Flat tires, Mountains, and Vegas

We left Mosquero this morning at 6 am, after the night of Cowboy Camp- which was an amazing get together of cowboys in the area who made us wonderful food and taught us how to lasso and entertained us with cowboy music.

The ride started off uneventful. Pretty flat. Some wind, but not too much. Then all of a sudden we got this amazing dowhill strech with curves down into this beautiful valley. It was such a ruch and absolutely beautiful. At the bottom, however, was when my tire blew out. This was different from the more common flat tires that I usually get- which just puncture the tubes in the tire. My tire literally just blew- and there was a huge hole blown out of the side of it. I always carry extra tubes on me- but not extra tires- so this was a time to call the van for help.

Being that we have been in the middle of nowhere for the past few days- cell phone reception is hard to come by. Luckily enough I was riding with Aylin who has an iPhone and was actually already on the phone with the van trying to lead it to the nearest gas station (which was like 25 miles away). The van came, and I got a stock tire out of the back of it and was back in business.

Nothing too exciting happened until we got to lunch at mile 45- where I realized that the stock tire I just put on was about to blow out as well- so I got another tire out of the van and changed it again, hoping that it would be in better condition.

We rode after lunch among the base of mountains for a while before we came to the point where it was time to actually climb up them. At the base of our first big climb, Aylin and I came across the van and trailer stopped on the side of the road. This usually means it's a lunch or water stop- but in this case it wasn't at the right mile for either. Apparently the trailer had gotten a flat tire as well!

Luckily enough right across the street was a woman's house out in the middle of nowhere who shared her phone and helped us out. After calling neighboring towns (which weren't very neighboring according to our standards), Rebecca (the van driver for the day) was told that no one in any neighboring town would have the size tire that we need. The nearest would be Santa Fe (which is where we're riding tomorrow). That's over 100 miles from where the trailer was stranded. There wasn't a single tire that would fit our trailer in over 100 miles! haha, what should we do?

So our plan turned into trying to get what we would need for the next day out of the trailer into the van. That included all 32 of our individual luggage and anything else (coolers, etc) that we would need. So about 5 of us took out everyone's bag, and SOMEHOW fit them all in the van. It was an amazing packing job that I can't take much credit for, and not only were there 32 large bags in the van, but there were two bikes, 3 large coolers, and two people! I was impressed.

At this point we had done all we could to help and our attention turned to the mountain ahead of us. We made it to the top. And it was amazing. We came so high and it was so amazing to look down once we reached the end of the incline and see such a beautiful landscape.

Overall it was a long day, but a beautiful one. The trailer later ended up getting towed to Las Vegas, NM and we will have to pick up a tire from Santa Fe tomorrow and bring it back to Las Vegas to have our trailer again- but in the meantime I guess it's good to know that we could do without a trailer if we needed to.

It was a 100 mile day, and when we finally arrived after all the tire shenanigans, everyone was leaving for dinner at a hotel. A local hotel provided us with dinner and I just have to say that I ate 3 full plates of spaghetti, salad, and bread- and then I had 3 pieces of cake. And I don't think I really felt full after all of that- which is just insane. I don't think I've felt full this entire trip. The food just gets burnt up right when it enters. It's crazy.

Thanks for reading about my day! I'm going to sleep now. More mountains to come tomorrow! Get excited!

Pictures!

I actually had time to upload photos!

Here's Zach, Erica, Thomas, and Maegan looking over Palo Duro Canyon

Here's me in Palo Duro Canyon State Park outside of Amarillo on our day off

Here's a picture from our most beautiful riding day

Palo Duro Canyon

Anne and I tubing in Athens, TX

Jon, Brad, Roger, Me, and Sara atop the Oklahoma sign

I was really excited to see this sign.

Ever been to nowhere?

So the past couple days of riding have been interesting. And I mean interesting in the sense that I go the entire day without seeing a human being that isn't either on a bike or in the occasional car. And I can count the number of buildings that I see on one hand.

Tonight we're staying in a town called Mosquero in New Mexico. The town has about 150 people total...so by us staying here tonight we're increasing the population by like 20%. We were eating at a little restaurant earlier when we rode in and got invited to come to Cowboy Camp tonight for dinner. I have absolutely no idea what that means...but we were told there would be free food..and I'm assuming there will be cowboys??? I'll let you know.

I realized that a couple blog entries ago I wrote that we would be riding into Armadillo, Texas. That was a typo on my part because we actually wrote into Amarillo...which is quite different. This mistake on my part leads me into an entirely different subject that I have failed to mention so far. This subject is encountered every single day, and it is called: Roadkill!

