Pedal PA
01 May 2009 Leave a Comment
in Bicycle, just a ride, Travel
As it often happens, my job had me traveling most of this week. I left home early on Sunday and didn’t return until early, like 1 AM, on Thursday. In that time, I drove to Allentown, PA, south to Philadelphia and home again. I had meetings with 4 different customers and managed to squeeze in 2 bike rides.
The first ride was in Allentown. I found a route that looked promising on MapMyRide.com, but given the number of turns and roads traveled, I was hesitant to try it. There’s nothing like getting lost on a bike! Instead, I stopped by a local bike shop to ask for a challenging ride, preferably up one of the nearby mountains. That experience sealed the deal; I was riding Blue Mountain Road. The local bike dude (in the loosest of terms) proceeded to tell me that the ride was too difficult for me. Huh? This guy never asked any questions about my fitness level, he just assumed based on what I have no idea, that I wasn’t fit enough for that ride or the Hills of Emmaus route. Consider it a challenge.
I headed back to the hotel, wrote up a cryptic crib sheet, changed, and was out the door. After what seemed like turns on 50 different roads (missed a few turns here and added a few there…), I was finally on Blue Mountain Road and headed toward the skies. The road turned up and was challenging, but it never “kicked my ass” as was promised by bike shop dude. I reached the top, turned around, and headed back to the hotel. Along the way I spotted a group of 4 riders and decided to follow them…I needed more miles and was still looking for my ass to be kicked. After chasing for a mile or two, the road turned up again (the roads in the area are very similar to those in KC–contant short, steep grades). I caught the group just as the road leveled off and came to a stop sign. I rolled up, introduced myself and chatted for a few minutes. Unfortunately, their ride was over and everyone was headed home. So I turned around and headed to the hotel.
On the way back I noticed a sign for the Valley Preferred Cycling Center and decided to check it out. WOW! The cycling center is one of the best velodrome centers I’ve seen. Lighted for night riding, bleachers on both sides…unfortunately, it was closed so I didn’t get to see the track. But, I did see a huge message out front: “Father Breaks Record to Honor Daughters Fight Against Lupus.” Amateur cyclist Chris Paradysz bested the 24-hour track record at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, going on to establish a new record of 416.09 miles biked in 24 hours. What a feat!
The next morning I left the Lehigh Valley and drove south into Philadelphia for a quick visit with a customer. Then, it was wagon west for home. Every turn in the Allegheny Mountains brought more and more spectacular views, not to mention the want to park and get out and ride. I finally couldn’t take it anymore. As I-76 turned up for a long grind over Bald Knob before dropping into Breezewood, PA I noticed a secondary road followed the turnpike. I decided this was the ride. I exited at Breezewood, turn back toward the mountain and saw it: markers for the BikePA Route-S. I drove over the hill to make certain I wanted to do this, and as soon as I found a parking spot, I suited up and hit it.
As they often say, pictures are worth a thousand words. I won’t stop with the pictures, but I’ll let them introduce this ride:
I parked in Hustontown, which was approximately 5 miles from the start of the climb–needed time to warm up the legs. The ride over was a lot like roads in KC–short, steep hills. Once I started climbing, though, I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. After a few miles at 3-5%, the road took a sharp turn up. According to the warning sign, it was 8% for almost three miles, followed immediately by 2.5 miles at 10%. Should I mention that I didn’t have mountain gears? I made my way up and then down and on to Breezewood, and then turned around and headed back to the car. The ride was insane and perhaps one of the best mountain rides I’ve completed. It was short, at 25 miles, but otherwise perfect. The road surface was better than the best roads around KC, the climb was demanding, and there was almost no traffic. What more can you ask for?
While changing, I decided to try a different route back to Breezewood, just to see what the area offered. What I found was even better than the roads of Route-S. Just to the south was a 7 or 8 mile drag at 8%. It wasn’t as wicked steep as the other road, but the climb was a lot longer. I had a fleeting thought of getting out and going for it. But, I had to be in Columbus for a meeting early the next morning. Maybe next time.
