UPDATE, 22 October 2008

David and Chiva are taking a break from the Tour de Dog but are sure to plan another ride in the near future. A sincere thank you to all of you who helped David and Chiva in countless ways. The Tour de Dog would not be possible without your support. THANK YOU!

View a Photo Documentary of Tour de Dog by Jason Houge

Tour de Dog is past states: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and New York.


Friday, March 14, 2008

Don't Rain on my Parade!




Steve Shay Photography

Tour de Dog kicked off yesterday in typical Seattle winter fashion: constant rain. After saying farewell to many supportive and wonderful friends at my Ballard apartment, Chiva and I commenced our 15 month adventure.

The estimated 60 mile first day consisted of the Burke Gilman Trail to Woodinville (paved trail with no cars), then to Duvall (busy road with big trucks), and finally the Snoqualmie Valley Trail (muddy, gravel trail through beautiful Cascade foothill forest).

At 7:00pm and wet and exhausted, Chiva and I arrived in Snoqualmie. Thanks to the hospitality of David and Tove Warmerdam of Seattle Dog Magazine, I had dinner and a warm bed waiting.

Although I was immediately tested and given a reality check by lack of sleep, cold and heavy rain, loud trucks spraying mist and grit, and poor trail conditions, Day 1 was nothing more than a confidence builder. The bike and trailer performed great, and we moved onward.

The next leg has me taking on Snoqualmie Pass. Because it is currently snowing, I am waiting for better weather. If impassable biking conditions persist, I will seek a lift to the eastern side of the mountains.

For those that would like to meet up with Chiva and me in the near future, here are the next towns/places:

Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Cle Elum, WA
Ellensburg, WA
Yakima, WA
Hood River, OR
Mount Hood, OR
Bend, OR
Eugene, OR

Thank you to all those who helped prepare me for the Tour de Dog. It is and will continue to be a total team effort. More updates and pictures to come!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Good Luck Dave And Chiva!! Keep us updated on your progress down the coast we may try to catch up to you.

-Brian and Cla

Steve Shay said...

Hey David! Thanks for posting my photos of the sentimental Seattle send-off. I need to take more photos of Chiva and you, so I may meet up with you...in Florida, where it is warm and flat!

-Steve Shay

Anonymous said...

I read about your journey in the Ballard News Tribune, I will be following your travels on your website--good luck! Bob from Ballard

Anonymous said...

Hey Dave and Chiva!!
I miss ya Dave and cant wait to hang out with you soon (and meet Chiva)!
You're both in my thoughts and I am loving the updates! I will be sure to keep the encouragement up on my end. :-)
You rock!!

Amanda Koh said...

Have a wonderful trip David and Chiva! I appreciate what you are doing. :)

Sara said...

Hey guys, glad the first leg went alright! Hope the rest is drier, hehehe. Will be following it on the blog!