Day 88 Returning to Portland

We were to return to Portland early this morning and explore that wonderful city further. However, we were surprised by a Seaside, Oregon reporter, Laura Newburn of the SEASIDE SIGNAL, a weekly newspaper, who wanted to do a story on Zac's journey for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was notifed by Steve Hale, from Aiken, that Zac had arrived on his cross country journey and his purposes... Ms. Newburn did the interview on the phone and asked that we email her a photo of Zac's arrival. However, three hours later, three different computer connections at the hotel, and three different hotel employees, we were unsuccessful.. In retrospect, we could have walked the camera over to her...... however, the article was written and submitted by Ms. Newburn who writes to us, "My dad died of Lymphoma four years ago. Today would have been his 62nd birthday, so writing a story about someone like you who is trying to make a difference with the disease that took his life made the day that much more special for me." We left Seaside much later, and stopped in Astoria to ship his beloved bicycle. We were referred to lunch at the most incredible small Mexican restaurant around the corner... After we secured her from-scratch guacamole recipe, the owner and two of her patrons told stories of their loved ones afflicted by blood-related cancers, two of whom had perished.... And Leukemia and lymphoma continue to devastate lives everywhere....
We continued to Portland, with Zac watching my speed limit the entire trip despite being on the phone or reading. He had not ridden in a car for three months and the speed was surreal for the first part of this journey.I became more aware of what constant climbing and descending of 300' to 500' inclines for miles and was impressed with his efforts, multiplied by 80 days... My stationery lifestyle seems so wrong. Zac seems very happy to return to his home in Aiken and is overwhelmed with the goodness and kindness of everyone. He had only two stories of unpleasantness where his safety was challenged during all 4.000 miles but so many, many stories of kindness and generosity...... P.S. I counted 12 states but Zac cycled through corners of Illinois and Washington that I did not know of.. so 14 states!!@###...I so was trying to keep track...
*posted by a mom who at least can hit the stationery bicycle when she gets home. Obviously, this genetic trait came from his Dad*

Day 87 Recovering in Seaside

Zac was so exhausted when he finally arrived in Seaside after the hard ride of 100 plus miles and his body was complaining yesterday morn. After a sufficient breakfast, hydration and a good night's rest, he was having a struggle moving and thinking... A good massage, a gift from friends, helped with the lactic acid and Zac feeling much better. We have made arrangements to have his bike shipped today from a bike shop in Astoria that is experienced in doing so. It is not only the bike, the camping equipment, etc. We are heading back to Portland today to get a very early flight back to Charlotte tomorrow and gladly drive home. We have enjoyed the work being done on his Drop In Celebration on Augusta 4th and hope that Zac can reach his goal for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Being at the Pacific was an emotional event for Zac after his journey..... not to mention his Mom who has gained more than a few pounds during the worry of the ride..... The cycling angels have taken care of Zac. Now the Jenny Craig angels have to now watch over his mom!

Day 85 & 86 ZAC HAS ARRIVED!!!!

Zac has arrived at the Pacific Ocean at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27th after a grueling day of a 100-mile ride from Portland, OR to Seaside, OR, through varied and difficult terrain and the most incredible scenery. I got to ride a support car for the first and last day and what an experience that was. Since Zac has truly not received the long distance devoted cycling genes from me, I become more and more impressed as my day continued as to what a physical ride this was. The hills were high, the traffic was unrelentless (and Oregon has great shoulders specifically for cyclists), and the miles seemed endless.. I would drive ahead to a town or two ahead...and then wait.... and if it seemed too long, I would slink back and backtrack to find Zac.... hoping he would not notice his Mamma in a rent-a-car. But he was absolutely determined to hit the Pacific on Sunday. I checked into the hotel at Seaside on the ocean and waited and waited, as it got darker and later..... and later. The bike route took him through the Park near here, and with the addition of having to replace a flat, he was very late... And yes, of course, I got in the car and tracked backwards trying to find him.. So I was on the wrong road. Fortunately, he called within a half hour.
Yesterday, as I drove the support car, leisurely, I was able to notice all the gorgeous scenery around me, take the huge Lewis and Clark Bridge to Longview, WA and back, go to the Eagle Scantary, stop at the fresh raspberry stand, the mutliple flower stands and drive through quite a few small towns on the route.. What an incredible day it was and what a country! It makes you realize how much we miss when we race through our lives, fly everywhere and not appreciate all and everyone around us.... Today we get to take the photo at the Turnabout at Seaside and then pack up the bike, return to Portland and fly back on the 30th. We will keep you posted about the fundraiser on August 4th. Zac wants everyone to know that he is going to write to everyone... Thank you everyone for your support.... ZAC ATTACK has arrived....
*posted by a relieved and grateful Mom*

