CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources

Paul's Day 7 Summary

2007-06-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

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....

Welcome Back!

2007-06-27T18:20:00.001-07:00

Tim McClure, BCOE Deputy Superintendent waited for Paul and Gene to welcome them back to Butte County. Nine counties, 723 miles, 7 days. CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources a success.
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!

2007-06-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

Arrived in Chico

32 EAST

2007-06-27T16:11:00.001-07:00

32 EAST.. We're on the home leg.

Glenn C0E

2007-06-27T15:44:00.001-07:00

Reached Glenn. Talked with Kathy Congdon.

Name that Tree

2007-06-27T14:12:00.001-07:00

Okay last one and last chance.
Paul doing good. He is hot and very tired but still going!

Name That Tree

2007-06-27T14:09:00.001-07:00

Made it to Corning

Name that Tree

2007-06-27T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hint, this tree gives nuts.

Name that Tree

2007-06-27T13:57:00.001-07:00

Okay, Today it's time to play... Name that tree.

Gerber Elementary

2007-06-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

Gerber Elementary

2007-06-27T13:17:00.001-07:00

--------

Can you see Lassen ?
Headed for Corning. Paul just passed me while saying one word, HOT!

2007-06-27T13:06:00.001-07:00

Red Bluff High
Hi Tim.

2007-06-27T11:39:00.001-07:00

coming down the hill to red Bluff

2007-06-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

Still finding our way

2007-06-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

Landscape of Shasta/Tahama

2007-06-27T10:47:00.001-07:00

Evergreen Elementary

Shasta COE

2007-06-27T10:01:00.001-07:00

Shasta COE. From left to right.
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

2007-06-27T09:02:00.001-07:00

Shasta COE , Tom Armelino County Supt.
Thank you for your support Tom and your staff too.
We are off to Red Bluff.

Day 7

2007-06-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Paul's Day 6 Summary

2007-06-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

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

Day 6 Weaverville to Redding

2007-06-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Shasta COE

2007-06-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

We pulled in to the county office at 6:30 p.m. Tired! Will see you all tomorrow. Ya, you to Charlie.

Igo Elem.

2007-06-26T17:58:00.001-07:00

Made it to Igo

Ft. Jones Elem.

2007-06-26T09:33:00.001-07:00

Made it to ft. Jones
pop. 660 elev. 2744
2 schools in Ft. Jones
Scott valley elem.

2007-06-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

We just hit Grenada. Want to get a picture of Paul in front of the school.

Sweet Leaf Tea

2007-06-26T09:29:00.001-07:00

Need a pick me up? Try some Sweet Leaf Tea!

2007-06-26T09:25:00.001-07:00

Day 6
This morning went to the Trinity C0E and talked with Jim French. Told him about the ride and had a good visit. Thank you for all that you do for our kids.:-D

Paul's Day 5 Summary

2007-06-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

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)

Day 6

2007-06-25T22:15:00.001-07:00

Scott Mountain Downhill

2007-06-25T22:02:00.001-07:00

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

2007-06-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Weaverville Limits

2007-06-25T18:54:00.001-07:00

Made it...6:54

Day 5

2007-06-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will start at the Siskiyou COE. We will then head southwest toward Ft. Jones and will end up at the Trinity COE in Weaverville.

Paul's Day 4 Summary

2007-06-24T19:21:00.001-07:00

We woke up early and headed out for Dorris to pick up where we ended on Thursday. I was concerned about Sunday traffic, possible wind, and the fact that I hadn't ridden since Thursday.
I finally got on the bike around 8:30 and headed south.
The road was flat around (4000 feet) the air was cool and Mt. Shasta was directly in front of me.
We tried a new tool- HandlebarCam- and it was interesting to work with it. I can use some of the footage. I rode through the town of Mcdoel and through acres of strawberry fields.
After about and hour or so we reached the base of Mt. Hebron. Time to climb.
Back up over 5000 feet to the summit. A couple of up and downs and then a flat spot through Grass Lake. The wind was present, but not pushing too hard. I also wasn't pressed for time because today was going to be relatively short- about 65 miles.
We took a break at Grass Lake. I was surprised to see seagulls- yes seagulls (Gene called them Rest Area Gulls). Riding through Grass Lake I could hear lots of birds in the reeds.)
Another short climb to Grass Lake Summit a brief down hill and then one last bump up Deer Mountain.
Mt. Shasta was close now. Rising to a height of over 14,182 feet it was magnificent with its glaciers and outcroppings.
Also- a nice downhill began for me. Dropping down to the War Memorial Sculpture Garden the road was rough- but it was downhill!
We took about an hour at the Sculpture Garden just looking at the art and reflecting on what it stood for. I highly recommend a visit if you are in area.
Continuing downhill I soon turned north again to head towards the town of Grenada. The road was still downhill and I experimented with HelemtCam- my phone cam held at head level.
Gene convinced me to stop at the lava tube just next to the rode. Then back on the bike.
We were making good time so Gene wanted to go "offroad" to Pluto's Cave- another experience I highly recommend. But wear tennis shoes or hiking boots- cycling shoes weren't cutting it- and neither were bear feet.
The short break also allowed time for the wind to pick up (Thanks Gene). However, I actually felt pretty good and was able to make Big Springs and Grenada without stressing to much.
Gene relayed a funny story in his journal so I won't elaborate.
The final seven miles were sightly uphill and into the wind, but not too bad.
Rode into Yreka at about 3:45. Day four another success- 65 miles and we passed the halfway point. Bonus miles on Day 3 paid a dividend today. Tomorrow we are back over 100 miles, and back over the mountains.
Day 1: 151 miles (Oroville, Quincy to Susanville)
Day 2: 105 miles (Susanville to Alturas)
Day 3: 100 miles (Alturas to Tulelake to Dorris)
Day 4: 65 miles (Dorris to Yreka)
Total so far: 421 miles.

