Day of Remembrance.

Decided to take another day of rest, I think. Spent the day rearanging all of our gear in the trailer and pick up. Wow!!! Ended up with some space and Gail figured that would be filled up as we go along, especially with her time to go shopping. A friend came over to visit and I took time out to sing a few songs for everyone. Dolores enjoys pow-wows and is a good friend of Judi. A few more trips to safeway and the gas station and wally world and we finally got everything put up and then we had a wonderful thing take place. A medicine lady came over and is a teacher to Judi. She blessed our trailer, bikes, p.u., dog and each of us. Such a moving experience and one can't help but feel great and at peace with Our Creator. A great way to began The Journey. A great dinner of pasta and wonderful, sweet desert and the trailer is hooked up and my bike is ready to hit the road. Missed talking to my little Buddy, but left a message for him.
I would give this day to, Birds On The River, the lady that gave us our blessing. Our thoughts and prayers are also with you and again, Thank You. Seeee Yaaaa!

2nd. day of rest. MMMMMMmmm!

Sunday found us taking a long time to get up but I was on the road for a short test run on up 101. I cruized to Otter Rock, about 5 mi. up the coast. The day was really nice and I just took time to take in the surfers, tide-poolers, travelers etc. I stopped at the foul-weather look out. 500 ft. above the ocean and straight down. Met and talked with Lee Cronemiller PLS, and his wife. He is involved with the wind turbine industry and will be doing some work that will be in the Ellensburg area. He gave me some info on crossing Ore. along hy.wy. 20. Said that Hell's Canyon should be visited. We had a good visit. Cruized on back and went lookin for some vitals. Found a great place. Newport Cafe. Corner of 6th. and 101. Ex. grub. Back to working on the trailer. Man, this thing is never ending but the place is lookin good. We went for pizza in Toledo. Found Cobblestone Pizza Co. Very good and the crust was awesome. We ate the whole thing!! Back to Judi's and time for some music and then the pad. AAAAAhhh!
To our goooooooood friends back home, Ray/Betts, we give this day to you. It's time for a rest and a cool one or two. Ray owns a hard wood floor business. They are super friends and we miss the motorcycle rides that we usually do this time of year but will make up for that when we get back. Ray also enjoys picking a mean guitar and is getting into the singing part. We meet every Tue. at the Boathouse and enjoy dinner, bibes, sometimes music. Take care guys and keep the wheels turning.

A Rest Day? HA!!!

0945, finally leaped out of bed. thought I was late for work. Ha, Ha. First thing, to the bike shop. Found Bike Newport at 150 nw. 6th. st. Elliott and Daniella Crowder, owners, have a nice shop and friendly crew. Rob got right on the bike and had a new cable on and did some adjustments and ready to go. We bought Gail a new bike to tool around on and after a few more items we were ready to rock and roll. Spent the rest of the day working on the trailer. Put up more shelves, hooks etc. to make the place a little more user friendly. Good job. Bear Woman put together a great dinner. Pasta, chicky, bread veggies.MMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!
Judi, aka, Little Bear Woman, has been a friend of Gails for many years. They met while living in Idaho in the early 80's. After moving to Ca. it was several years til they were able to connect again. 2008 we three did a road trip to NM. Arz. Nev. Grand Canyon, Sky Walk, Carlsbad Caverns and lots of Nat. Parks. Had a great trip. On this journey, Judi found and faced several of her inner fears. Height, snakes, critters among some and was able to overcome the negative feelings. She found new faith, friends and honesty and now travels a much smoother path in her life. She has opened her home to us and I let this first leg of my journey come here just because. May your knew found medicine give you a good path through life. AAAArrggh!

End of the first leg, Newport, Oregon.

