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Trip Journal Archive One - Florence to Missoula.
(journal entries from 7/4 to 8/2)

Name: Dan Gutin (Al's son)
   Florence, OR - 7/19 - on their way!

Date:    7/4/2000

     Hello Team Riverlea. I just wanted to let you know that the web site looks great! I love all the photos. I hope I'll be able to follow Dan and my dad's progress on their dream-ride! Just to make you all a little jealous, I'll be watching the end of the Tour de France on July 23 from the balcony of my apartment. The final leg into Paris comes zipping along the street I live on. I think you guys should organize a trip over here so we can go biking in the Loire valley. Take care, and please be careful (especially you, Dad).

Name: Bob
Date:    7/8/2000
     Best wishes to Al & Dan on their trip across America. I will be with you in spirit (much easier on my tush that way). Great to see you tonight. Thanks for dinner.

Name: dave gutin
   Bike store in Eugene - new Team R mechanics?

Date:    7/10/00

     hello everybody, its the long lost MTB rocky mountain division of the teamriverlea, dave gutin. great job on the site! hope the riding is not too hot there for ya. I though of my fellow ohio riding partners on sunday when i was on one of the most beautiful and incredible mountainbike rides ive doon yet, emerald lake in bozeman montana, 8 miles of great technicle singletrack. be sure to check topozone.com and terrasever.com for all of your map and areial photograph needs, hope to ride with you this fall, take care, and hi dad!

Name: Trudy/Sacha Rammon
Date:    7-10-00
     Al and Dan, Don't know the exact date of your departure, but wish you both a great trip! I was sooo happy to see you both on the bike path (and especially you, Al, in a healing mode). Wished we would have talked a little more. Have a fabulous ride. We'll all be thinking of you!! Be safe...Mary and Richard wish you the best, too!! Peddle on... RETURN SAFELY!! t & s

Name: Sarah Gutin
   Mark/Molly Elliot - 1st overnight with them.

Date:    July 11

     Hello everyone! Dad and Dan, I just wanted to wish you guys good luck! I know that everything is going to be wonderful. Take a lot of photographs for me! I love you very much dad:)

Name: Chas Williams

Date:    7/16/00

     Best wishes for a great ride, you guys. I haven't forgotten my brief days on TR. I'll be thinking about you and will keep track of your progress. Let the good pies roll.

Name: Al
Date:    July 16, 2000
     Our adventure starts tomorrow! I want to thank everyone for their best wishes and good thoughts.Dave, Dan, Sarah, Bob,Dianne, Randy,Denise,Sue,John,Chris,Kim, Andy,Teresa, Molly, Lisa,Penny,Kathy,Joanna,Dawn, Drew , Cindy and most of all Jim, who's willingness allowed me the opportunity to attempt this quest. I'll keep you posted. Think Tail Winds. Al

Name: Dianne Gutin (sister-in-law)
   Joe & Vivian - helped find spring water.

Date:    7/17/2000

     Hi Al and Dan, You've been on my mind all day today! It seems this has been so long in the planning, I can hardly believe it's actually happening. I'm looking forward to following your progress from day to day. Al, I told your mom that I would keep her posted, by phone, on your trek. I'll make sure to only send her "happy" reports! Best of luck, on this your first day away from Worthinton. May this be the beginning of a wonderful adventure! Love, safety and tail winds, Dianne

Name: Kim and Andy
Date:    7-18-2000
     Godspeed Al and Dan!

Name: Chris
Date:    7/18/00
     And they're off! On the road yesterday morning (in theory); with luck a first dispatch from the road some time in the next week.

Name: Carolyn and Dan Owens
Date:    7/18/00
     Please forward our best wishes to Dan and Al. Jane and Kay may also require some of our support!! Carolyn and Dan Owens

Name: Molly
Date:    7-19-00
     Good Luck Dr. Gutin! We are all thinking of you and looking forward to reading about your progress in the journal.

Name: Dianne Gutin (Al's sister-in-law)
   7 time finisher - Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.

Date:    7/19/2K

     Dear Al & Dan, I guess today was the BIG day. Hope your first day out was a good one, and all the days...uhhh...months to follow, are the filled with adventure and fun. I'm finding myself, suddenly, very curious about your journey. Maybe because it's actually happening. Tell us everything! Where you're staying each night...what your eating...where you're body is aching...what's your biggest challange so far. Sleep well tonight. Tomorrow's another day, and I can't wait to read your first entry, and see your first pictures! Lots of love, good wishes tail winds, and no blisters, Dianne

Name: Andy H.
Date:    7/21/00
     Al and Dan, Hope all is going well on your Ride Across America. I just returned from driving across the country and the tail winds for you look awesome. I saw many riders in the Yellowstone area looking like they were enjoying the climbs. Have fun and ride safe!!!

