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Jim Cochran
Jim Cochran

Jim Cochran

📍 Portugal Read more🇺🇸Iowa City
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  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler
    1

    Day 13: Bamberg, Germany

    July 16, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    It was a tough day of cycling with a lot of ups and downs, and a headwind. When we arrived in Bamberg we took a spin through town to see some of the sites. Since it was Saturday, and there was a magic show festival going on, it was super busy and difficult to get through the crowds. We arrived at our Warmshower hosts at 7:00 pm, And got cleaned up quickly, started some laundry, and headed out for a walking tour and dinner. It was another fun day, but we were definitely exhausted and ready for bed after eating some traditional Bavarian food and beer.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 12: Mehlmeisel, Germany

    July 15, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    I walked down about 7 AM to take a morning stroll in Karlovy Vary and find a morning java. The nice lady at the front desk (actually the owner of the hotel) said it would be hard to find one that early. She then Said she would make me a traditional Czech coffee and also offered me some tiny pastries that were from her niece’s wedding. I sat on the front terrace and did some people watching, and the owner chatted with me for a bit about the history of the area with the Russians and Russian tourism. Lisa got ready and joined me for a walk and we spent about one hour walking around the city. We were seeing people drink something out of these strange drinking vessels, and realized that they were drinking the natural hot spring water from different taps around the city. The different waters are supposed to have different types of healing effects for the body. I guess that’s why the coffee shops weren’t open. It was a peaceful walk around the city, and everything seemed to move in slow motion until the hustle and bustle started around 9 AM. We had a great breakfast and got on the road around 9:30 AM. About 2 miles into the day I hit a sharp stick and that was it for my rear tubeless tire. I put on my trusty continental spare tire with a tube, And we rode on along the river and giant rock pillars to Loket, CZ. We spent a lot of time exploring Loket, which caused us to reach or hotel (Gausthaus)in Mehlmeisel, DE at 8 PM. We watched a beautiful sunset from the back deck, and relaxed with a picnic style dinner in our room. A lot of nice riding today, but it felt like we were moving in slow motion for the nearly 70 mile day.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 11: Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

    July 14, 2022 in Czech Republic ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Another amazing day. We got on the road early, hoping to get to our destination of Karlovy Vary early. We wanted to have time to go to a restaurant that I had scouted out before leaving, and take a nice stroll through the city. I highly recommend that you do a Google search of Karlovy Vary, and read a little bit about the history of the city and look at the images. It’s crazy beautiful! The riding has been quite tough, as I try to take us on some of the hidden little trails, and this has led to some difficult horse trails with large gravel. So far, we have had two flat tires. I cut my sidewall on a jagged rock, the patch has been helping a bit, but I need to pump up the tire a couple times during the day. I am going to have to take some time for a better repair. Yesterday, Lisa got a cut on her tire from some glass, but it seems like the sealant is holding well. The crazy part of the day was having to navigate around some road construction, and carrying our bikes over a set of railroad tracks. We ate lunch about halfway and made it to Karlovy vary about 4:30 PM. We had enough time to have a romantic evening together!Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 10: Most, Czech Republic

    July 13, 2022 in Czech Republic ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We left Nico & Sabine’s About 8 AM after having breakfast. We had a great ride through the changing terrain of the Elbe river valley to the hills separating Germany and the Czech Republic. We had some of the longest climbs of the trip so far, but after entering the Czech Republic, we were graced with a beautiful over look into the Czech Valley below. We stopped at the Lookout point for a bratwurst which was served with a large dollop of horseradish, mustard, and a slice of bread. We were over halfway for our 63 mile day around noon, but we managed to mess around and take our time. We got to Most, CZ and checked into our Airbnb. After a bit of relaxation, re-organizing, and cleaning up, we are going to adventure out to a recommended restaurant.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler
    1

