Caldwell to north of Weiser, Idaho - 9 Jul 09

A new record - 56 miles. The first half of the ride was fairly flat and about a 10 mi/hr headwind. During the middle of the day, there were more undulating hills, and headwind picked up to about 20 mi/hr. After he past Fruitland, the wind died down for the last 20 miles, and the ride was good until he passed Weiser. As he headed for the campground about 2 miles north of Weiser, a strong squall hit, with the gusts coming sidewards toward him, and he ended up walking, so he and the bike didn't tip over. Most of the day was overcasted and lower temperatures, starting out at about 60 degrees. Later in the day, he had scattered clouds, and sun and the temperature rose to about 80 degrees. It took him about 8 1/2 hours to complete his ride today, but he's tired, NOT exhausted. His right calf is not bothering him, but he did feel a bit of a strain in the other calf. Probably great that he isn't so exhausted; has more stamina to continue. That is good. He signed off with me to set up his tent.

Boise ReStore in Meridian to Caldwell ReStore - 8 Jul 09

Duff just called. He's in Caldwell, ready to eat dinner. He's had a light day of riding (about 22 miles), but a lengthy day of standing, and talking. Local Fox News in Boise interviewed Duff and others at the ReStore. Two folks from Boise affiliate rode to Caldwell ReStore with Duff. Duff will provide me more information in the morning, as he'd like to recognize some folks who have helped him.
P.S. Thanks Michael for the clarification. I have been the scribe for Duff's blog. Here's the update Duff gave me early this morning. He stayed at the Best Western in Caldwell - great accommodations, and folks very friendly. The two guys who rode with him were Jeff Phelps, the ReStore Manager, and Michael Hobson, a Boise Family Partner. Tom Lay, the Executive Director for the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate was helpful, and pleased with the publicity for Habitat. Next stop - Weiser.

Mountain Home to Boise (Meridian) - 7 Jul 09

Duff reporting: I was up by 4:30, and packed and ready to ride by 6 AM. The air was cool, and there was no wind, so it made for great riding conditions. I had set myself some intermediate goals and times, and did good at meeting or beating them. I rode the frontage roads much of the way toward Boise, and finally did 10 miles on I-84 since there was no other way. My general impression of the terrain from Mtn. Home to Boise is that it is a steady gentle climb the whole way, or at least to exit 64. I got off the freeway there, and rode west on Kuna-Mora Road, which put me into the teeth of a 10-20 mph headwind. Thank goodness, the road tended to be slightly downhill. When I turned north on Cloverdale Road for the last stretch to the hotel, again it was into the headwind, which really saps my strength. I wound up walking more hills than I intended, but it all covered ground. My 55 miles today is my longest distance to date, and in some ways, I was less fatigued today that I was yesterday. My destination was the Candlewood in Meridian, and I arrived about 2:30 PM. The folks here are super, just like they were in Idaho Falls. Again, if you are every able to stay at a Candlewood Suites in your travels, I encourage you to do so. Very nice, and the staff is so helpful. I'll stay here tonight, and then bike to the nearby Boise Valley HFH ReStore tomorrow at 9 AM for a reception and whatever else they have planned. Then off to Canyon County's ReStore for more media stuff.

"Washington Cyclist Stop
Wed., July 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
208-375-5256
Sports & Fitness
A Washington cyclist named Jim Duffield is trekking across Washington and Idaho to raise funds and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Duffield is riding a recumbent bicycle pulling a trailer with his wirehaired dachshund puppy, Max. They are passing through Idaho and cyclists are invited to join on part of the ride. Read more about the journey at duffbikesforhabitat.blogspot.com. "

Glenn's Ferry to Mountain Home - 6 Jul 09

Duff reporting: This was supposed to be an easy 26 mile day, but it sure did not feel like it at the end. There was a headwind of 10-20 mph most of the way, but I did OK to the base of the "Hammett" hill. I knew I'd be walking the hill, and thought it would be about 2 miles, but in actuality, it turned out to be 5 to 6 miles to the top where it leveled off a bit. That left me about 10 miles into Mtn. Home, and it was all into the wind. I was sucking down water and pedalling as good as I could in 2:4 gears--that is not very strong, but it is still moving. I made my way to the north end of Mtn. Home, and found the motel. It was nothing to brag about, and I've chosen to not even mention it. On the plus side, it did have an A/C and a decent bed. I made a food run to Albertson's and stayed in the room all day resting. Tomorrow will be my longest distance yet, so I need to be rested. Again, today I covered 26 miles. That makes my grand total 466 miles, as I recollect.

