FCBA 2013- Epilogue

Two weeks ago we arrived in Vancouver after nine weeks of cycling. Our journey started in the Southeast’s stifling humidity proceeding into the triple-digit heat of the Midwest and then to the relentless wall of mountains of the Northwest. This account has only touched the surface of the experience, for the days didn’t offer enough time to record the inspiration each brought. I haven’t returned to read any of it, but can’t stop thinking of it all. Folks ask “was it what you expected?” and “what was your favorite part?”, two questions I can’t quite answer with anything more than an anecdote or two, but the one question I can answer is “what was the hardest part?” The answer to that is; coming home.

I’ve had a rough time getting here. I started from the Vancouver airport two Saturdays ago and within 12 hours had covered the distance it took over two months to pedal. During the flight I looked out the window trying to discern something below that was familiar, and imagined I did, but the perspective from 36,000 feet at 600mph is far different. The mountain roads looked flat, the rivers just random squiggles through the landscape, the massive wheat fields just sheets of yellow. Irrigated green circles framed in grey passed below, odorless. This flashback did no justice to my recollection of a fat grain of wheat or perfume of alfalfa, there were no water towers announcing an oasis of humanity sprouting from the endless landscape, not a church steeple over any of the congregations about to welcome us with local recipes and sanctuary. No, that wasn’t under me, for it is over, behind me somewhere fading in memory.

God knows my heart aches for you, America. Not for what the media presents you as, but for who I know you are. I fell in love every day, taking part of you with me but never feeling burdened for it. I miss you so, and those who accompanied me in this adventure. My fellow cyclists and I share an experience so special for the generosity you showed and the endurance they demonstrated. All of you; sponsors, hosts, and cyclists, will live in me for the rest of my days, for each of you offered something that is now an essence of my being.

It’s been a struggle since we parted ways. My views toward the things I thought were mine had changed. I felt I was simply returning to serve my possessions, my employer, my obligations; my sentence. We led a simple life on the road, serving our mission toward providing decent housing for those less fortunate so that they may be better able to live as families contributing to their communities. I returned in my leased car to my mortgaged house in a neighborhood of strangers and was back to my job that is so necessary to keep it all, none of which I wanted any more. Inside I was kicking and screaming, fighting against what I’ve selfishly squandered my life for.

Understanding the psychological dynamics of culture shock, and knowing all along I’d suffer it doesn’t reduce the suffering. I’ve been through it before. In 2005 I worked in Hong Kong for a couple of months and then again in 2008, each time having a remarkable experience. Even along the way of this Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure I experienced culture shock, which for me has three phases; enchantment, disenchantment, and acceptance. The return from each experience is an ice-cold plunge I anticipate but still can’t prepare myself adequately for. It’s just a matter of adjusting and finding perspective.

One thing I’ve learned from life is to reach out for help during such times, and to take measures to ameliorate the symptoms. From this recent trip I was inspired by all the churches we were guests of, realizing the role of that institution in society and their importance to the individuals attending. Folks who participate in community are just better folk, and I want to be like that. There is the relationship with God I’ve merely maintained but failed to nurture, so Sundays I’ve started the practice of driving out in the morning and simply dropping by one of His houses until I find a home. I’ve been inspired to serve mankind, and imagined going off somewhere to serve someone, somehow, but now realize instead of going to some imaginary land serving an imaginary people with imaginary tasks I must look at where my feet are, and then start walking to the nearest need to satisfy it. Tomorrow I resume service at the local retirement community.

Another practice I must resume is something I learned in Hong Kong. While standing among the masses in the subway I looked about with amazement at that place, while those around me were blindly staring into space, electronic device, or just nodding in bored fatigue. Our perspectives were very different. I then thought if I took any one of them back to my mundane world they’d be just as wide-eyed in amazement as I was at that moment, so why can’t I look at my day-to-day with those eyes instead of glazed indifference? I watch fireworks every night at work if I want, but have found if I turn my back to the show to watch it reflect in the faces of our guests, I see a different light. Life is remarkable, everywhere, always.

