Day 68

Sixty eight days down, 13 to go.

I woke up to jesse’s alarm an hour and a half before it was he actual wake up time. When the real alarm went off I didn’t move for a solid 5 minutes. Kate had already jumped up and ran out of the room. She flipped the lights on and ran away in an attempt to blame me for such a horrendous act. Our room buddies didn’t move though for another 5 minutes.

We provided our own breakfast so after I had dressed and gotten my bin outside I helped Kate set out the food. I could barely tabs the thought of eating still, but knew I couldn’t ride safely without eating. Therefore, I poured half a bowl of apple dappers, off brand apple jacks, and blared my music in my headphones in hopes that that would distract me. Luckily, Stewart came over and decided to distract me instead. He gave me the scoop on the Olympic events he got to watch last night. Mom, I told Erin, but please record all the swimming!

When I grabbed my bike to take it outside I felt my back tire. Yet another flat. It’s always the best way to start my day. However, I changed it in just a couple minutes and waited to pump it so I could help clean up breakfast.

After route meeting I left with Nate, Lauren, and Kate. Last night as Kate read excerpts from her journal it made me realize how we all affect each others lives. Also, listening to a different perspective of a situation that we experienced together was extremely interesting. It made me think about how much I’m going to miss everyone. In a couple weeks I’ll no longer be writing about the ridiculous things like when Kate claimed to be a vegetarian, but still ate three big bites if my burger tonight, or how Stewart shaved off his lumber jack beard today and looks completely different, which caused Hannah’s jaw to literally drop to the floor. All she could say was, “what a strapping young fellow you are!”

I want to continue to make memories with these people. I want to travel to Portland, Virginia, Southern California, New York, Alabama, and Philly. I want to treasure the memories I have already made. When I think about two weeks from now and we’ll all be boarding different planes it makes me so incredibly sad.

As the ride got started I tried to stay in the back and soak up the day. The four of us, even though it was a windy hot day, had a wonderful day. I think at this point I could have another spearman-esque day and still appreciate every miserable second of it.

The first 23 miles we rode without stopping. I mention this because that is actually a record for all three of my riding partners. Lauren, Kate, and Nate all have notoriously small bladders. I was shocked none of them exploded.

After the bathroom break we continued on for the next 14 miles to lunch without stopping again. When we got there we read the chalking that britt write that required us to give her one hug before she allowed us to eat. Naturally, I gave her about 15. Later on this evening she told me that when she was watching us roll out of lunch she teared up thinking about how it won’t be much longer til there are no more morning hugs from me to my little puzzle piece. Sounds like in not the only one terrified of the thought of no longer being with one another.

After I paid my lunch admission fee I went straight for the strawberries. Lunch when britt is driving is always magically delicious. The avocado I shared with Kate really just topped off the beauty of that meal. Also, it was the first time I felt even the slightest twinge of hunger since the mcnugget challenge. That in itself was thoroughly exciting.

As I waited for my cohorts to finish eating I DJ’ed from the back of the trailer. We waited for Dan and Brandon to take off before we left and finally pushed off after about 40 minutes. We rode for about 10 miles into exponentially harder headwinds before we needed to take out first break. My favorite part of the ride was easily when Nate nearly got completely naked while chamois buttering on the side of the road. Kate just kept walking closer and closer as he got increasingly more uncomfortable. Shutout to Nate and his new waist “V” lines. He’s so proud.

On our way to our next stop we continued in a single file line. Then, out of nowhere a sedan pulled out from behind a truck pulling a trailer and got dangerously close to us while holding down his horn. Luckily, he just wanted to scare us and we all made it out safely.

With 9 miles to go we promptly stopped at the world’s single most underwhelming water fall. After cupping the warm water in our hands we decided to finish the ride. It was Lauren’s turn to lead. We counted down almost every single mile. Then, when we finally were able to see Juntura off on the horizon a great sense of relief overwhelmed me. I knew I would soon be out of the heat.

The second we arrived I starfishes on the gym floor. I wanted nothin more than to be able to help unload the trailer, but in that moment I literally could lift nothing over 5 pounds. After I found the energy to get up I got my shower stuff and walked with my group over to the showers at the Oasis Cafe/motel.

Due to the line I decided to go get a milkshake inside. The pineapple shake was exactly what I needed to lower my body temperature to a safe and comfy level. Once everyone else had gotten through the line I decided it was finally time to wash the day off of me. I nearly froze in the cold shower, but was overjoyed that it wasn’t hot.

When we got back I set up my hammock in a most perfect spot. The wind only got slightly outrageous a few times. After a much needed nap I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. As I chatted with my mom a stranger rode up the road with Maria. He claims to be Stewart, but he was missing an inch of facial hair. I’m not convinced its him yet, but either way everyone agrees it looks great!

Since we were waiting for Stewart and Maria to get in to eat we finally got the dinner call. They served us their own farm raised grass fed beef burgers. I loved it so much. In fact, Kate even liked it and she can’t even remember the last time she’s eaten red meat. She’s what she calls a flexitarian.

After dinner we all did our own thing. I arm wrestled britt. When we went leftie I held m own until I busted out laughing, but rightie I destroyed her. Post arm wrestling I spent the while night blogging and prepping for bed. Meanwhile, everyone started playing on the rope that hangs from the ceiling. Britt got some serious air.

It was a fantastically hot, windy, and wonderful day. Off to Burns tomorrow with a 58 mile ride.

Day 67

Sixty seven days down, 14 to go.

The 2 week mark has finally arrived. This past week was quite possibly he fastest of my life. When all I want is for time to slow to a crawl all it does is speed up exponentially.

