I am currently writing this from the Sandpoint, ID public library. Idaho, who ever would have thought I would end up on my bicycle in Northern Idaho?
Getting to Idaho was quite the adventure. After our couple of days of a tailwind, we returned to our normal pattern of battling the winds. Montana also thought it would be fun to throw some mosquitoes at us too, just to liven things up a bit. For any of you that know me well, you can appreciate how much I hated the mosquitoes. People would suggest outdoor activities and I would say, "One word: mosquitoes."
The wind and mosquitoes all occurred during an 11 day stretch on our bikes in which we covered 900 miles. I'm pretty sure I've never done anything other than eat and sleep for 11 days straight, let alone bike every day. I won't give you a play-by-play of all 11 days, but I will go over some of the highlights...
The ride into Cutbank, MT was quite possibly one of the most unique/terrifying experiences of my life. The day started off pretty standard, and then we got to lunch and things took a drastic turn for the worse. After lunch the winds started to pick up (steady at 25 mph, gusts up to 45) and I had a nervous break down thinking I wasn't going to be able to make it. The winds were so strong, and were a combination of cross/headwind, you had to get off your bike at points to make sure you didn't get blown off the road. A few riders actually had to get picked up because they didn't feel safe on the road. The gust that follows a semi on that windy of a day is so intense. After some of the panic subsided, I decided I would in fact make it, it was just going to take a lot longer. For any of you bikers out there, just imagine how painful it would be to pedal as hard as you can and only go 7-10 mph for 40 miles. Everyone made it safe and sound, though, so it just turns into another wonderful bike and build story.
The day after Cutbank was one of my favorite ride days so far. We decided to get up earlier that morning to try and beat the wind, but it turns out the wind doesn't ever stop, so we had wind again. It didn't really matter that it was windy, though, because we could finally see the Rockies and we knew that we were going to be biking through them very shortly. It was so cool to have the mountains start off as a jagged black line in the distance when we started, and to be among them when the day was over. Once we finally got to them and started climbing, I was on an adrenaline high the entire time. It felt so wonderful to know that we had made it to the mountains and were going to climb them; I never would have thought I would be able to do it. I didn't even think about getting off and walking, and that was huge for me. Aside from the physical aspect of it, the views and scenery were amazing as well.
After all of the climbing, we ended up at St. Mary's lake where we camped for the evening. This was a special treat for me because I got to meet up with Sarah Hamilton, a friend from high school that is working out there for the summer. It was very surreal to have biked to western Montana and to be able to meet up with an old friend; I loved it. She also provided me with a hot shower, so thanks, Sarah!
The next day was the day all of us had been waiting for: Going to the Sun Road. This day has been the most talked about on our trip, and I was so anxious I thought I was going to puke. Going to the Sun Road is an 18 mile climb up to Logan Pass, with some of the most gorgeous scenery you have ever seen along the way. I was afraid of not being able to climb it all, but little did I know that would be the least of my troubles. The first half of the climb was fine and there were wonderful photo opps, but right around mid-morning the heavens decided to open up on us and create quite the situation.
So, there we were, having climbed 18 miles in the rain, at the top of a mountain where it was 45 degrees without the windchill, rainy, and windy. I was miserable. After some debate, and the fact that I was wearing shorts and sandals, several of us decided to take a shuttle to the bottom of the mountain. When we got to the bottom, we were the talk of the mountain because people could not believe we were out in that weather biking; it was crazy. I was too cold to ride the rest of the way into Whitefish, so I rode in the van for the first time and it was pretty heartbreaking. I know I made the right decision in terms of safety, but I really wish I wouldn't have had too.
After the experience that was Glacier, we ended in Whitefish where we had our last build day. From Whitefish we headed to Eureka, Libby, and now Sandpoint. The last three days have been some of the prettiest rides we have had. Last night a bunch of us saw the Spokane Symphony do a tribute to Benny Goodman at the local festival. We all sat out on a tarp, had some wine, and enjoyed each other's company and some quality music.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
"Days Go By"
I know that I am not going to do Theodore Roosevelt National Park its justice, so you really should go visit it. It was breathtakingly beautiful and the park is wonderful. We arrived at the park in the early afternoon and, due to park fees, had to be shuttled to our campsite. I was in the second shuttle so I got to hang out in the visitor center, watch a couple videos, and chat with the girl that was working there for the summer.
Once we were at the actual campsite, a few of us decided to go exploring, and possibly go for a hike. After walking around for a little bit, we decided to attempt hiking to the top of a "butte", or whatever they call them, and get a panoramic view of the park. I was a little bit hesitant at first because there wasn't a trail, but since others were doing it, I did it too, and I am so glad I did. It was another awesome moment on Bike and Build. It's crazy to think that prior to this summer, a 45 minute hike would have been my workout for the day, not something I did at the end of a 70 mile bike ride. Just Crazy.
