Yesterday went very well. The Pacific was grand, there was a local farmer's market that some of us perused (I really wanted some metal yard art but the guy didn't ship and I'd have a hard time explaining the metal loon amongst the reeds to the crew). Then, reality hit. The three hour orientation had us all very sober. Plus there was no wine. Lots of "how not to get yourself killed" stuff.
Today I was soooo tired, and I couldn't think of why, when I realized that, after months of anticipation, work stuff, school stuff, riding stuff, fun stuff, I was finally here. So now I'm tired. Great timing, eh?
We did 70 miles, 2832 feet of climbing. Started off with drizzle, and in combination with a highway, no shoulder and logging trucks, it was a pretty tense 20 miles. After that, it was all greenery and cloudy skies. And a nice wide shoulder.
I think I'm going to reintroduce myself at tonight's dinner. It seems that everyone thinks my name is "on your left". Looks like I'm going to be riding alone most times, but everyone is really nice (as they pass me) and we get to catch up at the rest stops. To those of you who so kindly gave me music to bring on the trip - no go. Mike the "figurehead" (or, as I call him, Herr Commandant) has a no exceptions policy on ear phones. I might try some inventive ploy (no really, it's a hearing aid!) but others who have done rides with him in the past say it'll never happen. So, the 7 mile 10% grade near Jackson Hole will have me finding new coping skills, or, alternately, crying like a wee baby
The hotel had a lovely jacuzzi and pool which I enjoyed after getting in. the jets were so strong I had to tie myself into position, but it did the trick.
Signing off for now, MA
3 comments:
Hey, Marianne!
We are there with you! Wonderful thing, this blog...a way to keep a true diary of your trip. So glad we can do your ride vicariously....no WAY you would EVER catch me doing something so athletic!!
Love you! God bless you, give you strength and give you lots of laughs and great times with new friends!
Much love,
Betty
Hi On you left -
How is the right side of the shoulder today?
I am so glad I checked your blog today, I needed a laugh, you can always be counted on for that.
I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you.
I put together new music for my class tonight and I included the song; "Read my Mind". I miss you, ride safe.
Casey
Hi there,
Gee, I'm sure I've got 35lbs worth of "love handles", that could be a problem. It would have been a bit loony of you to try to sneak that bird into the gear truck. I'm sure the crew wouldn't have been laughing at it.
Enjoy the drizzle while you can. There may be days when you wish you could order up some of that. Logging trucks are a lot of fun, aren't they? Fred and I got passed by a lot of them when we did that Washington trip. Most gave us plenty of room.
You may be getting passed now, but I bet that you will just get stronger and stronger.
As an alternative to playing your ipod, try writing out your playlist and put it on the handlebars with your route slip. That way you can pick songs to sing to yourself as you face various challenges on the road. Just don't let one of those insipid, insidious tunes like "It's a Small World" or some Barry Manilow tune to get into your brain. 3000+ miles of something like that could do permanent damage.
Love you,
Barry
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