A Commentation on Comments

So I just did a quick perusal of all the comments everyone has been so great to leave. I am taking this time to answer a couple of questions and make a couple comments of my own.

First--yes we are wearing helmets. Anytime I am on the bike the helmet is on me. We all know how clumsy I am, therefore need all the help I can get.

Second--Arianna it is really hard to write you a letter if I do not have your address. I can write and write and write and yet have no where to send them to. Get me your address; I'll write you a letter.

Third--"Our Schedule" We usually set the alarm from somewhere between 5 and six which means we get up somewhere between 6:30 and 8. Then we get ready. I have my system down and can be ready in 45 minutes if I am not rushed and 30 minutes if I feel like I need to move. This includes packing up all my gear, taking down my tent, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, pretending to wash my face, and liberally applying Bag Balm.

Then we ride. Ivan is navigator (a very good one), and I follow him. He is a lot faster than I am, and can ride a lot of the hills that I tend to end up walking. I am getting better, but I am still slow. I do not mind that much. I can take my time and look around and talk to myself. I have also started singing along to my Ipod while biking--out loud . I know I look and sound insane, but when you are in the saddle for 11 hours during the day what else is there?? I find that it actually helps me regulate my breathing and I am teaching myself how to harmonize, which is pretty fun.

Anyway, I find that I like to take a rest (about 3-5 minutes) every ten miles. I get off my bike, stretch out my shoulders and thighs, drink some electrolytes, and then get back on. We have learned not to take too long of a break in the afternoon--it just gets hotter, but I do like to take about 30 minutes to an hour for lunch. Then it is back in the saddle. We usually roll into camp around 4 or 5, sometimes 6 and then we make camp, shower if possible, eat, and sleep. It is a simple routine.

Right now I am averaging about 10 Mph. Obviously this varies going up and down hills. Mileage wise we are covering between 40 and 60 miles a day, with a grad total of 837.55. In about three or four days we will break the 1,000 mile mark!

Fourth--We are avoiding riding at night at all costs. It is just too dangerous: visibility is low for us and others, anything could happen, and it is scarier at night. So we are just having to deal with the heat. It sucks, but there is no way around it.

Fifth--in the post titled Sorry/Mineral/Domestic Abuse I mentioned a quote that I had been thinking of. The actual quote goes "we have met the enemy, and he is us." Obviously, the poster is posted above. Enjoy!