The ride today was one we had all been looking forward to for a while. It was originally supposed to be 37 miles, but ended up being a short 42. Well, 45 if you missed the Oregon state line sign on the actual route and decided to ride past the host to another close state line sign.

Due to the short day we were able to wake up far later than normal. The 7am blaring of “Island in the sun” set me up for a great day. Even though I was exhausted I was in a great mood. I had my kit on and my bin packed before most everyone else, which never happens. I pumped my tires and filled my water bottles and Camelbak and was ready to go well before breakfast was ready.

Kate’s usual pep in her step was obviously missing, so I brought her a black coffee. She finished writing her email and finally joined the group. I went and laid my cup if orange juice down and then walked off somewhere else. Meanwhile, Kate apparently was saving me a seat at her breakfast table and telling others that they couldn’t sit there. Literally, within seconds of her telling someone she was saving it for me I took my breakfast plate and walked right past her table and to the one on the complete opposite side if the room. Nate promptly made fun of her and noted how embarrassing that was. I nearly cried from laughing so hard when she proudly told me the whole story.

Breakfast was actually very eventful. In the middle of one of Brandon’s bites of sausage his fork al of the sudden snapped in half. Then, within ten seconds Spencer broke his accidentally as well. After making fun of the they two boys at the table, Jesse destroyed his fork as well. Jess then answered with an incredibly hilarious voice an commented of just how strong our men are. It was hilarious simply because upper body strength is something that we are probably lacking here 3400 miles into this bike trip.

After the fork fiasco Sarah started to pass around old pictures of herself. Her baby pictures are identical to Suri Cruise and her photo from 2006 is eerily similar to a younger Winona Judd. It seems strange to me that Sarah isn’t famous. She also went through a phase where she was an Ashlee Simpson doppleganger.

After we finished eating dinner crew did a presentation about bike and build. Te video kept stopping so we all just sang the words to the song that plays during it, “all these things I’ve done” by Weezer. I love it when we all belt out that song. It gives me chills and the warm fuzzies simultaneously.

Our daily route meeting was ten minutes after the presentation finished. Ontario, Oregon, our destination, was apparently one of the towns that Grace Graham (a girl who signed up for bike and build but ended up not able to come) was supposed to tell us all about, so, Andrew told us a little about it. When it was all over I quickly finished getting ready and got on the road with Stewart.

The first 10 or so miles we road pretty quickly. In that part of the ride we probably passed the vast majority of the team. After catching britt and Dena we slowed down quite a bit. We finally were feeling he effects of the headwinds. Also, we needed to take the time to play our game for the day.

One of the most saddening things that has happened during our trip turned into an extremely positive thing throughout the ride today though. Unfortunately, Elle had to fly home this morning to deal with some personal things. We all want her to feel as if she is here with us and want her to know how much we love her, so, we decided to play a game with her. In honor of crossing into Oregon today we played Oregon Trail. We would take pictures of things, send them to Elle, and ask her what our next move she be. For example my group sent her a picture of a wheat field. Due to her gluten allergy Stew sent a text along with it saying “we have come upon a poison patch, do we avoid it and move on or do we frolic in it and risk death by diarrhea?” to which she would respond with something sassy and Elle like. It made it feel like she was with us all day, but we definitely want her to get her butt back here soon. Miss you Elle belle!

As we rode through Nyssa Sarah stopped the van and took a picture to send to Elle. This is where we grouped up with Britt and dena. This is also where we completely missed seeing the state line sign. We must have ridden right past it without seeing it at all…even though britt has crossed into Oregon at the same spot just two years ago. I’m totally calling you out right now Britt (even though if you ask her she will tell you that she knew exactly where it was and that it must have just been removed).

We rode all the way into Ontario waiting for the sign, but when we didn’t see it we decided to take pictures at the welcome to Ontario sign. While we were there we called Sarah. She was apparently on the van waiting at another state line sign that was a couple miles past the host. So we decided to ride there, go back into Idaho, and come back for a picture.

We hurried back to the host to help unload the trailer. As we arrived we saw the snacks they had set out. Instead of my usual demolition of every visible food source I refrained from most everything there. I had to save room for this afternoon’s 50 chicken mcnugget challenge.

Once we found our wallets, Britt and I headed over to mcdonalds. The half mile walk we spent mentally preparing for the terrible awful that was about yo happen. When we walked in I put my game face on, went to the bathroom to make some extra room, and then ordered 50 chicken nuggets. The look on the cashier’s face was priceless when three people right in a row ordered 50 packs.

When we got our food we all counted and when both Matt and I were short a nug, so, we both had to go ask for a singular chicken mcnugget. Within seconds of receiving all of or nuggets the competition began. The first 20 went down easy. Number 21 was where I figured out why they don’t sell them in packs larger than 20. The consistency and the taste completely change at that point. It made me think back to a lesson in my honors Econ class in high school where we ate chocolate in a supply and demand exercise. I now illy understand what that lesson was supposed to teach me because I never got sick of the chocolate.

At the 39 nugget point I began gagging at every bite, but my competitive nature wouldn’t let me quit. Everytime I get into a situation like that I think back to swimming all four years in college and remember I can do anything I truly set my mind to. So I kept chewing. At 42 Matt and I were still tied. However, he began to pull away after that. He was able to keep going, but I thought staring down my chicken…deeply into its soul would somehow help me. It didn’t. What did help though was chewing with my front teeth and then swallowing it like medicine by taking a huge swig of diet dr pepper. It hurt, but it went down.

