I am waiting at the last rest stop for the last rider. I choose to get in the van along with two other riders at mile 75, mainly because the last 25 miles were uphill and it is very hot. at the moment I am sitting in the shade on the grass. I am hoping he will come in soon. We was sweep for the day so needed to stay behind with the slower riders, but than the slower riders took a ride with the van so he had to ride by himself.
Everyday one person is the "sweep" which is the person who rides in the back to make sure everyone is OK. My turn was on Friday. For the most part I ride by myself,which really suits me. I don't like to talk while I bike and I really like to just look around at the magnificent scenery. Also I like to bike at my own speed, instead of trying to keep up with someone else. So in order of speed it is Arye, than Dena and Ilan , Terry( but he usually bikes slower to bike with his wife Freddie ), after that it's usually Hannah, but not always, than Freddie or me and lastly is Kim . I think we are all getting stronger, but I think I am effected by the heat more than others.
Today I missed the turn at mile 65. I wasn't even looking for it, but realized I had missed it after I stopped for ice coffee at Wheat Montana Deli and Bakery and looked at my que sheet and realized I had missed the turn. I was biking back when the van drove by looking for Hannah. It was a good time to just get in.
Yesterday I left off abruptly with Arye. The reason being was that I had written a huge amount and than first I had trouble finding it and than once I found it I couldn't add to it so I figured the best thing was just to publish it and continue today.
Kim is in her 50's. She's been the weakest rider, but she is getting stronger every day. She's incredibly nice and really gets group dynamics. She gets along with everyone and has a very pleasing presence.
Terry and Freddie are a married couple. Freddie is the wife and Terry the husband. She is 66 making her the oldest member of our present group and Terry is 65. They pretty much hang out with each other. Terry is pretty reactive and Freddie is the peacemaker.
The is one more very important person who rode this us just for the first week, but I'll write about her
In a future blog. It's time for dinner
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Day fourteen Shabbat
A day of rest. I have a new appreciation of Shabbat. Sleep late. Have my coffee sitting down. Eat breakfast at 10:00. Go for a walk. Maybe take a nap in the afternoon.
I have found a wonderful little spot on the college campus with 4 comfortable outdoor chairs in the shade where I am sitting and writing this. The only distraction are some very noisy birds. It's a very pretty spot with many trees, grass and a small garden area.
I've only seen a few of the group this morning at breakfast. I think the rest of them partied last night and are sleeping in.
Thought this might be a good time to introduce the group in a little more depth. Maybe even through in a picture if I can remember how. Kim showed me, but that was a few days ago.
Staff - Garth, Adrienne, Danielle and Eli
Garth is in charge. I am terrible at guessing ages but I'll say he's in his early thirties. He's a rabbinic student, lives in Brooklyn Heights and is orthodox. There certainly are a lot of rules to follow. He has a tough job making sure everything gets done, but I think he handles it well.
Adrienne is also early thirties ( I think). She's very sweet, conservative Jewish, helps at the rest stops, does some shopping, doesn't usually get involved with the group except at meetings, although I have spent a little time with her.
Danielle is in charge of the truck, getting it packed up every morning. She's maybe in her mid to late twenties is very likable yet strong and gets things done. She's between jobs and took this on for the summer. She's a strong rider, but yesterday when she got a chance to ride she stayed behind to chat with the slower riders. The staff only get a chance to ride once/ week and on Shabbat.
Eli is 19 - the youngest of both staff and riders. He more connects with the riders than the staff so I probably know him the best. He is a sophomore at Northeaston in Boston. He is a whiz bike mechanic and bike racer. Yesterday as Kim and I was slowly progressing up the hill to the top of the Continental Divide he asked if we wanted a push up. Since I had no idea what that meant I asked him how he could do that and he proceeded to push me up the hill by riding next to me with his right hand on my back literally pushing me up the hill while I biked. I was sorry later as I very slowly biked up the steeper part of the mountain, that I hadn't taken him up on it.
There are only eight of us doing the whole country - from youngest to oldest- Ilan, Dena, Hannah, Arye, Kim, Terry, me, and Freddie.
And there are section riders.
Mike and Dov road with us from Seattle to here in Helena and will be leaving tomorrow morning. Mike back to Dallas and Dov back to New haven, CT
Mike is Arye's father. To me he is a strange mix of Orthodox Jew and aggressive businessman. He owns his own business and does a lot of business calls during the ride. He and I are congenial but not buddies he spends most of his free time with his son or on the phone.
Dov on the other hand is everyone's favorite. He's 74, orthodox, married to Nechama, who is along on the ride but is not riding. Dov is very kind, with a quick wit. I think we will all miss his presence.
Nechama is along because Dov wouldn't go on the ride without her.
Nechama helps at the rest stops and lunch by putting out food and making tuna salad for lunch. She's also on my crew which consists of me, her and Arye. The first week when we did dinner together, no matter what anyone was making she always had something to say about it which definitely got on my nerves but I've grown use to her and maybe because she's Israeli, or maybe because this last week has been breakfast duty and there really isn't much to say about breakfast she seems fine.
I'll probably have more to say about the 7 doing the whole ride but I'll give a quick run down since we don't have dinner until 7:00 and it's only 3:00 and I have no intention to walk to town in the heat.
(I wrote some this morning and some this afternoon)
Ilan is an adorable 20 year old who gets along with everyone. He usually rides with Dena and he loves to stop at bakeries, ice cream places and go out to dinner.
Dena is 21 and has coupled up with Eli. She is a strong rider, very sweet, kind of reminds me of Jaime Katzman.
Hannah I think is also 21, but I'm not sure. She goes to Oberlin and is observant. She does't hang out with Dena, Ilan and Eli although I think she would like to. She's a bit more reserved and so I think she has a harder time fitting in.
Arye just graduated from the U of Maryland and knew Dena from school, but the two of them barely talk. Actually Arye barely talks to anyone. He's very competitive and always rides by himself, unless we wants to ride with his father, which he sometimes did at the beginning of the day. Arye and Danielle have also coupled up. Even though I am on the same work crew as Arye we barely talk. 95% of the time he is wearing ear phones. Also if I wasn't writing this as a blog I'd say he was a bit arrogant, but since I am writing this as a blog I won't say that.
I think some of us are hoping that once his father leaves he'll be more in the community.
I have found a wonderful little spot on the college campus with 4 comfortable outdoor chairs in the shade where I am sitting and writing this. The only distraction are some very noisy birds. It's a very pretty spot with many trees, grass and a small garden area.
I've only seen a few of the group this morning at breakfast. I think the rest of them partied last night and are sleeping in.
Thought this might be a good time to introduce the group in a little more depth. Maybe even through in a picture if I can remember how. Kim showed me, but that was a few days ago.
Staff - Garth, Adrienne, Danielle and Eli
Garth is in charge. I am terrible at guessing ages but I'll say he's in his early thirties. He's a rabbinic student, lives in Brooklyn Heights and is orthodox. There certainly are a lot of rules to follow. He has a tough job making sure everything gets done, but I think he handles it well.
