August 26 - October 5, 2010


ITALY BY BIKE: THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE

After visiting small villages amidst the pastoral scenery and alpine beauty of the region of Tuscany, I truly feel there is no better place to ride a bicycle. For the past five years I have been obsessing over the creation of this project. Yes, most bike touring companies will offer this kind of trip, but you will find that they all follow the same routes through the wine and tourist areas.

My heritage is full Italian. I was the first person on either side of my family to be born outside of the country. Our roots run deep. One grandfather was a Baron, while the other was Goat herder searching for a more profitable life in the US. The house that was left to me was built in 1783 and was seized the Germans and then the Americans during WW2.


The villages we will stay in are Italian through and through. Most likely you will have to use your hands to communicate with the locals because they don’t speak a lick of English (besides, half of the Italian language is hand gestures! Ha!).


Highland Tuscany typifies Italian cuisine where the ingredients are simple and delicious. The peasant foods are the foundation of all Italian meals and of course, must be washed down with delicious red wines. Food will be collected in the small specialty stores and butcheries found throughout the different villages while vegetables will be harvested from the home garden. Hearty meals will prepared by my mother with recipes that have been passed down from her grandmother.


In my opinion, the only way to experience Italy is on a bicycle. Whether touring or day trips, you don’t get closer to the people than on the road at the pace of a bicycle. Short stops to take in an espresso or a panini (or gelato!!!) are the perfect way to see the passion and personalities of Italian culture.


The roads, built years ago by horse and buggy and used for goat herding, snake through the terrain, constantly turning to expose a new incredible vista. We will climb mountain passes and ride past vineyards, ancient churches, castles, lakes, and rivers.

Although most of the daily rides will begin and end at our villa, we will take several opportunities to stay overnight in other unique locales.


These places are riding distance from the house, and we will take different routes to and from these destinations to see more of the landscape. Overnight outings will be to such places as Cinque Terre, Island of Elba, San Geminagno, Siena, and Pisa. All reside in the region of Tuscany but have drastically different landscapes and attributes.


Mileage will vary based on the day and the energy level of each participant. My goal is to average 70 miles per day with ample stops along the way to take in culture and coffee. Many of these days we will have a “sag” wagon that will follow to transport gear and anyone who may need a break during the day. All levels of riders are encouraged to join us. I am confident that we can accommodate everyone each day.


\The excitement and sometimes stress of road cycling has to do with dealing with vehicles. In the highlands of Tuscany it is less populated and has considerably less traffic than many other areas. With that said, we will run into cars on the road, and I have found that Italians are very respectful to cyclists. It is a national pastime with its history rooting back centuries. You will see Ferraris speeding down the road but generally they will give you plenty of berth on the road. However, for added precautions it is required that your insurance policy has international coverage, or please purchase additional travel insurance.


Italy is a country where leisure and family are the most important parts of life, and we want to convey this to our guests. If you feel that a day of rest is important, we can provide a detailed itinerary for you to see other towns via foot, train or bus (or allow you to just sit back and relax at the villa for the day). Bagni Di Lucca is the local center of our villa and worthy of a exploration. It dates back to Renaissance times as a spa and health destination. The marbled baths are filled with volcanic thermal waters and are a perfect way to rest tired legs after a day of riding. Bagni has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it exemplifies a typical and classical Italian town. A walk through town will take you back in European times.


Meanwhile, Lucca, the provincial center of the region is a wall-fortified city that was used during the Roman revolution. This tightly spaced city exudes Italian flavor. From rustic restaurants to chic boutiques, it is a true blend between old and modern worlds. An easy bus ride or a 40km bike ride will give you a day of exploration to satiate your senses.


It is my goal to make this the best bike trip possible. I have thought long and hard about how each day can be orchestrated to maximize your cultural and cycling experience. However, each participant must understand that this is the first time I have taken on the creation of such an adventure. You all know my experience as a mountain and ski guide. With this trip, I am breaking exciting ground for my own business. Cycling is a relatively new passion for me and I see it as a perfect way to show you this incredible part of the world. Please understand that while there might be hiccups in the organization of this journey, I guarantee a grand adventure!