America, you’re beautiful.

It’s good to be home.

FCBA Day 63- Bellingham Washington to Vancouver British Columbia

 

We had a casual ride to the Canadian border where we stopped for coffee and pastries as the group -reassembled. I donned my celebration shorts, we shot a little bit of video for the FCBA 2014 promotion trailer, and we headed to Peace Arch entry. There we were scrutinized by the Canadian border patrol and allowed entry. We were met by our native guides who explained the rather complicated route we were going to take on our way to Vancouver. Our first stop was the beach for the front wheel dipping ceremony as we officially reached the Pacific Ocean. Bret took it further, riding his bicycle as far as possible toward Hawaii, while others went for a full body dip. We then lined up for photos, and Melissa had a few words for each of us in appreciation for our contributions. We prayed in thanks while remembering of the others who were participants earlier the ride, as well as those of congregations along the way who helped us so much. Then it was on to Vancouver.

This day, by itself, was an adventure. Our route took us down dead end roads that continued only as gravel ruts requiring we walk and then over bridges of all sorts and a very unusual route of sidewalks and bicycle paths. There was no way any of us could have made the route without direct guidance, so we remained a cohesive group through the city. This made for very slow travel, probably averaging 6mph overall with all the stops to regroup after hills and traffic signals that spread us out.

It seemed to go on forever. I had two flats, a near crash into a concrete barrier and a “zeromph”. Zeromph is a word I coined and was widely adopted and practiced by all during the ride. It is a painful and embarrassing moment when you come to a stop and can’t get your feet out of the pedals, just flopping over onto the ground un-gracefully; a zero mile-per-hour crash. This sometimes happens when narrow tires stop in soft ground, or stop rolling while struggling on hills, or when I miscalculate the acceleration of the rider in front and cross my front wheel with his rear, as I did in this case. Though the route was carefully planned and charted we had great difficulty finding our way. We finished the 35 miles in around 5 hours, just as the group was grumbling mutinously and some actually abandoned us to successfully head off on their own. I was seriously considering dropping into one of the local hotels along the way just to end the ordeal. It certainly was a great moment as we arrived at the Vancouver Church of Christ and suddenly everything was just fine. Kert’s sisters were there with a banner for him, as was Kristi’s sister who met us. It was very thoughtful of them to go through the effort to travel here to join the celebration.

My bicycle is now in the trailer and my luggage will be soon as I prepare to fly home. I’m disposing of these things that were so valuable to me along the way but have outlived their purpose. I packed too much for this trip and jettisoned much, lost more, wore out still more…and still my bag is overstuffed. I am re-evaluating what I need in life, and have learned to consider living far more simply and fully.

These blogs are more an account of my travels through this land and barely express where I’ve really been; places within myself just as amazing as the landscape. It will take time for me to reflect on all I’ve been through and perhaps write about- this experience has had a profound influence on me that my words haven’t revealed, and maybe I’ll share them soon, but one thing is certain; it is only the beginning of This American Adventure.

FCBA Day 60, 61, 62- Grand Coulee to Twisp to Marblemount to Bellingham

 

Tuesday- What a great day! The only drawback is that I can’t claim I pedaled all the way across America, though I did remain on my bike. It’s apple harvest time here in Washington. The apples are picked, put into massive crates, and the crates are hauled on special use tractors to the packing plant. These tractors travel at relatively slow speeds- the speed of a bicycle as a matter of fact. On the downhill they are easy to pass, but when they reach the next uphill they pass me, so…

I was following really close thinking I’d get a draft behind him, but then just decided to grab hold. It was great just being pulled up the hill and the driver was unaware of me. We got to the crest of the hill and I just launched myself forward giving him a wave as I overtook him. Down the road I had another opportunity, and Kurt caught a few shots of me as I passed. Ride map and data

 

This part of Washington is desert where it isn’t irrigated for farming, but changes quickly in the mountains.