Adrienne is also early thirties ( I think). She's very sweet, conservative Jewish, helps at the rest stops, does some shopping, doesn't usually get involved with the group except at meetings, although I have spent a little time with her.
Danielle is in charge of the truck, getting it packed up every morning. She's maybe in her mid to late twenties is very likable yet strong and gets things done. She's between jobs and took this on for the summer. She's a strong rider, but yesterday when she got a chance to ride she stayed behind to chat with the slower riders. The staff only get a chance to ride once/ week and on Shabbat.
Eli is 19 - the youngest of both staff and riders. He more connects with the riders than the staff so I probably know him the best. He is a sophomore at Northeaston in Boston. He is a whiz bike mechanic and bike racer. Yesterday as Kim and I was slowly progressing up the hill to the top of the Continental Divide he asked if we wanted a push up. Since I had no idea what that meant I asked him how he could do that and he proceeded to push me up the hill by riding next to me with his right hand on my back literally pushing me up the hill while I biked. I was sorry later as I very slowly biked up the steeper part of the mountain, that I hadn't taken him up on it.
There are only eight of us doing the whole country - from youngest to oldest- Ilan, Dena, Hannah, Arye, Kim, Terry, me, and Freddie.
And there are section riders.
Mike and Dov road with us from Seattle to here in Helena and will be leaving tomorrow morning. Mike back to Dallas and Dov back to New haven, CT
Mike is Arye's father. To me he is a strange mix of Orthodox Jew and aggressive businessman. He owns his own business and does a lot of business calls during the ride. He and I are congenial but not buddies he spends most of his free time with his son or on the phone.
Dov on the other hand is everyone's favorite. He's 74, orthodox, married to Nechama, who is along on the ride but is not riding. Dov is very kind, with a quick wit. I think we will all miss his presence.
Nechama is along because Dov wouldn't go on the ride without her.
Nechama helps at the rest stops and lunch by putting out food and making tuna salad for lunch. She's also on my crew which consists of me, her and Arye. The first week when we did dinner together, no matter what anyone was making she always had something to say about it which definitely got on my nerves but I've grown use to her and maybe because she's Israeli, or maybe because this last week has been breakfast duty and there really isn't much to say about breakfast she seems fine.
I'll probably have more to say about the 7 doing the whole ride but I'll give a quick run down since we don't have dinner until 7:00 and it's only 3:00 and I have no intention to walk to town in the heat.
(I wrote some this morning and some this afternoon)
Ilan is an adorable 20 year old who gets along with everyone. He usually rides with Dena and he loves to stop at bakeries, ice cream places and go out to dinner.
Dena is 21 and has coupled up with Eli. She is a strong rider, very sweet, kind of reminds me of Jaime Katzman.
Hannah I think is also 21, but I'm not sure. She goes to Oberlin and is observant. She does't hang out with Dena, Ilan and Eli although I think she would like to. She's a bit more reserved and so I think she has a harder time fitting in.
Arye just graduated from the U of Maryland and knew Dena from school, but the two of them barely talk. Actually Arye barely talks to anyone. He's very competitive and always rides by himself, unless we wants to ride with his father, which he sometimes did at the beginning of the day. Arye and Danielle have also coupled up. Even though I am on the same work crew as Arye we barely talk. 95% of the time he is wearing ear phones. Also if I wasn't writing this as a blog I'd say he was a bit arrogant, but since I am writing this as a blog I won't say that.
I think some of us are hoping that once his father leaves he'll be more in the community.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Day thirteen
We are in Helena, MT and staying at Carroll College dormitory. The accommodations are wonderful. We each have our own room and the use of a nice lounge area with a kitchen. I'm looking forward to a day off tomorrow.
Today should have been a reasonably easy day since it was only 55 miles, the first part being mostly uphill until we got over the Continental Divide and from mile 20 until mile 55 it was either downhill or rolling hills. But the heat got in the way. Someone's thermometer on his bike registered 101. Not sure if it was really that hot but it was very uncomfortable. When I finally got back here I was relieved to find that everyone else thought it was very uncomfortable for biking. I was going to be very unhappy if e dry one else thought biking in this heat was pleasant. It was the first really hot biking day we've bad so far. I will use Polly's suggestion from now on to wear a wet shirt and bring a second wet shirt along to change into when the first one dries. I wish I had done that today.
Kim is cooking in the kitchen. She had help earlier but I think the all left to shower. Not sure what she's cooking but it smells really good. They also made the meal for Shabbat and have it in a slow cooker for tomorrow.
Almost time for our community meeting. I should grab something to eat- I'm really hunger and we don't eat until after services which could be hours from now.
Today should have been a reasonably easy day since it was only 55 miles, the first part being mostly uphill until we got over the Continental Divide and from mile 20 until mile 55 it was either downhill or rolling hills. But the heat got in the way. Someone's thermometer on his bike registered 101. Not sure if it was really that hot but it was very uncomfortable. When I finally got back here I was relieved to find that everyone else thought it was very uncomfortable for biking. I was going to be very unhappy if e dry one else thought biking in this heat was pleasant. It was the first really hot biking day we've bad so far. I will use Polly's suggestion from now on to wear a wet shirt and bring a second wet shirt along to change into when the first one dries. I wish I had done that today.
Kim is cooking in the kitchen. She had help earlier but I think the all left to shower. Not sure what she's cooking but it smells really good. They also made the meal for Shabbat and have it in a slow cooker for tomorrow.
Almost time for our community meeting. I should grab something to eat- I'm really hunger and we don't eat until after services which could be hours from now.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Day twelve
Thursday evening in Lincoln, Montana. We are staying in the Lincoln High School which is right ext door to a burger and shake place. We just finished a wonderful dinner of burritos and now I am at the
ice cream place next door so I can write this blog. As it happens Verizon was using the AT&T towers and their contract ran out onMonday so thee has been no Verizon service here since Monday except right on Main Street. So I figured it was worth coming here a d having some chocolate ice cream so I could write today's blog.
Today's ride was from Missoula to Lincoln a total of 81 miles which was shortened to 65 miles because of road construction in Lincoln and they wouldn't let us ride through the construction. It was fine with me because it was getting to be uncomfortably hot. It actually was a beautiful ride. It's very hard to capture the vistas on camera, but Montana is a beautiful state. We pass over the continental divide tomorrow.
Last night our meeting lasted a out two hours and everyone got to air there differences. It was good to hear and also to realize how miscommunication there was with just about everyone. It didn't solve all the problems but it did help. I still want to talk to Terry separately but he wasn't ready to do that last night.
It's finally get hot here. Up until now it's been mostly cool and rainy. Today was in the 80's, but I think tomorrow will be in the 90's. Just 55 miles tomorrow. Friday is usually a easy day so we can be back early to get ready for Shabbat.