Family Trip – Wrap up
21 Mar 2009 Leave a Comment
in Family, Travel Tags: Atlanta, kids, Vacation
Our trip to Atlanta wrapped up with a visit to the zoo, a short drive to Chattanooga, where we explored Ruby Falls, and then a long drive to nowhere Illinois, where we stayed the night. We woke up bright and early the next day–actually the earliest time the day started all week–and drove to St. Louis for a short layover before finishing the drive home. The blog fell behind because time seemed to slip by more and more each day. On our last night in Atlanta, both boys were still awake at 11:30. Granted, that’s only 10:30 on home time, but it’s still way past their bedtime and too late to start writing a blog. So, I thought I would write a few words to tie up the trip.
Day 6 – Zoo Atlanta
We actually got the day started at a decent time. But, that probably wasn’t the best thing on this day. We planned to visit the zoo and then Stone Mountain. We made it to the zoo around 10:00, and froze walking from the car to the gate. The temps the day before were in the 70′s and the weatherman predicted the same for this day. Only, he blew the morning temps. A fog that settled in overnight didn’t burn off a quickly as was predicted, and as a result, the temps hovered in the 50′s until after lunch. First stop: gift shop to purchase sweat shirts for the boys. Bundled up and toasty warm we were ready to see the animals.
The Atlanta zoo is nice. It’s compact, easy to navigate, and all of the animal areas offer great viewing. The highlights were the gorillas, the pandas, and the playground. Leave it to Zach and Caleb to prefer a run-of-the-mill playground to the excitement of a zoo. We wrapped up our visit with a ride on the train. That pretty much blew! It seems such a nice zoo would have a decent train. Instead, they have a train that tootles along slower than walking pace, and pretty much loops the playground and the petting zoo. Pretty weak.
As we walked to the car, we decided that everyone was too tired for Stone Mountain. The decision seemed to be the correct one because both boys were asleep within one mile. With them sleeping in back, Traci and I took the time as an opportunity to drive through some of the neighborhoods near the office, which is in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area. We were impressed with the houses but blown away by the prices. The day wrapped up with an easy dinner at Carrabba’s followed by a short trip to Target. Wee-haw!
Day 7 – Zach’s Birthday and depart for home
How do you make a seven-year-old feel special on his birthday? Room service for breakfast! We ordered Zach’s favorite breakfast foods–scrambled eggs, bacon, and orange juice–and had it delivered on a tray. He was excited to wake up and find covered plates. Ah, the simple pleasures in life. We gobbled up breakfast, packed the car, and headed for home. Before we left town, we made a quick stop by the office so Traci could meet everyone.
We decided the night before to treat Zach to Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, even though neither of us knew what it was. The, oh, 10,000 billboard advertisements surely indicate something special. We drove through the city and then turned for the trip up Lookout Mountain. I expected Ruby Falls to be on top of the mountain and to be a pretty ordinary waterfall. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Our trip stopped less than halfway up the mountain. When I got of the car and looked around, it just didn’t make sense…there were no cliffs that would create a waterfall worthy of the praise and majesty described on all the billboards. The spectacle smacked me upside the head as soon as we stepped into the gift shop. Ruby Falls is in a cave!
We purchased tickets and then boarded the elevator for the 260-foot decent into the mountain. We stepped out into a well-lit but small pathway that was groomed for tourists. Our guide gathered everyone to briefly explained the experience that was before us. We would walk for a half mile into the mountain, ending up over 1,000 feet below the mountain top. At the end of the walk, we would experience Ruby Falls, a 145-foot waterfall buried deep within the mountain. And we were off.
While the pathway was cut for tourist, not all areas were intended for a tall man carrying a squirming toddler. I had to duck to make it through several of the passages. Otherwise, it was a very easy walk, one that was dotted with geological formations. The helictite (twisted stalactite that grow with disregard for gravity. The dragon’s foot was a great example) and flowstone curtains (thin, translucent calcite that hung from the ceiling) seemed to be from another world. The guide stopped everyone within earshot of the waterfall so he could explain what was about to happen. He then led us into a darked room. In a moment the lights were brought up, illuminating the waterfall. After everyone snapped a few pictures, we were led behind the waterfall. The rush of water and wind outflow were awesome. We spent a few more minutes taking photos and absorbing the sight before the guide led us back to the elevator. Ruby Falls is definitely as impressive as the billboards describe it.
