Northern Tier 2011

Fwd: 2012

2011-09-10T17:43:00.001-07:00

Begin forwarded message:

From: Karen Cooper <blubird@sonic.net>
Date: September 9, 2011 2:48:59 PM PDT
To: Kelli Smith <curlykelli@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: 2012

Good. Let's plan. I live it here great place for summer

On Sep 9, 2011, at 2:22 PM, Kelli Smith <curlykelli@gmail.com> wrote:

Sweet I want to do the island in 2013 I think I should have most credit cards pay off by than

Sent from my I phone

On Sep 9, 2011, at 2:17 PM, Karen Cooper <blubird@sonic.net> wrote:

Sounds good. I'm going a benefit ride tomorrow in PT Angeles. We are shooting for 50 miles. It's all bike path mostly shaded along a small river or the bay and flat. ;). Perfect

On Sep 9, 2011, at 2:08 PM, Kelli Smith <curlykelli@gmail.com> wrote:

Ok city ride sound good I am up to 35 and they are new biked paths in Marin we can start from Novato

Sent from my I phone

On Sep 9, 2011, at 1:33 PM, Karen Cooper <blubird@sonic.net> wrote:

Ok. Thanks for explaining your point
I don't think it was a joke ...

Hows the cycling going? Let's ride when I get back. Maybe a city ride and stay over or take the bus back ;)

On Sep 9, 2011, at 12:42 PM, Kelli Smith <curlykelli@gmail.com> wrote:

May have it a joke isn't it or did I miss understand it sorry

Sent from my I phone

On Sep 9, 2011, at 11:00 AM, Karen Cooper <blubird@sonic.net> wrote:

Didn't you send that stuff about elections?
Scroll down it came from Michael's email and Robin got it

. Didn't you send it out to Robin and Loree? My apologies if it wasn't your belief

Karen

On Sep 9, 2011, at 10:20 AM, Kelli Smith <curlykelli@gmail.com> wrote:

What are u talking about

Sent from my I phone

On Sep 9, 2011, at 10:03 AM, karen cooper <blubird@sonic.net> wrote:

Kelli
is this really what you believe? Oh my, girlfriend, if this is true then you are beginning to sound like those
crazy ass wipe Tea Baggers

kind of makes me sick to my stomach

I know you just a bit and you never expressed politics.... but I know that Michael was a republican
when I saw that Palin/McCain sign in his garage the day we rode over on our bikes.

do some research on your own, its easy to get caught up in someone else agenda
but so much of what is being said is not true.

karen

On Aug 16, 2011, at 10:50 PM, Robin Abramson wrote:

Did you get this from Kelli? Oh brother.

From: Kelli [mailto:curlykelli@att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 9:33 PM
To: Robin Abramson; Loree Angel; Michael Lesesne
Subject: Fwd: 2012

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:
From: "michael jackson" <cadream2@msn.com>
Date: August 15, 2011 9:21:41 PM PDT
To: "alaric stephenson" <alaricss@comcast.net>, "Anita Roraus" <plankton@sbcglobal.net>, "arlene holbrook" <AHOLBR7613@AOL.COM>, "bernie buchanan" <starsky148@sbcglobal.net>, "Betty Beck" <bettyjbeck@att.net>, "bill middleton" <fxrl1@aol.com>, "brad brown" <bbrown482@comcast.net>, "Carl Cheney" <ccheney@sonic.net>, "Carl Cheney" <ccheney@yahoo.com>, "curlykelli" <curlykelli@gmail.com>, "Dan Adams" <nadsmada@comcast.net>, "David Calvi" <dlcalvi@hotmail.com>, "David Calvi" <dlcalvi@sonic.net>, "david west" <westdavidc@yahoo.com>, "Deb Gromo" <belevngrace@yahoo.com>, "DOucicuALL" <DOucicuALL@aol.com>, "dukewestphal" <dukewestphal@sbcglobal.net>, "ED ROGINA" <EDROGINA@SBCGLOBAL.NET>, "Elaine Ambrose" <eambrose08@yahoo.com>, "FRANCISCO ARROYO" <

Button Museum

2011-05-31T21:00:00.001-07:00

Rest day activities Muscatine..