0630-on the road again(sounds like a song to me) the going was really nice for the first 20 mi. The ups and downs were quite even as I stayed mostly in 2+1-2-3-4. Very few 1+. The coast views are really awesome. Some places were a stop and absorb. A short break and on to Florance. Wow, more wind and some uppers and uppers. The traffic began to pick up with the wind as the Memorial Wk. enders were on the road. The rigs were something to see and all of the toys and haulers left me wondering how these folks got so much money and here I am on a bike? I made it across the brdg. into Florance and was I glad to see our rig waiting for me. I decided to lift on to Newport as it was @ 50mi. Boy, am I glad too because the wind was very strong, the road very narrow, the ups went into the heavens, the traffic was moving at Friday nite speed and bumper to bumper. We arrived at our friend" Little Bear Woman"s place and set up and got settled in. I naped for a short time and shower, dinner and a blog report and now am ready to hit the hay. See Ya.

Gail danced into my life the spring of '06. I picked her up later in Las Vegas, Nev. and we have been traveling together since. She is a blessing and a great companion. She does wonders with sticks, shells, feathers, rocks, leather, fur, hooves and recently found a new talent, leather burning and coloring. She has put together all of the info letters and been one great supporter of my crazy ways. Loves my music and after a few lessons on the road, she is driving and towing our 24' travel trlr. on this journey. She has all the things set up at the end of my days with a cool one and I could not do this trip without her. Dominus Vo Biscum.

Thur. Dan "Dan The Man" Shupe.

0630, left Humbug. Good goin til about 1000 hrs. Then the brz. came up and things got tougher and tougher. The ups and downs today were about even and not to huffy, puffy and not to steep and fast down. But, as the morning went along the brz. picked up and became a constant pressure. It felt as if Father Time put his big hand across my chest and said,"Slow Down, Son, You will get their in due time." So I slowed down and just enjoyed the ride, and the wind and the cold. As I told my grandson, the storm is not trying to knock you down, it is just trying to make you stronger. A hefty tug into Bandon made for a good stop over and a good lunch and a nap before moving on. Coos Bay, Ore. seemed not so far away on the map but I said a thank you as I caught up with Gail and Lady just outside of Coos Bay. I lifted on to the KOA Cmp. grd. and a great shower and dinner. We laughed as Gail asked me if I would like more of Downhill Dave's Libation and I responded, does the wind want to blow on the Ore. coast? Nite All.
Dan, The Man. What can I say. This guy came into our lives when Marilyn needed someone and he is my kind of guy. He works and works and works, well you get the drift. He can do many things and is there when you need him. A licensed plumber but a master of all the trades. Glad you are with us Dan.
nb: for my grandson, Beau. I think of you each time I look at the two Bakugons. Love You.

Wed. for James DeChristofaro, My Hero.

0700 gone from camp. Neither station called when they said they would but a later call stated they had some mixup but would get my info out anyway. Over highest brdg. in Ore. Many long ups and short fast downs. wind up and even dwn. hill I was in 2-1 and on the flats in 1-1. I know that if I stopped peddling I would be blown back up hill. Pistol Bay was the start of the tough wind gusts into Gold Beach with sand thrown in for good taste. Kinda gritty though. Ha, Ha, Finally made Humbug St. Park. A very neat spot along a small stream was our spot for the nite. The nites off line are when we have no service so I must do the catch-up thing so bear with us.
James (Jim)DeChristofaro, My son-in-law, had a great stroke of luck in his life when he met, fell for and married my daughter, Sandra. Of course with our permission, Just Kidding Jim. I thank our Creator for sending this kid into our lives. He is my hero. One above Tiger. Thanks for letting me be you Old Chief-In-Law. Love you Son.

For Tuesday. This day for Yvonne Judith Welker.

Left cmp @0700. Fog and 43` but no wind. good goin til you lve the ocean then up, up, up and for 7 mi you huff and puff but never blow any thing down. I now say "oh, my gosh" when I see a sign that says"passing lane, 1 mi. ahead" then when the sign says "lane ends, merge left" I go, whew, at least till the next sign. Long hills and short down hills make for a lovely day, Ha. Ha. the descent into Crescent City is short and fast, about 40mph worth then a cruize along a very cool beach. Caught Gail at the wood carvers shop. Met Les Miller, a carver of unique wood products. Check out his site at; the bear facts carving co.@yahoo.com. His wife of 25 years makes woven baskets, necklaces etc. He gave me one to wear on the trip for good luck. It has angelica in it also. Very cool. Thanks Les and Yvonne Miller of Crescent City, Ca.
Gordan and Jeanette gave me a good luck honk on their motor home as they zoomed by me just at the bottom of the grade. Many good friends along the way. Camped out at Brookings visitor center for the nite.
Yvonne is the youngest grandaughter. Sweet 16, jr. at CLUH Lakeport. Enjoys life and singing and arts. Wants to live in Japan later on. Will find her life path as time goes on. Love you.

