Team On-X !

[Woodbutcher]

Here it is ..... I am !
Ready or not ... Well, I'm not sure about me but my bike is ready and able to take on an exciting zig zagged journey the length of France !
I've been pretty poorly for the last ten days and almost going to pull the plug on the whole 900 mile ride. But I've put so much time and effort into getting this far that I've decided, with the all clear from my doctor to just go for it ! So I leave next week.
What do you think of my Team On-X shirt !?
Please follow my progress on my blog....
Justin

[Freddie]

Love the shirt!
Go X Team

Have fun and good luck, I don't want to hear that you chicken out - you go for it.

[halleyg]

You look great, Justin! Love the shirt and glad you're feeling better. Will definitely be following along! ;)

[bit of a chicken]

Hear , hear !! Leave the chickening out to the real chickens amongst us....

[escargome]

Justin,
The shirt is great. Good Luck as you leave on your journey. I will most definately be following your progress. I wish you legs that do not tire, the sun on your back and of course your On-X that will keep on ticking.
God Bless You:)

[hensylee]

looking forward to following you!

[ottagal]

You're the poster boy for On-x for sure, Justin!
Good luck and we will be following your journey. :)

[Kathy McCain]

GO JUSTIN, GO!!!!! We're cheering you on!

[Lionheart]

Justin,
Us Yanks from VR.com are chartering a plane and will meet you in Northern France with a bottle of Champagne (I wish). Think of us as you pedal.
John

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you all so much for your well wishes ! Lionheart, that's a fantastic plan !! If I had the money I'd charter that plane for you all ! Wow, that would be a party worth going to, or pedalling to as the case may be ?

[briansmom]

Very cool!! I have often thought of trying to talk them into sponsoring an off-road race for my son. We keep waiting for him to truly feel healthy before I approach them.

[LucyLou]

Good Luck Justin. I'll be looking for your blog. Keep good notes and then send it all to On-X, Kathryn Barnett. She may do a story in their publication about your event and recovery. Love the shirt!

[harleysandguitars]

Good luck, Justin! Enjoy your journey, and keep us all informed.

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you all very much... Just to clear one point, On-X aren't in any way financing the trip, Catheran has though, kindly gifted me the cycle shirt and some decals and lots of good will.
I'll definately be writing and photographing along the way and posting onto my blog... So long as my laptop can withstand all the lumps and bumps along the way !

[Ross]

Thank you all so much for your well wishes ! Lionheart, that's a fantastic plan !! If I had the money I'd charter that plane for you all ! Wow, that would be a party worth going to, or pedalling to as the case may be ?

Well if Hank would just order the company jet...........:D

[tex]

Good luck Justin , i will be following your blog.
Keep up the good work and go man go.
Take care
Jane

[vinny]

Hey! Have great Going.
All the Best.
Vinny.

P.S.Do you take Asprin or othe Anti-Coug?

[Woodbutcher]

Hi Vinny, I take Warfarin, about 4mg/day. That reminds me, I must put it on my things to take list !
Thanks for your support, all the way from Delhi, wow ! I bet you get fed up with bicycles there ? What are those little Taxi bikes called that you pedal ? Is it a Tuk tuk ? Maybe my next challenge will be to cycle one of those across a country ? Watch this space !
Thanks too to Tex !
I've just been for a ride tonight, only 12 miles but a couple of long steep hills, pretty easy with the new pedals... All looking good.... Fingers crossed.

[kodi]

I applaud you for the effort you are about to launch on and for your total dedication. Have a safe journey. I'll be reading the blog too. Good Luck

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you Kodi !

[ctyguy]

Im gonna be checkin in on you on your blog....you go for it ! And as the owner of my own little On-X valve, I wanna know where you got that shirt ! I want one for running !

[Dale]

Wishing you all the best Justin! I will be following your blog too -- you are an inspiration to me - especially since I have felt like a couch potato lately....
Enjoy your trip and add me to your cheering section.
Dale

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks Dale, I'll put you in the virtual grandstand ! Couch pototo is fine from to time, so long as you feel you've earnt it ?
Cheers Scott. Here's the thing, you need to write to Catheran Bennet at On-X, I think she's the big cheese when it comes to giving out shirts, if not she's a good place to start and an all around lovely lady. If not I'll send you mine when I've conquered France ? I'm far too scruffy for a nice white shirt !

[netmiff]

. If not I'll send you mine when I've conquered France ? I'm far too scruffy for a nice white shirt !

Frame it ! then hang it on your wall to remind you of the good times after OHS.

I, too will be following your blog.

Lionheart, why Northern France? My vote is for Bordeaux, wher I used to live . . and still miss.