The biking is going well - just a few aches and pains. I mostly hang out with the "kids". They're very sweet. I mostly bike by myself, by choice. I like going at my own pace and I prefer not talking while biking. I think we' ve all gotten a bit stronger biking.
Got to go. They are closing the ice cream place.
ice cream place next door so I can write this blog. As it happens Verizon was using the AT&T towers and their contract ran out onMonday so thee has been no Verizon service here since Monday except right on Main Street. So I figured it was worth coming here a d having some chocolate ice cream so I could write today's blog.
Today's ride was from Missoula to Lincoln a total of 81 miles which was shortened to 65 miles because of road construction in Lincoln and they wouldn't let us ride through the construction. It was fine with me because it was getting to be uncomfortably hot. It actually was a beautiful ride. It's very hard to capture the vistas on camera, but Montana is a beautiful state. We pass over the continental divide tomorrow.
Last night our meeting lasted a out two hours and everyone got to air there differences. It was good to hear and also to realize how miscommunication there was with just about everyone. It didn't solve all the problems but it did help. I still want to talk to Terry separately but he wasn't ready to do that last night.
It's finally get hot here. Up until now it's been mostly cool and rainy. Today was in the 80's, but I think tomorrow will be in the 90's. Just 55 miles tomorrow. Friday is usually a easy day so we can be back early to get ready for Shabbat.
The biking is going well - just a few aches and pains. I mostly hang out with the "kids". They're very sweet. I mostly bike by myself, by choice. I like going at my own pace and I prefer not talking while biking. I think we' ve all gotten a bit stronger biking.
Got to go. They are closing the ice cream place.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Day eleven
We're in Missoula, MT. and we have a day off from riding. This morning we volunteered at a community bike place called Free Cycle (kind of like Bikes not Bombs). Than we had a tour of an organic farm, went to Adventure Cycling to visit them and get our picture taken and we all got a free six months subscription to their magazine.
Now I'm back at the synagogue where we spent last night and we will spend tonight. We sleep on the floor but at least we did 't have to set up our tents in the pouring rain. And Garth one of the staff, made eggs for us this morning for breakfast.
I'm going out to dinner tonight with Dena and Ilan and whoever else wants to come, but we have to be back for community meeting at 6:30. I think it will be a long one.
So this is what happened
On Monday afternoon a very friendly big dog decided to follow us as we began riding up this terrible rocky unpaved path. When we got to the top we had a rest stop which happened to across from a restaurant and bike rental shop. We went in to use the bathroom and also to find out if she knew what we should do about the dog. The person there said that she thought she knew the owner of the dog and would call them.
The rest of the day was downhill, but it was going to be on this rocky dirt path and I decided I was not going to ride. The other choice was riding on route 90 which is the same as our route 90 except that the speed limit here in Montana is 75. Most people decided to take route 90 after being on the dirt path for a while. If I had known that I probably would have biked down.
Anyway I was in the van a d we learned much later that the dog had continues to follow the riders and when they went on the highway the dog would sometimes go into the road, so two people, Dena and Terry walked with the dog and their bikes to a place where they could make phone calls about a mile away from where they were. They found out that there we no shelters so they called Eli, a staff member to come pick up the dog. I went with Eli in the van. By this time it was around 5:00. We brought the dog back to camp and Freddy, a woman married to Terry, decided to go up to the office to see if they knew of a place for the dog. I told her I didn't think that was a good idea and as it turned out it wasn't. The woman who owns the camp said if we didn't get rid of the dog she would come and shot it and Freddy believed she would.
So I thought the best idea was to bring the dog back to the bike rental place, tie him up with food and water and when they opened in the morning they would find the dog. I did not know that Terry, who lives in Idaho, thought that if we tied him up he would be killed by a pack of wolves. Terry wanted us to find a home for him in the town we were in. But I did not know about Terry's concern about the wolves. So while Terry and Dena were biking back Eli and I drove back about 40 miles and left the dog tied up. That's why I did not get in two nights ago until 11:00.
A number of people knew what Eli and I did with the dog, but apparently Terry was not one of them. So
Yesterday morning while I was putting something away on the truck Terry came over and asked "what happened with the dog. "I thought he was just wanting to chit chat about the dog, so I said something like wait a second or I'll be with you in a minute. Well, by the time I realized that Terry was really getting upset it was too late. He had totally lost it and was screaming What happened to the dog. By this time Eli came over and told him what we had done and then he became uncontrollable saying the dog would have been better off shot than torn apart by wolves and this went on for at least ten minutes. This was as 6:30 am and the bike rental shop didn't open til 8:00. It was really awful. The good news is that the dog is fine and was brought to a shelter, but we still haven't had a meeting because last night we were hosted by the Jewish community of Missoula and so we are going to have to talk about it tonight.
Anyway, never a dull moment
Back on the bike tomorrow
Now I'm back at the synagogue where we spent last night and we will spend tonight. We sleep on the floor but at least we did 't have to set up our tents in the pouring rain. And Garth one of the staff, made eggs for us this morning for breakfast.
I'm going out to dinner tonight with Dena and Ilan and whoever else wants to come, but we have to be back for community meeting at 6:30. I think it will be a long one.
So this is what happened
On Monday afternoon a very friendly big dog decided to follow us as we began riding up this terrible rocky unpaved path. When we got to the top we had a rest stop which happened to across from a restaurant and bike rental shop. We went in to use the bathroom and also to find out if she knew what we should do about the dog. The person there said that she thought she knew the owner of the dog and would call them.
The rest of the day was downhill, but it was going to be on this rocky dirt path and I decided I was not going to ride. The other choice was riding on route 90 which is the same as our route 90 except that the speed limit here in Montana is 75. Most people decided to take route 90 after being on the dirt path for a while. If I had known that I probably would have biked down.
Anyway I was in the van a d we learned much later that the dog had continues to follow the riders and when they went on the highway the dog would sometimes go into the road, so two people, Dena and Terry walked with the dog and their bikes to a place where they could make phone calls about a mile away from where they were. They found out that there we no shelters so they called Eli, a staff member to come pick up the dog. I went with Eli in the van. By this time it was around 5:00. We brought the dog back to camp and Freddy, a woman married to Terry, decided to go up to the office to see if they knew of a place for the dog. I told her I didn't think that was a good idea and as it turned out it wasn't. The woman who owns the camp said if we didn't get rid of the dog she would come and shot it and Freddy believed she would.
So I thought the best idea was to bring the dog back to the bike rental place, tie him up with food and water and when they opened in the morning they would find the dog. I did not know that Terry, who lives in Idaho, thought that if we tied him up he would be killed by a pack of wolves. Terry wanted us to find a home for him in the town we were in. But I did not know about Terry's concern about the wolves. So while Terry and Dena were biking back Eli and I drove back about 40 miles and left the dog tied up. That's why I did not get in two nights ago until 11:00.