Name: Kyle Andrews (client/friend)
Date:    21 June 00
     As I sit in my office dreaming, I'm thinking you guys are having a blast! Your adventure makes Ride the Rockies sound like child's play. I'll be thinking of you as I'm doing hills in SE OH this weekend, and I wish both of you Godspeed, courteous drivers and great tailwinds!

Name: Dianne, sis-in-law
Date:    7/21/2K
     Hi Al & Dan,

Name: Dianne, sis-in-law
Date:    7/21/2K
     Hi AL & Dan, So....how a big a state IS Oregon? Di

Name: Candy
Date:    July 22, 2000
     Ride like the wind guys and look forward to hearing all the tails from the bike ride.

Name: Candy Usher
Date:    July 22, 2000
     Ride like the wind guys and look forward to hearing all the tails from the bike ride. God Speed for a safe return

Name: Molly Elliott
Date:    July 21, 2000
     Hi Al and Dan. It was wonderful having you stay at our house on the first night of your bike journey. Hope you enjoyed the beer on the deck and the hot shower. We certainly had fun with you both and being part of your adventure. How was the pass? Good luck and enjoy the mountain views in central Oregon. I keep checking your progress. Molly and Mark

Name: Chris
   Belgium McKenzie Pass.

Date:    7/22/00

     First report from the road! Riverlea's answer to Lewis and Clark have called in - actually a message from Kay. Details:
- They started Wednesday morning from Florence, Oregon.
- By Friday night they had covered 180 miles.
- The first night was spent in beds! Apparently a thoughtful Oregonian offered her home and guest beds for their first night, in Springfield.
- 2nd night was spent was spent "in the middle of a forest".
- Friday they successfully mounted Oregon's highest mountain, and spent the night in a city park in Sisters (sp?) Oregon.
- So far "they are having a great time, loving every minute of it". More as I get it!

Name: Ken and Karen Cunin
Date:    7-23-00
     Dear Al and Dan, Your website is really super and your progress so far sounds great! I am sure the "Bikers' Wives Club" is keeping in contact with you so everyone will get updates frequently. Ken

Name: Patty Ellick
Date:    7-23-00
     Hi All! It is great to be able to check up on Al and Dan's adventure. It is definitely an incentive for being out on my bike. GOOD LUCK GUYS! Patty (Cleveland's Riverlea-TOSRV rider)

Name: Teresa Linville
Date:    July 23
     Hi Dan and Dr.Gutin aka AL Hope all is well. Thinking of you often. Don't worry about anything at work, we've got it covered. Take care and have fun. We'll be enjoying your trip through the web site. Thanks to whomever is handling it!

Name: Dianne Gutin
Date:    7/23/2K
     Hi! It's a sunny Sunday evening here in Cleveland. Just sitting here wondering what your weather's like this eve. Bob's cutting ZZZZZ's in the green recliner chair...wondering how YOUR 4lb chair is working out, Al? Hope your back is holding out. Looking forward to hearing more from the road, soon. Dianne

Name: chris
   Emma (in front) - offered water.

Date:    7/23/00

     First call from the riders! My dad (Dan) called today - in a sentence "we're having the time of our lives!" Called today from Skyhook, Oregon - road 45 miles today (including a 7 mile long downhill!). Of course the day before they had one climb which was 12 miles long and took 4 hours. More details:
"The bikes are great" - equipment is outstanding - all that research paid off.
"Meeting lots of fascinating people - all kinds of people are interested in the bikes and ask questions about the trip."
"It did take us 1.5 hours to get packed up this morning, but we're getting smarter every day."
"The biggest challenge is finding things - we have so many places to put things (various bags around the bikes) that it's hard to remember where you put something."
Tomorrow more riding through the Oregon "high desert" - 3000-4000 feet.