    Day 8: Dresden, Germany

    July 11, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    After breakfast with Carola and Ingolf (Warmshowers), we rode in the cool (56°) morning air to explore the amazing architecture of Bautzen. We always enjoy the slow morning spins, often bouncing along the cobbles, and avoid collisions with tour groups, bicycle commuters, and walkers. We picked up lunch about 1/2 way on our nearly 60 mile day, and looked for a sunny area to enjoy a nice picnic. We found a countryside picnic table overlooking the historic13th century medieval castle🏰 if Stopen. Another amazing moment of our first week of riding. Lunch was followed with more sunny riding, exploring around the castle, swimming in a lake. and some adventurous trail riding.. Jim’s route also took us on a hidden little trail with waterfalls and a huge statue with classical music playing in along the trail. We arrived to the Elbe River at the 40 mile mark and rode along it to Dresden. The Elbe is nearly 650 miles long and flows from the north of the Czech Republic🇨🇿 to the North Sea in Hamburg, DE🇩🇪 We made it to Dresden to Nico, Sabine, and Lukas’ flat about 6pm, after a brief spin through the city center. Nico stayed with us in 2017 when cycling around the world. We visited his parents in 2018 in Paris, and him in 2019 in Munich. We give Nico the credit for motivating us to explore bicycle touring in Europe. ❤️ The evening was spent sampling wine they brought bank from their three week tour in Burgundy, FR 🇫🇷 We also enjoyed homemade soup and quiche. Nico is originally from France and teach French, and Sabine grew up in East Germany and works in HR for designer watch company. Beautiful sites and riding today!Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 6: Zgorzelec, Poland

    July 9, 2022 in Poland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    They are all the best days,but today was really the best day! After sleeping under the stars, and a tiny little house in this beautiful garden, we had a wonderful breakfast (eggs with onions, avocados, berries, bread cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese (all of our favorite things!) with our hosts Thomas and Nagell.
    We headed out on our 70 mile day to ride to the border of Germany and Poland. We stopped at our first German beer garden and talked to some local hunters.
    Afterwards, we stopped for a relaxing lunch picnic at the beach after getting 29.95 miles before noon!
    We continued on and before we got to our final destination Jim surprised me with a stay over apartment in Poland! What a treat! There is even a street festival going on that we enjoyed watching the performers having traditional Polish and German food and beer.    Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 5: Cottbus, Germany

    July 8, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We woke up to the smell of fresh bread from the local bakery and coffee. We had vegetables, cheese, several home made spreads, and meats to eat with delicious rolls. We shared a few more stories with Thomas and Katrin before hitting the pavement towards Cottbus. It was a tough day of riding on gravel, single track, sand, and a few trails. But we made it to Thomas’s place just in time to pick up his wife, Negar at the train station and head to the beach for a picnic and swimming. They swim every day, even in the winter, cutting through the ice to take a plung! Jim was brave enough to get into the lake, while Lisa stayed snuggled up in her parka! It was about 55° F outside (and windy)🥶. Afterwards, we went back to the flat of Thomas and Nager’s for a night cap and more stories. Nigal entertained us with her beautiful music. We walked back to our tiny house in Thomas’ garden accommodation where our bed had a view of the stars. From the sky light in the loft. We fell asleep to the sound of the neighbors socializing and slept peacefully under the blanket of stars.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 4: Palitz, Germany

    July 7, 2022 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    The day started out rainy and slippery and I took Lisa on a bunch of cobble, sandy trails, and steep shortcuts to some lookout towers to get her ready for the rest of the trip. 🤪 Lucky for us, some of the shortcuts led to some ripe raspberries, and a curious fox. We stopped at a roadside tourist area that specializes in local produce, especially berries, cheese, Liquor , and different salamis. We bought a couple different kinds of salami, some cherries, and a blueberry flavored beer. Since it was a cooler day, no one was occupying the beer garden, so we took a vantage of that and had a picnic with the sandwiches that were left over from breakfast and all the goodies we bought. The day was filled with many of the things we love about to rain in Germany, sunflower fields, produce stands, cobbles, Shortcuts in the forest, Bakeries that actually serve pastries that they made and coffee with cremé, beautiful steeples always gracing the horizon, and of course more than can be explained!
    We arrived at Katrin and Tomas (Warmshower host) at about 5 PM enjoyed a cold beverage and wine on the patio with Katrin.
    For dinner we had spietzl (potato pasta) and mixed vegetable salad. It was a perfect dinner after a perfect day of riding!
    After dinner we took a mosey around their town and through the forest, The walk was concluded with a tour of their beautiful garden. We dreamed of swimming in the pool and using the sauna, but it was too cold! We shared stories and cocktails until about 11 PM We even sampled Mongolian vodka together!    Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 3: A Day touring Glindow with Ulrich

