Monday, September 21, 2009

Ethiopia

Ethiopia almost broke us. We decided to cycle around the Northern historical circuit in May putting together medieval sites, lost churches and high altitude mountains. The anticipated rains which turn this area green hadn't materialised and it was tough on us and of course tougher on the locals. The people were friendly and scary at the same time. Few places in the world now give you the feeling of being an alien arrival. Ethiopia is one. The mixed Italian, African and Middle Eastern influence on culture in some of the more significant towns has created a little oasis of fine food, cafe culture, brilliant beer & coffee ... but all around are scenes from biblical times. Ethiopia is addictive, much more so than the tamer mountain & safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania. The images are amazing and we didn't even go to dramatic tribes in the south of the country. We want to go back, but we need to be brave and we need more time, Indiana Jones adventures abound.
Photos by: Stephanie Vogel ~ Text by: Anthony White

Sri Lanka - Troubled paradise

Sri Lanka has almost got it all, beautiful beaches, great food, jungle wildlife, cool hill country and ancient cities & temples but something is not quite right. The controversial civil war "officially" over and the coastline still scared from the 2004 Tsunami activity (over 40k died) has brought more NGO activity than you shake a very long bamboo stick at. But as we cycled 1500km around & through the country in April there appeared to be limited cut through. Like the precious stones that Sri Lanka produces, if you know where to go & what you're looking for Sri Lanka can be a gem.
Photos by: Stephanie Vogel ~ Text by: Anthony White

N. Sumatra/Banda Aceh Province


Aahh exotic Sumatra. Well off the beaten backpacker path these days, despite recovering from the civil war in Aceh province & the 2004 Tsunami. The jungle rainforest is fighting a battle against the ever increasing human pressure; the Tsunami facing coastline is probably more stunning than before, the diving out of this world and travel is as cheap as chips. We cycled around the northern part of the country in March not seeing westerners for days and days. We were met with tremendous local hospitality and kindness as we hauled ourselves up super steep battered interior roads and glided along the newly rebuilt coastal road. It's tricky finding a beer in this predominantly Islamic island, but with the friendliness of the locals all you need is coffee ... but we think the best is tucked away for export!
Photos by: Stephanie Vogel ~ Text by: Anthony White

Sunday, September 13, 2009

"LOVE ROCKS"

 
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"Love Rocks"

 
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"Love Rocks"

Keep your eyes open for the new series "Love Rocks."
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

I am thirsty…..


That’s how I felt that night at the charity event at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas 5 years ago. I had a glass of wine, was thirsty and needed some water. It wasn’t difficult to go up to the bartender and ask for a glass. The water was taken from the bar tap and put into a tall glass with ice. I drank it quickly and asked for more. No problem, the beautiful female bartender happily obliged and shot more water from the bar tap into my glass. It didn’t take long to feel better and order another glass of wine.
It was a fun evening with loud music, good company and knowing the $50 entry fee was going to a good cause: charity. But $18 for a glass of wine is just a bit over the top. Just because the venue was at a nightclub in the Bellagio, it seemed a bit ridiculous to charge that amount for just one glass of wine.
But I became thirsty again for some water, after all, I was drinking and dehydrated from riding earlier in the day. This time I walked up to the bar and asked a different beautiful female bartender for a glass of water. “$5” she replied as she reached for a bottled water. “That’s O.K. I’ll just take Vegas tap”, I said. “We don’t have tap water, only bottled.” “That’s untrue” I responded, “The other bartender gave me a glass of water.” She said “no, we only have bottled water and it’s $5”. Why should I even have to argue? What difference does it make if I wanted a glass of tap water or bottled water, shouldn’t it just be human instinct to serve someone who was thirsty water? What has Vegas become? What have the hotels become? What have people become?
That’s when the argument started, I was angry. I was angry because she walked away from me. She walked away and I didn’t get any water. I even used foul language (which never gets anyone anywhere) and still nothing. So I asked to speak to the manager. I explained the situation to him and even he said they only served bottled water. I told him I didn’t want to pay $5 for a bottle of water, that Vegas tap was fine, as I had been drinking and I am thirsty. I also told him the other bartender had served me a glass of ice water from the tap. He said it was a mistake! A mistake? Impossible! After long persuasion he did cave and had them pour me a glass of water from the bar tap. Now that’s the sign of a good bar manager isn’t it?
Why would I even have to argue with anyone about a glass of water? If someone is thirsty shouldn’t another human being just give them a drink of water? Some might think that I am being a bit irrational and perhaps I am. This guy at the event that I was talking to thought I should just be happy and as he merrily bounced up and down to the music beat, all I could think of is he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get what this meant to me. He doesn’t get that there is a deeper disappointment here not just the fact that I had to fight for a glass of Vegas tap water!
These beautiful female bar tenders; they look so good, so put together. With their make-up meticulously applied and very perky breasts but where is the beauty here? Where is the love for their fellow human being? That is where I was having trouble. It’s just a glass of water!
Perhaps I shouldn’t go on this mission to quench people’s thirst? Perhaps I am the one being a bit irrational? Or perhaps this is a sign for me to make a difference? That this is the right time to make certain that if people are thirsty they have a drink? This is the beginning of my mission. IAmThirsty.org. This silly mission that all started because one night, at a charity event at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, I was thirsty!

