From: Jim Miller [spinnerman@t-one.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 2004 4:13
PM
To: Campbell, Frank
Subject: BIKE TRIP---2nd Report
Larry called today (Wednesday) from Kirkwood, CA,
beyond Bear River Lake where they spent the night, during their mid-day "break".
They were delayed a bit as Hans had his bike "regeared" to better handle the
climb.
Hans is wearing a "meter" that estimates energy
expended, and on Tuesday, he burned 5000 calories. Larry advises that is
equivalent to "tour de France" riders! It was 40 miles/60k "uphill" and
they are now at about 8000' altitude. Last evening was a "re-evaluate the
necessities" party, with Hans and Inge-Lill dropping 14#'/5 kilo of "STUFF",
including a 1# lock.
With altitude, the weather is clear and this
morning the temp was 58F/20C
CA 88 is an "old immigrant trail", and about
every 15 miles there is a "historic stagecoach stop/inn". with pictures of the
Westward migration of the 1800's----and there are many Historical Markers along
the route, which they read---a real history lesson. Tuesday, they
overnighted at Jackson, only 3 miles from Sutters Mill of "gold rush" fame---and
he advises that Sutter was a Swiss immigrant. Various markers tell of
bandits and robbers from the gold rush days, the wagon train making 100
miles/170K in 40 days, with the women walking to meet up with the trail blazed
by earlier parties.
One marker described it as the point where the
Mormons stopped on their trip to CA, and turned around to return to Salt Lake
City, where their church is based.
They passed a 12 point Buck--the largest
"roadkill" they have seen, and Larry swears they were not responsible--only
observers.
As they "ride themselves into shape" they are glad
that the first week is shorter legs, during this uphill climb.