manitowoc, they stopped into an old fashioned ice cream palor at Beerntsen's
Candies. The place remined Pauline of the now defunct Bailey's in Harvard Square.
- Ian and Pauline have a reservation on the ferry from Wisconsin to Michigan
around Midnight, arriving in Ludington, MI. They are planning a "shortcut" through Michigan and probably
Canada. They estimate 6 or 7 days to reach Niagara Falls
from Ludinton, although it could be as early as late Sunday night.
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The Tridge in Midland, MI
Curious Michigan Natives (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Thursday July 26, 2007
- Ian and Pauline reported in from Saginaw, Michigan late Thursday night. They both sounded tired from this short
Michigan segment.
- They arrived very very early this morning by means of the S.S. Badger ferry
in Ludington, MI. Last night they queued up about 11:30 PM CDT to get
on the ferry. Luckily, they were able to get themselves a small "state room", #29, for the journey scross
Lake Michgan. Unfortunately, Cadi-the-Dog was required to stay with the Toyota and was finally driven on the ferry
by a crew member. She had no comments to share with her Dad about the experience.
- The cycling crew arrived in a very foggy Ludington around 5:30 AM EDT (4:30 AM CDT). They then drove to Meijer (a WalMart-like super-department store) and joined several other weary
travelers, catch ing a few winks until 7:30 AM. While Ian slept in the back (snorry was reported), Pauline drove
east for a bit to Reed City.
- From Reed City Ian started his Michigan biking experience, riding for a while on an excellent "rail trail"
bike path. The paved trailed ended after 10 or so miles and Ian then rode for a few bumpy and dusty miles on gravel
before returning to Route 10. Ian reported that Route 10 had way too many scary tractor trailer trucks and did
not enjoy this part of Michigan.
- Ian then picked the bike trail back up in Clare, MI and continued on towards Midland, where the scenic bike
trail ended. Midland is a nice little town with a very unusual, but cool, bridge called "The
Tridge". From there they drove to the hotel in Saginaw, slept a bit, ate dinner at Outback Steak House,
bought a map at WalMart for the upcoming Canadian segment of the trip.
- Pauline and Cadi were able to stop and walk along the bike trail, playing Frisbee and other cool dog things.
Check out Ian's pictures he uploaded
today, including several of Cadi playing in the water.
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Daldean Ferry heading to Canada
Ontario Farm (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and
stories)
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Friday July 27, 2007
- After a final tough day of biking in Michigan, Ian and crew arrived in Marine City, MI, where they took a short
ferry ride across the Saint Clair River into Ontario, Canada. Cadi-the-Dog did not like the ferry ride one bit,
but the Canadian MP admitted her and her young friends into their beautiful country since her paperwork was all
in order.
- Ian and Pauline reported in from Chatham, Ontario. They
had dinner at Crabby Joes, a local chain restaurant.
They encountered a brief thunderstorm and Cadi refused to leave the car due to the scary thunder. Ian had to carry
Cadi into the Super 8 for the evening.
- Ian is plotting out his Canadian route tonight and we'll be tracking it tomorrow. Ontario is very beautiful
and people even have a different accent (of course!).
- Ian reported than items in the grocery stores all have different packaging (and sometimes even brand names)
than those we usual find in US stores. Ian says, "Canada is great!"
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Wind Turbines in Ontario (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Saturday July 28, 2007
- Ian and Pauline reported in from Simcoe, Ontario.
Ian biked an amazing 103 miles today over very pleasant back road. Ian reported that the road was in poor shape,
badly cracked. The saving grace was gentle hills and pretty fishing villages. They came upon a large wind turbine
farm. They bought blueberries from a roadside farm stand. They stopped in Port Burwell for a mid-afternoon ice
cream stop.
- Tonight Ian and his mother are staying at the Comfort Inn (they love dogs here), with a special dog area. Ian
reports that this is the nicest hotel that they've stayed in for a while. They had their typical fast food meal
at a place called Harvey's. They attempted to see the new Simpson movie
(like his brothers Alex and Stephen), but just missed the start by minutes.
- Tomorrow Ian heads towards Niagara Falls and back to the United States. They are plotting out their route tonight.
Ian is trying to time his passage through Niagara Falls to coincide with the Miller Family who are biking as part
of large group of almost 50 people that are traveling together. The group is called "America
by Bicycle". Ian had been following their ride on CrazyOnABike.com web site.