For example, this incredible villa with 9 bedrooms, a full cellar for wine processing, and many reading and smoking rooms has only one bathroom.

When the house was remodeled it was only my grandparents living there. We have installed a great outdoor shower and hope to have another built earlier this summer, but that still only leaves one toilet. The kitchen is a bit small as well, but my mother and helpers are able to cook up some savory meals anywhere. Keep in mind that while I have ridden and driven these roads before, I may need to consult my map and ask for assistance at times. We might take a “wrong” (in parentheses because its all beautiful) turn somewhere, but I will always find our way home.

In return for a little understanding on your part, I am making this trip very affordable compared to other companies. I am just trying to cover our costs for operating and make a little money to put back into the house for future trips.

I am offering this trip only to people with whom I have spent time in the past and who are up for a good adventure. It is my intention to create a full flavored experience with unforgettable memories from the seat of your bicycle and nights around the outdoor dinner table with bottles of wine and laughter. Everyone who has been invited is already a fairly strong ride and a fun personality to boot. It will be a family experience with Petit (my wife), and my mother all working (when they have Talus, who will turn one while we are there, under control). I will do my best to match people up based on their desires and abilities, and I really think that everyone will have a great time together.


We will be using the Pisa International Airport for pick-up and drop-off for the trip. If you choose to travel to other locales in Europe/Italy, we can make sure that you are taken care of in Pisa. If you haven’t done any travel in Europe, a train ride is a classic experience. You can choose a bigger airport and travel to Pisa via the Eurail. Check http://www.eurail.com/ for schedules and fares.

Pick-up and Drop-off at the airport will be every Sunday. Due to the nature of the trip, everyone’s itinerary will be a little different and we will do our best to make sure that you aren’t waiting too long.

Booking will be a revolving door situation beginning August 29th and ending October 6th, on a first to sign up/ first served basis. We will never have more than 9 people in house at a time, and we encourage everyone to stay for two weeks. Payment will be adjusted for shorter and longer stays.


The house configuration is such that there are two bedrooms with two single beds and four bedrooms with one queen bed and how you choose to sleep will factor into the cost of your trip.


Rates for a two week package per person:

Double occupancy with queen bed: $2300.00 USD

Double occupancy with two single beds: $2500.00 USD

Single occupancy with queen bed: $2700.00 USD

* If you don’t mind sharing a room with a someone you don’t know we will do our best to match individuals.


Packages Include:

  • Transfer from Pisa International Airport on Sunday’s (addition for other days of the week)
  • Room in classic Italian villa
  • Homemade breakfast and dinners paired with Italian wine prepared in Canapali
  • Daily bicycle guiding with vehicle support and riding snacks
  • Occupancy when cycling on overnight excursions
  • Travel resources for off day visits
  • Use and assistance of bicycle repair and maintenance equipment


Foreseeable Additional Expenses:

  • Airfare and overland travel to/from Pisa International Airport
  • Additional baggage fees for transporting bicycles (see your airline carrier for requirements) Cost estimate: $150.00 each way *
  • Travel Insurance with medical coverage. **
  • Daily coffee and eating breaks during cycling excursions.
  • Dinners during overnight excursions
  • Souvenirs, gifts, maasage and gratuity/tips

* Bicycles will be available to rent at Poli bicycles in Lucca. Average cost for road bikes will be $40.00 per day and will depend on quality of the bike.

** Travel insurance is a good idea for any international trip. Coverage will include emergency evacuation, hospital charges, lost baggage, damaged to baggage, emergency trip cancellation, etc. Cost based on cost of vacation. Estimated cost: $175.00

Suggestion: www.ihi.com/




LOVE!
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Time...