2011-05-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Rita Rows photos of the windy ride to Muscatine

2011-05-31T20:54:00.001-07:00

Windy day on the way to Muscatine Iowa... We all sagged by 41 miles. Way too windy

2011-05-31T20:52:00.001-07:00

What we do.. Prairie Du Chein

2011-05-31T20:50:00.001-07:00

The day we ride to Prairie Du Chein lots if hill climbing .. Crossed the mighty Miss

2011-05-31T20:47:00.001-07:00

2 different days one cool one warm

2011-05-31T20:44:00.001-07:00

RedWing Mn

2011-05-26T22:08:00.001-07:00

I'm too tired

2011-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to say I'm unable to continue a blog on this tour.
I have the IPhone only and yes that's what I used last year but it takes too long
to post

I will be using FaceBook and photos will be posted there.
You can follow other blogs of this trip by going to
WomenTours.com and looking at the cross county tours.. Blog addresses will be available
To access

Thanks for looking in on me;)

106 miles SAG duties/ beautiful day

2011-05-24T20:20:00.001-07:00

May 23 women of the day. 59 miles to Milaca MN

2011-05-24T20:17:00.000-07:00

Some sights on the 82 mile day

2011-05-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

May22. 82 mile day lot o rain!!!

2011-05-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

May 23 Little Falls to Milaca MN

2011-05-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

May 23 Wadena to Little Falls 82 miles

2011-05-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Rain worms thunder and 82 miles. May 23 Wadena to Little Falls MN

2011-05-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

OMG. I rode in the rain for miles today... Being a Calif girl I never choose to
Do that

But I just kept going, riding mostly with Rhonda from Squim Washington.. We were extatic coming in at the end of the day after so many hours in the saddle.

We washed the sand and worms off our bikes then headed in for a shower and dinner..what a day. A Huge accomplishment for me.

I'll post some pix if the day

The world continues

2011-05-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

Leaving Pelican Rapids one notices many statues of the bird

Betty show her zip off Showers Pass Rain pants

Otter tail otter with some of our group near by

Donna's WOW group. Wrinkles on Wheels'
I'm going to check to see if they take new members

Hille my roomie for the night

We had quite a lot of rain today but it was pleasant until I decided I didn't want to be so wet

5/21 Pelican Rapids -Wadena Mn 59 miles

2011-05-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Mat 21

2011-05-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

Ohoh. Thevquestion of the day..shall I put my cycling cloths on?
Some say the World will end at 10am!
If I'm still here you will see a posting of the day. ;)

First ride day... Fargo,ND to Pelican Rapids MN 56.6 mi

2011-05-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

The tour has begun!

2011-05-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Met up with the rest of the women today. We went over important details with the guides
Then the "SAG Sista's" had a meeting to familiarize
Ourselves with the SAG duties. I'm first out tomorrow
Dinner was delicious with salmon,prawns, salads and pasta
Prime rib and cheese cake. What a feast!

I believe we have a super group lots of laughs snd outgoing personalities
The guides are easy going but professional and detail minded

Sights in Fargo

2011-05-19T20:35:00.001-07:00

Sues Blog

2011-05-17T20:26:00.001-07:00

Follow Sues Northern Tier blog
@

http://seesuespin.blogspot.com/

Another blog

2011-05-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Follow Rita's Northern Tier blog
@

http://ritafoxrowe.blogspot.com/

Amy and Rita

2011-05-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

A fun filled day spent with Southern Tier sistas, Amy and Rita in Minneapolis

Starting my adventure

2011-05-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Spent last night in Oakland so I would not be stressed
needed to be at the airport by 5am ;(

I'm in Salt Lake City waiting for my flight to
Minneapolis where Rita will pick me up. We have time to visit and
Spend time with Amy who also rode the Sourthern
Tier with us last year

Bon voyage

2011-05-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

John and I cycled the "Occidental Loop" it's a 38
mile route through some of the most beautiful scenes
in West County. It was a bit chilly but a very enjoyable day,very casual with stops for snacks and photos.
And it was my last ride before packing and shipping my bike to Fargo ND

A Wednesday ride

2011-05-07T07:23:00.001-07:00

A very hot day in the 90's. Yikes
40 miles of gorgeous Sonoma County roads!