If you were to ask me what type of animal we find most lying dead on the side of the road, the answer all of us would probably give would be armadillos. We have seen countless dead armadillos, that I'm beginning to think that I will never see a live one. Once we saw a dead baby alligator (that was probably the most unique roadkill). But the worst part about roadkill being on a bicycle is the smell. No matter what animal it is...the smell is the same...and it's awful! The closest I come to feeling nauseous on my bike is from the smell of roadkill. So I think that the reason that I said we were going into Armadillo, TX was because I'm bombarded by the sight of armadillos almost every day.

But that's enough about that. Let's go back to Amarillo, TX. We had a day off there this past weekend, which gave us a chance to go to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is apparently the second largest canyon (next to the Grand Canyon of course). 15 of us went, and we hiked around, got tired of the marked trails and just tried to get to the highest point we could. It was beautiful and I recommend it to anyone who goes through Amarillo. It was probably one of my favorite things that I've seen on this trip so far. I loved it. And it was nice to do something with our group that's different than biking (although I haven't gotten sick of biking yet).

That's all I've got today. I'll let you know how Cowboy Camp goes, and we start riding the Rocky Mountains tomorrow...so please send me strong thoughts. Tomorrow is a 98 mile day, which is hard enough when it's flat. I'm a bit nervous about the mountains, but am also looking forward to the change of scenery. Santa Fe in two days!

:)

New state. New time zone!

So we're now out of Texas for good and in New Mexico! We rode 70 miles today to Logan, NM from Dalhart, TX and in between the two places I think we passed a total of 4 buildings...and one of them (a post office) was actually open. It was a tough day of riding today with the strong headwind that we faced most of the day. It's funny how different days can be. Yesterday we rode 80 miles, with a slight tailwind and we made it to the host site before 1pm. It was a breeze. And today was less mileage, and it took almost 2 hours more. The wind and road conditions make such a big difference.

We're now in Mountain time! One time zone away from CA! It's hard to believe that exactly a month from today we will be riding in to San Francisco! It's been such an amazing trip so far I can't really imagine it ending at this point. If anyone is interested in coming to our end of the trip bash in San Fran on August 17th please contact me as soon as possible and let me know. Anyone would be welcome. We'll have a lot to celebrate!

Thanks mom for the package that I received today! It totally made my day. That homemade card was the best, everyone was impressed. And the Turkish cookies were amazing too. There's no pressure for anyone to send me mail, but if you are interested I should mention that if you go to the Bike and Build website (bikeandbuild.org) and click on the link for Mail Drops it tells you where and how to address mail. Edible things are always welcome, and cards are great. But preferably nothing that would require me to carry it around the rest of the trip.

We'll be in Santa Fe this weekend, which is really exciting. And we're all thinking about the Rocky Mountains that are looming in our very near future.

Oh yeah, and in two day we'll be in Las Vegas. Las Vegas, New Mexico thoguh, which confused a few people on our trip who thought we were actually going to Vegas. I douibt that the one in New Mexico compares, but we'll know soon enough.

:)

Texas. Then Oklahoma. Then Texas again.

So we switched our route a bit since we were so close to Oklahoma that we figured why not hit up another state! So yesterday we stayed in Altus, OK. In Altus there is a McDonalds that offered us free dinner last night (whatever we wanted) and breakfast this morning. Now, nomally I'm not a big McDonalds eater. I haven't had it in years. But, I was still excited about this. When else will I be able to fill myself with McDonalds and not worry about how bad it is for me since I'll be burning it off anyways!

So we definitely dominated McDonalds yesterday and this morning, and the workers there were so great at making sure we got what we needed. A big thank you to the owner there for being so supportive of our cause!

The ride today was from Altus, OK to Memphis, TX and it wasa the firs time that we've biked the mojority of the day in the rain. It's so weird because yesterday was blazing hot I got to actually get use out of my raincoat and arm and leg warmers. I did look a bit ridiculous, though. I guess I didn't get the memo that everyone else would be getting black arm and leg warmers. I had yellow ones. (and let's just say that every car saw me. safety first people.) It was tough riding in the rain. The morning was when it was really pouring and the rest of the day was on and off sprinkling, which wasn't as bad.

I have to say that as tough as days like this are (whether it be rain or wind or bad roads) it definitely makes normal days seem amazing. If we see the sun tomorrow (even if it is hot) I'm sure we'll all celebrate that it won't be raining and won't mind as much that it's blazing hot.

