A Distant Welcome

My sister Evelyn had a very nice reception for me upon my arrival at her home in Edmonds, WA and in the midst of the celebration, I noticed these posters hanging on her deck. They were prepared by my sister Sharon in South Dakota so that the whole South Dakota gang could help celebrate a very special moment in my life. Sharon had a special party in my honor so these pictures could be taken and thanks to this group effort, I felt as though my whole family was there with me when I completed my adventure. Along with these great posters was a donation collected so that I might enjoy my stay in the Seattle area. Isn't my family great?!!

Incredible Adventure Completed

Week 14 of my bicycle trip proved to have the most incredible scenery I could imagine. The decent out of Washington Pass on Hwy. 20 was unbelievable but pictures and video just don't quite compare. I experienced mixed emotions as Larry and I rolled into my sisters place where they had a very nice reception for me with dinner, drinks and friends. It was a fantastic way to conclude an experience of a lifetime.





In all the excitement of the end of my adventure and a rush to get a "wrap up" type video posted, I forgot to post pictures from the last week of my trip. Now it is February 2nd 2010 and I'm finally getting around to posting these forgotten scenes. Riding through the Cascades was some of the most incredible scenery I have ever experienced. Many of the amazing visual moments from this week, and from the entire trip, were captured only by my eyes - I wish I could share them all. I hope you have enjoyed the few that I did capture with my cameras like these from the final week.

Washington Apples

Visiting my sister Evelyn who lives in the Seattle area was a really great excuse to ride across the USA from corner to corner. Evelyn is the oldest of 5 sisters and we are close in age so as children we always hung out together. Even though we moved as far apart as we could without leaving the continental United States, we have still remained very close through the years.

Evelyn and Jeff have had a very difficult past two years. Both parents on Jeff’s side recently passed after long battles with cancer. His mother passed a little over a year ago and his father passed just one day before I arrived. Jeff and Evelyn provided intensive care all the way through his Mother Pennie's illness and after she passed his father Jim, who was recently diagnosed himself moved in with them. During the last part of his illness he required intensive care that Evelyn and Jeff again provided without question, and Jim was truly grateful.

My family is fantastic and Evelyn and Jeff are just 2 more examples of “good apples” that just happened to fall a bit farther from the tree. Not so far that I couldn’t visit by bicycle though.

Twitter Updates - Month Three

For those not following on Twitter, here are the last month's updates. Read bottom-up to get proper sequence.


Hills, heat & heavy traffic as I rode the last 68 miles to my sister's place in Edmonds, WA. I MADE IT!!!!8:20 PM Jul 28th from txt

New video posted on blog bikedenbec.blogsspot.com9:01 PM Jul 27th from txt

Rode 44 mi to planned dest. Sedro-Woolley, WA which is over 50 mi North of my sisters house. Oops! LOL Nice hot weather. Camping.7:38 PM Jul 27th from txt

Thankful for perfect weather to cross my last big mtn pass and into the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Camping Marblemount, WA 80 m9:24 PM Jul 26th from txt

Weather cleared as I crossed 2nd of 4 Mtn passes then got up to 97 then threatening clouds but not much rain. Camping in Okanogan, WA 74 mi8:31 PM Jul 24th from txt

20 miles slowly up (3 hrs) to Sherman Pass then 20 miles down in 20 min - first of 4 big Mtns this week. Camping in Republic WA rain now.6:43 PM Jul 23rd from txt

Rebooted Odo & it is working again. Rode over small Mtn Pass & continued on for 77 mi with temps over 100. Camping Kettel Falls, WA8:59 PM Jul 22nd from txt

Odometer totally not working but maps show I rode 59 mi from Sandpoint, ID to Usk Washington (woo-hoo-hoo!). Nice warm (hot?) day & scenic.9:07 PM Jul 21st from txt

New videos posted on blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com1:12 PM Jul 20th from txt

Rode 25 mi to Sandpoint, ID & got to see Harry Potter movie. Staying with warmshowers host & taking a rest day tomorrow.9:46 PM Jul 19th from txt

I am in Pacific time zone now. Daily updates may be slightly later.9:02 PM Jul 18th from txt

Found I can sleep through party animals just not wild animals. Nice day nearly 100 deg. Rode 85 miles to Clark Fork, Idaho (woo-hoo!) campin9:00 PM Jul 18th from txt

