In Memory

I ride with a decal of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade patch in memory of the men I served with.  Of the more than 58,000 Americans who died during the Vietnam War, 754 served with the 199th.  It will always be my honor and privilege to have known some of them.

Memorial Day 2009

The Traveling Wall, a 1/2 size replica of the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial a.k.a. The Wall, has made at least 4 visits to the Coachella Valley.  Another visit is scheduled fairly soon for Desert Hot Springs.  On those occasions when the Traveling Wall is in the valley I visit it frequently.

Today's Ride 06-17-10

Palm Springs 33 1/2 mile loop with side-trip out to the Indian Canyons.  Vista Chino, Date Palm, Varner, Ramon, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, worked way south to Indian Canyons, then home near Ruth Hardy Park.  Fast ride down Varner, 30+ mph, with strong tailwind.  No really safe ways for cyclists into or out of Palm Springs, except what exists of the slow Whitewater Channel Trail: the only road routes are Highway 111, Dianh Shore, Ramon, Vista Chino and parts of all have no marked bike trail and are close to fast moving traffic.

Tarantula 11-21-09

Tarantula crossing the road looking for a date, Indian Canyons south of Palm Springs.

Colorado River Water at Windy Point

Coachella Valley's allotment of water from the Colorado River flows past Windy Point, north of Palm Springs to percolation ponds nearby, where it percolates into the basin's aquifer.  Mt. San Gorgonio provides the backdrop to this photo.

Tour de Palm Springs 2009

The Tour de Palm Springs (http://www.tourdepalmsprings.com/), hosted by CVSpin, is the premier cycling event in the Coachella Valley bringing thousands of riders of all abilities to the desert.  The rides include 100 miles, 55 miles, 25 miles, 10 miles and 5 miles.  Registration fees help provide funding for more than 40 local charity non-profit organizations.  This photo is taken from a nutrition/rest stop on the Ramon Road & 1000 Palms Canyon Road intersection, part of the 55 mile stage.  For the 2010 Tour de PS registration fees were waived for all handcyclists.  Thank you Tour de Palm Springs.

Thanksgiving Day 2008

Thanksgiving day ride in the Coachella Valley before the big meal.  Life is good.

I'm thankful.

Chuckwalla 04-15-07 Palm Canyon, Indian Canyons, Palm Springs, CA

The Chuckwalla, a.k.a. Chuckawalla is the largest lizzard found in the local southern California desert.  It's a treat to be able to see one.  I once was able to watch one as it dined on the blossoms of the Desert Willow Tree.

Datura Blossom

Datura, a.k.a. Jimson Weed is an unlikely plant to be found in the hot dry desert, but it is common in the heat of the summer along dry sandy washs and as can be seen here it produces large beautiful white flowers

Scorpion 09-06-08, Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

This little critter was probably out on the hunt for a meal or a mate or both when its life came to a quick end.

Acacia and Bee 05-11-08 Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

Acacia and Mesquite blossoms aren't standout flowers like many of their more colorful counterparts, but they attract bees and I am pretty sure that honey lovers would appreciate what the bees make of them.

Bobcat 10-18-09 South Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs

Unfortunately this bobcat had a fatal encounter with a car, but this photo of its demise gives us a peek at the world of wildlife that exists alongside us that we might not ever get a chance to be witness to in any other way.  Those of us who travel through our world under our own power have the best chance of knowing our wild neighbors.

Mt. San Jacinto from the Painted Hills Area 02-22-09

The Coachella Valley is a wonderful winter cycling and all around outdoor recreation destination. Beauty abounds as this photo shows. For cyclists the topography has everything from flats, to hills to mountains and the climate is perfect from mid-October through the end of May.

Incight's (www.Incight.org) Pedicab

Here are a couple of Incight's Interns, Johnathan the pilot and Trevor his passenger, trying out our pedicab provided to Incight by Main Street Pedicabs of Colorado (http://www.pedicab.com/).  Thanks to our partnership with Main Street Pedicab, Incight can provide cycling opportunities for just about anyone, no matter their disability.

Hector Ayon, an Incight Intern riding an Intrepid Handcycle

Intrepid Equipment (http://www.intrepidequipment.com/) manufactures custom handcycles and in partnership with Incight, makes them available for physically disabled cyclists who live in or are visiting the Coachella Valley and for anyone else who might like to experience an intense upper body workout.