[scuba_898]

GO WOODBUTCHER. Killer shirt, best of luck on the ride. Let us know from time to time how your doing.

[Ross]

Justin best wishes for a successful journey. I now can only dream of riding a bike. Being able to get on it and going would work for me. It's a long stretch, but I think you can persevere and conquer. ;)

[Lionheart]

Lionheart, why Northern France? My vote is for Bordeaux, wher I used to live . . and still miss.

OK, I'll go where-ever Ross and Hank will take the plane. Should we stop and pick you up on the way?

John

[spartangator]

Keep it up, Woodbutcher. This is going to be a wonderful adventure for us all, courtesy of you and your bike. Thanks for taking us along.

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you Ross and Spatangator, make sure you're ready and waiting at the sleepy fishing port of Gruisson on the Mediteranean coast, just one small bag each please and you might want some extra padding too, and hop on the back for a virtual and no doubt comical ride across france!

[spartangator]

And we can all use a little more comedy in our lives, right?

But no worries, I travel very light for virtual journeys :).

[Bob in Colorado]

We are really proud of your undertaking. Keep us posted!

I think I will will try the stationary bike today just for solidarity!

[netmiff]

Justin, when do you actually start? and where in the Bordeaux area are you staying? I used to live there, in another life . . .

[Johan]

Good luck, Woodbutcher. Wonderful idea! Lay off the rich French cheeses and hams! Red wine is good for the heart though. Johan

[hensylee]

we are 'virtually' there with you. cheering you onward and forward. when's the big start day?

[ShezaGirlie]

Oh Woodbutcher Justin..!! This is just too cool and I certainly will keep up with you on your blog.

Now, when you're finished flashing that Ox-X shirt all the way across France, you can come to the home of your On-X valve and waltz across Texas with it on. After all, it's about equal distance in both trips. Howz your waltzing?:D

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks Bob, looks like you've a challenge of your own with your recovery, good luck.
Jeanette, It's actually Bordeaux, we're heading to Ville Neuve which is South East of there a bit. What were you doing there ?
Thank you Johan, Red wine is what I'll be topping my drink bottle up with, it's cheaper than water over there ! One of the places where I've been invited to stay a night is an Organic vine yard in the Bodeaux region. I'm looking forward to that one !
Thanks Ann, I'm setting off for France next wednesday on the over night ferry from Plymouth with my brother whose driving me down to bordeaux. There we'll stay with our father and his French wife. We'll spend a couple of days there catching up and enjoying their company, dont see them much so I'm looking forward to that. Then my brother will head back to England and my father will drive me the rest of the way south, all the way to the Med. He has a huge car (well not by American standards!) but it's only really a two seater, an XJS Jaguar, it's a very British sports car and he's a very British gent ! I've no idea where the bike will go. His face will be a picture when he comes outside to see the dark sheep of the family has strapped a bicycle to the roof of his beloved big cat !! Then it's off down to the south and the banks of the Canal du midi where we have a been offered a rustic little cottage for the night and meal thrown in by the owner, Cathy whose a lifetime member of the British heart foundation. Then the following morning, which will be next sunday I'll dropped off in a small fishing village by the Med and left with my mountain bike and nearly a thousand miles of cycling to get home ! I feel tired just saying it ... And still a few months until my one year valversary too ! I must be bonkers !! But I hope it spurs you on should you be reading this a few weeks out of OHS ?
ShezaGirlie, Waltz across Texas hey ?? Wow, now there's a thought ! Are you offering to partner me ?
One things for sure, if I make it across France I'll start planning the next nutty fundraiser right away, I've enjoyed putting this one together. I'd be really interested any ideas coming from that side of the pond ?

[ChouDoufu]

One things for sure, if I make it across France I'll start planning the next nutty fundraiser right away, I've enjoyed putting this one together. I'd be really interested any ideas coming from that side of the pond ?

the next one?

how about:

1. the entire great wall (all of them)
2. cross mongolia and or siberia
3. climb to lhasa
4. route of trans-siberian express
5. silk road from beijing to moscow
6. all of the above

good luck with france.

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks Chou Doufu !
I'll put that lot on my list !
How long is the Great wall then ? I quite like the idea of that one ?
Thanks for your interest.

[ChouDoufu]

Length doesn't matter? here's this from wikipedia:

The Great Wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. The most comprehensive archaeological survey, using advanced technologies, has recently concluded that the entire Great Wall, with all of its branches, stretches for 8,851.8 km (5,500.3 mi). This is made up of 6,259.6 km (3,889.5 mi) of sections of actual wall, 359.7 km (223.5 mi) of trenches and 2,232.5 km (1,387.2 mi) of natural defensive barriers such as hills and rivers.