A number of people knew what Eli and I did with the dog, but apparently Terry was not one of them. So
Yesterday morning while I was putting something away on the truck Terry came over and asked "what happened with the dog. "I thought he was just wanting to chit chat about the dog, so I said something like wait a second or I'll be with you in a minute. Well, by the time I realized that Terry was really getting upset it was too late. He had totally lost it and was screaming What happened to the dog. By this time Eli came over and told him what we had done and then he became uncontrollable saying the dog would have been better off shot than torn apart by wolves and this went on for at least ten minutes. This was as 6:30 am and the bike rental shop didn't open til 8:00. It was really awful. The good news is that the dog is fine and was brought to a shelter, but we still haven't had a meeting because last night we were hosted by the Jewish community of Missoula and so we are going to have to talk about it tonight.
Anyway, never a dull moment
Back on the bike tomorrow
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Day ten
I biked 92 miles today, the last 15 miles in moderate to heavy rain. We just finished dinner and luckily have a inside location to sleep. There are many conversations going on, but right now I am too tired to participate in any of them. I can't wait until lights out so I can go to sleep.
We had a very emotional interaction this morning and not in a good way. I'll have time tomorrow to write about both today and yesterday. I'm very pleased with myself for completing today's ride, but I am ready to crash right now
We had a very emotional interaction this morning and not in a good way. I'll have time tomorrow to write about both today and yesterday. I'm very pleased with myself for completing today's ride, but I am ready to crash right now
Monday, June 24, 2013
Day nine
Today was a bit of an unusual day. It started off on a wonderful bike path and we rode for about 22 miles. For the first 16 I rode with Dena and Ilan. They usually ride ahead of me, but they were both tired this morning so they rode much slower. Our first rest stop was in a small town of Wallace where the three of us stopped for breakfast at a local breakfast place. From there we checked out the bakery and I bought a brownie for dessert for tonight. Back on the bike path for 8 more miles, than a few more miles on the road. And than we picked up an unpaved trail for the next 10 miles.
I wrote the above this afternoon, but now it is 11:00 and I just got bAck to camp. I need to get up at 5:30 to make coffee so I will need to finish my day either tomorrow or most probably Wed. We have a very long riding day tomorrow and than a service day on Wed which is like a day off. Today was a very crazy day.
It i must say I just eat the brownie from the bakery in Wallace and it was so.good.
I wrote the above this afternoon, but now it is 11:00 and I just got bAck to camp. I need to get up at 5:30 to make coffee so I will need to finish my day either tomorrow or most probably Wed. We have a very long riding day tomorrow and than a service day on Wed which is like a day off. Today was a very crazy day.
It i must say I just eat the brownie from the bakery in Wallace and it was so.good.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Day eight
Sunday evening - 9:00 Sitting outside at a pretty poor excuse for a campground. At least I took a hot shower. Many only got cold water.
It was a long day, but not bad. The first part of the day was up and down hills until we got to miles 39. At that point we got on a bike trial and the riding was flat for the next 45 miles. The most exciting part of the day was stopping for ice cream in Harrington. Our server asked if I wanted a single scoop or a kiddie cone so I said a single scoop which meant 4 - 5 scoops. It was huge, but I shared it with Dena and Ilan. Actually I managed to eat most of it but I did give them a couple of bits each. It was chocolate peanut and very delicious.
Last night we had dinner at the synagogue, just our group. We also had two bottles of wine for the group of 16. So Eli and I shared one bottle and the rest of the group shared the other bottle. Somehow it just worked out that way. We did a Torah portion as well and Eli and I were partners to discuss some questions. It was a good thing that Eli is really good at that, so I really didn't need to give it too much thought.
I had a lot more things I could have written about but it will have to wait for another day. I am off dinner duty and now have breakfast and lunch duty which means I need to get up early to make coffee, so I am going to sleep.
Only 75 miles tomorrow. But it looks like a very tough ride. All uphill for the first 35.
It was a long day, but not bad. The first part of the day was up and down hills until we got to miles 39. At that point we got on a bike trial and the riding was flat for the next 45 miles. The most exciting part of the day was stopping for ice cream in Harrington. Our server asked if I wanted a single scoop or a kiddie cone so I said a single scoop which meant 4 - 5 scoops. It was huge, but I shared it with Dena and Ilan. Actually I managed to eat most of it but I did give them a couple of bits each. It was chocolate peanut and very delicious.
Last night we had dinner at the synagogue, just our group. We also had two bottles of wine for the group of 16. So Eli and I shared one bottle and the rest of the group shared the other bottle. Somehow it just worked out that way. We did a Torah portion as well and Eli and I were partners to discuss some questions. It was a good thing that Eli is really good at that, so I really didn't need to give it too much thought.
I had a lot more things I could have written about but it will have to wait for another day. I am off dinner duty and now have breakfast and lunch duty which means I need to get up early to make coffee, so I am going to sleep.
Only 75 miles tomorrow. But it looks like a very tough ride. All uphill for the first 35.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Day seven
Shabbat. Rest day. I think I can really say, probably for the first time, I love Shabbat. Everyone else is off to Shabbat morning services and I am free to do whatever. This morning I took a walk around the neighborhood and found a yard sale. I bought a cute book for Etyan that has wheels and can also be a truck. It's fairly chilly here in Spokane today so I am sitting inside whe I write.
So to answer a few questions that my regular readers have asked. I really love hearing from you and yes I do read your e- mails to me even though I do not respond. Please keep them coming. I was on dinner duty the first week which meant I would ride, shower and start working right away. Than we would eat, have our nightly meeting and have free time after 8:00 at which time I would blog and them read through my e-mail and crash for the. iChat. So even though I haven't responded do know that I am reading them and really enjoy getting them
The food and support have been fantastic. Breakfast is cold cereal or quick cooking oatmeal with milk or yoghurt, fruit , and peanut butter and great bread, if they remember to put it out. Lunch is on the road and is usually a choice of tuna, cheese, peanut butter and jelly with really good bread plus snack foods and fruit. I'm going to add fig newtons to the list. We also have one or two rest stops with the same food except no tuna.
Dinner has been incredibly good so far. There is always a vegetarian option if we have meat and also gluten free, plus everything has to be Strickly kosher. More on that another time.
We always have a salad, and lots of veggies. We've had a tofu stir fry, beef barley soup and barley mushroom lentil soup for the non meat eaters, chicken with dried fruit over rice, and other memorable meals that I can't remember at the moment, but they we all really good.
Last night was a pot luck put on by both the reform and conservative congregations. It was impossible to try everything but I made a very good effort. I also made sure to grab a very fudgy brownie as I went through the line because I could tell that they would be gone if I waited until I was finished eating dinner. No wine and no chocolate is my normal now. But I must say that brownie was very good.
