Stage 6 - Sunwapta Falls to Lake Louise - May 30

MAJESTIC BEAUTY ...
The ride through the Canadian Rockies is nonstop majestic beauty. The Rockies are impressive in their scale and grandeur. The forests, the river, the plains, the snow ... all serve to highlight the Rockies magnificence. It is a day full of eye popping beauty.













To wrap up ... "A picture is worth a thousand words" and these pictures tell it all.

Ciao for now!

Stage 5 - Jasper to Sunwapta Falls - May 29

CHOA ...

Over $6,000 has been donated so far to Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta. Thanks to everyone who contributed. It is a wonderful organization. Please encourage others to join in!

GODS OF RANDOM MISADVENTURE ...

Today's interesting day had its start yesterday. Our route north to Canada was closed halfway to the border when a section of road was washed out. We redid about 25 miles of our trip, adding another hour or more to our already long ten hour drive to Alberta. We arrived in Jasper around 2:00 a.m.

Our late arrival complicated today's breakfast plans, our laundry plans (yes, we do laundry!!!) and most importantly, our (especially MY) sleep plans! The morning alarm rang way too soon and I was somewhat discombobulated. I missed breakfast, missed the start of laundry, and generally walked around acting confused until I got into the day’s rhythm. It was not a pretty sight.

The gods of random misadventure struck again when we started cycling. Vik's bike had gear issues which necessitated a visit to a local bike shop which promptly made everything worse and then gave up. A second local bike shop fixed the problem but the snafu delayed Vik and David further.

Jonah and I left to get a head start anticipating (knowing!!!) they would soon catch up. They didn't because we missed an "optional mountain summit" side route which they took. Why? Discombobulated me loaded YESTERDAY's route (which explained why Garmin declared I was "off course" all day). How rude!

The gods of random misadventure were not done. After a couple hours riding, Jonah's chain jumped his main gear and destroyed his granny gear. Back to Jasper went Jonah and Peter while I continued on alone. I struggled a bit with random pains which of course required lots of contemplating. Finally, I realized I had to tune out the negativity and adopted the mantra, which I thought over and over: "nothing hurts; everything feels just like it is supposed to". As odd as it may sound, the pain diminished or at least I stopped paying as much attention to it.

The rest of the ride was uneventful if you consider the opportunity to gaze at incredible majestic scenery 'uneventful'. I arrived at the Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge late afternoon / early evening and thoroughly enjoyed doing nothing on a beautiful day waiting on my fellow Norsemen to join me.

Life is good. Gods of Random Misadventure ... sometimes they deliver the unexpected "Wow" and sometimes they just mess things up. You take what comes and keep on pedaling.

Stage 4 - Marblemont to Alberta - May 28th

The majority of Tuesday was spent in the van driving to Jasper, Canada.

A THANK YOU NOTE ...

While it is understandable to see my cycling achievements as something I did, the reality is I am the beneficiary of the work of others. I want to use this blog to thank them.

I was unprepared physically when I signed on to The Norseman’s Passage. My cycling experiences the spring and summer of 2018 were rewarding but, at times, painful. I accomplished things biking I had long dreamed of doing. I made mistakes that showed I had much to learn.

The Norseman’s Passage challenged me “two to three steps beyond what is reasonable”. Saying ‘yes’ typified my approach to driving change: make the commitment in concrete terms before you are ready (e.g. agree in October to ride across America without knowing you can). Use that deadline as catalyst for whatever is required to meet it. Believe in yourself that you will succeed. Act.

Michelle - an incredible massage therapist at Alpharetta’s Lifetime Fitness. No matter what I pulled, twisted, or strained, Michelle fixed it. I’m no longer a spring chicken. Michelle kept me going time and again beginning last August. She also introduced me to ...

Eddison - personal trainer extraordinaire at Alpharetta’s Lifetime Fitness. We started working out 3-5 times a week last October. Eddison was my boss in the gym. He pushed and challenged me far beyond what I could have done on my own.

Noah - cycling coach with Carmichael Training Systems (CTS). Working with Eddison got my total body ready. Working with Noah beginning in February was an education in High Intensity Training (HIT), power meters, heart rate, cadence, and so much more. Under Noah’s tutelage, I became a dramatically stronger cyclist. I also got much smarter about hydration and nutrition.

Michelle, Eddison, and Noah: thank you for your guidance and support. The work we did the last seven months put me in position to enjoy The Norseman’s Passage.