Since my meeting on June 27 has been canceled, we are going to try and finish the rest of the ride by Wednesday.
Monday, Day 5: Yreka to Weaverville
Tuesday, Day 6: Weaverville to Redding (through Hayfork, Platina, Igo and Ono)
Wednesday Day 7: Redding to Oroville (through Red Bluff, Orland, and Chico)

HandlebarCam

2007-06-24T18:16:00.001-07:00

About a minute taken from the Handlebar Cam.

Day 4

2007-06-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

My best friend and my Cora who just turned 4 months old today. He picks her up and she just stops crying. How come?

6-24 Day 4 Doris to Yreka

8:45
Well, we went to S.F. to see the Giants play. Bond’s hit 479, but the Giants lost to N.Y. We drove back the next morning to Yreka and spent the night at my house again. Adele, my wife, had dinner ready for us. Chicken enchiladas, refried beans and salad. We talked for a bit and then headed off to bed around 9:30. Before going Paul got to hold Cora who turned 4 months old today.
The next morning we got up at 6:00 a.m. I made breakfast and we took off. I had loaded the car the night before with all the drinks (Sweet Leaf Tea- It's Delicious), ice, chairs, food etc.

8:30
Doris and Butte Valley High School

Just stopped at 4.5 miles out to take the video camera from Paul. He is trying to record from his bike. I hope it works.
Paul heading through the California Check Station. Welcome to California!

9:00 a.m.
Just passed through the small town of Mcdoel 425 pop. , elev. 4100 ft. Stopped to take a picture of the Butte Valley Middle School and then headed west to start our climb over Mount Hebron which summits at 5100 ft.

Made it to the base of Hebron. Waiting for Paul. He is doing well after a day off. I am not sure if a day off helped his legs or not, but he seems to be doing well.

10:00 a.m.
Made it to the top of the first of two summits, one being Mount Hebron at 5200 ft. and Grasslake at 5100 ft.

11:04
Pulled into the Grasslake rest area
From Lake to Wetlands.
During the 1900 a popular 32 room resort hotel was located on the shore of Grasslake. The hotel failed after a dynamite blast created a hole in the lake allowing most of the water to drain through the porous volcanic rock below what proved to be disastrous for the resort was a fortunate occurrence for the much of Grasslakes’s wildlife.

11:20
Stopped at the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden which is on the south west base of Mt. Shasta. It sits on the land provided by the U.S. Forest service. The garden honors honorably discharged veterans of all conflicts and peacetime. The LMSG was founded by a group of veterans circa 1988.

I was glad that Paul wanted to stop. I really wanted him to experience it. I come often. I will never understand the inhumanity in man that we as mortals can do such things to one another.
Glad we're off HWY 97. The trucks are way BAD!

12:15
Stopped along side the road to see if Paul could kill himself at Pluto Caves. These caves were formed by an eruption of basaltic lava which originated from a vent about 8 miles to the northeast. This lava flow is about 190,000 years old, and reaches as far as Grenada.

I couldn't help taking this picture. I am a sucker for flowers. These flowers only grow around the lava tubes. Can anyone tell me what they are?

Pulled into Big Springs School. Waited for Paul, he road on by so I just took a picture and drove on. He is doing well today.

Some of the ranches in the Shasta Valley

2:30
Paul made the Grenada Elem. School. Took his picture in front then sat for a bit and had a drink. It was starting to warm up and the wind is stating to blow. As we were sitting there minding our own business this car full of ladies came by and stops at our car. “Are you selling anything out of the back of that car?” came the words. Paul and I just looked at each other and said NO!

Success- Yreka

2007-06-24T15:22:00.001-07:00

Picking cherries at Gene's house! The fruit of our labor!

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

Mt.Hebron Ahead

2007-06-24T09:23:00.001-07:00

I have been riding in the valley around 4300 feet.... Time to start going up...

Strawberry Fields Forever

2007-06-24T09:17:00.001-07:00

Butte Valley

Sunday Morning

2007-06-24T08:54:00.001-07:00

Heading south towards Mt. Shasta

Still Going Up!

2007-06-23T18:57:00.001-07:00

This is the other movie that I took coming out of Canby. Still going Up.

Another Day 2

2007-06-23T09:37:00.001-07:00

Again, I am sorry these are out of order but this, believe it or not, is the first time that I have had to download the video I've taken to my computer, edit it transpose, compress, and then upload to the blog. I wish I could but in order but that's not how a blog works, so....
This is Paul coming up a VERY steep 7% grade heading towards Alturas. The day was hot and the wind blowing, and the mountain steep. Way to go man, I don't know how you just keep treking.