It is now close to 1:00 and my host family will be returning soon. We start tomorrow at 7:00 riding out of Spokane to Pinehurst , ID distance of 89 miles
So to answer a few questions that my regular readers have asked. I really love hearing from you and yes I do read your e- mails to me even though I do not respond. Please keep them coming. I was on dinner duty the first week which meant I would ride, shower and start working right away. Than we would eat, have our nightly meeting and have free time after 8:00 at which time I would blog and them read through my e-mail and crash for the. iChat. So even though I haven't responded do know that I am reading them and really enjoy getting them
The food and support have been fantastic. Breakfast is cold cereal or quick cooking oatmeal with milk or yoghurt, fruit , and peanut butter and great bread, if they remember to put it out. Lunch is on the road and is usually a choice of tuna, cheese, peanut butter and jelly with really good bread plus snack foods and fruit. I'm going to add fig newtons to the list. We also have one or two rest stops with the same food except no tuna.
Dinner has been incredibly good so far. There is always a vegetarian option if we have meat and also gluten free, plus everything has to be Strickly kosher. More on that another time.
We always have a salad, and lots of veggies. We've had a tofu stir fry, beef barley soup and barley mushroom lentil soup for the non meat eaters, chicken with dried fruit over rice, and other memorable meals that I can't remember at the moment, but they we all really good.
Last night was a pot luck put on by both the reform and conservative congregations. It was impossible to try everything but I made a very good effort. I also made sure to grab a very fudgy brownie as I went through the line because I could tell that they would be gone if I waited until I was finished eating dinner. No wine and no chocolate is my normal now. But I must say that brownie was very good.
It is now close to 1:00 and my host family will be returning soon. We start tomorrow at 7:00 riding out of Spokane to Pinehurst , ID distance of 89 miles
Friday, June 21, 2013
Day six
I am writing from the luxury of a bed. It is amazing how good it feels. We are the guests of the Jewish community of Spokane and we are all being housed with varioUs families. My host has myself and Kim. Tonight we will go back to the synagogue for a pot luck dinner prepared by the Jewish . What luxury - a bed and no cooking.
Even though it did rain a bit from Harrington to Spokane it was a really nice ride. Many hills, but all doable. Well except the one in Spokane which reminded be of Allerton Hill in Hull. I road mostly by myself, except for a small stretch with Elizabeth, who sadly is only biking for the one week. She lives in Spokane and has 4 kids it was a big deal for her to be as to get away for the week.
Getting through Spokane was a bit tricky with lots of turns, but very pretty. One turn was not on our que sheet which was quite annoying, but using google maps is very helpful. I wound up using it a lot today. Spokane is nicely set up for bikers, although it was very hilly to get to our destination . I will go out now and talk to my host family.
I will do some exploring of Spokane by foot tomorrow.
Even though it did rain a bit from Harrington to Spokane it was a really nice ride. Many hills, but all doable. Well except the one in Spokane which reminded be of Allerton Hill in Hull. I road mostly by myself, except for a small stretch with Elizabeth, who sadly is only biking for the one week. She lives in Spokane and has 4 kids it was a big deal for her to be as to get away for the week.
Getting through Spokane was a bit tricky with lots of turns, but very pretty. One turn was not on our que sheet which was quite annoying, but using google maps is very helpful. I wound up using it a lot today. Spokane is nicely set up for bikers, although it was very hilly to get to our destination . I will go out now and talk to my host family.
I will do some exploring of Spokane by foot tomorrow.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Day five
I was feeling pretty bad about not completing the ride today and than I spoke to Butch and now I am feeling really bad. I should have called Jill or Corinne.
The day started off cold and raining and basically got colder and rainier. The first rest stop was at mile 20 and both the truck and the van were there. My biggest mistake was to get into the van to warm up and the second one to was listen to everyone else say they had had enough of this and were Taking the van. As it turned out, out of 12 of us riding 5 biked to completion. I was not one of them. I'm feeling a bit sad that I didn't try harder to ride, but I'm sure I will have many other opportunities to challenge myself.
The day started off cold and raining and basically got colder and rainier. The first rest stop was at mile 20 and both the truck and the van were there. My biggest mistake was to get into the van to warm up and the second one to was listen to everyone else say they had had enough of this and were Taking the van. As it turned out, out of 12 of us riding 5 biked to completion. I was not one of them. I'm feeling a bit sad that I didn't try harder to ride, but I'm sure I will have many other opportunities to challenge myself.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Day four
Today we biked from Wenatchee to Soap Lake. I am one of the few people left in the Soap Lake Elementary School since most others we t to an art show and talk at the Art something or other in Soap Lake. The was no way I was going to stay awake for an art lecture. We biked 57 miles today. I think I'm getting stronger but it's hard to tell. During the first half of the ride we had a strong tail wind, which really helped. We mostly rode as a group for the first part of the day and broke up into smart groups as the day progresses. I mostly rode with Dena and Hannah after lunch until Hannah got a flat, her second of the day, and needed to take the van back. So than I rode with Dena for the rest of the time. Dena's very sweet and is a senior at U. Of Maryland. She's a stronger rider than I am, but stayed with me anyway.
Now back to flat tires. There were a lot of flat tires today. Hannah had two, Dov had one and so did I. It's strange that never had a flat with my old tires, but now with my new super duper new Kevlar new tires I get a flat. Besides that it seems that I couldn't think about two things at the same time - my flat and also to unclip my foot. So of course I fell. At least it was on my right knee this time. Now I have bandages on both knees. Kind of reminds me of when I was a kid.
Luckily others stopped who knew how to change a flat. Even with two people who actually knew what they were doing it took some work.
The rest of the day went pretty smoothly. We stopped for lattes at the small town of Quincy and than continued on. By this time the wind had shifted and now the wind was from the north and also a slight rain. It was nice getting into the school. Sadly I could not say the same for the shower. I never did figure out how to get hot water out of the shower head, so I wound up taking a less than pleasant shower. I really love a nice hot shower. Not to be.
By this time it was 4:00 and time to make dinner. I am on the dinner crew for this week. I made a tofu stir fry with help from others cutting stuff up. It actually came out pretty good. Ari made a quinoa dish which was also very good. I was almost too tired to eat, but amazingly found the strength to have dinners.
It is now about 8:00 PM and I will be going to sleep very soon. Our ride tomorrow is 72 miles. Let's all hope for a nice tailwind.
I was going to get help to posts some pictures but they all went to the art show
Now back to flat tires. There were a lot of flat tires today. Hannah had two, Dov had one and so did I. It's strange that never had a flat with my old tires, but now with my new super duper new Kevlar new tires I get a flat. Besides that it seems that I couldn't think about two things at the same time - my flat and also to unclip my foot. So of course I fell. At least it was on my right knee this time. Now I have bandages on both knees. Kind of reminds me of when I was a kid.
Luckily others stopped who knew how to change a flat. Even with two people who actually knew what they were doing it took some work.
The rest of the day went pretty smoothly. We stopped for lattes at the small town of Quincy and than continued on. By this time the wind had shifted and now the wind was from the north and also a slight rain. It was nice getting into the school. Sadly I could not say the same for the shower. I never did figure out how to get hot water out of the shower head, so I wound up taking a less than pleasant shower. I really love a nice hot shower. Not to be.