There are others to thank as well:

Kim - my workout buddy. Whenever I wanted to take a day off, I remembered you expected to see me. I enjoyed all our conversations and workout experiences.

Roswell Bikes (the whole crew) - anytime I needed anything, the team helped. Guidance, advice, the right fit, the right product ... they gave willingly of their time and expertise.

Nick, David & Ted - three friends who inspired me with their love of cycling and welcomed me as a cycling buddy. They are each maestros of biking in their own unique way.

Shawn / Fresh Bike - I walked into your store seven years ago knowing nothing. You helped me select the right bike. Your positive encouragement and guidance made sure I kept the fun in cycling. Principles you taught me over the years guide me still.

Joe - my cycling sensei. Living next door I got to observe and learn the right approach to cycling in general and maintaining my bike in particular. I got to hang with someone who loves cycling as much as I do. Thanks for answering my million questions with such patience.

My mom - she passed away in 2005. I stopped exercising. I gained 35 pounds. I needed something to turn the corner and restart taking care of myself. Which led me to draw on my love of professional cycling thanks to ...

Lance - like millions of others, I was introduced to professional cycling by the success of Lance Armstrong. My love of the sport traces back to him. I know he is a controversial figure. Nevertheless, the seeds of my participation in The Norseman’s Passage were planted watching him ride.

Terri - I am nothing without her love and support. She is my everything.

There are so many others who helped me along the way. The risk of thanking anyone by name potentially upsets someone inadvertently missed. I apologize in advance. The truth of my life is I have been the beneficiary of the help and love of many people and have truly accomplished little just by myself.

Stage 3 - Port Townsend to Marblemont - May 27th

Happy Memorial day! Thanks to all those who are or have been in service protecting our country and ourselves.

Please consider making a donation to Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta (CHOA) for all the fine work they do helping children with their healthcare needs. They do a great job! The donate button is on our main blog page (https://norsemanspassage.blogspot.com).

Ramblings from today:

(1). I am struck by the diversity of our people. In visits to several national parks the past days, we see an abundance of Americans from different backgrounds and ethnicities from all over the world. I cannot help but be impressed once again that diversity is one of our great strengths as a nation. Somewhere along the way the notion of the "melting pot" - the creation of one national culture that is uniquely ours formed from the best of many different cultures - has become old-fashioned.

(2). Today was wonderful again. Incredible weather all day. A ferry ride to begin. A nice ride around an island. Visiting a National Park. Enjoying Mexican food at a roadside Taco Truck. Riding the third quarter of the day with Vik bicycling at a fast pace, led first by me and then by Vik. Cutting back to a more normal pace as my feet tired and overall soreness slowed me down (yet I maintained that normal pace and ended the day feeling good).

(3). I will try and post some pictures tomorrow; Blogger is not cooperating.

PS: It was another day I avoided looking at mileage and nevertheless set 'personal bests' as I did stage one and stage two. Today's was riding over 90 miles. After yesterday's 5,000+ feet climbed, it was amazing to see 'elevations' ranging from 3 feet above sea level to 170 feet above sea level. Quite the contrast from Sunday. I knew I was very close to completing my first century (100 miles ridden). I didn't care; my goal was completing the day's ride in a good spirit and physically well.

PPS: I know there is a problem with people trying to leave comments and nothing being shown. I'm trying to figure out what's wrong. THANKS!

Stage Two - Lake Crescent to Port Townsend - May 26th

Sunday was another incredible day. I am realizing that "awesomeness" comes equally from those planned events that come off like a charm and the random occurrences that disrupt and reshape what we do. Today was a great example as you shall see.

We left the hotel late this morning after a hit and miss start as we work out our morning routines as a new group.

Here are some of my highlights:

(1). OUR FIRST MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ...

Understand: this mountain ride had nothing to do with Maine and everything to do with having fun (another acknowledgement of David's vision for our trip). Why "nothing"? We would ride up the mountain. We would turn around and ride down the mountain. And we would use the exact same route. Once completed, we would be no closer to Maine than when we started. None of which detracted from the outstanding experience.

Hurricane Ridge is the name of the mountain we summitted. The trip to the top was 18 miles long, which, when you are on a bicycle, is loooong!!! And those 18 miles included NO FLAT sections. None! I mean really, WHO designs such a road??? And the climb itself: a mile! 5,200 feet climbed!!! HOLY CRAP!