Wednesday- Twisp to Marblemount took us into the Cascades Mountains and a 17 mile climb. The scenery is spectacular, with north faces of the mountains still with snow. I was in need of water, so took advantage of the melt running down the cliff onto the road. From the eastern pass there was a remarkable downhill, and then another climb to the west pass followed by miles of downhill all the way to Marblehead. There were warning signs along the road stating there were strong cross winds and there were- so much so that even though going downhill I had to pedal to keep my speed up at times. The steep peaks towering overhead provided the backdrop for Diablo Lake, a man made water reservoir filling the valley with the most incredible aquamarine colored water, so bright blue for the glacial water washing minerals that accumulate and refract a light that tempted some of our riders to stop and wade. Ride map and data1 Part II

Thursday- I write as the congregation’s Ukrainian choir rehearses and the sun sets over the Pacific. The old world tone is somber and reverent, evoking more emotion from an already emotional day.

 In Marblemount we had an “un-talent” show where those so inclined offered comedy, poetry, song, and unusual skills and competitions. I drove a nail into my face, and another freak act that hopefully will never make YouTube. Nate and the Drag Kings (including Alex, Ben, and Steve) offered video fun at my expense, which simultaneously humiliated, humbled, and flattered me. I will have my revenge one day.

Tonight we are guests of the Bellingham Lutheran Church, who provided dinner. Afterward we had prayer and acts of Christian service. It was a tender sharing that brought tears to all. After experiencing so much for the past 9 weeks we are closely bonded for life, and parting will be most difficult.

It was cold leaving Marblemount but warmed up after our first 20 miles. At the 18 mile mark we were the guests of an alumni, Cher, whose church provided a much better breakfast than we had on our own. From there I got separated from the group and took a detour for 9 miles but got back on track. Partial map and data

Around 50 miles into the ride we could smell the sea, and shortly after found it, following the coastal highway into Bellingham. Pacific coast ride

Tomorrow’s ride takes us to Vancouver where we will go to the Pacific and end our trip by dipping our front wheels. We will have one more night in one more church, and then make our separate ways. I wish I had more time to write, for there is so much more to every day than I can post here. My only hope is that what I do record will be inspiration to me as I reflect in the months to come.

FCBA Day 57- Moscow Idaho to Spokane Washington

 

Goodbye Idaho; I’ll never forget you. Hello Washington; you have a tough act to follow.

The day started out rainy as we left Moscow and in a short distance we were on a bicycle path. Unfortunately the border between Idaho and Washington isn’t marked on the path, so once again I missed a border sign photo opportunity. The best I could do was get a sign shot for Washington Street after we were well into Washington and nearing Spokane. Most of the route was lined with wheat well into the horizon, and during a break I grabbed a head of it to chew. The stuff isn’t bad at all, but would be better if you ground it up, bleached it, added some fat, salt, sugar, red dye #6, sodium benzoate and wrapped it in colorful plastic. I mean, that’s what we do with it after all, right?

It was an 85 mile ride as the sweep (last rider). As I mentioned above it started out rainy, so for the 59 degree temperature at 7am I was outfitted in leggings, arm warmers, and jacket but after 8 hours of riding I was still wearing the warmers and leggings and barely broke a sweat at any point during the day. The hills were mild, mostly long rolling expanses that weren’t challenging so it was rather leisurely, if not mundane for the cloudy sky and lack of change in scenery. Ride map and data

We are guests of Westminster United Church of Christ, the oldest church in Spokane but very progressive. The ladies of the congregation provided dinner for us and I look forward to church services tomorrow, and a day off the bike. I must mention Gold’s Gym as well, for they have provided unlimited use of their facilities for the time we are here, so are the source of our showers. The best part of that is that they have a hydro-massage table which really does a fantastic job relaxing my leg muscles. That is one thing I’ve suffered during the past two months; chronic muscle pain. Not tonight, though. Thank you Gold’s Gym!

 Ok, not the state line, but it says Washington.

 I have a ghost in my room!

