I Made It – April 14, 2010…

On Wednesday, April 14, 2010, I completed the task I had set myself, my first long distance bicycle tour, by arriving in southwest Denver at about 5:30 PM. I had ridden about 48 miles from Salida to Fairplay, where I was given a ride to Denver, about 65 more miles. All I had to do now was get to Aurora on the east side of town, where Andi and Darryl would pick me up, another 13 miles or so.

April 14, 2010…

Leaving Salida, CO…

Here is an audio post of my thoughts as I began what became my last day on the road. I had no idea this would be the case as I headed north, out of Salida, that morning.

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Downtown Salida–­who knew they had one?

As I leave Salida this morning this is the view that greets me.

At the time, I was so focused on simply reaching my destination, it didn’t really sink in that I’d done it. I was excited, yes, but also ambivilant; I’d made it home – the trip was over, except for that little matter of the 13 miles to the east side of town.

Had I cheated myself by hitching that last ride out of the mountains? Well, as it turned out, I’d avoided a nasty snow storm in the mountains over the next two days. What would I do with myself if I wasn’t riding every day? I’d ride around Aurora and Denver and I would look for a job. Plus, I would be spending time with two great friends – and I would be seeing my daughter soon, as well.

It’s odd but, focusing on such a serious challenge can become the complete focus of one’s life and, I’ll admit, no longer having that focus left me feeling a bit nonplussed.

As I look back on the adventure a year later, I’m stunned to realize I actually did it. I don’t think I could even begin such a trek today. Not physically, and certainly not mentally. I’m simply not in the right frame of mind. Too comfortable, I guess.

I can only say this, I hope this was not a one-time adventure, for I would truly like to be able to challenge myself in this way again someday.

Saddle Surfin’ on My Bianchi…

I think it appropriate, to mark the anniversary of my first long distance bike tour, to leave you with this; http://spokies.wordpress.com/, the link to another who has chosen to challenge herself with a similar adventure. Cherri is cycling the USA this year, and documenting it on WordPress. Give it a look. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Later

Pedaling 140 miles in 3 days, a year ago…

I did a lot of miles from April 3-5 last year, pedaling 140 miles across the Reservation in northern Arizona, much of it in howling winds of 40-60 mph, and a major dust storm as well.

The wind during this portion of the trip was some of the worst I’ve ever experienced; which is saying something, having lived in Colorado and Arizona for a total of 28 years now. The dust storm on my third day on the Res however, was truly amazing. The dust rose 12,000 feet into the air above me and, because it was at my back, I flew eastward along the highway. Until, that is, the road bent a bit south and the wind shifted a bit east, then I was riding for my life, constantly leaning to my right at about 20 degrees, trying desperately to stay on the shoulder instead of being blown into traffic. 

After 12-15 miles of this struggle, I gave in and stuck out my thumb, hitching a ride into New Mexico, which might have literally saved my life. Have I said this ride was adventurous? At times, it truly was.

April 4, 2010…

Miles and miles of miles and miles…

I did the whole climb

Cycling across the Reservation in northern Arizona, April 2010.

Here are a couple of my audio posts from that adventurous portion of the ride. Wow, the memories are so powerful…

April 5, 2010…

iPadio audio post from Bloomfield, NM… 

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April 6, 2010…

iPadio audio post from Bloomfield, NM… 

Visit http://ipad.io/ICz to hear my latest ipadio phonecast

3 Days to go, a year ago…

Taking a break from cleaning and tuning a bike, so I thought I’d drop a note. You know what? Being a bike janitor is kinda’ hard work. It’s also dirty work. But hey, what else am I gonna’ do?

A year ago today I was still packing for the move to Colorado, as well as working up to The Ride. I was also trying to figure out how to do this blog thing. Here are a couple of posts from this time last year, just to remind us of what it was like.

 

March 28, 2010…

3…

The countdown continues…

Today will be a very busy day. My roommate has moved up his day of departure. Instead of leaving tomorrow morning, he’ll be heading out this evening. In a way, this is a good thing; it will allow me an extra day to concentrate solely on the things I need to get done. On the other hand, I’m using his computer (mine died a couple of years ago), so my posting-by-phone will begin a day sooner. Well, I guess that means more practice for phone posting when I’m on the road, eh?

The worst part of packing for the move begins today as well. I’ll be wrapping and packing dishes, pots, and pans. Luckily, Steve bought some clean newsprint for packing and has left me quite a bit, so wrapping breakables will not be as dirty as it usually is with regular newspaper. I sure do hope I have enough boxes for everything.

Also need to do a last load of laundry, since we sold the washer/dryer and they will be picking those up today. This means I’ll begin “camping out” in the sleeping bag tonight, I guess.

FYI: Since the computer will be gone soon, I’ll be doing “future posts” today. WordPress allows me to write a post and set a future date for posting so, if I can figure out how to use this feature, my posts for the next day or two will probably be done that way. I will probably do a couple of audio posts as well, via ipadio, to add updates each day, as well.

OK, time to get to work.

March 28, 2010…

Today…

Had a very productive day today. Got very close to finishing packing. Tonite I sleep on the floor.

Later