Day 1

2007-06-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

This is Lake Almanor near Bailey Creek.
Almanor is located in Plumas County about 70 miles from Red Bluff and 120 miles from Reno, it's accessed by Hwy. 36 on the north side, and Hwy. 89 on the south.

Built in 1914, where the Cascades and the Sierra Nevadas come together, Almanor is one of the largest man-made lakes in California. In the shadow of Mt. Lassen, surrounded by mountains covered in pine and fir trees, Almanor is also a beautiful lake with an abundance of recreational oppurtunity.

The U.S. Forest Service, and the many resorts and commercial businesses at the lake, provide a great number of services for fishermen and other visitors as well.

Interview

2007-06-23T09:11:00.001-07:00

This is film that I took of Paul as we were in day 2 heading to Alutras. I just got it posted. It was to big to post with my phone.

Day 4

2007-06-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

This morning Paul in sleeping in. This is the first day on our trip where we don't have a timeline to meet. We will drive to Yreka and spend the night at my house again. I will drive! We will rest, and then drive back to Doris to let Paul off on Sun. Then ride from Doris to Yreka. Then Monday morning we plan on meeting with Kermith Walters Siskiyou County Superintendent and Mike DeRoss Assistant Superintendent. We will also pick up Jason Singleton who will ride with us from Yreka to Enta. Jason, we will be at the county schools office around 8:00 hope to see you there.

Media - Post By Email

2007-06-23T08:27:00.001-07:00

As viewed from the handle bars of Paul's bike.

No Rain, No Win, but...

2007-06-23T00:11:00.000-07:00

Barry Bonds did hit 749.
Tomorrow we drive back to Yreka.
Sunday we start riding again from Dorris, CA.
Nighty night, Gene. Get some rest. You can drive tomorrow.

Yankees doing Hokey Pokey

2007-06-22T17:39:00.001-07:00

Put your right arm in... Take your right out...

Get Your Orange On!

2007-06-22T17:30:00.001-07:00

Friday Night @ AT&T

Batting Practice

2007-06-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

Does it look like its raining?

San Francico

2007-06-22T13:09:00.001-07:00

Today is a day off the bike. Gene is letting me drive... But I keep freaking him out bcause I get too close to trucks when I pass.
We are going to watch the Giantw/yankee game at ATT Park.
Yes the Giants have had a bit of bad luck... No its not gonna rain... I almost believed it because four people said the same thing- then they told me they read it in the blog... Hmmm
Thanks for the ongoing support and encouragement.
We will update you from the game.

S.F.

2007-06-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

We're on our way to S.F. Paul is driving my car like he's still riding his bike, on the shoulder. Help!

2007-06-22T09:48:00.001-07:00

This is from my journal that I have been keeping. It is a day late but I wanted to post it the way I wrote it.
6:00 a.m
Today is summer solstice 15.4 hrs. of sunlight and will need every bit of it.
9:00 a.m.
Left the Modoc COE and headed north on 395 turned onto 299 w. This terrain reminds me of the steppes in Russia, up and down and up … but just rolling not to much up or down.

10:00
Have come about 15 miles should be hitting the town of Canby soon. It is a town of around 414 people and sets at an elev. Of 4300 ft. Saw this farm and had to take a picture of the containers you know the ones I asked if anyone could tell me what they were? Well, it turns out that I got a chance to talk to the farmer and he told me that they were silos holding fish food. Yes, this farm is a catfish farm. They grow catfish for the S.F. market place.
Arlington Elementary School
10:30
Rested in Canby, filled up water bottles and took some pictures of the town and school. Back on the road towards Tulelake.
11:00
Barn and outcroppings.

11:15
We just hit the 300-mile mark in “The Ride for Resources”. As the odometer roll to 300.1 we see the Cal-Trans truck and have to stop because of roadwork. Of course I tell Paul to get in and he will have to ride with me around the work. I certainly learned my lesson about roadwork and bikers, but Paul hasn’t. I know he wants to make sure that everyone knows he did cheat but I want everyone to know I will keep him safe so he can continue to be a great dad, friend, and CTAP director!

Mt. Shasta from outside Tulelake

12:00
Stopped so Paul could have lunch. Got out all the stuff and he just road right by, he is having a great day. Packed up and will keep going. I’m stopping every 5-miles so don’t get a chance to do much. He’s keeping me hopping. Looked at this wildflower, I think it’s called a Skunk Cabbage.

Lost part of my journal to a tech glich. Go figure!
Will pick up at
Went through great vistias so will just put some pictures in from the trek.

Newell School 8 miles south of Tulelake
Newell eggs
Newell tractor

4:00
Got some Tulelake horse radish and headed out to 161 (stateline road). It was fun watching Paul weaving in and out of the broken lines in the middle of the road. The north side of 161 is in Oregon and the south side is in California.

Tulelake High School

Man and his dog sitting on a corner in Tulelake on a hot summer afternoon.

