Bike Lane in Scottsdale

I'm winding my way to Peoria.
George & Sheryl, thanks again for your hospitality.

Tony, Mike, & George

Part of the construction crew.
Everyone else is out working on jobs.
It was nice meting you Mike & Tony.
Watch out for those dumpsters...George may be hiding.

Arizona Cactus

It's everywhere.

Literally, All Bikes

Whatever kind of bike or motorcycle you want can be found here in Rye, AZ.

Sheryl and George

Romance is alive in Scottsdale.
You won't find two better people than Sheryl and George.

Flying downhill on a bicycle

Sunnyside Up in Scottsdale

Greetings to all on this fine Thursday morning.

This is coming to you live from George and Sheryl's spectacular home in Scottsdale.

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." Miriam Beard

I believe Miriam had the right idea about traveling. What I have experienced on this journey goes far beyond beauty and memory inspiring personalities. For certain, perfect natural beauty has left an indelible mark in my mind, only to be eclipsed by the beauty of the people along the way. It's really difficult to paint a clear picture of how this trip has changed my life, but rest assured, I am forever changed. What was so clear before seems cloudy and murky, and what was abstract seems totally real to me. That's how I have matured on this trip and grown keenly aware of those things that truly matter in life.

Looking back at Tuesday & Wednesday

George and I enjoyed two grand days of riding with really superb weather and lots of interesting vistas. Other than annoying flat tires (although at times they can be quite humorous), we shared a great ride down the tree topped mountains and into the more familiar Arizona desert.

Yesterday, riding conditions were so perfect and downhills so prevalent that by the end of the day my odometer registered 98.5 miles. George and Sheryl asked if I would like to ride around the neighborhood to achieve a "Bicycling Century". I thought about it for five seconds, and said no thanks, I think the riding day is over. (Note: I have completed only one "Bicycling Century" in my life and that was during the Ride Across Iowa in 1998.) RAGBRAI

Everyday George and I met interesting people. Whether it was a convenience store or a restaurant people would smile, say hello, and inquire about our ride. It was especially nice meeting Charlie, one of George's old bicycling buddies. They first met in 1977 and shared lots of great riding experiences. Both of these gentlemen have enjoyed bicycling for so long.

Did I tell you that in the past thirty years George has pedaled more than 100,000 miles?
That's an incredible accomplishment that tells volumes about George the rider, and more importantly, about George the person. Riding with George for eight days has made me not only a better rider, but also a better human being. As George's sister, Nina, noted in her comments, George is the definition of "Happy and Fun". He is a co-owner of a well respected Residential Remodeling Enterprise and knows only one way to do things..."The Right Way".

Think about riding a bicycle for 100,000 miles. That's a lot of time on the saddle and also a lot of time spent with others on the road. I equate my time riding with George as the same as playing golf with someone of superior talent. You start to take a more serious approach to riding, and you learn from observation and the riding suggestions provided. George, thanks for helping to make me a better bicyclist! I appreciate all of the tips you have given and promise to work harder at my pedaling (especially on those challenging uphills).

Reflecting on Tuesday evening spent in a mountain cabin, it brought back memories of one of our motorcycle trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Tom, Bill, and Ben, do you remember when we stayed in Mitch's cabin by Lake Superior, and left all of our swimsuits hanging on the clothesline? Ironically, we never knew what happened to our missing swimsuits until we received our photos. There they were, all hanging neatly on the clothesline!

If you are looking for a great Arizona cabin experience, check out Creekside Steakhouse & Cabins in Christopher Creek, AZ. (Special birthday wishes to Don, from Iowa, who works at the restaurant. It was nice visiting with you.) Also, happy birthday to my dear friend Tom C. who celebrated his big day yesterday. Can you believe it has been twenty-one years since we achieved 1000 miles on a motorcycle in less than 24 hours? It's cool being a member of the 1000 mile club.

Yesterday, as we continued our descent we stopped at an amazingly unique bicycle and motorcycle business. This particular establishment in Rye, AZ is called "All Bikes". Guess what, they have thousands of old bikes, motorcycles, and every imaginable type of wheeled antiques. I will post a photo because you have to see this to believe it. Keep up the great work Ron Adler and Teresa. Whatever bicycle or motorcycle you can name, they have one in stock. I didn't realize there were so many Honda Dream's in the world. I also saw a Honda CT-90 Trail Bike.
My high school buddy, Mike Cappa had one, and I remember once falling off the tiny rear pillion as he attempted a wheelie. Don't worry Mom, I wasn't hurt.

You can imagine that many of Arizona's mountains have super steep climbs. As George suggested, just go up two or three or four gears, and while standing on the bicycle, pedal your way to the top. Believe me this technique is easier said than done. You should see George doing this, it's impressive beyond description.

Special thanks to the attractive red-haired young lady (AZ plate 771-VBL) who bothered to stop and ask me if I would like a lift to the top of the mountain. I declined her offer, but sure thought about it a lot as I pedaled uphill for another six miles.

About thirteen miles from George and Sheryl's place we stopped for a late lunch. Although it was about 4:30 pm and close to dinner, we just had to stop for bicycling fuel. Then, as George was pumping his front tire, the valve suddenly exploded and his riding day was over. He had exhausted his supply of spare tubes. So, using his directions I continued to pedal, while he phoned Sheryl for a ride home. Unceremoniously, our riding together ended. Sheryl honked and waved at me a few miles down the road, and after retrieving George, they passed me again.
About an hour later I arrived at their home on a private Cul-de-Sac. This is a really beautiful home with creative decorating, great landscaping, and a "swimming pool". Wow!
They both made me feel so welcome, and following a much needed shower I was able to hug Sheryl. It was a relaxing and fun time with George and Sheryl. You would all enjoy meeting Sheryl. She is a beautiful lady with an open and giving heart. Thanks Sheryl, for making me feel so comfortable in your home. And, also thanks for that terrific steak and salad dinner.
I wish you great happiness in life. (and no outdoor camping) By the way Sheryl rode RAGBRAI in 1985. That's awesome.

So, here it is Thursday morning about 10:00 am, and I am in a vacation paradise. Sheryl is at work (same Dental Office for thirty years), and George is checking out another construction project.

While here in Scottsdale, I am going to buy two new tires since my back tire has a significant size hole in the rubber with just the inside of the tire showing. With 1890 miles on the odometer these tires have served me well. (Note: solutions are available for dealing with those goat heads. Tire liners and/or jell materials are sold for this purpose. Problem is both of these remedies add weight to the wheel. Those of you who are physics majors, understand that adding weight to a rolling wheel mass slows you significantly. So, I will just try to avoid all these thorny intruders. Right!

Later this afternoon I plan to meet my brother, Dan.
It's about a 20 mile ride from here to his hotel.
He and several friends will have completed a "Rim to Rim" hike in the Grand Canyon.
I'm sure he will have a lot to say about his hiking adventure! This evening will be a nice opportunity to catch up on both of our trips.

Tomorrow, serious bicycling resumes with an 82 mile ride to Wenden.
Enjoy your afternoon and evening.

PS: Love to my bride Cathy...it was so good talking to you this morning.
Be safe and enjoy the beauty of Athens, Greece.