The Earth-Cycle Connection

So, I do realize this has been a long time coming, but as it goes in the life of a traveling cyclist there tends to be a myriad of ups and downs. I am not one for excuses, so in all honesty I have had plenty of opportunities to write, yet the passion behind the writing was somewhat lacking, so I would start posts and then never finish them. It is was frustrating for me, especially because I felt like I had/have so much to write about all the time. I know I write this every time I start a new post, but I really can't help it, because when you're on the road, so much can happen to you in such a tiny space of time that it truly feels like a lifetime ago I left Victoria, B.C. I have since traveled the great back roads of western Washington, met an incredibly inspiring outdoor education teacher from Portland, and have spent quite a few nights camping, and staying with absolutely sensational human beings! My trek from Port Angeles to Bainbridge Island and then over to Seattle was...

I never thought I'd end up staying on Vancouver Island for an entire month, but there is no stopping the clock and Dec. 1st arrives tomorrow, along with the incessant serenading of x-mas music and decor. That is not to say I don't enjoy this time of year, but I believe that bad Christmas music on repeat is enough to drive anyone insane in the membrane! As for updates I am currently staying with a close and amazing friend in Victoria after traveling from Campbell River. It was my intention to take 'er easy with my knee still bothering me, but I forgot just how hard it can be to stop once you are in the groove of riding. I probably did my knee a huge dis-service because I ended up going almost 100 km. the following day. CRAZY! I rolled into a small town on the Oceanview Hwy. called Bowser and stopped to pee and fill up water in a gas station. When I finally stepped outside, lo and behold it was dark! There I was, no idea where I was going to stay/camp because I hadn't a...

Already it is November 16th and I thought I would be somewhere in Oregon at this time! It's funny how I had this idea that I understood the concept of time in terms of how each of us fills our days, but I think I have lost the ability to work with the clock. I sometimes feel as though a day on a bike can feel like many days, or vice versa. It is hard to believe that I spent just a little over two weeks in and around Port McNeill. I've met quite a few people that have asked me, "Port McNeill? Why?" and I've come to realize that location, even though I do love the sun, is not what makes or breaks a place, but rather the people and how they view where they live. You can take the uglisest most run down place, and still find the magic in it, if you take the time to look and get to know it. I had the pleasure of staying with an amazing, charasmatic and passionate individual and we wasted no time in enjoying and indulging in all of life's greatest pleasures. We a...

There is something to be said when life seems to have a plan of its own and you are no longer a slave to time and the mere days of the week. My time on the road has rid me of these shackles and I have since found myself flying with the wind and feeling as though no matter what I choose, ultimately the universe will drive me in the direction that it chooses. As a result of my vulnerability and willingness to go where the wind bloweth, I have neglected to update you on my recent, most epic adventures. I left Whitehorse feeling refreshed and renewed and ready to embrace the next leg of my journey. I was facing a difficult choice of whether to ride the Cassiar road or take the Ferry from Skagway, Alaska all the way down the inside passage to the tip of Vancouver island. At that moment I knew in my heart of hearts that it was absolutely absurd to try riding the very remote Hwy. at this time of year on my own and so I made the decision to experiment with another form of transportation and ...

As I write this, it feels like a lifetime ago I departed Valdez. Since, you will all be pleased to know that I have tackled many-a-hill and withstood cold, cold nights in my tent. As for the weather I could not have asked for sunnier skies during the day. It has been non-stop gorgeous all the way. Where to begin, because really, this is the very first official post that follows my adventures a-la bicyclette. I was sad to see Valdez fade into the distance but so excited to finally take off and make the road my new home for a while. The first few days if you can imagine, were somewhat painful and exhausting but none the less fulfilling. I loved how I was greeted on my first day with a 10 mile climb at a 7% gradient through Thompson Pass. It was incredibly beautiful but definitely slow going. The upside to starting my journey off with that kind of BANG helped put all the other hills I encountered after that into perspective....mole hills....Ha, bring it on! From the moment I left Valdez...

The day it officially began! Nothing but blue-bird skies and sunshine!   Mineral Creek Rehearsal for an important gig!                  Checkin' out icebergs at the Valdez Glacier Lake Serenading the sailors in Port Valdez Dwarfed by an iceberg at the Valdez Glacier Lake Inside an ice cave at the Valdez Glacier Lake

"It's 50 degrees and raining...Welcome to Valdez." Alaska is a place like no where I've ever been before. You can taste the sweetness in the air and feel the magic of the mountains even from far away. From the moment I set foot on the plane I have had privilege of meeting one incredible person after another. I spent the entire flight talking with a stranger about the plight of our planet and the courageous spirits who fight every day for a better life and healthier planet for their children. I was so blown away by this gentleman's kind heart and spirit and his willingness to share his wisdom with another. He was a retiree from the army and I could tell he had seen some of the worst in war. I asked him if he had any advice for a traveler like myself and he said, "it's all about perspective. " I thought long and hard about what he said and it made so much sense. We travel, experience other cultures of the world and because of that, we are unable to ret...

Tomorrow is officially the beginning of journey into the unknown. There are so many things invading my cranium at the moment, trying to focus on one thing seems like an impossible, onerous task. I have never attempted something so huge in my entire life. Pre-trip jitters are something I am slowly growing accustomed to, since they started a good three weeks ago. I suppose now would be a good time to describe exactly what I have set out to do for the next five months. All my life I've felt this drive to engage in things that shake the very core of my humanity, things that make me come alive and as such, I constantly seek ways in which I can move my body. What better avenue to explore these feelings than through ADVENTURE?! That is why I have chosen to do a cycling adventure starting from Anchorage, Alaska down to San Diego, California/Mexican border. This is quite the feat for me considering I have never done any cycle touring in my life, but I've decided this trip is not abo...