The Next Day

This day is for Yvonne Judith Welker, grandaughter. Love you gal. See Ya.

70 mile day. whew!!!!!

Burned up the roads today. Wow. I left Fortuna at 0700 and skirted around Eureka on the Samoa rd. and into Arcata. The traffic into Eureka was the morning usual but the draft that all the rigs created pulled me along at a good pace. Gail caught me at a rest stop above Trinidad. That was about 51 miles by my clock. Checked in at Orick at 1500. On to Klamath River RV Park. 70 miles today. Cool.
Grandaughter, Ashley Welker graduated from Kelseyville High last spring. She is now living with my daughter Sandra and Uncle Jim and will start Heald College in the Bay Area later this month. She is a cool gal and I love her and wish her the best and I know that she will do well on her journey through this life. Gotta get ready for two malo. See Ya.

Monday, Monday, sounds like a song!

This day is for my grandaughter, Ashley Rochelle Welker. Good luck in school.
Today I leave Fortuna and try for Crescent City????? It is over cast but can see ok. See Ya.

The Rest of the Story. The Wall!!!!

Three hours to go 8 mi. Wow! The test. most is about 17-18 %. I did it. short spurts but I went up an over and down into Ferndale. The view is great looking down the hill and out over the Pacific Ocean. The 8 mi. down from the top to Ferndale reminded me of the roads aroung Lake Co. My eye balls bounced around so much it was hard to tell which of three roads to stay on. ha.ha.We were at camp by noon and a great hot tub, shower and 2 hr. nap and we drove into Eureka for some shopping. Dinner at the Brewery again where I met John Lucas singing and playing to the crowds. We exchanged cd's and he has an aunt who lives in Kelseyville, of all places, and says he gets down there every now and then and will look us up. Good food, some laundry done, put things away and the end of another great day. Til nxt. X.
Amber is the youngest daughter. She was 10 years behind the other two and they took her every where on their bikes and their classmates still refer to Amber as the baby. Ams did great in school and loved the sports, especially track. She went on to Mendocino College and was in Chico State for awhile. Ended up in beauty school in Ukiah and still works in the hair/nail business. She is currently going to Mendo and working towards the dental field. She is the mother to my best buddy, Beau.

Letter

This is a copy of the letter Arnold wrote to introduce his self to others who want to know what an why he is riding. We were asked to put it on the blog so those who are following from other areas will have a better understanding.

THE OLD CHIEF’S RIDE ACROSS AMERICA

Greetings,

I am Arnold J. Cleveland, A.K.A. “The Old Chief”. I am a full blood Native American. I am enrolled in the Colville Confederated Tribes of North Central Washington State. I was born in Ellensburg, Washington on March 25, 1939. In the eyes of my family, I have seen 70 snows.

What I am asking for is your help to make a dream come true, by being a sponsor of my bicycle trip across America this coming summer, 2009.

As a child and youngster I lived mostly with my Grandmother Ida Nason, in Ellensburg, Wash. Several middle years were enjoyed at St. Mary’s Mission near Omak, Wash. My high school years were in Ellensburg, Wash.. I spent 6 years, 4 months, 5 days with the United States Marine Corp. I worked 43 years in the working world that led me down many paths while being a husband, father, grandfather, etc. I retired January 1, 2006 and have not missed a day of work.

At age 40 I took up a running program that covered 25 years and logged hundreds of miles of training, 5K’s, 10K’s, marathons, triathlons, and X-Country. At age 63 I took my 5-month-old grandson Beau, on a triathlon, which we completed in 3 hours. I slowed up running at age 65, but still enjoy kayaking the ocean, lakes, and rivers of the west coast. In 1995 I took up mountain biking, and road riding, logging a few thousand miles since, and continue riding to this day.