a few days later

2011-04-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

top of Dutcher Rd

beautiful sonoma county

We had lunch at the Eagle .... there's Jackie, Robin, Carole, Barbara and me.
I was going to ride 53 miles but I got this painful stitch in my side after lunch and had to stop
by then it was raining..... it was time to stop but I still got in 43.6 miles.
everyone else got in more miles but they also got soaked

all in all a very good ride

Susan's birthday ride

2011-04-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

I met up with the Local Bike Club and did a 50 mile ride with Susan and Sunny.... we stopped for flat tire repairs and the rest of the club took off.... we had a great time
enjoying the wind, hills, gorgeous scenery and sticky buns at the bakery.... yummy

updating after a long layoff

2011-04-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Oregon on Mar 13 and immediately came down with bronchitis..... that put me off from training for my "tour" for most of the month that I stayed there. I am back in Calif and relieved to be here...... not only was I sick in Oregon but my little truck cost me almost a $1000. in repairs..... I also sold my RV and moved everything into storage..... yipee......
I decided to move out of Oregon because it seems that I have too many health problems.

anyway I am fully into my training again!

another 50 mile ride :)

2011-03-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Kelli and I drove up to Windsor and rode with the Aidslifecycle group. Only 6 of us
showed up on this cool day. Robert, Stephen, Sarah, Kelli and Richard......We rode up Chalk Hill and along Alexander Valley up to Geyserville for lunch and further north to Asti
then back to Windsor..... it was a fast clip for me and at the end of the day I had averaged
12.4 miles an hour..... woweee, I was happy with that.

the Brooks saddle is really working out nicely for me.

Im traveling back to Oregon next Sat and will be up there for a month. I hope to
continue riding but I may be doing some spin classes if the weather is poor

Fighting the "BUG"

2011-02-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

I've been so careful this season with my health . I stayed in Calif instead of spending the winter in Oregon and started slowly preparing for this journey. But here I lay
all snuffly and achy looking out the window knowing my pals are cycling today. Ughhh

Testing testing

2011-02-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

I purchased a Brooks saddle, it's intimating
With it's hard leather seat but I tried it today.... It was comfortable!!
I know I have not put many miles on it, less than 20, but the ride surprised me...

Here's hoping it gives me years of
Pleasurable riding ;)

Mt.St.Helena

2011-02-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

On our way to Calistoga

Today's ride

2011-02-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

I pushed past an obstacle... So I rode along with riders that are stronger and go longer... Yes!!! I was able to complete 52 miles with 3300' of climbing

WOW I'm proud of myself!!

First Fall

2011-01-29T18:48:00.000-08:00

I wish you could have seen this.. We started climbing up a portion of Chalk Hill. I shifted and my chain stuck I had enough pressure on the pedals that I was unable to unclip and over I went... Ouch I landed on my right knee and right hand. My Rt foot uncoupled but the left was still attached and the bike was on top of me.. There were 2 riders trying to unclip me. I was helpless to release on my own my foot was twisted such that I couldn't move.. They freed me up and assessed damage. My knee and hand stung and I was shaken up and at once felt a loss of confidence ....

But after a rest and an excedrin I was off. Actually I had a great ride. Felt stronger but finished 4 th from last ;)

Let the spending begin

2011-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

I just had a new chain put on my trusty steed.
And I know this is the start of bike accessories
Shopping.... I learned last year the importance of good cycling shorts.
Sure there are bargains out there but you may suffer latter. I like to have 3 different styles
Of short with good chamois that are not too padded,without bumps or ridges
Or stitching that can irritate after riding for miles and days on end. And a good chamois lube. I prefer Brave Soldier but "Chamois Butter" works well.

I also found some specialized BG gloves with ulnar grooves that protect my hands from nerve
damage. I have the long finger version with a nice mesh breathable backing...

And most important is having my bike professionally fit.
Yes it cost me more money but I'm happier now because I don't hurt so much ;)

Mo' later

Next Big Ride Northern Tier w/ WomanTours Fargo,ND to Bar Harbor, Maine

2011-01-17T20:33:00.000-08:00

I made a decision last week to invest in riding the Northern Tier this May. I need big
adventures that require a lot of energy to motivate me into keeping fit. After the Southern
Tier I got lazy and hardly rode my bike at all. It shows and now Im having to start all over.