    July 6, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We had a cozy night sleep to wake up to a homemade European breakfast (soft boiled eggs, salmon, cheese, fresh bread rolls, jams, tea and coffee). YUM! Afterward, we finished the bicycle assembly, and then headed out for a test ride. Ulrich planned an 18 mile ride around Glindow which included a walk through an outdoor museum of a hospital in a forest. It had rich history, but has since become ruins after WWII. Since then they built tree line walkways to view the different ruins. It was fascinating to see the trees growing out of the bricks, and how much vegetation and trees grew from the rooftops of the abandoned buildings. In true European fashion, they had several playful components for both children an adults alike. We tried them all! On our way back home, we stopped to have ice cream, cake, tea, and coffee at a local restaurant overlooking the lake. When we arrived home, we worked on packing our bags, had a lovely meal of chicken cordon blue with vegetables and potatoes. Lucky for us, Wednesday night is Archery club so we got to participate in a tournament. Jim won first place and Lisa second. The evening was wrapped up with local wine and liquor in the living room with stories of family and wedding memories!Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler
    1

    Day 2: Icelandair to Berlin

    July 5, 2022 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We tried a new airline (Icelandair). They offer a free stop over in Iceland for a maximum of seven days. We weren’t able to take advantage of it this time, but will likely next time! When we exited the baggage claim at the new Berlin airport, Ulrich was waiting for us like an angel from heaven. It finally felt real! We actually made it to Europe! We loaded the bikes on the back of his car and headed to his house where his wife, Heidi, was waiting for us with snuggly hugs and cold drinks. We took some time to begin assembling the bikes while Heidi prepared the best spaghetti dinner we’ve ever eaten . We shared stories of the past few years since the last time we saw each other. The evening ended with more stories, and some local cherry wine and Liquor in their beautifully landscaped garden. We got to bed pretty early in the hopes to quickly shake off any jet lag. A great flight, safe bikes, and seeing old friends was a perfect closure to the end of Lisa’s healing and a start of our long awaited tour.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Day 1: Chicago O’Hare

    July 4, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Driving through about 2 1/2 hours of rain, we made it to O’Hare with plenty of time to spare. Thanks to our gracious Warmshower connection, Paul and his son, we got the car parked at his house, and made it through TSA with only one minor hiccup. I left my Swiss Army knife in my carry on. 😬 Unbelievably, they let me exit TSA and take it back to the bicycle box. Departure is at about 7:30 PM.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler
    1
    1

    Healed and almost ready!

    June 30, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    After 6 weeks of healing and the help of a lot of family, friends, doctors, therapists, and colleagues we’re ready for our new tour! Lisa even conquered “hip-cracker turn!” We hope you enjoy following along with us. We depart Chicago on July 4, and our first day of riding will be July 7.Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Disappointment! 🥲

    May 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Our trip is going to have to wait until 2023! About 26 hours before we left for the trip and with all of our bags packed, Lisa and I decided to go for a little casual ride in Iowa City. Unfortunately, Lisa hit a little patch of sand when making a right hand turn, and she went directly down onto her hip. The MRI results today confirmed two fractures in the pelvic bone and one in the sacrum. Luckily these are not displacement fractures, and it will not require any pins or surgery. The estimated time for recovery is six weeks, but I’m sure there will be some strength rebuilding needed after that. Thank you all for your interest in the trip and your support! ❤️🚲Read more

  • Jim CochranCycling Europe 2022Traveler

    Testing Touring Bikes without Bags

    May 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Lisa and I did a 10 mile test ride to check racks, fenders, and general overall bicycle feel. 2 weeks until departure!

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Katy Trail Final Ride Post

    June 21, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We were greeted at the Arch by Lisa and it was a perfect finish to our near 300 mile tour! We took some photos and headed to the hotel and for an early dinner near Busch Stadium, I’m so proud of Sebastian and I will post on final follow in a couple of days. ❤️🚴🏻‍♂️😀Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Katy Trail Day 6/6 The Arch

    June 21, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Nearly 300 miles and we arrived at our goal. Lisa was waiting for us under the arch when we rolled in. I am so proud of Sebastian, and could see his strength and confidence grow every day of the trip. I know this days will be special forever. Tomorrow we take the elevator to the top of the arch and then make the drive back to Iowa. I may post some final thoughts in the next couple of days, or this may be the end for this adventure’s recap.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Katy Trail Day 6/6 The Final Leg.

