We’ve now completed 2 weeks of our 9 week journey, covering more than 1,000 miles and more than 33,000 feet of climbing. This week we battled 3 days of headwinds, one bad enough to force us to sag at 55 miles, crossed the Continental Divide and climbed Teton Pass with 10-14% grades in searing heat. Today is our rest day. While Spencer does our laundry I get to share some thoughts with you.
This week’s op-ed from Sheila
Dear Morning you come with so many angels of mercy, so wondrously disguised in feathers, in leaves, in the tongues of stones, in the restless waters, in the creep and the click and the rustle that greet me wherever I go with their joyful cry: I’m still here, alive! (excerpt from “Then Bluebird Sang” by Mary Oliver)
We feel really good about keeping to our intentions to be present, not wishing things to be other than they are and not complaining (ie: kvetching). When I shared this goal with another rider he pointed out that sometimes kvetching helps you find a solution to an issue. That’s different because it’s problem solving not complaining about the same thing over and over in a whining voice. It’s one thing to “note” what you’re experiencing in the moment and another to dwell on it and wish it to be different. Spencer and I have helped each other with this rolling practice. I might say my butt hurts and he’ll say time to stand. We might say all the food tonight held such promise but it was all undercooked then remember they’re the yearbook kids and not the kitchen staff. It is what it is and dwelling on the unpleasant doesn’t change it or help at all.
We’ve been inspired by several of our fellow tour members. Denny from Mukilteo, WA is a 5 year lung cancer survivor riding cross country missing half of one lung. Every day is hard for him but he persists. Ric from Monroe, WA has kept a smile on his face and a great attitude despite being one of the last in every day. All the saddle time finally caught up with him and he ended up in writhing pain, doubled over and nearly in tears. But he sought treatment, missed a few days of riding and is back in the saddle with some bike adjustments. Another rider arrived for only this one week. The mechanics found her carbon-fiber bike had a hairline crack in it and it would be dangerous to ride. She could’ve just gone home but instead she used a loner bike, heavy and ill-fitting, and successfully completed the week with a smile on her face. Go Dorothy! It seems attitude IS everything.
Thanks to all the other riders for inspiring and motivating us. And thanks to all our readers for letting us know you’re there with your encouraging and thoughtful comments. They mean a lot to us.
WooHoobies! Love reading your thoughts and am touched by your purposefulness to frame your concerns into grateful thoughts. This is so exciting to be part of via your efforts. Every tandem I see out on my local rides I think of you!! Cheerio!
Easy for me to say but so far it sounds like you are getting off easy ha ha. Back here we have been greeting at least one weekend day of pouring rain for the last couple of weeks. The majority of our work has been indoors gluing down foam in the cottage and figuring out the path for our heating tubing. We enjoy hearing of your persistent efforts and adventures and happy to hear you are in good spirits.
So glad you’re enjoying your wondrous trip, with all it’s ups and downs (literally)! We’re thinking of you every day and following your blog. Hurray for each day of your journey!!
Love,
Roxie and Charlie
I think about the two of you everyday….I love the idea of your “rolling practice” and the way you help each other out with that. Jackson Wyoming is one of my favorite places but it was difficult enough getting there by car….you two are inspiring. Lots of love….
Congratulations on starting week 3! Week 2 was downright exciting, the video of the wind was remarkable. This is really an adventure and I am having such a good time journeying along with you.
The country is so beautiful, isn’t it wonderful to be out in it? And doing it under your own steam makes it even more precious and meaningful. Carry on! Let’s see what Week 3 brings…
xo
BTW, as a point of clarification, can you telephone the sag wagon to pick you up wherever you are? I wasn’t clear why you rode back to the picnic area with all that gritty headwind. I was in that once, it was terrible.
xo
We can indeed phone for sag…. IF we have a cellphone connection. We were only half a mile from the rest stop and it was a much more pleasant place to wait until they were ready to sag us to the final destination. There was food, music, other cyclists and a bathroom. Staying where we were, we might’ve sat in the wind, alone, for quite some time.
Morrie seems to be missing you. Read your last week 2 post to him but didn’t hold his attention.
The phone doesn’t work. Any ideas? I do have my cell so it isn’t crucial.
It really does feel as though I’m traveling with you. You convey so much information each day. Looking forward to week 3.
Wonderful account of your trip. Keep up the great work. Please tell Ted Koziell hello – we send wishes from DeeDee and Ben Rix.
Thanks for connecting the dots. Now I see how Ted’s wife found us. I hear NWTR was great despite the rain. I told Ted hello for you.
Tell Ted to keep pedaling.Also
GO BUCKS.
Best of luck to all of you and stay VERTICLE!!!!!