I started riding a couple of weeks ago and I had a professional fitting so Im ready to roll.

Last entry

2010-05-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

My cross country journey is over 2 months of rides and routine.
Often times struggling to get out of bed and now I'm free and tired.
Memories wind through my thoughts each day.I want to do other long
rides and see new places and faces.
I'm
still in Georgia with Barb and Frankie. They taken me on bike rides
and roadtrips through the countryside, I've met their family and
friends and enjoyed my stay at their B&B in Helen GA
I'll soon be on Amtrak going west stopping a few times to visit along
the way
Thanks for following me

JoAnn on a Bike

2010-05-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

One last blog to share.

http://joannonabike.blogspot.com/

Take care Karen
707 540 1441

Girlridesagain.blogspot.com

Signs in Helen GA

2010-05-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

The last photo was drawn by Max, it's the 14 Greek gods that he
whipped out while we enjoyed a visit at the coffee shop

Hilltop Haus

2010-05-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Frankie and Barbara's home and B&B.
Chattahoochee River

Lunchstop in Sautee Valley(Barbara,Leela and Frankie)

Veggie stand in Nacoochee Valley

Helen Georgia

2010-05-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

The journey continues as one of my friends said....
Leela and I are being treated to Frankie and Barbara's B&B. What a
way for me to slowly re enter... I'm still with my "peeps"

Here's Frankie with her Grandkids...Max who wouldn't get a haircut
until Frankie came home, and Sarah and Savannha

Yesterday 4/29

2010-04-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Brian the moto cop who lead us through town....vroom vroom he was
having fun!

Baby Tenessee who rode every mile,dressed up in her Woman Tour jersey

Kirby who was one of the "Sweep Team" with Patti and Katie. Notice the
broom. They sure added some humour to the ride

Red Hat Society

2010-04-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

St Augustine Convention. The theme
Can you guess??? It's "Hippie"

Southern Tier jersey

2010-04-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last night at our final banquet,the SAG drivers were presented with
this awesome jersey. It represents the states we rode through.
Here's JoAnn Bary SAG sista with me.
Don't ya love the Gator!

Hummmmm

2010-04-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

"It's over except for the tears" says Frankie Allen

I'm in my room, wishing that Leela was here today instead of tomorrow. So many
women had friends,lovers and family meet us. My timing is off. And I'm feeling a lose
already....

I disassembled my bike and boxed it after coming back from the beach... It was hot
and I about unraveled with not having the right supplies to pack properly.

I finally suceeded and it's here in the room
with me. I'll ship it out tomorrow after Leela arrives. I still don't know if we are going to
New Orleans Jazz Fest or straight to Geogia for a visit with Barbara and Frankie at their B&B in Helen

maybe a goodnight sleep is what I need... I'll do better tomorrow

St Augustine Fl

2010-04-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

End of the road ..... Pacific to the Atlantic....here we are lined up
following our police escort through town and to the beach

Last day St Augustine Fl

2010-04-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

Barbara's mascot .... Turtle
Barbara ready to roll
Lynn & Baby Tennesse all decked out

Frankie says "it's all over except for the tears". I'm feeling that
coming on

Loggers et al

2010-04-28T20:48:00.001-07:00

Today I got a big ole scare by a log truck like this one. We (in pix
holding Lois) were on this narrow bridge no shoulder when I hear a
loud horn blow and then the truck comes barreling
Down on us.... And there's a car in the oncoming lane. No where to go
and the logger couldn't/wouldn't slow down. Yes we are ok but it was
close.... I'm
Glad Mikes pray group is praying for us each day.,... One more 42 mile
day

My roommate

2010-04-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

This is Kirby, she works for Eli's Cheesecakes in Chicago. we have
been gifted with 3 cheesecakes and one carrotcake.,,, yummmmm
Kirby loves those little Easter Peeps and some of us have eaten a
share of them too.... That may be one reason I didn't lose any weight
on this trip

Stop at Sonny's BBQ Palatka Fl

2010-04-28T20:18:00.001-07:00

After riding today I took these shots saying this is us after riding
73 miles.Linda says "this is us after riding 3000 miles". Indeed!