- Ian's brother Stephen hopes to ride with Ian through New York State, as soon as he finishes his final paper
for his education class at Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass.
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Niagara Falls in 1970
Niagara Falls, 2007 (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Sunday July 29, 2007
- Ian reported in briefly from Lockpoint, New York. Ian biked today from Simcoe, Ontario to near Niagara Falls.
Ian and Pauline drove around the Falls, but found it too be way to crowded and commercial for their liking. They
are staying at a Comfort Inn in Lockpoint that is Dog Friendly (Cadi-the-Dog is quite pleased about this) and heading
to a nearby Barnes & Noble to search for a book of New York bike trails along the Erie Canal.
- We visited Ian's grandparents Lucille and Bob Hughes of Harvard, Mass. this afternoon. Lucille has been one
of Ian's best long distance supporters on his ride and is plotting how to connect with Ian along the last major
section of his route. She's been asking folks to check out his ride and consider donating to MRF (Thanks!). Rumor
has it that Ian's cousin Daniel Hughes is also interested in joining up ... and Ian's brother Stephen from Cambridge
also. A famly reunion on the road? Check here for updates!
- Ian and his Mom had dinner at the Montana
- Here's a great snapshot Dad took of the MacLellans at Niagara Falls
in the summer of 1970 during one of our Illinios to Cape Cod trips. Thanks Maria for finding this and scanning
it in for us!
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The Confusing Bridges of Fairport, NY
The bike path along the Erie Cancel (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and
stories)
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Monday July 30, 2007
- Ian reported in from Fairport, NY, a nice little
town southeast of Rochester. Ian biked over 80 miles on a combination of small roads and bike paths along the canal.
Cadi and Pauline enjoyed many brisk walks along the canal path, which is well used by residents and visitors. Ian
and Pauline planned to meet up at the end of the day in Fairpoint. Fairport is a beautiful little town - voted
one of the top 100 towns to live in in America. They have spent over a million dollars to renovate and enhance
the canal area, and there are pretty little shops and parks along the canal. Ian and his mother spent some time
trying to hook up. There were too many identical drawbridges, a cell phone that ran out of steam, and some isunderstandings
about where and what to do. Eventually, mother and son connected and arrived at their hotel for a well deserved
rest.
- Early reports are that the bike trails are much better in New York than in several of the previous states.
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Ian's view of America (IRM)
A Pile of Bikes in Grammy's Ford Explorer (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Tuesday July 31, 2007
- Ian reported in from Oneida, York State. Ian biked 94 miles today but had a huge surprise ... his brother Stephen
AND his grandmother Lucille (aka Grammy) met up with him at the intersection of Routes 46 and 31 east of Syracuse.
Grammy was thrilled to see our accomplished biker. Pauline headed back to Boston with Cadi-the-Dog --- Ian was
very thankful for the wonderful support his Mom has given him on the journey.
- Ian had a problem with his rear tire today (sse his pictures and log). For reasons unknown, it started to fall
apart but his Mom Pauline was able to buy a new tire at the Geneva Bicycle
Center. The owner was very helpful to Pauline, telling him how he had biked across the US himself six times.
Amazing! (Please, don't give Ian any ideas!)
- The gang ate dinner at the Madison
House in Oneida. Ian had french fries with cheese and bacon for an appetizer, followed by a healthy platter
of Fried Chicken. Ian pronounced the food "OK!". Ian, Grammy, and Stephen swapped stories during dinner.
They're staying at a fancy Super8.
- Concerning hs brother Alex's many question (see guestbook), Ian claims not to have lost any weight on the 3,000
miles so far. Ian said to ask Alex about The Oneida Society,
a utopian commune.
- Although Ian was certainly sad to see his Mom leave tonight, but our young celebrity is looking forward to
returning to the Bay State later in the week. We'll ask Cadi-the-Dog the True Stories about Ian's adventure when
she returns.
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Ian's Cool Brother Stephen (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Wednesday August 1, 2007
- Our band of merry travelers reported in from Canajoharie, New York.
They are heading towards Interstate 90 in search of a Holiday Inn --- Lucille had seen a billboard earlier. They
covered a very respectable 75 miles and everyone was happy to call it a day. Very impressive for Ian's older brother
Stephen ... and for Ian too.