That’s how I felt that night at the charity event at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas 5 years ago. I had a glass of wine, was thirsty and needed some water. It wasn’t difficult to go up to the bartender and ask for a glass. The water was taken from the bar tap and put into a tall glass with ice. I drank it quickly and asked for more. No problem, the beautiful female bartender happily obliged and shot more water from the bar tap into my glass. It didn’t take long to feel better and order another glass of wine.
It was a fun evening with loud music, good company and knowing the $50 entry fee was going to a good cause: charity. But $18 for a glass of wine is just a bit over the top. Just because the venue was at a nightclub in the Bellagio, it seemed a bit ridiculous to charge that amount for just one glass of wine.
But I became thirsty again for some water, after all, I was drinking and dehydrated from riding earlier in the day. This time I walked up to the bar and asked a different beautiful female bartender for a glass of water. “$5” she replied as she reached for a bottled water. “That’s O.K. I’ll just take Vegas tap”, I said. “We don’t have tap water, only bottled.” “That’s untrue” I responded, “The other bartender gave me a glass of water.” She said “no, we only have bottled water and it’s $5”. Why should I even have to argue? What difference does it make if I wanted a glass of tap water or bottled water, shouldn’t it just be human instinct to serve someone who was thirsty water? What has Vegas become? What have the hotels become? What have people become?
That’s when the argument started, I was angry. I was angry because she walked away from me. She walked away and I didn’t get any water. I even used foul language (which never gets anyone anywhere) and still nothing. So I asked to speak to the manager. I explained the situation to him and even he said they only served bottled water. I told him I didn’t want to pay $5 for a bottle of water, that Vegas tap was fine, as I had been drinking and I am thirsty. I also told him the other bartender had served me a glass of ice water from the tap. He said it was a mistake! A mistake? Impossible! After long persuasion he did cave and had them pour me a glass of water from the bar tap. Now that’s the sign of a good bar manager isn’t it?
Why would I even have to argue with anyone about a glass of water? If someone is thirsty shouldn’t another human being just give them a drink of water? Some might think that I am being a bit irrational and perhaps I am. This guy at the event that I was talking to thought I should just be happy and as he merrily bounced up and down to the music beat, all I could think of is he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t get what this meant to me. He doesn’t get that there is a deeper disappointment here not just the fact that I had to fight for a glass of Vegas tap water!
These beautiful female bar tenders; they look so good, so put together. With their make-up meticulously applied and very perky breasts but where is the beauty here? Where is the love for their fellow human being? That is where I was having trouble. It’s just a glass of water!
Perhaps I shouldn’t go on this mission to quench people’s thirst? Perhaps I am the one being a bit irrational? Or perhaps this is a sign for me to make a difference? That this is the right time to make certain that if people are thirsty they have a drink? This is the beginning of my mission. IAmThirsty.org. This silly mission that all started because one night, at a charity event at the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, I was thirsty!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Back on the Blog

Why is it so difficult to travel and blog? Or is it just me? The last trip I found my self so tired at the end of the day (due to endless hours in the saddle) that the last thing on my mind was to write about my day! But as I look back I could kick myself for not doing so because I really cannot remember half the things that happened during the day. The feelings I felt riding down the road, the people I met and saw along the way, and the frustration I felt traveling through Third World countries.

