2 weeks and counting

We are at the point in this process where we just want to ride the bike. The weather looks good and 80 to 90 degrees sounds fine. We ship the bikes early next week, and they're as dialed as they can be at this point. The same holds true about our form. We did as much riding as we could, but we are also relying on that often used philosophy of "riding into shape."

Lighter touring presupposes faster touring. The miles will pile up, we will suffer, our crotches will be on fire and we'll churn away at it. Climbing up and away from the coast, the earth will flatten out, then we'll hit New Mexico, going up and up. The benefit of climbing hills on a bike is that it allows and promotes changing position; sit, stand, hands on the drops, hands on the tops, move to the brake hoods and relax.

We reach Silver City, NM and rest for a day off the bike, then we drain down toward Las Cruces, and in another day we'll find ourselves in the unfathomable expanse of Texas. Ruler-straight, flat roads with a headwind routinely crush the toughest cyclists. Ask any of them. One word; monotony and no real sense of going anywhere. It's a killer. East Texas Hill country, beautiful and not to be trifled with. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida - flat, wet and soupy, just perfect. We then arrive at the Atlantic Ocean, and there you have it. Too much fun.

over and out

mileage is scarce, but not for long

We managed to crank out a 50 miler on Sunday, and getting longer rides in is challenging when you have to work for a living. It felt good to be dry and warm on the bike, if not hot. California and Arizona experienced unseasonably hot weather last week, mid to upper 90's. It has since cooled off, and we are watching it to see where it heads in the next 3 weeks or so. Acclimating will prove interesting, since we live in such damp and cool spring weather. The central valley of California is capable of producing serious temps.

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map link - look up and to the right

My sister Roxane and her husband Jubal provided the GPS phone that will track our whereabouts and slow but steady progress. More importantly, Jubal is lending the expertise in getting the whole kit up and running. All we have to do is turn on the phone, not lose it and continue making eastward progress. Sounds easy enough.

Thank you Roxane and Jubal, this was a fantastic addition to our ride, and we hope it provides some interest.

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2 degrees of separation

While chatting with my dentist today, I told him about the ride and our goals. I have to first say, my dentist is good at what he does. Sure, he finds cavities, battles gum disease and whitens teeth, but he does one other thing very well. He listens. He takes the time to ask how you are, what you are up to and then he lets you chat. He asks great questions proving without any doubt he heard what you just said. The 2 to 5 minute exchange following his tour of my mouth always makes me feel great. This sounds basic, but when you pay attention, you suddenly realize sometimes people aren't.

While explaining the ride, and our desire to raise money for pancreatic cancer research, he tells me of two patients affected by pancreatic cancer. One had a close family member who passed away from it. The other survived for two years before passing. The point is, this happens all the time. We tell someone about the ride and invariably we hear they know of a person who has a relative or friend who is or is not still here. We talk about the ride, but what we really do is talk about our moms. We hear others, and hopefully give them a chance to talk about someone they've known and loved. It provides a chance to think back on someone at an unexpected instant. Those moments are the best.

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Donations

Salomon USA (formerly Salomon North America) made a significant donation to our fundraising efforts. Meaningful on so many levels, this will push us well over 50% of our total goal of $12,000, and it demonstrates that people and organizations care. Thanks to Tom Berry, John Danielson and Kate Lee.

Several fellow employees also donated vacation time to our effort, eliminating the financial pressure of taking six weeks away from work. Without this worry, the daily task of completing the miles will be that much easier. The hardest part is asking, while others easily give of themselves.

Thank you:

Jevon Crafts , Carmel Clark, Addy Sage, Tom Trissel, Brad Potts, John Mears, Terra Stephens, Megan Hutchinson, Wendy Meyer, Eric Miesch, Bo Johnson, Kristie Merx, Kate Lee, Marsha Ware, Tracy Gillespie, Yiorgos Makris, Paul Guimond, Debbie Ashley, Keith Johnson, Shani Womack, Patrick Carland, Mary Hardaker, Nicole Ricci, Tiffany Munk, David Munk.

over and out