- Surprisingly Stephen had a flat tire after only a mile on the road this morning. Dad's first question was:
"Stephen, which tire?", since he had spent a few extra dollars on a flat-resistant Slime
inner tube for the rear wheel. Stephen reported that it was indeed the rear wheel (too bad) and that he had
hit a piece of metal that cut right through the Kevlar Bontragger tire and popped the Slime inner tube. Stephen
changed the tire, but broke the Presta stem off, used his remaining inner tube, and off they went to start the
day.
- It's Stephen's first day of "real road biking" and he told us that he's feeling great. Grammy reported
that Stephen was still covered in dirt grease when she met him at Lunch time at McDonalds. Stephen discovered importance
of proper sun screen use today and has a sunburn on his upper thighs. No aches or pains and we're all curious about
what Stephen looks like in spandex biking shorts! (Ian has a very strict policy of absolutely, positively no biking
shorts in any public places ... we'll have to see if Stephen followed Ian's rules on this topic. Ian's Dad did
not follow these guidelines ... and was the subject of colorful commentary from Ian for several days in North Dakota.)
- Tonight they ate a hardy dinner at the Holiday Inn. Grammy somehow twisted the waitress' and bartender's arm
and Ian happily slurped down a tasty chocolate frappe. Everyone's settled in for the night, mapping out the route
for tomorrow. Ian was uploading some of his famous pictures for the website when we last spoke with him about 11:00
PM.
- Thank you to everyone who's been following Ian's journey online and contributing to MRF!
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Meeting house in eastern New York (IRM)
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Thursday August 2, 2007
- The gang just checked in at 8:43 PM from Lenox, Massachusetts --- the last state of Ian's cross-country journey.
They were apparently quite tired this morning and did not hit the open highway until 11:15. It was very, very hot
today ... Ian's bike thermometer claimed it was 104F. Grammy read books and the newspaper while SAGing ("support
and gear") for the MacLellan boys. They covered a very solid 75 miles today and had Grammy give them a small
lift through the roughest parts of Albany, NY.
- Stephen reported that his legs were holding up just fine, but that his neck was very pretty sore --- his Dad
is very familiar with this issue. Ian thinks Stephen's just faking it.
- For lunch they stopped at a road-side farm stand. They had a lunch of strawberries, plums, cheese and crackers,
bread, peanut butter, cookies, chips, some cold ice tea to wash it down. Sounds delicious!!!
- The last segment of a long distance trip always seems the longest...
Grammy driving the offiicial "Support
and Gear" vehicle
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Ian and Stephen's bikes taking a rest (IRM)
Ian, Grammy, and Stephen enjoying a family dinner at Barber's Crossing in Sterling, Mass.
Grampa (Bob Hughes) and Ian swapping stories of the road over dinner
(Click here for Ian's photos and stories)
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Friday August 3, 2007
- Mid-day report:
- Stephen called and reported in from Northampton, Mass. They've covered 40+
miles today. Very hot and grimy on the road from Lenox to Northampton. They again had a eclectic lunch of peanut
butter and jelly, fruit, cheese and cracker, etc. compliments of Grammy.
- Ian reported that he was "Good!" and their goal is Ware,
Mass. tonight.
- Grammy spent time visiting Lenox and Williamsburg (west of Amherst).
- Grampa reported that he is losing weight with Grammy on the road and has been inviting visitors over to help
keep him from starving any further..
- Stephen is expected to leave Ian and return to the People's
Republic of Cambridge.
- End of day report:
- We all met up tonight at for a late night dinner at Barber's Crossing in Sterling, Mass. Ian and Stephen covered
75 miles of scenic Massachusetts roads today. The boys were very hungry and thirsty. Ian and Stephen looked great
--- you couldn't tell that they've been biking for 6 hours a day in the scorching sun.
- The had attempted to get rooms in the Sturbridge area tonight but were beat out by the hundreds of bikers and
their harried crews involved with the Pan-Mass Challenge. After an exhaustive
search, everyone decided that Harvard seemed close enough and that's where Ian and Grammy (and Grampa) are spending
the night. Stephen headed back to Cambridge with Heather bringing to a conclusion his adventurous biking partnership
with his brother Ian. Tomorrow he is going to Northampton for a day of fun and play while Ian sweats it out on
the hot summer road.
- The gang had stopped in Amherst this afternoon and visited Alex's college - Hampshire College. Everyone was
very impressed and assured Alex that he's made a fine choice.