Reaching the summit was a tremendous personal experience. I have dreamed of making such a climb since I started watching professional cycling on TV. I have always wanted to ride up a mountain with the duration and severity similar to that I have observed. And today: I did it. At times, I took a break by the road. A couple times, I felt like walking so I walked. And one time, for about a mile, I hitched a ride with the support van. (I am in this for all 41 days and my mission is to ride every day as much as I can without overdoing it any one day).

I would not have reached the summit if not for all the physical training I started last October AND, most importantly, the mental approach I evolved the last four months. I did not focus on miles. I did not focus on feet climbed. I focused on what was happening in the present. I looked around. I stopped and took the occasional picture. I did everything to stay in the moment; and when I started to fret about miles or feet, I caught myself and changed the subject.


PS: You can imagine the ride downhill. 18 miles, average 8% gradient, little to no pedaling required! Nevertheless, I kept my promise to my wife: namely, I promised I would bicycle downhill with an eye towards safety (and not doing stupid things). I behaved myself. That doesn't mean I was slow; it means I was duly cautious when necessary and moderated my speed appropriately. I didn't say I would be slow; I said I would be safe.

(2). ABOUT UNPLANNED EVENTS ...

After 75 miles riding and the day waning, we ended up in Dungeness Spits. We were way behind schedule, about 7.0 hours late. Our timing was perfect: the sun was beginning to set. For the next hour, we enjoyed watching a gorgeous, spectacular sunset. It was a wonderful end to an incredible day of cycling.




(3). RANDOMNESS ...

My family spent summers in Goose Rocks Beach for decades (five generations!). It is a quiet, out of the way place in Maine with almost zero commercial development. One of the most iconic spots is The Tides Inn. So guess what? Tonight we are staying in Port Townsend at their The Tides Inn. There seems to be something poetic about staying in a hotel on the west coast with the same name as one in Maine, our ultimate destination (Maine, not GRB).

One other curiosity: parts of "An Officer and a Gentleman" were filmed here. The hotel room used in filming has its own plaque and explanation. It also is available to use for two times the rent of the other rooms. Suffice it to say, we resisted.

(4). MILES AND MOUNTAINS ...

I use a Garmin bike computer when I ride. I just started this winter as part of my training regimen. The computer, a tiny thing that sits on my bike's handlebar, informs me of various vital statistics (heart rate, cadence, power generated, duration of ride, speed, ...). The screens are customizable. For this ride, I am using a screen that does not display miles. I have to make an extra effort to find out how many miles I have ridden. And between the time my brain says "How many miles?" and I go to swipe the bike computer screen to find out, I remember: do not care about miles! The little extra second of hesitation works! I do not change screens; I do not look at miles.

It is way late. We are up early tomorrow. I will sign off. I hope you are enjoying my blog. I'm enjoying sharing.

Stage One and Random observations ...

(1).

We completed Stage One of our Norseman's Passage. We started in Cape Flattery, Washington and rode to Lake Crescent Lodge in Port Angelos, Washington. The weather was, I imagine, typical Pacific Northwest weather: raining, cold and blustery. All of which I welcomed; I was happy to have a bad weather day right off so at least I won't have to wonder how I will endure. Now I know ... and I did just fine!

Throughout the day, I worked on living in the moment. I tried to ignore miles ridden or waiting to be ridden. I focused on looking at the beauty surrounding me, and believe me, the Pacific Northwest Peninsula is stunningly beautiful, and enjoying what was happening in the present. Today was one of my best cycling days. The day ended taking the looong way around Lake Crescent to the Lodge. This necessitated traversing paths barely fit for hikers much less road bikers. It was SO nuts and a blast! The fastest way to the Lodge meant continuing forward regardless of unfriendly terrain.

PS: After the ride, I was happy to look at "miles and mountains". I set personal bests in miles bicycled (84) and feet climbed (4,400). And physically I felt good at the end of the ride.

(2). Wifi access is scant to absent so far for most of our trip in the portions of the Pacific Northwest Peninsula we have visited so far. It makes me realize how much I take internet access for granted. I expect to be able to connect with friends and family almost whenever I want. If I wanted a poignant example of the problem facing many Americans without internet access, this is it.

(3).

Friday night we had dinner at The Hungry Bear Cafe in Beaver, Washington, which is just outside Forks, Washington. Great local place to eat. Good food. Huge portions. Friendly service.

Dollar bills embellished with notes and drawings from previous customers covered many of the walls like wallpaper. I love finding these unique places with their unusual traditions. Of course, we left a dollar bill memorializing The Norseman's Passage.