Today I celebrate my father's 92nd birthday. It's hard to imagine he's been gone for over 2 years... and still with me always... all ways. I would love to reach out and hold his hand, stroll through the walnut orchard with him and the dogs, tell him of the amazing man I am going to marry, play him happy birthday on the trumpet as he sings along... Happy Birthday, Allen Dodd Pinson. I love you.
The Kaweah river sings softly at its fall level, awaiting winter and the runoff of spring. I so enjoy the smell of river and granite... the cool mornings... the blue heron who flies upstream as I sip a cup of tea on the deck. My roots are here... and how grateful I am to have experienced adventures far and wide.
Indeed, I am now a fiance... soon to be a wife. I am smiling.
As David (and my little bro, Christian) boards a 90 meter cruise ship in Antarctica to face the 30 foot swells in the Drake Passage, I settle into my own domestic adventures of laundry, cleaning, paying bills, visiting friends, and preparing for our upcoming bike tour in Cuba. It is nice to slow down once in a while to re-charge and take inventory and process the latest adventure and re-focus on what is to come. Saturday I am co-leading a women's yoga/dance retreat here in Three Rivers with my friend, Jalene. Rhythm Quest!
Pomogranites are in season! Ah... the pleasure of taking the time to pick out each tasty little beautiful bursting red seed... messy and delicious. I ate one on my bike ride today up toward Badger. Sticky sweetness.
The simple pleasures... and time passes.
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We're Off

The boat has been loaded, the skiers are boarding and I have a smile on my face......friends and strangers embarking on a great new adventure. For daily messages check out www.skicruise2008.com. I can't wait to do a spread eagle over a penguin!

Boarding the Boat

This morning I woken by 50 mph winds blasting through the hotel window. So much for getting one last lap in at the local Glacier! Today, the Ski Cruise will embark on the ship for the nasty Drake Passage. Reports of 30 foot swells (with out the wind factor) has everyone running to the local pharmacy for dramamine and sea sickness pills. Me, I am going to rely on ginger and a fancy little electrode that is placed on my wrist. I've great stories of its success, but I can probably expect to be bent over the deck at some point on this journey. It just wouldn't feel worthy otherwise.
Yesterday was spent rifling through all of my new gear that Thomas at Black Diamond graciously gave to me to test (which are awesome products!), some guide training, and a couple of laps out on the Glacier de San Martin.
My roomie is Thor Husted from Taos, New Mexico and my co-guide on my zodiac boat will be Mike Lebeiki. Yesterday, Mike was a little leary of my glacier experience but after I conducted the training for the entire guide staff (speaking of rope travel, management, crevasse rescue, and client management) he was a little more secure in his guiding partner. We went over protocols and expectations of safety for the clients as well as a "get-to-know each other" session.
In the afternoon, Andrew McLean, John Morrison and I headed up onto the Glacier and skied a couple of run in the back yard. It is very similar to skiing in Alaska because the mountains are huge, but the views of the beagle channel reminds you of your elevation. A very special site to see the ocean when you are skiing. I kick myself for all the views that I have experienced while skiing. It is quite an amazing sport with an amazing culture and people!
Last night, the entire group, 105 climbers, skiers, explorers, naturalists and Doug celebrating this gathering with an Asado dinner complete with beef, chicken and sausage. No carbo loading here!
This morning we loaded the boat, tied up loose ends, gathered a couple bottles of wine and caught on homeland communication and last minute details. Now all we have to do is pray for calm seas and board the boat!
Ushuaia is truly an amazing place, and I look forward to sharing this place (on skis) with friends and family in the future. What an amazing world we live in!
Again thanks to Doug Stoup, leader of this amazing trip. Follow his video blogs at skicruise2008.com. Very fun stuff!

Durango, Fresno, Argentina?....