It's not easy traveling in the Third World. By the end of the second month I was ready to come home. Though that was not possible, my dream was about to unfold. My dream of going to Africa. My dream of climbing Kilimanjaro. My dream of seeing real Maasai tribes people. My dream of going on safari. This dream that has been inside of me for over a decade. Yes, it was about to begin.

But it was there that I was broken. It was Africa that turned my whole world upside down. Africa broke me. Ethiopia broke me. It was painful for me. Painful because it was so poor. Painful because it was so dry and there was no water. Painful because I didn't have the patience anymore to deal with people. And why not? Why couldn't I deal with people anymore? That is a question that I still cannot answer. But still of all the countries I visited, still calls for me.

I still feel the pull to go back. To make a difference. To do something for someone and not expect anything in return. To give with my heart. This is where my wheels have been turning. And I will make a difference. I do believe I will be back.

I still have more to write about my journey. This isn't the last of this. I also have beautiful photos to share. Check back for the rest of my story! For now this is all that is in me!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Taipei - Bad Taste?

It was painful yesterday riding through the city of Taipei. There is a special bike path built along the river which attracts all the local cyclists on the weekends. Sweet families and the weekend warrior crowd the tarmac wreaking havoc for anyone who has bit of bicycle handling, fitness and wishes to ride with a bit of speed. Anthony and I found ourselves frustrated more than joyful on this little excursion.
The river was stagnant which made a horrible stench as we rode up the path. Then the haze made me feel queasy just thinking I was breathing it in and the hoards of people made the ride so slow. I believe there is still room for improvement.
The sweet part was all the little details added to it. I loved the signage, the emblems placed on the path and the entrepreneurs along the way. Little stands with special “bike” accessories littered the trail. Items which were popular included knock-off Buffs, bells, helmets, cycle shorts and jerseys and puncture repair kits among other things. Anthony and I decided that a knock-off Buff was a necessity to keep us from breathing the hazardous air as well as a bell to warn others that we were coming through.
We stopped at a popular food destination and decided to take a look around. I always seem to be drawn to the fresh vegetables and found myself salivating in front of a corn stand. Three types of corn were displayed – white, yellow and purple corn. OK – how can you mess up corn? Oh – give it to the Taiwanese – they can do it. It was the worst corn I ever had. Like rubber on a cob. But I still wasn’t convinced; I tried ANOTHER piece of corn which was even worse than the first. How is that possible? How can you mess up something so wonderfully natural? And unfortunately that was all I could stomach as I wasn’t about to embark upon the other rubber, er, I mean food stalls that were lining the “food court.” Then I found my heart sink when I saw a cage full of young tortoises possibly used for consumption rather than pets as well as live snake/eels.
Fisherman’s Wharf is where we found ourselves but we couldn’t escape from the busy city. By that time we had had enough and decided we would take the train back to the Main Train Station with our bikes. It felt like the longest journey back. There were no bikes allowed at the Main Train Station so we had to get off at the stop prior then navigate our way through the busy streets. Why is it easier to ride in crazy Indonesia than in Taiwan?
It was busy and it was painful and all we could think about was: Get us out of here! We even went so far as checking flights to get to Sri Lanka sooner. After we found out that we would have to spend a few extra nights in Taipei in order to fly to Sri Lanka sooner we decided that perhaps we should just give the original plan a go. Lets not leave Taiwan with this “bad taste” in our mouths, lets get into the country and see what this little island is all about.
So, we are currently on the train heading to Chiayi. I am worried that the food will still be inedible, we won’t be able to escape the “Asian” haze and we will wish we were on our flight to Sri Lanka. But you know, we still need to make double sure Taiwan is not the place for us.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Taipei, Taiwan 2009

I look out the window every day and see the thick air surrounding the tall buildings. It makes me crave the fresh green countryside, and wonder if there is one?