Buhl to Glenn's Ferry - 5 Jul 09

Up early, Bill Root took Duff & gear back to the location where he previously ended his day. Duff started at 7:40 AM and arrived in Glenn's Ferry by 3 p.m., the "easiest 49 miles" he's ridden, and he had to admit, most of it was downhill. He had to walk "Bliss Hill", but Duff feels pretty good right now. He's camping out tonight, and will get up early to begin his next leg to Mountain Home.

Duff's after comments: I rode I-84 from Bliss to Glenn's Ferry, and in the eastern part, I was really rolling. It was downhill and with a tailwind, I even had to brake to keep from going too fast for me. Then, about five miles before I got to GF, it was up and down--and I hate the ups. I was hot, and found the first place I could to camp for the night. I got my tent up about 6 PM, and right after that, a fierce thunderstorm hit. I was safe from the rain in my tent, but there was lots of thunder and lightning CLOSE BY. Good thing the rain fly kept me from looking outside, or I really would have been scared. Then, 30 minutes later, the sun came back out and it got hot again. It had been so hot, I slept on top the sleeping bag until after midnight.

Flier to Buhl - 4 July 09

Duff was up early, and restarted his bike ride from Flier to Buhl, arriving in enough time to get ready to put his bike up on the float. What a great float it was. Each year, the volunteers have made a great float, and this year was no exception. I'll get the photograph up as soon as I arrive back home. (Linda speaking). About 10:30 a.m., Max & Duff climbed up onto the float with a large group of Habitat volunteers. The whole parade lasted about 1 1/2 hours, and was very enjoyable. Thankfully, it was also in the morning, and the temperature was cool. Max behaved himself, but Duff was a bit worried, as Max kept barking at the horse that was following the Habitat float. With the completion of the parade, Duff rode 2 miles to the outskirts of Buhl, where he was met by Bill and Suzanne Root, and his bike with gear was loaded up to go with them to the Root's ranch. Duff enjoyed the conversation and the Root's generosity for such a nice place to stay the night. Max did not continue the bike ride, and went "home" with Linda. Max, for an 8 month old puppy, did put in about 350 miles! Duff's total miles today was 12.

Burley to Twin Falls/Filer - 3 Jul 09

Duff started off from Burley at 7 a.m. Max did not make the entire ride; he was restless, and whining. Duff rode most of the way into the Twin Falls ReStore, and just before 2 p.m. loaded Max up in his wagon, and rode into a group of awaiting volunteers, media, and Chamber of Commerce ambassadors. ED Linda Fleming and crew were very welcoming, and very busy getting ready with the float for the 4th of July parade. The volunteers served barbecue and other dishes, the T.V. media interviewed Duff & took pictures, primarily, of Max, the photo-ham. A few young folks played with Max, getting him to do what few tricks he knew (with the aid of food). A little after 4 p.m., Duff (without Max) took off to ride to Buhl, where he was to store his bike and Max's wagon. The ride wasn't bad, but it was hot, and a very large incoming storm was approaching, so Duff stopped for the day at the edge of a town named Filer. This evening Duff & family were the guests of Gordon and Trudy Saffrey, in a gorgeous setting just above the Shoshone Falls. The Saffreys were very hospitable, and enjoyable hosts. The T.V. spot on local news was very nice, but Duff was a bit disappointed that there wasn't anything said about the ReStore, which was one of the primary reasons for stopping to be with this Habitat affiliate. Thanks to all who invested so much effort and allowed Duff & Max to participate. And, thank to the local station for the nice story and photo-op of Max & Duff.