After no sleep last night (bear activity) I stopped a bit early in Plains, MT 50mi. Camping free at fairgrounds w/shower & elec. :)6:38 PM Jul 17th from txt

Stopped @ Adventure Cycling in Missoula for pic & free icecream then rode on to Superior, MT in nice warm 90s. 72 miles camping9:00 PM Jul 16th from txt

Passed 4000 mi. on way to Missoula. MT. camping just south in Lolo as it is cheaper. Nice warm day. 54 mi. Harry Potter will have to wait.7:42 PM Jul 15th from txt

After rain delay yesterday, left Jackson Hot Springs, over pass & out of Big Hole Valley then on to warmer Darby, MT. Camping 75 mi.8:35 PM Jul 14th from txt

7/12 climbed over 2 mountain passes & into Jackson, MT camping $10 w/use of hot springs. New Timers Fest & free food!!! 51m - no cell srv.5:43 PM Jul 14th from txt

Strong storms and big wind continue from yesterday afternoon. Was planning a rest day in Missoula but decided to take it here in Jackson, MT6:38 PM Jul 13th from web

No cell srv. here in Jackson, MT - today's message will be delayed until I get into service area. Camping behind hot spring lodge free food!6:05 PM Jul 12th from web

Very nice day for planned short ride to Dillon, MT & camping. Meeting a lot of other bikers. Tomorrow up again with cell srv not likley. 28m3:53 PM Jul 11th from txt


New videos posted on blog - bikedenbec.blogspot.com10:26 AM Jul 11th from txt

Nice warmer day - climbed to over 7000 ft then down and continued to Twin Bridges, MT. Camping in free camp for bicyclists 56 miles7:09 PM Jul 10th from txt

Morning temps in 30s last 3 days & storms with hail I managed to avoid. Rode 74 miles to Cameron, Montanna (woo-hoo!). Camping8:50 PM Jul 9th from txt

7/8 expected to leave park today but bad weather didn't allow. 28 miles in strong gusty wind. Camping at Madison in Yellowstone. No cell srv12:41 PM Jul 9th from txt

A good climb to 8400 ft & a long day of dodging RVs but very scenic. Camping in Yellowstone at Canyon Village. 44miles8:03 PM Jul 7th from txt

Rode 50 m to east ent. of Yellowstone - 27 m uphil to next campground, camping not allowed (bears), staying in cabin out of budget see blog9:11 PM Jul 6th from web

Great weather for 59 miles of very desolate plains between Greybull & Cody, WY camping at nice campground in Cody.6:25 PM Jul 5th from txt

New weekly video posted on blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com10:31 AM Jul 5th from txt

Left the top of Big Horn Mtns. & 20 mi down in a much nicer day. Continued on to Greybull, WY where I'll enjoy the rest of the 4th. 46 mi.6:25 PM Jul 4th from txt

20 mi up & then 2 mi down in cold pouring rain & thunder before I stopped at a church camp that welcome me in - still raining - staying here6:45 PM Jul 3rd from web

Mix bag of weather today but not terrible. Rode 62 mi & camping at foot of Bighorn Mountains in Dayton, WY. Tomorrow . . . . Up6:59 PM Jul 2nd from txt

Sprinkles as I left the comfortable home of Doris & Buzz then good riding weather for 71 desolate miles to Clearmont, WY. Camping city park6:09 PM Jul 1st from txt

Maybe It's French

This week had more incredible scenery, new friends and a language lesson.

The Big Chill

Remember the story of the day I nearly fell victim to hypothermia crossing the Big Horn Mountains? If you recall, a total stranger named David pulled his van over and took pictures of me as I battled the elements – a scene I could never capture myself. He sent the pictures this week via email and I think they really tell the tale. Also pictured are his two daughters who were with him – the youngest of which had blue lips that day too. Hers were from eating a popsicle while mine were from turning into one.