Name: Bob

Date:    7/24/2000

     Hi Al & Dan. Glad to hear the news about your good start. I'm following your progress on the map and I'm really envious. Wish I were able to be with you. You will see parts of our great country that most people will NEVER get to see and seeing it the way you are makes it special. The routes that travelers took before the interstate highways were built. I would guess that very few people have the time and ability to do what you guys are doing. Hope you're taking lots of pictures. I noticed a small line at the beginning of the trip leading to Astoria. Did you guys bike up there? Wishing you cool tail winds and clear skies. Bob

Name: Bob
Date:    7/24/2000
     Hey Al & Dan: Skyhook,Oregon must be a REALLY small place because I couldn't find it on the map. Since you were at Sisters, Oregon (just NW of Brothers, Oregon)on Friday night, I'm guessing that you are somewhere east of Prineville today, perhaps as far east as John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Maybe you can pick up a dinosaur fossil or two. (Just don't get arrested like I did at the Petrified Forest.) Couldn't weigh more than a couple of pounds. LOL Al, how's the back? Have you jettisoned the chair yet? Hope you guys are keeping a journal of some kind. Have you seen Sacajowia yet?

Name: Sue Neal
Date:    7/24/00
     Al and Dan, I was so excited to read your experiences so far. No mention of wind or weather so I assume they are not a factor, which is great. Can't wait for the next installment. Lily is doing well, keep pedaling and enjoy your Great Adventure! Penny says Hi!

Name: Bob
Date:    7/25/2000
     Hi Al & Dan. This is your 7th day on the road and although I don't know exactly where you are, I figure that you've biked 250 - 300 miles so far in what looks like (on the map) some pretty good climbs. (Sisters is 168 miles from Florence and Mitchell is 100 miles from Sisters.) Ochoco Summit is 4720 feet and then down to Mitchell at 2766 feet and then up to Summit at 4382 feet elevation. (Sisters was 3182 feet elevation). I checked the weather maps and it looks like good weather on your route in Oregon through this weekend. Partly cloudy and partly sunny skies with day temperatures in the mid to high 80s and lows at night in the high 40s. I'll bet the scenery is spectacular. Looking forward to getting the next report from the road. Bob

Name: John Schilling
   French visitor (still sore about the Tour) + neighbor.

Date:    7/25/00

     Hello to everyone, with special regards to Dan and Al. Glad to hear that the ride is safely underway. I look forward to reading the daily updates of your ride. Can't wait to see the photographs and read the details being kept in Dan's journal. Special news regarding the Team Riverlea Fall Ride - this year's ride is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th. Dan and Al should be arriving in Columbus a week or so before the Fall Ride. With a full week of rest, they'll be ready! The destination this year is Millersburg, Ohio in the heart of Amish country. The ride will feature a few hills (similar to last year's ride to McConnelsville) so that Dan and Al can show off their physical rewards of completing a cross-country ride! Sue Neal and I drove 250+ miles this past Sunday to scope out the road conditions, hotel lodging, and restaurants in the Millersburg area. In the next two weeks I will be sending out information to each rider via the Team Riverlea website and US Mail. Please watch for these announcements. If you are definitely committed to participating in this year's Fall Ride please let me know so I can start keeping a head count. Dan and Al's cross-country ride will inspire all of us to meet the Millersburg challenge in October!

Name: Jenny Smith (Kim and Andy's Daughter)
Date:    7/25/00
     Hey! I really like follewing the ride, it sounds like you gius (Dan and Al) are having a GREAT time, I happy to hear that. Just wanted to say Enjoy the rest of the trip!!! Be Careful!!! Bye

Name: Jenny Smith (Kim and Andy's Daughter)
Date:    7/25/00
     Hey! I really like following the ride, it sounds like you guys (Dan and Al) are having a GREAT time, I'm happy to hear that. Just wanted to say Enjoy the rest of the trip!!! Be Careful!!! Bye

Name: Dianne (sis-in-law)
Date:    7/25/2K
     Hi Guys! Thinking of you often, and hoping you had a wonderful day of riding today. It's really neat that there are nice folks out there who'll open their homes to you. What fun! Can't wait to hear the next update from the road. Dianne

Name: Cathy Gunn
Date:    7-25-00
     WOW! I bet that't your (Al & Dan) response, too. I was so excited to read the latest reports. I sure do worry about you guys. The weather seems to be good for riding. I hope the nights arn't too cool to cause you back stiffness. Good luck.

