Sorry this is late- I just couldn't get going yesterday.
Wednesday, June 27th
Headed over to Shasta COE around 8:15.
Shasta COE gave us a big send off after meeting with Charlie Beecroft- CTAP Coordinaror, Tom Armelino- Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendents Judy Flores and Kathy Thompson.
We headed south down Highway 273 to Anderson and over to Cottonwood. The road had a rough shoulder and lots of traffic. Apparently that is the last stretch of road towards the mill in Anderson, so I continued to share space with logging trucks. I thought the trucks might take Highway 5- but I was mistaken.
From Cottonwood, we took back roads down to Red Bluff- hot, dry backroads, but at least there was no traffic.
At the Tehama County Department of Education we met with Larry Champion, Assistant Superintendent and Tim Templeton- CTAP RGC Member and Director of Technology Services at Red Bluff High School.
After a short lunch stop we left Red Bluff at 1:00.
It was now much warmer and the wind was blowing from the south. Old Highway 99 was rough, traffic was constant, and I rode directly into the wind. Finally arrived in Corning around 2:15. The digital thermometer ona real estate building read 100. Pushed on in to the wind for over another hour. The heat was and wind draining me. This was worse than going uphill. It took forever to get to Orland- Glenn County Office of Education Instructional Media Center. Enjoyed the air conditioning and took a quick picture.
It was time for the home stretch. I hadn't made very good time and we were behind schedule. We were traveling east towards Butte County on Highway 32. The cross wind wasn't as hard to deal with, but the road did turn south occasionally and made it additionally challenging. Neck and shoulders were tired.
Crossed over the Sacramento River at Hamilton City and re-entered Butte County. Hot and tired- I still had 10 miles to go to Chico. With every pedal stroke I got more excited about finishing. Gene and I were both beat.
We rode through several Chico neighborhoods before emerging south of town and headed into the Butte County ROP parking lot. The office had closed several hours before- but Tim McClure, Deputy Superintendent was waiting for us.
Gene and I had accomplished our goals for the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources:
1. Visit the Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity county offices to provide resources for students and teachers. Re-establish personal connections.
2. Promote CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources Sponsor's Products and Services
3. Demonstrate the"Rural-ness and Remoteness"of the nine counties in CTAP Region 2
4. Promote the CTAP Region 2 Summer Technology Leadership Conference (STLC) in Chico July 25-26.
5. Commit to ride over 700 miles in 7 days.
Thank you all for your support of this endeavour.
The CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources "Epilogue" will follow shortly. There is a lot that happened that we haven't shared yet along with some interesting education ties to the ride.
Stay tuned- and we will definitely see you at the CTAP Region 2 Summer Technology Leadership Conference: Imagine! in Chico July 25-26. Check out conference information at: http://stlc.pbwiki.com/
Once again- THANK YOU Gene Arnold- your support made this possible.
Thank you Tamara, Carter, and Ryne Haas for letting me "abandon" you for over a week. (Though that may have actually been a reward for you, too.)
Thank you Discovery Education/unitedstreaming, netTrekker, and CCETC CaliforniaStreaming for your quality educational resources.
AND
Thank you Sweet Leaf Tea! You kept me going- and going- and going....
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Welcome Back!
Thank you Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity COEs. Thank you Discovery Education, netTrekker, CCETC CaliforniaStreaming, and of course Sweet Leaf Tea- it's Delicious! But most of all THANK YOU Gene Arnold! I couldn't have done it without you. Still goin' Up!
Name that Tree
Paul doing good. He is hot and very tired but still going!
Shasta COE
Julie Meadows, Ilane Ireton, Kathleen Wolter, Flora Bullock, Mina Asmus, Karen Seitter, Kathy Thompson, Robin Beeson, Tom Armelino, Greg Behrens, Vicki Smith, Charlie Beecroft, Cheryl Bratton, Judy Flores, Gaylene Miller, Patty Blythe, Judy Schneider, Brenda Palmer, Laurie Zambrano, Carole Moss.
Great job Shasta County!
Shasta COE
Thank you for your support Tom and your staff too.
We are off to Red Bluff.