 My lil buddy Alex

Thank you Westminster!

FCBA Day 56- Boise to Moscow with points between

 

What an incredible week! Boise was a rest day spent in reunion with a high school friend I hadn’t seen in 38 years. We caught up on life, reminiscing old times and sharing our stories gained in our years apart. We went to Snake River Canyon on Sunday for healing; my mentor guided me so many burdens were lifted from me as I traded light for darkness. I had an experience unlike any I’ve ever had and have been shown ways of ancient spiritual pursuit that are new to me.

From Boise we’ve been riding through the mountains and hills to McCall, Grangeville, Lewiston and now Moscow. I started this trip with abandon, accepting anything the road may present and though have found much inspiration along the way, but nothing compares to Idaho. This is my first time here and I can’t wait to explore more of the Northwest; I’m seriously thinking of calling this place home one day.

Into Idaho was pretty much desert, but suddenly the landscape blossomed as we neared Boise. There on the edge of the desert is the Snake River Canyon, as I mentioned above, and then turning green heading northward. Boise to McCall ride data (partial) From there we followed the Snake River along its course through the state as it makes its way to the Columbia River. Boise to McCall video We arrived in the mountain town of McCall as guests of Our Savior Lutheran Church. We were served a hamburger dinner, of beef organically raised by one of the parishioners. A few of us slept outside under the stars, which turned to rain at 3am sending us inside. We rose just after four to a breakfast of fruit and fresh baked goods, again provided by members of the church. We were on the road by 6, just before sunrise. It was cool enough to where all wore leggings, arm warmers, and some with coats. Even after sunrise it was quite cool, for the river runs between mountainous hills that block the sun most of the time.

The downhill from McCall was exhilarating, blowing my cheap Vivitar camera out of my pocket. I discovered it missing while reaching for it as I was halfway down the mountain, and thought of riding back up to look for it when I realized it would be a worthless effort. There is a bit of traffic on this mountain so I was certain if it had survived the fall it would have been crushed anyway. Subsequent riders following who I met at the bottom reported seeing it shattered on the road. I have my Pentax so can continue with time-laps and standard video, adapting my shooting habits. All is well. Most of the remaining miles were downhill, until White Bird. From mile 75 to mile 83 we climbed just under 3000 feet on 6% to 9.5% grades, with one stretch at 11.1 according to my Strava data showing an average speed of around 5.5mph. McCall to Grangeville ride data The last 11 miles were predominantly downhill and swift. This was my most difficult day lately. We were hosted that evening in Grangeville with dinner, taking showers at the local community pool. McCall to Grangeville video

The next morning started at sunrise and headed to Lewiston. Most of the ride was a very gradual increase of altitude, but then Old Winchester Road presented the most magnificent view over the adjacent valley, and over 15 miles of downhill switchbacks. This was the best ride of the entire trip and can be viewed at Lewiston ride video for those into road cycling perhaps a bit of the thrill can be conveyed. Lewiston ride data

In Lewiston we had our workday. We were split up into teams, two of which built wheelchair ramps. From the video you will see that this project I was on wasn’t in a downtrodden neighborhood. Lewiston build video was for a couple in need of a wheelchair ramp who purchased the materials and instead of hiring a contractor, contacted the local Fuller Center Covenant Partner to offer a donation for the service. This type of partnership brings funds into the local foundation so they can more readily provide for other projects while using our surplus of labor, and brings media attention to the parent foundation. The work was very well planned and supervised so all of us finished with a great feeling of accomplishment.

This morning we slept in, with breakfast hosted by the Church of the Nativity Episcopal Church. From here we headed northward out of town and uphill on Old Spiral Highway as we climbed out of the river valley for 8 miles of 6% grade. From there it was relatively flat with some tail wind and then rain for the last 10 miles. Lewiston to Moscow ride data We are guests of the Christian Life Center who provided dinner, and we took showers a few miles away at Logos High School. Tomorrow is Spokane, 85 miles and into Washington where we will have a rest day and start our final week of the trip into Canada. (Lewiston to Moscow video not available at time of post- see my YouTube channel later).