Name: Larry Corman
Date:    7/25/00
     HI Al and Dan, just heard the news today from Bob that your off on your great adventure. Sounds like things are going well and you've tunned up your climbing legs. Love the website. I'll be following your journey ,and wish you a fun,safe, ride. I think you may have a few tails to tell by the time you dip your wheels in the Atlantic. Have fun Larry

Name: Caroline Pharmer
Date:    7/25/00
     Dad (Dan) & AL, I am totally impressed with you both! I am very excited to hear all about the trip, and dad, I can't wait to hear from you on the road. I got a postcard today which read, "End of day 3, 179 miles so far. Oregon is a state with great natural beauty. Huge pines, snow covered mountains and, a surprise, lava fields. Met some most interesting people - lots of great stories." Keep those cards coming dad, and great website Chris! Have a great adventure Al & Dan.

Name: Marianne
Date:    7/26/00
     Hello Sir and Al. Sounds like the dream is now a reality. How great is that!!! I can only imagine the adventures that are ahead for you. I will enjoy reading about them on the web site. I will also get as many updates as possible from mom (Kay) and Chris. Have the time of your lives. We will be waiting for you here at home with a big hug just for you. Hugs and kisses, Marianne

Name: Dan Gutin
Date:    July 26
     Hi Dad and Jane, thanks for writing! The Oregon coast looks beautiful. The Frenchies were very impressed when I told them about the ride, especially when I tell them it's over 6000 kilometers (they don't understand miles) - Mon Dieu! Anyway, Lance looked good and wishes you all the best...

Name: Jane
   Charlotte - Mitchell, OR. Wealth of info.

Date:    7-26-00

     Hi, all! Kay and I flew in from Portland today. It was a great trip but we're both glad to be home. I just talked with Al and they're in a place called Sumter (sp??), OR. It's approx. 28 miles from Bakers City, which they plan to reach tomorrow and then they can say so long to Oregon...They did three huge climbs today. Al sounded great. I also talked briefly with Dan. I think they're having the time of their lives. No complaints just glowing reports of what a wonderful experience this is. I'll be updating the site whenever I get new info. They're hoping to find a computer in Bakers City so they can access all your kind words of support. I'll make copies of your messages just in case they don't get to a computer. Thanks to everyone!

Name: Dianne
Date:    7/26/2K
     Hi AL...glad to hear Jane is home safe and sound. We'll be in touch with her, although I'm sure she and Lilly will be ok! I've been talking with your mom - keeping her posted on your journey. She told me that Shirley Cohen's son took this same journey about 10 years ago! So...NOW, she thinks it's safe for you to go :) I was wondering, if you continue at this pace...will you finish your trek early? Love to ya, Di

Name: Bob
Date:    7/26/2000
     Hey Trekkers. Spoke with Jane last night and she sounded very tired but otherwise great. I see from her post where you guys spent last night (Sumpter, OR). You've now been on the road exactly one week and you've covered 380 miles. So you're close to 1/10 of the way through your journey. I'm not sure which route you're taking from Baker City to Missoula but I'm guessing that you'll be taking Route 86 out of Baker City heading toward Ox Bow Dam on the Snake River which is the dividing line between Oregon and Idaho. It's about 80 miles from Baker City to Ox Bow Dam and then you'll head south and cross the Snake River into Idaho at Brownlee Dam. It looks like the weather is getting pretty hot. Drink lots of liquid. Wishing you cool tail winds, gentle grades and clear skies. (We're having dinner with Larry and Lois Friday night and you will obviously be the main subject matter.)Bob

Name: Jane
Date:    7-26-00
     Kay talked with Dan tonight. They called from a shaded park bench in Richmond, Oregon, deciding to take a break from the heat before they tackled a 12-mile climb.(Yikes!) Next stop, In-Between, Oregon. Yes, that's a real place: a little town of 300 citizens. Kay said they sounded great.

Name: Nancy/Frank
Date:    7/26/00
     Some home info:(1) You have 6 and 1/2 pgs of e/m's on the website. With this degree of interest, I 've contacted Nike and Tiger's mgr to deal for you re endorsements, marketing rights and personal appearances. (2) This week is the Wendy's Internat'l Cycling event in Col's. I checked- no loaded pannier event this time. Maybe next year. Every morning we play Gene Autry's "I'm Back In The Saddle Again" to wake you up! Our continued best wishes, and mind your calorie intake. Nancy and Frank

Name: Kay Mangette
Date:    7/27/00
     Al and Dan, I'm jealous! Maybe some year I can talk Doug into doing something like this. I know the first question from him will be "which bag do I put my golf clubs in?" May your tires be dry and your winds be tail! Kay, Doug, Haley and Mackenzie

Name: Jane
Date:    7-27-00
     Correction on the guys' location as of 7-26. Bob checked the map and called to tell me they were in Richland not Richmond, Oregon. Kay and I will work on getting correct spellings, etc. when Al and Dan call so the info. will be more accurate.

