Meeting the Group

I was so looking forward to the google group meeting on August 17 where I'd get to hear from some of the people joining me on this adventure face to face- or at least as face to face as it gets virtually. I logged on anxiously and was greeted by several members, including our leaders Ankur and Tammy. I'd say about 2/3 of the people attended- Terry, from England, had already bowed out because he didn't feel he'd be coherent enough in the middle of the night. I get it.

We did a quick introduction and it took no time at all for me to realize that I was riding up. WAY up. Many of these riders have deep touring resumes. One woman has ridden a century a month since March and has no fear of 12 and 13 percent grades. I am in amongst the titans. I swallowed my rising fear and tried not to be intimidated, focusing instead on their generosity of spirit when it came to sharing packing ideas, items they can't live without, and tips for making the most comfortable experience possible

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Day 42- Jackson LA

It rained hard all night and this morning brought thunderstorms. Again we were lucky to have indoor accommodations. It continue to rain through breakfast. Drunk Bob, our weather app, predicted possible clearing around 1 o’clock, which meant we’d have to fit 60 miles into six hours to get in before dark. Doable, but not preferable. At around 1015, after much standing around, adjusting layers and stretching, we set off. It stayed cloudy but dry. We were thankful for that small mercy as it was chilly. The ride took us across our first bridge of the day. This time it was to cross the Atchafalaya river. From there it was a route of back roads with light traffic. The sun kept peeking out, promising warmth and we were soon peeling layers. I saw some interesting things along the way. This group of cows had loose wattles and humps like camels. This church had a no trespassing sign on one of the doors. Just like Jesus said we should do. And this is the machine that cuts th...

The Ducks Come Together

Since I pulled the trigger on this trip I have had the feeling that in trying to get my thoughts organized I am really in the process of herding cats. No, not cats. Squirrels. Wild, wooly, anxiety ridden squirrels. What sleeping bag? What tent? Will my bag be too heavy? Will all my stuff fit in said bag? What if my air mattress pops? What if I get cold (I hate to be cold). What if my tent leaks. What if - And then, all of a sudden, things start to come together. The squirrels are turning into ducks who are settling into rows. My bike is shipped. My backup bike has a new seat that is so comfy I might just bring it with me. I rode 80 miles yesterday and could have gone farther. I am upping my mileage and enjoying it all. I've decided on a tent and gotten the stuff to seal the seams and waterproof the fly. I've decided on a bag and today a sleeping pad came that might just suit me. I'll try it out this weekend in the backyard. The maps arrived and while I'm not sure how AN...

Day 9- Tonto Basin

Where to start? The 6:30 AM takeoff, the Tonto national forest where there are cactus instead of trees? Maybe the ropey cactus that could be CHOLLAS. Or the incredible views of the superstition mountains that we rode through. They stunned me with how beautiful they were. I even enjoyed the 12 mile climb, even though I stopped every half mile to breathe. The grade was about 4% so it was doable, and the switch backs and wide shoulder negated the fast traffic. I had to just stop and take it all in at the top. The pictures just do not do it justice. And then we went down — 6 and 7% grades made for sore hands. I picked something up in my tire that didn’t seem like a big deal at the time. Stay tuned. We stopped in Jake’s corner at the general store for something to hold me for the last 10 miles. The sky was dark and threatening and we heard thunder closing in. The girls in the store said if we were going we should go, so Carl, Kelly, Adam and I booked to camp with a storm on our heels. ...

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