Day 57 found Zac in the wilderness of Wyoming in the mid-afternoon, 40 miles from any civilization for food or water. Zac has a water filter pump for cleansing water and was eating any food reserves he had in his backpacks when we talked to him. He had blown a tire but was able to repair it sufficiently to continue on but with some alignment problems. He is anticipating having his Memphis Bike Connections in sending him the appropriate replacements. His friends have been a great support group throughout this entire ride and Zac could not have continued on without them. Zac has also been getting your messages of support every few days but does not have the ability to reply. He wanted to know that he is getting them..
Day 58 & 59 - Have not heard from Zac. We are getting alittle anxious but also know that he is in area where there is limited phone service and a limited ability to charge his phone. We were hoping to find him a great place in Yellowstone National Park to spend July 4th but cannot be sure where he will be. I was surprised to see that there were still a few vacancies in Yellowsone National Park for the holidays! Will gladly hear from him at any time and stay calm till then.
Wishing everyone a Happy 4th week of celebration. There is so much to be thankful for in this great country of ours. Zac is getting to see it first hand.
*written by his mom who is trying to be stay cool in SC!*
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Day 50-56 In Wyoming
It has been a few days since I have been able to get on the keys to report. As of this morning, Zac is leaving Rawlins, Wyoming after a day of difficult biking of winds, high altitude and very boring scenery. Zac had met a great couple biking, very mature, according to his standards, 60ish, but would not be continuing with him.
Zac seemed to be finding it alittle difficult to get going this morning but was determined to bike 60 miles today.The countryside is barren and Zac describes it as "high altitude desert".
Rawlins, incorporated in 1886 and designated the county seat of Carbon County, (a name derived from the extensive coal deposits which underlay the area) is located virtually on top of the Continental Divide, elevation of 6900 ft. The population is 8500 and it is due west of Laramie, Wyoming. Rawlins was named after General John A. Rawlins, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, who after taking a drink from a spring at the base of a nearby hill declared, "If anything is ever named after me, I hope it will be a spring of water."
Doug (dad) and I have left Alberta, Canada and are glad to get to phones and computer access.. We are very limited in communication in Canada due to the high roaming charges despite the best of international plans. We have learned this the hard way, years ago, after a shocking cell phone bill. We did try to communicate with Zac each day to find his location.
While still in Colorado, Zac got to travel along the Continental Divide for many days. One day this past week, they had a Colorado Border to Border bike ride and there were about 1,000 riders with Zac on the trail. He truly enjoyed having a support vehicle with him. I have threatened to get a beige rent a car and do so-may still do so. While in Colorado, he had frequent company on the trails but this has has changed in Wyoming.
We have kept Zac posted regarding the news at home... the election results! Dr. Durrett's incredible progress he is making, and other tidbits. Doug and I are in Minneapolis for a two day meeting. While at dinner last night, I did bring up the ZAC ATTACK and quickly got a wonderful donation... a very generous Dr. Williams, orthopedist, Albany, GA ...and two pledges. It is amazing how Leukemia and Lymphoma have touched so many lives everywhere.
Zac needs your prayers and has enjoyed your phone calls of encouragement.. Thank you.
*posted by Zac's Mom who is going to drag Zac's Dad to the Mall Of America this afternoon in the rainy weather....*
Zac seemed to be finding it alittle difficult to get going this morning but was determined to bike 60 miles today.The countryside is barren and Zac describes it as "high altitude desert".
Rawlins, incorporated in 1886 and designated the county seat of Carbon County, (a name derived from the extensive coal deposits which underlay the area) is located virtually on top of the Continental Divide, elevation of 6900 ft. The population is 8500 and it is due west of Laramie, Wyoming. Rawlins was named after General John A. Rawlins, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, who after taking a drink from a spring at the base of a nearby hill declared, "If anything is ever named after me, I hope it will be a spring of water."
Doug (dad) and I have left Alberta, Canada and are glad to get to phones and computer access.. We are very limited in communication in Canada due to the high roaming charges despite the best of international plans. We have learned this the hard way, years ago, after a shocking cell phone bill. We did try to communicate with Zac each day to find his location.
While still in Colorado, Zac got to travel along the Continental Divide for many days. One day this past week, they had a Colorado Border to Border bike ride and there were about 1,000 riders with Zac on the trail. He truly enjoyed having a support vehicle with him. I have threatened to get a beige rent a car and do so-may still do so. While in Colorado, he had frequent company on the trails but this has has changed in Wyoming.
