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.

Monday, September 24, 2007

Trip Photos





Highway Patrol officer directing removal of burned automobile



Beautiful Courthouse





Anna, who owns the Fort Garland, Motel



Inside the chapel at the Stations of the Cross Shrine



All kinds of wild animals wander the land


Steve, Mr. Mountain Biker (from Bend, OR)




The Beautiful Rio Grande River




Melinda, one of America's volunteers


Rico & Eva, with children (Evita jumping rope)


Another shot of the river


What could this mean?



Beautiful river vistas


Back to the 50's...



Fresh Apples from the orchard



Judy Velarde (Fruit Stand and Orchard Owner)



This will keep you pedaling.




Where I always want to be...








I suppose you do need a front tire




Jose (Station Owner) poses for a photo in Arroyo Seco, NM






















5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your pictures are fun. Good to see you stopped at Rico's Pilar Yacht Club. I only wish I had offered you breakfast here at the visitor center and talked more about the Bengals. I sensed you were wanting to get back on the road. Maybe our paths will cross again so I can try to outdo Rico's burrito. I told you those hills into Santa Fe would work the muscles. It appears our trip to Santa Fe was enjoyable. Now you know why we can't seem to leave the area. We love the SW. Thanks Dennis for taking time to share your story with me. I shall enjoy following your journey. Congratulations on doing something you have always dreamed of. That's why Ray and I quit our jobs and went for a new lifestyle...to live out our dream.

Anonymous said...

Den,
Your blog entry today along with the pictures are the best yet!!!!
Hope you are enjoying your stay with Chip and getting some much needed R&R.

Sharon

Dennis McCoy said...

Thanks for the feedback Melinda.
It was really nice talking to you and learning about your work.
Congratulations on being a great representative for our Parks System.

I will definitely have one of your Burritos on my next visit!

Hello to Ray, and keep on living your dream. It's awesome.

Dennis McCoy said...

Good Afternoon Sharon.

I really appreciate your words of encouragement. You are without a doubt a person of great inspiration.
PS: I forgot to mention that Terri, the lady who walked the AT, is a past president of her local Rotary Club. Just like you Sharon,
she is someone who gets things done.

Love,

Den

Anonymous said...

ok, so i just figured out how to send you comments.. silly me, i was emailing.. so let me tell you, george, that you are so-o-o in you element and you guys look like you are having a blast. chips yard is beautiful. do you suppose he could come here and duplicate that for the wedding? (i need you chip) i also am having fun.. working... paying the bills...cleaning house...yardwork...laundry...but thats ok.. you guys have fun and be carefull. watch your back dennis, george the prankster is with you. i'd look for a rock or two in your pannier(sp). love to you both. sheryl