Colorado

I am in the beautiful state of Colorado now as many of you know and it is tough not being able to see you all whenever I want. So lets keep the communication going in whatever way possible e-mail is the best way to contact me at mcledw17@gmail.com or through facebook if you can find me, there can't be that many people named Eddie Rose on that thing. Hope to hear from you all soon.

Finished? Not even Close!!

So I have had some people request a final update that lets them know I am still alive and what is to come and what the future holds, so here it is.

I have not updated in some time so there is a lot to tell, but very little has to do with the ride, but rather what happened after the ride. On August 4th, my best bud, Mr. Harlow and Matt Smith, met me in Vancouver and we had a wonderful 2 days in the city. Seeing the city with friends was far more exciting than seeing it by myself or maybe it was just the fact that I saw familiar faces for the first time in a month I am not sure. We checked out Stanley Park, hung out at Sunset Beach and saw a great sunset and some pretty interesting native Canadians.

The trip home was long, but exciting. It took forever to get through at the boarder and it was hot, but once we got going it was nice. We ended up stopping at a great place to eat in Laramie, WY the night of the 7th, called Altitude Chophouse and Brewery. If you ever go through Laramie I highly recommend it. After two days worth of driving we finally made it to Fort Collins, where Derek was an usher for his cousins wedding. While in Fort Collins we visited the New Beligum Brewery, which was exciting. Then Matt and I went for a bike ride/run, where I rode and he ran and we got drenched by a nice ran and lost/separated. Fortunately we found one another again and made it back to the hotel soaking wet.

The following day we attended the wedding where I knew no one except Mr. Smith and the Harlow family, and had plenty of people ask me about the ride which was nice. I was surprised people knew I was the one who did the ride cause like I said I knew no one. After the wedding we went on a scenic drive up into the mountains where we eventually stopped and played in a lovely mountain river that I can't pronounce. It was great fun.

We took of the next morning for McCook, NE, my birth place and where my Nanna lives. We stopped and I visited with her for a short while, before we hit the road again. We stopped in Lincoln that night and pushed the rest of the way home on Monday the 11th. I was home for a short while and barely saw anyone before heading to the cities to pack up my apartment. I was in the cities for the 12th and part of the 13th. Where I packed up the apartment and went to Applebee's with all my closest friends to say farewell yet again after being gone for the last month and half. It was hard to let go and pick up and leave them all again, but I had decided on the ride that I was moving to CO to live with a close friend in Silverthorne, CO.

After the move I had an interview on KAAL TV in Austin the following morning the 14th at 6 in the morning so I had to leave Kasson at 5 in the morning. I was totally wiped out, but on the interview I let the cat out of the bag on my next great adventure. Even though the bike ride is over I have it set on my heart to do another adventure and sacrafice my body to help others. In two years I hope to kayak down the coast from Alaska, down the coast as far as I can make it. I hope to start in two years, but it may take a little longer than that.

As of now I have raised over $5,000 dollars so I want to thank you all for your support and let you all know that without your support this ride wouldn't have been a success. I really didn't do anything, but push the pedals in circles, it is you all who have sacraficed your finances to help others, so all of you who have supported me are the real heroes of this ride. You made the ride a success and I am deeply honored to have been apart of your generosity.

Thanks again for your support and I will try to keep you updated on how things are going in Colorado and on how the preparations for the kayak adventure are going. Also I plan on running some marathons and maybe do some bike rides for various charities so I will keep you all posted on that as well.

Because even though the ride is finished my heart longs to help others so the way I see it the adventure is just beginning. I also want to extend the invitation to anyone who is looking for someone to do a charity ride for a cause or a run for a charity to contact me and I will see if I am able to help out in some way.

THANKS!!!

Not For Me!!

As I lie awake, listening to the sirens race to and fro through the
city streets of Vancouver, I have realized the city is no place for
me. With it's nonstop motion and self centered, materialistic
environment feel I am reminded yet again the city isn't for me.

I long for a slower life style, one that allows for relaxation and
taking in all of God's creation. Walking through the city I realized
that the simplest things I have taken for granted. The smell of fresh
cut grass, the cool breeze that is untainted by exhaust, the sound of
the trees swaying in the wind and silence. Not an utter silence, but a
silence that comes when ones is tucked away in the woods, that one
either finds relaxing and peaceful or terrifying.

I long to live where mankind hasn't transformed the wonderous
landscape of our Creator, with blocks of asphault and skyscrapers. I
want to be where people live alongside their surroundings in harmony.
It saddens my heart to hear those who walk the streets talk about the
next bowl they will smoke or the next party they will be at. Then I am
reminded of myself and how had it not been for Christ and His love for
me, how easily I could be one of those people.

