Day 16 - Newport Beach to San Diego

HOME AT LAST (It's me Brent writing this, not my ghost writer)

Mikey Mac and I rode the 70 miles together today. Finishing the ride with my very good friend was special to me. Mike has been there from the beginning to the end of this ride, though the planning, preparation, and ups and downs. It meant so much that he was there to finish it with me.

The ride was pretty uneventful for the first 45 miles until we found out that we couldn't ride through Camp Pendleton due to road construction. "Sign Guy", Don Parker, used his connections with the San Diego Sheriff Search and Rescue team to get us an escort on the I5. It was very nerve-racking riding with such a big group on the shoulder of the road.

Throughout the entire ride I did a lot of reflecting on where I've been and where I want to be. Then once I got to Torrey Pines Hill, I let it all go, I attacked the hill and was able to ride up it faster than I ever had before. We regrouped at a quarter of a mile from the finish line so we could all ride in together. Finishing the ride was bitter-sweet. It was hard ending a great adventure, but rewarding seeing my family, the families of my fellow riders and all the challenged athletes. It was awesome for my mother to see and talk to the challenged athletes that were there. It gave her the opportunity to see great attitudes and the potential they have when dealing with the same challenges.

At this time I'd like to thank all those who helped with my adventure. Andrea, thank you for always being there for me, standing by me when I come up with crazy ideas, and supporting me. You are the true love of my life. Without you, none of this would have been able to happen.

Miles ridden today: 70

Total to date: 1152

Day 15 - Marina Del Rey to Newport Beach

So close...but still too far

Today they rode along the famous Venice Beach bike path straight through the middle of the beach on a route shared with rollerbladers, beach cruisers, skateboarders and pedestrians. You have to keep your eyes wide open for this section. Hopefully that was OK to do for all those riders who chose to stay up late the night before. They had one big climb today and then dropped into Long Beach. They continued to ride through more beach towns with a mostly flat ride all the way to Newport Beach.

Brent is excited that his buddy Mike rode up to ride back with them tomorrow.

Radio contestants, I hope this ride was as wonderful as you imagined it would be!

Can you believe there is only one more day to ride?

Tomorrow they all ride into La Jolla Cove. What a beautiful heart-felt experience this is.

We are looking forward to seeing all the riders coming in and reuniting with their families. But most of all, reuniting our own family. Daddy is missed dearly. Every single day Zayden asks how much closer are we to the day when we get to see daddy!

Anyone who wants to join, meet at La Jolla Cove around 12:30pm. They plan to arrive around 1pm. Look for the giant inflatable arches.

Miles ridden today: 53

Total to date: 1082

Day 14 - Santa Barbara to Marina Del Rey

Awesome Ride - Beautiful day

Brent remembered this day last year was really windy so it was great to have such beautiful weather today. They passed through many of California's famous beach towns that boast legendary surfing, as well as riding through more farmland and city streets. The scenery was varied for them today and the terrain was very flat all the way to Malibu. Then the rolling hills hit again.

Couple mishaps today. In Malibu, Brent somehow bent his chain, not sure how. And later, bunny hopped a curb and got a flat which then he had to boot his tire. I asked what exactly that meant so I could describe it for us "non-riders" but I didn't really understand his explanation. I asked if it was some sort of patch and he said "no" but when I googled it, it sure looked like one to me. So, who knows! Whatever it is it holds the tire until it can be replaced. Point taken. :-)

Brent talked about riding some rocket today - pictures to follow.

They had In & Out Burger for lunch and he said "Never again". It was like riding with a big rock in his stomach.

Otherwise a great day. He seemed excited that they get to sleep in tomorrow since tomorrow is a short ride. Only a couple days left.

Miles ridden today: 90

Total to date: 1029

Day 13 - Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara

GOOD HARD DAY

This is the day last year when Brent got sick so he wanted to start it off hard. His morning was fast. He was the first rider to Sag #1 and the third rider to Sag #2.

Today is also the day where he got to ride past Gary Leffew's Ranch which is where he used to ride bulls.

He said it felt good to finish the day he couldn't finish last year, it was like "exercising the demon".

Besides for some left swelling above his knee, he feels pretty good. This better not lead to another knee surgery.

Ride description: Today they headed inland near local farmlands until they connected with the rolling and scenic wine road leading to the local vineyards. After lunch they continued through the town of Solvang until they reconnected with Highway 101 where they encountered more rolling hills which leads to Santa Barbara.

Only a few more days, hard to believe hey? The girls and I are getting excited for the day when we can watch all the cyclists ride in.

Miles ridden today: 119

Total to date: 939

Day 12 - Big Sur to Pismo Beach

LOTS OF CLIMBING

No matter how much climbing there was, Diane had Brent laughing and in stitches all morning.

Today is the most challenging day of the ride with the series of climbs which should be rewarded with breathtaking views for the average person. Brent on the other hand, I'm sure has seen enough views to last him his lifetime. They passed through San Simeon, the home of the Hearst Castle, and then through the town of Cambia.

