Yes, we have now arrived into California!! I've never been here before so it's been a pretty exciting day.
This will be brief, but I wanted to let all now that I am still alive and well. I've had a great couple of rides the past two days--really beautiful and fairly enjoyable all things (well, jus tthe heat) considered.
I;m getting really excited about getting into San Diego!! Spectacular as it will be, it's already starting to feel bittersweet. I'm really going to miss these people!
wel, it's time for bed now since we're waking up at 3 in the morning tomorrow. We have a couple long days ahead of us and then SD!
g'night,
CVH
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
best day ever.
Well, maybe not ever, but today was probably one of the best of the trip.
First the past couple of days:
July 20- into Prescott (pronounced "pres-kit", no lie. crazy.)
not a bad day. i held it down in the van with Molly and Lindsay. no big news there. My wonderful friend, Wallace, sent me a wonderful new CD to listen to--new tunes are always welcome in the van. That and the fairly easy ride (just a little long) made for a decent day. Prescott is a super cute town. We stayed at the Mile High Middle School, right next to the midle of town (for once) so we were able to venture in and play for the afternoon. Molly P. , Dave, and I went to a delicious bistro on Courthouse Square for lunch and got the low-down for good shops and evening hot-spots for our wonderful waiter. After a bit of wandering I went back to the school took a shower and a nap, had dinner, then went out with the group for Tony's birthday celebration. Talk about a great ime-- this group of people is lots of fun on hte road, but even more fun I think once you get us in real clothing doing things that normal people do.
July 21--a build day!
Fun times with the Prescott Habitat!! We were working on three houses simultaneously, the biggest build project that this affiliate had ever undertaken! I picked up glass and rusty cans for most of the morning and did a little trim painting with Emily Hodge and Kimmers. I think chapter did one of hte best jobs of informing us of the type of things that they're doing in their community. Susan, one of the construction coordinators, during lunch explained to us all their efforts in the area and allowed us hte opportunity to ask questions. Later, at dinner, which was prepared for us by the three future homeowners whose homes we worked on (umm, can you say fresh, homemade enchiladas and all the fixin's???), they also had a video that their chapter had made of the projects they've done and the impact these homes are making in families' lives. It was really cool to see how impactful just one house can be. Lee Anne and I, on the road today, were discussing it and noting how the money that we've raised that is going to the Orange County Habitat in Chapel Hill will be enough to fund one house--a whole house--and how much of a difference our ride this summer is making in the lives of one family. It will be changed forever. How cool is that to know that you, in one summer, with a few letters, some sweat, and a few tears a young person can do all that.
Today, July 22--into Wickenburg
So, decending mountains (yes, mountains in Arizona...who knew that there were so many and they went so far south) is lots of fun. Today's ride was beautiful and Lee Anne and I rocked the climbs that we did have. The downhills were fantastic, really windy and not too steep, so they were nice and long :) Once we made it down the second major downhill I got a flat tire (bummer, but easy to change now!) and then we made it onto this awesome stretch of road parallelling the mountains we just came down. We stopped and took photos with cacti (believe it or not, the first we'd seen in Arizona) and then pictures riding with no hands. We're old pros now. All in all it was a great ride, enjoyable, tough at times but in a good way. It was just a great day!!!
so that's all for today, sorry it's been a while but there's so muh going on!!
And i apologize to those who I should have been sending postcards too!! I'm terrible about I know. You all may just be getting postcards from all over the country all sent from San Diego... and they may or may not be blank.... :)
love you all,
CVH
First the past couple of days:
July 20- into Prescott (pronounced "pres-kit", no lie. crazy.)
not a bad day. i held it down in the van with Molly and Lindsay. no big news there. My wonderful friend, Wallace, sent me a wonderful new CD to listen to--new tunes are always welcome in the van. That and the fairly easy ride (just a little long) made for a decent day. Prescott is a super cute town. We stayed at the Mile High Middle School, right next to the midle of town (for once) so we were able to venture in and play for the afternoon. Molly P. , Dave, and I went to a delicious bistro on Courthouse Square for lunch and got the low-down for good shops and evening hot-spots for our wonderful waiter. After a bit of wandering I went back to the school took a shower and a nap, had dinner, then went out with the group for Tony's birthday celebration. Talk about a great ime-- this group of people is lots of fun on hte road, but even more fun I think once you get us in real clothing doing things that normal people do.
July 21--a build day!
Fun times with the Prescott Habitat!! We were working on three houses simultaneously, the biggest build project that this affiliate had ever undertaken! I picked up glass and rusty cans for most of the morning and did a little trim painting with Emily Hodge and Kimmers. I think chapter did one of hte best jobs of informing us of the type of things that they're doing in their community. Susan, one of the construction coordinators, during lunch explained to us all their efforts in the area and allowed us hte opportunity to ask questions. Later, at dinner, which was prepared for us by the three future homeowners whose homes we worked on (umm, can you say fresh, homemade enchiladas and all the fixin's???), they also had a video that their chapter had made of the projects they've done and the impact these homes are making in families' lives. It was really cool to see how impactful just one house can be. Lee Anne and I, on the road today, were discussing it and noting how the money that we've raised that is going to the Orange County Habitat in Chapel Hill will be enough to fund one house--a whole house--and how much of a difference our ride this summer is making in the lives of one family. It will be changed forever. How cool is that to know that you, in one summer, with a few letters, some sweat, and a few tears a young person can do all that.
Today, July 22--into Wickenburg
So, decending mountains (yes, mountains in Arizona...who knew that there were so many and they went so far south) is lots of fun. Today's ride was beautiful and Lee Anne and I rocked the climbs that we did have. The downhills were fantastic, really windy and not too steep, so they were nice and long :) Once we made it down the second major downhill I got a flat tire (bummer, but easy to change now!) and then we made it onto this awesome stretch of road parallelling the mountains we just came down. We stopped and took photos with cacti (believe it or not, the first we'd seen in Arizona) and then pictures riding with no hands. We're old pros now. All in all it was a great ride, enjoyable, tough at times but in a good way. It was just a great day!!!
so that's all for today, sorry it's been a while but there's so muh going on!!
And i apologize to those who I should have been sending postcards too!! I'm terrible about I know. You all may just be getting postcards from all over the country all sent from San Diego... and they may or may not be blank.... :)
love you all,
CVH
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Grand Canyon, et al.
so, you know, it's just been same old same old.... ride my bike a bit, let my mind wander, stumble onto the Grand Canyon.... you know, the usual.
Arizona is beautiful. B-e-a-utiful. but a bit warm. Though all the mesas, distant ridgelines, and dry creek beds get a little monotonous, this really is a beautful state.
We're off the Navajo reservation and through Grand Canyon National Park, resting our weary legs now in Williams. I'm actually sitting here at this fabulous little coffee shop staring at a National Geographic Map pf the U.S. right in front of me and I gotta say, it's pretty unbelievable to see hat we've done and how little we stil have to go. Everyone is gettng a bit restless now and antsy to get to San Diego. Riding in to Williams this morning we passed under I-40, complete with a sign indication that Los Angeles was just a right turn away. We saw a sign for L.A. ahhh!!! we're sooooo close!!!! It won't be long now and as it is for myself and others, it seems it won't be too soon.
Riding your bike can be fun and the places where we're riding is amazing and all that, but the days are just exhausting, even when we're not riding. After 8 weeks of this now, everyone seems to be getting ready to have some time off their bikes--and I would wholeheartedly agree.
So more on the Grand Canyon now, as I am sure you are all interested in every moment of my mobile existence.... I didn't ride yesterday into park because of my wrist, yet again. The roads of the Navajo nation were less than accomodating and all the jolts, bumps, and vibrations have about done me in, both for my wrist and my shoulders!
We passed the Little Colorado Gorge en route and the team climbed about 2500 feet of elevatoin over 25 miles to reach the South Rim. And boy does that rim really sneak up on you!!! We had some issues entering the park and in the end, the group had to bike an unexpected extra 25 miles to reach our campsite in Grand Canyon Village, but what a ride: rolling hills (the best kind) between overlooks of the Grand Canyon. I'd never been before so it was a really cool thing to see.
Once we arrived and set up we all virtually assaulted the village General Store, bought lots of fun treats and snacks and Anita, Meredith, Lee Anne, Mary Olive, Liz, Ray (I'll explain about him in a minute if you haven't already read about him elsewhere) and myself sat on a cliff on the lip of the Canyon and watched the sunset. It was absolutely fantastic and just what I needed after a bit of a frustrating day in the van.
So my ride today was good: about 60 miles over more rolling and then climbing terrain into Williams. What was good about was that I felt great. My body was ready to ride (my wriat, per usual did some protesting, but my legs and shoulders felt great which is becoming more and more rare...) I rode strong, I rode fast (fast mostly because I got lost at the outset--or rather, thought I was lost and then moved fast to try to pick up the time) and I made here in one piece!! I am now showered and content with smoothie in hand.
Life is good.
miss you all and can't wait to see everyone once I get back. SD is only one week away!!!!
CVH
Arizona is beautiful. B-e-a-utiful. but a bit warm. Though all the mesas, distant ridgelines, and dry creek beds get a little monotonous, this really is a beautful state.
We're off the Navajo reservation and through Grand Canyon National Park, resting our weary legs now in Williams. I'm actually sitting here at this fabulous little coffee shop staring at a National Geographic Map pf the U.S. right in front of me and I gotta say, it's pretty unbelievable to see hat we've done and how little we stil have to go. Everyone is gettng a bit restless now and antsy to get to San Diego. Riding in to Williams this morning we passed under I-40, complete with a sign indication that Los Angeles was just a right turn away. We saw a sign for L.A. ahhh!!! we're sooooo close!!!! It won't be long now and as it is for myself and others, it seems it won't be too soon.
Riding your bike can be fun and the places where we're riding is amazing and all that, but the days are just exhausting, even when we're not riding. After 8 weeks of this now, everyone seems to be getting ready to have some time off their bikes--and I would wholeheartedly agree.
So more on the Grand Canyon now, as I am sure you are all interested in every moment of my mobile existence.... I didn't ride yesterday into park because of my wrist, yet again. The roads of the Navajo nation were less than accomodating and all the jolts, bumps, and vibrations have about done me in, both for my wrist and my shoulders!
We passed the Little Colorado Gorge en route and the team climbed about 2500 feet of elevatoin over 25 miles to reach the South Rim. And boy does that rim really sneak up on you!!! We had some issues entering the park and in the end, the group had to bike an unexpected extra 25 miles to reach our campsite in Grand Canyon Village, but what a ride: rolling hills (the best kind) between overlooks of the Grand Canyon. I'd never been before so it was a really cool thing to see.
Once we arrived and set up we all virtually assaulted the village General Store, bought lots of fun treats and snacks and Anita, Meredith, Lee Anne, Mary Olive, Liz, Ray (I'll explain about him in a minute if you haven't already read about him elsewhere) and myself sat on a cliff on the lip of the Canyon and watched the sunset. It was absolutely fantastic and just what I needed after a bit of a frustrating day in the van.
So my ride today was good: about 60 miles over more rolling and then climbing terrain into Williams. What was good about was that I felt great. My body was ready to ride (my wriat, per usual did some protesting, but my legs and shoulders felt great which is becoming more and more rare...) I rode strong, I rode fast (fast mostly because I got lost at the outset--or rather, thought I was lost and then moved fast to try to pick up the time) and I made here in one piece!! I am now showered and content with smoothie in hand.
Life is good.
miss you all and can't wait to see everyone once I get back. SD is only one week away!!!!
CVH
Monday, July 16, 2007
Kayenta, AZ
So.... Arizona.... I can't say this is my favorite state at the moment...
Crossing into AZ was fun. We passed in at the Four Corners, so you could say we crossed 4 state lines in one day!--nay, in about 15 seconds. It was the spot I was most excited for coming in to the trip and while a bit anticlimatic for my tastes, was definitely pretty cool. Hopefully one of hte group photos we took made it up on somebody's blog... check Meredith's. The ride before that was great, lots of descending; after that was not so hot, or rather, plenty hot and therefore was an unbearable 6 miles into Teec Nos Pos.
Along the way we ran into Ray who just graduated from Northeastern and is riding cross-country alone!! He is fairly unbelievable. He's already made it here from Boston with his bike loaded down with bags of stuff and he carries a pack on his back as he rides. Talk about hardcore. It's fairly incredible to see him. He's going to ride with us for a couple of days--to the Grand Canyon--and then head further south into Phoenix. At this point I can't imagine heading any further south and having the weather get much hotter... We're getting up at 4 am now and leaving at sunrise to try to beat the heat. So far it seems to be working, sort of, as we seem to be rolling into our host sites around noon, but still that's 6 hours of exercise before lunch! Still can't believe I sit on a bike seat that long...