 Shopping real estate in the Snake River Canyon

 Waterfront with canyon view.

 White Bird, land of the Nez Perce tribe.

 Maybe next summer I'll finish this part of the trip.

 

FCBA Day 49- Mountain Home to Boise Idaho

 

We had a bonus day in that it was just 45 miles from Mountain Home to Boise, most of which was on Interstate 84. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts bicycles are allowed on the Interstate highways in these parts for lack of paved roads to get around. Ride map and stats As a friend today pointed out “though Idaho is known for potatoes you’d have to travel to find one, but what you’ll find along the way is wilderness”.

This friend, who will remain anonymous for being a prominent Boise citizen, was a classmate of mine in high school 38 years ago. Though we were friends for but a short while back then, those were impressionable years so remain in fond memory. Despite the years between there is a natural comfort found in reunion and I look forward to being shown about this part of Idaho again in the morning.

Boise is a beautiful valley city built around its namesake river. The surrounding terrain all around is inhospitable desert mountains, beautiful in their stark contrasting brown hues, especially as their contours are accented by the setting sun. I look forward to more exploring after church tomorrow.

We are guests of the First Presbyterian Church of Boise tonight and tomorrow, our rest day. We plan on going to the Snake River birds of prey sanctuary that is known as a fourth chakra vortex, a place of healing. I really don’t understand what that is, but expect to receive positive energy from the experience of being with a gentle friend in a harsh landscape.

                                 Way down upon the Boise River

                          Rope swing over the river

 

                              When in Boise and hankerin' for tongue, tell Epi that Mark sent you.

FCBA Day 48- Gooding to Mountain Home Idaho

 

Not long ago the idea of riding an average of 75 miles a day seemed more than challenging. Now it is routine, and if the ride is shorter than that it is a bonus. Today was a bonus day at just around 65 miles. We are at the Mountain Home First Congregational United Church of Christ and have already returned from showers at the local high school, and it’s just 2pm. Ride map and stats

By now the riders are as accustomed to this as they will ever be. Some have struggled along but now show far more stamina and speed, so now we seem to have some up and coming challengers for the front position. I think is wasn’t so much physical ability as it was gaining confidence and honing technique for some of the younger riders I’ve been leaving behind up until now. They’ve had the ability all along but needed this to shed the doubt in themselves.

That is life, though, isn’t it? Whether we choose a challenge or it is thrust upon us and we prevail we can be quite surprised. Think about an incident or trial in your life that made you stronger, and then examine the difference of who you were before, and after. You’ll probably find in most instances that the only difference is the experience between the timid one before and the champion after. You are the same person, and have been all along, possessing all that is necessary to accomplish all you imagine and more.

You have a dream and you have this moment. Start now and move closer to realizing your life’s goal. Act with urgency, even if you don’t know how you will accomplish it, for God knows your heart’s desire and will make it so. That is how I got here to Mountain Home, Idaho. It was just a whim too long ago that brought this reality today.  

                         There's no place like Mountain Home.

FCBA Day 47- Twin Falls to Gooding Idaho

 

Today’s ride was a short 38 miles from Twin Falls Methodist Church to the Gooding Methodist Church. We slept in, rising around 6am for a breakfast of burritos, fruit, cereal, muffins and leftover dump cake from last night’s dinner. All riders arrived to the destination by 11am. Tonight we had dinner provided by the folk of this congregation, and breakfast will be theirs as well. Ride map and stats

The Fuller Center for Housing is an ecumenical Christian organization so isn’t particular regarding who provides assistance, instead encouraging all faiths to work together toward the general good. Planning such an adventure as this takes the work of Melissa Merrill working all year planning the route and then soliciting congregations in prospective overnight areas for assistance. The Methodist church seem to be the most generous in providing for us, but in saying so I don’t mean to diminish the help the Baptists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Catholics, United Church of Christ or Mormons (I just  know I left someone out- sorry). All is appreciated, but when I get home I’ll be looking for a church and before this trip never gave much thought to the Methodists. My regard toward religion is changing too- these congregations are vital in their communities, providing more than any governmental relief agency could, and far more efficiently.