We have kept Zac posted regarding the news at home... the election results! Dr. Durrett's incredible progress he is making, and other tidbits. Doug and I are in Minneapolis for a two day meeting. While at dinner last night, I did bring up the ZAC ATTACK and quickly got a wonderful donation... a very generous Dr. Williams, orthopedist, Albany, GA ...and two pledges. It is amazing how Leukemia and Lymphoma have touched so many lives everywhere.
Zac needs your prayers and has enjoyed your phone calls of encouragement.. Thank you.
*posted by Zac's Mom who is going to drag Zac's Dad to the Mall Of America this afternoon in the rainy weather....*
Friday, June 20, 2008
Day 48 & 49 Zac?
Last we heard from Zac was from Canon City, CO with his new parts and ready to leave Thursday morning. We have been unable to get in contact with him but we are away in Canada visiting with his grandfather, the lymphoma survivor. He turned 94 years old on Monday and is amazing! We are also enjoying the 70 degree weather.! We are hoping that Zac is cycling into the Rockies, with greater ease since he has his bicycle fixed....
*posted by his mom from Alberta, Canada*
*posted by his mom from Alberta, Canada*
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Day 46 & 47 Waiting for Bike Parts
Zac biked out of Canon City, CO a few miles and realized he needed to make some changes in the gearing(?) of his bike for the mountains. With the additional weight of the saddle bags and supplies, it was too difficult to continue. He returned to Canon City and has been staying there, waiting the bike shop to get the necessary parts. We have had a chance to send him his rain jacket and water pump and some lovin' while he was there.
Canon City (there is the squiggle over the first "n" but I do not know how to type that in) has a population of 16,000 and elevation of 6,000 ft.Cañon City was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush as a commercial center for miners. It is located on the Arkansas River and is a favorite for whitewater rafters and rock climbers.
We were hoping Zac could find a library and share some thoughts with us...
*posted by his mom*
Canon City (there is the squiggle over the first "n" but I do not know how to type that in) has a population of 16,000 and elevation of 6,000 ft.Cañon City was founded in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush as a commercial center for miners. It is located on the Arkansas River and is a favorite for whitewater rafters and rock climbers.
We were hoping Zac could find a library and share some thoughts with us...
*posted by his mom*
Monday, June 16, 2008
Day 43 & 44 In Florence, CO
Zac spent Day 43 in Pueblo getting the necessary bike repairs, resting, taking care of some business and refueling-himself. He spent another night in a motel and enjoyed the luxuries of a soft bed, shower and TV for the evening.
Day 44, Zac began the climb in elevation. He has been biking in semi-arid county in western Kansas but finds the dryness of the Colorado foothills along with the increasing elevation very difficult. He has been drinking so much more water and had to stop at a horse ranch for additional water. A wonderful kind rancher, Ted Kelly and his family asked Zac to have an afternoon meal with them. Ted raises appaloosa horses and has trained race horses. Zac shared our Aiken history with them. Zac camped in the city park in Florence, CO.
Florence, my namesake, with a populaton of 3,500, is the home of the Supermax Prison, the only one in the USA. It is known as the "Alcatraz of the Rockies" and houses about 430 of the most dangerous prisoners we have. Ted Kaczynski and Terry Nichols make their registry as well as the most notorious of drug dealers, terrorists, organized crime,etc. The prison was built in 1994 and employs about 1000 people.
Florence is at an elevation of 5,000 ft. and Zac is ccntinuing on to Hartsell, Co, elevation 9,000. He anticipates that he may only cover about 30 miles today because of the elvation and difficulty.
Today is Zac's grandfather's 94th birthday. He was diagnosed with lymphoma 4 years ago. The Doctors at the Cross Cancer Clinic began treatment on him because they thought he was only 80 years old and was so active and independent. After the third round of his limited chemotherapy, they realized that he was actually 90. Granddad has enjoyed 4 years of good health. He passed his medical exam and his actual driving test so the Alberta government gave his drivers license for TWO more years. He limits it to around the block to the drugstore and post office and church.. There is fortunately no traffic around town. We consider each day with him a blessing.
Zac is doing this ride in his honor as well as his aunt, Jan.
We wish that Granddad could be at the Pacific and see Zac dip his wheels but this would be too difficult a trip for him.
Thank you for all your concern and good wishes for Zac. It amazes us how involved everyone has been in Zac's ride and are asked about him everywhere we go.. Thank you for everyone's support.