Amy and Suzanne
Lois and Linda

Last big day 74 miles to Palatka Fl

2010-04-28T20:14:00.001-07:00

Unnamed river,Brahma daddy, the gang at SAG stop and an interesting
sign. Had there been time,I would have done some shopping at Lucilles

On the way to High Springs

2010-04-28T20:08:00.001-07:00

A ride on the shady bike path,sometimes it's a relief to be away from
vehicles

The gorgeous blue limestone pool at
Ichetucknee State Park

High Springs 76 miles

2010-04-28T20:03:00.001-07:00

I rode with the "Big Girls" Pam and Mary. I think they were being
kind to me because I drafted behind them and my average speed went up
to 15.6 mph.... Sue and Linda were there too. Linda ended up pulling
me for the last 15 miles....

Gators

2010-04-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is Wakulla Springs Lodge. I know this is put of order. It's where
I saw so many gators on the jungle tour but one of our group,Pam was
walking along the lawn snapping pix of this sign and she walked right
past a gator!!!! I get goosebumps thinking about it!! Yikes

Perry Fl

2010-04-28T19:43:00.001-07:00

I snagged these pix from Rita Rowes blog
We had some special treatment here, This Hampton is known for being
the best in the world!!! I can attest to their generosity at happy hour

Perry Fl

2010-04-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Mama at Mama's restraunt. Great meal
After our ride

Original Lodge elevator Wakulla Springs

2010-04-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Art deco masterpiece, interior walls are walnut with floral inlays of
vari colored woods. The only known surviving art deco elevator still
in use. Do
you remember having to open and close the elevator doors?
I wasn't sure what to do on my first ride

Wakulla Springs

2010-04-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ceiling detail painted by German artist Piplack,last court painter for
Kaiser Wilhelm. It shows a combination of Eurpean folk, Arabic scroll
work and Native American depicting local wildlife scenes.

2days at Wakulla Springs

2010-04-26T12:41:00.001-07:00

Lynn and Roberta with me

Apalachicola Forest

2010-04-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Amy and Mary
Karen and Lynn
Kirby,Katie and Pati
Roberta

Today's riders. Wakulla Springs 39 miles

2010-04-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Mike.....
Rita,Alayne and Linda
JoAnn K
Barbara and Frankie
JoAnn B, Suzanne and Lois

Quincy to Wakulla Springs 39 miles

2010-04-24T06:08:00.001-07:00

I'm sagging today. It's humid and threatening rain and some lightening
and thunder off in the distance. The ride is rollers through the
woods. Quite beautiful.

We have a day off at Wakulla Springs!!!

Gators

2010-04-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

How exciting to see them in their natural habitat and turtles too

Gorgeous mansion yesterdays ride

2010-04-22T16:11:00.001-07:00

I was following riders so didn't stop for this photo. I grabbed it
from Pati's blog..... all those windows were glass blocks it was
stunning and it overlooked the bay. The best of Pensacola

90 on the 90

2010-04-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

That's what this ride is called,,,,Crestview to Marianna. 94miles.....
90miles on 90east

Lois and Suzanne are my riding partners today

Pensacola Fl to Crestview 69 miles

2010-04-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

I only took one photo today....the pace was steady and it was 82
degrees around noon so no time to daudle. We rode though Pensacola
neighborhoods, 10 miles of smooth bike paths and wooded areas with
good roads....we stopped for a quick lunch to refuel and got to
Crestview around 1:30ish. First thing I did was flop in the pool in
my bike clothes .....ahhhhhhh

Florida state line

2010-04-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

Lois, That's just how I feel!!!!

Lynn and Baby Tennessee, they live in Marathon Fl

Onward to Florida

2010-04-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Baby Tennessee travels with Lynn in her jersey pocket

45 minute Ferry ride from Dauphin Island to Gulf Shores Al

And our last state crossing...... Hard to believe it's coming to the end

Dauphin Island

2010-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Karen
JoAnn
Kirby and Amy
Rita and Mike

Dauphin Island

2010-04-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Lynn and JoAnn B
Alayne
Linda and Rita
Barbara
Frankie

Dauphin Island

2010-04-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Shelly and Mary
Suzanne
Roberta
Amy
Sue

Florida here we come

2010-04-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Alayne`,JoAnn,Rita and Mike first to ride across the state line