After the ride today we arrived at this church, and many of us were able to attend to cleaning and maintenance of our bicycles. Afterward we were taken over to the local pool for showers and some swimming. It was a nice change of activity and did our muscles a lot of good. Tomorrow will be another below-average mileage day (65 miles), and though this is a six day ride week it isn’t our hardest, and everyone is in great physical condition. Hopefully I’ll have more time to catch up on writing and putting together videos.

                I wish I could sleep like Nate.

                                             I love this!

   MRDUCK found a friend. He's been traveling with me since OKC. I pulled him out of the wreckage.

FCBA Day 46- Malta to Twin Falls

Breakfast was pancakes provided by Pete and his crew; I ate nine which fueled a strong ride for the day over flat lands where I averaged 19.1mph over the 75 miles; I was on fire! Being a Floridian rider flat land suits me, as would be expected for any cyclist, but I feel I perform optimally on such roads for I can achieve and maintain high speed, whereas in the mountains the hill break my form. Now I’m a killer down-hiller for some reason I can’t quite figure out, for I can keep up or pass the best on the downside of a mountain. What gives me speed downhill is my bane uphill, though, for that is where they catch and pass me if I don’t keep up great exertion. I need to work on my uphill form, and perhaps jettison that 20lbs of rear pack in which I’m hauling around all kinds of junk I really don’t need for anything more than an excuse for why I have trouble going uphill.  Ride map and stats

After arriving at the First United Methodist Church of Twin Falls, we took an excursion to Shoshone Falls, known as the “Niagara Falls of the West”. It’s not as wide as the Niagara, but is a bit taller. It is formed by the Snake River and just before the falls the river is damned up for hydroelectric use. It was well worth the visit, so check it out if you’re ever in this area.

Afterward we were treated to a dinner of tacos and burritos, homemade salsa, and “dump cake”. Dump cake is just a simple recipe new to me where you just dump a can of pineapple and a can of cherries into a square baking pan, dump cake mix on top and bake it. Ok, maybe we call that cobbler where I come from, but then I just learned how to properly boil eggs the day before so my culinary skills may not be what they should. It was all good though. These folks fed us well, and afterward we went up into the church for a presentation.

Though we burn over 2500 calories a day just riding, many are remarking that they aren’t losing any weight. Some may be gaining, but we call that muscle for now. My eating has gained momentum, and I’m going to have to put on the brakes as soon as this ride ends or I’ll bloat up quickly. With that I think I’ll go to the kitchen and scrounge up another plate of dump cake.

 

                                                          Impressive, but much water is diverted this time of year. Show up in the springtime for the full show

                      Shoshone Falls.

                      Shoshone Falls, improved

                          In his "Nate-ural" habitat.

FCBA Day 45- Garland to Malta

 

After waking from a great night’s sleep in a real bed, Jim Christensen made us breakfast and took us to the Garland LDS Temple to meet up with the other riders who were guests at homes of other church members. The day’s ride took us out into the desert with hills and headwinds and what seemed like a never ending bullet-straight road into the mountain range on the horizon. It was a long day’s ride to Malta- Population 171. Ride map and statistics

We were guests of the local River Rapids School and were able to get some internet access and a burger down the road at the only diner in town. That evening we were treated to a lasagna dinner provided by the locals, and offers to fill any of our needs. There aren’t any local stores, so our hosts said they could call around town and probably come up with whatever we wanted. Now that’s hospitality!

“Nearby” Malta is the City of Rocks. It is a National Park of unique geologic formations rising from the sagebrush about 30 miles SW of Malta. Tom Weber lent us his car and 6 of us made the journey. It was well worth the miles of unpaved roads shared with cows that were free-ranging despite the fenced fields. We arrived about an hour before sunset, and made our way into the sagebrush meadows to get better looks at the landscape.