Hey all....what an amazing journey. From the fall colors changing in Sun Valley and Jackson, to colder temperatures and warm fires in Telluride and Durango, I can't help but reflect on the lives that we share this incredible earth with. From Dick Dorworth's gracious hot tub and suggestions on intimate hot springs, an incredible dinner with Joel Bernbaum in Sun Valley. To morning breakfast with Jen Fisher and bike rides with Jake Kilgrow in Jackson. To Bike rides and Pizza with Thomas Laakso and Scott Whitaker, to warm fires in Telluride with the Billings and Grusses. To the fun and zany times at the Zombie ball with Doom, JP and Bailey, I must admit we have some amazingly fun, creative, kind and open friends. Thank you all for an amazing journey.

I am writing from a hotel room in Ushuaia Argentina, the southern-most city in the world. Right now the rain is coming down just after a clearing for my plane to land. The area is very reminiscent of Alaska. Amazing islands and forest, giving way to jagged, jutting peaks and glacial mountain ranges. I met up with my fellow 18 guides, all of which I have some sort of connection with. From AK, to T-ride to India, amazing friends in many places.
My curiosity has opened my mind without expectation. Skiing in Antarctica, a funny proposition in itself! I have had many intriguing conversations here already, with the expedition leader (who has led 100+ trip to Antarctica) to talking about the wildlife with naturalists to sharing stories with fellow guides.
A small hard-core crew went up outside of town and did some skiing to work out some cement that has developed under their kneecaps from the long flight, and the reports were surprisingly good from what it looked like outside! A friend, Hilaree O'Neill, a fellow guide is three months pregnant and just getting over her first tri-mester, and gearing up for the expedition; quite amazing .
I am quite tired after the 28 hour journey following the midnight ride from Durango, so i don't need to babble on in this sleep deprived stupor.
I will however, remind myself and rest reading this blog on how special my fiance is. She is an incredibly, loving, caring and support friend and soon to be wife. After living with her in Loretta, traveling, giving slideshows and presenting, I am constantly inspired by her enthusiasm, love and zeal for life! I would not be sitting here in this cramped hotel room without her help. Making me coffee, sorting through gear and driving me to the airport. I am very excited to be spending the rest of my life with you, Petit.
How special we are to have her in our lives..........
More tomorrow after some zzzz's....
Buenos Noches
David

Goin' back to Cali...

Ah... the 15 hour push from Durango, CO to Three Rivers, CA yesterday... with a few hours to sleep and rearrange gear before dropping David off at the airport this morning to head south for his Antarctica ski trip. All in a days work... um... play...?
Our Colorado days were sunny and cool and filled with bikes and friends and zombie parties and wildness. Rally of The Dead is a gathering of wildly creative single-speed mountain bike lovers in Durango, which lasts 3 days... films, music, dancing, costumes, races, rides, laughter, dirt... well worth the journey! Loretta played an integral role in the "zombie ball", complete with fake blood and a dance party on the roof!
She is resting in the driveway here in Three Rivers after a successful maiden voyage. My heavy eye-lids and roadtrip-weary body are ready for a nap. Gear fills all rooms of my small abode. David is en route to explore ice and skiing and penguins... (check out skicruise2008.com to follow along).

Next... laundry, rest, friends, massage, yoga, dance... and a Cuba bike tour mid November!
I smile.

Sun and snow

A pleasant morning in Ophir at the home of Dave and Lynn and Emily and dog-friend, Lily (thanks for the hospitality!)... David has logged hours in front of the mac-book putting together a new and improved slideshow/video we will share tonight in Ouray at a fundraiser, tomorrow at Pine Needle Mountaineering in Durango, and with the students at Escalante Middle School on Friday (thanks, Steve!). Loretta is making her rounds (with guardian angel, Eugene)... turning heads in every state. We filled up with vegi-oil in Telluride and enjoyed some bike play and dinner with friends... all in the presence of massive rocky peaks, pines, and the foretelling of winter.
Living, laughing, learning, loving...

Moments...