*posted by Zac's mom who was born VERY late in her father's life????*
Day 44, Zac began the climb in elevation. He has been biking in semi-arid county in western Kansas but finds the dryness of the Colorado foothills along with the increasing elevation very difficult. He has been drinking so much more water and had to stop at a horse ranch for additional water. A wonderful kind rancher, Ted Kelly and his family asked Zac to have an afternoon meal with them. Ted raises appaloosa horses and has trained race horses. Zac shared our Aiken history with them. Zac camped in the city park in Florence, CO.
Florence, my namesake, with a populaton of 3,500, is the home of the Supermax Prison, the only one in the USA. It is known as the "Alcatraz of the Rockies" and houses about 430 of the most dangerous prisoners we have. Ted Kaczynski and Terry Nichols make their registry as well as the most notorious of drug dealers, terrorists, organized crime,etc. The prison was built in 1994 and employs about 1000 people.
Florence is at an elevation of 5,000 ft. and Zac is ccntinuing on to Hartsell, Co, elevation 9,000. He anticipates that he may only cover about 30 miles today because of the elvation and difficulty.
Today is Zac's grandfather's 94th birthday. He was diagnosed with lymphoma 4 years ago. The Doctors at the Cross Cancer Clinic began treatment on him because they thought he was only 80 years old and was so active and independent. After the third round of his limited chemotherapy, they realized that he was actually 90. Granddad has enjoyed 4 years of good health. He passed his medical exam and his actual driving test so the Alberta government gave his drivers license for TWO more years. He limits it to around the block to the drugstore and post office and church.. There is fortunately no traffic around town. We consider each day with him a blessing.
Zac is doing this ride in his honor as well as his aunt, Jan.
We wish that Granddad could be at the Pacific and see Zac dip his wheels but this would be too difficult a trip for him.
Thank you for all your concern and good wishes for Zac. It amazes us how involved everyone has been in Zac's ride and are asked about him everywhere we go.. Thank you for everyone's support.
*posted by Zac's mom who was born VERY late in her father's life????*
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Day 42 Zac in Pueblo, CO
After a great day of biking,Zac has made it to the big city of Pueblo, CO, population 103,000. He biked a total of 115 miles. For the first 65 miles or so, Zac said he averaged 12 mph and then the last 40 or so, he averaged 19 mph. There were 10 minute segments where he was biking 30 mph and loving every minute of it. Zac has enjoyed watching the antics of the many prairie dogs in this semi-arid area. Rainfall in this area averages only 14 inches per year.
About 44 miles of his biking was done along the Arkansas River bed in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He has gone ahead of his biking companions because of his speed for the day and splurged on a hotel room for the night.
Zac had difficulty getting motel rooms in the area due to limited vacancy. One of the motels that he checked into was totally not clean and he had to argue to get his money refunded. He will rest Day 43 in Pueblo and get his rear wheel "retensioned' and add his 'saddle bags" to the front wheel to redistribute his weight. There is a large bicycle shop in Pueblo that he can get the repairs done.
Zac will rest in Pueblo, eat well, and do the necessary repairs. If he finds a library, he will get on the keys and hopefully share his thoughts.
Pueblo is the economic hub of southeastern Colorado and northern New Mexico. It is the largest steel producing city in the US and is known as "The Steel City".
Pueblo is considered to be in the "banana belt" which is the segment of a geographic region that enjoys much milder conditions, especially in winter. This. apparently, usually occurs when you are on the lee sides of the mountain slopes. They have very little snowfall here in their winters.
Pueblo is the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients - Drew D. Dix, Raymond G. Murphy, William J. Crawford, and Carl L. Sitter. On July 1, 1993, the Congressional Record recognized Pueblo as the "Home of Heroes".
We are hoping Zac will get on the keys himself on his rest day.
*posted by Zac's mom.... once again...*
About 44 miles of his biking was done along the Arkansas River bed in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. He has gone ahead of his biking companions because of his speed for the day and splurged on a hotel room for the night.
Zac had difficulty getting motel rooms in the area due to limited vacancy. One of the motels that he checked into was totally not clean and he had to argue to get his money refunded. He will rest Day 43 in Pueblo and get his rear wheel "retensioned' and add his 'saddle bags" to the front wheel to redistribute his weight. There is a large bicycle shop in Pueblo that he can get the repairs done.
Zac will rest in Pueblo, eat well, and do the necessary repairs. If he finds a library, he will get on the keys and hopefully share his thoughts.