We loaded up in the car and drove to nowhere, Illinois where we spent the night in an ancient Comfort Inn. But hey, it had beds, a shower, and free breakfast! And, it was just under 2 hours from St. Louis. We departed the next morning before 10:00, which put us at my sister’s before lunch. Perfect.
Day 8 – HOME!
We spent several hours in St. Louis–actually Valley Park, but where’s that!? Just like our first stop, the boys played with their cousins, Traci visited with my sister, and I went for a bike ride. I decided to ride the same route, but added several miles by missing a turn. I wandered deep into the Ozark’s and paid for it. The hills there are nothing like those around Kansas City. KC ain’t flat, but we also don’t have 6-8 mile grinds, either! I spent just over 3 hours on the bike before loading up once again for the final 3-hour drive home. We arrived in our driveway just after 9:00 PM.
Final Thoughts
Atlanta is a great city. It’s big but still has that southern charm. Everyone was pleasant and friendly. The traffic is as bad as everyone says, though. The boys were great travelers. 
The DVD player helped hold their attention. In fact, I don’t remember hearing a single “Are we there yet?” WOW. On our last night there, Traci commented on her amazement that Caleb didn’t miss home. It was maybe two hours later when he cried out, “my wanna go my house”. That request evolved into a full blown fit that lasted until after 11:30. He cried himself to sleep and never complained again.
Family Trip – Day 5
17 Mar 2009 Leave a Comment
Today was a burner, quiet literally. Zach woke up with a fever and a headache. His symptoms started yesterday and are textbook allergies: itchy eyes, “juicy” nose, and sneezing. A new environment and spring time are a toxic mix. Fortunately, Motrin and Claritin have done the trick so far.
With him waking up on the yucky side of the bed, we decided to take it easy during the morning. We lounged around, watching cartoons while eating breakfast. He finally started feeling better around 10:00, so we started getting ready for…what? We didn’t have any plans!
After checking a few web sites and brochures, we decided to visit the Fernbank Museum, which is a natural history museum complete with big dinosaur bones and interactive displays. It’s located just east of midtown, and directions from our hotel were pretty straightforward. A few lefts, a couple of right turns and we’d be there…except dad left the instructions in the room. D’OH! Since I didn’t realize this until we were well on our way, I decided to “man” it and go without directions. We wandered around and turned a lot but we made it. The banners hanging from the sign posts helped guide us through the last couple of miles or so. Whew!
The museum was OK; not quit as inspiring as the aquarium but educational while still being entertaining. The lobby opens to an expansive 40-foot atrium that houses two massive dinosaur fossils.
We strolled through the musuem, taking in each of the permanent and special exhibitions. Each show was unique and special in its own right. The special, interactive exhibit on new dinosaur discoveries explored how scientists are rethinking many of the longstanding dino-mysteries. The best question: are they really extinct? The feathered dinos were interesting, too.
Science City and Kansas City could learn a lot by visiting Fernbank. Granted, Atlanta offers many more corporate sponsor options, which goes a long way in building something like this. But therein lyes the other lesson: Kansas City needs to change in order to attract more companies to the area.
Off the soap box and back to the important stuff.
We planned to go to either Stone Mountain or the zoo after Fernbank. But, we seem to be a one-trick family. Both boys fell asleep as soon as the car cooled down (it’s so nice to climb into a hot car instead of an ice cube!). By the time Zach woke up it was too late to visit either destination. Instead, we stopped by a local park and played for about an hour. Then, we headed for dinner and the hotel room. After a quick respit, the boys and I suited up and hit the pool while Traci ran on an eliptical trainer.
We’re now settled in for the night: Biggest Loser for the parents and Wall-e for the boys. We hope to get an earlier start tomorrow with a visit to the zoo and maybe Stone Mountain. We also need to plan a small birthday celebration for Zach.