A New Friend in Sandpoint

Let me introduce my Spokes to Paula Lund. I met Paula on Warmshowers.org, but I suspect if I hadn’t contacted her first, she would have chased me down and offered a place to stay as she does so many other bicycle tourists. I really enjoyed my stay with Paula and her pets (kids were at Yellowstone with Dad), she was a very gracious host and a fun person too. Who else would have me out on the side of a mountain way past sunset picking huckleberries for the first time in my life? Mother Nature shines on Paula’s yard with food of all kinds growing in her garden and orchard. I enjoyed picking raspberries and cherries and grazing on snow peas and other delights. Circumstances allowed me only hours notice before my arrival – yet I felt like I had known Paula for years. I suspect I will keep in touch with her long after my trip is completed and I’m sure Paula’s adventurous personality will bring her to my home in South Florida one day soon.

The Big Hole and the Great Divide

OK Spokes - get your mind out of the gutter, this is a family show. :)

I spent this week riding along the west edge of Montana. I left Dillon, MT and climbed into the "Big Hole" which is a circular flat valley high up and surrounded by mountains. The scenery was incredible but the weather was not perfect. I ended up spending an unplanned rest day in Jackson, Hot Springs which isn't a bad place to spend some time. Then, as I climbed back out of the Big Hole, I crossed the Continental Divide which means I should be half way there - right? And that it's all downhill now - right?? Well, false on both counts but not in a bad way. Here is this weeks review.



As I rode out of the Big Hole, I recorded 20 minutes of downhill that I am posting basically unedited. There is no music with it so it may not be terribly exciting, but it was fun and I hope you might enjoy riding with me. It is posted in 2 parts.

Despite a few periods of unpleasant weather including hail storms and some morning temps in the 30s (brrrrr!!!), western Wyoming and the first part of Montana turned out to be amazing. There was so much scenery I made two videos. The second one has a bit of Montana video and then the pictures of the week. It was amazing.

Here is video #1



Don't miss video #2


Bonus! another unedited video of a traumatic trip through a narrow tunnel I wasn't expecting outside Cody, WY. When I saw the tunnel approaching I quickly mounted the "Larry Cam" and I didn't do too good of a job. The camera is mostly showing the ceiling of the tunnel but I wanted to post it anyway for my my own memories. It may not be dramatic to you but I was shaking when I got out - there was no shoulder, it was dark - despite the lights - and I was worried one of those huge bus type campers was going to go through at the same time. It was also slightly uphill. I made it through and I was thankful.

An Expensive Night In a Beautiful Place

I left Cody, WY this morning hoping to make it well into Yellowstone Park but I ended up in several short storms - one of which had small hail enough to make the ground white. Around 5:30m I stopped at Pahaska Tepee resort, just outside the east entrance of Yellowstone for a bite to eat. I asked how far the first campground was inside the park and was informed it was 27 miles - uphill - against the wind - in questionable weather. So I asked how much it would cost to tent camp for the night and was informed it was not allowed by State Park rules because of grizzly bears. So I had little choice but to spend $127 for a cute little cabin (but without a TV). That is at least 6 nights worth of camping fees. Eeeek! On the bright side, it is a very scenic area and I even got to see a moose cow and 2 calves drinking by the stream. I'll post pictures in the weekly update. Several folks who also ended up here said all the motels in Yellowstone were booked and were over $400 a night - I guess I should count my blessings. But I do think tent camping is allowed in the park - I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

I Was High On The 4th of July

In the past 12 years, I've spent many July 4th holidays at work in a cold windowless box. This one was quite different.

More Random Acts of Kindness

I started my journey over the Big Horn Mountains today full of anticipation and curiosity if I could even do it. It was a (very) slow but steady 20 miles up into the shrouded mountain top and I was doing pretty well (I thought) even as the chill started to set in. Then came the rain. At first it wasn't too bad and I put on my rain gear and warm clothes and continued up the road. As I passed a van pulled over in the fog I noticed the driver leaning out taking pictures. He stopped me and said he was a biker as well and knew it would be hard to get a picture of myself climbing a mountain so he took down my email address and said he will send me some (I'll post them if he does). David was driving with his two young daughters and he invited me into the van to warm up for a bit - a welcome invitation I could not refuse. We had a nice chat for a while before I had to continue my assent, the peak of which he said wasn't far.