At 46 I texted Kate begging for words of encouragement. She replies with a ridiculous video and said if I did it I could motorboat her calves. At 1/2 of a nugget left I knew I had done it, but still took another 5 minutes to force it down. My emotions were all over the place. They went from remorseful to elated and right back to hatred for my decision to complete such a stupid challenge.

I waddled back to the church after Britt gave up. She didn’t go down without a fight though. After number 40 she vommed in the bathroom then immediately fit 5 more in her stomach. Those didn’t last long though. She went to the bathroom and released those few bites she had left.

The walk back was long and painful. Our food babies lasted for the rest of the night, mine is here to stay for a while though. I laid on my stomach for the rest of the night. When dinner was served I had to put my hand over my nose and resist breathing. And no, I didn’t eat either.

After dinner I loaded my activity from my Garmin. If you want to track my progress go to strava.com and find my profile. There’s also a map of our progress that Barrett is making which i posted on Kate Benedict’s Facebook page last night.

Some people decided to go the bar at that point. However, I felt like I had just eaten 50 chicken nuggets. I stayed back and made a few phone calls and hung out with Kate and Matt. Around 9:15 I started to get ready for bed. Kate and I searched up and down the church for a dark quiet place away from snorers. We found a dark quiet room, but manages to get too close to Jesse. Around 2am I woke up to Kate crawling over to Jesse, shaking him, and yelling at him to stop snoring. I then laughed profusely and went back to sleep until Jesse’s alarm went off at 4am.

It was an interesting sort of day. One I would love to do all over again. Having only two weeks left makes every day something to remember and cherish. I hold each one of my memories close and hope I will never forget a single one of them.

Day 66

Sixty six days down, 15 to go.

It was our second to last build day today in Caldwell, ID. Thankfully, that means we get to sleep in until 7. However, I for some reason woke up at 6 thinking that Stewart had already played the music, but Britt had yelled at everyone to go back to sleep.

When we finally did wake up at 7 I moved very slowly. It had been a long night and waking up is never a pleasant occasion…especially on 4 or 5 hours of sleep. I helped set out breakfast, but was ragged on all day for not finishing my food quick enough to help clean up breakfast the entire time Schweaty Saddles was at work.

We left the host site around 8:10 and walked to the build site. It was a long hot walk, but we eventually made it there. They greeted us and gave us goodie bags.

When we got started I went up to the roof since I’ve put a few I those on during this trip. I put my headphones in and nailed down all the starter shingles. It was nice having a psuedo solo build day by blasting my music. It kept me in the zone and I had no desire to take a break the entire time I was up there, which is not a normal thing for me.

When I finished my job it was time for lunch. They set out frank & beans, salad, potato salad, and lots of chips and cookies. After I finished eating Kate and I went on a search for a good nap spot. There was a back bedroom that was reasonably quiet and dark until about 12:40. I had my music blasting, but even with that I still jumped at the sound of the hammer that fell 6 inches from Kate’s face.

We decided not to risk it anymore and got up and went back to work. This time I worked with the homeowner, her son, Kate, Sarah Jackson, and Elayna on the siding. We finished up one of the walls while other teams finished up the back side of the house. Meanwhile, Luke, our construction manager figured out we could not put the shingles on that we had. They were a sable brown and it was likely that the homeowners association would not approve of it.

At the end of the day Jess’ family showed up with powerade, Popsicles, and grapes. It was the perfect treat to cool us off after a long hot day. It made the walk back to the church bearable. I continued listening to my music on the walk, but Kate yelled at me to actually pay attention to the world and speak to her. We walked back together and prepared to go to another pool party!

The president of the Caldwell Habitat had us over for dinner and a dip in the pool. When the first shuttle got there it was obvious that we were all exhausted. The vast majority of us passed out while two or three actually got in the pool. When the second shuttle arrived they served us a delicious dinner. We had BBQ chicken and taco salad. It was like she read my belly’s mind and then cooked everything I wanted right in that moment. It was a eerily similar situation when it came to dessert. Cookies and cream cake? Banana cream cake? Yes please!

For a long time I just sat in the soft grass with Sarah, Elle, Britt, Maria, and Kate. It was such a beautifully peaceful moment. We kind of all just gave each other the “remember this moment” look.

When we got back to the host site many people decided to go downtown again to meet up with the central route. I, however, was far too tired to do anything that required energy and had no intention of spending money so I stayed in for the night. Also, for once I decided to be somewhat productive at night and did a super quick polishing my bike frame and rewrapped my handle bar tape. It became a whole ordeal when trying to put the end caps in. Apparently, Fizik likes to make their caps impossible to it in that tiny hole. I had to get Boover to come help me. He went the super technical tricky route and had me hold the front of the bars while he pushed hem with his foot. It worked though…that’s all that matters.

Once I cleaned my area up I packed my bin and prepped for bed. Kate had spent that entire time changing her tube and attempting to DJ the occasion. I told her a few of my favorite songs, one if which was “On your porch” by The Format. When I went to sleep I put my headphones in (I knew people would be coming back late and figured pandora might help me stay asleep during that) and turned on the Rocky Votolato station on pandora. When everyone came back I of course woke up and incredibly the song I had just told her about was playing. I smiled and went right back to sleep. It was a perfect end to my day.

Day 65

Sixty five days down, 16 to go.

After today I no longer have mandatory sweep days. The countdown has truly begun. It’s like the last year of college I was constantly thinking about how this would be the last time I swim this set or how this is the last time I will sign up for classes. That feeling was so bitter sweet in college. Here it’s all bitter. I might thoroughly despise sweeping, but if I could stay on bike and build for the rest of my life simply by being permanent sweep I’d gladly agree.

