September 21, 2008

In an effort to shatter the 100 mile distance record set just 24 hours ago, the team spent 12 hours riding through the upper Cumberland Plateau in hopes to reach it to Nashville in time to spend the night on the town. The city lights were seen from over 40 miles away and were the driving force behind the team's unusual ambition. After five days of camping behind abandoned buildings, empty churches and battling baseball size spiders, the team was looking forward to a shower and a real bed. By 8:30 that evening they were checked into the hotel on Broadway. The official new record for longest distance in a 24 hour period was 122.1 miles. 

September 20, 2008

Back road Tennessee can become a very scary place. With the dispersement of rural communities being so spread out, a tax dollar deficit has sufficed bringing an unstable political vacuum into the region. With the lack of Marshall Law, ruthless gangs of canines have been growing in power vying for the countries precious resources (The absence of a humane society and a free nudering clinic are also to blame). Each time the team rode across unmarked gang territories, packs of carniverous canines with bloodlust in their eyes would lay seige on the riders. Throughout the day, it was estimated that over 50 dogs had tried different tactics in trying to slay the trespassers. They talked to another cyclist that day that was once attacked by a dog while going down-hill in the region and broke 13 bones when the dog knocked him off his bicycle. Petrified but ready to defend themselves, the team made haste through the rural political unrest and reached the safety of metropolis nashville by sundown.

September 19, 2008

While traversing the mountainous regions of eastern Tennessee in the heat of day, the team took a wrong turn and found themselves 12 miles off course. Navigator Olin Patterson refused to comment on this seemingly dubious blunder, but did attempt to blame a pack of harmless cows for eating the US HIghway sign that was supposed to lead them in the right direction. This hypothesis proved to be untrue when the group back tracked those twelve miles of hellacious ascent in the burning heat, only to find a perfectly decent US Highway sign appropriately placed where it was supposed to be all along.

September 20, 2008

Sunday marked the first Century Day, where the riders had to complete 100 miles in a 24 hour period. With the mountains keeping them at a slow pace, they managed to complete the 100 mile journey in 10 hours and 23 minutes. The ride went 1 hour into the night, and it was reported that as soon as the odometer clicked at 100.0 miles the exhausted team turned right of the road and passed out in the highway rivine under a billion stars during that black Tennessee night.

September 19, 2008

Ever since Samuel Walton overthrew the middle man, cut out employee benefits, and designed an automated inventory system, he created a consumer mecca never seen before in the history of human gluttony. No where else can you buy 600 calories of Spagghettios, two bananas, and can of  pineapples in heavy syrup all for 87 cents. Though the team agrees that it is this stroke of genius that has allowed them to survive for so long on such little financial support, they also recognize a loss of American Micro-Culture that for so long made the small American town unique. It is a great paradox that has occured as consumers find that the Walmarts, CVSs', and Walgreens that fuel the Corporate American Structure are the more economically feasible outlet for purchaser needs. As it becomes more apparent that one could live their entire life in Walmart alone, there is a feeling of loss in the region as the little guys and unique handmade goods of small town America dissipate. 

 Camping behind a church.

September 18, 2008

While setting up camp behind an empty old church in middle Tennessee, the team was visited by an old man cruising down the highway in his mule drawn carriage. The boys jumped on for a ride into the sunset, while they danced in their chairs to fiddle music and fine southern hospitality. As the night went on, you could hear the boys in high spirits as they carried a little moonshine in their hands and some starlight in their hair.

September 18, 2008

Earlier Today at approximately 9:46 am EST, the group was spotted breaching the northern border of Tennessee. Their hunger was enough to shut down the city of Bristol as the team raided multiple restaurants in an attempt to satisfy their constant hunger. After sacking the city, they were spotted heading southwest on Highway 11 in an effort to take over the state's capital in Nashville.

 September 18, 2008

Once romanced as being so raw and untamed, the American continent in just a few short centuries has become much different. It seems that the same exotic and vast land that Mark Twain, Walt Whitman and many other famous authors have so passionately spoke of has quickly changed from undefined and adventurous to a demanding  and engrossing society. And though so much is changing it is always refreshing when the team stumbles upon something that gives a glimpse to their American past. An old town like a beat up truck, or an ancient railway line that was once the backbone of this continent. 