No sooner had I started the down side of the mountain when the real rain started along with some lightning and thunder - plus it was very cold. It wasn't long before I was soaked through and chilled to the bone. I didn't get but a couple miles down before I realized I needed to stop or I could be facing a dangerous situation. Just then I saw the sign for Camp Bethel. I rode in as a pickup truck followed me in - it was a gentleman who worked there (Mark Boyles) who said I could warm up in the dining hall. There I met the manager of the camp who also offered me a hot shower while I waited out the storm. I didn't realize how cold I actually was until I tried to determine the temperature of the shower and couldn't tell how warm it actually was. Feeling much better after the shower, I waited some more for the storm to pass while I fixed myself a sandwich from my soaked gear. But the storm didn't let up and I was offered to stay the night - another offer I couldn't refuse. I was also invited to join the small crew (the camp itself was not in session this week) for a birthday dinner for one of the employees. After a nice meal the manager and his wife & kids (Matt & Sheri Tremain, Braxton, & Savannah in the picture above) invited me for a drive to look for moose. We drove for quite a scenic while before we did see several moose and also deer, elk and antelope. They had binoculars so the view was fantastic.

I was offered to sleep anywhere - even an empty cabin (which were very cool) but I decided to stay in the dining room as all my gear was spread out to dry. I can assure you I will sleep much better here than I would have in a wet tent at 40 degrees. Oh, and even though there is no cell service in this area, they do have wi-fi!

I also wanted to thank Colleen at Rochport, SD who offered me a free place to camp next to her store last week when strong storms were predicted.

I am so thankful for all these fine folks for helping out a stranger on a bicycle in a time of need. I feel very blessed.

Twitter - Month Two

For those not following on Twitter, here is the last month's posts. You will need to read up from bottom for correct order.

Arrived at my sister Doris' in Gillette, WY (yeah!) & will take tomorrow as rest day. I'll be heading for the mountains on Wed. 34 miles.about 23 hours ago from txt
Week 9 videos are posted on blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com7:58 AM Jun 29th from txt
Much better weather as I rode into Wyoming (woo-hoo!). Camping in Moocroft, WY 65 miles5:48 PM Jun 28th from txt
Cold wind gusting to 35mph - had to peddle down hill & nearly blown off road. Very scenic tho. Staying with HS friend in Speafish, SD 45mi4:46 PM Jun 27th from txt
A beautiful leisurly 36 miles on the Mickleson Trail. Camping in Rochford, SD cell phone dead zone - not sure if this will go out.10:24 AM Jun 27th from txt
Camping in cell phone dead zone, Rochfort, SD - oddly have a wi-fi connection. Regular update should get sent when I get in a coverage area7:53 PM Jun 26th from web
A hot difficult but very scenic 39 mi in the Black Hills of SD. Keystone, Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse monument. Camping near Crazy Horse6:07 PM Jun 25th from txt
Nice warm day with somewhat favorable winds. Rode I-90 into Rapid City & staying at warmshowers.org host in very nice home & good food! 60m6:37 PM Jun 24th from txt
Hwy 44 to Rapid City was under const. So I took a leisurly scenic tour of Badlands then camping in Wall, SD. 32mi. Passed 3000 mi on bike!4:29 PM Jun 23rd from txt
Set short goal - strong headwinds made 50 mi an all day event but not too bad. Camping in beautiful Badlands Natl. Park. Worth the effort!5:31 PM Jun 22nd from txt
Brother inlaw Dan took me to Vivian SD for planned late start @ 2pm. 44 miles in great weather - camping in 1880 Town, SD Mountain time zone5:01 PM Jun 21st from txt
40 mi of 15mph tailwind zoom! Then 14mi of 20mph headwind grrr. Brother inlaw picked me up in Vivian, SD to Pierre with Mom until Sunday.5:15 PM Jun 18th from txt
Perfect riding till afternoon then dodged a few storms. Arrived in Winner, South Dakota & prolly stay at Motel to avoid weather.5:11 PM Jun 17th from txt
Nice warm sunny day! Cowboy trail was a bit soft from rain last night & slight head wind - chose pavement Camping in Stuart, NE 74 miles4:36 PM Jun 16th from txt
Gloomy day to start then some sun & good tail wind. Left pavement in Norfolk in favor of Cowboy Rail Trail. Camping Neligh, NE 85 miles5:22 PM Jun 15th from txt
I'm rolling again! Left early from sister's home near Lincoln. Good weather & roads got me 80 miles before 4pm. Camping in Columbus, NE $31:51 PM Jun 14th from txt
Week 5 Video is posted on my Blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com. Trip should resume on Thurs. 6/11 unless we stay in SD for Mom's Birthday on 6/1210:15 AM Jun 5th from txt
Arrived at my sister Karen's near Lincoln, NE (62m)& will go to reunion with her this weekend. Daily updates will resume on Sun or Mon.2:52 PM Jun 1st from web
Good tailwind pushed me into Nebraska & 74 miles before 5pm . Took a dip in the Tecumseh City pool & hopfully I'll find a place to camp here5:00 PM May 31st from web
Road finally flattened out this afternoon replaced by fairly strong prairie headwind. Legs said stop in White Cloud Kansas camping free 56 m6:37 PM May 30th from txt
Much better weather - constant ups & downs - not bad. Camp full but offer free spot not far & can shower. Weston MO. 83m Kansas over river5:57 PM May 29th from txt
Gloomy chilly day with hills & headwind. Next campground is too far so early stop @ Henrietta, MO 44 miles. Hopefully sun tomorrow.2:59 PM May 28th from txt
Back on normal roads. Daily flat, headwind & hills left me just short of goal. Good folks @ Blackburn MO let me camp in park free. 77 Mi5:25 PM May 27th from txt
Week 4 video & pics posted on blog bikedenbec.blogspot.com1:41 PM May 27th from txt