Another man and his BOOTS
Leaving Tulelake and headed for Doris

5:10

Passing through the Tulelake Wildlife Refuge. Loved watching the wildlife so through I would give you a taste for what you would see if you come to this area.
Can anyone tell me what kind of birds these are?
Please leave your guess in the comments:
Bird 1
Bird 2
Bird 3

Canby

2007-06-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

After gasing up , at $3.56 a gallon, in Alturas, I head out and start leap frogging Paul as he starts his third day. As we come into Canby I look at the only gas station and see that I should have waited to fill up.

Day 3

2007-06-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

As we come out of Alturas the views just keep getting better.

Paul's Day 3 Summary

2007-06-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer Solstice-
I was please to hear we would have over 15 hours of daylight- I thought I might need every minute of it to get to Alturas.
We started the day by meeting with Gary Jones, Modoc County Superintendent. It was a pleasant surprise when we walked into the office and the support staff greeted us with , "You are HERE!. We were just looking at the blog!"
I first met Gary when he was Principal at Tulelake Lake High School. Tuleleake has always been on the cutting edge with the use of technology, and a large part of the district's success has been the support they receive from the administration. Commitment, Creativity, and Technical Knowledge exist in a symbiotic partnership. The infrastructure, programs, and staff make it a great place for students to learn.
We had a great discussion about what CTAP is doing, the services and products the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources will provide to Modoc, and also about the roads to Tulelake.
The more we talked, the more I got excited and energized. Gary was talking about how it is the "people" that make things happen up here. It is the collaboration, the friendships, and the trust that we put in each other to get the job done. Thanks, Gary for the support.
About 8:45 we rolled east out of Alturas. My biggest concern would be riding directly into the wind- but so far it was calm.
The terrain was rolling hills for the first 20 miles to Canby. Legs were getting loose and the wind hadn't materialized yet. BUT I wasn't taking anything for granted.
After a short break in Canby we headed north towards Tulelake and the Oregon Border on Highway 139.
I went about 1/2 a mile when I pulled over to the side and looked at the sign- NEXT SERVICES 46 MILES. A flashback of part of Day 2 rolled through my mind. Checking water bottles, tires, and my sanity, I started up the road. Yes UP, again. Surprisingly, the climbs didn't feel too bad. A few miles into it I felt the wind come through the gap- or at least i thought I did- and swore it was getting warmer. In reality there was only a little breeze compared the 30 MPH gusts I was beaten with yesterday. The temperature was in the low 80s. The hills not nearly as long or steep as the prior days.
I was forced into the car by roadwork- but only for one mile.
I continued riding over rolling hills through some beautiful landscape. The forest area had suffered from a devastating fire in 1996. Over 40,000 trees had been replanted and were in various stages of growth. The road was in good shape. Traffic somewhat light.
There was a break in the trees to my left and I saw my first glimpse of Mt. Shasta. It is magnificent- even from a long distance away.
I couldn't believe I felt so good. We were over half-way and the day was young.
More forest and then high desert-like conditions. Lava Beds National Monument was off to my left- a little too far for a detour. As the tree cover lessened the wind did increase.
I kept riding- watching for Gene- who was leapfrogging me about seven or eight miles at a time. I didn't need to stop as much and new that Tulelake was in range.
We didn't have good cell connections so we couldn't upload very frequently.
I was riding into the wind when I saw the small town of Newell appear... we were close.
Tulelake was less than 10 miles out.
The sound of wind in my ears was frustrating. Combined with the invisible force pushing against you it makes flat ground worse than hills. I could see Tulelake in the distance.
Neither gene nor I could believe it was only 2:30 when we arrived.
We celebrated with a greasy hamburger and fries and took some photos. I also took the opportunity to purchase some of that amazing Tulelake Horseradish- it's delicious.
While we were eating I came up with the idea of riding "Summer Solstice Bonus Miles." Every mile after Tulelake was a bonus- the more I could ride today, the less I would have to ride on Sunday. So we pushed on westward.
Riding into a now much stronger wind and directly into the sun I began to think I may have made an error in judgement--- so it was time for distraction. We were riding on Stateline Road which runs directly along the border between California and Oregon. The north lane is in Oregon, the south lane is in California. So I amused myself- when trucks weren't coming- by running a slalom course between the strips. California, Oregon, California, Oregon.... and so on... and so on.. and so on... I did this for a total of 1000 turns... 500 in Calif... 500 in Oregon... Gene was even brave enough to stand in the road and video tape it.
We were now traveling west through the Tulelake Wildlife Refuge. Amazing views and and vantage points to observe the wildlife in the area. Gene took many photos while I kept pushing into the wind.
We decided to call it a day when we arrived in the town of Dorris. I was pleased we did the "bonus stretch", but I was wiped out. The additional bonus miles put me right around 100 miles for the day- and placed us close enough to Yreka that we could drive to Gene's house for a night at "home" before leaving for San Francisco today.
We are almost half-way! Though I feel it- I still can't believe it. I am still excited about bringing more resources to CTAP Region 2.
Day 1: 151
Day 2: 105
Day 3: 100

2007-06-21T21:40:00.001-07:00

10:00 Have come about 15 miles, should hit the town of Canby soon. Saw this farm house and had to take a picture. The farmer was out front so I ask him what kind of farm this was. Well he told me that the silos in my picture were for holding fish food. Yes, this farm is a catfish farm. They grow catfish for the S.F. market place. Go figure :-)
Canby is a small town of around 414 and sits at an elevation of 4300 ft.