From Park City to SLC to Moab to a peaceful riverside night at Dove Creek in Colorado... an amazing bike ride at Sand Canyon... food, friends, fun, and waste-vegi-oil.
Loretta now has a patron saint; the angel, Eugene, rides atop the cab watching over us on our travels and adventures. Our wildly creative friend, Scott, welded Eugene to our sweet Loretta with enthusiasm and love... (we'll fill you in and post photos soon).
Oh, the beauty of Colorado with the Anasazi ruins, the leafless Aspens, the yellow Birck and Box Elders.
We are in Ophir gathering with friends for dinner and laughter, surrounded by peaks and wildness.
LOVE!
(details and photos to come)

A few days later...

Greetings all...
We are still trying to find the balance between sitting at the computer and playing on mountains and rocks and open roads. For some reason the cool wind and smells of fall as we carve smooth singletrack is more alluring than the meager glow of the mac.
Hence... a few days have passed since our "proposal" posting... and we are happy and healthy and rollin' on down the road in a big box smelling like tempura (thanks to the sushi joint in Jackson, WY). From Driggs we made it over the pass into Jackson by nightfall on Thursday to enjoy nachos and a beer at the local saloon and have debates over which hat-bandana-Wrangler wearing man was actually a REAL cowboy. Good fun!
Loretta's home for the night was a large parking lot (church parking, come to find out) near the town of Jackson. Seems she was misbehavin' because the nice policeman shined a f*@%*ing bright light directly in our faces through the back window at 4am. Uh... we got in late and didn't know where to go? Uh... she won't actually start right now in the cold so we can't move anyway? He was charmed by David's disheveled look and Loretta's sleek lines and sent us off to bed for a few more hours given that we promised to get out of there at sunrise. Okay, officer.

Have you ever witnessed the Tetons on a sunny fall morning? We connected with our friend, Jake Kilgrow, for a road ride with magical views of rock and ice and new-fallen snow. Yeah, rolling down smooth pavement through multi-colored aspens with the Tetons hovering above... just couldn't convince ourselves to stay in and update the blog. :)
Jake has a great place out of Wilson, WY with wife Jen, cute little blonde dude, Charlie Red, and a baby girl to arrive any day. Thanks for the ride and the shower, Jake!
We are on a speed tour of the western states. From Cali to OR to ID to WY and now in UT. The drive from Jackson was not the 31/2 hours we were told... Loretta is not a sports car... but it was a beautiful 41/2 hour drive into sunset and colors and wide open spaces and a funky antique/ second-hand "store" in Afton (I think that's Wyoming). This place is difficult to describe, with every imaginable tool, jewel, article of clothing, rack, bottle, marble, fun junk (and beyond) piled upon itself many times over, with a bickering old couple wandering amidst the madness... worthy of a screenplay for sure.
Smooth cruising into Park City to meet up with Thomas and Jeff. By 5am the following morning we were setting up "camp" in the parking lot in front of the Black Diamond building (Thomas' office) for the annual ski/gear sale and swap. Countless locals showed before daybreak to set out used and new gear and search for this year's sweet deal. Loretta was there in all her glory, complete with music and a slideshow and free coffee for passers-by. She is a show-stopper!
We spread the word about GlobalLines, showed off our grease-mobile, scored some good deals on gear for the winter, and by noon were headed back to Thomas' house with heavy eye-lids ready for a nap.
It was a quick transition from 45 minutes of deep (much needed) sleep to climbing into the mountains of Park City on our mountain bikes. It's fun to ride with the "locals" and get all the incredible rockin' and rollin' singletrack that this place has to offer. Up... down... up... down... down... down... all with a view and a perfectly cool sunny day... 3 hours of pure fun.
Of course, after a long bike ride, why not a sauna and stretch at Thomas' house? (Indeed, the hospitality of friends has been deeeeelightful) And... a large pizza meal with pumpkin pie and ice cream for dessert. Are we hedonists?
This morning is, well, another glorious day in Utah... and we're heading to Telluride via Salt Lake where we'll stop at our friend Scott's "workshop" filled with incredibly creative art and ideas. We are ever-inspired by the multitude of unique paths we cross.
Happy day to all.
Oh... by the way... in case you missed the memo... we're engaged (to each other).