We're riding through an absolutely beautiful part of the country i've never really experienced before, even if it is practically barren. We're riding through the Navajo Reservation now. Where we're staying tonight is at the entrance into Monument Valley (though we're not riding through it)....interestingly enough there are lots of German tourists around and I heard some women speaking Italian too.... crazy that people actually travel abroad to these random, middle-of-practically-nowhere places just to come see it. There are some lengthy rolling (sort of, not really) hills all around us and you jsut see all these mesas of sandstone on one side of hte road and steeper, more jagged rocks on the other. The extreme change of the terrain from CO to here is pretty unbelievable since it happened so fast.
So that's all for now. More job hunting to do... anyone want to employ me?
CVH
Crossing into AZ was fun. We passed in at the Four Corners, so you could say we crossed 4 state lines in one day!--nay, in about 15 seconds. It was the spot I was most excited for coming in to the trip and while a bit anticlimatic for my tastes, was definitely pretty cool. Hopefully one of hte group photos we took made it up on somebody's blog... check Meredith's. The ride before that was great, lots of descending; after that was not so hot, or rather, plenty hot and therefore was an unbearable 6 miles into Teec Nos Pos.
Along the way we ran into Ray who just graduated from Northeastern and is riding cross-country alone!! He is fairly unbelievable. He's already made it here from Boston with his bike loaded down with bags of stuff and he carries a pack on his back as he rides. Talk about hardcore. It's fairly incredible to see him. He's going to ride with us for a couple of days--to the Grand Canyon--and then head further south into Phoenix. At this point I can't imagine heading any further south and having the weather get much hotter... We're getting up at 4 am now and leaving at sunrise to try to beat the heat. So far it seems to be working, sort of, as we seem to be rolling into our host sites around noon, but still that's 6 hours of exercise before lunch! Still can't believe I sit on a bike seat that long...
We're riding through an absolutely beautiful part of the country i've never really experienced before, even if it is practically barren. We're riding through the Navajo Reservation now. Where we're staying tonight is at the entrance into Monument Valley (though we're not riding through it)....interestingly enough there are lots of German tourists around and I heard some women speaking Italian too.... crazy that people actually travel abroad to these random, middle-of-practically-nowhere places just to come see it. There are some lengthy rolling (sort of, not really) hills all around us and you jsut see all these mesas of sandstone on one side of hte road and steeper, more jagged rocks on the other. The extreme change of the terrain from CO to here is pretty unbelievable since it happened so fast.
So that's all for now. More job hunting to do... anyone want to employ me?
CVH
Cortez, CO
from July 14, 2007...
51 miles away from Durango (one of my new favorite towns) and we find ourselves in Cortez. En route we dropped some good elevation (hooray!!) and climbed some “bumps” (not bumps, they were small scale mountains. We were told they were bumps) and all in all had a good ride. Passed the exit to Mesa Verde and saw the bluffs associated with the cliff dwellings (unfortunately 40 miles roundtrip was a detour that was a bit too long for me today). You can definitely tell we are coming out of the Rockies now. Everything looks more dried out, more desert like for sure. It’s amazing how much the topography and vegetation has changed as we’ve crossed the country.
Nothing major to report overall. I changed my chain yesterday which was exciting. Chris Jochem, a wonderful soul taught me how. We were also able to sleep in a bit this morning (6am is sleeping in!).
So that’s all. Goodnight!
CVH
51 miles away from Durango (one of my new favorite towns) and we find ourselves in Cortez. En route we dropped some good elevation (hooray!!) and climbed some “bumps” (not bumps, they were small scale mountains. We were told they were bumps) and all in all had a good ride. Passed the exit to Mesa Verde and saw the bluffs associated with the cliff dwellings (unfortunately 40 miles roundtrip was a detour that was a bit too long for me today). You can definitely tell we are coming out of the Rockies now. Everything looks more dried out, more desert like for sure. It’s amazing how much the topography and vegetation has changed as we’ve crossed the country.
Nothing major to report overall. I changed my chain yesterday which was exciting. Chris Jochem, a wonderful soul taught me how. We were also able to sleep in a bit this morning (6am is sleeping in!).
So that’s all. Goodnight!
CVH
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Durango, CO
We've just concluded our build day/half day off in Durango, CO and are off this morning for Cortez!! Durango is fabulous and definitely a town I could be for a while!!
The ride in from Ouray was quite a trip--and I am a bit grateful to not have to ride it. It was about 70 miles with 3 mountain passes...all over 10, 000 feet. But really, a gorgeous ride, if you didn't consider to sheer precipices that began a foot a way from the road's edge. My wrist is still bothering me in a big way, espeecially after the climbing and mileage of the days before, so I didn't ride it. It was foggy and a little rainy from the outset so that didn't help things either. I'm sure a more complete account of the ride is available on Meredith's blog so check that out if you need more. Time's a bit short for me (per usual... sorry)-- her blog is http://meredithbikes.blogspot.com/
Instead of riding in the van however, I rdoe with Molly Pederson's mom and Jen into Durango!! Imagine-- a car! a dog!! a house with a Jacuzzi tub!! We bathed, we napped, we watched tv, we helped cook/prepare deliciousness for dinner. It was a great, necessary, relaxing day. Their home is fabulous, the site tremendous. The views were awesome. And dinner that night was too.
We built yesterday, well, landscaped actually, then helped move the Durango Restore. The afternoon was spent around the town of Durango and with "Serious Texas Barbeque" for dinner before a rodeo!!! Not as exciting as it sounds, but still fun.
Gotta get ready to ride now, more later this afternoon. Maybe I'll even get ambitious and post pictures....
CVH
The ride in from Ouray was quite a trip--and I am a bit grateful to not have to ride it. It was about 70 miles with 3 mountain passes...all over 10, 000 feet. But really, a gorgeous ride, if you didn't consider to sheer precipices that began a foot a way from the road's edge. My wrist is still bothering me in a big way, espeecially after the climbing and mileage of the days before, so I didn't ride it. It was foggy and a little rainy from the outset so that didn't help things either. I'm sure a more complete account of the ride is available on Meredith's blog so check that out if you need more. Time's a bit short for me (per usual... sorry)-- her blog is http://meredithbikes.blogspot.com/
Instead of riding in the van however, I rdoe with Molly Pederson's mom and Jen into Durango!! Imagine-- a car! a dog!! a house with a Jacuzzi tub!! We bathed, we napped, we watched tv, we helped cook/prepare deliciousness for dinner. It was a great, necessary, relaxing day. Their home is fabulous, the site tremendous. The views were awesome. And dinner that night was too.
We built yesterday, well, landscaped actually, then helped move the Durango Restore. The afternoon was spent around the town of Durango and with "Serious Texas Barbeque" for dinner before a rodeo!!! Not as exciting as it sounds, but still fun.
Gotta get ready to ride now, more later this afternoon. Maybe I'll even get ambitious and post pictures....
CVH
Sunday, July 8, 2007
I know, I know....
Yes, it's been a while siince i have posted and I'm sorry it's been so long!! The last few days have been long and wearying and getting to internet has been tough. I know Meredith has been keeping much better update than I have (she is ALWAYS looking for internet wherever we are) so if you're just interested in what we've been doing she'd be good to keep up with or just our group journal too.
So with disclaimer over with, now I can catch you up on the past few days.
July 4th: An awesome, short (thank God) 58-mile ride into Garden City. We cruised on this ride, everyone did really, pacelining it all the way and averaging over 20 mph in windy conditions. I rolled with a great line and it felt so good t really move with a group and stay altogether. That hasn't been the case much for my rides lately so it was nice to have that for the Fourth! We woke up late, arrived before noon, stayed in a beautiful, brand new facility at the Garden Valley Church and had so much free time to get things done! It was great. I cleaned my bike and chain and changed my tires (the most frustrating part of the day for sure--it took three hours, two pinched tubes, and the efforts of many to get my new Armadillo tires on my wheel rims). I did get to see some fireworks, though they were in the distance and I only got the tail-end of the show.
July 5th: Our first century!!!! HOO-RAY!!! We hit 101+ miles on the ride over the Colorado border into Lamar, CO. I couldn't believe that we made it! I rode with Anita for a lot of the way--she totally pushed me and we kept each other entertained. A hundred miles!! How awesome!! We did it fast (in only 8 hours) including all of our stops and a 45 minute sojourn at the border. (Colorado, by the way, has the best state sign yet, though the road into Lamar was AWFUL. Exceptionally bumpy and uneven. ick.) Speaking of awful and pain, i guess, here's an update for my wrist: it still kind of hurts :( I've been riding on it without my brace just for functionality of my fingers and getting to my brakes and gears.
July 6: 55-miles, so relatively short, but this day was probably the worst ride that I've had of the entire trip from North Carolina. Seriosuly. Awful. It was breezy, I couldn't keep up with anyone. I was just exhausted from the day before and couldn't go anywhere. I had two flat tires on my new tires (which was beyond frustrating, especially when they're not supposed to go flat at all.) I was out of tubes and my patches were leaking...Chris Clark came to my rescue and gave me one of his tubes, but my pump was malfunctioning too, I was horribly uncomfortable on my seat and it was hot as blazes outside. Awful, awful, awful. The only thing that made me finally feel better once I made it to the City Park in La Junta was a chocolate milkshake from Sonic with Jen. A quick side note on Sonic: they are more prevalent in this country, in all of these small towns we've been riding through, than McDonald's. Seriously, i am not kidding. More Sonic's than McDonald's. Crazy. The evening got much better for sure-- i was able to rewrap my handlebars which made me happy. Anita arrived in Nags Head with her handlebar tape braided wiith two colors. I've been horribly jealous since day one and finally had the time and energy to sit down and figure out how to do it. And I did!! My handlebars look amazing now-- breaided with white and neon yellow. They're hot. Riding yesterday I would just look down at my handlebars and grin. So fun.
July 7th: 7-7-07!! It was a REALLY big day. We had two birthdays today: Lee Anne and Vandy! and the highest mileage day of the trip (probably). One hundred and eighteen miles. 1-1-8. 118. Seriously. That's about the distance from Atlanta to Chattanooga, TN (maybe a little bit farther). 118 miles. I still can't get my head around it. Unbelievable ride though. So many highs and lows through the whole thing. We started the day in an awesome paceline and hung together through the 70 mile mark feeling great. After that though, we hit this AWFUL road, a sand/packed gravel road that lasted for 15+ miles. Ick. It was a nightmare. SO slow going, scary, painful and bumpy. It was absolutely terrible. You would hit patches of sand that looked packed and then slide all over the place. People fell. The horseflies were on a rampage. Terrible. Once we reached the ends, I noticed my front wheel looked a bit untrue.. turns out, one of spokes had come loose (I could hear it rattling on downhills) and then popped completely when I was checking it a little later, all from that horrible road!! Fun things though: in Fountain, a Colorado Springs suburb, there was a hot rod and classic car rally throguh the middle of town. I was in hog heaven :) So at mile 96, Lindsay, Ivey, and i waited for the van so i could get a new front wheel so I could finish the ride and get others to the shuttle from there. We could have stopped at 96 (an admirable ride for sure) or continued through Colorado Springs from the south side of hte city to the far north side to the church where we are staying. It was those last 22 miles that about did me in. After sitting for almost an hour waiting for a wheel then taking off in the hotter sun around 2ish was not good. Lindsay and I rolled out on htat way feeling good, but I must say for me, that was entirely too short-lived. I saw my life flash before my eyes a number of times over all the potholes, cracks in the road, cars whizzing by, and all the stop-and-go at lights over uphills. Nightmare. I was dead. Lindsay completely saved me and was so encouraging through the whole thing. iw as so ready to quit but I kept thinking about how great it would be to finish 118 miles-- probably more than I would ever ride again (maybe). unreal. I couldn't move once we made it to the church. To be so completely exhausted and having given it your all; I guess that's really what this trip is all about. Pushing yourself to your limits and surprising yourself every time.
We went out to dinner last night for the birthday duo-- everyone was exhausted still so it was fairly low key for most. Sleep came easily, thank goodness.
So that's where I am now. In Colorado Springs at this unbelievable church on the North side of town. Off for the day now.
ciao ciao,
CVH
So with disclaimer over with, now I can catch you up on the past few days.