We woke up early to some Dave Matthews music, which always sets me up for a good day. Abrasive music at 5 am just isn’t pleasant. I reluctantly rolled out of bed a few minutes later, rushed my teeth, and mentally prepared myself for my sweep duties. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind one bit making sure everyone is ok and taken care of. I just have come to despise getting into the host after about 2pm. When that happens it feels as if my day has completely escaped me. I could have had the best day on the bike, but of I get to the host late I feel like I miss out on so many things. Like napping.

However, today is special. We rode from Mountain Home to Boise for lunch and from Boise to Caldwell, but then we were shuttled back to Boise to spend some time at Jess’ house for the night. We had a full plate and all I wanted to do was get going.

We were served a delicious egg, sausage, and spaghetti breakfast. After demolishing my food I finished getting ready to leave, went to the route meeting, cleaned up from breakfast, and then waited for everyone else to leave. It’s absurd how long it takes to get ready everyday to go ride your bike.

Andrew and I waited an extra 45 minutes or so after everyone left so we wouldn’t constantly be riding people’s tails the whole time. We took off at a decent pace and ended up catching our first group by about 45 minutes into the ride. They quickly left their resting spot, but we waited behind to give them space between us.

We played catch and release most of the morning. At mile 39-ish we got off the interstate and were officially in Boise. Within the next half mile I felt that all too familiar feeling. I had yet another flat tire. What was a slow leak had turned into a full blown flat. As a professional tire changer I quickly replaced my back tube.

We then rode into the park quickly and easily. Boise traffic, thank you for being bicycle friendly. The first thing I asked when I arrive was for directions to the bike shop. I took off alone and spent the next twenty minutes searching for the “easy to find” shop nearby. When I got there I essentially threw my bike at the mechanic and begged him to figure out what it is that I’m doing wrong or if the tire was just worthless. I’d like to think I was lucky to find out it was just the tire that was a POS. I now go through tires like they’re tubes. Spearman melted my beaded armadillo, my foldable armadillo decided it was no fun if I could go fast all day without a slow leak, the stock tire I put on literally exploded on me, Sarah’s tire that I borrowed worked like a charm temporarily, but then when I put the Michelin on there I was yet again screwed, and now I’m finally riding a Gatorskin.

I proceeded to clean the shop out of their tubes, got the new Gatorskin, new handlebar tape, and a water bottle that’s not completely coated in mold. Thankfully, they gave us a good discount. George’s is the place to go if you’re ever in need of bike parts or service while in Boise.

Meanwhile, at the park there was a bike and build alum, Caitlin, providing us lunch. She even brought a bike mechanic to work on our bikes while we ate. Everyone took full advantage and got quick tune ups. As much as I loved getting my bike serviced, it took forever getting everyone to leave for Caldwell. People had arrived by 9:30 or so in Boise and sweeps didn’t get to leave until almost 2pm. It was ridiculous.

When Andrew and I finally got back on the road we decided to push the pace, but not so hard that we’ be catching people in the next few minutes. Then, around mile 15 we came upon a popsicle stand. They screamed at us “BIKE AND BUILD GETS FREE OTTER POPS!!!!” So I of course stopped for a free treat. Apparently, Jackson and Britt had given them extra money for the rest of us. It was the perfect treat for that 1000 degree heat. As we talked to the little boys I found out one of them is a hardcore Arkansas Razorbacks fan. I like that kid.

A few miles down the road we ran into Caitlin and Elayna who were changing a flat. We rode with for a few minutes and then stopped when we saw Walt. His blood sugar had dropped too low so we waited with him for the van to come pick him up. When Stewart finally came I loaded up his bike and ran back to mine so I could finish the ride.

By then it was almost 5 o’clock and we had 15 miles to go. Andrew and I went pretty much race pace the whole way in. Every time we stopped we got a blast to the whole body of extreme heat. When we finally did get to the church I was completely dehydrated, heat exhausted, mentally defeated, and nauseous. I face planted on to my thermarest and immediately passed out. People started filing in from showers not long after. So I slowly stood up and got my things to go to Jess’ house.

Jess’ dad came and picked us up and drove us to their home, basically backtracking from this afternoon. I slept through the car ride and then immediately upon arrival I put my swim suit on and jumped into the pool. My body temperature felt like it dropped nearly twenty degrees. Instantly I felt 10 times better. So I decided to join in on the beer purchase that was currently being made.

As I walked with Jesse, Allison, and Dena to the gas station the van drove past us. When I got back from the beer run i got the texts from Kate saying I looked like I needed a hug. She hit the nail right on the head. After losing a little piece of my soul out on the road, that was all I needed.

Around 10 everyone decided to go to downtown Boise. I took a 45 second shower and ran out to the van. We strolled up and down the streets and after a wonderfully fun night we headed back to the church. My night definitely made up for a hard day. Yay bike and build!

Day 64

Sixty four days down, 17 to go.

When I woke up this morning I was in a bit of a funk. I either wanted to ride solo, which is something I normally hate doing, or ride with just one other person. After route meeting was over though, I decided just to take off alone.

I got on the highway and when I noticed I was holding over 20 mph easily I decided to push it the whole way. The first 20 miles flew by. I was holding under 15 minute for 5 mile stretches the whole way. If you’ve never had the surreal feeling of absolute exhaustion from exercise you really haven’t lived. People talk about runner’s highs, but I had the ultimate biker’s high. I felt completely untouchable.