Onward to the Teton's

Out of Sun Valley, loaded on brew pub grease, we headed to a remote hot springs on the side of highway 20, as suggested by Dick. The moon was bright, Loretta was purring and we were smelling of fish and chips! yummmmmmm!
At the obscure road stop we were greeted by 10 roudy high schools partying at the local watering hole. Instead of making friends we stayed in made a curried noodle mixture and enjoyed a bottle of wine, complements of Petit's bro, Anthony (Bella Serra)! So as witnessed by the bright, bold moon, a rush of emotions came over me and asked Petit something that I had been dying to say for quite some time now........"will you marry me?" And as the story goes, she said "yes"....."YES!" To many of you this is no surprise and I wish that I could tell everybody individually, but here it is! What an exhilerating, nervous, quiet, blissful, happy feeling! So as the moon as our witness, we can be reminded of that special moment,.....in BFE Idaho....yippppeeee!
In the morning, we followed the necessary steps to insure a safe start for the fickle diesel engine. We soaked in the pools, had breakfast, fooled around and waited til around noon for the thing to heat up, and she fired up.
We drove into Arco and wanting to give Loretta a little TLC. A new fuel filter and a bath. She feels like a new woman.....
The afternoon was spend in Horseshoe Canyon outside of Driggs for a little singletrack fun. Tacky dirt, aspen leaves and beautiful vistas. Missing the views of the mighty Tetons but savoring the beauty of the newby rainstorm and rainbows over the Teton Valley.
The evening was spent cleaning up our road bikes, enjoying a movie and a yummy dinner.
It reminds me of one of my favorite tunes....."Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads.
"You may find yourself in another part of the world, behind the wheel of a large automobile, and you may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?" "This is not my beautiful house, this is not my beautiful wife...."

Choices...

Onward...
On the side of Loretta (the ambulance) it reads: GlobalLines "Don't Die Wondering..."
GlobalLines is a name and idea David has had in his thoughts over the past few years. As we have shared time, adventures, and dreams this past year, GlobalLines has become the name of our collaboration on adventure "with awareness and action".
Or, shall I say, "AWAKE-ness"?
EKAWA is written across the front of Loretta; AWAKE when viewed in your rear-view mirror as this beast transformed ambulance loaded with bikes comes charging up behind you...
EKAWA= Earth Knowledge and World Adventures
(Yes, perhaps this sound cliche... and maybe that's because it is timely...)
These five words sum up GlobalLines (in a nutshell... or an ambulance), bringing together our experiences all over the world and our desire to connect more deeply within each adventure to people, cultures, art, environment, service, sharing, and positive action.
... carving Lines in fresh powder, Lines in dirt, Lines up rocks and mountains, Lines down the faces of waves, Lines down rivers, Lines of communication, Lines of connetion with every sentient being, following Lines (paths, choices) toward a healthy mind, body, environment...
GlobalLines.
Okay, so I'm passionate when I start getting into it all. Can you blame a woman? And...
Don't Die Wondering...
An invitation to take a look at ourselves and our lives and allow our innate wonder to guide us.
I wonder... what would that truly be like?

Above all, we are grateful for health and family and friends and the opportunity to follow our bliss amidst these times of swirling uncertainty. Let's focus on the positive, the power of choice, the possibilities, shall we?

Speaking of choice... I was presented with a very exciting one just two nights ago.
The full moon shone brightly on the horizon bringing a magical glow to fall's golden grass as we soaked our road-weary bodies in the "secret" hot springs outside Carey, Idaho. I floated face up to the silence of the healing waters and brilliant moon, breathing in winter's imminent arrival. Moments later I was in David's arms... and... the sweet silence broken by even sweeter words...

"With the moon as our witness, will you marry me?"