July 4th: An awesome, short (thank God) 58-mile ride into Garden City. We cruised on this ride, everyone did really, pacelining it all the way and averaging over 20 mph in windy conditions. I rolled with a great line and it felt so good t really move with a group and stay altogether. That hasn't been the case much for my rides lately so it was nice to have that for the Fourth! We woke up late, arrived before noon, stayed in a beautiful, brand new facility at the Garden Valley Church and had so much free time to get things done! It was great. I cleaned my bike and chain and changed my tires (the most frustrating part of the day for sure--it took three hours, two pinched tubes, and the efforts of many to get my new Armadillo tires on my wheel rims). I did get to see some fireworks, though they were in the distance and I only got the tail-end of the show.
July 5th: Our first century!!!! HOO-RAY!!! We hit 101+ miles on the ride over the Colorado border into Lamar, CO. I couldn't believe that we made it! I rode with Anita for a lot of the way--she totally pushed me and we kept each other entertained. A hundred miles!! How awesome!! We did it fast (in only 8 hours) including all of our stops and a 45 minute sojourn at the border. (Colorado, by the way, has the best state sign yet, though the road into Lamar was AWFUL. Exceptionally bumpy and uneven. ick.) Speaking of awful and pain, i guess, here's an update for my wrist: it still kind of hurts :( I've been riding on it without my brace just for functionality of my fingers and getting to my brakes and gears.
July 6: 55-miles, so relatively short, but this day was probably the worst ride that I've had of the entire trip from North Carolina. Seriosuly. Awful. It was breezy, I couldn't keep up with anyone. I was just exhausted from the day before and couldn't go anywhere. I had two flat tires on my new tires (which was beyond frustrating, especially when they're not supposed to go flat at all.) I was out of tubes and my patches were leaking...Chris Clark came to my rescue and gave me one of his tubes, but my pump was malfunctioning too, I was horribly uncomfortable on my seat and it was hot as blazes outside. Awful, awful, awful. The only thing that made me finally feel better once I made it to the City Park in La Junta was a chocolate milkshake from Sonic with Jen. A quick side note on Sonic: they are more prevalent in this country, in all of these small towns we've been riding through, than McDonald's. Seriously, i am not kidding. More Sonic's than McDonald's. Crazy. The evening got much better for sure-- i was able to rewrap my handlebars which made me happy. Anita arrived in Nags Head with her handlebar tape braided wiith two colors. I've been horribly jealous since day one and finally had the time and energy to sit down and figure out how to do it. And I did!! My handlebars look amazing now-- breaided with white and neon yellow. They're hot. Riding yesterday I would just look down at my handlebars and grin. So fun.
July 7th: 7-7-07!! It was a REALLY big day. We had two birthdays today: Lee Anne and Vandy! and the highest mileage day of the trip (probably). One hundred and eighteen miles. 1-1-8. 118. Seriously. That's about the distance from Atlanta to Chattanooga, TN (maybe a little bit farther). 118 miles. I still can't get my head around it. Unbelievable ride though. So many highs and lows through the whole thing. We started the day in an awesome paceline and hung together through the 70 mile mark feeling great. After that though, we hit this AWFUL road, a sand/packed gravel road that lasted for 15+ miles. Ick. It was a nightmare. SO slow going, scary, painful and bumpy. It was absolutely terrible. You would hit patches of sand that looked packed and then slide all over the place. People fell. The horseflies were on a rampage. Terrible. Once we reached the ends, I noticed my front wheel looked a bit untrue.. turns out, one of spokes had come loose (I could hear it rattling on downhills) and then popped completely when I was checking it a little later, all from that horrible road!! Fun things though: in Fountain, a Colorado Springs suburb, there was a hot rod and classic car rally throguh the middle of town. I was in hog heaven :) So at mile 96, Lindsay, Ivey, and i waited for the van so i could get a new front wheel so I could finish the ride and get others to the shuttle from there. We could have stopped at 96 (an admirable ride for sure) or continued through Colorado Springs from the south side of hte city to the far north side to the church where we are staying. It was those last 22 miles that about did me in. After sitting for almost an hour waiting for a wheel then taking off in the hotter sun around 2ish was not good. Lindsay and I rolled out on htat way feeling good, but I must say for me, that was entirely too short-lived. I saw my life flash before my eyes a number of times over all the potholes, cracks in the road, cars whizzing by, and all the stop-and-go at lights over uphills. Nightmare. I was dead. Lindsay completely saved me and was so encouraging through the whole thing. iw as so ready to quit but I kept thinking about how great it would be to finish 118 miles-- probably more than I would ever ride again (maybe). unreal. I couldn't move once we made it to the church. To be so completely exhausted and having given it your all; I guess that's really what this trip is all about. Pushing yourself to your limits and surprising yourself every time.
We went out to dinner last night for the birthday duo-- everyone was exhausted still so it was fairly low key for most. Sleep came easily, thank goodness.
So that's where I am now. In Colorado Springs at this unbelievable church on the North side of town. Off for the day now.
ciao ciao,
CVH
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
from today, into Dodge City
Well, I've made it into what must be the gateway to the Wild West. Every other shop has the name"Wyatt Earp" in its title.
The ride today from Coldwater started in a solid fog... a little scary on a two lane highway, but visibility wasn't so bad that we needed to stop riding. Anita, Meredith and I rode together for the morning and made a 1 mile detour into Greenburg, the town I mentioned before that a tornado destroyed back in May.
Unbeliveable is all I can really say. Seeing a tornado damaged town first hand is unreal and the only comparison we could make was to Hurricane Katrina-like damage everywhere. Most of the city was entirely wiped out. Trees had been stripped of their branches but were starting to grow bush-like clumps of leaves. Whole houses and debris piles had been cleared to show only holes where basement foundations had been. Some houses were still standing, though in sad stages of falling down. There were gutters still wrapped in the tops of trees. All of the street signs had blown away with spray-painted replacements instead. There was still a fair amount of debris in the roads and some yards (though no flat tires for any of us there!! I will contend that I may have the best set of factory tires on my bike...they've treated me so well!! Only 2 flats so far [versus 10+ for many others, and on better tires too!]).
We stopped an talked ot a couple of FEMA officers who filled us in on the story of the destruction. The tornado hit on May 4th and was scaled as an E-F5--a level higher than F5, like an 5.1 appparently. The length of the town is 1.1 miles; the diameter of the twister was 1.7 miles across. It ran over the town once, turned around, went back for more, and then hovered over the town for 2 whole minutes. Most residents were still in their homes when it hit. They were saying it was the worst tornados in Kansas in memory. Again, unbelievable.
We also stopped and met a woman named Ella Mae Mars who lost two homes in the tornado, an old one she was living in and another she and her husband had just finished remodeling. She showed us pictures, pointed out the various states of her neighbors' homes; she was so sweet. She was not in Greenburg when the tornado hit, thankfully.
The rest of the ride past with the Kansas countryside--fairly flat and broad. Lots of farms, really pretty though!
gotta go! affordable housing curriculum to research.
cvh
The ride today from Coldwater started in a solid fog... a little scary on a two lane highway, but visibility wasn't so bad that we needed to stop riding. Anita, Meredith and I rode together for the morning and made a 1 mile detour into Greenburg, the town I mentioned before that a tornado destroyed back in May.
Unbeliveable is all I can really say. Seeing a tornado damaged town first hand is unreal and the only comparison we could make was to Hurricane Katrina-like damage everywhere. Most of the city was entirely wiped out. Trees had been stripped of their branches but were starting to grow bush-like clumps of leaves. Whole houses and debris piles had been cleared to show only holes where basement foundations had been. Some houses were still standing, though in sad stages of falling down. There were gutters still wrapped in the tops of trees. All of the street signs had blown away with spray-painted replacements instead. There was still a fair amount of debris in the roads and some yards (though no flat tires for any of us there!! I will contend that I may have the best set of factory tires on my bike...they've treated me so well!! Only 2 flats so far [versus 10+ for many others, and on better tires too!]).
We stopped an talked ot a couple of FEMA officers who filled us in on the story of the destruction. The tornado hit on May 4th and was scaled as an E-F5--a level higher than F5, like an 5.1 appparently. The length of the town is 1.1 miles; the diameter of the twister was 1.7 miles across. It ran over the town once, turned around, went back for more, and then hovered over the town for 2 whole minutes. Most residents were still in their homes when it hit. They were saying it was the worst tornados in Kansas in memory. Again, unbelievable.
We also stopped and met a woman named Ella Mae Mars who lost two homes in the tornado, an old one she was living in and another she and her husband had just finished remodeling. She showed us pictures, pointed out the various states of her neighbors' homes; she was so sweet. She was not in Greenburg when the tornado hit, thankfully.
The rest of the ride past with the Kansas countryside--fairly flat and broad. Lots of farms, really pretty though!
gotta go! affordable housing curriculum to research.
cvh
from 2 days ago, the ride into Cherokee
Hey y’all,
Here’s the update for today: little rain (more of a light drizzle), lots of flooded territory and finally, flat terrain. That’s about it. I rode again, the miles slowly (I repeat, slowly) ticked away and we made in to Cherokee, OK to the First United Methodist Church. Nothing too major to report on that front. I rode with Lindsay and Mike, and Lindsay, Miss “Flat”ulence herself, had two flats along the way. They are quite frustrating; I really hate stopping on the road because my legs tighten up and I basically have to start the day over again!! And all that I ask that if ever you are driving on the road, please, for the love of all things good, do NOT throw a glass bottle onto the road. Thanks.
The most noteworthy part of the ride today was not the level terrain, or the many rounds of 20 Questions we played to pass the time, but of all the rainwater that we’re seeing everywhere. Creeks which are probably about 5 feet across are now 35 feet across. Water is flooding fields along the way and side roads off the main highway we’re riding on. You can see infrastructure improvements like ditches/canals along the roadway with tunnels under branch roads, but even so, the height of the water levels is unbelievable. One house we rode by was surrounded up to about a foot from its foundations entirely by water with its barn and yard already flooded. Quite a sight and one I can’t say I had prepared myself for before this trip started.
As the days go by in Oklahoma and we get into Kansas, we find ourselves in the middle of Tornado Alley, essentially the counties with the most severe weather in the world. We have certainly seen the rain/storm end of that already. Some of us are itching to see a tornado but from a very far distance (I know many of you are hoping that day will not come…) but to prepare you (and give forewarning that we may not have internet in a few of the days ahead because we will be camping), we’re going to be riding through the town in Kansas (Greenberg? Greenbriar?? I can’t quite remember) that was leveled in last month’s tornadoes. It will surely be a sight to see. More updates after that.
Time for bed, sorry this is short but I’m sleepy.
Love, CVH
Here’s the update for today: little rain (more of a light drizzle), lots of flooded territory and finally, flat terrain. That’s about it. I rode again, the miles slowly (I repeat, slowly) ticked away and we made in to Cherokee, OK to the First United Methodist Church. Nothing too major to report on that front. I rode with Lindsay and Mike, and Lindsay, Miss “Flat”ulence herself, had two flats along the way. They are quite frustrating; I really hate stopping on the road because my legs tighten up and I basically have to start the day over again!! And all that I ask that if ever you are driving on the road, please, for the love of all things good, do NOT throw a glass bottle onto the road. Thanks.
The most noteworthy part of the ride today was not the level terrain, or the many rounds of 20 Questions we played to pass the time, but of all the rainwater that we’re seeing everywhere. Creeks which are probably about 5 feet across are now 35 feet across. Water is flooding fields along the way and side roads off the main highway we’re riding on. You can see infrastructure improvements like ditches/canals along the roadway with tunnels under branch roads, but even so, the height of the water levels is unbelievable. One house we rode by was surrounded up to about a foot from its foundations entirely by water with its barn and yard already flooded. Quite a sight and one I can’t say I had prepared myself for before this trip started.
As the days go by in Oklahoma and we get into Kansas, we find ourselves in the middle of Tornado Alley, essentially the counties with the most severe weather in the world. We have certainly seen the rain/storm end of that already. Some of us are itching to see a tornado but from a very far distance (I know many of you are hoping that day will not come…) but to prepare you (and give forewarning that we may not have internet in a few of the days ahead because we will be camping), we’re going to be riding through the town in Kansas (Greenberg? Greenbriar?? I can’t quite remember) that was leveled in last month’s tornadoes. It will surely be a sight to see. More updates after that.