    June 21, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We fought our way through the outskirts of St. Louis craziness to reach the arch around 2:30 PM. We navigated rubbish filled bike lanes and shoulder, missing sections of side walks, closed roads, roads that didn’t exist anymore, gunshots ( just 3 or so), bike trail that just ended with giant walls blocking the way, and spots so sketchy I was continually telling Sebastian, “Hey, let’s pick it up through here!” These sketchy sections led to an over 25 mile stressful ride before reaching the arch.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Katy Trail Day 6/6 (Morning)

    June 21, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Wow, amazing thunderstorm! At around 12:30 AM a massive cold front thunderstorm rolled through the campground. Also, included was a dazzling lightning storm with thunder rolling down the Missouri River as we were on the bluffs. We survived the storm to get on the trail toward the arch at 7:30 AM for our 57 mile day to the arch. The trail was crazy with downed branches and trees. We had to circumvent downed trees more than 8 time. We met some other tourist from Minneapolis and it was good to chat with them. Our goal is to reach the arch about 3:00 PM.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler
    1

    Klondike Campground Day 5/6

    June 20, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Finally relaxing in my Father’s Day present ( a hammock)at the Klondike campground after carrying it for 227 miles. 😀 We rode 2.5 miles back to the Good News Brewery for buffalo chicken pizza and some fine conversations with our waiter Austin who is attending Iowa State University. It was nice to see Sebastian open up and take with him. On the way back to our campsite Sebastian crushed it up the .5 mile hike which had 16% grade for part of it. We are going to take a sunset stroll around the campground as we are high on the bluffs over the Missouri River valley. Only one day left and 57 miles to the arch. It will be and adventure tomorrow. 😀Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Katy Trail Morning Day 5/6

    June 20, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Sebastian wanted to sleep in a bit as the mileage for the day was only going to be 41, and temperatures predicted for the low to mid 90’s (much cooler 😏.) We got a nice breakfast at a coffee shop in Hermann. Biscuits and gravy for me and a breakfast burrito for Sebastian. We made good time to Marthasville where we stocked up on breakfast items for tomorrow’s breakfast after our night of camping. Before Marthasville we stopped at Peers store and bought a few Gatorades and some souvenirs ( a Missouri hat for Sebastian and Katy Trail hot sauce for me.) In Augusta we stopped at the Good News Brewery for cheesy garlic bread and some cold drinks. From there it was only two miles to out campsite.Read more

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  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler
    1

    MKT Day 4/6 Warmshower.org

    June 19, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We rocked the day out in under 4 hours of ride time and beat most of the heat. Tonight we are staying with my first warmshowers host in the U.S. They said they host over 200 times a year, as they are the only hosts around in a touristy town. Tonight they are also hosting a retired women from Kansas that is heading to Connecticut. Sebastian and I cleaned up, did laundry, and explored the town. We got some food at a German Style pub and picked up some mini souvenirs at an antique shop. Awesome day!!!Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Katy Trail Day 4/6

    June 19, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Breakfast at 7:00 AM and on the road near 8:00 AM a bit later than anticipated. Trouble checking out as the charged my card 3 times and couldn’t credit the incidentals back to the card. It was all a huge waste of time, but helped us meet a nice cyclist (Jim) on the trail and get us to our first bar/grill after they opened. We learned from Jim about a nice bicycle shelter house in Tebbetts, and were the key is hidden. 😉 We made good time to Rhineland for another bite to eat before our final 6 miles to Hermann, MO.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler
    1

    Wrapping up Day 3/6

    June 18, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    We lounged in the hotel for a couple of hours. I had to hand wash our cycling clothing in the sink, and we are drying them on hangers attached to a bungee cord clothesline. After cooling down we took a walk a cafe, convenience shop, and an antique shop next to our hotel. Tonight we’ll rest for another hot day tomorrow as we ride to our warmshowers host in Hermann, Mo which is about 45 miles away.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Day 3/6 On to Jefferson City, MO

    June 18, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Beautiful riding through Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area as we rode with the Missouri River on our right. The tall bluffs shaded us from the morning sun and kept our bodies a bit cooler. Being closer to Columbia we saw more riders on the trail than any other day. Sebastian was motivated to beat the heat today, and we arrive at the Baymont Inn at 12:30 PM with almost 40 miles.Read more

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