Thoughts and dreams of a bike ride across America began years ago as I read stories and knew people that had done these trips, but as a full time working stiff this was not doable. Now I can and this year is the time. I plan on leaving my home in Lakeport, Ca. in early May and go to the Pacific Ocean near Ft. Bragg, Ca. and start my journey. I will then go east and ride to the Atlantic Ocean. My travels will be posted on the Internet and interested parties will be able to enjoy the ride with me.

All contributions for this journey will be greatly appreciated and can be sent to
Arnold J. Cleveland
P.O. Box 955
Lakeport, Calif.95453

For web updates you can go to http://www.arnoldcleveland.blogspot.com/ it will be kept up dated as we have events or new locations as well as the date of departure.
All funds after expenses will be distributed to the World Foundation (HIV-Aids), the American Cancer Society and other non-profit organizations. Any communications can be directed to or 707-263-6846, or 707-272-1731.

Arnold Cleveland aka OLD CHIEF

The Wall

This day is for my 3rd. daughter, Amber Brooke Cleveland, the mother of my best buddy, Beau. Last nite we ended our day at the Eel River Brewery in Fortuna, Ca. A very good place to eat. We have been there just about every time we pass thru here. Amber Gentry is a very good waitress and will be moving to Santa Rosa this summer as her daughter, Sumner, will start high school. Lisa Wuang and Simon Kang shared stories with us. She works for Social Services and he is going to college. Today I am going to test The Wall. A long steep grade along the Lost Coast Hywy, just outside of Ferndale, Ca. Will let you know the rest of the story. Till then!!!!!!!!!!

Back East

Check out this site it is great she put in Arnolds greetings letter. http://artandellen.blogspot.com/

Cruzin thru the Avenue of the Giants!!!!

This day is for my daughter Marilyn M. Shupe. My 2nd. daughter.
I left Benbow at 8:15. Great ride today. Most of the ride was along side roads that follow the Eel River. A short jaunt along the freeway and off on the Ave. of the Giants. And they are Giants. Some places I just stopped and let the beauty soak in. We call them 'WOW' places. There were many. Met a couple, Lisa and Ron, from the Sacramento area. We rode along for about 3 miles. They are cyclers and will be riding this summer in Europe from Barcelona to Vienna. Enjoy. The freeway from that junction is grt. about 6ft. of good riding room. Gail went on to Riverwalk R.V. Park and Campground 2189 Riverwalk Rd, Fortuna, Ca. Great place to stay. Checked in @ 1347, a short nap, shower and dinner the Brewery.
Marilyn Marie Cleveland came to us January 25, 1967. She is the mother of my two grandaughters, Ashley and Yvonne. Her life has had its ups and downs. She is as strong as her mother and has been a great support for me whenever I needed it. She always persevers.
The blog is something that us old guys sure have a tough time with but I will my best so bear with me. Thank Ellen for the great posting of my intro letter and to Little Bear Woman for sending the intro letter to Ellen. For now, SEE YA!

up, up, up and more up

This day is for my oldest daughter, Sandra Cleveland (DeCristofaro) I missed friday because I was not able to get service. We camped along the Eel River just outside of Benbow. I left a foggy Ft. Bragg with slite drizzle. After leaving the ocean near Rockport it started clearing about 2 mi. up. I went up and up and up and was beginning to think that I was entering the heavens and about 26 miles later I finally peaked out. Wow! Four mi. into Leggett and north on 101. Amazing how tight your buns can get as you hug the fog line and have traffic zooming by at 80 mph. A short brk. at confusion hill and on to Benbow. whew!! Gail made some good contacts at Pacific Star Winery in Ft. Bragg. Robert remembered us and we exchanged cards, flyers etc. When you want elegant wine, look them up. Gail brought our buffalo robe and it is great to sleep on or under but once you get under it you are stuck because it is heavy. I see why our ancesters liked this beast.