"Yes!"

Yes... the answer is yes...

Petit Davina Maria Marchi... how does that sound?

Choices...
YES.
AWAKE!

Sun Valley Fun

As we left Bend, OR full of grease from the local sushi joint, we rang Dick Dorworth, legendary ski mountaineer, global traveler, zen buddhist, all-around incredible soul. As the sun went down, and we crossed over into Idaho (before getting stopped in the "great state of Oregon") and got directions to a great little camp spot outside of Hailey. Like Petit said, we woke to cold temps and a temperamental diesel engine. After thawing it out and a little help from a quick shot of Ether, we were on the road up to Sun Valley.
Dick and Jeannie welcomed us to Ketchum in their cozy little 1000 sq.ft palace. A cool blend of modern, and antique furniture and made us feel right at home. After a quick coffee and basking in the sun, we headed up to Greenhorn ridge to ride "one of the best mountain bike trails in the US".
Warming to the sun, I frantically worked on my new mountain bike in the hopes of an epic adventure. As we started our ride, we were greeted with snow covered trails and brisk temperatures which we are slowly acclimatizing to. The ride climbed up the ridge, with an overview of the Sawtooth mountains. Sun Valley is like no other place I have seen in the US....rolling hills of sagebrush and buckbrush. Usually I find these fragrant smells only in the valleys of the rockies. It smells of a nature, prehistoric nature.
As we topped out on the ridge, we were rewarded with flowing singletrack, tacky dirt and warmer temperature. Feeling the flow, we felt free! As I dove into the aspen groves, I knew the trail would get a bid slip............oh shit,......ery! Face first into an Aspen tree! Those things don't move! I collected myself briefly, and reminded myself not to move my neck. Petit rode up, checked my spine and I cleared myself to continue to ride. No major injuries, just a nice dent in the helmet and a raspberry on my cheek. You should have seen the tree!
Anyway, we ended the ride with a nice double track back to Loretta.
Loretta, if you havent figured this out by now, is the name of our Ambulance. Loretta Lynn. Check out Pieta Brown's song "In my mind I was talking to Loretta".
Anyway, we cleaned up in Dick's clawfoot tub, cleaned wounds and headed to dinner with Joel Bernbaum from Smith Optics, who I met up in Girdwood last winter. Belly's full of steak and potatos (typical for Idaho) we enjoyed a full moon walk in the back streets of Ketchum before retiring to Loretta comforting arms.
Up next, a quick ride in Adam's Gulch, outside of Sun Valley and then continuing down the road to Jackson with a stop off at a local hot springs. The western US is so special, so many gems to discover!

The journey...

I guess it's all a part of the journey... the cold diesel engine taking an hour to get started, the snowy singletrack, broken spokes, the sheep in the road, the dogs greeting us at the ambulance door early morning, the full moon waking me up in the middle of the night through the back window, the hot pizza (cooked to perfection in the toaster-oven) before bed in the ambulance parked creek-side in Hailey, Idaho, the searching of back alleys for "clean" waste vegi-oil to feed our wandering, the laughter, the connections with old friends and new... what a journey it is!
Today we awoke in the ambulance after a cozy full moon evening parked at the dead end street near Dick's house. It's quite luxurious to roll out of bed and make a hot drink and ponder the plans for the day...
Idaho is lovely this time of year with multi-colored aspens, snow up high, cold clear mornings, and fun trails for bike play. David had an intimate moment with an aspen (blood to proove it), but all is well... happy and healthy and enjoying the moments as we aspire to more adventure and an environmentally sustainable, fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet.
We're headed to Jackson this evening via some "secret" hot springs... and soon to be sharing slide shows in Utah and Colorado.
Happy trails!
(upcoming adventure... check out the Costa Rica trip at www.lotusexpeditions.com)