Then out of nowhere I heard a loud grunting cheer. Thinking it was the van coming from behind me, I turned around and smiled. However, the van wasn’t there. It was spencer and I let out a huge scream and a big smile spread across my face. He was the one person in that moment that I really wanted to see. As he rode right up next to me he yelled, “HEY! IT’S MY BESSSS FRIEND!!!” Spence is just one of those people that can instantly turn my day around with a smile and a hug.

We rode super fast all the way into Glen’s Ferry, where lunch was supposed to be. Dino said he was on a personal quest to get to mountain home in record time so he was skipping lunch. Balls. I thought I would wait for the van and let spence go ahead, but ended up just getting a Gatorade and a special k bar at a gas station and rolled on.

I kept up the pace, but quickly stopped a few miles later when I saw a street sign for Doran Ave. I snapped a quick picture with my GoPro and moved on again. Eventually, I turned a corner and saw a massive two tier hill. Except, it looked like the great grandchild who has a growth hormone deficiency of the first switchback on Independence Pass. It was incredibly easy when I looked at it like that.

I climbed both of the tiers slowly, but when I made it up to the top everything flattened out. The tailwind was still pushing me forward so I resumed my personal hammer fest. When I got to about 7 miles away from town there was a very low grade downhill. So, I picked up my cadence and destroyed it. Holding 26-28 mph all the way up to the dead end felt better than anything is ever done before on the bike.

When I got to town it was 10:40 am. We were instructed not to go to our hosts until after 12 so I found a deli and made camp. When I finished my recovery sandwich I slowly made my way to our home for the night. We actually got to stay in a home not a fellowship hall or a park. Kate put it best when she commented on how we felt getting to say in a house for one night. That’s the same feeling we are helping to give families for a lifetime by doing what we’re doing. It actually gave me culls thinking about it.

As soon as I walked in they made us feel at home. They fed us lunch and told us to roam the house and find somewhere to sleep. I like to think they liked me best simply because they directed me to the master bedroom. Theresa said to check out the bedroom just off the kitchen since it has the best bed in the whole house. She wasn’t kidding. It was a custom built incredible piece of heaven for my back.

After playing with Theresa’s long time beat friend’s granddaughter and their dog, Hannah, I needed a nap. So I took a shower and crashed on the cloud like pillow from the gods. I woke up to Kate, Maria, Elle, Nate, Sarah, etc all running into the room. They rushed in there because they had ears rumors of how wonderful it was. Kate was the lucky one to nab the last spots I the giant oasis bed. I fell back asleep momentarily, but it didn’t last long.

Stewart was on one side of the bed printing out cue sheets for the rest of the trip, Kate was going through all her old photos with me, and everyone else was waiting for the showers, which by the way had on demand hot water (which means we never ran out of hot water). I wouldn’t have had it any other way. In that moment I was in complete and utter bike and build bliss. Those moments might come often, but they won’t last much longer. It seems
As if every few minutes someone comments on how they are having a moment to remember. How beautiful is that?

Around 5:30 we got the dinner call. My mail was waiting outside by the food. I had my usual notes from my mom and Meta, which I treasure every week, but this time I had a card from someone new. Elle’s Aunt Pucci sent me a card! I love the fact that I can bring so many members of everyone’s families along for this journey. So, thank you Aunt Pucci for the awesome surprise! I’ll definitely be getting myself a slurpee soon!

When I finally got my plate my mouth water. I probably even drooled a little bit. Our hosts were military and had been stationed in Japan periodically which totaled 14 years. They fed us the best Japanese food I’ve ever eaten. Also, they made vegan versions of the spaghetti and Japanese noodles for us. They went well above the call of duty with literally everything, not just the food.

Once dinner was over we chatted with Theresa for a bit and then promptly went back to bed. Kate, Nate, stew, and I wrote some warm fuzzies and then reluctantly went outside for town hall when we were summoned. It was too comfy in there to go outside.

However, once we got out there we had one of our best town halls yet. The highs and lows were different for everyone. Personally, my high was probably the flying V and my low was the bummed mood I was in earlier in the morning. We also received our team tank tops that we had ordered and went over our final team dinner in San Jose. Warm fuzzies were even better than normal. I could definitely feel the love tonight. Then, Andrew decided to sprig a surprise in us. We played the touching game. Basically, half the group is sitting down in a circle with their eyes closed and the others are standing up with their eyes open. Andrew read a prompt, such as touch someone (on the shoulder, head, etc) who you think is an integral part I this team. Those who are standing would then I around to those who were sitting and give them a pat on the back or whatever they chose to do. It was a quick way to show everyone how important and loved they are while here. Much faster than the 2.5 hour compliment train in Colorado Springs.

All these shenanigans at town hall took nearly two hours. By then I was wiped out and ready for bed. So I went back to my spot and got ready to go to sleep. Everyone was again crowded on or around the bed. We looked at everyone’s old Facebook pictures and laughed hysterically. It just added to that feeling of being a family. I thin that’s what the day was really all about. I might have needed some time to myself, but there’s no way in hell I would want to be here with anyone else but these crazy wonderful people. Thy are and forever will be a part of me. In fact, Kate, via warm fuzzies asked Stewart to be blood brothers with her.

Not long after we all started to drop like flies. I fell asleep almost instantly and didn’t wake up once. I felt safe, happy, and as if I didn’t need anything else in the world than what I had with me right there. I can almost guarantee that I will be dreaming about sleeping in that bed for a very long time. Now if only I could find out where they got it custom built and how I can get one DM’ed.

Day 63

Sixty three days down, 18 to go.

I woke up to a perfectly chilly morning surrounded by three of my four leaders. It was a solid cuddle puddle. We tried to wake up a few minutes early so we could grab breakfast at the cafe across the street, but couldn’t gather the strength to stand up.