The formations are unusual, erected volcanically millions of years ago and carved by weather. It would take at least a week to properly explore the area, but we made the best of our time to just take as much as we could into our cameras. I’ve never seen anything like this, so it was inspiring to me and the others, especially Nate, who perhaps imagined himself a Sir Edmond Hillary, determined to conquer the highest formation before sundown. We talked him out of it without violence.

With nightfall rapidly encroaching and temperatures dropping we head back to Malta, finding a shorter, paved, cow-free road. Upon arriving from this direction we arrived at the town limits and noticed the sign; Malta- Population 193. We tend to have an impact everywhere we go, and it was nice to be included in this community.

                 The Adventurers and Nate's Peak.

                 Nate surveying his inspiration.

                  I climbed this guy.

                   The head was balanced atop the pile, and try as I might, I couldn't budge it.

 

FCBA Day 44- Salt Lake City to Garland Utah

 

We left Salt Lake City after a good rest and made our way to Garland. I was sweep today, along with Kristi. Much of the ride was on actual bicycle trails and then back on the highway. “Rails to Trails” utilize old railways and is ideal for cycling, for no railway ever has more than a 4% grade. It gets us safely out of the way of traffic and provides parkland for residence along them. Ride map and statistics

Garland was a prosperous sugar mill town from the early 1900’s until 1977 when the sugar beet industry failed them. Still they hang on, and as I walked about I came across a blacksmith shop that was building stainless steel semi-trailer fluid cargo tanks, so there is still industry there amidst the empty storefronts.

We were the guests of the Garland Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose members took us into their homes for night. Steve and I were guests of Jim and Lorraine Christensen and family. After a great home dinner and sharing we retired to the room their son Jake surrendered for the night where we enjoyed sleeping in actual beds. In the morning Jim got up and cooked us breakfast and took us back to the church. Such demonstrations of generosity are foreign to me but I look forward to doing the same for someone in the future. These folks had no idea who they were bringing into their homes yet welcomed us as friends, and that is how we left

 

                         

                  

                           This is the Main theater, a beautiful building having seen better days.

                        Our hosts, the Christensen family.

                       The Garland Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

 

FCBA Day 42 and 42.5- Heber City to Salt Lake City Utah

Such activity as this gives me the luxury of forgetting what day it is and having little regard for time. These are the first symptoms of detachment from the mainstream of society. What is important to me today is what time we are getting up, how quickly I can pack everything, coffee, eating breakfast enough to keep me going for 20 miles, filling my water bottles, dressing for the conditions, briefing on the day’s ride with devotional and prayer, hitting the road to find out what my body wants to do that day, topping the next hill, surviving unsafe speed going down the other side, traffic, enjoying the ride, finishing the ride, unloading the van, finding a carpeted spot near a receptacle where to put my sleeping mat, SHOWER, food, writing this, editing video and photos, telephone calls, hopefully having time to review what my friends are doing back home, talking with local folk, and never enough sleep before starting all over again. My society is this group of people, the people we interact with along the way, some from where I come from…

Saturday’s ride from Heber City started with waking at the late hour of 5:30 am in a small room with a bunch of people. I packed as they did, loaded as they did, dressed as they did, ate what they ate, prayed with them, thanked our host who paid for it all, and the ride started uphill westward on Highway 40. We left 40 and took parallel roads well suited for cyclists and there were many other local riders. We made our way to I-80, for the Interstate is the only way through the mountains and legal for cyclists to use. On that road I reached 52 mph for it was a long downhill run. We left that route and took another originally taken by the Donner Party to Camp Grant and Emigration Canyon. These were hilly, eventually turning upward through switchbacks that made it possible to cross the mountains. From the top it was a 13 mile downhill run that accommodates cycle traffic and again, many other cyclists as we approached Salt Lake City. It was less than a 50 mile ride but a challenging and thrilling one. Into Salt Lake City!

