Bike Build in Photos

Bike Build in Photos.

SPONSORS for my Thru-Ride 4 Freedom!

SPONSORS.

A special thanks for all the sponsors so far that have decided to team up with me on my ‘Thru-Ride 4 Freedom!” Awesome folks doing what they can to support a great cause. Please come check them out!

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A Look Behind the Scenes: Klaus Volkmann, Bamboo Recumbent Bike Builder! (+ new bike update pictures!)

A Look Behind the Scenes: Klaus Volkmann, Bamboo Recumbent Bike Builder! (+ new bike update pictures!).

I Get It Now.

The Top of Mt. Whitney

I remember in the months and weeks leading up to my 2011 hike of the PCT, as I prepared, I researched like crazy. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. Not spending more than a few days at a time in the wilderness in my life (and those were mostly as a kid or in college), I had a steep learning curve to traverse.

But one thing caught my eye, and made me wonder.

There were folks that not only hiked the PCT successfully once….but there were people who decided to hike it again. In some cases, again…and again…and again!

What the heck?? Why? Why would someone do that? I mean, walking with a pack on your back through some pretty rugged and challenging – although admittedly beautiful – terrain, seemed like a good test. Once.

My thinking was, “Why not mark the PCT off of your list, and move on to another trail?” Maybe a little more challenging in another aspect, like the Continental Divide. That’s more dependent on your ability to navigate well with a map, compass, stars. Or another continent, maybe. The Camino de Santiago, maybe? Or the Alps? Maybe hike around Scotland and Ireland (one of my dreams, for sure). Why not go spend your time, energy and money on something like that? Diversify?

Scott Williamson has hiked the PCT 13 times. THIRTEEN times! He holds the unassisted speed record, set this last year, in a southbound hike. (We crossed paths near Seiad Valley). But really, Scott? Thirteen times?

Or Jackie McDonnel (aka, Yogi), who has hiked the PCT three times. (She also puts out a set of guidebooks that are widely used by many PCT hikers).

No Pain (no sense Googling No Pain, he is off the grid, much like his hiking style!). I hiked and spent time with No Pain all throughout my hike in different spots on my 2011 hike. He’s hiked the PCT several times as well as many other trails.

As I started off on my hike I asked myself what the big deal was with the PCT in the sense of doing it more than once. I had other trails I would like to do in my life. I couldn’t go back to the PCT after I was finished hiking it.

But an interesting thing happened on the way to this year’s hiking “season.”

I got it. I absolutely, unequivocally, undeniably understood.

I want to be back on the trail. Not because I didn’t make it the full 2,650 miles…because I WANT to. (I made 2,000 miles of it before I made the decision to come back. You can read about that decision back a few entries on my blog here). I miss the trail. I crave the trail. I long for the Sierra. I miss sleeping under the stars, night…after night….after night. I miss needing to be flexible in my plans just to make it through the day. I miss the diversity of terrain and ecosystems, the feeling of immediate accomplishment after hiking to the top of a tall pass, or passing another 100 mile marker. I miss the potential danger. The mental and physical challenges thrown at you each day. Those reasons, and so much more. So much more.

Courtesy of WAC Photography

There is definitely a pull. Magnetic. Strong. Resonating.

In talking with some of my friends I made on the trail, it’s a common theme. The pull of the trail. Condor, Grizzly Adam, Leader, Bonnzai, Alaska Dan, Stickman, Marmot & Roo, Scarecrow, among many others…We all feel it, for many of the same, yet uniquely personal reasons.

Andrew Skurka, the 2007 National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year,” wrote to me before the trip,

“Dug – Way to take the plunge! Have a great time on the PCT. You will see some beautiful country and come away as a much enriched individual – it’ll be tough but totally worth it.”