Taipei is just another first world city full of cars, rushing people and tall buildings. It's a concrete jungle. I'll admit it's organized and the people follow strict rules of the city's organization. For one - I have to laugh at the underground train system. There are lines to where you stand before you get on the train to make it more efficient so when the passengers getting off the train don't bump into the passengers getting on. The lines are marked on the floor and it seems everyone makes a conscious effort stay within those lines - even if they curve a bit. Anthony and I would wonder what would happen if we didn't stay in between the lines, would the train police write us a ticket? Would we spend time in a Taiwanese jail? But it's a contrast to Sumatra which has NO order. It feels good having some kind of organization after coming from complete chaos in Indo.

We enjoyed the 4 days of the Taiwan bike show and saw great vendors (including our friends at Ergon) and were attracted to the new and improved weight weenie cycle components. The feeling was different to Interbike in Las Vegas (it's got great energy there) but we enjoyed it just the same. Anthony picked up a bicycle resource guide that is the size of 2 Las Vegas yellow pages and is in hog heaven. I, personlly, loved seeing familiar faces, like Gizmo Bill and his wife Colleen. After not being with people we knew (or at least I knew) it was nice seeing western friends from back home. We enjoyed the company while having a very lovely dinner at an Italian restaurant close to one of the great malls. Unfortunately the original restaurant we chose, Ostrich, was out of business. It's hard depending on Lonely Planet especially when the world evolves so quickly. I am curious what else we will find that no longer exists in Sri Lanka or perhaps East Africa?

Taipei does suck the life out of you. I am finding myself very tired and wanting to find an escape route. It's not easy to get out of the city by bike. We are going to take the train closer to our desired destination, the mountains, and cycle from there. Though Taiwan is a small island it's not that small. Plus, there are hoops to jump through as far as traveling by bike. But we are getting used to it - it always seems to be harder to travel in the first world countries than the third world ones because of the bureaucracy.

But we are off hopefully today to find the charm Taiwan has to offer. I am craving a different flavor - and if I get on the subject of flavor I would think of the food here. So I'll just give you a quick overview of what I feel the food is like here and I can some it up with ONE word: VILE. What are these people thinking? There is absolutely no flavor here - and I am not a big fan of the congealed pig blood on a stick nor the chicken heads and feet, I won't eat it. Everything else is pretty rubbery and I find there is one particular spice that I do not enjoy at all and I don't even know what that is. I have come to the conclusion, and acceptance, that I just don't care for the Chinese cuisine. I don't have to either. I don't need dim-sum in the afternoon - I'm OK with fresh fish, rice, veggies/fruit and chicken and I do not have to force myself to enjoy any dumpling with mystery filling inside it. Even Anthony - who is so daring and tries everything - finds no joy in the food here. He is just adding weight because he is curious of what each food tastes like. The verdict is: rubber. All different shapes and colors of rubber. I am hoping that the countryside will provide something new for us to try and enjoy and perhaps a breath of fresh air.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Greetings from Takengon

All is well. This is the first time I have had Internet in about a week or more. It's very remote and third world around here. Not for the weak at heart.
The people are beautiful and kind and though they don't have much there is no hesitation to invite us for a cup of coffee and chat. The riding is hard - think of volcanos everywhere - up and down. Sometimes it feels like more up than down! Perhaps that is because I am carrying an 80lb bike up those suckers.
Other than missing the communcation back home I am doing OK! It is hard going and I can't help but think if something happened anywhere I would surely be fooked! I mentioned to a friend one time (Jenny) that if something happened to me to leave me where I am. OK - not here. I meant on a mountain top or something - perhaps a crevasse. Now I think, it's OK, bring me back.
I will be posting more photos and another blog soon. Keep checking back. Until then be well! Tarimah Kaseh