Norseman’s Passage takes me way outside my comfort zone.

I have never ridden 100+ miles at one time (a “Century”). Norseman’s 39 days of riding includes 21 days with more than 100 miles cycling.

The most I have ridden previously is 83 miles. I have cycled 60+ miles 5 times. Norseman’s route averages 80 miles a day.

My best climbing day was around 3,500 feet. On Norseman’s Passage, climbing less than 4,000 feet will be a flat day on our journey to Maine.

Negative thoughts were plentiful. Will I ride fast enough? Can I survive the mountains? Will I hold everyone else back? Can I endure physically? While valid concerns, I realized it was the way I was looking at Norseman’s Passage that was the problem.

Perspective or how we look at something, the mental construct through which we interpret what’s happening, sets the stage for how we feel. Challenges are opportunities viewed through the right lens. Hurdles are debilitating saboteurs given the wrong point of view.

What did I learn? What is the best way for me to view Norseman’s Passage?

I want to live in the moment. The destination is not the objective but rather the end product of a fun day. Miles and mountains matter less than enjoying days being a kid again riding around on his bicycle.

I want to focus on the journey. Enjoy the day of cycling. See America. Search out different localities’ idiosyncrasies and unique traditions. Have fun with my companions and the people we meet.

In today’s fast-paced hustle bustle world, who gets six weeks to go play and have fun?

I realize hard days are ahead. There will be times I question why I am doing this; what was I thinking? The objective isn’t perfection. The goal is maintaining my perspective, applying what I’ve learned, and having fun as many moments as I can.

It is Thursday evening. Norseman have gathered at the Atlanta airport: cyclists David, Vic, Jonah and myself and driver Peter. Well, David says he and Jonah are here but we’ve yet to see them. A last minute hair-coloring ritual delayed them.

Reality: our adventure has begun. I feel the excitement and eagerness to be on my bike exploring the back roads of America with my fellow Norsemen. Thursday: pick up bikes; drive to coast. Friday: say hello/goodbye to the Pacific Ocean and begin riding. I cannot wait!!!

Housekeeping: we tweaked some things re the Blog today. You should be able to subscribe to my blog and receive notifications via email when something has posted. You can leave comments without having a Google account. Have fun! Enjoy! Behave!

PS: The love of my life dropped us off at the airport. 41 days (or 30 if we connect in NY) is a long time and I already miss Terri. She is excited for me and completely supportive, which makes all this possible.

Ciao for now!

Dreams are beautiful things ... getting the chance to live one is truly special.

David Bergman aka Soaring Hawk is our leader. He has done an incredible job getting everything mapped out, scheduled, all details thought of and accounted for, and generating publicity for Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta (CHOA). Any and all donations welcomed! David is truly amazing.  I was lucky to meet David, learn of his 2019 trip, and be welcomed to come along. Thank you, David, for your generosity! I hope you know how thankful I am.

Now about Dreams... 

At their best, Dreams are wonderful warm things to hold and from which to draw comfort. We see ourselves at our best accomplishing amazing things. Dreams are fantastic.

Actually pursuing a Dream in my experience requires being ok with being scared, accepting the chance that you will fail, and still getting out of your comfort zone and pursuing one. Going after a Dream is exhilarating and good for the soul even if scary at times.

I love cycling. Watching it. Reading about it. Talking about it. Doing it. I enjoy getting on a bike going distant places exploring and seeing whatever is out there. And not feeling my age.

Last summer I rode in two Gran Fondos in North Carolina to live my Dream of riding a bicycle across a mountaintop or two.  I succeeded both times in different ways. I ran out of gas the first ride, ultimately topping two mountains but after many breaks and walking significant distances. I hurt. I learned. The second ride I cycled up two mountains without having to stop. Slow and steady I rode and persevered.  It was a wonderful ride in beautiful countryside. I was very happy and very proud.

Another Dream is riding my bicycle for a ridiculously long sustained period of time and distance, aka riding 41 days traversing the continental United States. I have read about cross country rides and seen movies about long distance cycling. I always imagined myself on such a journey but never really fathomed the 'how'. This summer because of David's generosity, I will be one of the four Norseman riding from the west coast of Washington to the east coast of Maine.

I will enjoy sharing my experiences on this page with my family, my friends, and others who find it interesting. I have no idea how this will go; I have never done a blog before. So we'll see together.

By for now,

Breezer (aka Bruce)