Day 83 & 84 Hanging out in Portland

Zac is enjoying the city of Portland for the past two days.. He has been staying at the hostel which apparently is very well run and very well located. He will be forced to enjoy the city for one more day in waiting for me to fly in. It was difficult to get room reservations in Portland due to several festivals going on, the major of which, was the beer festival.Sunday morning, Zac will leave Portland and bike the final 90 miles to Seaside, OR. The plan is dip his wheels in the Pacific Sunday night if the winds are not terrific. I am planning on following him, meeting him for lunch and then continue on and wait for him at the water's edge... It is so very amazing that it is coming to an end. There is a bike shop in Astoria, OR that is used to shipping bicycles home to any point in the world and they will be packing up Zac's wheels.
It is very late and we have been working on a mailing for the ZAC ATTACK to return back to Aiken. The following is the insert from the mailing we have done:
the ZAC ATTACK is back!
from Hunting Island, SC to Seaside, OR…
….85 days,12 states and 4,000 miles…. Completed!

Zac Holford has cycled from “sea to shining sea”
To raise awareness and funds for
the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society….


…Drop In, Say Hello, & Celebrate!…
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, August 4,, 2008
Newberry Hall.
117 Newberry St. SW. Aiken, South Carolina

There is a $20.00 donation at the door. Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar. This is a chance to chat with Zac but mostly to reach his goal for the most worth cause that has affected so many families. It is expected that the newspaper will have details to follow. We look forward to seeing you.. I look forward to seeing Zac and pinching his cheeks, those with spandex and those without... We will keep you posted of hitting the Pacific waters... Thanks to so very many people......
*posted by Zac's excited Mom!*

Day 82 Zac in Portland

Only about 90-100 miles from the Pacific Ocean!!!!! Day 82 should have Zac staying at the Hawthorne House, part of Hostel International. This historic home was built in 1909 and the room rates are unbelievable, and the company is international. Hawthorne Blvd is known for it’s quaint eateries, coffeehouses, pubs, unique shops, and the famous Bagdad Brew Pub & Theatre. Hawthorne House is quick trip to all of the City’s attractions such as Powell's Books, Old Town, the Pearl District, Nob Hill, Weekend Market, Washington Park, Pioneer Square, and Willamette River Promenade. Zac actually gets a day of rest to delay so that he can wait for me to arrive in Portland on Saturday. Under the energy and guidance of Kim Sincair (who used to babysit Zac when he was a mere toddler and has many stories to share), we are planning a Drop In at Newberry Hall in Aiken on Monday, August 4th. I will post further details. So very close to the other "shining sea" on Zac's quest of "Sea to Shining Sea"!