If that's too much, i'm thinking of a Tour du Laos next year.
or would that be a laos-y idea?

[Woodbutcher]

Crikey, I had no idea ! Ok, forget the ditches, rivers and natural defences ! I'll just do the wall bit, then I'll have something to sit on when I want to stop for a bite to eat ?
I bet the maintenance crew must work around to clock on repairs !?

[hensylee]

what great fun you are describing for us. when you get done, you will be very stong, I bet. Do you ride and then have assigned stopping places at night. how does it all work?

The Great Wall is mostly a mystery to all of us except Chou. Wouldn't that be a fine ride! But I think it's maybe too tall to sit on.

Thanks for letting us go with you.

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you Ann, I was going to camp by night but I had so many people contacting me from right across the country that now I'm not even going to take my tent ! The gaps between places to stay vary from just a few miles up to about a hundred, so it'll really be varied every day. The short days will give me more time to write and take photographs which will be fun and the long days will all be about just getting there to the next stop. A friend last night gave me an envelope sealed with some money in it, telling me only to open for emergency accommodation, just in case I'm cycling through a town and too tired to go on ! That was very sweet of her and a nice emergency token to take along too !? Welcome aboard....

[hensylee]

you are just having the BEST once in a lifetime, aren't you? we can tell. nice to have a bit of $ to keep in your sock just in case.

[doberman]

take it easy, get better and rip up the 900 miles,
good luck and enjoy!

[ChouDoufu]

How long is the Great wall then ? I quite like the idea of that one ?

just when you thought you were ready, they find another section...

http://www.enghunan.gov.cn/Text_News/200909/t20090923_172095.htm
New Great Wall Ruins Discovered in NE China

and here's the important part!

"It is generally believed that the Great Wall was built in different historic
periods and adds up to about 50,000 km."

we'll be waiting for you..

[Woodbutcher]

I'll bear that in mind Chou Dufou when I'm pedalling my measly 1000 miles !

This is it ! I'm right now packing for the ferry that'll take me to France tonight then getting lifts all the way to the Med !
Thanks to one and all of you for you tremendous support ....
Watch this space...

[halleyg]

Go Justin, Go!!!

We'll be watching! ;)

[Woodbutcher]

2.30 AM .... Somewhere in france ! I made it to France ... Drove about 500 miles south today ... Lovely ! Thanks HalleyG, lovely smile !

[Lynlw]

2.30 AM .... Somewhere in france ! I made it to France ... Drove about 500 miles south today ... Lovely ! Thanks HalleyG, lovely smile !

I'm glad you made it to France and look forward to following your journey and cheering you on.
IF you ever decide to bike on this side of the pond, You're welcome to stay here if you go thru New jersey

[ottagal]

Felicitations, Justin! How exciting...you made it to France. Keep on pedaling ...:)

[Kathy McCain]

Justin,

How exciting! That's a great accomplistment! Everyone here is cheering you on!

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you thank you ! My brother and I have been having a lovely day here in France at our parents place. We've been tearing around in our Dads pride and joy Jag, he's terrified we'll wreck it, treats us like we're 10 yrs old still ! It's so hot here, I've no idea how I'm going to cycle, and it'll get hotter as we go further south !! We carry on down towadrs the coast tomorrow... Thank you all so much .

[escargome]

Great picture Justin. You guys look so "laid back California,surfer dudes".
So, I am glad you made it to France. Now the grand adventure begins. I will be checking you progress. Wishing you temperate weather and sights to behold.

[netmiff]

I lived for 6 months in St. Julien en Born (Landes), then moved to Bordeaux; there I lived in Pessac for a while, rue Etienne (comes off place de Quinconces). Travelled around a bit, saw Perpignan, Carcassone, Toulouse, all over Biarritz/St Jean de Luz (I think), Mimizan, Arcachon,Dax, Bayonne, Vieux Bocaux, Morcenx etc., etc.

[bit of a chicken]

never mind the two surf dudes .... I quite like the car !!

[spartangator]

Justin, what is it that gives me the impression your dad should be terrified :)?

[Woodbutcher]

Ha ha ! He was I think !? He loves his Jags, once our sister drove one of them crashing right through the garage door and all the way into the back wall ! ! She got the peddles muddled... Not good slamming your foot on the brake of a V12 ... Especially when it's NOT the brake !
Yeah, he's a nervous wreck when we're about ... He loves it though ! (I think ?)