Friday, February 27, 2009

A Breath of Fresh Air Please

Friday, February 27, 2009
A Breath of Fresh Air Please
Arriving in Medan and taking the taxi back to where we made base camp gave me a familiar feeling. The hustle of city life, the chaos of traffic and being back in Indo was interesting. Medan is a big city, the heart of Sumatra, and its business as usual for its locals. Just putting the bikes together, making last minute purchases and the long flight didn’t take us long to want to put our heads to rest. A sleeping pill, ear plugs and fatigue still doesn’t drown the noise beyond the walls of our homestay. We did get some rest and found ourselves waking up way before dawn ready to take on the day.
After our modest breakfast of coffee (kopi) and toast with peanut butter we loaded up the bikes and headed out of town towards Berastagi. The roads are busy with buses, motorcycles, scooters and cars. The traffic is intense as well as the exhaust fumes from them. They have their own communication system; horns blowing, taps and competing poll positions for the best path forward. We are just another vehicle on the road and that is exactly how we have to ride; aggressively! It doesn’t take long to figure out how the cycle works, if you are ahead then you have the right of way. But you have to watch it, the buses and cars will stop right in front of you without warning and you have to keep your wits about yourself, especially traveling with a loaded bike with heavy panniers and handlebar bag. It gets old after a while; the sound of buses humming by, usually too close for comfort, the smell of exhaust and the burning piles of litter at the side of the road. It didn’t take me long at all to realize I am in need of fresh air and the charm I was hoping this country has to offer. I was not impressed anymore with being in foreign surroundings, I needed more and arriving in Berastagi didn’t offer that at all. It was a very long ride to get there, about 75km of uphill, and I could’ve used a hot shower to wash off all the grime. I didn’t get that.
It’s modest here in Sumatra. Living is a daily ritual and getting through each day is just that, getting through the day. Berastagi is a busy city with a mix of Christians and Muslims and other religions living in harmony. Padangs are a mainstay in these parts; little shops or stalls with various spicy foods displayed in a window served with cooked white rice. You pick what you want – they charge you by what you eat – and it’s super cheap. It’s easy for us to choose these stalls as we ride all day and by the time we head out for a bite to eat we are too tired and hungry to sit around and wait for anything to cook. These make very good instant hunger fixes for us.
Sticky fingers also lurk in these parts and it didn’t take me long to realize I must always be on my guard. Someone took my camera off my bike. It was my little point and shoot but that little camera was the fun little toy I enjoyed the most as I was able to shoot on the fly from my bike. The day was gone and I just had to come to terms that this is what happens in these parts. The camera can, and will, be replaced but the day cannot. That is what bothers me the most, losing a day in my life. I am now forced to use my Canon 5D and Tamron 28-300 VC lens. I back-up all my photos each day now and will not take any chances anymore. Suffice to say the following day wasn’t a good one for me. I was upset and I was ready for the charm I was hoping for!
We still had a long day ahead of us, about another 120km of riding to get to Prapat where we will take the ferry across to Tuk Tuk on the Island of Pulau Samosir. This is the island in the middle of Lake Toba which sits inside a fallen volcano. This lake is bigger than Singapore and is surrounded by the crater wall with a sweet island in the middle. The view from the top was breathtaking; definitely worth all the hard work on the bike. We took the ferry across and while on the ferry were approached by a man to stay in his “hotel.” Based on the fact that we would be arriving in the dark, had our bikes and seven pieces of luggage between us (2 panniers each, two handlebar bags and one rucksack) he didn’t have to convince us that perhaps this is where we should stay. And we were pleasantly surprised. The room is a traditional Batek style building (picture an a-frame) with dark hand carved wood and modest amenities including a warm shower, a rarity in these parts, with a nice view of the lake. We have access to a restaurant and cold Bintang beer and after a good meal it was time to retire.
Landing at Lake Toba was, without a doubt, a breath of fresh air; both literally and figuratively. The morning was beautiful and peaceful. The sounds of nature filled the air; birds, crickets, frogs and fish jumping in the lake were music to my ears. It sure beats the sounds of beeping horns, motorbikes and bad loud music coming from blown speakers. It is here that I feel good.The villages on the island are small and though this was once a hopping tourist destination now appears to be a ghost town. Not too many tourists come here and those that are here seem to be more mature. I find there are a lot more Europeans than Americans. But I am also happy to say being American isn’t so bad now that Obama is President. If I say I am American the locals will recite his name with a gleeful smile. After all he did go to grade school in Indonesia so for him to become President of the United States is something the locals can be proud of.
Today is my day to gather my thoughts, soak in the surroundings and write my blog while Anthony goes off for a training ride. Tomorrow is back on the bike and very hard going travel. Kutacane is our next destination with some time to check out Gunung Leuser National Park. This park is one of the most special parks on the planet with all its threatened wild life and delicate eco-system. I am not sure what to expect yet but I am certain biting insects will be key to avoid. Then it’s off towards the Aceh province, Banda Aceh (the hardest hit by the 2004 Tsunami) and Pulau Weh Marine Park for some diving. I doubt I will have many Internet options so this might be the last blog I post for a while. So until then, wish us safe travels and send your good energy our way as we will be approaching the unknown soon! Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Florence Arizona