2007-06-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

9:00 Had a very nice visit with Gary Jones, Modoc County Superintendent. Left the Modoc COE and headed north on 395, turned onto 299 west and will stay on for 19 miles. Next, slight right toward CA-136 for 51 miles which will bring us into Tulelake. the tarrain coming out of the Alutras valley reminds me of the steps in Russia. up, down, up... but just rolling not to much up or down.

Day 3

2007-06-21T21:32:00.001-07:00

Day 3 6:00a.m.
Today is summer solictice, "15.4 hrs. of daylight and we'll need every bit of it, said Paul. I really don't think so. Paul has been doing so well. He seems to be getting stronger every day. Go, my friend.

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-21T17:46:00.001-07:00

CA, OR, CA, OR

2007-06-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

CA, OR, CA, OR

Tulelake & Siskiyou Co.

2007-06-21T14:36:00.001-07:00

We made it, Paul good jobj

Mt. Shasta

2007-06-21T13:56:00.001-07:00

1:24 p.m. About 20 miles out of Tulelake. Can see Mt. Shasta in the back ground.

Modoc Farm House

2007-06-21T10:31:00.001-07:00

10:00 OK kids & Charlie, what do you think these are?

Leaving Modoc

2007-06-21T10:30:00.001-07:00

9:00 Looking out across the little valley with its abundance of Jupiners. What a site! I just talked with Heidi Jankowski at th Siskiyou COE(our next COE). She has been following our trek. Hi Heidi, can you make a coment on the bolg? that goes for all you guy & ladies out there. We would like to hear from you:-D

Heading northwest

2007-06-21T09:28:00.001-07:00

On my way to Canby

Looking back through Alturas

2007-06-21T08:46:00.001-07:00

One last look as I head to Tulelake

Modco COE

2007-06-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

8:30 talking with Gary Jones and got the info. On technology in his county. He also gave us the scoop on the road to Tulelake.

Something happened to Paul

2007-06-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Metamorphosis? Kafka?

Gene working

2007-06-21T06:57:00.001-07:00

Can we trade jobs...

My View Wed

2007-06-21T06:52:00.001-07:00

Looking back @ Susanville

2007-06-21T06:51:00.001-07:00

Picture taken from my bike- Wed

Paul's Day 2 Summary

2007-06-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Woke up this morning and was paralyzed from my eyebrows down.
Gene was tired- apparently I snore. He set me on my bike and pushed me out of the driveway around 8:30.
We arrived at Lassen COE around 8:45- met with Jud Jensen and explained what benefits Lassen COE and Lassen County schools would get through the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources. Jud was appreciative of the news and also shared how CTAP had been so responsive to him and Lassen County schools.
Hit the road for real around 9:00.
The "wind spirits" were with me- a nice breeze was blowing from the southwest and helping me along Highway 395. 395 is relatively flat out of Susanville I cruised at about 4000 feet for sometime. Then through some "rolling hills", but remained around 4000-4200 ft.
Sun was warm so I was taking more breaks- about one an hour to refill water bottle, and drink a variety of fluids- Sweet Leaf Tea (delicious), sport drinks for electrolytes, and water- lots of water.
After a couple of hours my legs were looser, but neck and back were still tight.
Also- I soon realized the high desert is at several levels. I started climbing again- gradually at first, then a little steeper, and steeper. Soon I was over 5000 feet again and still climbing. No shade and the wind seemed to shift to more of a crosswind from the west. The difference between climbing in the desert and climbing in the mountains is that the road doesn't turn very much and there is no shade.
At times the scenery didn't change much either- look to the left- lots of sagebrush- look to the right lots of sagebrush. Look straight ahead- follow the white line on the black road service.
After peaking around 5900 feet or so, and a series of "up and downs", the road plateaued around 5400 feet.
Took a lunch break at Ravendale- about half way (just over 50 miles from Susanville). No services available, no store, or restrooms. Just a funky little motel (primarily for hunters) that didn't appreciate that I sprawled out on their picnic bench for a few minutes- even though nobody was around.
Gene strolled through the few buildings across the highway but couldn't find any school. He did hear an interesting story.
Rode on through Termo- town is apparently now abandoned- buildings locked and boarded.
Still couldn't get a good rhythm on the bike- but kept moving towards Madeline and the Modoc County line.
The "demons" hit me just outside of Madeline. I'll spare you the details.
Coincidentally we discovered that there was road work just north of Madeline and no way would they allow me to ride through the construction area. Gene also wasn't about to let me try. So- I rode with Gene for about 5 miles and drank lots of replacement fluids. My physical condition improved dramatically.
Gene let me out at the first pullout beyond the construction and I rode down the grade across the Modoc County line and into the town of Likely.
I felt better than I had all day and was excited to be 19 miles from Alturas.
Though the wind was still a factor it didn't seem to bother me as much- aches and pains seemed to have vanished.
I crossed the train overpass and entered Alturas at 5:45- 105 miles from where we started this morning. A rough day- but good- all for a good cause.
Trip Mileage summary:
Day 1: 151 miles
Day 2: 105
Four Counties: Butte Plumas, Lassen, Modoc
Tomorrow- Alturas to Tulelake

Day 2 Journal

2007-06-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

6:30 Up and moving slower this morning. Stayed up late last night posting to the blog.

