Another video from Saturday May 26, 2012

Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Tern Lake and the Seward-Anchorage crossroad. This is just before I rode through the Kenai Mountain Range Pass. This is a few days old.

Video From Saturday, May 26

Early Morning Saturday, May 26, 2012 I has camping in Cooper Landing, Alaska.  I was so tired.  The vide quality is not good and I had to edit it al little.  I posted this even though it is from a few days ago.

Alaska Railroad

The last two days have been very full.  I have been doing things that look more like a business trip than a bike tour.  I have been working with many people from Subway and working out how I am going to film this part of my documentary.  This stuff just takes time.  It is difficult pulling it all together from my bike and where ever I can find a place to make a home base.

I just filmed at Alaska's first Subway.  I still had time to ride through part of Anchorage so I stripped the bike down of all my gear. I took a camera and rode my bike to talk to people.  Without the solar panel and battery back up my equipment did not last long.

I have been so busy making videos I have not had time to post them.  I am continuing to work out bugs uploading through a mobile network.  This is much harder than it looks.

Grandma Subway

This is Bobbie.  She built the first Subway store in Alaska with her son, Steve Adams.  He is now the president of Subway of Alaska.  She is known as Grandma Subway.  I interviewed Bobbie today and enjoyed hours of stories she told.

Today was very exciting.  I spoke with many people who make Subway stores a success in Alaska.  I also filmed hours for the documentary.  Tomorrow I will film on location at one of the Anchorage Subway stores. I spent time on my bike and filmed with my GoPro as I rode through the city.  I have many hours of editing ahead of me.

Another Bike Repair

Meet Peter the mechanic at Paramount Cycles in Anchorage Alaska.  I developed a severe squeak and thought it might be a bottom bracket crank bearing.  It wasn't.  It was the two rear de-railer gears.  Each needed a lube job.  So easy and yet I missed it.  The service was quick and friendly.

I spent time talking to Peter off camera about his American dream.  I think I am on the right track.  Chasing a dream is difficult.  I am finding people tend to be very emotional and cautious when talking about their hopes and dreams.  Chasing a dream is hard work and is full of risk but it is also exciting.  I am going to keep exploring Anchorage and find a good place to film and interview more people.

Welcome To Anchorage

Finally!  This was my first 100 mile day.  I can only post so much from the road.  I will spend Sunday working technology bugs to keep new video posts rolling.  I think I will be able to make arrangements to film in more Subway Stores on Monday.  Be patient and I'll better clips posted as I learn how to do this blog from the road.

Almost To Anchorage

It has been a long day of riding.  I have captured film for my documentary.  I feel pretty good.

Bird Creek Subway

This is the Subway that just opened in Bird Creek which is on Turnagain Arm.  It was small and the service was excellent.

Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet

Turnagain Arm is still partially frozen.  I have many childhood memories of driving with my parents by this place in the summer.  Beluga whales spend time here in late August.

Sunrise Inn Employee

Meet Johnny Lee.  I met him just after my bike crash in Cooper Landing.  Sunrise Inn is a good place for second breakfast!

Made It To Anchorage

After eating dinner at the new Bird Creek Subway I rode the rest of the way to Anchorage.  I am Staying with Mr. Wilson who is with Subways of Alaska and his family.  I am tired.  I'll post my video blogs in the morning.  Good night Anchorage.

Wind At My Back

I have had the wind in my face and the wind at my back. I much prefer the wind at my back.  Look at the distance I made when the wind was at my back!  I was flying.  From this side of Turnagain Arm I can see where I came out of the Kenai Mountain Pass over an hour ago.  In about two miles I'll be at the new Bird Creek Subway.  I am thinking of a foot long with pepperoni and something...

Turn Again

Wow! That descent was awesome.  There was a strong headwind.  So all I had to do is just roll down the slope.  There was no trailer wobble.  There was no need for breaks.  It was a rewarding end to the Kenai Mountain range.

Now I am going around Turnagain Arm.

The best part is that while I was on this leg of the journey two phone calls came through.

The new Subway at Bird Creek wants me to stop by and film.  They are going feed me!  Yes.

The other call was KTUU.  I am going to be on TV!

I have 25 miles to Bird Creek and dinner.  Then another 25 miles to where I am going to stay tonight.

Beyond Hope

I am on the descent with trailer wobble and all. Hope, Alaska is behind my and Turnagain Arm is in Front of me.

I Can Almost See Hope

The Kenai Mountain Range is beautiful.  There is a town called Hope, Alaska ahead of me.  It is off the main road.  Hope is too far off the road for me.  I'll keep going past.  

Death Wobble

I'm back on the road.  All is well.  At 38 MPH the trailer has a death wobble.  Ugh!  Moving on...

CRASH!

... I crashed hard core!

I'm not hurt but I'm gonna need to fix my trailer bags as soon as I can.  Tears in the netting can be repaired easily enough.  I need to stop and get off the road.  I am going to go to Sunrise Inn, make repairs, and eat something before I go on.

First Campsite

Kenai Riverside Campground RV Park and B&B was the location of my first campsite on the road.  Cooper Landing was named for Joseph Cooper and A miner who discovered gold here in 1894.  This is a must visit community if you pass through here.  If you stop in this summer ask for Walter.  He was great.  Thanks Walter.  I need to make a few more adjustments to my trailer and I am back on the road.

Next Stop- Anchoarge, Alaska

I just packed up the tent, had breakfast, and am on the way to Anchorage.  It was about 39 degrees fahrenheit and rainy.  This morning it is in the low 40's and misty.  I did not sleep well but I was warm. the people I am meeting are wonderful.  Look for me on the road.  


Tell Anchorage I am on my way to a Subway store to film. I'll be there a few days. I'll post my progress along the way.



Attention friends, family and fans for the Anchorage Subway Stores spread the word!  
John’s America Bike Tour starts my journey in your town Saturday, May 26 through June 4, 2012.
I will be shooting a commercial to support this journey and college tuition as I make a documentary titled, “Finding My America”.
I am going to ask what your favorite Subway sandwich is and what you love about America.
I will also be asking people to tell me about how they are making their American Dream come true.
Visit http://johnsamericabiketour.com and follow the people I meet on a 6,000-mile trek from Kodiak, Alaska to Key West, Florida.
I hope to see you there soon.  

Cooper Landing, Alaska

I visited the Subway in Soldotna and interviewed  the people of Beemun's Bike Shop.  The Sorrell's were wonderful hosts.

I rode from Soldtona to Cooper Landing this afternoon.  I counted more than 30 moose on the way.  I was just nervous enough as rode by I did not film any of them.  Bummer. Now I am settling in my tent for much deserved rest.  It is raining.  I am dry. I ate camp food. Yum.  Good night.