Name: Margret Miller
Date:    7-27-2000
     Hi Sir and Al.What a fantastic adventure you are going on!!! Dave and I are enjoying reading the updates. We wish you and Al all the best , enjoy all the fantastic sights that God's country has to offer. You guys get to see it in a way that so few today can only dream of. I think your trip should be called Dan and Al's AWESOME Adventure. Be careful out there and Sir, Watch out for the snow!!!

Name: Sam & Carly (Grandkids)
Date:    7/27/00
     Grampy & Al, Grampy we wish you lots of good luck. We know what a great time that you are having. We can't to see you and hear all about your BIG adventure. Hope that the temp. is just right and that there are no rocks on the road. Good luck and lots of love! We love you Grampy and great job Al.

Name: Bob
Date:    Friday, 7/28/2000 - 10:00 ET
     Hi Dan & Al. It's the start of day # 10 on The Great Adventure, 7:00 a.m. your time. I'm following your progress with great interest (living vicariously I guess). I figure you spent last night somewhere between Cambridge, Idaho and New Meadows, Idaho and have covered well over 500 miles in total so far. The stretch between New Meadows and White Bird looks a little rough especially the second half of that section following the Salmon River as it heads north to the Snake. The road on that part is a very squiggly line on the map indicating to me a lot of mountain road (mostly downhill???). Hope the heat hasn't been too unbearable. I read that the temperature will be in the 90s during the day. Once you get to Grangeville, ID (135 miles north of Cambridge, you'll be heading north-east on Route 13 and then Route 12 towards Lolo, Montana (near Missoula and 144 miles from Grangeville). That part of Route 12 is also marked as a scenic road and identified on the map as "Wild & Scenic River Corridor" following the Lochsa River. In that part there is one 85 mile stretch between Lowell, ID and Lolo Hot Springs, MT where there is NOTHING but wilderness. You'll be in the area that Lewis & Clark saw in 1805. I'm sure that it hasn't changed much since then. Looking forward to your next report from the road. May the wind be at your back and may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Bob

Name: Jane
Date:    7-28-00
     They've arrived in Idaho! Heard from Al on 7-28 and Kay talked to Dan this morning. They stayed in a motel in Cambridge, Idaho, last night. It has been extremely hot, 100 degrees, so they ride and then rest awhile in any shade they can find. As of yesterday, they have pedaled 540 miles. Unbelievable in such a short time! Al said his best purchases so far have been his camp chair and the kickstand on his bike. They both sound great. Ahead: Hell's Canyon and Lolo Pass. Oh, boy...

Name: Dennis & Diana
Date:    7/29/00
     Hi you two, watch out for heat exhaustion. Good luck and have a great time. We'll take care of things back here if called upon.

Name: Pete Clark
Date:    7/29/00
     Dan and Al, Do bikers really see the country side when cycling? I only see them looking down when they come up our road. I envy your trip but I would make the ride on horseback myself. Much more comfortable saddle. God speed and be careful.

Name: Bob
Date:    Sat., 7/29/2000 9:30 p.m. ET
     Hi guys. Spoke with Jane last night and she sounds good. I'm figuring you're now somewhere close to White Bird or Grangeville Idaho where the temperature is in the high 90s to low 100s. Glad to hear you stayed in a motel in Cambridge. You should do that as often as possible. You will have to make frequent stops on the road and keep your liquids up. Watch for any signs of heat exhaustion. It's got to feel like an oven under your helmets, assuming you're wearing them. Find a nearby river or creek (should be plenty) and jump in. But watch out for those mountain men. (Just kidding, Jane.)Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to be scorching hot through the middle of next week. You'll probably be near Missoula Montana by Wednesday night. Sleep well.

Name: Joe and Vivian
Date:    07/29/00
     Hello all Al and Dan followers! We are two of the folks who met the intrepid twosome wilst they passed thru central Oregon. (the forest reference) The guys gave us the web site and we just checked in on their progress for the first time. Great to hear of their impressive performance to date. We'll check back often to see how it's going. Way to go guys!