After a lovely night (I opted to sleep in the van) of camping, we woke up at 5 to hit the road. Little did we know that 2 minutes after hitting said road, we would come across 2 different bison herds that we would have to wait out. This is where my writing will not do the scene justice. But, just imagine 20 cyclists having stare-downs with 50 buffalo as they try to cross the road; it was priceless and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There are some pretty good videos that will be up at some point.
Following that little adventure to get the day started, we had 90 more miles until Culbertson, MT. Doesn't it just sound western? That ride was a really good ride and the easiest 95 mile ride day we have had so far. The best part of the day was coming into Culbertson when we crossed the Missouri River; it was one of the moments when they surroundings and scenery are completely overwhelming. To the right were the reminants of mountains, to the left was a widening river bed where everything was green, and below us was the valley containing Culbertson.
A lovely spread of food was awaiting us in Culbertson and it was much appreciated because it feels likes it's been a while since we've had such hospitality. I also got to do a couple loads of our laundry at a local's house and get a ride back in his thunderbird; another random, fun event. We also had a really good affordable housing discussion that night and it was neat so have all of us thinking of ways to improve the system.
After Culbertson, we had 2 easy days of riding. The first one was 55 miles and the second one was 49. The second one was particularly awesome because we had a tailwind and covered the 50 miles in just over 2 hours, so for the first time this trip, I averaged over 20 mph. It was so fun to go that fast all day. I have a feeling our joy ride ends here, in Glascow, MT, though, but it was sure fun while it lasted.
Once we were at the actual campsite, a few of us decided to go exploring, and possibly go for a hike. After walking around for a little bit, we decided to attempt hiking to the top of a "butte", or whatever they call them, and get a panoramic view of the park. I was a little bit hesitant at first because there wasn't a trail, but since others were doing it, I did it too, and I am so glad I did. It was another awesome moment on Bike and Build. It's crazy to think that prior to this summer, a 45 minute hike would have been my workout for the day, not something I did at the end of a 70 mile bike ride. Just Crazy.
After a lovely night (I opted to sleep in the van) of camping, we woke up at 5 to hit the road. Little did we know that 2 minutes after hitting said road, we would come across 2 different bison herds that we would have to wait out. This is where my writing will not do the scene justice. But, just imagine 20 cyclists having stare-downs with 50 buffalo as they try to cross the road; it was priceless and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There are some pretty good videos that will be up at some point.
Following that little adventure to get the day started, we had 90 more miles until Culbertson, MT. Doesn't it just sound western? That ride was a really good ride and the easiest 95 mile ride day we have had so far. The best part of the day was coming into Culbertson when we crossed the Missouri River; it was one of the moments when they surroundings and scenery are completely overwhelming. To the right were the reminants of mountains, to the left was a widening river bed where everything was green, and below us was the valley containing Culbertson.
A lovely spread of food was awaiting us in Culbertson and it was much appreciated because it feels likes it's been a while since we've had such hospitality. I also got to do a couple loads of our laundry at a local's house and get a ride back in his thunderbird; another random, fun event. We also had a really good affordable housing discussion that night and it was neat so have all of us thinking of ways to improve the system.
After Culbertson, we had 2 easy days of riding. The first one was 55 miles and the second one was 49. The second one was particularly awesome because we had a tailwind and covered the 50 miles in just over 2 hours, so for the first time this trip, I averaged over 20 mph. It was so fun to go that fast all day. I have a feeling our joy ride ends here, in Glascow, MT, though, but it was sure fun while it lasted.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
"Waiting on the World to Change"
I take back everything I said about the mountains; the wind is worse. It is absolutely draining, daunting, and never-ending. I know that doesn't sound like a very positive note to start this journal entry on, but in a way, it is... I don't think I have faced a mental challenge quite like this in my life, and it feels pretty awesome to know that I am overcoming it. I keep telling myself, and anyone who will listen, that a lot people bike across the country and only a few do it the hard way, and we get to be a part of that group now.
After the build day in Duluth, it was time to hit the road again. We climbed out of Duluth and saw some of the best scenery we have seen on the trip so far. I personally got great satisfaction out of the climb because I have heard horror stories about it, but after what we did out east, it wasn't that bad. The rest of the ride to Grand Rapids wasn't all that eventful, just the beginning of the headwinds that will torment us the next 3 weeks. Grand Rapids is also the birthplace of Judy Garland, so if you ever need a "Wizard of Oz" fix, Caryn, it's not that far away.