[LucyLou]

Now that's a beautiful car!:)

[davidswife]

Justin, Wishing you all the best as you set off on your journey. What a great accomplishment it will be and for a wonderful cause. Looking forward to reading your updates. Be well and travel safely!

Nadine

[Woodbutcher]

Still pedalling ! DOnt forget to watch my blog there are loads of pictures on there now ! Jus

[netmiff]

I have been following you, there are some fantastic pictures there. You are going into my "home territory" soon, Landes and Bordeaux itself. Have fun and enjoy!

[Bina]

Man, I would have ditched the bike and been cruising in the Jag by now.....<grin>
Stay safe. :)

[LucyLou]

The pictures are great. I don't know how you are able to blog so much after long days of riding but don't stop now. You and Chou have some writing competition here.

[ShezaGirlie]

ShezaGirlie, Waltz across Texas hey ?? Wow, now there's a thought ! Are you offering to partner me ?
One things for sure, if I make it across France I'll start planning the next nutty fundraiser right away, I've enjoyed putting this one together. I'd be really interested any ideas coming from that side of the pond ?

I hear tell that Lyn has offered a bed in New Jersey...well, ya got one down here in Texas too and a chair at the table. Probably too late for this year, but it's an annual event: http://www.tourdegruene.com/ and along the same timeframe: http://www.wurstfest.com/ . Betcha On-X would love to have you so near their hometown..!

Your pics are marvelous..!

[ChouDoufu]

http://www.wurstfest.com/

careful, the competitions there are rigged!! otherwise how come i got
second place in the leggs contest!!

[Lynlw]

I hear tell that Lyn has offered a bed in New Jersey...well, ya got one down here in Texas too and a chair at the table. Probably too late for this year, but it's an annual event: http://www.tourdegruene.com/ and along the same timeframe: http://www.wurstfest.com/ . Betcha On-X would love to have you so near their hometown..!

Your pics are marvelous..!

A table AND a chair? Well you're putting the pressure on, but ok I can match that. Heck, I'll even cook. After all these mountains the Manayunk Wall should be a piece of cake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_International_Championship

Justin, I've been loving your blog, hope the dogs leave you alone.

[Woodbutcher]

A quick hello from a town in France, Agen to be precise. I've been tracking Mc Donalds from 15 miles south where I spotted the first spent burger boxes in the ditch !
I've had some monster hills this morning and glad to be having a sit down. Just ate a giant burger of some discription too, what do they put in those things ? My heart is pounding now ! The only reason I'm here is because they have Wi Fi ! I do get some funny looks pulling a 17" laptop out of my pannier though !
If anyone thinks it's possible for me to find a route home to home across a chunk of the states then I'll have a crack at it !? Kind regards, Justin.

[ChouDoufu]

If anyone thinks it's possible for me to find a route home to home across a chunk of the states then I'll have a crack at it !? Kind regards, Justin.

check adventurecycling, they have several routes mapped out to cross
the whole country, northern tier, southern tier, etc. heaps of info
on places to stay. most of the small towns west of the blue ridge will
allow cyclists to set up camp at the local park, which often has a swimming
pool with showers. further west, plenty of blm land for free camping.
and don't miss the truck stops if you want a real 72-ounce burger!

[Woodbutcher]

Thank you Chou Doufu . Thats very interesting.

[halleyg]

Just ate a giant burger of some discription too, what do they put in those things ?

Do you really want to know? b/c you know I'll tell you!

Have a great day. :)

[Woodbutcher]

Just checking in, having found a Mc Donalds along my route, just before Cognac .. That's a pretty famous place of course .. It's only a shame I dont have time to take a look around as it's now nearly 3 pm and I still have 40 miles to go before dark... I recon it'll be after dark tonight though ! Just up dated my blog so please take a look. Jus

[Duffey]

And miles to go before I sleep . . . . oops, sorry, that's someone else's line!:p
Go Justin go!

[Lionheart]

Just checking in, having found a Mc Donalds along my route, just before Cognac ..

Justin,
I'm following your Blog. Excellent writing and wonderful photos. I hope you are only using Macky-Ds for its WIFI and not its hamburgers. If you want a real burger head over this way to the States and I'll fire up the BBQ (barbecue) grill.

http://thehalobender.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/hamburger.jpg?w=269&h=300

[SumoRunner]

Actually, that big old burger doesn't look so bad, not when compared to this stuff.

http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/

[Bina]

Actually, that big old burger doesn't look so bad, not when compared to this stuff.

http://thisiswhyyourefat.com/

Sumo, they might want to change their web site name to:
"ThisIsWhyYouGonnaDieRealSoon.com" :D:D

[Bina]

Justin, hope you get to your destination tonight. :) Burn off that burger.