Paul's Day 6 Summary
The ride took me to a new dimension today. Stressed me physically and mentally. The last couple of hours became very personal.
Rode mountains from Weavervile to Platina. Then wound through hot chaparral and canyons as we headed north through Shasta County. At times it felt like a blast furnace.
We made Redding at 6:30.
98 miles in ninety degree heat! All for a good cause- The CTAP region 2 Ride for Resources!
I suspect today will be hot in the valley- but conditions could be cooler according to the weather people.
Looking to make the last charge from Redding, Red Bluff, Corning, Orland, Chico and Oroville! Still looking at 100 + miles
Day 1: 151
Day 2: 105
Day 3: 100
Day 4: 65
Day 5: 103
Day 6: 98
Total To Date: 622
Total Counties: Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Trinity, and Shasta
Rode mountains from Weavervile to Platina. Then wound through hot chaparral and canyons as we headed north through Shasta County. At times it felt like a blast furnace.
We made Redding at 6:30.
98 miles in ninety degree heat! All for a good cause- The CTAP region 2 Ride for Resources!
I suspect today will be hot in the valley- but conditions could be cooler according to the weather people.
Looking to make the last charge from Redding, Red Bluff, Corning, Orland, Chico and Oroville! Still looking at 100 + miles
Day 1: 151
Day 2: 105
Day 3: 100
Day 4: 65
Day 5: 103
Day 6: 98
Total To Date: 622
Total Counties: Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Trinity, and Shasta
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Day 6 Weaverville to Redding
9:14
We got to the Trinity COE around 8:30 and then headed for a Starbucks, then Hayfork along HWY 3 for the first leg of our trip. Well, we aren’t going into Hayfork we are taking the alternate route that has a much higher climb and longer but safer.
10:16
Paul climbing again up the first mountain on the way to Hayfork.
The terrian starts to change. We start seeing more Madrones
I’m stopping more often now. This morning when I asked him how he was doing his replay was “Doing!” I ask how his back, shoulders, and neck were and the word that came back was “Doing!” This is the first morning he hasn’t joked about things.
One of many view along the way. If you look realy hard you can see Lassen in the background.
Made it to the summit.
Another watering hole like the one we saw on the Ft. Jones summit except this one it contaminated. Okay for cars not for us.
Looking back.
Lots more up and curves!
Made it to Platina.
Don’t know how much longer I can keep writing my journal, my hands hurt so bad I can hardly write. Paul did good into Platina, very hot. Some clouds came over and helped cool it down. As we reach the Platina store. We ask a man what the Platina Rd is like into Redding. He reply is ”Oh, you mean The Ditch, none of us take it anymore because it is falling into the canyon” We both looked at each other lifted our eyebrows and then proceeded.
Finally found the flower of the day. Tami, that was a great guess yesterday but NO! Keep trying. Want to try to name this one?
5:18
Gone 80 miles. Paul is spent but still going. HOT! This area is very dry and hot.
Store in Ono
School in Igo
5:25
This defines the area as I see it.
Beautiful and dry.
I think I found someone who knows how to stay cool.
6:17
Just talked to Tami and tried to get Paul to stop least stop for a break. He won’t slow down. I’m here for support. Just worried.
6:20
I can’t get him to stop for even water. I guess I just will pray and remember what my dad use to tell me, “He’s a big boy now. All you are there for is support and advice if asked."
6:30
We made it! What a day! Each day becomes harder, for Paul and for myself.
We got to the Trinity COE around 8:30 and then headed for a Starbucks, then Hayfork along HWY 3 for the first leg of our trip. Well, we aren’t going into Hayfork we are taking the alternate route that has a much higher climb and longer but safer.
10:16
Paul climbing again up the first mountain on the way to Hayfork.
The terrian starts to change. We start seeing more Madrones
I’m stopping more often now. This morning when I asked him how he was doing his replay was “Doing!” I ask how his back, shoulders, and neck were and the word that came back was “Doing!” This is the first morning he hasn’t joked about things.
One of many view along the way. If you look realy hard you can see Lassen in the background.
Made it to the summit.
Another watering hole like the one we saw on the Ft. Jones summit except this one it contaminated. Okay for cars not for us.
