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