8:45 Lassen COE say hi to Jud Jensen and Bob Owens then onward and up. We will start to announce some of the offers by our sponsors today.

Before we left the office in Susanville we had to take this picture. The best part is our friend Charlie commented that he thought that Paul would win because the jet was bolted to the ground. Thank you for all the info. Hay, kids did anyone think of that?

12:02 It as been a nice morning. Nice breeze at our backs and not to hot yet. Came through a little valley in the high dessert that reminded me of my home when I was a child. I lived in Independence, CA and it was called high dessert too.

Stopped at immigrant pass for a rest and post.

Do any of you know who made the first barbared wire and why it was made?

I know this is a dumb question but do any of you know what this machine does?

Next thing I saw of interest was this huge power line slicing its way through the valley. I took off onto a dirt road and went to look. What do you think the poles were made of, did you notice there were no trees? That's right all the poles in this area are made of steel.

Well I am waiting at the watering hole at an elevation of 5000 ft. and guess who I see coming?

Can anyone tell me how rocks get like this?

1:50 Stopped at a little town, Ravendale, of 25 or so and rested. It is a hard go today. Paul is pacing himself better and taking more stops. He had a huge day yesterday and is trying to space it out today.
We are about half way and I hope that there is no more up-hills for Paul's sake. I wanted to take a picture of the school house but when walking up School House Rd. I asked a young girl, I met on the road, where the school was and she told me that it "burnt" down 10 years ago and no body wanted to rebulid it. She told me that she now goes to school in Madeline.

Anyone want to guess what this building is?

This small place, Termo, in the middle of highway 395 reminds me of a thousand other little towns like this in our 9 county region also known as CTAP Region 2.

Well I have given Paul a 25 min. head start so off I go again. Would up-load some more to the blog but no signal on the cell. I hope we will get back to signal soon

2:50 Had to put Paul in the car at Madeline, road work. I learned my lesson yesterday when I felt I didn't do my job. Not that I know what my job is.... although it's not easy being green.. Let him out after construction and then he continued on to Likely.

3:30 Likely is a very nice small town of 125. The South Fork School looks like it is a brand new school. The lawns and fields are green, green.

The store in Likley is very cute, looks like it's out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Can anyone find a Norman Rockwell painting on the web? The only restruant in town has the name "Most Likely Place to Eat"

4:18 Paul a little over 15 miles out of Alturas

5:45 We have arrived!!!! Now is time for R&R. Last night we ordered pizza to our room so we ate and worked on the blog until late and then hit the sack. So tonight.......... the same.

We are staying in the Best Western and when driving in I saw this gentlemen and asked if we could take a picture with him and his bike. Charlie, what bike do you think would win a race?

Paul was inspired by his new friend- he even got tatooed?

Tomorrow Day 3 we will go to the Modoc COE meet with Gary Jones County Supt.

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

Ravendale

2007-06-20T17:22:00.001-07:00

Stopped in Ravendale for a potty break but no bathrooms. Need to make a dash for Madeline
Made it to Madeline. :-D

Modoc Wildlife Refuge

2007-06-20T17:21:00.003-07:00

Just entered the Modoc Wildlife Refuge. Too many water foul to list. Can you name at least 2? Hint, Pintail duck.
Look at these outcroppings. What would you call lava that is formed like this?

ROAD WORK!

2007-06-20T16:32:00.001-07:00

Had to make Paul get in for a bit. I learned a lesson yesterday and will not repeat again today.

Ravensdale to Madeline

2007-06-20T16:18:00.001-07:00

stopped at Madiline and found a rest room. Asked a lady named Linda where the school was and she told me they had none there kids go to Likely

Noble Emigrant Trail

2007-06-20T10:57:00.001-07:00

this route was first used in 1852 by emigrants to norther California seeking to aviod the hardships of the Lassen trail. It crossed the deserr from the Humboldt river in Nevada, passed this point, and proceeded over the mountains to the town of Shasta. Latter, 1855-1861, it was known as the Ft. Kearny, south pass and Honey Lake wagon road.

Jet or Paul

2007-06-20T10:48:00.001-07:00

Just had to take this shot. Paul! I know you're good but you can't even believe this one? Kids, who do you think would win?

Lassen SCOE

2007-06-20T10:42:00.001-07:00

Lassen COE 8:30 A.M. Thanks
Jud Jensen, thans for the kind words and your sopport. Bob, sorry we missed you, but jud did tell us you were a grandpa, congrates!

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-20T09:36:00.001-07:00

Day 2 Susanville to Alturas

2007-06-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

6:30 Up and moving slower this morning. Stayed up late last night posting to the blog.
8:00 Lassen COE to say hi, then onward and up. We will start to announce some of the offers by our sponsors today.