It appears I made mistake about Florence, Arizona and it is not just the town that houses Arizona's State Pen and a McDonald's but actually has history.

I have been informed by a Florence resident that I missed quite the festivities this year on Valentine's Day. This reader wrote:
Read your blog comments on Florence AZ and I have this to say...

Too bad you didn't actually go into Florence AZ on Valentines Day.That was the day they had their historic tour. The town has over 100 buildings on the National Register and this was the day some of the public and private homes and buildings are open to the public. You missed an antique show, book sale, quilt show, old time fiddle music and the chance to see Florence homes from the 1870's on up. Some of these old adobes are quite photogenic, as is the 1891 Victorian Courthouse.

The museum in Florence is quite incredible and has furniture made out of cactus, and has info on the lady stagecoach robber and a sobering prison display of the nooses used for hangings among a lot of other amazing things. Its a great, interesting, historic, and authentic western town recently picked as #4 of the top ten true western towns by True West Magazine for 2009. Too bad you didnt get off the highway and see the real town. There is so much more than just the prison and McDonalds.
I think this person is correct, I would have loved to have gotten off the highway to view this quaint little town with big personality on Valentine's Day! Thank you for sharing!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Solo Winners

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24 Hours of The Old Pueblo

Location: A few miles outside of Tucson Arizona
Place: 24 hours of The Old Pueblo
Date: February 13th thru 15th, 2009

It was a beautiful drive coming from Las Vegas. The sun was high and the skies were clear blue. A complete contrast of what the forecast was a couple days prior which called for cold, clouds and rain. Over Hoover Dam and seeing the new construction of the bridge was a sight to see. It is amazing how they construct bridges especially that high! The views of Black Canyon were awesome and the little buds of grass was a small sign that rain had just passed and perhaps spring is on it's way!

Getting into Arizona was wonderful. I was in awe of all the Saguaro Cacti. Never have I seen so many and different species of cacti not to mention concentration of them. They were everywhere. My eyes were everywhere excepth the road - just kidding we arrived safely.

Though we did have to stop overnight as the drive was quite long. Not a good idea when it was Valentines weekend - who wants to take their Valentine to Florence? Italy perhaps but Florence, Arizona? There's the Arizona State Pen down the road and McDonalds that's all. But all motels were booked then we realized there was an Indian Flute Festival and Renaissance Festival happening that same weekend. We were lucky to have even found a room in the Hampton Inn at the rate we were going and it was higher than Vegas rates!

Eventually we made it to the venue, after one of the best nights' of sleep we have had in a long time, the following day. The camping area was getting packed and athletes and their support crew were arriving by car, truck and RV loads. It was nice that Robin and Leslie had a camping spot picked out for us already and it was easy to spot. We had enough room to get Ian and Sully's RV in as well.

Anthony and I went out to test ride the course and it was super fun. Lots of fast single track, cactus dodging, an occasional cow and firm packed trail. The recipe for fun! After our trail ride it was time for Anthony to hit the pasta and do last minute adjustments to his bikes.