Time for bed, sorry this is short but I’m sleepy.
Love, CVH
Saturday, June 30, 2007
back in the saddle again...
We've arrived in Ponca City now. More off again, on again rain showers brought us in.
I rode again today! finally. People were glad to see me back on my bike, though my wrist/hand did not appreciate it much. I rode 45 miles of our 70 mile ride today so I'm getting there. David seems to have become my driving companion--or at least he's the leader driving while I've been riding shotgun thanks to his own ailments--and this morning, once i saw him, he made sure to give me grief for not riding in hte van with him again so I can give him all the directions. Riding in the van really isn't all that bad, just a little depressing when you come up on riders and see them doing it--no, rocking it-- and you wish you were out there too. But today i was so it's all okay.
The terrain was pretty great today (though the lay of the roads left a bit to be desired). We finally came out of some trees and made it into wide open spaces with low rolling hills, huge sight distances, and really low clouds. It was pretty awesome, especially because you can see the rain falling in the distance pretty far off. I cant say that I've ever seen that before now!
Cool sights of the day:
-a fair number of small scale oil derricks along the hills. I've never seen those up close either. All I really wanted to do was stop and watch them go up and down and try to figure them out, but my legs had other plans.
-AWESOME clouds. they were so low! and so varied in color. you could completely see which ones were about to drop rain, even if they were a couple miles away. I have this thing for skies and stars and those who know me well, know that i loved it.
-flooded creeks/rivers. These were not "cool" so much as they were just crazy to see. Every body of water we had passed had overrun its banks and was flooding farms, fields, and creek banks.
We had a wonderful welcome here at the First Lutheran Church (or at least the "Univ. of North Carolina Bike and Build" did...I love it when they welcome us on the church signs!); Beverly took care of us so well already. I think their vegetable lasagna may have been the best I've ever had in my entire life (I am, by no means, a connoisseur, but it really was excellent.)
I now have a number of things to do to get ready for bed/prepare for tomorrow. Buonanotte.
CVH
I rode again today! finally. People were glad to see me back on my bike, though my wrist/hand did not appreciate it much. I rode 45 miles of our 70 mile ride today so I'm getting there. David seems to have become my driving companion--or at least he's the leader driving while I've been riding shotgun thanks to his own ailments--and this morning, once i saw him, he made sure to give me grief for not riding in hte van with him again so I can give him all the directions. Riding in the van really isn't all that bad, just a little depressing when you come up on riders and see them doing it--no, rocking it-- and you wish you were out there too. But today i was so it's all okay.
The terrain was pretty great today (though the lay of the roads left a bit to be desired). We finally came out of some trees and made it into wide open spaces with low rolling hills, huge sight distances, and really low clouds. It was pretty awesome, especially because you can see the rain falling in the distance pretty far off. I cant say that I've ever seen that before now!
Cool sights of the day:
-a fair number of small scale oil derricks along the hills. I've never seen those up close either. All I really wanted to do was stop and watch them go up and down and try to figure them out, but my legs had other plans.
-AWESOME clouds. they were so low! and so varied in color. you could completely see which ones were about to drop rain, even if they were a couple miles away. I have this thing for skies and stars and those who know me well, know that i loved it.
-flooded creeks/rivers. These were not "cool" so much as they were just crazy to see. Every body of water we had passed had overrun its banks and was flooding farms, fields, and creek banks.
We had a wonderful welcome here at the First Lutheran Church (or at least the "Univ. of North Carolina Bike and Build" did...I love it when they welcome us on the church signs!); Beverly took care of us so well already. I think their vegetable lasagna may have been the best I've ever had in my entire life (I am, by no means, a connoisseur, but it really was excellent.)
I now have a number of things to do to get ready for bed/prepare for tomorrow. Buonanotte.
CVH
Friday, June 29, 2007
arrived in Bartlesville
So we've made it this far. Flash flood warnings and lots of rain could not keep us away.
We rode in yesterday afternoon over rolling hills, at times steep, but short, and was warmly greeted by a marquis welcome!! The Adams Boulevard Church of Christ has been awesomely accomodating. Each time we stop somewhere I am more and more awed by our hosts!! They'd been keeping up with our journals: right when we got in they asked how Andrew was doing. It's so encouraging when people are so excited by your efforts.
The group biked over a small section of Route 66 yesterday which was kind of cool. Lots of Conoco and Phillips 66 stations abound here... Bartlesville is their home base and origin. Saw a few small oil rigs riding in too which was so neat.
gotta roll and grab some breakfast. Ciao amici!
CVH
We rode in yesterday afternoon over rolling hills, at times steep, but short, and was warmly greeted by a marquis welcome!! The Adams Boulevard Church of Christ has been awesomely accomodating. Each time we stop somewhere I am more and more awed by our hosts!! They'd been keeping up with our journals: right when we got in they asked how Andrew was doing. It's so encouraging when people are so excited by your efforts.
The group biked over a small section of Route 66 yesterday which was kind of cool. Lots of Conoco and Phillips 66 stations abound here... Bartlesville is their home base and origin. Saw a few small oil rigs riding in too which was so neat.
gotta roll and grab some breakfast. Ciao amici!
CVH
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
2 states in one day!
Yup. We did that. We're moving now!!!
We hit Bentonville, AR this morning, the home of Wal-Mart, then rolled into Missouri for a little tickle, and then crossed over into OK-Oklahoma!! It was a bit rainy and we delayed our departure from Rogers, AR (where we stayed in the rockin-est Recreation Center. Their facility was unbelivable) for a couple hours tilit cleared a bit. Most of the day however passed through rain.
We arrived in Grove, OK now and we're set up in a prety great church--they're making us dinner and they have wi-fi internet. It doesn't get much better than that.
Now in my last blog I left out the actual quote my friend, Connor, wrote. See the amended passage below with quote included:
"I gotta say I have this friend from UVA, Connor, who keeps sending me these wonderful encouraging emails and this morning I checked my email to find this:
I can't imagine what it must feel like to grind your way over the titanic imperial spaces of the continent; whenever I drive enormous distances like that across the infinite mountains and plains of the center of the country I always think of roaring choirs and the sound of the sea and absolute, unchecked potential.... The immense freedom of the bicycle, the comaraderie of the group; these are like the ideal road trip. You get fun and passionate and stimulating company and you remove the interference of the glass that fences around so much of our American world. And you're doing this incredible physical thing that demands so much of your body. I've been thinking a lot lately about how in the West we've really stopped doing the things humans are sort of built to do: we're meant to demand of our bodies and have physical adventures, and few enough of us ever get the chance.
Talk bout some awesome perspective. Our bodies are made for this kind of effort. It’s so great to have the opportunity and time and means to make something like this happen. So thanks to all those who have already helped me get this far. (It’s been a kind of introspective day today, can you tell?)" I love that kid.
So that's all for now.
CVH
We hit Bentonville, AR this morning, the home of Wal-Mart, then rolled into Missouri for a little tickle, and then crossed over into OK-Oklahoma!! It was a bit rainy and we delayed our departure from Rogers, AR (where we stayed in the rockin-est Recreation Center. Their facility was unbelivable) for a couple hours tilit cleared a bit. Most of the day however passed through rain.
We arrived in Grove, OK now and we're set up in a prety great church--they're making us dinner and they have wi-fi internet. It doesn't get much better than that.
Now in my last blog I left out the actual quote my friend, Connor, wrote. See the amended passage below with quote included:
"I gotta say I have this friend from UVA, Connor, who keeps sending me these wonderful encouraging emails and this morning I checked my email to find this:
I can't imagine what it must feel like to grind your way over the titanic imperial spaces of the continent; whenever I drive enormous distances like that across the infinite mountains and plains of the center of the country I always think of roaring choirs and the sound of the sea and absolute, unchecked potential.... The immense freedom of the bicycle, the comaraderie of the group; these are like the ideal road trip. You get fun and passionate and stimulating company and you remove the interference of the glass that fences around so much of our American world. And you're doing this incredible physical thing that demands so much of your body. I've been thinking a lot lately about how in the West we've really stopped doing the things humans are sort of built to do: we're meant to demand of our bodies and have physical adventures, and few enough of us ever get the chance.
Talk bout some awesome perspective. Our bodies are made for this kind of effort. It’s so great to have the opportunity and time and means to make something like this happen. So thanks to all those who have already helped me get this far. (It’s been a kind of introspective day today, can you tell?)" I love that kid.
So that's all for now.
CVH
Monday, June 25, 2007
Another day, another ride in the van…
And so it goes in the life of the perpetually injured CVH.
Today was an 80-mile day through some of the Ozark National Forest so that meant hills, a mountain or two, and more small towns. One two-mile stretch of road was an 11% downgrade; everyone certainly loved that one (though the climb before it was not as enjoyable…) It was a good day for some, a sluggish day for many. It seems the abundance of bug bites and subsequent Benadryl being passed around made for a difficult day. It was longish (because everyone is rolling so much faster!), hot day without rain or much cloud cover.
On a high note in the van, David bought a Top 30 Doo-Wop Hits CD at Wal-Mart this morning so the van ride was quite enjoyable amidst the many renditions of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Build Me Up Buttercup”. Jen joined us in the van today too. It seems that more people are starting to realize the value of giving your legs (and butt) a day of rest and sacrificing the miles for a day. I like it because it makes for more company….but I guess that’s a bit selfish of me. For me I think the biggest challenge has been recognizing the value of the effort I am trying to make even though they’re not on my bike.
I gotta say I have this friend from UVA, Connor, who keeps sending me these wonderful encouraging emails and this morning I checked my email to find this:
Talk bout some awesome perspective. Our bodies are made for this kind of effort. It’s so great to have the opportunity and time and means to make something like this happen. So thanks to all those who have already helped me get this far. (It’s been a kind of introspective day today, can you tell?)
As it is, we all made it safely into Harrison, AR…and that’s pretty much it. We had laundry day, lots of people have been cleaning their bikes….and the A/C is always appreciated as here at the First Methodist Church. Basically a slow news day, sorry.
So time for more shout outs then!:
--Thanks to everyone who sent me recipes!!! I greatly appreciate them. They’re giving us some more options which is always nice. Keep ‘em coming!
--For those in C-ville, keep on trucking through classes and work and such. I’m horribly jealous of those Cv-ille summers. I know you’re having a FANTASTIC time. Go tubing, go to Beaver Creek, go to Blue Hole, Skyline, Bellaire, just go. Escape Grounds and explore.
--ATL friends: I hope Rutledge was a blast!! (for those who went!) I’ve been thinking of you all often and the energizers (when we get up at 5 am), the lake showers (when I never manage to get clean after a real shower), and “Country Roads” (because it seems that everyone on this trip is just discovering it so we listen to it constantly!!! And no one knows the echos…argh.)
OH! Housekeeping details—my regular cell phone has had no service for ages so if you need to get in touch with me you can call me, leave me a message, and I’ll return your call from another cell phone I got so I could keep my mother notified of my daily survival. It may take a day or two but I WILL call you back, I promise.
that’s it I think and I’m sleepy. All that van riding really does you in…
Goodnight!!
CVH
Today was an 80-mile day through some of the Ozark National Forest so that meant hills, a mountain or two, and more small towns. One two-mile stretch of road was an 11% downgrade; everyone certainly loved that one (though the climb before it was not as enjoyable…) It was a good day for some, a sluggish day for many. It seems the abundance of bug bites and subsequent Benadryl being passed around made for a difficult day. It was longish (because everyone is rolling so much faster!), hot day without rain or much cloud cover.
On a high note in the van, David bought a Top 30 Doo-Wop Hits CD at Wal-Mart this morning so the van ride was quite enjoyable amidst the many renditions of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Build Me Up Buttercup”. Jen joined us in the van today too. It seems that more people are starting to realize the value of giving your legs (and butt) a day of rest and sacrificing the miles for a day. I like it because it makes for more company….but I guess that’s a bit selfish of me. For me I think the biggest challenge has been recognizing the value of the effort I am trying to make even though they’re not on my bike.
I gotta say I have this friend from UVA, Connor, who keeps sending me these wonderful encouraging emails and this morning I checked my email to find this:
Talk bout some awesome perspective. Our bodies are made for this kind of effort. It’s so great to have the opportunity and time and means to make something like this happen. So thanks to all those who have already helped me get this far. (It’s been a kind of introspective day today, can you tell?)
As it is, we all made it safely into Harrison, AR…and that’s pretty much it. We had laundry day, lots of people have been cleaning their bikes….and the A/C is always appreciated as here at the First Methodist Church. Basically a slow news day, sorry.