Cold in Bend

After a great couple of days in Bend, while Loretta was getting some new shoes, and a new ball joint, the temperatures have dropped. Another little fickle roadblock with a diesel engine. Our intention was to make an early go at the day, wake up by 6:30 and on the road by 7:00 but with temps in the 20's, Loretta just seemed a little cranky. Dan McGarigle, Petit's old friend and owner of Pine Mountain Sports (pinemountainsports.com) encouraged us to stay in his warm home, and while Loretta's block heater was warming.
We are on our way to Sun Valley today to meet up with Dick Dorworth, legendary ski mountaineer and incredible writer (google: "Night Driving") and taste the legendary mountain biking that we have both heard about.
We have realized that road trips present different detours and road blocks and enjoying each moment is the focus. We have a loose agenda and the open road......a very freeing feeling!

On the road...

One man, one woman, bikes, skis, enthusiasm, one ambulance, and a whole lot of waste vegi oil.
This is the maiden voyage of EKAWA and GlobalLines... from LA to Mt. Shasta to Bend, OR where we are sharing slides and adventures and dreams. Rollin' along smelling like tempura and tortilla chips... enjoying the ride.
This October journey takes us to Durango, CO via Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah. Coming soon to an adventure near you... serving up hot coffee, chai, and inspiration.
Happy trails!

Proud Sponsors

Proud Sponsors
A cause for Adventure

Snow time!

Snow time!

My favorite girl in one of my favorite places (the Dolores River)

My favorite girl in one of my favorite places (the Dolores River)

David and the deathly downhill!

David and the deathly downhill!

VOTE!

VOTE!

Italian on the rocks.

Italian on the rocks.

Biking with the Anasazi

Biking with the Anasazi

Loretta in Boxelder Canyon (peaceful)

Loretta in Boxelder Canyon (peaceful)

Eugene... saint of travel and adventure (and crazy hippies)

Eugene... saint of travel and adventure (and crazy hippies)

Scott's creative space

Scott's creative space

Cool Cat

Cool Cat

UPCOMING ADVENTURES

  • Feb 27th- April 20 Helicopter Skiing in Alaska www.chugachpowderguides.com
  • Jan 21st Aconcagua Argentina Mountaineering Climb www.adventureconsultants.nz.co
  • Dec 27th Aconcagua Argentina Climb www.adventureconsultants.nz.co
  • Dec 6 Costa Rica Surf and Yoga adventure www.lotusexpeditions.com
  • Oct. 29- Nov 11th Antarctica Ski Cruise www.skicruise2008.com

Thomas and Petit Fueling for swinging deals

Thomas and Petit Fueling for swinging deals

Slideshow at the Swap Meet

Slideshow at the Swap Meet

Couldn't pass up a ride in the Tetons

Couldn't pass up a ride in the Tetons

Jake and Charlie Red chillin w/ Loretta

Jake and Charlie Red chillin w/ Loretta

The ride and the spot....

The ride and the spot....

The day after....

The day after....

Much needed TLC

Much needed TLC

Together.....

Together.....

EKAWA

EKAWA

Road Stop Bliss

Road Stop Bliss

The Open Road....

The Open Road....

ahhhhh....thanks Dick and Jeannie

ahhhhh....thanks Dick and Jeannie

Brrrrrrrrr!

Brrrrrrrrr!

Good morning!

Good morning!

Ouch!

Ouch!

Trailhead in Idaho

Trailhead in Idaho

Smiles and singletrack

Smiles and singletrack

Back alley scavenging.

Back alley scavenging.

What?!?

What?!?

Cold morning with a diesel

Cold morning with a diesel

Pizza dinner (first meal in the ambulance!)

Pizza dinner (first meal in the ambulance!)

Open road before us...

Open road before us...

PDMP, Dan, Jim in Bend, OR

PDMP, Dan, Jim in Bend, OR

EKAWA (um... that's AWAKE backwards)

EKAWA (um... that's AWAKE backwards)

The vegi-oil ride...

The vegi-oil ride...

Followers

David Marchi and Petit Pinson