My trip has made me see my faith in a different way. I never set a
time aside for God and never have. I feel that each day is a constant
conversation with Him. I feel that my journey reiterated that to me as
I found myself verbally, silently talking and occassionally singing to
God. Thanking Him for the strength to push the pedals, for good
weather, safety, courage, but most importantly thanking Him for saving
a wretch like me and forgiving me for my sins. I long to share what He
has done with me, but feel the city is not the place for me to do
that. I feel maybe I am being called to lead others on adventures that
will challenge them physically, mentally and spiritually so that they
may grow closer to God in their own faith.

I am not a man of many words never have been. I lead by example, but I
have a burning desire to share with others my story, my experiences,
hopes and dreams as well as my fears as a way of leading by example.

I am rambling now so this note will end l, but I hope that this desire
only burns with more passion in the days to come.

Eddie Rose

OH The Wetness

Man do I have a story from yesterday's ride. Where oh where to begin is the question at hand. I suppose at the beginning of the day would be suiting huh?

I woke up at 7:30 and pondered whether or not to try for Vancouver, but not wanting to get up I turned off my alarm and went back to sleep. I finally got up and going around 9:30. As I walked up to the shower/washroom I contemplated yet again whether I should push for the finish line. I still decided "Nah, whats the rush ride won't be there for another 7 days." I got cleaned up and walked back to camp and was like "Screw it I am finishing this thing today if I can get out of camp by 11." I packed camp up and was on the road by 10:45. I was just 3 miles down the road when I came to Deception Pass Bridge, which has sidewalks narrower than my bike so I had ride around in circles waiting for a break in traffic and then sprinted across the narrow two lane bridge, while trying to take in the view. On the other side I stopped I got off walked to the center of the bridge and enjoyed the view, and what a view it was. I took some pictures and then looked at my watch and knew that the site seeing was done for now.

I rode through some little dinky towns such as: Bay View, Edison and Bow and then was on Chuckanut Drive (SR 11), which was very windy and narrow with rock cliffs almost taking my head off at times. Finally, I was through and hit Bellingham, which was a mere 30 or so miles from camp and where I encountered a wetness that wouldn't leave me the rest of the day. To be honest I felt like that Care Bare that has the rain cloud over him all the time. So I suited up in the rain gear after stopping off at Subway and filling the engine up for the last little push.

Once out of Bellingham I rode through Ferndale on Mountain View Rd/Main St. heading for Blaine, which is at the boarder. About 6 miles does Mountain View Rd. I got my first flat ever. I quickly jumped off, knowing daylight was not on my side as it was 5. and I had 55 miles or so left. I got the bike upside down on the side of the road, took the tire off, found the little culprit, a piece of beer bottle, removed the tube and glass, put the new tube in reset the bead of the tire and pumped it up and was back riding all within 8-10 minutes. I was quite proud.

Once I hit Blaine was stopped by a very slow moving train for about 15 minutes, which was no fun sitting there getting poured on. I hit the boarder at 5:30 ran over to U.S. customs to make sure they would let me back in when I came through and then ran over to Canadian Customs where I had to wait for another 15 minutes before they let me go on my way. Once on my way and in Canada now it was 6:30ish and I had no idea where I was staying, so I just rode and rode. All the hostels I tried calling either didn't work or were full so I thought oh well and kept the pedals turning. I rode on some back roads avoiding the heavy traffic and finally hit Surryville, BC. Then I missed a turn somewhere or my map was road cause I couldn't find the bike path that led to the Alex F.... something bridge that took me to some island I can't pronounce or spell.

So there I am riding in New Westminster on the River Rd. heading N/NW towards Richmond, where I ride over another bridge hitting Vancouver at 10:02 pm. Once across the bridge the bike path ended, and according to the map it wasn't suppose to so I meandered my way through the city and stumbled upon a 24 hr McDonald's and I happily stopped to get something in my belly and to get out of the rain, especially after 106 miles worth of riding.