So time for more shout outs then!:
--Thanks to everyone who sent me recipes!!! I greatly appreciate them. They’re giving us some more options which is always nice. Keep ‘em coming!
--For those in C-ville, keep on trucking through classes and work and such. I’m horribly jealous of those Cv-ille summers. I know you’re having a FANTASTIC time. Go tubing, go to Beaver Creek, go to Blue Hole, Skyline, Bellaire, just go. Escape Grounds and explore.
--ATL friends: I hope Rutledge was a blast!! (for those who went!) I’ve been thinking of you all often and the energizers (when we get up at 5 am), the lake showers (when I never manage to get clean after a real shower), and “Country Roads” (because it seems that everyone on this trip is just discovering it so we listen to it constantly!!! And no one knows the echos…argh.)
OH! Housekeeping details—my regular cell phone has had no service for ages so if you need to get in touch with me you can call me, leave me a message, and I’ll return your call from another cell phone I got so I could keep my mother notified of my daily survival. It may take a day or two but I WILL call you back, I promise.
that’s it I think and I’m sleepy. All that van riding really does you in…
Goodnight!!
CVH
crossing hte mighty Mississippi and then some...
Hi Everyone,
Internet has been intermittent so I am now typing this in full day by day or so, and will post these entries once I can get to a connection (so "today" is Sunday everywhere in this post).
A lot has happened in the last few days so I guess the best thing to do is try to catch you up with some of the details.
Pre-Memphis/post-Pulaski things were going well. We had been riding strong over lots of decreasingly rolling hills. I’ve been getting in to our host sites, camping or otherwise (we’ve been camping a bunch the past few days), in the early to mid afternoon. Even without all of the mountain training that everyone else had, I feel like I kept up well! I felt strong and FINALLY figured out an enjoyable game to play with my gears up and down the hills so time passes well. I’ve been riding alone a lot which isn’t too much fun, but it seems to be how I’ve been riding best. I’ve some in to our host sites in the first couple of people a couple of times which has felt awesome. Our daily rides are not a competition, but to come in to a site first after missing out on about 250 miles felt really good. There has been some need for uplifting moments like that now and again when your legs and shoulders ache constantly and you sleep on a hard floor.
The ride from Olive Hill was a challenge: my shoes refused to clip in my pedals which makes riding up and down hills much more difficult and off-balance, my chain liked to jump off my gears and jam, and the day was a long one. The best part was probably riding with Jen (together we were able to keep each other’s mind off our various ailments) and the Route 64 Diner on the way into Bolivar (I had one of the most delicious chocolate milkshakes of my life there). Once again the Tennessee National Guard Armory was wonderfully accommodating and the Phi Beta Sigma Alumni and Zeta Phi Beta Alumnae made us a yummy dinner!! (hooray for not having to cook!!)
Our day into Memphis starting appropriately with the van speakers sounding “Walking in Memphis” as we rode out. Spirits were high, our speeds were higher—we were so ready to get there and have our day off!
Unfortunately the day was a trying one for many. Andrew Martin, while riding with Ryan and Meredith, was struck from behind by a car on Highway 64. He was doing nothing wrong and was mid- laughter in fact, when it happened. He was taken by ambulance and then a helicopter to a Memphis Hospital where it was found that he had no broken bones (amazingly and thankfully!!) but just some pretty nasty road rash. After being hit by a car!! God was completely looking out for him on that day. In the meantime all of us, once we saw the truck (and some saw his bike—a demolished mess of metal as it was run over [again, thankfully, Andrew was not]) we all gathered to regroup and figure out what was happening. It was definitely the most surreal and scariest time we’ve had. Ryan led us all in an unbelievable prayer and shortly thereafter we got the news Andrew was not broken. He spent the night in the hospital, was cleared the next day, and it is now getting some much needed R & R at home in Greenville with his family.
The rest of the ride was taken in packs to ensure our visibility on the road, though that was not the end of the drama for the day, at least not for me. The earlier incident happened pretty early in the morning, 30 miles into the ride (of a 57 mile day), aroun 9:30 am. About 1pm or so, after a long period off or bikes, we were coming into the last 6 or 7 miles of our ride into Memphis. While riding in a line, I managed to get too close to Ivey’s wheel/derailleur in front of me, lose my balance, and fall AGAIN pretty hard onto very not-smooth concrete pavement. Ouch. I got some pretty serious road rash up my left side of my leg and on my left elbow, but the worst part is that in putting out my hands in front of me I hit my right hand/wrist pretty hard, to the point that I rode through the end of the ride on only one hand, my left hand. Some serious swelling in my palm and wrist and throbbing pain meant I needed to accompany Tony to the ER where Andrew was. I spent 4 and half hours at “The Med” to never see a doctor. Some very nice triage nurses informed of the procedures of the ER at The Med, where a chopper coming in means the wait time for everyone already admitted and waiting gets pushed back at least 2 hours. Every ambulance, and you’re looking at at least one. I was “next” to get into the Trauma Ward for an hour and a half and was dying a slow death along side Tony in the waiting room watching a terrible show, “Pirate Master”, when I could take it any more, went and asked how much longer, when I was informed three ambulances had just come in so there would be another many hours to wait. No, I said, not for me. We left and went and got ribs for dinner instead and found a classic car show en route home. My pain subsequently subsided. Well, not really, but I was able to focus elsewhere for obvious reasons. I had a wrist guard that my mom had sent me earlier in the trip so I wore that for the night and decided to perhaps try again on our day off to lay siege to the Med’s ER and find another way in.
Day off came and I had other things to do. I went and got a massage (heaven) and then, her mother’s and a leader’s request, forwent a jaunt down to Memphis and Beale Street to head to the Germantown Minor Medical Care facility (where there was no wait!! Hooray! Many thanks to my sister for discovering this and its very nearby location) to have my still swollen and nagging wrist x-rayed.
X-rays returned with no visible breaks, BUT, due to the location of the tenderness in my hand, the doctor thinks I still may have broken my ovicular (?) bone which control wrist and thumb function. Apparently it can’t be photographed in x-rays so it’s not definitive. Great. I’m hurt again. “Maybe” even broken, not just hurt. So, back in the van for me. Basically I have to wait it out, ride if it feels good, and get re-x-rayed in 2 weeks if it’s still not better.
Needless to say, typing is not easy, so appreciate the length of this post.
After my inconclusive doctor’s visit, I wandered over to the nearby bike shop, Peddlers Bikes, and met a wonderfully kindred spirit, John, the owner, and the two guys that worked there that were able to keep me entertained and occupied for three and a half hours. John himself drove me to get my bike from our host site, fixed up my bike, checked everything out, fitted me with a new front wheel (the trauma of my first accident still not overcome), and taught me a ton of stuff about my bike (and about fun European bike tours… hmm… maybe next year…). It was lots of fun!
The day off ended with a visit from Andrew (so good to see him) and his parents, a quick dinner, and bed.
Now broken hand or no, I was not going to miss another state line by riding in the van across it. I rode the 25 miles (I expected 8ish) through Memphis to the Arkansas line (across the Mighty Mississippi!! ew had to walk our bikes across a highway bridge)and then called it quits for the day—well, the next couple days really. Last night we stayed in a nice state park, but one with probably the largest, most numerous, and most aggressive mosquitos on the face of the earth. It was unfathomable. Mosquitos the size of small birds swarmed our group shortly after arrival and did not let up even when we awoke at 4:30 am!! needless to say we all itch without relenting and if you have any knowledge of a spectacular remedy we're all ears.
Molly, David, and I piloted the van today, though Molly quickly passed out and Dave and I spent most of the stormy drive fighting the droves of mosquitos that had seemingly managed to multiply like the heads of a hydra once we squashed them. It was an epic battle and I am proud to say that the van is now mosquito free.
Sadly though, what was expected to be a 102 mile day was only a 36 mile day for everyone. Storms closed in on us right after leaving our campsite and low visibility and temperatures forced a decision to shuttle everyone and the bikes to Mountain View, AR. Shuttle began about 10am and we would have all been here safely and quickly by about 2 pm had not the trailer suffered a left tire explosion(I’m not kidding, an explosion; think loud pop and swerve on a mountain road) and we were not left stranded literally, in the mille of nowhere on the side of a mountain, without a spare or a plan. I am proud to say that know what all of the layers of a tire looks like and there is wire mesh in there!!! You learn new things every day. Well, three and a half hours later, Charlie the tire man (God bless him! He rocks) came to our rescue and executed the tire change as quickly as we change one of our bike tires—unbelievable to watch. Another shuttle later to retrieve the other 14 people left behind at a gas station with all the bikes for 8 hours, we all made it into Mountain View and that where I write this now. We cooked again, we have now eaten, and bed time draws near. 4:30 or 5 am comes early so I must go.
Love to you all!
OH! A request: If you happen to know any relative simple, cheap to make, healthy dishes that can be easily cooked for 30 people please send the recipes my way!!! (comment or email me: caitlin.vonhedemann@gmail.com) We seem to struggle through planning and executing dinners when we have to cook… One can only eat so much spaghetti and marinara before you never want to see it again… But really, get creative here people and hook us up. We can generally get to a grocery store before we cook so some fresh ingredients can usually be had, but we have a seriously tight budget. THANK YOU!! I mean, one would have thought that B&B, after 4 full years of trips, would have some sort of recipe book for set of plans inventing meals, but alas, this may perhaps have to be my legacy…
Love,
CVH
Internet has been intermittent so I am now typing this in full day by day or so, and will post these entries once I can get to a connection (so "today" is Sunday everywhere in this post).
A lot has happened in the last few days so I guess the best thing to do is try to catch you up with some of the details.
Pre-Memphis/post-Pulaski things were going well. We had been riding strong over lots of decreasingly rolling hills. I’ve been getting in to our host sites, camping or otherwise (we’ve been camping a bunch the past few days), in the early to mid afternoon. Even without all of the mountain training that everyone else had, I feel like I kept up well! I felt strong and FINALLY figured out an enjoyable game to play with my gears up and down the hills so time passes well. I’ve been riding alone a lot which isn’t too much fun, but it seems to be how I’ve been riding best. I’ve some in to our host sites in the first couple of people a couple of times which has felt awesome. Our daily rides are not a competition, but to come in to a site first after missing out on about 250 miles felt really good. There has been some need for uplifting moments like that now and again when your legs and shoulders ache constantly and you sleep on a hard floor.
The ride from Olive Hill was a challenge: my shoes refused to clip in my pedals which makes riding up and down hills much more difficult and off-balance, my chain liked to jump off my gears and jam, and the day was a long one. The best part was probably riding with Jen (together we were able to keep each other’s mind off our various ailments) and the Route 64 Diner on the way into Bolivar (I had one of the most delicious chocolate milkshakes of my life there). Once again the Tennessee National Guard Armory was wonderfully accommodating and the Phi Beta Sigma Alumni and Zeta Phi Beta Alumnae made us a yummy dinner!! (hooray for not having to cook!!)
Our day into Memphis starting appropriately with the van speakers sounding “Walking in Memphis” as we rode out. Spirits were high, our speeds were higher—we were so ready to get there and have our day off!
Unfortunately the day was a trying one for many. Andrew Martin, while riding with Ryan and Meredith, was struck from behind by a car on Highway 64. He was doing nothing wrong and was mid- laughter in fact, when it happened. He was taken by ambulance and then a helicopter to a Memphis Hospital where it was found that he had no broken bones (amazingly and thankfully!!) but just some pretty nasty road rash. After being hit by a car!! God was completely looking out for him on that day. In the meantime all of us, once we saw the truck (and some saw his bike—a demolished mess of metal as it was run over [again, thankfully, Andrew was not]) we all gathered to regroup and figure out what was happening. It was definitely the most surreal and scariest time we’ve had. Ryan led us all in an unbelievable prayer and shortly thereafter we got the news Andrew was not broken. He spent the night in the hospital, was cleared the next day, and it is now getting some much needed R & R at home in Greenville with his family.