After arriving I went for a walk through town and met another reality. This is the one I’ve been ignoring for the time being of this excursion, but couldn’t avoid for the cacophony. They were protesting the verdict of some event from my home state, and though I have an opinion it doesn’t matter so I’ll refrain here.

Otherwise Salt Lake City is quite impressive. Though the history isn’t long, it is deep. This morning I went to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and then attended church here at the First Presbyterian and received a message I really needed to hear. Afterward was visiting with the congregation, getting advice regarding cycling and to not swim in the Salt Lake. I’m not one to take advice, for am the last man from the Will Rogers quote, “There are three kinds of men. The one that learns from reading. The few who learn from observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.”

Now it’s time to go to listen to the organ rehearsal, and figure out how to get down to the swimmin’ hole.

 

 

FCBA Day 40- Myton to Duchesne UT

Starvation Lake is 5700 ft. above sea level just above Duchesne (doo-SHANE) Utah, and this time of year stays around 70 degrees. The blue water expands in the man-made reservoir where families enjoy camping, boating, and all around recreat… AAAAHHHHH$4i+!!!! I’m about to try to get to sleep on this freshly sanded unfinished gymnasium floor, lights out was to be at 9 and it’s 9:30, these kids are playing basketball in bed and my best hope is that someday (if not already) I will get on the nerves of some of these %*#* as much as they get on mine! There, I lanced the furuncle. The pain subsides. The fact is regarding any such activity as this is that we form close bonds.  It creates a feeling of family, but the other edge of that sword is “familiarity breeds contempt”. Anyway, someone needs a spanking- perhaps it is me. The days are long and demanding and I get cranky but do my best to be my best. I’m contemplating being Mr. Cheerful first thing in the morning, for we are an ugly lot at 4am. That ought to get on the nerves of even the most magnanimous Adventurer.

It was a lovely ride from Myton to Duchesne, a mere 20 miles. We slept in, hitting the road at 8am and the slowest riders arriving before 9:30. That’s what gave us time to go on down the road another 4 miles to the park. We swam and played Frisbee, and with a storm threatening made our way back. The only internet service available to us is at Cowen Café, a place that has been in business since 1933. I was able to upload a video while I worked on today’s, but that will have to wait for another time.

Dinner was provided by a former FCBA rider in a local Chinese/American/Mexican restaurant. We played with chopsticks and told stories, shared fortune cookies and then made our way back to the school. Behind here, way up on the hill is a cistern providing the city water that comes from the nearby Strawberry River. The water is good here. It is amazing the differences over just 20 miles, and water is essential to us. We pack 20 gallons on our sag trailer every day, and on the long days all of it is gone at trip’s end. We figured it out one day: ideally a rider should drink 14 oversized sport bottles in a 100 mile run. Tomorrow we ride @70 miles to Heber City, which will include a 2700 ft. climb and then drop. This should be good.

                   Alex doing his "Super Soaker running out of water" impression. Nice cloud!

                                A storm threatening.

                        When in Duchesne, visit Cowen's, est. 1933

                     I like watching reverse sunsets on the eastern horizon.

                     From atop the Duchesne water cistern.

                    Landon in front of the cistern.

FCBA Day 39- Dinosaur CO to Myton UT

Fish for breakfast! Fish for lunch! That was a lot of fish Tom brought back. Dinner tonight was provided by Myton Community Presbyterian Church.

Today we had our usual 6am start and all met up three miles down the road at the Utah state line for pictures.  A group photo and individual shots were taken and we were on our way. I really didn’t “feel it” today so kept a relatively slow pace, near the rear. The route is the only road through here; Hwy 40. This is a rather remote part of the country, sparsely settled and what towns there are just struggle. They grow and shrink with prosperity.

Two of today’s 8 flats were mine, and within 3 miles of each other. It was just one of those days. Tomorrow promises to be easy, for we have only 20 miles to go with a 600’ elevation gain over those miles. That should take just over an hour, and the time off will give me the opportunity to patch the tubes I’ve accumulated.