George Spearing, who’s book “Dances With Marmots” first introduced me to the whole concept that is the Pacific Crest Trail, wrote to me on my blog just hours before I departed from the PCT’s southern Terminus:

“Hi Dug, Just came across your site. You must be just about at the ‘starting blocks ‘ for the main event by now, so good luck and I know it’s going to be a worthwhile and unforgettable ‘milestone’ experience for you. Thanks for the kind words and am really happy that I was able to provide a small bit of the inspiration/info for your trip. Good on you mate. Say hello to the marmots for me! George” Without question, hiking the PCT was a “milestone experience” for me as a human being…and Skurka was right, I came back an “enriched individual.” I was sensitized to the wonders around me, the beauty that veritably assaulted me around every turn. Imagine getting mugged, daily, by the kind of awe-inspiring beauty that John Muir and Ansel Adams (among countless untold others) were captivated and entranced by so much that they are best known for what happened in their lives by that small area of the globe? There were times that I stopped, whether it was because of a view, a sound, or a thought, and just wept. It was incredible. Back home? They would have probably looked at me and prescribed counseling. I wondered how the reintegration to post-trail life would be. After living in the woods, especially being completely solo the last 1,000 miles of  my hike, how would I fit back into the “regular” world? Where the most intense tasks seem almost silly in comparison to those on the trail…a far cry from scaling an icy, steep slope 13,000+ feet above sea level? Hiking to the top of Mt. Whitney? Not having or finding any water for an 18 mile stretch of hot desert? Or being just a couple feet away from two cougars that decided to make it their sole purpose for nine hours to terrify you as you camped, alone, at the top of an isolated ridge in pitch blackness? How would “normal” relate to me after I got back after all that I experienced? These are all things that I think, ultimately, draw me back to the trail. Not just any trail…but the Pacific Crest Trail. Sure, there’s challenges on other trails, without question. But it’s the Pacific Crest Trail that beckons to me. I’ve had several people ask me, just in the last month alone, if I would hike the trail again. Without hesitation or apology, I gave them my answer. Yes.  I get it now.

SPONSORS: Welcome Crank Brothers and Keen!

SPONSORS: Welcome Crank Brothers and Keen!.

BIKE UPDATE: “Stalking” the Frame!

BIKE UPDATE: “Stalking” the Frame!.

BIKE UPDATE: “Stalking” the Frame! *new photos*

In August 2012, I will be riding from the Pscific Ocean in Santa Barbara to the Atlantic Ocean in New York. Covering 5,000 miles in 60 days and giving 15 presentations on human trafficking along the way, I’m seeking to raise awareness of human trafficking, and gather funds to help specific aid organizations both here and abroad.

My bike? A recumbent style model, crafted from bamboo. I will be the first to cross the United States on such a bike.

Follow along and see how things are going! A new post just went up:

New update on how the bike build in Brazil is going. http://tr4f.wordpress.com/

BIKE UPDATE: First Build Pictures!

BIKE UPDATE: First Build Pictures!.

Pacific Crest Trail 2011 in Photos (Mexico border to Central Oregon)

Here’s a little “start to finish” of my 2011 PCT (almost)thru-hike, pretty much most of these shots were from my iPod Touch (not great quality) and I have a ton from my Canon Powershot that I will add as well. Hope you enjoy. If you have any questions, shoot them my way in the comment box below!

The "logo," if you will, of the trip...I think I found that same spot where that picture was taken!

The map...I made it into central Oregon, 2,000 miles.

With the food AlpineAire sponsored me with. Amazingly generous!

The Southern Terminus, and the start

The relative start of the journey...notice the clean-shaven look!

As much as people hated on the desert, I loved it...

This was a typical night's "room"...Lots of mice here, so I slept with my food bag as a pillow

Desert sunrise

A journey is lonely if not for others...one of my favorite people I met early on, "Condor"

Fun street sign...in the desert?

A water cache that was, alas, waterless.

Rough night a days walk from Warner Springs...

Dancing for a ride to get a free piece of pie!

Paradise Grill lived up to its name. I could have eaten 3 of these!

Heading towards Idyllwid.

Heading out of Idyllwid after the storm was a frosty prospect

Sunrise on Fuller Ridge...I had the best morning views in the world!

Great "trail magic" under I-10!

Just one of the many coolers well-stocked under I-10...

No caption worthy....

Windmills! Looking for Don Quixote...

San Gorgonio Wilderness

Excited for McDonald's...seriously!

The ensuing devastation. This actually happened.

Loved my Bug-Tent from Yama Mountain Gear.

And loved my tarp from Yama as well...

Nearing the top of Baden-Powell. Great climb. Snow!

On Baden-Powell.

Walked through plenty of burned-out areas...would have loved the shade!

Vasquez Rocks, almost to the Saufley's!

The Saufley's...a well-loved place to rest for PCT'ers

Bunches of these tents for the weary hiker to rest...

