October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival

October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival
Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle

Minneapolis to Huntington Beach

Pedaling a bicycle to Huntington Beach, CA has been my dream for more than five years. On September 1, 2007 the journey will begin. This blog will document "people" and "places discovered" along the journey. Welcome to a different way of seeing America. Enjoy a virtual ride!
Pics from first day
More pictures from the morning take off! http://www.jonsmithers.com/dennis090107-cathy/
Some really fun pics here.... http://www.jonsmithers.com/dennis090107

*** If you would like to leave a comment for Dennis or read what others have written click on the word 'comments'. Do not click on the envelope icon. ***

Route Overview

Route Overview
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach

Itinerary

DAY #DATEMILESTOTAL MILES DESTINATION
1Sat 9/17171 Gaylord, MN
2Sun 9/255126 St James, MN
3Mon 9/357183 Spirit Lake, IA
4Tue 9/450233 Sheldon, IA
5Wed 9/558291 Sioux City, IA
6Thu 9/656347 Tekamah, NE
7Fri 9/739386 Elkhorn, NE
8Sat 9/867453 Milford, NE
9Sun 9/980533 Hastings, NE
10Mon 9/1055588 Holdrege, NE
11Tue 9/1173661 McCook, NE
12Wed 9/1276737 Haigler, NE
13Thu 9/1371808 Cope, CO
14Fri 9/1441849 Last Chance, CO
15Sat 9/1561910 Elizabeth, CO
16Sun 9/1634944 Columbine Valley, CO
17Mon 9/17631007 Colorado Springs, CO
18Tue 9/1801007 Colorado Springs, CO
19Wed 9/19701077 Pueblo, CO
20Thu 9/20751152 Walsenburg, CO
21Fri 9/21621214 San Luis, CO
22Sat 9/22601274 Taos, NM
23Sun 9/23481322 Santa Cruz, NM
24Mon 9/24311353 Santa Fe, NM
25Tue 9/2501353 Santa Fe, NM
26Wed 9/26671420 Tijeras, NM
27Thu 9/27681488 Contreras, NM
28Fri 9/28791567 Highways 52, NM
29Sati 9/29591626 Quemado, NM
30Sun 9/30751701 Vernon, AZ
31Mon 10/1741775 Forest Lakes, AZ
32Tue 10/2701845 Sunflower, AZ
33Wed 10/3451890 Scottsdale, AZ
34Thu 10/4261916 Sun City West, AZ
35Fri 10/5821998 Wenden, AZ
36Sat 10/6612059 Parker, AZ
37Sun 10/7592118 Desert Center, CA
38Mon 10/8902206 Desert Hot Spgs, CA
39Tue 10/9452251 Calimesa, CA
40Wed 10/10382289 Highland, CA
41Thu 10/11312320 Anaheim, CA
42Fri 10/12172337 Huntington Beach, CA
43Sat 10/1302337 Huntington Beach, CA
44Sun 10/1402337 Huntington Beach, CA
45Mon 10/15 Fly to Minneapolis, MN

Blog Archive

Do you think Dennis will make it to California?

An epic journey of more than 2000 miles. Untold encounters with the heart and soul of America. Surely this experince will change Dennis, but in what way? Cast your vote now.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Breakfast with Tom

Tom and I enjoyed a really nice evening in Lincoln.
It's cool this morning so bicycling should be comfortable.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi hon,
What cute guys you are. I sure wish I was there with you. I am so happy you two are able to spend this time together. You will never forget this adventure Den. I will miss you so much and miss our talks during the day. I will call when I can during my travels. Take care of yourself and know how much you are loved.

Cathy

Anonymous said...

Den,
So good to see your smiling face and happy you're having a phenomenal ride! Melissa & Mike

Anonymous said...

Love your story of meeting friend Tom - a true friend. I hope this adventure will turn into a book in the future. So many wonderful stories to develop.

Marcia W

Anonymous said...

Dennis,

Sounds like a great weekend, you were with good friends and I know that was special.

Keep up the good work - love the pictures keep them coming.

Katie

Anonymous said...

hi Dennis!!!
Just to let you know we all knew that Tom was going to do this!! I hope that makes you feel better!!! I just started school this week and my Language Arts teacher LOVES to bike, so I told him about your trip!! His name is Mr.Hahn (I don't know his first name I just call him Mr.Hahn!)and he might make comments to your blog. He seemed interested!! Anyway, Good Luck!!!! :)
Bridget

Anonymous said...

Hi Dennis,

Tom's unexpected appearance Sat. must have been a real shocker but what fun! What a terrific friend.

Since you didn't post late on Sunday we were a bit concerned--- that was a LONG ride. Happily, Cathy called to say you made it OK. I bet you were really ready for a good night's rest.

While Cathy is away please let us know you reached your destinatiion in the evening. Your know what a worrier your Mom is. Both she and I have toll free numbers if you're in an area where the cell phone doesn't work. Her number is 888-868-9387 and mine is 888-868-0223.

Looks like Monday and Tuesday in Holdrege and McCook will be chilly (60's) and rainy. I know you have rain gear, but what about snuggies? Ha,ha.

Love from Auntie AJ

Anonymous said...

Den,
Your blog entries are the highlite of my day. In one week, you have experienced more than most folks do in a lifetime. My hope for you is that the remainder of your trip will be as rewarding as the first week....I know it will be! I wish I could have been a mouse on the road when Tom appeared!!! What a hoot and VERY SPECIAL memory!! Take care of yourself.
Sharon