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.


Sunday, April 20, 2008

Acts of Kindness

April 18th was one of those days that keeps me going. Chiva and I woke up to a scenic guerilla camp spot in the coastal town of Gualala. After devouring morning breakfast, I ran into a lady by the name of Lou Anne Fredrickson. She was extremely enthusiastic about the trip and connected me with a local newspaper reporter and then handed me an envelope that she instructed not to open until next tent time.

I proceeded to bike a breathtaking, 50 mile stretch of Route 1 that gave me and my pup picturesque views of the mighty and vast Pacific. When I dragged into Bodega Bay, a lady (Nicole Botelho) from her porch hollered my way asking if I would like to pitch my tent in her shed. She also told me she had food and a hot shower. After eight days of camping, I was well overdue.

Nicole explained she was a gourmet chef and would prepare Chiva and me a meal to remember. I feasted on a delicious Thai dish while Chiva woofed down a brown rice/beef/egg combo. Breakfast also was served!

Once my belly could bear no more I headed to my tent to open the envelope. Lou Anne had enclosed an encouraging card and also $100 for my cause. I am so thankful to run into such generous and good-natured people. So many others have also helped with this journey, and it is incredible to experience. I would not be able to do this trek without the support of so many wonderful people. Thank you!

Here are a few notes from the Lost Coast to San Francisco stretch:
· Superb camping in Rockefeller Forest, the largest remaining contiguous, old-growth coast redwood forest in the world.
· Lost Coast was exceptionally beautiful. Extremely challenging terrain to bike tour. The hills were so steep that I had to push the bike and DoggyRide trailer for the first time. Well worth the effort to experience the rewarding and remote scenery. Hid the bike in shrubs and hiked/explored the coast for a few days. Slept in a barn and visited an elementary school in Petrolia.
· Route 1 consists of light to medium traffic, a limited shoulder, constant ocean views, and tremendous elevation gain/loss. Biking on this road is no joke and not for those afraid of heights.
· Camera non-operational after Lost Coast. Died of old age and plan to buy a new one in San Francisco. I will add pictures as soon as possible of the Lost Coast (likely tomorrow).
· Donations are nearing the $1000 mark. A sincere thank you! Please let me know if you are interested in doing a pledge (example: every 100 miles Chiva and I bike = 1$). 100% of donation will go to confronting animal cruelty and environmental conservation efforts.
· Mouth watering free pizza at Bernillos (owners are fellow dog lovers) in Fort Bragg, CA.
· Surpassed 1000 miles of biking.
· Enjoying San Francisco the next few days with my brother Rob and friends as Chiva and I recuperate and prepare for Stage 2 to Phoenix
· Feeling strong!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

You guys are so awesome!! You rock! Keep the updates coming!

Cant Wait for more pics!!

Jeff Sepp said...

Hey guys good luck with everything. Your posts are making me a combination of adventure sick and really hungry. Keep up the good work !

http://guillermohabacucvargas.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

YAH! David -we made the paper! Great article w/pic! I thought of you and Chiva and hoped you would have a great night in Bodega Bay. Sounds like it went very well for both of you. Hope your parents get a copy of the paper- if not LMK, I can send one if needed. Have fun! I'll check back for news of you two on the road! LouAnne loveyalou@hughes.net