Name: Jane
Date:    7-30-00
     Heard from Al last night. They're in White Bird, Oregon, in the Salmon River Valley. It's desert-like there and 105 degrees in the shade! They're being cautious by riding a bit, resting in the shade and occasionally stopping to dip their feet in the cold river water. It's amazing that they're averaging approx. 60 miles per day despite the intense heat. They woke up one day and it was 40 degrees but in a very short time, the temp. shot up and they were roasting again!! Approx. 670 miles on their legs and behinds. Yikes! On to Lolo Pass. They're really looking forward to seeing Dave in Montana. Pictures are on the way.

Name: Kent and Lisa
Date:    July 30, 2000
     Al and Dan, We love your web-site and the ability to follow your trek! What a wonderful adventure, but be careful in the heat. Murphy saw Dr. Bird(sp?) last week-end so he could remove your well stitched handiwork, Al, and we loved him ...well, maybe not Murphy, but Kent and I did. He's taking good care of your patients, but you still have to come back! Godspeed to you both. Lisa

Name: dave gutin
Date:    7 31? 00
     hello all, yesterday i drove the route backwards from Ennis to Darby ( just south of Missoula, such a beauiful route to ride! saw a handful of other cyclist, looking happy and hot! one guy solo maybe around twenty years of age. i saw lots of pronghorn antelope and hawks, eagles and osprey. its very hot from montana, people complaining everywhere! Lost trail pass looks tough, those two guys are hardcore! there is a very big fire burning there right now. saw lots of firefighters and helicopters, about thousand tents in base camp there. looked like a bomb or volcano went off! im not sure its direction of travel but i dont think there any danger of it jumping the road. i going for an interception and hopefull Darby. Mt, with lots of cold refreshments and supplies, im very excited! looks like will get some good fishing in i hope in the evenings. im thinking they will be there around the middle of the week, whadda think?

Name: Lisa Sabula
Date:    7/30/00
     Hi Sir and Al, Clark says Hi and is looking forward to getting a poscard. He wants you both to have fun. We had a good day today. We went to see Grammy, cooked out and had a Birthday celebration for Margaret. Everything is going pretty well. We miss you, of course, but we know that you both are having the time of your life. I hope that you are taking lots of pictures...some color ones too!!! We are all anxious to hear the latest updates, and hope that you are keeping some kind of log to remember all of the interesting people that you have met. Good luck, and be safe. Just in case, here is Steve (Andy's brother)and Bunny's address and phone number. They would be thrilled to hear from you. Steve works in Colorado Springs, and their house is near Florissant. Steve and Bunny Sabula PO Box 1043 Florissant, CO 80816 719-748-8486 Also, Drew says that he misses you. We love you lots. Lisa, Andy, Drew, Clark.. and Abbey (the dog)

Name: Jane
Date:    7-31-00
     Dan called Kay from Lowell, Idaho. They were camping in a spot by the river where people set out on rafting trips. It was extremely hot all day but the campsite was several degrees cooler so they were hoping for a restful night. They're estimating they'll be in Missoula in approx. two days. Thanks for all your notes. They're hoping to access a computer in Missoula so they can catch up with all your good wishes.

Name: Kay Noble
Date:    July 31st
     Hi Al and Dan, Everything on the homefront is fine. We`re all fine. I`m taking Mariclaire to the eye doctor tomorrow. Otherwise just hanging out. We`re all very happy that you two are doing so well and enjoying youselves so much, Be careful and try to stay cool. Love, Kay