Looking back.
Lots more up and curves!
Made it to Platina.
Don’t know how much longer I can keep writing my journal, my hands hurt so bad I can hardly write. Paul did good into Platina, very hot. Some clouds came over and helped cool it down. As we reach the Platina store. We ask a man what the Platina Rd is like into Redding. He reply is ”Oh, you mean The Ditch, none of us take it anymore because it is falling into the canyon” We both looked at each other lifted our eyebrows and then proceeded.
Finally found the flower of the day. Tami, that was a great guess yesterday but NO! Keep trying. Want to try to name this one?
5:18
Gone 80 miles. Paul is spent but still going. HOT! This area is very dry and hot.
Store in Ono
School in Igo
5:25
This defines the area as I see it.
Beautiful and dry.
I think I found someone who knows how to stay cool.
6:17
Just talked to Tami and tried to get Paul to stop least stop for a break. He won’t slow down. I’m here for support. Just worried.
6:20
I can’t get him to stop for even water. I guess I just will pray and remember what my dad use to tell me, “He’s a big boy now. All you are there for is support and advice if asked."
6:30
We made it! What a day! Each day becomes harder, for Paul and for myself.
Shasta COE
We pulled in to the county office at 6:30 p.m. Tired! Will see you all tomorrow. Ya, you to Charlie.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Paul's Day 5 Summary
Didn't sleep well last night- nervous about today's ride to Weaverville.
Had a nice morning start- Gene's wife Adele has been very accommodating to me letting us stay the last couple of nights. Gene's grandkids have also been staying and his son has been in and out too. A full house needless to say. It has been fun playing with Byron the Brilliant (he is 6), Ben the Boisterous (2 yrs), and Princess Cora (4 months). Before we left this morning, Byron gave me a "Power Fist" for good luck; Ben gave me a hug- then pooped his diaper- I guess he knew more about today's ride than I did; and Cora spit up on me while I was holding her- another gift of wisdom. This entertained Byron very much.
Had a great send off at the Siskiyou COE- Mike DeRoss, Kathy Graves, Ann Hincliff, Bob Caddell, Heidi Jankowski, Mae Vaugh Chilson, Cheryl Hayden and Jason Singleton were all there.
Jason rode with me for the first part of the day before returning to Yreka.
after spinning through town, Jason and I began to climb towards Fort Jones Summit. Jason rides for Deslavo Cycling Team and showed his talents as he effortlessly climbed while I struggled from the start.
Fortunately my size works for me while going downhill. Gravity sucks.
We rode together discussing how we might collaborate on some Outdoor Education and Technology projects, and some interesting personal/philosophical ideas as we spun through Scott Valley. It was nice to ride with someone after 4 days going solo.
After a break at Callahan, we attacked Scott Mountain- starting at 2100 feet, we climbed up to 5400 feet in just 6.5 miles. Average incline was six degrees. Actually Jason turned back about halfway up because he had to return to Yreka, while I continued to the summit. I joked as we parted that the Turtle had caught the Hare.
I reached the summit at 1:15. Gene and I enjoyed some Sweet Leaf Tea- It's Tea-rrific!
Then before starting down the backside into Trinity County, we setup HandleBar Cam.
I was enjoying the steep downhill and the challenging turns while capturing some great footage. Then about 2/3 of the way down- in the middle of a steep set of switch backs, my rear tire blew and I fishtailed across the midline, then fishtailed the opposite way as I skidded on my rim and steered off to the side of the rode. What a rush! Luck was with me. I imagine it could have ended differently.
Changed the tire and tube an continued down the hill.
It was quite a bit hotter on the Trinity side as I rode towards Trinity Lake. The rest of the ride was more challenging than anticipated. Multiple short steep climbs and downhills along with several longer steep climbs began to work on my psyche as I pushed towards Weaverville.
We finally arrived at 6:54. Tired and sore, we had accomplished our goal. Day 5 was complete; Yreka to Weaverville- 103 miles. All for a good cause.
Tomorrow we ride form Trinity COE in Weaverville south through Hayfork, west through Platina, then north through Igo and Ono into Redding.