The rest of the ride was taken in packs to ensure our visibility on the road, though that was not the end of the drama for the day, at least not for me. The earlier incident happened pretty early in the morning, 30 miles into the ride (of a 57 mile day), aroun 9:30 am. About 1pm or so, after a long period off or bikes, we were coming into the last 6 or 7 miles of our ride into Memphis. While riding in a line, I managed to get too close to Ivey’s wheel/derailleur in front of me, lose my balance, and fall AGAIN pretty hard onto very not-smooth concrete pavement. Ouch. I got some pretty serious road rash up my left side of my leg and on my left elbow, but the worst part is that in putting out my hands in front of me I hit my right hand/wrist pretty hard, to the point that I rode through the end of the ride on only one hand, my left hand. Some serious swelling in my palm and wrist and throbbing pain meant I needed to accompany Tony to the ER where Andrew was. I spent 4 and half hours at “The Med” to never see a doctor. Some very nice triage nurses informed of the procedures of the ER at The Med, where a chopper coming in means the wait time for everyone already admitted and waiting gets pushed back at least 2 hours. Every ambulance, and you’re looking at at least one. I was “next” to get into the Trauma Ward for an hour and a half and was dying a slow death along side Tony in the waiting room watching a terrible show, “Pirate Master”, when I could take it any more, went and asked how much longer, when I was informed three ambulances had just come in so there would be another many hours to wait. No, I said, not for me. We left and went and got ribs for dinner instead and found a classic car show en route home. My pain subsequently subsided. Well, not really, but I was able to focus elsewhere for obvious reasons. I had a wrist guard that my mom had sent me earlier in the trip so I wore that for the night and decided to perhaps try again on our day off to lay siege to the Med’s ER and find another way in.
Day off came and I had other things to do. I went and got a massage (heaven) and then, her mother’s and a leader’s request, forwent a jaunt down to Memphis and Beale Street to head to the Germantown Minor Medical Care facility (where there was no wait!! Hooray! Many thanks to my sister for discovering this and its very nearby location) to have my still swollen and nagging wrist x-rayed.
X-rays returned with no visible breaks, BUT, due to the location of the tenderness in my hand, the doctor thinks I still may have broken my ovicular (?) bone which control wrist and thumb function. Apparently it can’t be photographed in x-rays so it’s not definitive. Great. I’m hurt again. “Maybe” even broken, not just hurt. So, back in the van for me. Basically I have to wait it out, ride if it feels good, and get re-x-rayed in 2 weeks if it’s still not better.
Needless to say, typing is not easy, so appreciate the length of this post.
After my inconclusive doctor’s visit, I wandered over to the nearby bike shop, Peddlers Bikes, and met a wonderfully kindred spirit, John, the owner, and the two guys that worked there that were able to keep me entertained and occupied for three and a half hours. John himself drove me to get my bike from our host site, fixed up my bike, checked everything out, fitted me with a new front wheel (the trauma of my first accident still not overcome), and taught me a ton of stuff about my bike (and about fun European bike tours… hmm… maybe next year…). It was lots of fun!
The day off ended with a visit from Andrew (so good to see him) and his parents, a quick dinner, and bed.
Now broken hand or no, I was not going to miss another state line by riding in the van across it. I rode the 25 miles (I expected 8ish) through Memphis to the Arkansas line (across the Mighty Mississippi!! ew had to walk our bikes across a highway bridge)and then called it quits for the day—well, the next couple days really. Last night we stayed in a nice state park, but one with probably the largest, most numerous, and most aggressive mosquitos on the face of the earth. It was unfathomable. Mosquitos the size of small birds swarmed our group shortly after arrival and did not let up even when we awoke at 4:30 am!! needless to say we all itch without relenting and if you have any knowledge of a spectacular remedy we're all ears.
Molly, David, and I piloted the van today, though Molly quickly passed out and Dave and I spent most of the stormy drive fighting the droves of mosquitos that had seemingly managed to multiply like the heads of a hydra once we squashed them. It was an epic battle and I am proud to say that the van is now mosquito free.
Sadly though, what was expected to be a 102 mile day was only a 36 mile day for everyone. Storms closed in on us right after leaving our campsite and low visibility and temperatures forced a decision to shuttle everyone and the bikes to Mountain View, AR. Shuttle began about 10am and we would have all been here safely and quickly by about 2 pm had not the trailer suffered a left tire explosion(I’m not kidding, an explosion; think loud pop and swerve on a mountain road) and we were not left stranded literally, in the mille of nowhere on the side of a mountain, without a spare or a plan. I am proud to say that know what all of the layers of a tire looks like and there is wire mesh in there!!! You learn new things every day. Well, three and a half hours later, Charlie the tire man (God bless him! He rocks) came to our rescue and executed the tire change as quickly as we change one of our bike tires—unbelievable to watch. Another shuttle later to retrieve the other 14 people left behind at a gas station with all the bikes for 8 hours, we all made it into Mountain View and that where I write this now. We cooked again, we have now eaten, and bed time draws near. 4:30 or 5 am comes early so I must go.
Love to you all!
OH! A request: If you happen to know any relative simple, cheap to make, healthy dishes that can be easily cooked for 30 people please send the recipes my way!!! (comment or email me: caitlin.vonhedemann@gmail.com) We seem to struggle through planning and executing dinners when we have to cook… One can only eat so much spaghetti and marinara before you never want to see it again… But really, get creative here people and hook us up. We can generally get to a grocery store before we cook so some fresh ingredients can usually be had, but we have a seriously tight budget. THANK YOU!! I mean, one would have thought that B&B, after 4 full years of trips, would have some sort of recipe book for set of plans inventing meals, but alas, this may perhaps have to be my legacy…
Love,
CVH
Friday, June 22, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
6 down, 1 to go...
til we get a break!! a day off in MEMPHIS!! yes.
We're all getting stronger, going faster, kickin' some serious Tennessee butt. There have been some great times in the last few days that need retelling! Time is short online so this will be it for the day, but as I daily tell my mother, yes, I am alive and well and rollin' on.
love you all!!!
CVH
We're all getting stronger, going faster, kickin' some serious Tennessee butt. There have been some great times in the last few days that need retelling! Time is short online so this will be it for the day, but as I daily tell my mother, yes, I am alive and well and rollin' on.
love you all!!!
CVH
Sunday, June 17, 2007
AWESOME. AWESOME. AWESOME.
Really, this is awesome.
First, yesterday. It was a tough one because it was long one, but a good one I think. 77 miles, the longest I had ridden since I hurt myself and I wasn't the last one to make it in to the Rescue Squad station in Dunlap!!! I was excited, though it didn't feel good... (side note, the people at the Rescue Squad we're amazing. They were so wonderfully accomodating, made us fresh popcorn movie theater style in a huge cart thing, provided us with lots of Cokes, and hooked us up with a donated Sonic dinner, an establishment quickly becoming the favorite among many B&Bers in route and afterwaterwards thanks to the lobbying efforts of Ivey). More on the the ride now, it was long. Steady rolling hills and ups and downs through to lunch and then we hit 111. Now, 111 is a decent road, though an actual highway (with a nice, wide, clean shoulder parents, and we had state trooper permission to ride it) and it went up to start, then stayed up. Not so up as when we were in North Carolina and early Tennessee, but up enough. and after 55 miles already, we were not excited for that climb. After that more long rolling highway hills (you know, you never really realize exactly how long the highway exit ramps and on ramps are until you bypass them on a bike. Everything seems so much bigger on the highway.) and then finally, at the end, an awesome, 4 mile, 7% grade downhill. Yes. That's more like it. The Tall Engine that Could, Emily Burress, was my riding buddy and she totally helped get me through this day. I was not happy on that hill post lunch and in pain and she helped me make it through. Love that girl.
We made it into Dunlap and shortly thereafter my whole fam-damily arrived. Yes, the mom, dad, sister dear, aunt, uncle, and uncle's daughter, all of them. But they brought fressh fruit :) No, it was great to see my family and they took me out on a little escape for some country cookin'. Upon our return to the Rescue Station we took off for the best beer-only beer in Dunlap (in fact it may be the only one, but nonetheless, Wings and Things is a WONDERFUL establishment. especially when the owner picks up 12 of you en route in his pickup truck and gives you a ride there and back home. It was great.) it was a fantastic evening on the whole.
Now for today! A smashing success!! We had about 50-55ish miles to go to get from DUnlap to here in Sewanee. We started with a pretty serious climb to get out of the valley, but once we were up, we stayed up (and of course, went up and down on that up but good ups and downs.) It was a ROCKIN day. So much fun to ride those hills. had great speed going both up and down, it was amazing. i totally hit a stride and just went with it. Lindsay and I were the first two into our campsite in Sewannee for the night!!! HOO-RAY!! (nevermind that we rolled it with about 10 people altogether, but physically, we were the first and it felt so good.
Now let's just hope those 85 miles tomorrow feel the same way...
signing off,
CVH
but maybe a photo before I go. I don't have them all loaded, but let's find a good one:
so that's from our rainy day into Winston-Salem a couple weeks ago! Marylynn and Paceline Bikes were so good to us there!!!
First, yesterday. It was a tough one because it was long one, but a good one I think. 77 miles, the longest I had ridden since I hurt myself and I wasn't the last one to make it in to the Rescue Squad station in Dunlap!!! I was excited, though it didn't feel good... (side note, the people at the Rescue Squad we're amazing. They were so wonderfully accomodating, made us fresh popcorn movie theater style in a huge cart thing, provided us with lots of Cokes, and hooked us up with a donated Sonic dinner, an establishment quickly becoming the favorite among many B&Bers in route and afterwaterwards thanks to the lobbying efforts of Ivey). More on the the ride now, it was long. Steady rolling hills and ups and downs through to lunch and then we hit 111. Now, 111 is a decent road, though an actual highway (with a nice, wide, clean shoulder parents, and we had state trooper permission to ride it) and it went up to start, then stayed up. Not so up as when we were in North Carolina and early Tennessee, but up enough. and after 55 miles already, we were not excited for that climb. After that more long rolling highway hills (you know, you never really realize exactly how long the highway exit ramps and on ramps are until you bypass them on a bike. Everything seems so much bigger on the highway.) and then finally, at the end, an awesome, 4 mile, 7% grade downhill. Yes. That's more like it. The Tall Engine that Could, Emily Burress, was my riding buddy and she totally helped get me through this day. I was not happy on that hill post lunch and in pain and she helped me make it through. Love that girl.
We made it into Dunlap and shortly thereafter my whole fam-damily arrived. Yes, the mom, dad, sister dear, aunt, uncle, and uncle's daughter, all of them. But they brought fressh fruit :) No, it was great to see my family and they took me out on a little escape for some country cookin'. Upon our return to the Rescue Station we took off for the best beer-only beer in Dunlap (in fact it may be the only one, but nonetheless, Wings and Things is a WONDERFUL establishment. especially when the owner picks up 12 of you en route in his pickup truck and gives you a ride there and back home. It was great.) it was a fantastic evening on the whole.
Now for today! A smashing success!! We had about 50-55ish miles to go to get from DUnlap to here in Sewanee. We started with a pretty serious climb to get out of the valley, but once we were up, we stayed up (and of course, went up and down on that up but good ups and downs.) It was a ROCKIN day. So much fun to ride those hills. had great speed going both up and down, it was amazing. i totally hit a stride and just went with it. Lindsay and I were the first two into our campsite in Sewannee for the night!!! HOO-RAY!! (nevermind that we rolled it with about 10 people altogether, but physically, we were the first and it felt so good.
Now let's just hope those 85 miles tomorrow feel the same way...
signing off,
CVH
but maybe a photo before I go. I don't have them all loaded, but let's find a good one:
so that's from our rainy day into Winston-Salem a couple weeks ago! Marylynn and Paceline Bikes were so good to us there!!!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
a thrift fairy tale
Hi friends,
I lived my dream this morning. Thrift clothes as far as the eye can see!!!
Now of course, they were a mess and piled high in trash bags ready to be srted, but nonetheless, those who know me well can attest to my love for all things thrift. That was my morning activity: sorting through thrift stuff at teh Habitat Resale store here in Maryville. They have more stuff than they can put out on their display floors!! Everyone has been adding to their t-shirt collections for the rest of the trip (having only 3 is just not sufficient!) and many are first-time throufft buyers so that's been fun for me to see the joy in their faces after the cheapest purchases they could ever make. I, for one, am horribly jealous of the virtually new Carrhart overalls Vandy picked up yesterday for 35 cents...
The days seems to be ended out our work on projects here, runs to the post office, the bike shop; basically general prep to take off again tomorrow onour trusty two-wheelers. believe you me I am ready to ride!! For those interested ina n update, my leg is MUCH better. The bruise is just about gone (finally) and only barely aches whenever I've been sitting/lying still for a long time. So i'm ready to go! HOO-ray!