When I finally did get up, I quickly packed my stuff and got ready. I still wanted a cafe breakfast instead of semi cold cooler food…so I super sprinted packing. Around 6:45 I walked over with stew and britt to see if we could get breakfast before route meeting. Sarah was already there getting coffee, but we decided to come back after our meeting to get food.

When we returned Kate called. She said she had decided to head out without coffee. However, I sent her a text threatening her with cold water all over her. She immediately gave in and came for coffee. Apparently, she actually is hydrophobic.

After breakfast we finally got on the road at about 8:20. We were nearly an hour behind everyone else, but made it our sole goal to catch people before lunch. So Jesse, Kate, stew, Andrew, and I hammered hard until we saw some people off in the distance. Then, we decided to take them over.

We immediately got into a V formation. I took the lead with Andrew and Stewart to my right and Kate and Jesse to my left. The pace picked up to about 24-25 until we got right behind them. Then we really pedaled hard. When we went to pass them we gave them a stone cold look, and I gave the battle cry. “WHO ARE WE???” to which my group replied, “THE FLYIN V” and we whizzed past. Then, out of nowhere Barrett tried to sprint past us. He underestimated the power if the v though. We sent stew who crushed all of boover’s dreams. Sorry dude, better luck next time.

We did this four or so more times before hitting the last stretch into lunch. When we got to the last 5 miles we saw no one, but got into a double pace line and took off. It was nearly a dead sprint the whole way. As we rode into the lunch spot we formed our final v of the day and let out the battle cry once more.

Lunch was average length, but when we left we added another member to the pack. Jenna jumped in and forged ahead with us at a decent pace again. Around mile 53 we stopped at a has station to find our gifts for the sweep game. We drew names out of Erica’s pocket and who ever’s name you got you had to find them something for the apocalypse, which is apparently December 21 according to the Mayans.

Most everyone got their gifts there. However, stew was being sneaky and dropped off the back with Jesse to go get their gifts for me and Jess. When stewart gave me my gift he said he’d rather give me something’s favorite thing instead of something pretty useless. He then handed me the coolest postcards ever. It was pretty exciting.

When they took off the rest of us kept going. It soon turned into a pace line and I led us in at around an 18-19 mph average. It was incredibly fun. At one point we came upon Dan who had broken the collar on his seat post. His saddle was all the way down. He looked like a little kid on his bike that was barely able to reach the handle bars. He stayed on the pace line for a bit, but fell off after a few miles.

We got into town and looked for the church. It took some searching but when we came upon it I immediately put my bike down and went looking for a bathroom. As soon as we were ready we walked into town and to the showers. I wish I had brought my suit with me so I could swim a few laps.

After the showers I walked back with Kate, Andrew, and Jenna. We decided to boost the local economy by buying stuff from the shaved ice stand, the lemonade stand, and the general store. It was all delicious, particularly the marzipan that Kate picked up at the general store.

The moment we got back to the church Kate and I went straight for our sleeping spot. It was the darkest area we could find. She told me that within seconds of my head hitting the thermarest I started to breath loudly and make dreaming noises. I ended up laughing myself awake after a 15-ish minute nap. There’s no way I could remember what I was dreaming about other than. It involved bike and build and the background music was whatever stew played to wake us up earlier.

It was then time for dinner. They served us chicken vermicelli, various salads, bread, and plenty of gluten free options for Elle. I attempted to fill myself up as much as I had in Athens, but didn’t quite succeed (in other words I didn’t have to roll myself away from the table).

Not long after we ate we had AH. As soon as that was complete we all split up for different evening activities. Personally, I joined in on the group that watched bridesmaids on the projector. It’s absolutely hilarious, but the ending always makes me incredibly sad.

I went straight to bed after that in the black hole. However, what we didn’t think about was security lights out in the hallway. So we had to put our towels up to block the light coming in through the windows in the doors. We’re so brilliant and resourceful.

It was an incredibly fun day of riding. I don’t think I ever stopped grinning from ear to ear while riding. Days like that made me realize why I fell I love with riding my bike in the first place.

Day 62

Sixty two days down, 19 to go.

Last night I finally took the opportunity to sleep outside in my hammock. This morning, however, I woke up on the ground…still in my hammock. Apparently, it would have been far wiser to move my straps higher up the tree. Although, I didn’t mind so much when Stewart accidentally slept late and we all got to sleep an extra 15 minutes.

Once breakfast was over and the Bowery was clean we had our route meeting. Brandon’s friends led us in a cheer that they did everyday after Christina’s accident. The last line exclaims that we ride for Christina. It sent chills up my spine. Until that moment I had never really thought about what if one of my teammates were to get into a fatal accident.

It’s one of those things that you think could never happen to you, but what if it did. Each and every single one of my teammates has changed my life forever in some way, shape, or form. I can’t imagine this trip without a single one of them.

After the cheer I headed out with Jackson, Kate and Hannah. We rode a solid pace all the way to the state line, which was a quick 10 miles away. We met up with Brandon and his friends there. Not long after most everyone ales showed up and we took a typical state line picture.

Our group took off fairly quickly and we added Paul to the group. Side note: Paul is a monkey. He climbed all the way to the top of the massive state line sign.

Not long after we left we stopped again at the rest stop. Kate peed for like the sixth and seventh time if the day while we were there. Her lack of bladder space is always inspiring.

After climbing for nearly the whole day we finally hit a descent, which lasted all the way into lunch. When we arrived at the Sinclair gas station to eat, we were greeted by two alpacas who reside out front. When we went inside we were amazed by how incredibly strange everything was. The fake Jackelope box scared Maria so badly that she ended up spilling her milk all over everywhere. To say the very least it was an interesting stop.