Me doing a quick resupply management session

No Pain and I

"Condor" and I

What's a gathering of hikers without a "calf-off?"

Enter "The Grizz," Grizzly Adam (R)

This pretty much actually happened.

"Stick Man" purifying some water

Half a days worth...

Definitely the path less traveled...for good reason!

One of the cutest parts of the whole trail! Furry friends at Hiker Town

Great "under bridge" rest spot along the aqueduct

"Veg" doing some midday reading

Loved to see the markers on occasion...

Tehachapi, CA

My amazing Tehachapi "trail angels"...

Sunsets and spinning things...

I actually met Bob Holtel, author of "Soul, Sweat and Survival on the Pacific Crest Trail." He ran the trail in the 1980's!

Desert Desolateness...

Stayed the night at McIver's Cabin...along with a couple other late-arriving thru-hikers, and a few large rodents. Awesome!

Weighing my pack at Kennedy Meadows, before heading into the Sierra...28.5 pounds, with 1 liter of water! Nice!

Great camping spot a days hike from Kennedy Meadows.

Taking a break...

Two feet wide and 2,650 miles long....

Heading towards Whitney....

Whitney...

Part of the secret to a fast ascent of the tallest point in the lower 48 states.

Ascending Whitney, July 5, 2011

Breathe...just breathe....it's only 15,000 feet, what's the problem?

The Cabin on top of Whitney...We had a good break in the weather, stoked

The "Towel" went every step with me...have to rep Steeler Nation!

Grizz had his hat pick a fight with a hungry marmot. Marmot one, hat zero.

View of Whitney from my shelter after the storm passed

Whitney reflected in Guitar Lake

Forester Pass sunset

Forrester pass. Highest Pass on the PCT.

Forrester Pass

Forrester Pass Boogie, baby. Uh. Uh. Bump that. DJ spin that. 2 turntables and a microphone. That's how I roll over Forrester y'all.

Amazing feeling looking back to where you just came from, and forward to where you will be going...(Last two photos courtesy of WAC Photography)

Sierra Nevadas. Words can't express. One of my dads most favorite places on the planet. He inspired me to do this hike. Rest well, pops.

Pinch me. Please. Wait. Nevermind, don't. I like it here.

"That way."

One of the most beautiful trails a foot could step upon...

God fingerprints visible everywhere...

Beard still going...

Grizz looking over the next days maps....

Hiker trash

Beware of killer logs and postholes working together.

Tuuolumne Meadows, and an international friend

Water, lots and lots of water

Mosquitoes, anyone?

Stoked! Quick trip to the dentist meant I could hit church! Something I missed on the trail...

Marmot & Gabriel! One of the best nights of the whole journey.

And the beard grows...

Great time with "Veg" at the Peter Grubb hut

"Soulcamp" '11 in Belden. What a trip to descend into a valley pumping with rave music!

Lisa, my Belden trail angel. I hope you get to hike the trail someday!

Sunset

Sorry. I had to.

Pancakes! I didn't get any though...

We have a "state" of Jefferson....great story behind this...

Oregon!

Welcome to Oregon.

The smile of a hiker is way way contagious!

Stoked to be alive!

Brown Mountain cabin...I slept outside on the table, beautiful night!

The cabin had an old school pump, great ice cold fresh water!

Making my way through Oregon volcano country.

Great camp, rare campfire...

Another 30 miles, ready for food and sleep!

Cat. Meow.

Another burn area. Beautiful though, haunting.

Lots of fires in Oregon at the time I was hiking through....

Crater Lake...

...Or not. Your choice! Love the cartoon guy free falling!

Last night on the trail, though I didn't know it at the time...

Off the trail...hard hard day.

Thank you....

Home....and the end result of 4 1/2 months not shaving...

Moments later....30 pounds lighter (not sure how much of that was the beard...)

I started at 195 pounds. Gotta love the Oregon trail dirt still representing!

Thanks to all who followed along, and for those that donated on behalf of the victims of human trafficking that I was hiking for....

And on to the next chapter...help me in the fight against human trafficking, and helping those that have survived and are piecing their lives back together...CLICK HERE FOR INFO

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO: Clicky Click!

August to October 2012...5,000 miles on a bamboo recumbent bicycle. Check it out. Thanks!

"Rawhide" out Peace!

