Miles: 54.43
Total Elevation Gain (ft): 2527
Weather: Clear, Sunny, Temperate
Hillbilly Insults: 1
Roadkill: 0

Vladmir Putin calls "real men" nastoyashi muzhik. It has connotations beyond American translation that embodies the goofy machismo that Russian men are supposed to possess. That's why you see him hugging bears, wrestling tigers shirtless and whacking Ukranian presidential candidates.

Anyway, I know I'm a mere gnat compared to the fellas that endured Tarawa and Bataan, but I felt like a nastoyashi muzhik today. I didnt do a single trial beforehand, so my first real ride atop the Soviet-style Salsa Fargo today was an accomplishment for me. A 70lb steel rig is a far cry from the featherlight carbon fiber road weenie bikes I'm fortunate to own. I had doubts about climbing on such a beast, but found that if I just put my head down and ground the low gears at a molasses pace, I was fine. In fact, the freight train momentum and speed on descents was far more cringe inducing. It's a white knuckle experience to hit nearly 40 mph on a state highway with trucks and a narrow shoulder.
The Columbia River Gorge is spectacular. A friend told me that im riding the wrong direction, since this scenery would be a great capstone to a long journey. Ho-Hum.
Miles: 54.43
Total Elevation Gain (ft): 2527
Weather: Clear, Sunny, Temperate
Hillbilly Insults: 1
Roadkill: 0

Vladmir Putin calls "real men" nastoyashi muzhik. It has connotations beyond American translation that embodies the goofy machismo that Russian men are supposed to possess. That's why you see him hugging bears, wrestling tigers shirtless and whacking Ukranian presidential candidates.

Anyway, I know I'm a mere gnat compared to the fellas that endured Tarawa and Bataan, but I felt like a nastoyashi muzhik today. I didnt do a single trial beforehand, so my first real ride atop the Soviet-style Salsa Fargo today was an accomplishment for me. A 70lb steel rig is a far cry from the featherlight carbon fiber road weenie bikes I'm fortunate to own. I had doubts about climbing on such a beast, but found that if I just put my head down and ground the low gears at a molasses pace, I was fine. In fact, the freight train momentum and speed on descents was far more cringe inducing. It's a white knuckle experience to hit nearly 40 mph on a state highway with trucks and a narrow shoulder.
Alan Openshaw
6/1/2013 05:07:25 pm

Proud of you man! Just a few miles more to go (relatively speaking).

Reply
6/1/2013 05:31:11 pm

I'm excited as always to hear about your cycling adventures! I think you've figured out the best summer holiday ever. Mlj x

Reply
Brandy Moore
6/1/2013 11:53:13 pm

Woooo hooo!!!! Enjoy the adventure. No doubt it will be life changing!

Reply
ann marie anderson
6/2/2013 12:26:23 am

Happy cycling! Looking forward to sharing this journey vicariously through your blog!

Reply
Ashok
6/2/2013 12:39:21 am

Good Luck John. This is amazing..
Nice writing too!

Reply
Theresa
6/2/2013 12:49:16 am

I'm thrilled and worried for you Jon!! Stay safe!! So happy you're living one of your dreams!

Reply
Jess
6/2/2013 01:21:20 am

It has begun! See ya out there at some point in your travels...will be following along the rest of the ride via your entertaining rendition. Cheers.

Reply
Katy
6/2/2013 02:06:46 am

God speed!

Reply
dug
6/2/2013 11:36:55 am

I thought I'd be intentionally irritating lol. lol.i could perhaps type and not punk chew ate or spel crectly lol!! UR cool!! lol!

Your pal, Doug

Reply
Smith
6/2/2013 01:46:13 pm

That's what I am talking about superman. Eat, rest, ride and be safe by all means!

Reply
Jonathan Leahey
6/2/2013 02:54:20 pm

Doug, you crack me up, fool. You need to get a blog or radio show of your own!

Reply



Leave a Reply.