By this time it was 4:00 and time to make dinner. I am on the dinner crew for this week. I made a tofu stir fry with help from others cutting stuff up. It actually came out pretty good. Ari made a quinoa dish which was also very good. I was almost too tired to eat, but amazingly found the strength to have dinners.
It is now about 8:00 PM and I will be going to sleep very soon. Our ride tomorrow is 72 miles. Let's all hope for a nice tailwind.
I was going to get help to posts some pictures but they all went to the art show
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Day three
After yesterday's ride I think the powers that be decided to give us a nice easy day to recuperate, so it was only 28 miles, although a group of us did an extra 4 miles because we got off the trail too soon and wound up biking a few miles longer around Wenatchee, WA which really is not a very pretty town, at least not the part we rode through. It does have a very nice bike loops though. A really pleasant little town that we biked through was Cashmere. A few people stopped at the bakery and if I figure out how to add a picture I could add it here. Maybe I'll ask someone tomorrow. I actually could ask someone right now. We're basically getting ready for bed. No camping tonight. Tonight we're sleeping in the gym of the Pioneer Middle School. The only problem isthat there is a very noisy air conditioning unit making a constant loud noise. Maybe I'll move my stuff out to the hallway.
Back to the ride. We rode from Leavenworth to Wenatchee through some really beatiful country. I have to remember to stop and take some pictures. Usually I am too much in a rush to get to where we need to be that I don't stop,but hopefully I will change that approach. I was a beautiful ride (until we left the bike route in Wenatchee.
Back to the ride. We rode from Leavenworth to Wenatchee through some really beatiful country. I have to remember to stop and take some pictures. Usually I am too much in a rush to get to where we need to be that I don't stop,but hopefully I will change that approach. I was a beautiful ride (until we left the bike route in Wenatchee.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Day two Steven's Pass
This was probably the hardest day I've ever biked. We left Baring, WA this morning at 768 ft above sea level and biked up to Steven's Pass through the Cascade Mountains at 4065 ft above sea level. It was a very long climb and even though near the end I did walk a bit, I did manage to bike most of it. And yes it was challenging. But once you made it to the top the rest of the day was blessedly downhill. Actually there were a couple of small hills, which felt pretty tough since my legs felt like there was lead in them. Surprisingly, by the end of the day my legs felt OK. We went through the town of Leavenworth, WA which decided to make itself into a Bavarian Village. It's kind of bazaar, but it does seem to attract a lot of people. We are staying at a campsite just outside of Leavenworth, and only biked through. I wanted to stop at the nut cracker museum, but couldn't get anyone to stop with me. They did have a point - it was already 4:30 and we still needed to get to camp, shower, set up our tents and I was suppose to help make dinner. I got 2 of the 3 done.
Tomorrow is an easy day. Only 28 miles. It will be nice to rest up the body
Tomorrow is an easy day. Only 28 miles. It will be nice to rest up the body
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Day one of riding. Seattle to the foot of the Cascade mountains, 54.3 miles. But whose counting. It was a perfect riding day, around 70 degrees, light wind, mostly cloudy. First half of the day was fairly easy, except for one hill that went on forever. The second half was harder, with many more hills, but we all made it to camp and that felt really good.
On e we're back at camp we have to set up our tents, shower and cook dinner. I thought the staff was going to cook the first two weeks, but I guess that was just wishful thinking. The food has been really good so far and it actually was nice to all help out together.
I have the alarm set for 5:30 A.M. So I am going to end this soon. It will be a tough morning ride, but once we get to Steven's Pass it will be all downhill from there.
Time for sleep
On e we're back at camp we have to set up our tents, shower and cook dinner. I thought the staff was going to cook the first two weeks, but I guess that was just wishful thinking. The food has been really good so far and it actually was nice to all help out together.
I have the alarm set for 5:30 A.M. So I am going to end this soon. It will be a tough morning ride, but once we get to Steven's Pass it will be all downhill from there.
Time for sleep
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Shabbat
I made it to Seattle. As I am writing this at 5:00 P.M. Friday acternoon I am sitting outside and it is beatiful. It is now Saturday morning. Nancy sat down to chat so I put my phone away.
Saturday morning. We are staying at Bastyr University which is known for its alternative medicine program. The group is having Shabbat morning services, which I went to for the first hour, but now I am sitting my the gardens. They will be praying for another hour. This afternoon after lunch is Torah study and than free time until 6.
Yesterday was our first test ride. We rode 3 miles mostly downhill to a little park, had lunch, and than rode back, mostly uphill. I usually love going downhill but couldn't really enjoy it knowing that I would be biking up going back. The good thing is that I did make it.i had to stop for a red light about 2/3's of the way up and rested for 3to 4 lights,but got to the top and so felt pretty good.
I am writing this now from my new iPhone and it is taking me forever. Our first real ride is tomorrow. I'll let you know how I do. The good news is that there are others that ride at my pace, well at least one.
Saturday morning. We are staying at Bastyr University which is known for its alternative medicine program. The group is having Shabbat morning services, which I went to for the first hour, but now I am sitting my the gardens. They will be praying for another hour. This afternoon after lunch is Torah study and than free time until 6.
Yesterday was our first test ride. We rode 3 miles mostly downhill to a little park, had lunch, and than rode back, mostly uphill. I usually love going downhill but couldn't really enjoy it knowing that I would be biking up going back. The good thing is that I did make it.i had to stop for a red light about 2/3's of the way up and rested for 3to 4 lights,but got to the top and so felt pretty good.
I am writing this now from my new iPhone and it is taking me forever. Our first real ride is tomorrow. I'll let you know how I do. The good news is that there are others that ride at my pace, well at least one.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Packing
It's Tuesday afternoon. I still need to finish packing, but decided to take a break. Thinking about today I really did get quite a bit accomplished. Did a pretty good job of clearing my desk. There's still one pile, but I've never been able to clear it completely. Next I showed Butch how to pay bills with Quicken and Bank of America. Decided which bike carrier things I would take and brought my bike and bike stuff to a bike shop to be boxed up. Got my hair cut. It didn't really need a cut, but thought it best to start out with it short.
Came home and started getting organized and packed. Did some last minute laundry. Will do the remaining laundry tomorrow and than Butch, who has never ever done the laundry will be on his own. Talked to Jill. She's coming tomorrow morning to help me decide what to bring. I love it.
There is only one very slight problem, but it is driving me crazy. For the last few days I have been putting things I plan to take on the pool table; toiletries, biking clothes, rain jacket, spare tube, head lamp, etc. And now the spare tube is gone and so is the head lamp. It is driving me crazy. I am SURE I put them with everything else.
As I am writing this a new thought comes to mind. There is a basket of misc. biking stuff. Where is that. On the floor in the kitchen. Oh, yes and there is a bag next to it from REI - various energy bars, an extra mirror, Hammer Perpetuem Solid Tablets that I promised Bob Platka, my biking coach, that I would buy. Also my Star Bucks instant coffee. So that's where I put my extra tube. Still haven't found my head lamp, but at least I can stop looking for them on the pool table. It's good I only have one more day to drive myself crazy.