After lunch we continued downhill and held a steady 18-20 mph pace with ease. Then, the flats started again. However, for once, they weren’t mine! Jackson got two flats, Hannah had a slow flat all day and ended up changing her tube late in the day, and Kate managed to get a massive bubble in her back tire. My tire though? Perfect. Weird.

About 12 miles out we hit a series of rolling hills. I felt great and just needed to clear my head. So I started pedaling harder and harder. I got out ahead a little bit so I slowed down and waited. Then the last time I surged ahead Hannah came with me. We hammered pretty hard for the next few miles. We’d go a mile all out then rest for a minute. After a few rounds of that we were so far ahead of the rest of the pack that we couldn’t see the rest of the group. We found a nice shady spot and waited for the rest of the group so we could all ride in together.

When we found the fairgrounds, where we camped for the night, I rose the extra block to the bike shop and picked up a tire and new cleats. I needed to replace both so badly for a very long time and just never had the energy to do so.

I made my purchase quickly and rode to the fairgrounds. I showered and claimed my sleeping spot. As soon as I was dressed like a normal person I ran to the drive in and downed a root beer and a burger.

Not long after we headed out to go to help our host pack goodie bags for the spudman triathlon in town this weekend. We packed about 1400 of them in two hours. My job was to unpeel the number stickers to place on to bags. I unpeeled 1400 stickers in record time. The dream team dominated (aka Matt, Britt, Nate and I). Once we completed our job we ate some wonderfully delicious pizza and headed back to the campsite.

Some of us headed back to the drive in for shakes and more food. We eat a lot. We also enjoyed the best game of thumper ever. Our signs were hilarious, we were incredibly speedy, and we were roaring with laughter. It’s definitely one of those moments I’ll never forget. When it was over nobody wanted to play another round in fear of tainting the memory of the last game we played.

By that time it was after 10 so we all headed back to the campsite. We pulled our laundry from the tarps and got ready for bed. The minute my head hit the thermarest I passed out and drooled everywhere.

It was one of those days that made me wish this whole trip would never end.

Day 61

Sixty one days down, 20 to go.

We woke up to the sound of the sprinklers soaking everyone who slept in the grass. Then, the trains started roaring past us as well. There was no real need for Stew to play the wake up music, but he did it any way.

Our day was a 57 mile ride from Brigham to Snowville, UT. Sweeps challenged us with a scavenger hunt filled with hilarious potential adventures. My team decided to name itself “Honey Badger Don’t Care” and my teammates were Nate, Matt, Dino, Brandon, and Kate.

We rolled out and immediately took a wrong turn. After a little over a mile we finally figured out our mistake and turned around. Then, we saw everyone else going the wrong way as well. As soon as we got on the correct road we took off and didn’t look back.

When the signs for the rocket display started showing up Dino’s eyes lit up. He looked like a little boy getting to go watch a shuttle launch. However, we were just going to the place that manufactures the boosters for the rockets.

We used the rockets on display for part input scavenger hunt pictures, went inside and grabbed some stickers, and chalked some great messages to the sweeps. I got laughter legs from how funny our message was. For some reason they just thought we were weird?

Soon we took a turn straight into crosswinds. It nearly knocked me over, but somehow managed to stay up. Then when we made the left on to the road that lunch was on we got some strong tailwinds. As we approached the last mile I just needed to get any extra energy I had out of my legs. So, I hammered hard up hill to food.

We took a fairly short break and took off for the host. Not long after we left we came upon a terribly easy choice. We could either ride the interstate with a wide shoulder or take a nasty gravel road. Interstate it was.

It was fairly easy the first few miles. Then, we hit headwinds up hill. Our group split up, but we regrouped at the top. It was awesome how cordial the truckers were for once. They seemed to like us instead of wishing an intensely painful death upon us.

After the last hill we coasted into Snowville. As soon as we got in to town we stopped at Mollie’s for milkshakes, which we heard were fantastic. They definitely lived up to the hype. When we finished eating Brandon and I passed out in the booth. Suddenly someone woke us up. Apparently, Brandon’s friends from grade school drove here today from Yellowstone, where they’re working this summer, to surprise him. He shook me awake and with a desperate look in his eye asked me to get up some could hug his friends.

Since we were no longer asleep in the diner we paid and rode to the park pavilion where we are staying for the night. Kate and I immediately passed out on the picnic tables. However, I woke up when I heard the distinct sound of a dog collar clinking as two beautiful Great Danes walked towards me. I leapt up and began petting them simultaneously. My tiredness quickly overcame me again and I passed out in the concrete while petting Titus. It was just like I was at home, but it wasn’t my be and the dog was 7 times later than mine and also wasn’t missing a leg. It made me so incredibly happy.

My next sleeping spot was a perfect little area just off the patio. I set up my hammock and fell right asleep. I woke up to Stewart walking over towards me. Jesse and Nate came over not long after and we all chit chatted for a bit. However, I still got another nap in once the conversation died down.

Jut before I fell asleep I got a phone call from one of my very first friends. Jo Cleveland, who I chased around my house when she stole my 2nd birthday present, which was a baby doll, (and spent countless childhood hours with, called. She’s living right outside of Burley, where we ride to tomorrow. I was hoping to get to see her, but as luck would have it she’s working and then off to Florida to visit home.

I quickly fell right back to sleep until the dinner bell rang. It was tortilla wraps with guac and lunch meat. I gladly nommed hard. As soon as dinner was over though we had to get ready for the rodeo.