Daily Tally- CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources
Day 1: 151
Day 2: 105
Day 3: 100
Day 4: 65
Day 5: 103
Total to date: 524
Six Counties (Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Trinity)
Five County Offices of Education (Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou)
Had a nice morning start- Gene's wife Adele has been very accommodating to me letting us stay the last couple of nights. Gene's grandkids have also been staying and his son has been in and out too. A full house needless to say. It has been fun playing with Byron the Brilliant (he is 6), Ben the Boisterous (2 yrs), and Princess Cora (4 months). Before we left this morning, Byron gave me a "Power Fist" for good luck; Ben gave me a hug- then pooped his diaper- I guess he knew more about today's ride than I did; and Cora spit up on me while I was holding her- another gift of wisdom. This entertained Byron very much.
Had a great send off at the Siskiyou COE- Mike DeRoss, Kathy Graves, Ann Hincliff, Bob Caddell, Heidi Jankowski, Mae Vaugh Chilson, Cheryl Hayden and Jason Singleton were all there.
Jason rode with me for the first part of the day before returning to Yreka.
after spinning through town, Jason and I began to climb towards Fort Jones Summit. Jason rides for Deslavo Cycling Team and showed his talents as he effortlessly climbed while I struggled from the start.
Fortunately my size works for me while going downhill. Gravity sucks.
We rode together discussing how we might collaborate on some Outdoor Education and Technology projects, and some interesting personal/philosophical ideas as we spun through Scott Valley. It was nice to ride with someone after 4 days going solo.
After a break at Callahan, we attacked Scott Mountain- starting at 2100 feet, we climbed up to 5400 feet in just 6.5 miles. Average incline was six degrees. Actually Jason turned back about halfway up because he had to return to Yreka, while I continued to the summit. I joked as we parted that the Turtle had caught the Hare.
I reached the summit at 1:15. Gene and I enjoyed some Sweet Leaf Tea- It's Tea-rrific!
Then before starting down the backside into Trinity County, we setup HandleBar Cam.
I was enjoying the steep downhill and the challenging turns while capturing some great footage. Then about 2/3 of the way down- in the middle of a steep set of switch backs, my rear tire blew and I fishtailed across the midline, then fishtailed the opposite way as I skidded on my rim and steered off to the side of the rode. What a rush! Luck was with me. I imagine it could have ended differently.
Changed the tire and tube an continued down the hill.
It was quite a bit hotter on the Trinity side as I rode towards Trinity Lake. The rest of the ride was more challenging than anticipated. Multiple short steep climbs and downhills along with several longer steep climbs began to work on my psyche as I pushed towards Weaverville.
We finally arrived at 6:54. Tired and sore, we had accomplished our goal. Day 5 was complete; Yreka to Weaverville- 103 miles. All for a good cause.
Tomorrow we ride form Trinity COE in Weaverville south through Hayfork, west through Platina, then north through Igo and Ono into Redding.
Daily Tally- CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources
Day 1: 151
Day 2: 105
Day 3: 100
Day 4: 65
Day 5: 103
Total to date: 524
Six Counties (Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Trinity)
Five County Offices of Education (Butte, Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou)
Scott Mountain Downhill
A 2:16 excerpt from the first 10 minutes of downhill. Listen closely to the last 15 seconds. You will see a crossover, hear a scraping sound, and the reason for both.
Day 5
Day 5
8:30
Riding in to the Siskiyou COE greated by a great group of people.
Left to right: Heidi Jankowski: Executive Assistant, Bob Caddell: Technology Analyst, Cheryl Hayden: Media Technician, Anne Hinchcliff: Instructional Media Center Manager, Mae Vaughan Chilson: Technology Support Specialist, Jason Singleton: Outdoor Educational Specialist, Paul Haas, Mike DeRoss: Assistant Superintendent, and Kathy Graves
As you can see from this picture, everyone loves Sweet Leaf Tea. They haven't tried it yet but Paul and I am sure they will?
Talked for a bit and then Jason and Paul head out for Ft. Jones. I go to get, yes, you got it, gas, ice……
After getting ice I head toward Ft. Jones and catch up with them soon. They were making good time over the first of 2 summits.