After my hair cut I made a quick stop at the apartments. There was one little area that never got weeded. Also there was this one ornamental grass that could use some trimming back of the dead stuff. I did not have my clippers so I broke them off by hand. Not a good idea. I choose not to bike since Friday, to insure not injuring myself before I left, so now I have three paper-like cuts on my figures from the breaking off the dead grass stems. I guess I should pack some figure band-aides.
We had a great family day on Sunday. Jill had slept over Saturday night and her and I took an early morning walk on the beach. By the time we got back Corinne and Eytan were already here and playing on the beach. Noam was biking down and coming later. Jason would get here around 9:00. Butch was playing tennis and would get back around 9:30. Brunch was on the front deck. After brunch Butch and Eytan spent the rest of the morning on the beach until it was nap time. The late afternoon meal was lobster, grilled corn, pasta with pesto, and broccoli. Sue joined in for what was my going away family dinner. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
Corinne, Noam, Eytan and Jill slept over Sunday night, so I got to see Eytan for another half day. He had no idea when I gave him a few extra hugs and kisses what this was all about. I will miss the little guy.
I leave for Seattle early Thursday morning. I am finding it all a bit hard to believe.
Came home and started getting organized and packed. Did some last minute laundry. Will do the remaining laundry tomorrow and than Butch, who has never ever done the laundry will be on his own. Talked to Jill. She's coming tomorrow morning to help me decide what to bring. I love it.
There is only one very slight problem, but it is driving me crazy. For the last few days I have been putting things I plan to take on the pool table; toiletries, biking clothes, rain jacket, spare tube, head lamp, etc. And now the spare tube is gone and so is the head lamp. It is driving me crazy. I am SURE I put them with everything else.
As I am writing this a new thought comes to mind. There is a basket of misc. biking stuff. Where is that. On the floor in the kitchen. Oh, yes and there is a bag next to it from REI - various energy bars, an extra mirror, Hammer Perpetuem Solid Tablets that I promised Bob Platka, my biking coach, that I would buy. Also my Star Bucks instant coffee. So that's where I put my extra tube. Still haven't found my head lamp, but at least I can stop looking for them on the pool table. It's good I only have one more day to drive myself crazy.
After my hair cut I made a quick stop at the apartments. There was one little area that never got weeded. Also there was this one ornamental grass that could use some trimming back of the dead stuff. I did not have my clippers so I broke them off by hand. Not a good idea. I choose not to bike since Friday, to insure not injuring myself before I left, so now I have three paper-like cuts on my figures from the breaking off the dead grass stems. I guess I should pack some figure band-aides.
We had a great family day on Sunday. Jill had slept over Saturday night and her and I took an early morning walk on the beach. By the time we got back Corinne and Eytan were already here and playing on the beach. Noam was biking down and coming later. Jason would get here around 9:00. Butch was playing tennis and would get back around 9:30. Brunch was on the front deck. After brunch Butch and Eytan spent the rest of the morning on the beach until it was nap time. The late afternoon meal was lobster, grilled corn, pasta with pesto, and broccoli. Sue joined in for what was my going away family dinner. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
Corinne, Noam, Eytan and Jill slept over Sunday night, so I got to see Eytan for another half day. He had no idea when I gave him a few extra hugs and kisses what this was all about. I will miss the little guy.
I leave for Seattle early Thursday morning. I am finding it all a bit hard to believe.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Yesterday may have been my last long ride until June 16th, when we officially start the Hazon X-USA ride. Rain all day today, Saturday friends are coming for brunch, Sunday the kids will be here to say good-bye, Monday is a possibility, but Corinne and Eytan are sleeping over and it will be my last time with Eytan for nine weeks. Tuesday I need to bring my bike to the bike shop to get it boxed up so I can take it on the plane. I leave for Seattle at 7:00A.M. on Thursday.
The really good news is that I love my new clips. The not so good news is that I am still falling. I think I should just leave a big bandage on my left knee for the whole nine weeks.
Yesterday my day started out by going to Somerville District Court. Not a great way to start the day, especially because I needed to be there at 8:30, which meant I needed to leave Hull by 7:00 A.M. It should have been a phone call to the court to change the date of a case that is scheduled to be heard June 14. I will be leaving for Seattle June 13 and returning on Aug 16. Could they postpone the case until I get back. No, you have to appear before the judge. Great. I sit in the courtroom for 3 1/2 hours, hearing restraining order cases, than landlord tenant cases and than finally at 11:50 I am called up. It seems a no brainer to me, but apparently not to the judge. He keeps asking me when did I make my flight. Does he not believe that I am doing this bike ride. Who knows. He schedules a second hearing about delaying the case so that the plaintiff can be notified and appear in court. I get home a little before 1:00 and out on my bike by 1:10.
What a difference my new clips made. They actually clipped in and out like I expected. I have no idea why they didn't put these on in the first place.
The temperature yesterday was wonderful, a very comfortable 68 degrees. The wind was from the east. If there is going to be a wind I want it from the east so that going out is into the wind and coming home is with the wind. My first stop is only 5 miles out to have some pretzels. I haven't really eaten lunch. My next stop is at the Dunkin Donuts in Scituate harbor, mile 16. I am ready to eat lunch, but want something quick. I try their grilled cheese sandwich and a small iced coffee. Very greasy, but otherwise not bad. On to Kennedy Gardens, mile 20. I walk around looking at all the plants. I spend more time their than planned. There's an interesting variegated caryopteris, which I had never seen before. Time to get back on the bike. I head for home, thinking that if I want to do more than 40 miles I could continue past 'V' street to the end of Hull. It's an easy ride home - the wind is with me. I'm at 'A' street and the bay, my phone is ringing and I know it is Butch - he's at Costco and probably has a question for me. I stop to answer the phone. I unclip my right foot, but than did I loose my balance or just forget to unclip my left foot - I have no idea but what I do know is I am falling.
My left knee is bleeding (exactly the same place I fell before) and it hurts under my left armpit. I bike home, take a shower and relax with a glass of wine or maybe two.
All in all it was a good day. I make a note to bring a good supply of large bandages.
The really good news is that I love my new clips. The not so good news is that I am still falling. I think I should just leave a big bandage on my left knee for the whole nine weeks.
Yesterday my day started out by going to Somerville District Court. Not a great way to start the day, especially because I needed to be there at 8:30, which meant I needed to leave Hull by 7:00 A.M. It should have been a phone call to the court to change the date of a case that is scheduled to be heard June 14. I will be leaving for Seattle June 13 and returning on Aug 16. Could they postpone the case until I get back. No, you have to appear before the judge. Great. I sit in the courtroom for 3 1/2 hours, hearing restraining order cases, than landlord tenant cases and than finally at 11:50 I am called up. It seems a no brainer to me, but apparently not to the judge. He keeps asking me when did I make my flight. Does he not believe that I am doing this bike ride. Who knows. He schedules a second hearing about delaying the case so that the plaintiff can be notified and appear in court. I get home a little before 1:00 and out on my bike by 1:10.