From Grand Rapids we headed to Bemidji, MN, home of "Babe, the Blue Ox." This is when the winds began to eat away at my soul. I'm only being slightly dramatic there. The bright side of the long day and slow speeds was that there was a lot of chit-chatting all day and that makes the miles go by so much quicker. I probably shared far more about myself than anyone cared to know... We also met two cyclists that day that had started in Vancouver on July 1st and were headed to Quebec City. They told us they were averaging about 15 - 17 mph without road bikes... Oh how I long for a tailwind.
Next up on the list of cities was Crookston, MN. We left early that day to try to beat some of the winds and boy did that backfire. When we left the church it was barely 50 degrees and there were wind gusts up to 40 mph. That day warranted a nine person pace line, which isn't very fun, but makes life so much easier. The ride that day was 90 miles of flat, windy, uneventful terrain and it was hard to imagine that this is what we were going to be doing for quite some time. I think it was this day that the "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger" and "when you're going through hell, keep on going" mantras started to get thrown around.
After 90 miles and 8 hours on the bike, we then had to do it all over again, plus 30 more miles the next day. I was more than a little bit nervous for the longest ride day of our trip. Everything started out fine that day, it was kind of just more of the same. The day started out chilly and then warmed up, and I left my jacket on too long and got a bit overheated in the afternoon, which was not a fun experience. As a result of that, the last 10 miles were pretty painful, but people slowed down with me and I was able to finish a 117 mile bike ride. 117 miles, that is just crazy! I puked immediately after the ride, had horrid stomach cramps the rest of the night, and essentially thought I was going to die, but it was still worth it to say that I biked 117 miles across the windiest state in the country. Even thinking back to that feeling now makes me wonder what I am going to do with myself when I get back to my "real" life... It's going to be hard to top what I am doing this summer.
There are a couple more days in North Dakota that I am skipping, but apparently nothing too exciting happened because I can't think of anything to write about in regards to those days... It could also just be me being lazy, oh well. Tomorrow we head to Teddy Roosevelt National Park to camp, and lord help us, lets hope it goes better than our last camping experience.
After the build day in Duluth, it was time to hit the road again. We climbed out of Duluth and saw some of the best scenery we have seen on the trip so far. I personally got great satisfaction out of the climb because I have heard horror stories about it, but after what we did out east, it wasn't that bad. The rest of the ride to Grand Rapids wasn't all that eventful, just the beginning of the headwinds that will torment us the next 3 weeks. Grand Rapids is also the birthplace of Judy Garland, so if you ever need a "Wizard of Oz" fix, Caryn, it's not that far away.
From Grand Rapids we headed to Bemidji, MN, home of "Babe, the Blue Ox." This is when the winds began to eat away at my soul. I'm only being slightly dramatic there. The bright side of the long day and slow speeds was that there was a lot of chit-chatting all day and that makes the miles go by so much quicker. I probably shared far more about myself than anyone cared to know... We also met two cyclists that day that had started in Vancouver on July 1st and were headed to Quebec City. They told us they were averaging about 15 - 17 mph without road bikes... Oh how I long for a tailwind.
Next up on the list of cities was Crookston, MN. We left early that day to try to beat some of the winds and boy did that backfire. When we left the church it was barely 50 degrees and there were wind gusts up to 40 mph. That day warranted a nine person pace line, which isn't very fun, but makes life so much easier. The ride that day was 90 miles of flat, windy, uneventful terrain and it was hard to imagine that this is what we were going to be doing for quite some time. I think it was this day that the "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger" and "when you're going through hell, keep on going" mantras started to get thrown around.
After 90 miles and 8 hours on the bike, we then had to do it all over again, plus 30 more miles the next day. I was more than a little bit nervous for the longest ride day of our trip. Everything started out fine that day, it was kind of just more of the same. The day started out chilly and then warmed up, and I left my jacket on too long and got a bit overheated in the afternoon, which was not a fun experience. As a result of that, the last 10 miles were pretty painful, but people slowed down with me and I was able to finish a 117 mile bike ride. 117 miles, that is just crazy! I puked immediately after the ride, had horrid stomach cramps the rest of the night, and essentially thought I was going to die, but it was still worth it to say that I biked 117 miles across the windiest state in the country. Even thinking back to that feeling now makes me wonder what I am going to do with myself when I get back to my "real" life... It's going to be hard to top what I am doing this summer.
There are a couple more days in North Dakota that I am skipping, but apparently nothing too exciting happened because I can't think of anything to write about in regards to those days... It could also just be me being lazy, oh well. Tomorrow we head to Teddy Roosevelt National Park to camp, and lord help us, lets hope it goes better than our last camping experience.
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