September 18, 2008

In Don Quixote's Adventures, his faithful sidekick and noble steed Rocinante was always with him aiding in his trials and fantastic Sallies. That same spirit of Rocinante was found in John Steinbecks 'Travel's with Charley' as he embarked on his search for America as a 1952 Ford Pick-Up Truck with a camper attached. As the boys journey in search of their own America today, they are reminded of that theme Rocinante brought to so many explorers as a vessel that guides them through their own discovery. Though the composites have changed through time, that idea of discovery is more alive today than ever before.

Peter Sips Apple Juice to symbolize a tequila shot.

September 17, 2008

Noble Peter Eich of valliant descent and honorable heritage has turned 23 today. The celebrations lasted two days and aided in bringing the teams miles-per-day average very low. Regardless, the festivities started in Roanoke and ended in a ditch along side the river in the city of Radford when a couple friendly police officers awoke them from their camp and made them get on their way.

 250 feet tall, Natural Bridge is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Eric, with the height of ten men.

As a young boy, George Washington climbed the rock and carved his Initials. (Shown in the Square)

 

September 16, 2008

As a young boy, George Washington and his good friend Thomas Jefferson were exploring the 250 foot natural bridge in western Virginia when they climbed up the side and carved their initials into its 500 million year old visage. It is this same spirit of adventure that could be found in the teams explorations that made them feel a sense of unity with young George. The group spent a couple hours under the massive structure, all possessing a very contemplative demeanor.

September 15, 2008

Locals call the area of the Shenandoah Valley between Vesuvius and Lexington God's Country. Perhaps it was the 20 mile descent along the rapids of the South River that wound through the beginnings of lush fall folliage, or the dark bellied clouds that checkered and slid silent shadows across the vast valley floor. Whatever it was, the team decisively declared that if God did have such a country to choose, he'd be real smart in choosing that large and narrow swale between the fingers of old Appalachia.

September 15, 2008

What goes up must come down! What a brilliant boost in morale the team experienced today as they descended Mount Vesuvius, known as the steepest road on the entire transcontinental trail. Though it took almost two days to get to the top, the team was back down the otherside in 20 minutes as they descended over 2000 feet in five miles through windy switch backs in the ancient forest. You could hear hooting and hollering for miles with the smell of burning brakes as the boys made the harrowing descent down the western front.

September 14, 2008

The team had an exhausting day as they ascended some of the steepest roads in the nation. Not only were they tested physically, but mentally as well. The thermometer topped out at 103 degrees farenheit, with an estimated 298% humidity (Its a new world record), followed by torrential downpour thats soaks to the bone. Even in the rain the temperature seemed to hold. Things seemed to be coming apart quickly as the riders began dreaming of setting their bicycles on fire but the hard work paid off with a stop at the world famous Cookie Lady's house perched on the top of the Appalachian trail. There they stopped to enjoy the home that over 14,000 bikers have stopped through to sign their names and have a chat with the Cookie Lady. In the end the team made it to the top of the 3200 foot pass in time to enjoy a little blue grass festival on the blue ridge parkway and prepare a beautiful camp site overlooking vast stretches of the western hemisphere. They all agreed it was a powerful experience to sleep under the chorus of insects and the wind roaring through the ocean of trees.

September 12, 2008

In an effort to realize the abundance of consumer resources in the United States, the team members have made a pledge to attempt to not pay a dime for their dietary plan of 6000 calories a day per rider. This experiement was conjured up by the director of finance Mr. Patterson, after he discovered the massive deficit in the personal budgets of the team's checkbooks. After a couple phone calls and a series of negotiations in the marketing department, Mr. Patterson found a way to cleverly bridge the perception gap from vagrancy to a revolutionary social experiement that examines the behaviors and patterns of American consumerism. The question they ask as they make their way across this glorious nation: America, Will you let us starve? 

September 12, 2008

A scary incident unfurled as one of the riders went down today nearly missing the wheels of a car by mere inches. It was an awakening experience for all the team riders as they spent time patching up open wounds on the rider and road bites on the new touring bike. Through this experience the crew saw the dangers of riding bicycles 3500 miles across an often desolate nation, with no guarantees of personal safety. Overall each member had much to internalize and think over, more and more they are finding that this is not a vacation or holiday, but a journey that will challenge them as a team and individuals to the extreme.