The next morning was perfect. The crowds were out and about, the vendors were open for business and the coffee wagon line was out of control. The athletes were ready for registration and getting their poll positions in order. Bikes were lined up along the course as the riders made their way for the running start. It wasn't long before the elite athletes were in the front ready to tackle the first lap. The first soloist around the 16 mile course was Tinker Juarez followed by Evan Plews who was not far behind. It wasn't long until Ian Leitch and Anthony White made their way around - first hour was down 23 more hours to go.

It was cat and mouse for a while between Ian and Anthony. Neither could keep up the pace with Tinker or Evan and Evan made his way to the top followed by Ant and Ian - or was it Ian and Ant? Regardless at one point Ian was third and Ant was third but Ant ended up having to pull out after 14 hours (11 laps) because he couldn't see. The desert sand took it's toll on his sensitive eyes and he got a little too close for comfort with the native cacti and became a painful pin cushion. It wasn't a total loss as we did have Ian to help which in the end got an incredible second place finish to Evan, both with 18 laps, and Tinker coming in at third place with 17.

I have to thank all the vendors who have been so good to us - well - me! First is Jeff Kerkove with Ergon grips. Thank you for the awesome carbon Ergon grips that I get to use during my travels abroad. I am so excited about them. AND my great friends at Deuter - thank you! AND our newest sponsor Rudy Project. Next year there will be no excuses for Anthony to not finish this race and win. Ha!

Now it's time to repack everything for this big trip Anthony and I are taking with more fun stories to share, so check back and keep in touch. And until then I wish you happy trails.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Road Tripping

Today is the day we head out for the big race, 24 hours of Old Pueblo, in Tucson Arizona. The forecast is looking better than before but not the ideal situation of 60+ degrees and sunny skies that I was hoping for. I think it is now going to be milder during the day and the chance of rain less likely, but temps will be dropping down to a mere 35 degrees at night (burr). I am also not looking forward to the drive (as I think my lazy butt is going to have to sit in the driver's seat for 7+ hours) nor the packing I still have to do (which I should probably get out of the dryer). At least the camera gear is packed (priorities) and all that is left is the remainder of my clothing and last minute business related stuff.

It's exciting to think who is going to be there: the vendors - the crazy athletes who enjoy 24 hours of abuse - and all the people who volunteer to stay up all night being part of the team's "pit" crew. I am going to enjoy photographing the whole process as typically photographers take images of the riders on course - rarely do you see shots of the looks of pain on their face when they come into transition, or the carnage that is bound to happen during any type of endurance race (by carnage I mean broken bikes). I recall a scene from Mountain Mayhem 2008 when a guy was carrying his perfectly good bike (in the middle of the night I might add) and I asked him: "Is your bike broken?" and his response was "I'm broken."

Which is another test. These riders train hard to be able to stay up all night, giving it their all and keeping the pace for 24 hours straight. It's a mental game. Many, many solo riders end up falling apart just because of lack of will. Or they give their all in the first 12 hours and can't make their legs go round after 13, by that time it's a bust. This is a true test of someone's will - or pure stupidity - you choose - I think the latter.

I am signing off now - the buzzer is going on the dryer and I must finish my business before I listen to U2's the Joshua Tree over and over until I reach Tucson! Happy trails!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Shooting with theTamron 70-200mm F/2.8

Location: Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, Nevada.
Camera: Canon 5D
Lens: Tamron AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro
Subject: Anthony White: Endurance Cyclist and contender for the 2009 24 hours of Old Pueblo endurance race in Tucson, Arizona.

The shoot was to help promote Anthony's cycling sponsors with this particular shot being for Exposure Lights and it's ease of use. The image was shot wide open at F/2.8. Notice the detail. I was so amazed using this lens and getting the quality I did. Pairing it with my Canon 5D is perfection.

If you are in the market for an affordable, beautiful, fast, super sharp lens then I would look no further. This one takes the cake.

I will continue to post images using my Tamron lenses and I encourage you to check back frequently for updates.


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Tuesday, February 10, 2009

New Tamron Lens is going Biking!