*posted by Zac's grateful Mom*

Day 81 Hood River, Oregon

Zac finds himself at the end of this day at Hood River, Oregon and there are no campsites, so he is forced to get a hotel room....he deserves a hotel room quite often at the end of this cross country ride. Apparently the ride today was a difficult, constantly fighting strong winds and challenging terrain. Hood River County is centrally located at the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It extends from the majestic Mt. Hood, north to the mighty Columbia River, which is the only river in North America that flows through a major mountain range (the Cascades) at near sea level. The County is rich in natural resources with agriculture, lumber and recreation as sources of revenue and industry. Fruit grown in the fertile valley is of such exceptional quality that the County leads the world in Anjou pear production. More than 14,000 acres of commercial orchards growing pears, apples, cherries and peaches provide miles of peaceful scenic beauty. Hood River County also has two ports and two boat basins which service commercial traffic as well as recreational boating. Due to the wealth of natural resources, this smaller county attracts many tourists during the summer months, which swells its permanent population of 20,500 significantly.
Zac was amazed by the beauty of the Gorge. He has had to battle winds of 35-45 miles at times. Taking his earphones off at one point almost proved disastrous because of a sudden wind gust. There are many pictures to share when he has time to post them. the new wheel is on and Zac is headed for Portland. Thank you for all the messages that you are sending to him.... He will have completed his plan
of "sea to shining sea"at the end of this week and will gladly head home to Aiken for a short R & R.

Day 80, Dalles, OREGON!

Zac spent the day in Dalles, following one of the most challenging 20ish miles of biking trail. This involved steep climbing, some of it on gravel...He had lunch with Chris and Katie, a couple that he had met earlier on the trail, a state or two ago. Zac was hoping to make it through biking the day with his wheel intact. He has had to order a new one from Portland to be shipped to him to continue his journey. This will delay his arrival at Seaside, Oregon. I am flying to Portland on Saturday which may "force" Zac to take a day of rest so that I can witness and photograph his dipping in the Pacific Ocean. Dad is not going to make it, cancelling office on such short notice. Hard to believe he has completed almost 4,000 miles on human power.
The Dalles is located in North Central Oregon, 75 minutes east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. The Dalles has a population of 11,880.The Dalles was the site of Fort Dalles. Established in 1850 to protect immigrants after the Whitman massacre, it was the only military post between the Pacific Coast and Wyoming.The Dalles, Oregon, has been home to humans for thousands of years. Lewis and Clark stopped here on their way west in 1805, and were followed by French trappers who noted the flagstone like rock and called the place les dalles, French for flagstone. Missionaries arrived in the 1830s, and as settlers started moving west on the Oregon Trail, Known as the end of the Oregon Trail, the Dalles was where pioneers loaded their wagons onto rafts or barges and floated down the Columbia River to the mouth of the Willamette River, then upriver to Oregon City.

*posted by Zac's proud mom*

Days 75-79 Zac is in Oregon

We have been travelling and Zac does not have his cell phone charger... so we have had difficulty communicating. Originally, since we were on the West Coast, I was going to stay and just go north to find Zac. Then, it appeared that there would be too much time between the two events.... but apparently not so. Zac got ahold of us as we were getting to our flight to return home on day 79. He was in Dallas, Oregon (I think because the reception was difficult) and has changed to another cycling route to finish. He was somehow cycling through Oregon, going into Washington State and return to Oregon, to complete this long journey at Seaside Beach in less than a week!!!! Seaside lies on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, at the southern end of the Clatsop Plains, about 18 miles south of where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific. At the end of Broadway, Seaside's main street, lies "The Turnaround." It is a roundabout designed to turn traffic around when the street dead ends at the Pacific Ocean. In the middle of "The Turnaround" stands a statue of Lewis and Clark. The statue signifies that not only tourists "turn around" in Seaside, but that Lewis and Clark turned again for home, and their report to fellow Albemarle, Virginia resident Thomas Jefferson, when they reached the Pacific Ocean. Good news.. Zac does not have to bike back! We were planning to go much further north to see his lymphoma-surviving-94-yr.old grandfather.. We are hoping to go meet him, go with him to Alberta, and then bring Zac home. We also hope to do a very relaxed drop in downtown Aiken to welcome Zac home and thank everyone for their interest and their support.. Zac has reached 85% of his goal and so I was hoping to get working on reaching that goal as Zac reaches his. I have my work really cut out for me as well. Zac is to check in today and we are scrambling to make arrangements to go and meet him. Thank you again for all your prayers, good wishes, and support.... there are so many of you out there asking about Zac and I hope he gets to read all the notes when he comes home.