While I was taking my break I had realized I had no where to sleep and hadn't seen any hotels/motels. iPhone wasn't getting a signal either so I gave Dad a jingle and he got a hold of the American Backpackers Hostel at 347 W Pender St. This did me some good, as I had a place to sleep, but no idea where it was or how to get there and Dad was sent to a call so I got back on the bike and just headed north. After cruising through some lovely neighborhoods at wonderful hour of 11 pm I decided I better give Dad a call and figure out where to go before I ride away from it. I found out the the hostel was straight ahead of me another 3 miles and to my right 3 blocks. After figuring that out I was about to hang up when I swear my picture was taken by the stoplight and then my heart stopped at a huge clash. Dad asked what the heck that was and I concluded I was about 15-30 feet away from some lightning strike. The first I had heard on my whole trip. Dad thought I shouldn't ride across the bridge to the hostel, but I was like whatever I am done and going to go get in a warm shower. I rolled into the hostel at 11:35 paid my dues, took a warm shower and was not a wee bit tired so I just read.

I woke this morning and had to hunt for a bank to get some more cash to pay another $10 in Canadian for another night stay and I will see where I end up tonight. After finding the bank and paying my dues I read for a bit and then set out in search of the Vancouver Public Library, which is conveniently located like 5 blocks from the hostel.

So after almost 10 1/2 hours of riding and at least 120 miles, but my watch died at 110 miles or so last night, I am in Vancouver and I ended with a bang cause I started with a bang so I thought it only fitting. I think I made the ride it 22-23 days of actual riding I will check and confirm that later and let you know for sure. I am not sure what to do with myself while in the city as I know Derek and Matt are going to want to do some stuff when they get here, but what I am not sure.

Anyways I am done!! It was a great trip, despite the long day of rain yesterday. I have decided to do this again in some aspect in some way, but would like to share the next experience with others if possible. I am glad I went alone on this once, as it allowed me to set my own pace and my pace is not one many would like at times I think. Final mileage count I will have up tomorrow I think. Please feel free to send me any e-mail or comments as to what to do while here in VANCOUVER, and I am almost broke as well so if you feel so compelled to help me get back home that would be great too. If you do feel compelled let me know and I will let you know how you can help out. I will keep you posted on my excursions through Vancouver though.

Later.

HELLO VANCOUVER

Arrived in Vancouver last night after a 130 mile ride. I will update more when I can find a library to connect! Check back later today!

Oh such Deception

Started late today figuring after yesterday no need to go to far. Woke
up, read and then ate some donuts with some chocolate milk. I started
riding at 12:00. I took my time crossing the Hood Canal Bridge and
took in the view.

I had a couple big climbs that seemed to go on forever, but I made it
to Port Townsend. I was 5 minutes too late though and missed the
ferry. I went and ate at Subway after riding down historic Port
Townsend. Once on the ferry it was quite the view.

I took the ferry to Whidbey Island and rode through Coupeville and
after 64 miles I decided to call her quits for the day and set up camp
at Deception Pass State Park. Very nice campground one of the better
ones I have seen in WA, but still too expensive at $14.00 for hiker/
biker sites and $0.50 for a three minute barely luke warm shower.

Not sure what tomorrow will bring so you will all have to check back
tomorrow and see just like me. Maybe I will take the day off. Who knows.

Oh yeah almost got hit today on Discovery Rd. Silly lady was able to
stop in time to allow about 2 inches between me and her bumper. I just
shook my head, never breaking my cadence because we all know you got
to keep on keepin' on!!

Move to Bremerton

Woke up today at 7:45 got dressed at some, read some and finaly hit
the road in my rain gear. YES it was STOL raining at 9:30 when I took
off. I had to climb into the foot hills right away and then headed to
Shelton. Once in Shelton I stopped at DQ to warm up and dry off a bit.

Saddled up and had to climb up into some more foothills. After Shelton
and some heavy rain I hit Belfair. Missed a turn in Belfair because I
couldn't find the Sheriff station, so I followed Highway 3 into
Bremerton. This was exciting for me because one of my favorite bands
MXPX is from Bremerton. Once I hit Bremerton I had to pick up my route
again, which was easier said than done.

After passing Harlow Dr. of which I took a picture of for Mr. Derek
Harlow, I came to a washed out road. Chico Way had a stream running
through it. This wasn't going to stop me though and I didn't feel like
finding away around it. I climbed off the bike unhooked one pannier
and on other bag and carried down across and up the other side. After
returning to the bike and not wanting to have to make a third trip I
hoisted the bike with the other pannier up on my shoulder and carried
that down and across. It was tiring especially after 69 miles worth of
riding.

After 88 miles I made it to camp at Kitsap Memorial State Park on the
Hood Canal. Not sure where I am going tomorrow as I rode further today
in the 6 1/2 hours than I was expecting so I am about 160 miles from
Vancouver I think.

Now that I am dry I think it is time for bed.