Pueblo is the economic hub of southeastern Colorado and northern New Mexico. It is the largest steel producing city in the US and is known as "The Steel City".
Pueblo is considered to be in the "banana belt" which is the segment of a geographic region that enjoys much milder conditions, especially in winter. This. apparently, usually occurs when you are on the lee sides of the mountain slopes. They have very little snowfall here in their winters.
Pueblo is the hometown of four Medal of Honor recipients - Drew D. Dix, Raymond G. Murphy, William J. Crawford, and Carl L. Sitter. On July 1, 1993, the Congressional Record recognized Pueblo as the "Home of Heroes".
We are hoping Zac will get on the keys himself on his rest day.
*posted by Zac's mom.... once again...*
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Day 41 Out of Kansas and into Colorado
Had a nice conversation with Zac tonight. They had made dinner of beans, rice, carrots, etc. and peanut butter... There was no meat entree tonight. Zac was discussing his Uncle Ben's Minute Rice cooked in a skillet..... something new for the Food Channel-cooking on the road with a skillet and a tent. There was one more mini meal to come before he went to bed.
They left Tribune, KS and biked 60 plus miles to Eads, CO. They left the farmland communities and travelled through desolate, very flat land. They biked for 8 miles out of the town and could still see the town. There is are no trees, greenery or shrubbery of any kind on the landscape, It is almost unsettling to be in such barren isolated countryside.. We are glad he is biking this area with companions.
They stopped at a service station establishment called Sheridan Lake but there was no water in the lake, only totally barren land. One of the locals was discussing how the South was so far behind the times, etc and continued on and on. Zac finally let on that he was from the South but informed them that we had people in S,C., trees, plants and even water in our lakes...... Zac has enjoyed talking to the farmers of Kansas and how the fuel prices and other costs have affected their livelihood. Their crops were millet, wheat and sunflowers.
Zac and the two Dutch riding buddies ended the day in Eads, CO, a very small town of 800 or so very nice people. Sylvia at the HealthMart store had Zac's package for him and I did recieve my kind and gentle lecture of sending him too much. They also got their hair cut by Laurie Lynn, a 46 year old mother of a three year old. She cut their hair very short and told them to go to her house and shower. They met the three year old and Zac was concerned that he was not potty trained as yet. They camped out a the city park and were enjoying the weather. They will stay at a hotel for a night or two when the weather turns on them.
Zac said that though the terrain is as desolate as you can imagine, there are so many wonders that you see from a bicycle. It may be the horny toad running across the road, the formation and reformation of the one cloud overhead and all the inticate wonders of the world that surround us but we are usually too busy or moving too fast to notice. There is a lesson to be learned there.
Zac had a good day.... and ready for a good night.
*posted by his Mom who sends too much stuff, just cuz.....*
They left Tribune, KS and biked 60 plus miles to Eads, CO. They left the farmland communities and travelled through desolate, very flat land. They biked for 8 miles out of the town and could still see the town. There is are no trees, greenery or shrubbery of any kind on the landscape, It is almost unsettling to be in such barren isolated countryside.. We are glad he is biking this area with companions.
They stopped at a service station establishment called Sheridan Lake but there was no water in the lake, only totally barren land. One of the locals was discussing how the South was so far behind the times, etc and continued on and on. Zac finally let on that he was from the South but informed them that we had people in S,C., trees, plants and even water in our lakes...... Zac has enjoyed talking to the farmers of Kansas and how the fuel prices and other costs have affected their livelihood. Their crops were millet, wheat and sunflowers.
Zac and the two Dutch riding buddies ended the day in Eads, CO, a very small town of 800 or so very nice people. Sylvia at the HealthMart store had Zac's package for him and I did recieve my kind and gentle lecture of sending him too much. They also got their hair cut by Laurie Lynn, a 46 year old mother of a three year old. She cut their hair very short and told them to go to her house and shower. They met the three year old and Zac was concerned that he was not potty trained as yet. They camped out a the city park and were enjoying the weather. They will stay at a hotel for a night or two when the weather turns on them.
Zac said that though the terrain is as desolate as you can imagine, there are so many wonders that you see from a bicycle. It may be the horny toad running across the road, the formation and reformation of the one cloud overhead and all the inticate wonders of the world that surround us but we are usually too busy or moving too fast to notice. There is a lesson to be learned there.
Zac had a good day.... and ready for a good night.
*posted by his Mom who sends too much stuff, just cuz.....*
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