Family and friends.....follow along with us as we make our way across the United States by bicycle. The six of us will depart the west coast on June 14, 2010....three friends by bike and three family members by car....in hopes of reaching the east coast in 8 weeks. The following journal will be updated often with stories, pictures, and videos of our journey. We hope you enjoy.

The TransAmerica Trail

The TransAmerica Trail
Our Route Across the United States

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Sunday, June 20 - Day 7 - 80 miles - 463.6 Total Miles

Today had it all. Except for sun. We had three great climbs above 5000 feet. Which means 3 great descents. We had 40 degree weather. We had rain. We had low traffic and good views. Another great day on the bike.

Today we went from John Day to Baker City, Oregon, on routes 26 and 7. We are staying with warmshowers hosts Mitch and C(K)athy in Baker City. We were planning on tenting in their back yard, but they have invited us inside for the night because of the cold and rain. We spent a while getting to know Mitch when we arrived. He is an avid cyclist and trains seeing eye dogs. They have 3 dogs in their home at the current time. They may be the most well behaved dogs I have ever seen in my life. We have managed to get lucky again with the nicest hosts you could imagine.

Kim and the kids did not have much to see today, so they played the support role all day. You would think that the kids would be bored to death...when, actually it was heaven to them. Warm van, tv, video games....what more could you ask for?

Bobby and Kyle dined on Chinese while the Dunn's scarfed down some American food at the local sports bar. Actually, Kyle also dined on American food, as he polished off the rest of Nathan's turkey, bacon melt. Kyle is like a bottom-less pit. He seems to eat the majority of the day and evening. It is amazing that he is as slender as he is.

We are heading to the Oregon border tomorrow. A new state is a great feeling on a trip like this. It actually shows that we are making progress. We will be staying near Hell's Canyon...where they say to expect tempatures near 100 degrees. I will believe that when I see it.

One week down and having a blast. Take care.

Bobby was a little upset that he was so close to 1 mile, so he decided to climb the last 3 feet himself.

4 comments:

  1. Kim and Steve,

    Sounds like you guys are covering some ground! It's really interesting to see the photos and videos and hear how you are just living day to day!

    Kim: we all love your cakes and you better not become a professional cross country bike trip planner! That would bum all of us Beautifully Dunn fanatics out!!

    Also, I did the Milton Triathlon again this year...but I borrowed a bike and my first pedal snapped the chain! After a 30 minute delay (where this random spectator noticed the trouble and "happened" to have a chain tool in his truck and knew how to use it, thank you Lord for that angel!) it was fixed and I was able to bike! Not a great time of course, but I am just in it to enjoy the experience!

    Ah, well, you guys are such an inspiration to us amateurs! Keep it up!!

    Hugs from Jen

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  2. Sounds like you are off to a good start. I am getting ready to buy a new bike from a bike shop in Boulder Colorado. Didn't know if one of you could test ride it for me on your way through before they ship it to Troy.

    Depending on when you are going to be in the Kentucky area I would be willing to drive down and be your domestic and do a little pulling for a day or two.

    Let me know and stay safe!

    Jeff Schultz

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  3. Hello to the biker gang! We are hoping that you are getting messages from friends and family. It sounds like you are enjoying your adventure so far, and we have to tell you, we are enjoying following along! Stay safe and ride on!! Miss you all! Doug & Sheri

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  4. Jeff,

    We would be glad to have a domestique in Kentucky. We have heard the dogs love to chase riders through that state. We could set you out ahead of us and tie a T-Bone around your neck. That would kind of take the pressure off of us.

    Good luck with the bike purchase. You will love it.

    Thanks for reading.

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