Today as we reached the top I had to stop and take a picture
of a water tower that was a God sent for so many travelers that needed water for their over heated cars back in the 50s and 60s.
The other picture is of a marker telling about Robbers Rock. “On this site at least four known stage coach robberies occurred. In the hold-up of Sept. 25, 1897. The robber William Harrall was trailed to Delta, Shasta county where he was killed in a gun battle during which he killed Undersheriff William A. Radford. The last hold-up here and in California occurred on July 5, 1908 and remains unsolved to this day.”
As we crest the summit and head down the other side I have a chance to clock the two guys at 45mph. As we hit the valley floor we head to Ft. Jones
and Scott Valley Jr. High School
and Ft. Jones Elementary. From there we head south on Eastside Rd.
10:20
We see deer, horses, mules and the Marble Mountains Wilderness area and just this one really cool thistle.
11:13
Have gone 36 miles and are getting into the Scott River Valley.
There are dredger tailings left behind by a dredger. The dredger sat in the middle of the river for 50 some years until the people that owned it sold it to a company in Brazil during their gold rush in the 1980.
Just talking to Jason in Callahan about the cycling team he rides for and asked him to give me some information about it. Jason told me that he rides for the DeSalvo Custom Cycles. It is a racing team based out of Ashland OR. They race Criterium (Crit), Road Races, and Stage Races, which are muilt day races. Some of the places they have ridden are the Golden City Criterium in Yreka, Table Rock Road Race, Oregon State Champion Road Race and in Aug. they will be doing the Eugene Oregon Stage Race which will cover 60-70 miles each day for 3 days.
1:00
We started up Scott Mountain and I am staying very close this time. This is without a doubt the steepest grade we’ve hit. At one stop I got out of the car to get my crutch in the back set and fell. Not to worry, I started rolling down the hill, that’s how steep it is.
This fern was growing out of the solid rock at the top.
1:06
1.5 miles to the summit. This picture shows the mile marker and the snow pole in the background. Paul, you are the MAN!
1:15
Sitting at the top of the Scott Mountain, HAY MAN You made it!.
This is also where the Pacific Crest Trail comes through.
So we start going down, down, down. I tell Paul to go slow and watch the turns. What the hay, I’m sounding like his mother. Guess we’ve been spending too much time together. Anyway he takes off like a bat out of &%$$ and leaves me in the dust. I try to stay up but have 12 cases of Sweet Leaf Tea, 2 cases of water, 1 case of Sport drink, etc. and they are sliding from side to side. As I start to gain ground on him at 50 mph I see his back tire start fish tailing. Oh boy, I though, there he goes over the cliff. Well if he does he’ll never know what hit him.
He stopped his bike and got it off to the side of the road! We sat and then talked about how lucky it was that he had purchased a tire and tube in Susanville. He got the tire fixed and off he went only 60 miles more to go.
4:30
At Trinity Lake still doing well, have 36 miles to go. I hope we get our cell back soon. Lost it in Callahan and haven’t gotten it back yet. There goes Paul and where he goes so do I.
I know.... another wildflower. Anyone what to guess?
6:10
Still going, Paul is tired. I can’t believe he’s still going. He’s tired. This has been the longest day thus far. Not only the two summits, but all the way around Trinity Lake. Many steep grades that a friend told us weren’t there. I guess I was like that the first day too. Never have been a biker and you miss all those…grades that aren’t very steep when listening to a good song.
6:33
I don’t really know what is still driving him to keep going. It is up, up, up. I really believe his body gave out but some how his drive, will, honor whatever you want to call it keeps his legs going. He has done something today that not many get to witness in life.
6:54
We made it to Weaverville pop 3550 elev. 2045
Will be heading to the Trinity COE in the morning and then off to Shasta COE.
8:30
Riding in to the Siskiyou COE greated by a great group of people.