- Ian is stilling working on the exact route for tomorrow and has confidence that he'll make Nantucket by Sunday
night. He's hoping to avoid any route that will crodd the PMC route. Grammy is sticking with Ian for the duration,
SAGing and helping out in every way that she can.
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Ian's brother Alex on the SS Nantucket, with a beautiful sunset in the background
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Saturday August 4, 2007
- Ian reported in from Middleboro, Massachusetts --- at the crossroads of Interstate 495 and Route 28. He started
his day at Grammy and Grampa's house on Turner's Lane, enjoyed a well deserved late rise, and a wonderful breakfast
of Grammy's french toast.
- Grammy and Grampa drove Ian southwest to Uxbridge to re-start his ride and Ian covered a hard 60 miles in some
brutal summer heat and humidity. At 6:30 PM, Ian and crew were deciding on accommodations for the night. Ian reported
no encounters with the Pan Mass Challenge riders. Grammy reportedly was concerned that Ian's was exceeding the
speed limit in several of the towns along his route!
- Late night report: Ian, Grammy, and Grampa were in Hyannis ... they'd been searching eastward for a hotel room
for hours. They only available room was in the Mansfield Holiday Inn and they're heading back from the Cape to
sleep.
- Ian's brother Stephen is back in Cambridge, wrapping up a final paper for his child development class at Lesley
University. Ian's Mom and Dad are on the steamship Nantucket just south of Hyannis heading to their rental house
in Madaket (Nantucket). Ian's Aunt Maria reported in from Rockland, Maine where she's visiting with Ian's Aunt
Louise and Uncle Nick. Everyone sends their love and best wishes to Ian.
- Ian is hoping to reach Hyannis ... even Nantucket Island tomorrow. A very ambitious goal indeed! Again, a big
"Thank You!" to Grammy for her support of Ian this past week.
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Ian arrives at Nantucket Harbor...
Look at that smile!!!
Ian MacLellan and his very proud Mom
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Sunday August 5, 2007
- Ian has arrived on Nantucket Island!!!
- We just spoke with our excited traveler. He reported in from South Middleboro, Massachusetts where he has started
the last segment of his incredible cross country journey.
- Mid-day report: Ian justed checked at 2:30 PM in from Quaker Meeting House Road in Sandwich. Grampa is looking
for a place for lunch before Ian continues on to Hyannis.
- Earlier Ian had two flat tires in the first five miles, slowing down his trip considerably. He has no more
inner tunes left and will either have to patch his tires if he gets another flat or find a bike store open on Sunday.
- 5:00 PM report: Ian called in from Barnstable, about to enter Hyannis and find his way to the next ferry
to Nantucket.
- 7:10 PM report: Ian arrived at Nantucket on the Hy-Line ferry. He was thrilled to
finish this long and rewarding ride. But wait ... is he done yet??? The final leg to Sconset and Sankaty needs
to wait until tomorrow ... so that Ian can repair his third flat of the day.
- The basic route is via South Middleboro to Bourne, across the Cape Code Canel at the Bourne Bridge, joining
the bike route along Route 6A, through Sandwich on 6A/130, remaining on Route 130 until Race Lane, and then to
Hyannis, catching either the Steamship or Hy-Line ferries, and then finally on to 'Sconset.and Sankaty Head Light.
The weather is looking hot, but generally excellent today. Good luck Ian, we're all cheering for you!
- Ian's Uncle Thomas says: "Make sure you ride to the
Eastern most part of ACK to close out the journey. That's about as far east as you can get in the US. Then you
can turn your feet back toward home."
- What in the world will Ian do next???
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Sankaty Head Light on the eastern shores of Nantucket
Island
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Monday August 6, 2007
- Sconset and Sankaty Light ... and then a very well deserved rest!!!
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Ian's Ride Estimator
Subject to extreme change!
- Many folks have been asking for an approximate schedule of Ian's Bike Ride --- it now looks like he'll arrive
in Nantucket on August 5th.
- Ian has been able to cover about 80-90 miles per day. This has been a tough rate to meet for the first sections
of the ride due to very steep mountain roads and extreme Western heat. The crowded roads of Michigan and New York
slowed him down slightly, but he's still making excellent progress! The "shortcut" through Michigan and
Ontario, Canada cut off 300-400 miles.
- Please see the Adventure Cycling Association
website for more detailed section and map information for the "Northern Tier" route.
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About Ian MacLellan and his Ride Across America
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Links and other Useful Information
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