Two Great Hosts in the Black Hills

I met Fred and Sherry through the Warmshowers.org website. They are avid cyclists and have done many tours across the country. They were fantastic hosts with a great Mexican dinner, margaritas (yum!) a nice place to rest my head and route advice. They had already hosted two other groups of bicyclists that week but I was still treated like family. I really enjoyed meeting these two new friends! Of course they always have a place to rest in Ft. Lauderdale too!

It was great to see a high school friend of mine while passing through Spearfish, SD. Billie Jo, her husband Todd (already at work), son Jacksyn and daughter Janesa (out of town at EMT camp) gave me a great spaghetti dinner, laundry, shopping, a comfy bed (thanks Janesa!) and sent me off the next day with a big breakfast that got me well into Wyoming.

Cycling The Hills

I grew up in South Dakota and have visited the Black Hills several times before, but I've never seen South Dakota look so wonderful. Perhaps it's because they have finally had abundant rainfall this year - or maybe it is because I've never seen it before by bicycle. It was probably both. I took a lot of media this week so I broke down some of the video footage in one video and put the pictures in another one. What a fantastic week!

Good Apples

I mean no disrespect to the rest of my family by singling out these two - but I'd bet the rest of my family would agree that my sister Sharon and her husband Ron are "Salt of the Earth" type people.

I wanted to take a moment in my blog to recognize these two for all the things they do - not only for our family but for all those around them. Many times in past years, Ron has gone out of his way to drive hundreds of miles to pick me up after canceled flights or other issues. There is never a complaint or even a second thought - he just drops everything and helps. Sharon is the same way. My favorite part of a trip to South Dakota, besides seeing Mom, is staying at their home. If you look up the word "hospitality" in the dictionary - their picture should be there. You will always leave their beautifuf home well rested, well fed and properly "watered" (ie beer!).

If a family emergency presents itself, Ron and Sharon are there. When Mom fell and broke her leg last month and Medicare said she couldn't stay in recovery, nobody had to ask if she could stay with Ron and Sharon. They retrofitted their entire house to make it possible for Mom to get around in a wheel chair. And they see to it that she is well cared for and that the bills are correct and questions answered from the Doctor's office.

For me personally, not only do they let me stay with them, take me to the airport at the crack of dawn, provide fantastic meals, let me borrow their car when I need to drive to my home town, pay for things even when I protest, and now even support my bicycle adventure with a generous donation, they do all this without question and without expecting anything in return.

It is rare to find people of this caliber - and I am so happy and proud that they are my family.

A Closer Look at Larry

After nearly 3000 miles riding with Larry the Long Haul Trucker, I thought I might give a quick review of the bike for those who might be considering buying one for themselves. It might not be too exciting for some of my Spokes.

Also, thank you to my sister Evelyn who donated Larry's new shoes!