Leaving the no star La Font motel

2010-04-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Frankie and Barbara....breakfast.....
in Pascagoula, Ms

Waiting on dinner and margaritas

2010-04-17T21:51:00.001-07:00

Wiggins to Pascagula Ms

2010-04-17T21:47:00.001-07:00

Pic taken off other blogs except for the licence plate at Wallyworld
in Wiggins

67 miles Wiggins to Pascagula Ms

2010-04-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

Judging from the blogs of the other women,I missed a great ride today. I took the day off to rest and
get some advise/adjustment on my bike,...,,

the ride was through farm and forest with smooth roads.... Most sailed right along getting to the coast in good time. There was a crossing of the Singing River across a tall bridge overlooking the Gulf of Mexico

and while they rode and enjoyed the sights. I stopped at 2 Walmarts with the guides while they resupplied....

we are all facing the conclusion of this adventure and what that will bring .....I'm trying to stay present but slip into wondering and
missing it already ...... Even though
most mornings I awake and don't want to get out of bed.... I know once I get ready my
day will be filled with something new and amazing

When, if ever will Ibe this way again? How often do we ever get a chance to compress so much into just 2 months of ones life?

Leaving Louisiana entering Mississippi

2010-04-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Gator

2010-04-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

This might be the only way I'm going to see a gator!

I don't understand

2010-04-13T20:36:00.000-07:00

I rode past these signs for 2 days ... Drinking water protection
area. Ditches along the roads filled with trash. Paper and lots of
bottles, tires and toilets.... Very messy. I asked a local resident about it and his response was there wasn't money to hire anyone to clean up..... fotunately we rode past a prison
crew who were doing litter patrol and I hope they continue doing the good work.

I don't know the history of these old cabins but I imaged farm workers may have lived in them.... And a pretty yellow flower filled field. Last photo is some of us taking the ferry across the Mississipi to St Francisville

Riding to St Francisville

2010-04-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

What a great ride,gorgeous weather with blue skies not too hot but a
long one. Here we are waiting for our escort across the 3.5 mile
bridge. We paired up as the van and trailer followed us across.
Here's a sample of one of the oak trees , they are quite large and
very old.you can see Linda riding to the left of the tree

And this last photo is of Katen Carlson standing inside an huge old oaks roots. WOW!

StFrancisville Inn

2010-04-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous digs for 2 nights. We love
It here

Lafayette to St Francisville

2010-04-13T16:09:00.000-07:00

Signs along the way
I'm loving our stay at St Francisville Inn.....I'll blog later. Were
having a bit of wine now

On our way to Randols for dinner and fun

2010-04-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Louisiana travels 85 miles today

2010-04-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

My first day riding in this fine state, most of the day I drafted
behind Rita,Mike,Alayne...thanks so much.... I think I would have
sagged. Way lot o wind and rough stretch of road around 65 miles.

Watery fields with rice and crawfish farms, Crowley had Frosto for
lunch. We had grilled shrimp sandwiches. Yumm
Crowley boasts being the rice capital,there's a picture of the silos
that store the rice..... And Fat Mamas was closed
Last picture sported both rice and crawfish, seems like a good use of
space.

SAG out of Texas and into Louisiana

2010-04-10T20:14:00.001-07:00

Mike savoring her morning donut at the first SAG stop in Louisiana!

Suzanne,happy to be out of Texas

Lois showing off her fashionable SAG bag (JoAnn K looks on)

JoAnn B asked the owner of Get and Go what those mud towers were along
the ditches, we all wondered and now we know..... Crawfish burrow into
the ground seeking moisture and these little sand/mud towers are
pushed up as they dig

Miss Kitty of the Pinewood Inn

2010-04-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

Miss Kitty sending us on our way, she says "we rule!"

Sister shadows

2010-04-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Continuing our ride through forest and swamp lands. Dodging semis with
full loads of logs that look like they may have come out of the Big
Thicket.
Lots of yard dogs barking as we passed, many Baptist Churches, good
ole boys offering BarBQue but we weren't hungry.
The Big Thicket is a great birding area but much of it has been
logged.Some large sections have been preserved as the Big Thicket
National Preserve. We rode passed with no time for exploring

Cleveland to Silbee Tx 63 miles

2010-04-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Texas mini schnazers doing what they do best. BARK!