Brent seems very down when I talked to him the last couple of days and he said it's because he misses his family a lot. Awe!!!

We miss you too babe! It's true then what they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Kidding!! This has been the longest we've been apart.

I know he's still enjoying himself, loves the massages...probably just wishes we were there to share in it.

Tomorrow will be another tough day, lots of miles.

Miles Ridden today: 114

Total to date: 820

Day 11 - Santa Cruz to Big Sur

I cannot believe it's been 11 days. In some ways it feels like longer but other ways Brent has been riding for 11 days. Unbelievable!

It was foggy all day today. One guy broke his arm yesterday and is already back on his bike today. I'm telling you, these are hard core riders. They mean business.

They started the ride along some bustling city streets which quickly turn into farmland and eventually lead to a beautiful bike trail, completely protected, all the way to Monterey. From Monterey, they headed down the coastline through the hills leading to Big Sur.

Brent topped off his evening watching the Bears LOSE! Sorry sweetie! Hope this doesn't bring you down tomorrow on the ride. At least the Packers whooped up on Detroit. But that's not too hard to do. And it would have been better for you if they lost.

Tomorrow is supposed to be one of the hardest days of the ride so rest up riders!

Miles ridden today: 86

Total to date: 706

Day 10 - San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Today's ride felt like a breeze to Brent. So fast, so easy. It could have been the tail wind or the fact that Brent is no longer carrying his 30lb backpack. Much better ride having a bunch of people you know there with you too. It sure eases my mind :-)

Description of the ride: The journey began along the Embarcadero, with breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Then they proceeded through beautiful Golden Gate Park which leads to the Great Highway and eventually to Highway 1. The terrain is mostly comprised of gentle rolling hills except for the big 1.5 mile climb over Devil's Slide. They continue down the scenic coastline all the way to the picturesque town of Santa Cruz. Brent did take a picture of a lighthouse for Mom Street.

Miles ridden today: 86

Total to date: 620

Day 9 - San Francisco

Brent's meeting up with all the riders who are doing the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. Their ride starts tomorrow morning...unfortunately, I forgot to ask Brent for their itinerary so I have no idea where they are riding to first, or where their stops are along the way. I'm not sure if they are the same as last year or not.

Anyone have this information?

Day 8 - Oakland

Today was spent riding around Oakland. Brent rode about 30 miles today with no 30lb backpack on his back. He said it felt nice, and he felt fast! ;-)

He didn't ride the Golden Gate Bridge today but he may do it in the morning. I told him to rest up but the guy just can't sit still!

I know this is a short one but there's not much to talk about. Other riders are finally getting in to San Fran. Tomorrow Brent will see them.

Day 7 - Rio Dell to San Fran

?? What? Rio Dell to San Fran? That's like 300 miles in one day.

But, by automobile, not bike. Unfortunately it rained all day again. Thanks to Brent's big brother Bobby for driving up to get him to turn around and drive back. Without him I'm not sure what we would have done. I feel pretty helpless being this far away. Thanks again Bobby!

So he rode 500 miles solo before the weather forced him off of his bike. He's happy he did what he did and there are a lot more people who now know about CAF.

Tomorrow he plans to ride the Golden Gate Bridge which is what he was looking forward to doing. He's excited to start meeting up with everyone coming in for the ride from San Fran to San Diego.

It's a bummer Brent you had to stop but you are still amazing for doing the 500 miles you did!

We miss you and love you and are excited for you about your second part of your journey.

Day 6 - Ferndale to Rio Dell

**STORM HITS**

Brent only made it 20 miles today in the storm. Sheets of rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph were his enemy. Today's ride was the first time Brent has been afraid of going downhill. It was just unsafe riding conditions.

Brent spent most of the day inside a cafe hanging out with the local foke (which by the way, never seem to leave their town so Brent couldn't hitch a ride with anyone). He was hoping for the slight chance for the storm to pass. NO LUCK!

The weather is supposed to be worse on Wednesday so he will have to make other arrangements to make it to San Fran on time.

What a huge disappointment this day has been. But at least he realizes this part was out of his hands.

Miles ridden today: 20

Total to date: 504

Day 5 - Crescent City to Ferndale

Staying ahead of the storm! But not sure for how long. He said it was chilly and windy today. The say the storm is supposed to come tonight so he's curious to see what he'll wake up to.

His first hour and a half this morning was spent climbing. Fun stuff!

He later ran into a local cyclist who told him to take the scenic route (Old 101) as it was more bicycle friendly. He was so happy he did this. What a change of scenery. Redwood trees everywhere. They actually have a sign posted as "Do not approach wild elk". Do people actually do that?

Brent has talked to many people along this ride. A special thanks to the nice lady Brent met at the rest stop who thought it was amazing what he was doing for CAF. She donated what she could to help. She was one of the many people who were inspired by the reasons behind Brent's ride.