Tomorrow we're headed to Armadillo, where we'll have a day off the next day!! I'm really excited to sleep in on that day. Or maybe I just won't wake up at all on that day, which would be amazing. :)

Thank you Richard and Janice! And hello Dallas!

This morning Anne and I woke up after an amazing night's sleep. It was the first time in about a month that I slept in a room by myself and had a pillow and a bed. Thank you so much to Richard and Janice and their son Davis from Athens for having us in their home. We had a great time and are so grateful for your hospitality. We loved Athens.

The ride to Dallas today was pretty uneventful but since I'm sitting here at a library in Dallas, I'll do my best to fill you in on other parts of the trip instead of rushing through day's events.

I looked at my odometer today and we've gone about 1300 miles so far. 1300 miles! That just seems ridiculous! (in a good way) I can't believe we're already in Texas and we're just about a month into the trip. It's flying by.

I think what has affected me the most so far hasn't been the biking or the building (although those have both been awesome), but really has been the people that we've met in each place that we've gone. Everyone has been so encouraging and hospitable and giving towards us that it has absolutely blown me away. If we're stopped on the side of the road changing a tire or taking a break, people will stop in their cars and make sure we're ok. People have invited us to their pools, given us food, and given us lots of words of encouragement.

In case any of us were doubting if there were very many nice people in the world, we've all experienced first hand how welcoming and helpful and caring people can be. Lots of people have said that they wish they could have the opportunity to do what we're doing, but I think I've learned so much from their hospitality that I think is just as noteworthy and hope to be like them one day. We wouldn't be able to do this trip without all of these people that have helped us in each city and stop that we make. Biking across the country is a great experience, but I think it's the little things along the way that I will remember even more.

We've got a build day in Dallas tomorrow. I hope we can get a lot done. :)

The hardest day ever. With the best end.

So today was by far the hardest day so far. We biked 98 miles into Athen, TX and it was 98 miles of constant hills. The hills weren't even the worst part, but the road we were on was a type that isn't smooth but is very rocky. So pretty much the entire time our bodies were vibrating and we were slowed down by the road even when we were going dowhill. So hard.

I do have to say thought that I definitely got in touch with an angrier, more manly side of me today though. After our awesome stop at mile 75 at the house of a family of a rider on the Providence to Seattle route (thank you so much for giving us food and a pool!!) there was a stretch of tough hills. I was riding with Anne and Kristiann, and they showed me the positive effects of grunting while going up a hill. We became so loud and vocal that at one point we rounded the bend and a herd of cows were headed in our direction. They'd heard us coming.(I guess we sounded that much like cows...they were headed straight for us.) Luckily there was a fence. But man, those grunts and weird facial expressions got me through the day. ( and of course the laughter that went along with each one)

We arrived in Athens (which was the hardest ride of my life) and were all split up among 12 different homes. Anne and I got put in the same home, and the day totally redeemed itself after this. We're staying with a couple, Richard and Janice, who live on a lake and took us on their boat tubing. If you would have told me as I was climbing those hills today at sometimes 5 mph that I would be tubing on a lake in a couple hours, I'm pretty sure I would have bet a million dollars on that not happening. It was amazing, and despite the extremely tiring and draining day, Anne and I still managed to have a blast on the lake and enjoy the rest of the day. It's amazing being in a house away from the rest of the group. Not that I don't love everyone, but peace and quiet and privacy is great, and I'm excited to sleep in a bed!!

Alligators, watermelon, fireworks, and a campfire!

So yesterday was one f my favorite days. We started in Natchatoches, LA and only had 33 miles to ride to our destination Pelican, LA. (population around 800) Since our mileage was so low we got to sleep in until 8:00. (which is unheard of!) And we also all played a huge game of Knockout with all 32 of us before we left in order to kill time. We weren't suposed to get to the host location before noon.

About 10 miles into the route there was an Alligator Park. Not sure what that is? Well, is was basically a little mini zoo with alligators, other reptiles, goats, emus, birds. (a really random combination of animals, really) There was even a peacock roaming around the park. (Disneyland has people dressed in costumes roaming in their park, this place had a real live peacock) We watched a show that showed a about 20 alligators being fed, which was pretty cool. The thing that got me most about this place was that you spent so muh time looking at alligators and learning about them...then you go to the snack bar and you can buy an alligator kabob...or alligator sausage. hmmm. I had a nibble of someone else's just to say that I tried it...but I couldn't quite get past the pictures of real live alligators all around the restaurant while eating alligator.