September 11, 2008

Though two days behind schedule due to some shipping delays, the team managed to dip the back of their tires into the Atlantic Ocean off of 87th in Virginia Beach at approximately 8:40 am EST. The tip wetting of the back bicycle tires officially started the Virginia Beach to Huntington Beach ISLA Bicycle Ride.Scott Beatruz, Bike tip wetting
Ready, Set, Race Across the Continent!

With the Virginia Beach Lifeguards

 Sunday, September 07, 2008

After a brush with two hurricanes and a small layover in Atlanta, the Team finally reached Norfolk Virginia last night. They were picked up at the airport by their friends at North End Bicycle Shop in Virginia Beach and were finally able to get some much needed sleep.

This morning they awoke to a sunrise over the ocean, and a lovely leftover hurricane swell to dabble their surf board tips into before the upcoming departure.  

The team continues to look forward to the 3000  mile voyage ahead!

 Picture Courtesy of Melissa Murphy, www.melissaAmurphy.com

Thursday, September 04, 2008

After an exhausting but successful series of negotiations with the state of California's Gambling Commision Board, the ISLA has been awarded priviliges to run a limited amount of online gambling games.

Tonights event was a success as the directors of the ISLA held a gala with jors d'voures to tempt destinguished members and public figureheads to place initial bets on the teams up coming transcontinental bicycle ride.

Tomorrow will be the final day that bets may be placed during a gathering, 8pm sharp at the Beatruz Estate. Refreshments will be served. We will also have a recording booth set up for any last comments, claims or confessions. Remember, all bets must be closed and monies collected by 12:00 am September 6, 2008.

Betting rounds include:
*Total Mileage when crossing the finish line.
*Amount of blood loss (in CCs) that Peter Eich will incur.
*Will the recent sustained peir jumping injury prove a set back for Beatruz Hunthausen?
*Will Don Reyes make it to Las Vegas?
*Will Sir Patterson's celestial navigation prove to be disastrous for the efficiency of the groups progress?
*Will Hurricane Eich pair up with Hurricane Peter Eich to create the perfect storm?
*Will Broberg's dapper young looks and exquisite charm prove him to get increasingly lucky as the journey unfolds?
*Will ISLA raise $100,000.00 by the end of the bicycle ride?
*Which riders will make it unscathed to the finish line?

Happy betting, we will see you all tomorrow!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Bike Trip is one Week Away!!!!

way behind on their training schedule and well over budget, the ISLA transcontinental bicycle team is taking to less conventional ways to ensure the quality, safety and efficiency of their up coming bicycle tour.
Here are a few things I've overheard are going on down at the ISLA office:

Scott 'Beatruz' Hunthausen has emerged from a three day seminar of metaphysical guruisms... he believes now that the only chance of their survival is through a radical hybrid technique of Indian riding with a formation "V" to fend off reverse weather patterns through the heart land.

Though a recent sainting ceremony went awry last fall when Olin 'Atomico' Patterson declared himself a living deity, he has settled on a more refined and appropriate title as Sir Patterson. Though the Knighting ceremony never took place, Sir Patterson claims he got in contact with the Queen's Cousin's Nephew's Daughter's Botanist who laughingly approved of the whole affair.

Peter Eich has reportedly read from front to back "Zen and the Ultimate Bicyclist Guide" 94 times. In a recent survey, it was made known that he has memorized 76% of the literature and can duplicate all the diagrams with 97% accuracy.

Eric Broberg was last seen walking in the desert with a berka while carrying a cactus plant. He claims the berka had no religious reference what so ever, and was merely using it to protect his visage from the harsh latter-summer sun. He claims that he has been on a 507 hour fast to prep him for the transcontinental journey and has learned to speak to the regions animals through a controversial tactic invented by the turks in the late 90's. He promises to emerge from his contemplative repose approximately 120 minutes before their departure at LAX.

Lastly, Don Reyes the teams manager has been handling the press with acute precision. This week he was caught slipping after-market performance enhancing vitamins into the team member's dinners in an attempt to compensate for their lack of training. He was caught and charged with 1st degree enhancement and libel for some propaganda pamphlets he had passed out in the early 80's. He claims he was only trying to help and was released on the contingencies that he would pass a hyper-caffeine blood test once a week for the remainder of the ride.

though it seems things are slowly coming along, the team is optimistic about the journey as they enter the final countdown.

feel free to email them for a chat or an elusive cyber tap on the back!