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West to East for Freedom: A Biker’s Quest for Healing and Freedom

(Editor’s note: I had originally planned to ride the Great Divide Trail this summer to bring awareness to the cause of human trafficking. I’ve changed direction just a smidgen, but only a smidgen: the cause is still and always will be the same; the route has changed. For more, read below! For my bike trek blog: Click Here)

Thru-Ride 4 Freedom...join me....

A JOURNEY OF HOPE AND HEALING

In August of this coming summer, 2012, I will be taking a bicycle journey to help those who have been caught in the web of human trafficking. There are organizations around the world, including the United States, that are helping these victims get the healing, love, and help that they need. These are people who are fighting each day to piece their lives back together. These are hurting, damaged individuals. They could be your sister, niece, mother; they are real people. I will be riding to raise funds for the amazing organizations who are fighting in the trenches and on the front lines of human slavery, in one of the most difficult areas: with the survivors. Piecing lives back together is not easy. Your help is needed.

 

THE RIDE, THE ROUTE

I will be riding a recumbent-style bicycle made of  bamboo from the leading recumbent bamboo bike maker in the world, located in Brazil. My journey will take me from the water of the Pacific Ocean on the coast of California to the waters of Hudson Bay in Manhattan, New York… an arduous 5,000 mile journey. I will be traveling a path along some of the busiest human trafficking zones in the United States, and giving a multimedia presentation and talk at selected spots on the way. The map of my journey is on this page. If you would like me to come speak at your church, business, organization or school, please message me here on this page or though my email, at oasisprojekt@gmail.com. My speaking schedule is already filling up, so if you would like to have me speak, please let me know soon. I can fill you in on more details if interested. Click here for an information form.

Speaking Engagements / Multimedia Presentation. A nice generic picture of what I will be doing. I won't be wearing khaki pants, though. Just Sayin'.

PLEASE HELP ME HELP OTHERS

So if you feel led, please help me somehow make this ride a huge success:

• Tell your friends, family members, coworkers, barber, barista, or bartender.
• Give financially to the cause.
• Keep me in your prayers.

I will be stopping at different rehabilitation centers and homes along the way, and donating what I have raised financially during that particular leg of my journey. This is an amazing opportunity to be a huge difference in someone’s life. You can follow along with me on this journey as I head eastward, and actually see and read about the results. 

WHY BAMBOO?

Researching the history of bamboo as a material for bike making actually led me to realize bamboo was one of the earliest materials used to produce bicycles. Steel, though, superseded the natural substance, and bamboo bikes were generally not seen again for nearly 100 years. Now, there is a small renaissance in the bamboo-as-frame-material way of thinking, and there are small groups, both individuals and custom bicycle makers, that are either incorporating bamboo bikes into their offerings, or specializing specifically in them. One quality of bamboo is that it diffuses road vibration, lending itself to a smoother ride than steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber.

Bamboo Recumbent bicycle, with creator

As usual, the fact that I am going to ride 5,000 miles from California to New York on a bicycle has come with mixed reviews among some friends and family. This was the same as when I decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Add to it that I will be riding a recumbent bike made of bamboo…well, you can imagine. I spoke with my best friend about it today, and he made no attempt at hiding the fact he thinks I’m off my rocker crazy…but he understands my passion. He also agreed with me: if it was easy or ‘safe,’ it wouldn’t be ‘extraordinary,’ and people might not notice. Friends, we NEED to notice. It’s not a story about a guy riding a bike across the United States….it’s a story about real people who need our help. There are beautiful, real people who need us to notice them. There are former slaves, who are freed physically but still in chains emotionally and psychologically, who are begging us to notice.

The days of human trafficking, slavery, child labor, and forced prostitution flying under the radar are hopefully coming to an end. Be a part of blowing the issue up and helping everyone take notice.

I Need Your Help. They Need Your Help.

If you get a chance, please head over to the site I have set up for the ride and subscribe…I will be piecing together insightful and oftentimes humorous preparation updates, compiling gear lists, food supply strategies, trip updates from the road and the speaking engagements, as well as sharing more info on who I will be riding for and who will be sponsoring me along the way.  —–> VISIT THE SITE BY CLICKING HERE!

Blessings,

Dug

A light moment with Nick Vujicic in india, on the trip I learned about human trafficking in 2008