Build Day

Today we got to build with Pikes Peak Habitat – framing! Luckily we already had experience with Orange County (Chapel Hill, NC) Habitat so we were able to get a bunch framed. Lunch consisted of 18 feet of Subway subs (thanks to Aimee), which we completely devoured (of course). Today was also mail drop, and after spending 30 minutes arguing with the post office that I had more than 2 boxes, they proceeded to give me 5 cartons of mail (that’s more like it). One of the packages was from Blount County Habitat, with a thank you note and a bunch of energy bars (Thanks Crystal). We went out to downtown, hitting up a microbrew before going to Cowboys, a country western bar that featured line dancing (and a little bit of rap music). I won’t say that I knew what I was doing, but I was out on the dance floor, moving my feet and music was playing, so I would say that I attempted to dance.

125 Miles to Colorado Springs

So today was the longest ride of the trip – 125 miles. Breakfast was at 5:15, and a huge shout out goes to the church for waking up so early to prepare us breakfast. Once we were on the road, what was going to be a hard day became even tougher, with my group getting 8 flats (I personally got 3 of them – time to buy new tires) – there was a lot of debris on the roadway. The morning started off nice and cool, and became really hot as we entered Pueblo (mile 55). After stopping for a quick bite and to refill our Camelbaks, it was off into the Colorado heat before stopping at mile 80 for some Subway (and to avoid the brief rainstorm). I changed one of my flats at lunch #2 (at mile 90 – usually we are already done at this point), before starting the last 35 miles, and seeing the dark clouds headed our way. The ominous clouds kept getting darker and darker (but had cool flashes of light) before a huge wind gust knocked a couple of riders off their bikes and onto the grass on the side of the road. At this point we decided to search for shelter, and stopped at a hall, where the lady would not let is in, but told us we could stay under the porch. The rain was coming down at a 30 degree angle, pelting us and forcing us to huddle together to stay warm. The storm finally let up and we continued on our way. Once we got into Colorado Springs, we thought the worst was over, as we only had 10 miles to go. Of course, those 10 miles included some steep hills, where we had to be in our easiest gear – not the way to end a 125 mile day. But we made it, got to shower at the YMCA and have dinner from Olive Garden, which Aimee from Pikes Peak Habitat arranged (she was an awesome help with all of the logistics).

Rocky Ford, CO

The ride today was not too bad – I was driving the van. Lunch stop was at a picnic stop right next to the Sheriff department. This proved to be advantageous as I was able to get an inmate (dressed in green/white stripes) that was washing off the sidewalk to refill our water cooler. She was very nice about it and this ensured that we had plenty of Gatorade. After lunch, I stopped by the local library, and upon entering, the librarian asked if I was there for the butterfly exhibit. I informed her that no, I was not, just to check email. The rest of the day was nice and uneventful – stopped for a cherry milkshake before arriving at the church. Showers were at the local community pool, and I had the entertainment of talking to the high schoolers working there. Dinner was great – homemade potluck. We had a bike clinic for the kids that was brought indoors due to rain. We had an early bedtime, and route meeting occurred at night instead of the next morning since we were doing 125 miles the next day.

Lamar, CO (not Lemur, that’s a feline)

Since it was a century (101 mile) day, I wanted to get out early. Of course, 3 miles in, I got a flat. Could not locate the leak, so I took out a spare tube, and managed to break the valve off, after getting the tire back on the bike. I didn’t even get 1 inch out of the tube before it was garbage. Luckily Devon had a spare tube (Renee and Maura had nothing), and I was able to get it replaced. Of course my road morph pump is broken (leaks air, which is bad for a pump) but luckily I had a CO2 cartridge and was able to fill it up and get to lunch. 3 miles after lunch – another flat. This time I was able to locate and patch the leak, and flag down Dan Carmondy, who had a working pump and helped me get back on the road. We stopped briefly at the 2nd lunch stop (just to get some water) before heading into the next town for some ice cream. We stopped at a local Mexican restaurant and I got a cheese quesadilla and French fries – it was an international snack. The best part was we could make our own self-serve ice cream cone. Unfortunately, the vanilla was out, but I made do with chocolate. Using my skills from back in the dorms, I was able to make a large cone, with 8 swirls of ice cream on the cone. Dinner consisted of deli meat (yum), salad (I still eat healthy) and potato chips (Need to replenish my salt).

Get the hell out of Dodge (City) and to Garden City

This was a short day, just 54 miles and we took our time. We stopped at the Dodge City sign to get a picture (to be posted below), a scenic overlook (not so scenic) and arrived in lunch to find that Dan had set up a slip and slide – Bike and Build style. It was 3 blue tarps, body wash soap, dish soap and water. We got in some DQ – Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard and then another great dinner provided by the Garden Valley Church. A local bike shop owner came by and helped us with maintenance – way cool without charge. We also had our own “talent” show which was very entertaining. I lucked out and got a couch in the youth lounge to sleep on for the night.

I know I am behind

I will hopefully get caught up with postings later this week. The weather (couple of days 100 degrees, wind of 20 mph), lack of sleep and just being tired have delayed the postings. Pictures will also get loaded, as I got new batteries for my camera (some are from several weeks back). Tomorrow, we will be in Colorado, and mountain time.

On to Dodge City

Dodge City was a little shorter ride – only 83 miles. There were some gnarly storms that we could see as we rode, and hoped that we would be able to avoid them. It was a nasty crosswind, but the focus on the ride for the 1st half of the day was watching the storm clouds. We got a little wet before lunch, but just a little sprinkle. After lunch, we turned north and ran into a big headwind – at least 20 mph. It was very slow going and pace lines were imperative. After stopping at a grocery store at mile 60 and getting a Miss Debbie Swiss Cake Roll, I was refueled for the last part of the ride. We stopped again 5 miles later for a quick water refill at the van before Patrick and I decided enough was enough. We were going to town. We took turns pulling/drafting off each other every mile (the mile markers on the highway were huge), which made it much easier both physically and mentally. Of course there was a steep climb up a brick road, which wasn’t too bad except I had to stop at the light partially up the hill. I was surprised at the large Hispanic population in Dodge City – numerous restaurants, stores and churches were evident as we came into town. We got a bite at Wendy’s (not eating nearly as health conscious as before the trip) before returning to the church. Dinner was prepared by our dinner crew, who did an awesome job – beans, rice, corn, soft shells, salsa – an amazing Mexican dinner. I was more than full, but it felt good. The church was also nice enough to let us stay later (originally 7:15 departure so we were gone before services), which was appreciated as we got some more sleep.