We had two teams of three volunteer for the wild horse race. Dino, Matt, and Paul were on one team while Jackson, Britt, and Jesse were on the other. We all went to support them and watch the hilarity that ensued. It was everything we had hoped for and more.

When it was finally time for them to race we all go out our cameras and said a few prayers. Basically, their task was to take a wild horse that had a rope around its neck, get it on the ground, and then ride it over past the judges. They were two of three teams that were dumb enough to do it.

The announcer cried out their names and then screamed to let the horses out. The beasts bucked and ran, but bike and build held their own. The guys who were actual “cowboys” couldn’t hold their horse for longer than 30 seconds, but Matt made sure that even if it meant he had to grab a rope and hang on while being drug 25 yards…twice…he would not let bike and build let go.

Eventually, Jackson, britt, and Jesse broke their horse. He calmed down enough to jump on him. After many failed attempts to jump, Jackson got a boost from britt up on to it’s back. He rode it about 15 yards and fell off. They might have won, but Jackson got a little shook up. Luckily, he’s perfectly fine.

As soon as the racers came back we piles into the vans and came back to the park. We watched some of the videos, laughed our heads off, and prepped for bed. It was a most excellent day. Only 80-ish miles tomorrow into Burley…and our third to last state line. Weird.

Day 60

Sixty days down, 21 to go.

It’s the three week mark and that terrifies me. However, as I think about that fact I know the best way to deal with it is to simply live in the moment. Today was a prime example of that effort.

These past couple of weeks it seems like I haven’t gotten to the host before 5pm. At all. When I heard it was a short 60 miles and fairly flat I knew I just wanted to get there as fast as possible. So I went to people I knew would gladly go fast with me and we all grouped up.

Sweeps at our route meeting asked all of us to write a poem for a teammate. I pulled Kate’s name out of the hat and was thoroughly excited that I would have plenty of material to work with. I also knew I had to make a blog post about it since she reads it daily. So, if you’re interested in taking a sneak peek into the friendship I have with that crazy lady, check out the post named “K8”.

When we got on the road it was Kate, Maria, Elle, Jenna, Nate, and myself all riding together. We had a few issues finding the bike path, but after a few turns we finally figured it out. We chalked for everyone in hopes that they wouldn’t get confused too. Then once we were a few miles down the path the signs became far too confusing for our tired brains. We went back and forth four or five times but in the end we found the right path. Thanks Utah for putting arrows in all the wrong places.

Once we got past the confusion we hammered hard all the way to lunch. By that time it was just Elle, Jenna, Kate, Elayna, and me. We somehow managed to get there first even with all our issues.

We made it a quick lunch and got back on the road, but Elayna decided to stay back at lunch for a nap. When we began riding again we rode directly through what smelled like a Tostino’s Pizza Rolls factory’s backyard. It smelled fantastic. I definitely drooled. Then, out of nowhere it began to smell like dog poop. I’m convinced I burned every nostril hair I have after accidentally breathing deeply.

Around 1:30 we made it to town and stopped at Walmart. The avocados were only $.74 a piece so I cleaned them out of all the good ones so I could make a massive batch of guacamole. We then strolled around for another 45 minutes looking at pretty much everything. We just needed a normal everyday thing to do and apparently Walmart was what we needed.

When we finally left we tried to find a coffee shop. Elle was still in a morning haze from not drinking any at breakfast. It was completely pertinent that we fix that problem. However, being a Sunday there was nothing open. Well, except for the Walmart in town.

After riding around town looking for coffee we finally found the park we’re calling home for the night. It has a huge pavilion, a pool (that’s closed on Sunday), showers on site, and lots of trees for hanging hammocks in. It’s perfect!

As I finished up yesterday’s blog and wrote my poem I had to continue hiding from Kate. I was beginning to feel guilty about lying to her all day so I quickly finished up my poem. I then uploaded it, showed it to Stew, and then giggled a lot and told Kate to check my blog. She started freaking out and lunged towards her phone. What happened next was a thing of pure beauty. She jumped and spun around as she read it. It was absolutely priceless.

We then went to the showers, which were our first group showers. It’s crazy that we’ve gone this far with all solo showers. We very quickly showered up and went back to the pavilion.

Dinner was served not long afterwards. The North Utah Habitat served us turkey steaks, potatoes, salad, and my favorite kind of dinner rolls…delicious ones. I, again, over ate and felt like I should never eat again. However, I managed to shove down a significant amount of guacamole for dessert.

We all jut kind of did our own thing after that. Camping sets us up for a very chill kind of night. It always makes me feel kind of like we had a day off today, especially since we got in early this afternoon.

Hopefully tomorrow will be much like today. It’s a short 60 miles into Snowville, a town of about 106 people. Should be interesting.

K8

Today sweep tasked us with writing a quick poem about someone in our group. They gave us a hat with everyone’s names and we were to draw someone’s from it. When I drew Kate’s name I may not have known what to write, but I knew I had to make it a blog post since she’s one of my most dedicated followers. Poems are definitely not my thing, but I did so as well as I could in a short amount of time.

This morning, from the hat, I drew your name
Perhaps it was fate
Or maybe even perfect aim
But this poem post is just for you, Kate.

Your picture on the bike and build bio is certainly misleading
We all know your hair isn’t close to half that long
But what is fact is the world is something you are changing
And I’m delighted that on your quest I get to tag along

Sometimes you go to bed far far too early
But other times you drink an ungodly amount of caffeine
Either way your calf muscles sure are burley
How did you do so? Must have been more than one black bean.

When we leave here I’ll miss you without end
Through hills and headwinds you are my best friend.