Ride for Resources- Sponsors

2007-06-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

So- what do the schools and county offices get for our efforts in the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources?
Each sponsor is providing a different level of support:

CTAP Region 2- ongoing professional development focused on the use of technology to improve teaching and learning, school management, and the leveraging of resources to maximize effective use of local, state, and federal money. Dollar value- PRICELESS.
netTrekker- Nine full access licenses- one per county in Region 2. This award-winning educational search engine brings the best of the web to K-12 students, teachers, librarians, and parents. netTrekker d.i. connects you and your students to more than 180,000 hand-selected, educator-approved sites - organized by readability level and aligned with your state standards, providing resources ideal for every student's learning needs with safe, reliable results. Dollar Value- $15,000
Discovery Education/unitedstreaming- is providing a combination of services- Two unitedstraming Plus Packs for each county AND a huge discount for schools that don't receive the the donation but would like to receive the service. Discovery Education unitedstreaming is a digital video-on-demand and online teaching service to help improve students' retention and test scores; it is aligned to U.S. state and provincial standards. Dollar Value- $30,000 list price
CaliforniaStreaming via Los Angeles County Office of Education and the California County Educational Technology Consortium- is providing unlimited access to 2000 students throughout CTAP region 2 as well as temporary access for participants in the CTAP Region 2 Summer Technology Leadership Conference (STLC). Students and teachers will have access to ALL media types: more than 2,600 videos, 18,000+ core concept clips, 4,000 curriculum-oriented audio files, 5,000 print resources, and an unsurpassed collection of 25,000 photographs, illustrations, and clip art images, as well as a databank of 15,000 quiz questions and 1,000 pre-made quizzes! California Streaming features current content from top educational producers and uniquely smart, customized functions, making it the most superior digital delivery solution available. Dollar Value- $10,000
Sweet Leaf Tea- All the tea I can drink during the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources. Value- $1,000
Riverdeep- level of support still be defined.

Thank you to all of our supporting sponsors. Your contributions will make a difference to the students and teachers in CTAP Region 2.

Paul's Day One Summary

2007-06-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently cycling clothes accentuate my large stomach- nice photos Gene.
Didn't sleep much last night- nerves.
We got a later start than hoped- had the jitters until we crossed the bridge on the West Side of Lake Oroville. Finally felt like it was really happening- took awhile to get my legs- then the real hills started.
The city of Oroville is at approximately 200 ft above sea level. Lake Oroville is around 1000 feet. It was almost all uphill from there- finally peaking just before Bucks Lake at 5900-6000 feet. Every time I thought I was going to get a break- another hill hit. At one point there was a 9 degree climb followed immediately by a 13 degree climb.
Great downhill once a little past Buck's Lake- drops approximately 1500 feet in a few miles. Loose gravel made it a bit challenging. Gene couldn't keep up on most of the downhills. But of course- on the uphills the car was superior- so much so he spent time driving ahead and relaxing.
I couldn't believe it when we arrived in Quincy very close to 12:00- glad Ken Capistrand was there- he is a strong advocate for CTAP in Plumas County. He thought we were pulling his leg about riding up from Oroville- that was until we explained what resources Plumas County/Unified would be receiving as a result of the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources.
Departed Quincy after lunch and quick trip to the bike shop. I think it was around 1:15-30.
I refer to the next part of the ride as the "Death Challenge". I quickly discovered that loaded logging trucks, bicycles and shoulder-less roadways don't mix.
A few miles out of Quincy there was some road work requiring traffic to be held for approximately five minute intervals in each direction. I was able to go through ahead of traffic which allowed me to have somewhat of an open road- except for the heavy equipment, loose dirt, and on coming traffic being routed between lanes. Zigging and zagging I was able to work my way down Highway 70/89- then the traffic came from behind and everything changed. Forced to the side by trucks and cars trying to make up time. Bunny-hopping over roadside cracks and ruts with large moving vehicles and "irate" drivers only a few inches away quickly lost its appeal.
The train trestles that criss-cross the Feather River Canyon in Plumas County are amazing- but there was no way I was going to stop for photos.
It didn't get any better after the turn to Lake Almanor. Now I was climbing again- not moving very fast with no shoulder- or eroded shoulder in most parts and at times a fairly serious drop off the side. At one point there were remnants of a gasoline spill and a destroyed guardrail that went over a drop. A logging truck had lost it's load earlier that morning and that was what was left. Temperatures were also getting quite warm. This was the least pleasant part of the day. Sensing my stress, Gene intervened at this point and did his job as a support person. He forced me to ride with him for a five mile section where there was only the white line for a shoulder. Thank you, Gene.
The ride did get better again once we arrived at Lake Almanor. There was less traffic, a wider road and more spectacular scenery. My nerves restored after a break, I made good time and was confident we would make Susanville.
Turning east on Highway 36 we were just 24 miles form the goal.
Only two "climbs" remained. One over the pass between Westwood and Susanville and the last just before the downhill to Susanville.
Once again my reward for the climb were the steep downhills. Traffic was fast but so was I. We were going to reach our goal. 151 riding miles- two county offices (Butte, Plumas), three counties (Butte, Plumas, Lassen). We depart from Lassen COE tomorrow morning after they open and head for Alturas. Afer a day in the mountains we will be riding in the high desert.
All in all it was great day for the CTAP Region 2 Ride for Resources.