This sight shopped Pam and I
Texas Bayou

Lunch stop Mama Jacks. I think I had what the horse left behind

Treasures along the way

2010-04-08T15:08:00.001-07:00

good place to rest for a bit

Red clover it was mixed in
with yellow composites. No
sightings of bluebonnets

and here's a nice shot of a longhorn.

Some sights today

2010-04-08T15:05:00.001-07:00

A bay on Lake Conroe, an upside down unsplattered armadillo, wisteria
and Karen crossing over lake Conroe

Navasota to Cleveland Tx. 75 miles

2010-04-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Had some bike issues. Brakes dragging but I soon got under way after Carol tweaked them a bit. I rode with
Karen Carlson and it happens that we are room mates tonight. Any way. We had a lovely ride on the Texas Forest Trail mostly
through Sam Houston National Forest. It's wooded, shady and cool. Refreshing on the eyes and body to be out of the hot
muggy of a couple days ago. We have only one more day here then we head to Louisiana, the land of gators and crawfish
dinners

Blaine's aligator boots in New Waverly

2010-04-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

New Waverly Cafe

2010-04-08T10:26:00.001-07:00

Long horns. (Rita Rowe photo)

2010-04-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Sabra Ranch again

2010-04-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

I had something else to share about Azra and snagged the first 2
photos from Pattie's blog.

That's me talking with Azra about her ranch,(Kirby on the left) she
explained that Sabra means prickly pear. In her homeland of Isreal
Sabra means from Isreal. She and her husband have been here 30 years
and raise the Long horns to lower their blood pressure. She tried
shaking a bag of feed for them so we could get a photo but they wanted
the lush green grass instead. Her horse did come closer but shied
away from us.

There's Patti at the gate with Azra, you can see the prickly pear in
the center of gate

Northern Tier 2011

Fwd: 2012

Button Museum

Rest day activities Muscatine..

Rita Rows photos of the windy ride to Muscatine

Windy day on the way to Muscatine Iowa... We all sagged by 41 miles. Way too windy

What we do.. Prairie Du Chein

The day we ride to Prairie Du Chein lots if hill climbing .. Crossed the mighty Miss

2 different days one cool one warm

RedWing Mn

I'm too tired

106 miles SAG duties/ beautiful day

May 23 women of the day. 59 miles to Milaca MN

Some sights on the 82 mile day

May22. 82 mile day lot o rain!!!

May 23 Little Falls to Milaca MN

May 23 Wadena to Little Falls 82 miles

Rain worms thunder and 82 miles. May 23 Wadena to Little Falls MN

The world continues

5/21 Pelican Rapids -Wadena Mn 59 miles

Mat 21

First ride day... Fargo,ND to Pelican Rapids MN 56.6 mi

The tour has begun!

Sights in Fargo

Sues Blog

Another blog

Amy and Rita

Starting my adventure

Bon voyage

A Wednesday ride

a few days later

Susan's birthday ride

updating after a long layoff

another 50 mile ride :)

Fighting the "BUG"

Testing testing

Mt.St.Helena

Today's ride

First Fall

Let the spending begin

Next Big Ride Northern Tier w/ WomanTours Fargo,ND to Bar Harbor, Maine

Last entry

JoAnn on a Bike

Signs in Helen GA

Hilltop Haus

Helen Georgia

More blogs to read

Yesterday 4/29

Red Hat Society

Southern Tier jersey

Hummmmm

St Augustine Fl

Last day St Augustine Fl

Loggers et al

My roommate

Stop at Sonny's BBQ Palatka Fl

Last big day 74 miles to Palatka Fl

On the way to High Springs

High Springs 76 miles

Gators

Perry Fl

Perry Fl

Original Lodge elevator Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs

2days at Wakulla Springs

Apalachicola Forest

Today's riders. Wakulla Springs 39 miles

Quincy to Wakulla Springs 39 miles

Gators

Gorgeous mansion yesterdays ride

90 on the 90

Pensacola Fl to Crestview 69 miles

Florida state line

Onward to Florida

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island

Florida here we come

Leaving the no star La Font motel

Waiting on dinner and margaritas