Gotta roll out now and catch the van back to Camp Tipton for the afternoon.
miss you all!
CVH
I lived my dream this morning. Thrift clothes as far as the eye can see!!!
Now of course, they were a mess and piled high in trash bags ready to be srted, but nonetheless, those who know me well can attest to my love for all things thrift. That was my morning activity: sorting through thrift stuff at teh Habitat Resale store here in Maryville. They have more stuff than they can put out on their display floors!! Everyone has been adding to their t-shirt collections for the rest of the trip (having only 3 is just not sufficient!) and many are first-time throufft buyers so that's been fun for me to see the joy in their faces after the cheapest purchases they could ever make. I, for one, am horribly jealous of the virtually new Carrhart overalls Vandy picked up yesterday for 35 cents...
The days seems to be ended out our work on projects here, runs to the post office, the bike shop; basically general prep to take off again tomorrow onour trusty two-wheelers. believe you me I am ready to ride!! For those interested ina n update, my leg is MUCH better. The bruise is just about gone (finally) and only barely aches whenever I've been sitting/lying still for a long time. So i'm ready to go! HOO-ray!
Gotta roll out now and catch the van back to Camp Tipton for the afternoon.
miss you all!
CVH
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
and we build on...
Howdy friends from hillbilly land.
We're still in Maryville (which I learned today on site is locally pronounced "mur-ville") and continuing to build on homes and organize the Resale Store (FYI since I haven't explained it and I wonder if anyone else has either, we're not doing a blitz build [ a week long foundations to walls build] ). Today I went to a Women's Build, a house constructed entirely by women, to paint and it was probably my the best and my favorite on-site day yet!!! Meredith, Ivey, Lindsay, Kaitlin and I represented for the females and had a blast meeting some awesome women. It was wonderfully empowering to say the least. We primed and painted the whole house and ate delicious, fresh food for lunch which was AWESOME.
Building yesterday went well too. I had more fun with the nail gun and was well complemented on my carpentry, measuring and nailing skills (thank you mom and dad for buying me K'nex and letting me play with power tools.) it's nice to get to see work on a house really progress!!
On the social scene, our team is having an absoloute blast together which is so comforting. Many of us are actually anxious to get back on our bikes, myself included!
the library is now set to close (and this is probably the most gorgeous library i've ever been in strangely enough) so I must run.
hope all of you are doing well yourself! let me hear from you!
CVH
We're still in Maryville (which I learned today on site is locally pronounced "mur-ville") and continuing to build on homes and organize the Resale Store (FYI since I haven't explained it and I wonder if anyone else has either, we're not doing a blitz build [ a week long foundations to walls build] ). Today I went to a Women's Build, a house constructed entirely by women, to paint and it was probably my the best and my favorite on-site day yet!!! Meredith, Ivey, Lindsay, Kaitlin and I represented for the females and had a blast meeting some awesome women. It was wonderfully empowering to say the least. We primed and painted the whole house and ate delicious, fresh food for lunch which was AWESOME.
Building yesterday went well too. I had more fun with the nail gun and was well complemented on my carpentry, measuring and nailing skills (thank you mom and dad for buying me K'nex and letting me play with power tools.) it's nice to get to see work on a house really progress!!
On the social scene, our team is having an absoloute blast together which is so comforting. Many of us are actually anxious to get back on our bikes, myself included!
the library is now set to close (and this is probably the most gorgeous library i've ever been in strangely enough) so I must run.
hope all of you are doing well yourself! let me hear from you!
CVH
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Yes, I know, it’s been a while.
To explain, we have traversing mountains for the past few days, outside of cell service (at least for my terrible coverage) and internet access. My apologies for the lack of connectivity here in the sticks.
Of course, the sticks are in TENNESSEE!! We crossed over the Great Smokey Mountains into Tennessee from North Carolina yesterday! An epic moment for many….though not for me. I was sadly not riding. The bruise that has been amateurly diagnosed as a super deep bruise? a hairline fracture? A muscle strain? whatever… has been acting up much as I try to rest it. Here’s the recap for the past few days in terms of mileage and climbing and basically, it’s been BIG.
After our two days of building in Chapel Hill and Durham (during which I caught the plague being passed around our trip), we rode out in the Tropical Depression across some rolling hills. Into Winston-Salem we went which for some turned out to be their first century day!! But 12ish hours of riding later everyone arrived safe and sound into Winston-Salem. I only rode about 30 or so of the miles in the rain (which was actually kinda fun, especially because you can see your reflection in the road below… it looks pretty cool) before my leg started throbbing so I called it quits. In Winston-Salem we had the greatest welcome from Marylynn, a former B&Ber (hence the last post extolling her virtues) and Paceline Bicycles, a group of rockstars who tuned up lots of peoples’ bikes.
Out of Winston-Salem we rode toward Taylorsville. I rode “Sweep” (meaning I rode out last with someone else and followed the whole pack in case someone needs help) with Vandy therefore I made it the whole 65+ miles (mostly because I had no option not to finish). En route we found my next car, a red, 1940 Buick with white wall tires…. It was so pretty. But the ride was fine, some fairly steep hills, but all it took was a photo shoot on a painted U.S., a break in a vineyard, a steady pace, great conversation, and an afternoon thunderstorm for us to make it. It was a pretty cool day. The day before at night and in the morning we were featured on the news so people would honk as they drove by and wave or stop and to say nice things and that they knew who we were!! It was awesome.
Leaving Taylorsville we headed for Linville Falls (I made it about 30 miles again before I had to sop again, more leg throbbing.) but Linville was fantastic because my mom was there waiting for me when we got there!! She and Pattie Tennille saw us as we were pulling in the van and watched many people ride in from 181, apparently the most challenging 14 mile stretch of highway in North Carolina…. Yikes. It was a tough day for many. But once they arrived, elation! Lee Anne, Jen and I peaced out for a real dinner and a soft bed at the Tennilles for the night. It was perhaps one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.
We left Linville Falls early and hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to make it down to Asheville. It was quite a day of insane uphill grades, really long downhills, and GORGEOUS views off the mountains. Unbelievable. I made it 25 miles before I just couldn’t make it. It was a tough day for sure. My leg, that before was feeling better, was no longer doing so well. I could barely walk by the end of the day. It was a rough one for a lot of people, so many ups and downs. Ugh. But almost everybody still made it! It really has been amazing to see everyone in their highs once they roll into our night locations from the day’s ride. These new friends are absolutely unbelievable and are doing so many amazing things. Every day I am struck by the people around me and what they are capable of doing.
The ride then went from Asheville to Gatlinburg, another series of awesome downhills and killer uphills, but we made it to the state line!!! And Gatlinburg is perhaps one of the most surreal places ever. It’s like Disney World in the Mountains with no overhead admission…. Weird. But I got to make dinner too!!! I’d been itchin’ to bake/cook/do something culinary and was able to make dinner. It was awesome. I made me so happy after another long day in the van.
35 miles later and we are now in Maryville, TN. We built today on a Habitat house which was fun… I got to play with a nailgun…yeah…. Good times getting out some frustration.
So a bit on the personal journey now. It’s been quite the experience already. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so close and so comfortable to a group of people this quickly before. We’ve only been at this for 2 weeks (out of 9) and I’ve already had some of the highest highs and lowest lows probably than I’ve had for a really long time. Having to give in to my body and ride in the van so much has been pretty trying, but at the same time, has allowed me to be able to learn more about what the leaders have had to do to prepare for this trip for us and about what it takes to make it cross country on a bike. They are amazing people.
That’s all for now. Hopefully we’ll be able to get to internet more frequently while we’re here in Maryville, but no promises.
Happy days ahead I hope! Ciao ciao
CVH
To explain, we have traversing mountains for the past few days, outside of cell service (at least for my terrible coverage) and internet access. My apologies for the lack of connectivity here in the sticks.
Of course, the sticks are in TENNESSEE!! We crossed over the Great Smokey Mountains into Tennessee from North Carolina yesterday! An epic moment for many….though not for me. I was sadly not riding. The bruise that has been amateurly diagnosed as a super deep bruise? a hairline fracture? A muscle strain? whatever… has been acting up much as I try to rest it. Here’s the recap for the past few days in terms of mileage and climbing and basically, it’s been BIG.
After our two days of building in Chapel Hill and Durham (during which I caught the plague being passed around our trip), we rode out in the Tropical Depression across some rolling hills. Into Winston-Salem we went which for some turned out to be their first century day!! But 12ish hours of riding later everyone arrived safe and sound into Winston-Salem. I only rode about 30 or so of the miles in the rain (which was actually kinda fun, especially because you can see your reflection in the road below… it looks pretty cool) before my leg started throbbing so I called it quits. In Winston-Salem we had the greatest welcome from Marylynn, a former B&Ber (hence the last post extolling her virtues) and Paceline Bicycles, a group of rockstars who tuned up lots of peoples’ bikes.
Out of Winston-Salem we rode toward Taylorsville. I rode “Sweep” (meaning I rode out last with someone else and followed the whole pack in case someone needs help) with Vandy therefore I made it the whole 65+ miles (mostly because I had no option not to finish). En route we found my next car, a red, 1940 Buick with white wall tires…. It was so pretty. But the ride was fine, some fairly steep hills, but all it took was a photo shoot on a painted U.S., a break in a vineyard, a steady pace, great conversation, and an afternoon thunderstorm for us to make it. It was a pretty cool day. The day before at night and in the morning we were featured on the news so people would honk as they drove by and wave or stop and to say nice things and that they knew who we were!! It was awesome.
Leaving Taylorsville we headed for Linville Falls (I made it about 30 miles again before I had to sop again, more leg throbbing.) but Linville was fantastic because my mom was there waiting for me when we got there!! She and Pattie Tennille saw us as we were pulling in the van and watched many people ride in from 181, apparently the most challenging 14 mile stretch of highway in North Carolina…. Yikes. It was a tough day for many. But once they arrived, elation! Lee Anne, Jen and I peaced out for a real dinner and a soft bed at the Tennilles for the night. It was perhaps one of the best steaks I’ve ever had.
We left Linville Falls early and hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to make it down to Asheville. It was quite a day of insane uphill grades, really long downhills, and GORGEOUS views off the mountains. Unbelievable. I made it 25 miles before I just couldn’t make it. It was a tough day for sure. My leg, that before was feeling better, was no longer doing so well. I could barely walk by the end of the day. It was a rough one for a lot of people, so many ups and downs. Ugh. But almost everybody still made it! It really has been amazing to see everyone in their highs once they roll into our night locations from the day’s ride. These new friends are absolutely unbelievable and are doing so many amazing things. Every day I am struck by the people around me and what they are capable of doing.
The ride then went from Asheville to Gatlinburg, another series of awesome downhills and killer uphills, but we made it to the state line!!! And Gatlinburg is perhaps one of the most surreal places ever. It’s like Disney World in the Mountains with no overhead admission…. Weird. But I got to make dinner too!!! I’d been itchin’ to bake/cook/do something culinary and was able to make dinner. It was awesome. I made me so happy after another long day in the van.
35 miles later and we are now in Maryville, TN. We built today on a Habitat house which was fun… I got to play with a nailgun…yeah…. Good times getting out some frustration.
So a bit on the personal journey now. It’s been quite the experience already. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten so close and so comfortable to a group of people this quickly before. We’ve only been at this for 2 weeks (out of 9) and I’ve already had some of the highest highs and lowest lows probably than I’ve had for a really long time. Having to give in to my body and ride in the van so much has been pretty trying, but at the same time, has allowed me to be able to learn more about what the leaders have had to do to prepare for this trip for us and about what it takes to make it cross country on a bike. They are amazing people.
That’s all for now. Hopefully we’ll be able to get to internet more frequently while we’re here in Maryville, but no promises.
Happy days ahead I hope! Ciao ciao
CVH
Monday, June 4, 2007
good morning!! day11
sleep is good.
but Marylynn from Winston-Salem (and last year's Providence to San Fran trip) is better. What rockstar for bringing usa yummy breakfast!!
really, I had the time to get a computer so I thought I would.
love to you all,
CVH
but Marylynn from Winston-Salem (and last year's Providence to San Fran trip) is better. What rockstar for bringing usa yummy breakfast!!
really, I had the time to get a computer so I thought I would.
love to you all,
CVH
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Day 10 (6 of riding)-The Tropical Storm
As many of you have probably read from either the group journal or the other riders' blogs, today was a little wet.... Raincoats were worn, everyone froze, miles were covered (and recovered by the many wrong turns), but ultimately we made it to one of our best welcomes yet spearheaded by a former B&Ber.