Name: Bob
Date:    Tues. 8/1/2000, 11 a.m. ET
     Hello Al & Dan. You guys are doing great. White Bird, Idaho on Saturday night and Lowell, Idaho on Sunday night. WOW!!! That's a distance of 74 miles and in that heat your pace is unbelievable. I see where there are a couple of campgrounds on the way to Lolo Hot Springs Montana which is 85 miles NE of Lowell. The elevation at Lowell is 1480 feet and as you cross the state line into Montana (a few miles from Lolo Hot Springs) you will cross Lolo Pass, elevation 5235 feet, between the Bitteroot Mountain Range and the Mineral Mountain Range. The climbs must be brutal, especially in that tremendous heat. From Lolo Pass to Lolo, Montana is 26 miles and on the way you will pass Lolo Hot Springs (maybe you can take a dip and soothe those tired muscles) and also Fort Fizzle (boy, that's a great name for a fort). By the time you get to Lolo, Mt you will have travelled about 820 miles from Florence, OR - 20% of your total journey. Double WOW!!!! I don't know if you're actually going the few miles north from Lolo to Missoula because your route, as I figure it, heads south from Lolo towards Darby, Montana (a distance of 67 miles) where I guess you will meet up with David on Wednesday or Thursday. I know he is excited about seeing you and riding with you for a while and doing some fishing that could be a gross understatement - see his post). The section south from Lolo down to Lost Trail Pass (elevation 7014 feet) on Route 93 where you first cross the Continental Divide and then Chief Joseph Pass (el.7264')on Rote 43, a few miles later, is marked on the map as a "scenic road" and I'm sure the views are spectacular. Looking forward to seeing your pictures. Will you be mailing the film to Chris to post? It looks like the temperatures are supposed to cool off a little by the end of the week at Dillon and at Yellowstone (You will probably be there by early next week.) I am enjoying the vicarious ride and truly wish I could be there with you, but on a Harley. Nice to read the posts of some of the terrific people you've met along the way. By the time you get to Virginia, I'm sure you will have made many more new friends. Any problems with the bikes up to this point? Any flat tires? How's the back, Al? Must be tough with the large variation in temperatures between the nighttime and the daytime. Vaya con Dios. Bob

Name: Jane
Date:    8-2-00
     They said hello to Missoula, MT and are staying at a Best Western. Glad to hear that! Unfortunately, they had to pedal 8 miles on the freeway to get there. They've traveled through Powell (Montana not Ohio) and Lola Pass at 12:00 yesterday. Lolo was a laundry and dinner stop. They wanted to stay at a place called Locksaw Lodge but there weren't rooms available! How could anyone turn them down??!! Locksaw was a hunting lodge complete with animal heads (yuck) on the walls. They're seeing river otters, eagles, osprey and beavers. It's still very, very hot. They sound great. Al will be calling Dave today from Missoula so they should be meeting up soon. Got pictures?? Yes! I'll get them to Chris so he can get them on the web and you can all share in some shots from the road.

Name: Bob
Date:    Wed., 8/2/2000 11 am ET
     Greetings, Journeymen. I see from Jane's last post that you were in Missoula last night and hopefully got a room with good air-conditioning and comfortable beds at Best Western. (No room at the other Inn for our weary travelers? Bummer!! I guess you didn't look pityful enough............ or maybe you looked too pityful for them to let you stay there.) Best Western will let anyone stay there, that's their motto. In crossing the Montana line you crossed from Pacific Time into the Mountain Time Zone (a major milestone) and are now only 2 hours difference from us Easties. You'll be in the Mountain Time Zone for quite a while as you don't enter Central Time until you reach western Kansas. Looking forward to hearing about your hookup with Dave. I read that there are major forest fires in SE Idaho and in Montana. Have you seen any smoke? Be careful out there and enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY. Bob

Name: Dan Gutin (Al's son)	Florence, OR - 7/19 - on their way!
Date: 7/4/2000
Hello Team Riverlea. I just wanted to let you know that the web site looks great! I love all the photos. I hope I'll be able to follow Dan and my dad's progress on their dream-ride! Just to make you all a little jealous, I'll be watching the end of the Tour de France on July 23 from the balcony of my apartment. The final leg into Paris comes zipping along the street I live on. I think you guys should organize a trip over here so we can go biking in the Loire valley. Take care, and please be careful (especially you, Dad).

Name: dave gutin	Bike store in Eugene - new Team R mechanics?
Date: 7/10/00
hello everybody, its the long lost MTB rocky mountain division of the teamriverlea, dave gutin. great job on the site! hope the riding is not too hot there for ya. I though of my fellow ohio riding partners on sunday when i was on one of the most beautiful and incredible mountainbike rides ive doon yet, emerald lake in bozeman montana, 8 miles of great technicle singletrack. be sure to check topozone.com and terrasever.com for all of your map and areial photograph needs, hope to ride with you this fall, take care, and hi dad!

Name: Sarah Gutin	Mark/Molly Elliot - 1st overnight with them.
Date: July 11
Hello everyone! Dad and Dan, I just wanted to wish you guys good luck! I know that everything is going to be wonderful. Take a lot of photographs for me! I love you very much dad:)

Name: Chas Williams
Date: 7/16/00
Best wishes for a great ride, you guys. I haven't forgotten my brief days on TR. I'll be thinking about you and will keep track of your progress. Let the good pies roll.