Today's Journal

2007-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

5:00 a.m. Still dark outside, getting packed.
5:30 a.m. Packed and headed to the office. Paul will leave his truck there and then we will be off.
6:00 a.m. We are off, first stop will be a picture at Oroville Elem. and High School.

As we are going, we stop to see Oroville Elem. and Oroville High Schools.

6:11 a.m. Stopped at the Ishi historical landmark. For thousands of years the Yahi indians roamed the foothills between Mt. Lassen and the Sacramento valley. Settlement of the region by the white man brought death to the Yahi by gun, by disease and by hunger. By the turn of the century only a few remained Ishi, the last known survivor of these people was discovered at this site in 1911. His death in 1916 brought an end to stone age Callifornia.

For those kids in Siskiyou county, hi from Mr. Arnold and Mr. Haas. I hope you are having fun in summer school? We are seeing some beautiful places on our trip. Let's see if you can leave a message on the blog. Stay cool and no day dreaming. :-)
7:17 a.m. Stop on the other side of the Oroville Lake bridge to look at the view. Was able to take a picture of an osprey and her young high atop a telephone pole.

7:51 Passing by the United States Post Office at Berry Creek , CA

As we climb we get to view some of the most breath taking views. Oroville Dam and Lake Oroville.

9:27 Climbing, climbing, and climbing some more. We are heading up, up, up. This area is beautiful. The trees are large. Lots of Ponderosa pines, Madrone, Sugar Pine and Cedar. The canopy under these giants reminds me of areas around Mammoth. Paul had to stop by the sign that told him NO! That was not the right thing to put on a sign for Paul to read.

As I drove along it came to my attention that there was a very different kind of sign along side the road. One that was sure to make everyone stop?

What do you think? Would you stop? I did and the old gent was quite nice and different. Reminded me of an old friend.

10:31 We have crossed into Plumas County and are still headed STRAIGHT up. I think we must be fairly high. The bag of potato chips I have in back just popped! Heading down to Bucks Lake.

Plumas beware of the water! You know what happens when you drink to much Sweet Leaf Tea :-)

3:10 Had a short but good visit with Ann and Ken at the Plumas COE. Ken pointed us in the direction of a good place to eat. Next we went to The Bike Shop and picked up a couple of tubes and a spare tire. Paul Mundorff is the owner.
We left Quincy and head out on 70 west/ 89 north. It was a very different kind of road then that of which we had been traveling all morning. Trucks and cars traveling at 60 - 70 mph. The road didn't have a shoulder and I was afraid that Paul would get blown over or worse. When we got to the Almanor turn off it got hairy.... Logging trucks with full loads flying past and I do mean flying. I told Paul on a stop "Are you riding for resources or your LIFE? We are now taking a rest on the shore of Almanor and will head out for Susanville about 35 miles away. No signal for the cell so we will not be-able to post until tonight.
3 - 6:00 p.m.
More beautiful areas as I drive along.

What a great school. Old Meadow Valley Elementary School

as we get to Almanor we look up and see one heck of a mountain. Can you tell us what mountain this is? Hint, it is the last mountain in the Cascade Mountain Range.

As we are leaving Qunicy we need to get a couple of tubes and a tire. What a bike shop. We thought we would but a small plug in for a nice guy trying to make a living in are area.

Good luck with your shop!

Anyone around to take my picture? Oh, well I know how to use a tripod and timer. Yes, this is Gene, the guy behind the guy riding the bike and putting out all that engery! I just drive, give him water, food, support, a chair to sit on when he needs to sit and rest. I am the camera man, video man, and the journal man. I am having a plast and am really proud of my best friend.

I can't believe that Plumas, and Lassen don't have Wi-Fi everywhere! :-)

Thank you for all your comments. Keep them coming, it is what we are riding for. I know I am not on the bike but if I could get my legs moving again I would be trying.

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-19T18:32:00.001-07:00

24 miles to Susanville

2007-06-19T17:16:00.001-07:00

:-D a job well done. This has been a long day for Paul and for me.

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-19T12:48:00.001-07:00

2007-06-19T12:29:00.001-07:00

Hi, Ann thanks for your support

Plumas COE

2007-06-19T12:28:00.001-07:00

Ken meets with Paul at the Plumas COE. We also met Ann Clemens. Thanks for your time.

Wild Flowers

2007-06-19T12:11:00.001-07:00

wild flowers at the top. We just got cell service back. 8 miles out of Quincy.

2007-06-19T09:54:00.001-07:00

Just hit the county line. Looks like it might be downhill for a wee bit. Paul is doing well. He really had the jitters this morning.

Lake Oroville

2007-06-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

Sweet Leaf Tea

Lake Oroville

2007-06-19T08:03:00.001-07:00

Sweet Leaf Tea

CTAP Region 2

2007-06-19T08:01:00.001-07:00

Lake Oroville

2007-06-19T07:58:00.001-07:00

Sweet Leaf Tea

Last Stop for Yahi first stop for Paul

2007-06-19T06:21:00.001-07:00

Last stop for Ishi and the Yahi Indians, first stop for Paul.