Oooh, I can't wait, I am going to get a new lens for my trip. The wonderful people at Tamron are loaning me one of their new AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC (Vibration Compensation) LD Aspherical (IF) Macro to use with my Canon 5D. I am so excited after reading all it can do! One of the things that I have learned in my cycle travel is keeping things light. That is one of the benefits of using Tamron lenses - I get great quality imagery without sacrifing weight by using bulkier lenses. Now with their new Vibration Compensation I am bound to get some pretty amazing images as I cycle through the villages with one hand on the handle bar and the other on my camera. That might be a photo in and of itself!

I have agreed to provide Tamron with beautiful images using this lens and a link to my blog - as well as posting photos and blogs to their site - so keep checking back for amazing shots I take using their fine equipment.


London 2008 all in one!
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Monday, February 9, 2009

It's Looking Grim

It's another grim day in Vegas. The surrounding mtns have snow and the rain keeps coming and going. The wind is howling, it's cold and I have been off my bike for what seems to be an eternity! I have to plan this trip so I really shouldn't be too fussed about the weather and no saddle time. I seem to be up in the wee hours of the morning until the wee hours of the night plugging away on last minute details.

The next step is preparing for 24 hours of Old Pueblo. Good thing I am not racing but I will be photographing the grand event for MBUK (the mountain bike magazine in the UK). There are a few contenders in this race - One is my boyfriend, Ant White, who will be wearing a Project Rwanda jersey, and came in at an impressive second place in the men's solo pro category at The 12 hours of Temecula race just 2 weeks ago (only 14 minutes behind 2 time Olympian, Tinker Juarez - results) along with Ian Leitch, riding for Independent Fabrication, (2nd place winner of the biggest 24 hour race in the UK, Mountain Mayhem - results -notice Ant White as first place solo). I have a few other key riders I am hoping to feature. One is a dear friend, Robin Brown, who will be riding his single speed, solo, with ONE arm. The other a female friend who will be riding solo as well under the name "Ignorance Is." Would that have a Forrest Gump reference in there somewhere?

As I plan my gear bag I have to take into consideration the conditions. Cold and possibly VERY wet - the recipe for disaster when taking photos! Fingers freeze and everyone knows cameras do not like the rain. I also have to get packing for my huge jaunt so I feel a bit under pressure.

Anyway - photos will be posted of 24 HOP - and I will keep you up to date on the packing front. At least with this brutal weather I don't feel so guilty not being on the bike. Instead I must continue keeping myself occupied doing things in preparation for these events... right?

Looking forward to you checking back soon!

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A rainy day in Vegas

OK - so it's raining in Vegas. Not a common site as you know. I think it was my friend ADI (who lives in the UK - which, by the way, is experiencing the coldest winter in about 30 years or so) that brought the crap weather with him. No playing outdoors for Steph today - it's homeward bound for me all the while cursing poor Adi!
It's OK though ... I seem to be getting things done. I have made a blog entry, added new links to: A Few of my Favorite Things (please check them out) and get to spend time with Ant. Not a bad way to spend a rainy Saturday!
Now it's off to finding great photos to post so I can have a killer slide show that you all can see.
Check back soon - signing off for now!

Monday, January 26, 2009


It's another fine day out in Cottonwood with my De-An.
I can't help but love my DEAN hardtail. Thanks to Anthony she is pimped out with sweet little pink accents. There is nothing like the look of brushed ti and a splash of pink. And let me just say: she climbs like a banshee! HA!
Thanks to Stan's No Tubes I have the lightest wheelset you can buy; the ZTR Race 7000 with American Classic hubs (check out: A few of my favorite things: wheels for contact info).
Another adventure awaits. Stay tuned for updates.
Life is Good!

Anthony at Bootleg Canyon!

Take a look:


I invite you to take a look at my website.
Fine social events are my specialty!

"Where in the World is Stephanie Vogel?"


A sweet trip to Death Valley with a stop in Badwater... just another day in paradise.

I took Anthony for a nice road ride out to one of my favorite places on Earth, Death Valley.
The weather was perfect - the sky was blue and the temps were mild. Life just doesn't get any better than that!