What a difference my new clips made. They actually clipped in and out like I expected. I have no idea why they didn't put these on in the first place.
The temperature yesterday was wonderful, a very comfortable 68 degrees. The wind was from the east. If there is going to be a wind I want it from the east so that going out is into the wind and coming home is with the wind. My first stop is only 5 miles out to have some pretzels. I haven't really eaten lunch. My next stop is at the Dunkin Donuts in Scituate harbor, mile 16. I am ready to eat lunch, but want something quick. I try their grilled cheese sandwich and a small iced coffee. Very greasy, but otherwise not bad. On to Kennedy Gardens, mile 20. I walk around looking at all the plants. I spend more time their than planned. There's an interesting variegated caryopteris, which I had never seen before. Time to get back on the bike. I head for home, thinking that if I want to do more than 40 miles I could continue past 'V' street to the end of Hull. It's an easy ride home - the wind is with me. I'm at 'A' street and the bay, my phone is ringing and I know it is Butch - he's at Costco and probably has a question for me. I stop to answer the phone. I unclip my right foot, but than did I loose my balance or just forget to unclip my left foot - I have no idea but what I do know is I am falling.
My left knee is bleeding (exactly the same place I fell before) and it hurts under my left armpit. I bike home, take a shower and relax with a glass of wine or maybe two.
All in all it was a good day. I make a note to bring a good supply of large bandages.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Trapped on my bike
I do believe that if I were a superstitious person I would call the whole thing off.
Today was the perfect riding day. Great temperature. Got an early start around 8:00 A.M. Felt really good. Went up Strawberry Hill with less difficulty than usual. Went around Sunset Point and than on into Cohasset via Jerusalem Road off of 228. Got really into using the up and down cycling motion of the clip pedals. As I am approaching Forest Ave from Jerusalem Road I attempt to unclip my right leg. I have unclipped my right leg now about 100 times in the past week. It has always unclipped. Every once in awhile my left leg has been tough to unclip, but never my right leg. It will not unclip. Now I try my left leg - that will not unclip either. Luckily there is a turn off before Forest Ave which I take and go as slow as possible. Dear god, I am trapped on my bicycle. I again try the right leg. It will not budge. Okay, maybe I can release the left leg. A couple more tries and finally the left leg releases. At least I can stop without falling. I release my right leg by taking off my shoe. I decide my only option is to bike home. I do not want to bike without knowing if I can safely get off my bike. I bike home with my right leg clipped in, but loose enough for me to remove my foot from the shoe and my left leg not clipped in. I am not happy. It was a perfect day for a long ride and now I am home, waiting to call REI at 10:00, when they open.
I call at 10:00 to confirm that the bike repair manager is in. I drive my bike to the REI in Hingham, about 1/2 drive. My right shoe is still attached to the right pedal. I explain the problem. I also tell him that I could have easily been killed. He seems to take this rather causally. He removes the shoe using a good amount of effort. He has no idea why it didn't release. He offers no explanation or any sympathy. He suggests other clips for my shoes which will make it easier to release. I say fine. I spend my time looking at the energy bars. I think I should write a letter to REI. I would have thought they would have been more concerned. By the time I get home it is 2:00 P.M. I do not feel like getting on my bike for a ride. I go to the apartments and do some much needed yard work. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
Today was the perfect riding day. Great temperature. Got an early start around 8:00 A.M. Felt really good. Went up Strawberry Hill with less difficulty than usual. Went around Sunset Point and than on into Cohasset via Jerusalem Road off of 228. Got really into using the up and down cycling motion of the clip pedals. As I am approaching Forest Ave from Jerusalem Road I attempt to unclip my right leg. I have unclipped my right leg now about 100 times in the past week. It has always unclipped. Every once in awhile my left leg has been tough to unclip, but never my right leg. It will not unclip. Now I try my left leg - that will not unclip either. Luckily there is a turn off before Forest Ave which I take and go as slow as possible. Dear god, I am trapped on my bicycle. I again try the right leg. It will not budge. Okay, maybe I can release the left leg. A couple more tries and finally the left leg releases. At least I can stop without falling. I release my right leg by taking off my shoe. I decide my only option is to bike home. I do not want to bike without knowing if I can safely get off my bike. I bike home with my right leg clipped in, but loose enough for me to remove my foot from the shoe and my left leg not clipped in. I am not happy. It was a perfect day for a long ride and now I am home, waiting to call REI at 10:00, when they open.
I call at 10:00 to confirm that the bike repair manager is in. I drive my bike to the REI in Hingham, about 1/2 drive. My right shoe is still attached to the right pedal. I explain the problem. I also tell him that I could have easily been killed. He seems to take this rather causally. He removes the shoe using a good amount of effort. He has no idea why it didn't release. He offers no explanation or any sympathy. He suggests other clips for my shoes which will make it easier to release. I say fine. I spend my time looking at the energy bars. I think I should write a letter to REI. I would have thought they would have been more concerned. By the time I get home it is 2:00 P.M. I do not feel like getting on my bike for a ride. I go to the apartments and do some much needed yard work. I hope tomorrow is a better day.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Still getting use to the new pedals
I guess it was inevitable - I fell over trying to release my left clip. At least I fell on my left side, because my right side isn't completely healed yet from flipping over the handle bars. It's a good thing I grew up on the farm and got use to scraped knees and elbows. I also got a few pretty bad bumps from being hit on my forehead by a baseball bat. I think I was a pinch runner and I was standing too close to the hitter. I was the only girl in a neighborhood of boys.
Anyway, back to riding. Today was just a nice gentle ride through Cohasset Center and back via Jerusalem Road. I was amazed at how many other bikers, runners and walkers were out at 7:30A.M., but with the temperature going up to the high 80's or low 90's it's good to get the riding in early. I had planned to take a second ride this afternoon to check out Hull's first Gay Pride Party which was held near the Coast Guard Station, not far from Hull gut, but a friend was coming along so we decided to drive, which was a very wise decision. I think I would have gotten blown away - literally blown away. Not sure how many mph the wind was blowing but it was too windy just to be outside, let alone bike. The good thing is it will be cooler this week. I think I'll do a long ride on Tuesday.
Anyway, back to riding. Today was just a nice gentle ride through Cohasset Center and back via Jerusalem Road. I was amazed at how many other bikers, runners and walkers were out at 7:30A.M., but with the temperature going up to the high 80's or low 90's it's good to get the riding in early. I had planned to take a second ride this afternoon to check out Hull's first Gay Pride Party which was held near the Coast Guard Station, not far from Hull gut, but a friend was coming along so we decided to drive, which was a very wise decision. I think I would have gotten blown away - literally blown away. Not sure how many mph the wind was blowing but it was too windy just to be outside, let alone bike. The good thing is it will be cooler this week. I think I'll do a long ride on Tuesday.
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