Crossing the Great Plains

I started week 8 back in Lincoln, NE on Sunday June 14th where I began my trek across the Great Plains of Nebraska and South Dakota. I had a new goal of getting back to South Dakota by Thursday so my sister Sharon and her husband could take a planned trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota while I would stay with Mom for the weekend. The winds and weather were favorable (except for a few storms at night) and I was able to make it to Vivian, SD (30 miles south of Ft. Pierre) where my brother in law Ron picked me up. On Wednesday I passed through Winner, SD and got to visit a high school friend Cara and we had a nice breakfast together. Last week while I was in Pierre, I also got to see another good friend Laurel from college. We spent a nice afternoon together catching up on former classmates.

I didn't take a whole lot of pictures and videos this week because ...... well.... it all looks a bit the same in the Great Plains. Still it is beautiful country and I enjoyed my ride.

Mom's Birthday

Thankfully, my sister Karen was able to get out of the shift she was scheduled for on Friday and we were able to stay in South Dakota for Mom's Birthday on June 12th. We had a party for her with all her children and other friends of the family. It was a nice day that concluded with a campfire in the fire pit. The next day Karen and I drove back to Lincoln, NE with her two daughters and I continued my trek across the Great Plains on Sunday.

Week 6 and 7 Are Family Time

I was very pleased to arrive in Lincoln, NE in time to catch a ride with my sister Karen to South Dakota for our family reunion. To say the weather up this way can be fickle would be an understatement, so I pushed myself to get there as soon as possible and arrived on the afternoon of Monday June 1st - just 2 days before she would have had to leave. This left me time to take Larry into the shop to get some badly needed new tires. They didn't have the ones I needed in stock and it would take a week to order them so our trip to South Dakota leaves just enough time to complete that task. The road trip in a motorized vehicle also gives me a chance to scope out some of the roads I'll be riding on when the trip resumes which will help me plan my route through this area much better. I've been following the Adventure Cycling Assoc. maps up to this time but I'm on my own through Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. I'm asking lots of questions from the locals and the good folks on the Adventure Cycling Forums.

I wasn't expecting too much from the reunion because our family on my Mother's side hasn't been together, outside too many funerals, for over 20 years. But the local cousins did an incredible job of organizing, preparing and putting on a fantastic day. We had around 150 people there with lots of good food and entertainment including a wonderful picture slide show with over 500 pictures from the past that ran throughout the day. Mom is from a family of 10 children and our extended family has grown a lot through the years. We took time for each family to update us on which sibling they belonged to and what they are doing in their lives. I'm usually taking lots of pictures during these type of events but since I saw many flash bulbs going off, I decided to just sit back and absorb all the information which I very much enjoyed. I'll collect pictures via Internet when I get back home. Mom has improved a lot but still can't put any weight on her leg so she was unable to attend the reunion, but thanks to the picture slide show that my cousin Dianne put on DVD for me, I was able to show her all the pictures when I got back to Pierre. She very much enjoyed seeing them! The reunion took place in Mobridge, SD by the way.

I had planned my bicycle adventure long before the reunion plans were made and was so happy that the timing worked out so that I could attend. I didn't think too many people in my family knew about my trip and so I was a little surprised to learn that a lot of them had been following my blog and twitter updates along the way. I have to admit that I was a little uncomfortable being such a topic of conversation at a large event, but at the same time I was so happy to have the love and support of such a great family. I even received a lot of generous donations that will help me very much as I continue my tour later this week. I want to say 2 very important "Thank You!" messages. One for everyone in my family who are supporting my trip with donations, prayers, and good wishes. And a second one for the local cousins who made such a wonderful day that I will remember forever. I truly do have a fantastic family!!

As I write this it is Monday, June 8th and I have been resting for a week and even gained a few lost pounds back. With a little luck my sister will be able to get out of work on Friday and we will be able to stay here in Pierre, SD for my Mother's Birthday on the 12th. Then we will drive back to Lincoln, NE on Saturday and Larry and I will begin our trek across the great plains on Sunday, June 14th. I'm thrilled to have had this time to spend with family and also to help give my sister Sharon and Ann (both Angels in my opinion) some time to rest from Mom's care, but I am ready and anxious to resume my trek across the USA. However, as I mentioned early in this post, the weather up this way can be fickle and if ever there was a week or two to not be riding - this was it! We have had gloomy rainy and cold and stormy weather since I arrived in the area. It would have been miserable if not impossible to ride this last week so it was a good time to visit and rest.