About 15 miles later we stopped at a fruit stand where this very nice coulel gave 4 of us a free watermelon. We told them what we were doing, and they were so nice. We could only eat half of the melon, so we chalked the spot for the next group of riders to stop there and finish it. (we all carry chalk with us to chalk confusing turns, or write encouragement to each other on the road) Apparently the next group of us that stopped there not onnly got watermelon, but also a free ride around their farm for a tour. Thank you so much to the Anderson's for their hspitality! They ended up driving boxes of vegetables to our host site later in the evening for us to eat and take with us. The corn was delicious! And we got creative cooking many of the vegetables at our campfire we had last night. If you're interested in going to the Anderson's website for their farm the website is www.produceandplant.com

When we arrived at the host site it was like we were at summer camp. The place was used as a summer camp and was in he middle of the forest, and there was a really pretty little lake with kayaks and paddle boats, which we took for a spin. It was by far my favorite place so far. It felt just like camping. I hiked around the lake a couple times (once with people, and later just on my own). It was so beautiful and really nice to be somewhere completely in the middle of nowhere.

We had all pitched in for fireworks to celebrate the 4th, but had been unable to set them off where we were on the fourth, so we had a fireworks show for ourselves once it got dark. Then, we built a campfire, roasted smores, and sang songs around the fire. (I got the chance to play some guitar. A shout out to my Wyld Life peeps: we totally sang Lean on Me, and I thought of you!)

It was a really great night, and to top it off I decided to sleep outside. There were some picnic tables next to our campfire, so I put my sleeping bag right on top and slept under the stars. It was really awesome. I think my favorite day so far.

We entered Texas today! We'll be here for a while, and I'm getting excited to gt to the west! :)

Happy 4th from Louisiana!

Happy fourth of July everyone!

Today we spent the 4th in Natchatoches, LA! (pronounced Nakatoosh...or something) They had their fireworks show right along a river, which was beautiful. They shot their fireworks from one side of the river and the crowd sat on the other. And other than the couple fireworks that shot horizontally and hit a parked truck...it was a good show. (sounds worse than it actually was think..everyone was ok) It was a great celebration.

The past few days have been great too. I've really been enjoying the different places we've stayed. First of all, I think Louisiana is beautiful. We've rode through more open spaces in the past few days and its been gorgeous. And each church/town that we've stayed has had it's own little special thing about it.

After we left New Orleans we rode to Baton Rouge, where we arrived at the church to about 60 little children having a day camp in the gym we would be sleeping in. They were all having free time playing in the carpeted (yes, carpeted) gym, so some of us joined in. I met some really fun girls who totally kicked my butt at hula hoop and were waaay faster than me when they wanted to race from one side of the gym to the other (multiple times...they didn't seem to care that I'd biked all day)

One thing I've noticed about our group is that even when we have days that we bike say...90 miles or so...we often get to the host location and still find a way to run around more. Whether it's playing ultimate frisbee outside, or knockout, or whatever, we can't stop working up a sweat. It's actually really ridiculous and really amusing when I think about it.

After the kids left the day camp in Baton Rouge, we realized that there was a room full of roller skates, so some of us decided to strap them on and roll around the carpeted gym. (so fun!....especially when we threw the frisbee around at the same time)

After Baton Rouge we went to Lafayette, the home town of one of our riders, Susanna. Thank you to Susanna's parents for the delicious dinner that night it was amazing! We were staying at a church in Lafayette that didn't have showers so we were able to go down the street to the gym that Susanna's parents have a membership to in order to shower. But, not only did this place have showers. They had multiple pools (one with a huge waterslide and a lazy river), there were hot tubs, saunas, a cold plunge (which I tried for the first time ever...I only lasted 15 seconds). Pretty much, this place was amazing, and we were all soooo excited to be able to go between the pool and the hot tub and the sauna and the cold plunge, and back and forth until we wanted to shower. It was so amazing.

So far Louisiana has been great. We'll be in Texas soon and I'm curious what's awaiting us there. The heat is still going strong, but we're getting used to it.

Fact: I ate a foot-long sandwich from subway today an hour and a half before dinner.

Another fact: I still ate dinner.

Another fact: I'm still hungry.

Bottles of sunscreen used: 3!

Lowest gas price I've seen so far: $3.79

That's all I've got for now. Happy Fourth of July!!