Yesterday he had stated that he was already tired of seeing the ocean. I personally cannot imagine that, but in a million years couldn't imagine biking more then 50 miles next to one anyway. All you riders, props to you who can do all this riding. It's amazing to me!

He stated again how he couldn't wait to see his fellow riders in a few days.

Well, I guess that's it for now. Tomorrow could be a more eventful entry with the storm and all but I'd rather it not. :-)

Miles ridden today: 104

Total to date: 484

Day 4 - Bandon to Crescent City, CA (that's right California baby)

Oregon - gone!

Photo Brent took as he was leaving the state.

Oregon should be labeled as the Dead Raccoon State. There were more dead raccoons on this ride than anything. Or, maybe they are just not intelligent animals.

Interesting Fact of the Day: Did you know that in Oregon, you are not allowed to pump your own gas? It's the law! Inquiring minds want to know! But too busy to inquire. ;-)

Today was a long ride. Or maybe it just felt long because there were strong head winds, it was foggy and pretty cold. They say a storm is heading in Monday or Tuesday but one guy told him that along the coast, that could change at any moment. Hopefully for Brent, he stays away from the storm. That could put a damper on the ride, just a bit! He said he has a lot of climbing to do tomorrow too!

Miles ridden today: 111

Total to date: 380

Day 3 - (almost) Florence to Bandon, OR

With much going back and forth, Brent decided to stop here. For him it was too early to stop but the next town was 27 miles away and if he had gone on, he wouldn't have done been doing it all in the sunlight. So I'm glad he stopped. The night before he had to do some night traveling, he said about 10 miles in the dark. It was about 8pm when he found a hotel. I'm not a fan of that!

Miles ridden yesterday = 106

Total as of yesterday = 176

Day 3 he said was pretty uneventful. He had another tunnel in which he could hear tons of barking noises through. When he came out, just past the look-out there were probably a thousand seals. He said it was pretty cool.

There was a lot of climbing today. The weather was pretty warm.

He said he met two young girls who were bicycling from Seattle to San Diego. Impressive! Wonder what that does to a man's ego. Don't tell him I said that!

Otherwise, that's it! He'll have a big day ahead of him as he plans to make it to Crescent City.

Miles ridden today = 93

Total to date = 269

Day 2- Tillamook to (almost) Florence

This posting is going to be disappointing, only in the fact that it's going to be very short since I do not have very much info.

Brent is about 18 miles North of Florence and he had to call me with some ladies phone because he had no service on his phone. Our call was very short as to not run up her bill.

I know he went over 100 miles today but I don't know the exact number. He had one flat tire about an hour after starting and after lunch he had to stop at a bike shop to get his cleat fixed. There could have been another reason to be at the bike shop as well but I couldn't hear him and I wouldn't dare ask him to repeat it. My guess would be to shoot the sh*t since it's Brent but he actually does sound pretty hurried every time I talk to him.

Tomorrow when he gets in range again I'll be able to tell more!

Day 1 - Astoria to Tillamook

Typical Brent, can't sit still, supposed to be resting all day and starting tomorrow but he had to start riding today. Are any of you surprised? He was able to find two important items he left back in San Diego, his Oregon maps and a camera.

The weather was foggy and chilly in the morning but was nice once the sun broke through.

When Brent was 12 he had been to Seaside, OR before and had a picture of himself in roller skates on the boardwalk. He was excited to re-capture the moment almost 30 years later and have his picture taken again, now with his bike. What he remembered was no longer there. Instead of the beautiful boardwalk, now there were condos and hotels. That would be the first official disappointment of his trip.

He is wondering of the intelligence of the people of Oregon (no offense to anyone who takes offense). When asking a woman how far Tillamook was, she answered with a straight face "about 40 minutes from here". Really?? Had she not see the bike he was riding or maybe the helmet was not noticeable enough.

Later on he had stopped on a rock to rehydrate, still wearing his helmet, when another lady asked him "did you ride your bike up here?". Again, the bike, the helmet...where is the confusion?

He had a new experience today. His very first TUNNEL. He said it was "kind of cool and kind of scary". One cool part was that there was a button he had to push before entering that alerted the drivers that there was a "Bicyclist in the Tunnel".

Thats it for now...until tomorrow!

Miles ridden today: 70

Total to date: 70

Brent has arrived in Astoria

He had an uneventful flight out and is staying at a hostel tonight. Which he said he will never do again but it's an experience. He will pick up his bike tomorrow from the bike shop early and likely start heading down tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Departure Day

Thanks to all of you who will be following the blog for Brent's ride. I will try to keep it as current as possible. Please note that most days the blog will be updated in the evenings as my micro-managed job will not allow us to use the internet.

Soon, we will be dropping Brent off at the airport and the adventure will begin!

A special thanks to Alex for creating all the maps and last nights help. Thanks also to Mikey Mac for helping with the Garmin troubles last minute this morning.

Just a thought: We know that rednecks and computers don't mix, but now we know that rednecks and garmins don't mix either.