Family Road Trip – Days 1 – 4
16 Mar 2009 Leave a Comment
in Family, Travel Tags: Atlanta, Road Trip, Spring Break, Vacation
Spring break. What to do with a seven-year-old and a two-year-old? Rent a minivan and drive to Atlanta, of course. It seemed like a great idea…either for a family vacation or a reality show. Despite the hesitations from everything that could go wrong, we decided to test our patience and pack up the kids and see the sites between KC and Atlanta. Our first stop, St. Louis, was a given. My sister lives there and the cousins love playing together. Nashville seemed to be a logical next stop: it’s only 5 hours from St. Louis and offers many entertainment options. The last leg would be a quick 3-hour jaunt to Atlanta.
Planning started and immediately came to a stop. It seems everyone wanted a minivan for spring break. I tried every option and every rental company but each one had the same message: sold out. Hrmph! I guess a full-size SUV isn’t so bad–less interior space and worse gas mileage are only small things hardly worth mentioning. I tried one more time using Expedia.com, and lo and behold, one minivan was available. It was in Merriam, KS, but that’s a short distance compared to the option.
We drove to Avis Friday morning and found 1 car on the lot, a blue Nissan Quest. When I gave my information to the rental agent, he asked how I was able to get a minivan…”been sold out for a month.” WOW! Some how Expedia hooked us up. Not only did we get a minivan, we got a brand new minivan. Even had the new car smell (at least it did 3 days ago) and a built-in DVD player and plenty of cargo space for luggage, bike, and trainer.
Maybe this trip won’t be so bad after all.
The drive to St. Louis was pretty uneventful, as I-70 across Missouri usually is. We arrived in town around 9:00 PM and settled in for the night. Before racking out, I searched mapmyride.com for rides in the area and found a few options. I decided on the Covered Bridge route, which starts at our hotel’s parking lot.
I woke up at 6:00 the next morning, grabbed breakfast and headed out. The morning was cold but clear with no wind. The route was awesome and lived up to the “hilly” description. I remember thinking that it was more Colorado than Kansas City, with long grades and smooth, smooth, smooth road surfaces. It was a nice change from the short steeps hills and cracked, pitted, and seamed roads around Kansas City.
I made it back to the hotel just after 9:00 and just in time to join Traci and the boys for breakfast. We ate and then loaded up the van and headed to my sister’s. We spent most the day playing and visiting, and then we loaded up again for the drive to Nashville. Try as we might, we just didn’t have it in us for the 5-hour haul. We ended up stopping at Clarksville, TN, which is about an hour north of Nashville. We woke up and hit the road first thing in the morning. And since we just got started, we blew right through Nashville. Maybe on the way home. Like I-70, the drive south along I-24 and then I-75 was pretty uneventful. Traffic was heavy and we had great views of the Appalacian foothills, but otherwise it was just white lines and milemarkers.
We arrived in Atlanta around 6:00 PM on Sunday night. We checked into the hotel, unloaded the car, and headed out for dinner. We made it! And no fits, fights, or foolies along the way—DVD player, oh yeah!
It was raining when we woke up this morning, and the weatherman said the showers would be around throughout the day…what a perfect day to visit the Georgia Aquariumand the World of Coca-Cola. We took our time getting ready (and I worked most of the morning) and finally made it to the aquarium around Noon. It was an incredible experience, crowded, but worth the wait and pushing and shoving. The Journey with Giants was awesome! It features a long walk-through tunnel that passes under a tank of sharks, rays, and various fish. The boys were mesmerized. (Don’t tell anyone but dad was too!) The thought of being under 6 million gallons of water was a bit overwhelming but that thought was easily pushed aside by the whale sharks, hammerheads, and countless schools of fishes that were swimming around.
The Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager, Journey with Giants features the second largest viewing window in the world at 23 feet tall by 61 feet wide and 2 feet thick!
By the time we finished the aquarium, everyone was too tired for the Coke Experience. We headed back to the hotel, where we wrapped up the day with a quick swim for Traci and the boys and an intense hour on the trainer for me. We don’t have specific plans for tomorrow. We plan to play it by ear and go with what the day serves us. I’m certain it will be fun…