*posted by Zac's grateful mom*

Day 73 & 74 No word from Zac

We have not had word from Zac in the past two days. If he is still biking with Tjoan, then they would be camping in campgrounds or remote areas. He left Missoula and the cycling map has him go west and then more south than west through Idaho. Then only Oregon to go! It is absolutely amazing. Zac has reached 84% of his goal of $15,000 and I am hoping to see if I can help reach it before he gets home. This weekend is the wedding of our senior partner's son, David. There are many memories of Zac and David at Lake Murray We wish David and Kimberly much happiness in the many years to come! Zac was hoping to be done this weekend but with the delays of bike parts and other complications, he has some way to go!
*posted by Zac's mom who has not begun to worry too badly as yet*

Day 72... What a Small World!

Day 72 ends with no word yet from Zac. He had been charging his phone at one of the bike shops a few towns ago and forgot his charger. So we have to rely on the pay phones until he replaces it... HOWEVER, today, I received the very nicest surprise. A wonderful woman from Clarks Hill, SC, Karen S. called to say that she and her family say Zac in a restaurant on July 8th in Virginia City, MT. Her son attends USC and had his South Carolina hat on, Zac was glad to talk to him. Mary and Bill chatted with him, came home, did alittle research and called me. Mary works at the University of South Carolina, The very nicest gift! Mary said he looks great and was in great spirits and I am sure, very glad to talk to someone from home. The road is getting long for Zac and he is anxious to get to the West Coast. I still believe that the Moms of the USA need to form a network to check on our children as they head out on their own.... We will wait to hear from Zac to see where he is travelling.

*Posted by a very grateful MOM of Zac!*

Day 71 Still In Missoula

Zac reunited with his Dutch friend Tjoan. Tjoan and his friend were biking together but had split up. Zac was glad to run into Tjoan in Missoula. Missoula truly is a cycling mecca. Zac went to Adventure Cycling Association headquarters, and yes, they did get their free ice cream, and their picture taken. He had the luxury of a motel room for a couple of nights and will leave Missoula for the trek towards the Ocean. He is estimating 10-14 days depending on the terrain through Idaho and then Oregon. He is anticipating that he will be riding most of the way with Tjoan as that is T's destination as well. So we leave them heading further westward.

Day 70 in Missoula, Montana

At the end of day 70, we found Zac reaching Missoula, Montana. We were very glad he was finally having phone service because of our new exciting news... Zac's sister, Erin became engaged to Chris today! We were unable to reach Zac until late evening to tell him. Missoula is known as the Garden City because of it mild winters compared to the rest of Montanta. It was founded in 1860 as a trading post and is strategically located at the head of 5 valley systems, making it the major commercial center for Western Montana. The US Forest Service has it largest smoke jumpers base here near the Missoula airport. The is also the mecca of bicycle travel because of the Adventre Cycling Association, the largest North American cycling association. Thousands of bikers travel through the downtown headquarters to have free ice cream, get photographed and compare stories. The first woman elected to Congress, Judith Rankin, 1880-1973, was from Missoula. We hope to hear more personal stories from Zac while he is in a strong phone connection zone. Zac heads west into Idaho and gets yet another state close to the west coast. This leaves him Idaho and Oregon yet to conquer. How amazing is that....

Day 65-67 Zac in Montana

Day 67 ended with Zac staying at a KOA campground in Dillon, MT, after completing 75 miles. He had shared a campgroud with two 50-year bikers who were biking their native Montana and sharing the same route for the past two days. There is quite a haze due to large wildfires, even as far away as California. The air quality has been affected. Zac says he is "high dry mountainous areas with incredible scenery".
Dillon, pop. 3800, is best known for the amazing amount of blue ribbon trout streams that surround it, but the area is also brimming with Native American and Frontier history, (it located along the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery trail and the Nez Perce Nee Me Po trail) and is in the heart of an area that was a highly lucrative gold mining deposits in the late 1800's. The terrain has granite peaks of 10,000 ft. to the east with gentle forest terrain to the west. Dillon is an agricultural valley that was at one time the biggest wool shipping point in the US. It was named after the president of the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad made it a major shipping point from Utah to the gold mining fields of Montana.
I have been trying to find out what a "Blue Ribbon" trout stream was. The best is as follows........ A Blue Ribbon Trout Stream must meet certain standards or criteria. It must be able to support excellent stocks of wild resident trout, have the physical characteristics to permit fly casting but be shallow enough to wade, produce diverse insect life and good fly hatches, have earned a reputation for providing an excellent (quality) trout fishing experience, and have excellent water quality.
We leave Zac travelling westward in high elevations, meeting new friends along the bike path of life and still doing well. He appreciates all the words of encouragement he has received. His arrival date at the Oregon coast will be delayed till the end of July, the date unknown at this time.

