Sunday, July 13, 2008

Saturday – July 12, 2008
We finished our second week of biking and have Sunday off in Boise. It was not a very difficult week since we had a few short days and some tail winds.
Things have settled into a routine. We get up between 5:30 and 5:45. Generally we are on the road by around 7:30. It takes a couple of hours to pack up the tent, sleeping bags, etc, get breakfast, wash our dishes and get the bikes ready to ride. This process takes even longer when done with 140 people. We are learning patience. At night we have dinner at 6:00 and pelaton (group meeting) at eight, which is basically right after dinner because of the lines for food and dish washing. After pelaton, about 9:00, we go right to small groups. Small groups last until 9:00 or 9:30, and then it is time for bed.
There are 4 SAG drivers. They try to space themselves out every 10 – 15 miles. If we go through a town (which has been pretty scarce) a coffee shop is generally well patronized. Today we cleaned up one café of their cinnamon rolls. Another morning earlier in the trip, we wiped out another restaurant of all their homemade pies.
Most riders like to get miles in before the hottest part of the day. However, once we get to the town we are staying in, many riders will find something to do before going to camp.
We have been riding with different people each day. It is not unusual for us to ride with several different people throughout the course of a day. Some people ride with the same group every day, but I think most of the riders just pair up with someone different each day.
People are being very receptive and supportive of the trip as we travel through towns. Last night a coffee shop stayed open 2-3 hours extra so that we could use their internet (because ours hardly ever works). In another town the school allowed us to use their laundry machine. We get more donations each day from people cyclists meet along the road. It is cool to see the momentum grow as we travel.
We just received all of our mail that was sent to Boise. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We had so much fun opening up all of our letters and packages. It was very encouraging to know that you are thinking about us and supporting us.

3 comments:

Sea to Sea 2008 with Sarah said...

Cool blog guys. I like your flat tire count. Can I copy that? :)

Unknown said...

Hi Bob and Lisa:
We are all cheering and thinking of you guys up here in the big northern michigan. We read your as they come in. Have a great upcoming week.
P Holwerda family :)

tb said...

You are definitely in our prayers. It looks like you are having a great time. I imagine exhausting and exhilarating at times. I hear we can pay $100 to ride with y'all around here. I'm considering paying $100 so I don't have to. Spare tire count: 1.
Brasser