Sandra was born Dec. 15,1965. She has been a twinkle in my eyes ever since. She has a great husband and Akita pup, Kumo. She set me up with all of the cool modern electrical gadgets and this blog. She has been with the same company for several years and loves her work.


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Foggy Start

Sandra my oldest daughter. She is the one who made this blog possible. Thanks I could not have done this part to keep everyone informed with out you. I love you. Say hello to Kumo and Jim for me. I will catch everyone up later tonight. Love ya dad.

close out of day two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I hit the wrong key, I finally got to Fort Bragg. Nite at Green Acres. Had to go to McKerricer State Park to dump the holding tanks, the modern comforts. Met some really cool people already. They only get excited after we tell them that I am an old f---. I made it all the way from Willits but it was a tough one. I did some leg cramping again but only on the uphills. As the day goes on the ups get upper and the downs get shorter, can't figure that out. Caught Gail at The Harvest Market in Fort Bragg. Went to Grn. Acres and set up and back into town to try for some parts for the bike and of course no such parts in this area but I can do ok. We shopped some and stopped at our fav wine store, Pacific Star and the gentleman there did remember us and we had a great visit. He will spread our travel thru his web and we will pass along their name. Dinner at D'Aurelio's. MMMMMMMMMMMMMM. When you get to Bragg in your travels, stop their for dinner. Ask for Rose and tell we sent you. She was very excited about our trip and she is also going to Portugal soon so we both had travel stories to tell.
This day is for you Bob Hammon. I first met Bob in 1956 while working at the old Ca. Blue Anchor packing house in Finley, Ca. He and Deake Lyndall and Jim Kelley were fork lift drivers and I was dumping the bins. The fastest fork lift crew ever. Bob and I have been good buddies ever since. We have done so many things together to name a few, raced dirt bikes in Redding, Ca, spent the winter working at Lake Shasta in the construction arena, shared a few brews and a lot of good times. Bob is going thru a tuff time now with the cancer and so I prey for you each day and will see you when I get back. Bless You Buddy.
For today, see ya, The Old Chief.

Good Morning

Yes it is day two. 7:45AM not early risers. Today is dedicated to my best friend Bob Harmmon who I have know forever. I ride for you today Bob.



Headed to Fort Bragg today so it will be narrow and some up and down hills again. Will catch up tonight on the days adventures.

the journey begins

I dedicate this first days ride to my grandson, Beau J. Marek. He could not quite understand why I had to be gone for so long but he was strong and did not cry openly when we parted but we were both ready to. I miss you Buddy and will see you soon.
The ride went well. I rode thru Scotts Valley and across hwy. 20 and caught Gail at Taylors Tavern parking lot. Took a lunch break and peeled off some clothing and headed for the Willits Grade. Wow! I started cramping about 2/3 of the way up. Finally had Gail haul me up the last half mile to the top. From there I rode on to the camp ground. We stayed the first nite at the KOA in Willits. Thanks to Downhill Dave for the refresments. Hot tub with too much chlorine and a good Chinese Dinner at Anna,s in Willits. Early to bed for us old guys.

On the Road

Left at 7:22 AM after going to bed at 1:00AM. It is a beautiful day for a ride. 61 degrees at the time. Heading west to the coast first then north to Newport, Oregon before starting the trip East. Thanks everyone hope you keep up with me.

Time is getting short

Getting the trailer ready, the bikes ready and everything we think we will need for the next three or so months. Better to be more than not enough. Have been having great response since the newspaper article came out. Beau gave me his bacugons to take with me so every time I look at them I will remember him. If everything goes right I will be leaving about 6:30 AM on Wednesday May 13, 2009.

Thanks to everyone for all their support in all ways, especially my family. I will miss you and all of my great friends too. Ray and Betts keep the Boat House in line while I am gone. There will be more once the ride starts and Gail gets the hang of adding pictures as we go along.

LakeCounty Record Bee

Hey check out the Lake County Record Bee. Page 2, great picture of Arnold at 2 Goombas Deli on Friday night. Great article also about his trip. He had a great turn out at the Deli and Rick the owner asked him to come back as soon as his trip is over. Hope you all keep updated with us.