*Posted by Zac's mom who realized it has been two full months since we were able to hug those spandex'd buns*

Days 62-64 Zac is visiting Yogi in Yellowstone

Zac spent the 4th in West yellowstone town and is spending another night. We have given him the gift of a hotel room so that he could enjoy this wonderful holiday in what he says is the most gorgeous country.. Zac did say that the bears in Yellowstone do not wear bowties like they did in the cartoons, they do not eat from picnic baskets, and they do eat people. And, you can be blasted in the air by Old Faithful like in the cartoons... etc.. Those of you who know he sense of humor can appreciate how funny his take on the park has been.
Getting to West Yellowstone has been a challenge but Zac has seen the most beautiful countryside and seemed to always be on the Continental Divide. So I had to look the CD up and sure enough, it goes from Alaska to South America, only to be divided by the Panama Canal. In the American West, it twists and turns so that there seems to be a Continental Divide in many states. Will get a full review from Zac and hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend.

*posted by Zac's mom.....*

Day 61 Heard from Zac

We heard from Zac this morning and he has left Lander, Central Wyoming. He had a good day yesterday but complains of some back pain and needing new peddles. The Memphis Connection is sending him the new peddles and supplies. Mom now can chill!
Lander is the home of the National Outdoor Leadership School that was started in 1965by a legenary moutaineer, Paul Petzoldt. This was a year after the Wilderness Act and America was beginning to think seriously about protecting our enviroment. It was his dream to train leaders who would learn all about living in and protecting the enviroment and then going forth and teaching others to protect our land. This began with 100 male students in 1965, women and boys ages 13-15 were added in 1966 a international schools were opened,and now have 75,000 graduates. NOLS has expanded to Chile, Kenya, India, Australia, the Yukon territory in Canada, etc. The Kenya school had to be closed in 2003 due to political unrest. A college semester program of 16 hours credit is now available for a complete cost of $12K.
Zac spent last evening talking to many of the students from all over the world at NOLS headquarters in Lander, elevation 6500 ft.
Today, Zac continues to Colter Bay, WY in the Grand Teton National Park in NW Wyoming. This is directly under Yellowstone National Park. The most spectacular mountain in the Grand Tetons, located between the Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, is the Grand Teton that towers over Jackson Hole at 13,770 ft.
It is hopeful that Zac will continue on to spend the 4th of July in the town of West Yellowstone where we are going to surprise him with a hotel room and hot tub, etc. He has to service his bike and pick up packages at the bike shop. We are so very glad to have heard that he is fine and continuing on his mountainous journey. Thank you for all your interest, your many well wishes, and your prayers for his safety and success. He has raised 80% of his goal thus far and is encouraged by that as well.

*posted by his Mom who is back to chillin'*

Day 60 No word from Zac

We are trying to be calm but I am not doing my mother-getting-really-worried stage. We have not heard from Zac since the 29th, three days ago. I have also called his credit card co. and he has not had any purchases since that date. It is difficult to not be overly concerned. He had better call really soon! I know that he is travelling through uninhabited country and cell phone service is an issue, however.. Just needing the prayers for his safety and hope we hear from Zac soon. I am also going to call the Memphis Connection and when they last heard from him since Zac was needing to have them send him some bike parts... Prayers, everyone, for Zac and his Mom to be calm. Dad is doing a better job at this!

*posted by Zac's mom who is answering every cell phone call*