Now for my health update: the leg is doing MUCH better after the two build days (though my shoulder, another landing spot, decided to unveil its ailment and my hip as well), however, not good enough to carry me through the whole 90+ mile hilly ride today. I hit a fair piece and then called it quits in the name of healing and being able to ride another day. No fun. A little sad to have to miss the time on the bike (especially when I saw the elation on people's faces once they made it to the end point!) though I can accurately say I did not miss the anger and pain those same faces showed along the way... This is some tough stuff my friends.
Van time actually is a fun time, given the right ccircumstances. The waiting around and slowgoing in not so much, but having the music is great and there are fun conversations to be shared. it's always nice to spend some time with some of the leaders one on one and really get to know more about them. For instance--and UVA Guide, you'll get this more than others-- Tony and I today enjoyed sharing a plethora of urban slang and ebonics through some of the ride. Let's just say through the rain today that were a great many people with peas in the kitchen who looked toe up from the flo' up once they got off their bikes. We were all looking a hot mess, myself included.
So I'd say one of the highlights of the day was probably the musical clothing I had going on at the lunch stop today. Thanks to the low temp (~65ish?) and wet weather everyone was freezing. I felt, since I was not riding that I ought to share the cold weather gear I have accumulated over many outdoor adventures and thus I outfitted 8 other people with my stuff. Good times by all after that!
now I must go to bed for I am fading fast...read other blogs for more info on the day. buonanotte!!
ciao ciao, cvh
Now for my health update: the leg is doing MUCH better after the two build days (though my shoulder, another landing spot, decided to unveil its ailment and my hip as well), however, not good enough to carry me through the whole 90+ mile hilly ride today. I hit a fair piece and then called it quits in the name of healing and being able to ride another day. No fun. A little sad to have to miss the time on the bike (especially when I saw the elation on people's faces once they made it to the end point!) though I can accurately say I did not miss the anger and pain those same faces showed along the way... This is some tough stuff my friends.
Van time actually is a fun time, given the right ccircumstances. The waiting around and slowgoing in not so much, but having the music is great and there are fun conversations to be shared. it's always nice to spend some time with some of the leaders one on one and really get to know more about them. For instance--and UVA Guide, you'll get this more than others-- Tony and I today enjoyed sharing a plethora of urban slang and ebonics through some of the ride. Let's just say through the rain today that were a great many people with peas in the kitchen who looked toe up from the flo' up once they got off their bikes. We were all looking a hot mess, myself included.
So I'd say one of the highlights of the day was probably the musical clothing I had going on at the lunch stop today. Thanks to the low temp (~65ish?) and wet weather everyone was freezing. I felt, since I was not riding that I ought to share the cold weather gear I have accumulated over many outdoor adventures and thus I outfitted 8 other people with my stuff. Good times by all after that!
now I must go to bed for I am fading fast...read other blogs for more info on the day. buonanotte!!
ciao ciao, cvh
Friday, June 1, 2007
Day 8?, yes, Friday, Day 8.
As you can probably surmise from the heading, I am (and we are) quickly losing track of the days... Not that they are running together but I am rolling on a fairly one track mind here.
Today is BUild Day ONe and those who know me well know how stoked I am for this day alone. LET'S BUILD!!! This is where my initial interest in Bike and Build was peaked. I am ALL about the building aspect of this adventure.
As an update for yesterday things were fine. I rode in the van owing to my killer fall--the bruise on my leg is bigger than any other I have ever had (and I'm talking about the size of my open palm hand big) and it goes in pretty deep. My hip has started to ache too and my shoulder as well so not riding the 35 miles of up-and-down hills was definitely a good idea. Dr. Thunder (a.k.a. Leader David) and I rocked out in the van and bought the biggest strawberries ever and cherries for the mid-morning water stop. It was a good time. Celtic rock music is quickly climbing the charts of my top music (Dave was in a band for a few years). We arrived in Chapel Hill before lunch and hit up the local fare for a change from PB&J and the pizza we have so graciously been provided for the past few days. I was never so happy as to see the spinach and romaine lettuce stuffed into my pita as I was yesterday. The afternoon was spent showering, on a computer at UNC's library, and shade-bathing on the front lawn of the gorgeous church where we are staying. Good times were had by all. A freshly made dinner, bike store run to try to get my wheel fixed :( , and some quality spent out in Chapel Hill rounded out the day.
So there you have it. I shall of course follow up later with details of this epic first build day.
ciao ciao. CVH
Today is BUild Day ONe and those who know me well know how stoked I am for this day alone. LET'S BUILD!!! This is where my initial interest in Bike and Build was peaked. I am ALL about the building aspect of this adventure.
As an update for yesterday things were fine. I rode in the van owing to my killer fall--the bruise on my leg is bigger than any other I have ever had (and I'm talking about the size of my open palm hand big) and it goes in pretty deep. My hip has started to ache too and my shoulder as well so not riding the 35 miles of up-and-down hills was definitely a good idea. Dr. Thunder (a.k.a. Leader David) and I rocked out in the van and bought the biggest strawberries ever and cherries for the mid-morning water stop. It was a good time. Celtic rock music is quickly climbing the charts of my top music (Dave was in a band for a few years). We arrived in Chapel Hill before lunch and hit up the local fare for a change from PB&J and the pizza we have so graciously been provided for the past few days. I was never so happy as to see the spinach and romaine lettuce stuffed into my pita as I was yesterday. The afternoon was spent showering, on a computer at UNC's library, and shade-bathing on the front lawn of the gorgeous church where we are staying. Good times were had by all. A freshly made dinner, bike store run to try to get my wheel fixed :( , and some quality spent out in Chapel Hill rounded out the day.
So there you have it. I shall of course follow up later with details of this epic first build day.
ciao ciao. CVH
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
day 4--I hurt.
SO here we go... I know it's been a while since my last post and to explain, internet's a bit patchy where we have been and there are thirty of us vying for some web time...
To catch you up now: today was Day 4 of cycling (day 6 overall) and today was probably the best and worst day so far. So far we've covered about 240 miles, about 80+ of which were just today. Things haven't been bad--my saddle is not as much of a problem as many other people's, thank goodness, and the only serious I've had is in my upper shoulders and wrists, not my legs! HOO-ray!! We've been hitting a lot of flat land as we've been rolling through the coastal NC plains and meeting some AWESOME people in the towns we've been traveling through and staying in along the way.
As for today and why it was the best and worst: Well, for the first 50 miles it was killer smooth sailing. I LOVED it. I stayed up with the lead pack who was just cruising along as a high speed, chatting and laughing and listening to fun music (and sprinting into county/town lines for points... you do what you gotta do to break up monotony...). Lunch was at about mile 60 after we started getting into some hills... eeee... hills are not fun. After that was when trouble hit. I ended up taking the first major spill of the whole trip--and by major I mean tumbling, head over heels, down and out in a serious ditch. Cars stopped. and thus, I hurt. I ended up bending the front rim on my bike pretty bad and bruising my legs pretty seriously. I rode on the bent rim for a couple of miles til the Bike Master, my aptly named friend on my trip who cycled in college, thought he might be able to fix it well enough so I wouldn't have to ride in the van. Well, he couldn't. But amazingly this truck pulle dover to where we were and who would emerge (as we would learn) but one of Lance Armstrong's, yes, the Lance Armstrong, bike mechanic from the '96 Olympics in Atlanta. Talk about divine intervention. He fixed my wheel and though I may yet have to get a new one, he virtually saved my life and my ride so I would be able to finish the day.
All in all things are great. I've met and already gottent o know pretty well some AWESOME people and am so psyched to continue on!!
til next time and i love you all!!,
Caitlin
p.s. If you haven't checked out the B&B website yet, DO IT. People are loving this thing and the blogs linked up to it are getting rave reviews. and you can leave us all messages too! www.bikeandbuild.org
To catch you up now: today was Day 4 of cycling (day 6 overall) and today was probably the best and worst day so far. So far we've covered about 240 miles, about 80+ of which were just today. Things haven't been bad--my saddle is not as much of a problem as many other people's, thank goodness, and the only serious I've had is in my upper shoulders and wrists, not my legs! HOO-ray!! We've been hitting a lot of flat land as we've been rolling through the coastal NC plains and meeting some AWESOME people in the towns we've been traveling through and staying in along the way.
As for today and why it was the best and worst: Well, for the first 50 miles it was killer smooth sailing. I LOVED it. I stayed up with the lead pack who was just cruising along as a high speed, chatting and laughing and listening to fun music (and sprinting into county/town lines for points... you do what you gotta do to break up monotony...). Lunch was at about mile 60 after we started getting into some hills... eeee... hills are not fun. After that was when trouble hit. I ended up taking the first major spill of the whole trip--and by major I mean tumbling, head over heels, down and out in a serious ditch. Cars stopped. and thus, I hurt. I ended up bending the front rim on my bike pretty bad and bruising my legs pretty seriously. I rode on the bent rim for a couple of miles til the Bike Master, my aptly named friend on my trip who cycled in college, thought he might be able to fix it well enough so I wouldn't have to ride in the van. Well, he couldn't. But amazingly this truck pulle dover to where we were and who would emerge (as we would learn) but one of Lance Armstrong's, yes, the Lance Armstrong, bike mechanic from the '96 Olympics in Atlanta. Talk about divine intervention. He fixed my wheel and though I may yet have to get a new one, he virtually saved my life and my ride so I would be able to finish the day.
All in all things are great. I've met and already gottent o know pretty well some AWESOME people and am so psyched to continue on!!
til next time and i love you all!!,
Caitlin
p.s. If you haven't checked out the B&B website yet, DO IT. People are loving this thing and the blogs linked up to it are getting rave reviews. and you can leave us all messages too! www.bikeandbuild.org
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Day 2: Shakin' It Down and Prep
This will be brief and focused on how to send mail since I've been getting emails about that so bear with me! quick status though: we've been doing all sorts of informative sessions on bike maintenance and B&B policies and procedures and went for a "shakedown" ride this after --15 miles to the Cape Hatteras lighthouse to work out the kinks in our bikes/find riding buddies in our group.
So mail: I can be sent mail which we pick up every Thursday at a post office. Here's how you address a package:
Bike & Build
Attn: CYCLIST NAME
General Delivery
CITY, ST ZIP
and here's the schedule of address to which you can send:
http://www.bikeandbuild.org/cms/content/view/55/112/
Roll on.
CVH
So mail: I can be sent mail which we pick up every Thursday at a post office. Here's how you address a package:
Bike & Build
Attn: CYCLIST NAME
General Delivery
CITY, ST ZIP
and here's the schedule of address to which you can send:
http://www.bikeandbuild.org
Roll on.
CVH
Friday, May 25, 2007
Day -1: The Day before I leave
So it is now extremely early in the morning, or rather very late at night depending on how you look at it, and the time is right (sort of) to begin documenting for all what this adventure is.
Bike and BUild is a non-profit organization that sends student/young people/thos with too much free time and energy on cross-country bike rides to raise money and awareness of low-income housing and Habitat for Humanity. check out the website if you want to know more: www.bikeandbuild.org
Info of note:
My route: NC2SD--N orth Carolina to San Diego
USE THE ROUTE TRACKER. It's lots of fun to play with.
My contact: I have my cell phone and I will be able to check email, though more sporadically. if you need your sporadic dose of Caitlin, call me!!
My blog: I type slow and spell thigs wrong so please understand when there are errors in this. I'd appreciate little sarcasm in response, Guides.
So that's all for now. The car is packed (since I am now no longer a Charlottesville resident) and my bike is loaded on top. I'm rollin' out about 6:30 for Nags Head. Wish me Luck!!
Bike and BUild is a non-profit organization that sends student/young people/thos with too much free time and energy on cross-country bike rides to raise money and awareness of low-income housing and Habitat for Humanity. check out the website if you want to know more: www.bikeandbuild.org
Info of note:
My route: NC2SD--N orth Carolina to San Diego
USE THE ROUTE TRACKER. It's lots of fun to play with.
My contact: I have my cell phone and I will be able to check email, though more sporadically. if you need your sporadic dose of Caitlin, call me!!
My blog: I type slow and spell thigs wrong so please understand when there are errors in this. I'd appreciate little sarcasm in response, Guides.
So that's all for now. The car is packed (since I am now no longer a Charlottesville resident) and my bike is loaded on top. I'm rollin' out about 6:30 for Nags Head. Wish me Luck!!
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