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Jim Cochran
Jim Cochran

Jim Cochran

traveled in 15 countries Read more🇺🇸Iowa City
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  • 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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler
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    Day 3/6 Early Morning in Midway

    June 18, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Sebastian chose the wake up time of 6:15 AM and we were grabbing breakfast at the truck stop cafe about 6:45 AM. I forgot how big breakfast is at a truck stops, and we were over stuffed by our plate sized pancakes. We were on the road before 7:30 AM. We had to navigate some hectic traffic to cross the Interstate 70 exit, and this led us to a narrow state highway for another tense mile. We then had some tough rolling hills to finish the 6.5 miles to rejoin the Katy Trail.Read more

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  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    So so HOT, Katy Trail Day 2

    June 17, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    We are safe in the A/C at a BUDGET Inn In Midway, Missouri. A bridge out on the trail gave us a cruel detour on to a busy highway with no shoulder and no shade! Thanks a lot Missouri! As we struggled in the heat and were nearly struck by a speeding school bus ( thanks America 🇺🇸), we pulled off the road and contemplated our choices. A nice man in a Pickup stopped to ask if we were ok, and at this time we decided it was best to accept his offer for a ride for our last twelve miles. We rode about 48 miles, and Sebastian was do great until the heat overcame us. Good ride and good adventures that make touring so much fun.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Hot ride to Sedalia

    June 16, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Almost 40 miles today after a five hour car drive. Sebastian did great and we rode steadily through the heat to arrive at the historic hotel Bothwell in Sedalia. We made frequent stops in the shade and took a long stop in an a/c Subway shop for cold drinks. A bit further down the road we took a long rest on some picnic tables in a city park with some snacks and cold drinks from the convenience shop. Pushing on through the heat we arrived in Sedalia around 6 pm. I made a quick trip to the grocery, did laundry, and we grabbed some take-out from a local pub/restaurant. A big day tomorrow with predictions of 100° F.Read more

  • Jim CochranKaty Trail 2021Traveler

    Final Preperations

    June 15, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today we were putting the finishing touches on packing and bike preparation. Tomorrow we leave at 6:00 AM for the 5+ hr drive to Clinton, Missouri. We hope to be on the Katy trail for our first day of 40 miles by 1:00 PM. The forecast is for some hot days ahead! 😀🚴🏻‍♂️Read more

  • Jim CochranSummer 2020Traveler
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    Michigan Day 4

    August 9, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Lisa and I got out for a morning bike ride of about 20 miles. After a late breakfast, Adam and I went to explore some more mountain bike trails nearby. The boys seem to be doing fine at the river, and not checking in much. They must be loving the non-parental supervision. Today day is our last full day in Michigan, and we drive home tomorrow. Lisa and I both went water skiing today, and again we took a nice sunset ride in the boat.Read more

  • Jim CochranSummer 2020Traveler
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    Michigan Day 3

    August 8, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We checked in with the boys at the river, and they were requesting more food! Adam, Lisa and I went to Rockford, Michigan for some mountain biking. Lisa’s sister, Amy, came over with her husband Brandon for dinner, and to spend the night. We had another beautiful day, a fun time mountain biking, and another nice sunset boat ride!Read more

  • Jim CochranSummer 2020Traveler

    Michigan Day 2

    August 7, 2020 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Lisa and I spent the day relaxing at the lake. I got out for a nice 45 mile bike ride on the road. Otherwise we were taking the pontoon boat for a ride, fishing, or just relaxing around the lake. Another piece for sunset ride on the water. We didn’t hear anything from the boys at the river, so we assume all is well!Read more

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