Each time I sit in front of a computer to post to my blog I go blank. It's difficult to convey the panoramic picture of life on the road. Some days seem interminable while others zip by as if in fast-forward mode. Both command a great deal of energy, and physical exhaustion definitely takes its toll on one's brain.
I notice my creativity has suffered; parsimony guides my blog entries - they're detail-oriented, short and somewhat story-less. I've also picked up a drooling habit at night. I must be so zonked I can't even keep my mouth shut. A couple of days ago I introduced myself as "Max" (he was sitting to my left), and before that I mixed up time zones and phoned a friend at midnight! This a.m. I read the paper and thought to myself - "is it really Friday, June 6th?!"
I write from The Black Forest, which is about 25 miles north of Colorado Springs. Annie's auntie and uncle are generously hosting us. Colorado has been remarkable in many ways; the hospitality we've been shown has been especially appreciated. Our first night in Dove Creek, Colorado we were invited to Jess and Lisa's home, a couple we seemingly met by chance but instantly felt closely connected with. Our second day in Colorado we went to Durango and stayed with Deb, a good friend Aremy met while working on a tree farm in Minnesota.
After patching tires and cleaning chains this morning we'll hit the road again, and fingers crossed, we'll be in Kansas in the next two days! If only we could click our heels in ruby red shoes three times to take us directly there...
06 June 2008
03 June 2008
Greetings from Gunnison, Colorado!
Whoo hooooooooooo, to date we've logged ~1300 miles, crossed three states and I've only had one flat tire! I had a puncture this afternoon just before our second summit. Alex and Max are our expert bike technicians so I was well taken care of - I've learned loads about fixing flat tires, "truing spokes", adjusting "limit screws", and keeping up with chain maintenance in the past couple of days.
Our legs were fresh this a.m. after taking a rest day in Durango, CO yesterday. We'll be especially appreciative tomorrow, as we pedal towards Monarch Pass at 11,500 feet! This will be our last big climb before hitting the plains in Kansas. Our fingers are crossed we'll favorably have winds to our backs and will miss any twisters. Must sign off for now - go find a shower, fill a grumbling tummy and then pop up the tent. Ciao!
Our legs were fresh this a.m. after taking a rest day in Durango, CO yesterday. We'll be especially appreciative tomorrow, as we pedal towards Monarch Pass at 11,500 feet! This will be our last big climb before hitting the plains in Kansas. Our fingers are crossed we'll favorably have winds to our backs and will miss any twisters. Must sign off for now - go find a shower, fill a grumbling tummy and then pop up the tent. Ciao!
01 June 2008
Somewhere between Cedar City and Panguitch, Utah!
This was an epic climbing day - over 4,000 ft! Hungry bellies commanded we stop for tomato & cucumber sandwiches half-way through.
27 May 2008
I never expected
...100F degree temperatures would abruptly drop to 20. A few days ago we were snowed in for a day in Eureka, Nevada!
...we'd have to watch out for mountain lions and rattler snakes. We were warned about a few isolated mountain lion attacks in California, and rattler snakes became a motif in Nevada. We saw many sunning themselves alongside US Hwy 50 - coined "The Loneliest Road in America" by LIFE magazine.
...to climb so much in a single day! Today we started at ~6,000 feet and pedaled 25 miles to ~10,000 feet. The scenery was breathtaking - we're now in Utah and the massive red rock cliffs and canyons are brilliant against a bright blue sky.
...we'd have to lose a teammate so soon. Anne fainted and fell off of her bike two days ago. She's got a pretty good concussion and a broken collarbone. We've sent her to Salt Lake City for R & R with her auntie, hoping she'll heal quickly and re-join us in a few week's time.
...we'd have to watch out for mountain lions and rattler snakes. We were warned about a few isolated mountain lion attacks in California, and rattler snakes became a motif in Nevada. We saw many sunning themselves alongside US Hwy 50 - coined "The Loneliest Road in America" by LIFE magazine.
...to climb so much in a single day! Today we started at ~6,000 feet and pedaled 25 miles to ~10,000 feet. The scenery was breathtaking - we're now in Utah and the massive red rock cliffs and canyons are brilliant against a bright blue sky.
...we'd have to lose a teammate so soon. Anne fainted and fell off of her bike two days ago. She's got a pretty good concussion and a broken collarbone. We've sent her to Salt Lake City for R & R with her auntie, hoping she'll heal quickly and re-join us in a few week's time.
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