Left to right: Heidi Jankowski: Executive Assistant, Bob Caddell: Technology Analyst, Cheryl Hayden: Media Technician, Anne Hinchcliff: Instructional Media Center Manager, Mae Vaughan Chilson: Technology Support Specialist, Jason Singleton: Outdoor Educational Specialist, Paul Haas, Mike DeRoss: Assistant Superintendent, and Kathy Graves
As you can see from this picture, everyone loves Sweet Leaf Tea. They haven't tried it yet but Paul and I am sure they will?Talked for a bit and then Jason and Paul head out for Ft. Jones. I go to get, yes, you got it, gas, ice……
After getting ice I head toward Ft. Jones and catch up with them soon. They were making good time over the first of 2 summits.
Today as we reached the top I had to stop and take a picture
of a water tower that was a God sent for so many travelers that needed water for their over heated cars back in the 50s and 60s.
The other picture is of a marker telling about Robbers Rock. “On this site at least four known stage coach robberies occurred. In the hold-up of Sept. 25, 1897. The robber William Harrall was trailed to Delta, Shasta county where he was killed in a gun battle during which he killed Undersheriff William A. Radford. The last hold-up here and in California occurred on July 5, 1908 and remains unsolved to this day.”
As we crest the summit and head down the other side I have a chance to clock the two guys at 45mph. As we hit the valley floor we head to Ft. Jones
and Scott Valley Jr. High School
and Ft. Jones Elementary. From there we head south on Eastside Rd.
10:20
We see deer, horses, mules and the Marble Mountains Wilderness area and just this one really cool thistle.
11:13
Have gone 36 miles and are getting into the Scott River Valley.
There are dredger tailings left behind by a dredger. The dredger sat in the middle of the river for 50 some years until the people that owned it sold it to a company in Brazil during their gold rush in the 1980.
Just talking to Jason in Callahan about the cycling team he rides for and asked him to give me some information about it. Jason told me that he rides for the DeSalvo Custom Cycles. It is a racing team based out of Ashland OR. They race Criterium (Crit), Road Races, and Stage Races, which are muilt day races. Some of the places they have ridden are the Golden City Criterium in Yreka, Table Rock Road Race, Oregon State Champion Road Race and in Aug. they will be doing the Eugene Oregon Stage Race which will cover 60-70 miles each day for 3 days.
1:00
We started up Scott Mountain and I am staying very close this time. This is without a doubt the steepest grade we’ve hit. At one stop I got out of the car to get my crutch in the back set and fell. Not to worry, I started rolling down the hill, that’s how steep it is.
This fern was growing out of the solid rock at the top.
1:06
1.5 miles to the summit. This picture shows the mile marker and the snow pole in the background. Paul, you are the MAN!
1:15
Sitting at the top of the Scott Mountain, HAY MAN You made it!.
This is also where the Pacific Crest Trail comes through.
So we start going down, down, down. I tell Paul to go slow and watch the turns. What the hay, I’m sounding like his mother. Guess we’ve been spending too much time together. Anyway he takes off like a bat out of &%$$ and leaves me in the dust. I try to stay up but have 12 cases of Sweet Leaf Tea, 2 cases of water, 1 case of Sport drink, etc. and they are sliding from side to side. As I start to gain ground on him at 50 mph I see his back tire start fish tailing. Oh boy, I though, there he goes over the cliff. Well if he does he’ll never know what hit him.
He stopped his bike and got it off to the side of the road! We sat and then talked about how lucky it was that he had purchased a tire and tube in Susanville. He got the tire fixed and off he went only 60 miles more to go.
4:30
At Trinity Lake still doing well, have 36 miles to go. I hope we get our cell back soon. Lost it in Callahan and haven’t gotten it back yet. There goes Paul and where he goes so do I.
I know.... another wildflower. Anyone what to guess?
6:10
Still going, Paul is tired. I can’t believe he’s still going. He’s tired. This has been the longest day thus far. Not only the two summits, but all the way around Trinity Lake. Many steep grades that a friend told us weren’t there. I guess I was like that the first day too. Never have been a biker and you miss all those…grades that aren’t very steep when listening to a good song.
6:33
I don’t really know what is still driving him to keep going. It is up, up, up. I really believe his body gave out but some how his drive, will, honor whatever you want to call it keeps his legs going. He has done something today that not many get to witness in life.
6:54
We made it to Weaverville pop 3550 elev. 2045
Will be heading to the Trinity COE in the morning and then off to Shasta COE.
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