Seventy seven days down, 4 to go.
It’s finally or last stretch of riding days. This day has come far too soon. I’m not ready for this one bit, but if it has to happen in glad it starts with today. Nate, your birthday is hands down one of my favorite days of the summer.
I woke up and frantically searched for my shower bag, which contained all only toiletries. It was nowhere to be found and I was certain I had left it by my bin. After circling the grounds and strip searching the can multiple times, I decided it was gone. However, someone convinced me to just call the gym where we showered to see if it was there. Luckily, I swallowed my pride and called them. I hate being wrong, and that my mind played tricks on me, but I’m incredibly happy it was sitting in their list and found.
I left this morning with the bachelor(ette) party, which consisted of Sarah, Kate, Maria, Elle, Lauren, Nate, and myself. Jess and Nate were finally to be wed tonight so we had to give them both one last ride before tying the knot. I 100% enjoyed every second of it. Even both of my flats.
The ride was flat and the winds were low, but the heat was high. That’s the precise conditions I prefer, so I was a happy camper. We rode at an easy pace and really smelled the roses. One of the best moments of the day was when we stopped in a pecan orchard and I cracked nuts for everyone. That would have been the perfect time to enjoy nuts, but of course I can’t stand them.
At lunch we met up with the bachelorette party. We all enjoyed a quick break from riding, but quickly got back on the bike. After my flat just before lunch I was constantly worried about getting another flat. They always seem to come in spurts for me, which is completely annoying. I checked it quickly and it was getting low, but it was still rideable. I let it go another few miles until there was no playing around anymore. I had to change yet another flat tire.
Eventually we made it to Colusa, the home of the best casinos in northern California. When we arrived we went straight to the thrift store for costumes to wear to the “wedding”. After we stormed the place we left and finally made it to the host site where we immediately got our swimming stuff and piled into the van. One of the families from the church offered to let us come swim in their pool. It was a perfect afternoon of relaxing. I really think it calmed Nate’s nerves before his big night. Marrying Jess is not something to take lightly.
When we got back from the pool we were oven the opportunity to sit with the community in their helping hand meal program. It was incredible getting to know people from all different walks of life that live in Colusa. They make up a very special and wonderful community.
Once dinner was over we prepared for the big event. Jess put on her dress and Nate his powder blue “suit”. We talked them trough their cold feet and finally the ceremony began. Spencer, as our poet laureate, was made the minister and gave the best nuptial speech I’ve ever heard. It was touching, moving, inspiring. Choose any positive adjective and that would describe it. It was also completely hilarious and I am so happy I have it all on video.
The reception was an incredible was to top off one of my favorite weeks on bike and build, except for all of Colorado. I don’t think anything could top Colorado. California, you are a close second though…don’t worry Elle. At the end of the night when I went to bed it felt like the goodbyes had started to begin. I found myself not wanting to fall asleep because I wanted to soak up every moment. Every passing second becomes exponentially more precious. Sleeping is something I can do at home. I don’t need it while I’m biking across the country!
Off to davis tomorrow…the most bicycle friendly city in the world. At least that’s what they say.
ginaBARGIACHI 