Name: Dianne Gutin (sister-in-law)	Joe & Vivian - helped find spring water.
Date: 7/17/2000
Hi Al and Dan, You've been on my mind all day today! It seems this has been so long in the planning, I can hardly believe it's actually happening. I'm looking forward to following your progress from day to day. Al, I told your mom that I would keep her posted, by phone, on your trek. I'll make sure to only send her "happy" reports! Best of luck, on this your first day away from Worthinton. May this be the beginning of a wonderful adventure! Love, safety and tail winds, Dianne

Name: Dianne Gutin (Al's sister-in-law)	7 time finisher - Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.
Date: 7/19/2K
Dear Al & Dan, I guess today was the BIG day. Hope your first day out was a good one, and all the days...uhhh...months to follow, are the filled with adventure and fun. I'm finding myself, suddenly, very curious about your journey. Maybe because it's actually happening. Tell us everything! Where you're staying each night...what your eating...where you're body is aching...what's your biggest challange so far. Sleep well tonight. Tomorrow's another day, and I can't wait to read your first entry, and see your first pictures! Lots of love, good wishes tail winds, and no blisters, Dianne

Name: Chris	Belgium McKenzie Pass.
Date: 7/22/00
First report from the road! Riverlea's answer to Lewis and Clark have called in - actually a message from Kay. Details: - They started Wednesday morning from Florence, Oregon. - By Friday night they had covered 180 miles. - The first night was spent in beds! Apparently a thoughtful Oregonian offered her home and guest beds for their first night, in Springfield. - 2nd night was spent was spent "in the middle of a forest". - Friday they successfully mounted Oregon's highest mountain, and spent the night in a city park in Sisters (sp?) Oregon. - So far "they are having a great time, loving every minute of it". More as I get it!

Name: chris	Emma (in front) - offered water.
Date: 7/23/00
First call from the riders! My dad (Dan) called today - in a sentence "we're having the time of our lives!" Called today from Skyhook, Oregon - road 45 miles today (including a 7 mile long downhill!). Of course the day before they had one climb which was 12 miles long and took 4 hours. More details: "The bikes are great" - equipment is outstanding - all that research paid off. "Meeting lots of fascinating people - all kinds of people are interested in the bikes and ask questions about the trip." "It did take us 1.5 hours to get packed up this morning, but we're getting smarter every day." "The biggest challenge is finding things - we have so many places to put things (various bags around the bikes) that it's hard to remember where you put something." Tomorrow more riding through the Oregon "high desert" - 3000-4000 feet.

Name: John Schilling	French visitor (still sore about the Tour) + neighbor.
Date: 7/25/00
Hello to everyone, with special regards to Dan and Al. Glad to hear that the ride is safely underway. I look forward to reading the daily updates of your ride. Can't wait to see the photographs and read the details being kept in Dan's journal. Special news regarding the Team Riverlea Fall Ride - this year's ride is scheduled for Saturday, October 14th. Dan and Al should be arriving in Columbus a week or so before the Fall Ride. With a full week of rest, they'll be ready! The destination this year is Millersburg, Ohio in the heart of Amish country. The ride will feature a few hills (similar to last year's ride to McConnelsville) so that Dan and Al can show off their physical rewards of completing a cross-country ride! Sue Neal and I drove 250+ miles this past Sunday to scope out the road conditions, hotel lodging, and restaurants in the Millersburg area. In the next two weeks I will be sending out information to each rider via the Team Riverlea website and US Mail. Please watch for these announcements. If you are definitely committed to participating in this year's Fall Ride please let me know so I can start keeping a head count. Dan and Al's cross-country ride will inspire all of us to meet the Millersburg challenge in October!

Name: Jane	Charlotte - Mitchell, OR. Wealth of info.
Date: 7-26-00
Hi, all! Kay and I flew in from Portland today. It was a great trip but we're both glad to be home. I just talked with Al and they're in a place called Sumter (sp??), OR. It's approx. 28 miles from Bakers City, which they plan to reach tomorrow and then they can say so long to Oregon...They did three huge climbs today. Al sounded great. I also talked briefly with Dan. I think they're having the time of their lives. No complaints just glowing reports of what a wonderful experience this is. I'll be updating the site whenever I get new info. They're hoping to find a computer in Bakers City so they can access all your kind words of support. I'll make copies of your messages just in case they don't get to a computer. Thanks to everyone!