Jake writing-
Jordan and I sit here in an unpredictably crowded library in Carson City, NV. We've just descended 4000 feet and 50 miles today to end here in this highway junction town. We're taking tomorrow off to allow our bodies to rest and recoup; it's been an intense 8 days.
The library here isn't allowing me to upload any videos, but it seems that Jordan has hacked into the mainframe and will be uploading some photos shortly.
Early last week Loren's bike was a pimple on the ass of progress. We flew into San Francisco airport and began assembling our bikes right in the baggage claim area.
Shortly after removing his bike from the box, Loren realized he had forgotten the bolt to his stem. Then he somehow got two flats IN the baggage claim area. Four hours laters we were on BART heading to the nearest youth hostel for the night. We found a replacement bolt the next morning (June 2) and got on the road.
Jordan and I sit here in an unpredictably crowded library in Carson City, NV. We've just descended 4000 feet and 50 miles today to end here in this highway junction town. We're taking tomorrow off to allow our bodies to rest and recoup; it's been an intense 8 days.
The library here isn't allowing me to upload any videos, but it seems that Jordan has hacked into the mainframe and will be uploading some photos shortly.
Early last week Loren's bike was a pimple on the ass of progress. We flew into San Francisco airport and began assembling our bikes right in the baggage claim area.
Shortly after removing his bike from the box, Loren realized he had forgotten the bolt to his stem. Then he somehow got two flats IN the baggage claim area. Four hours laters we were on BART heading to the nearest youth hostel for the night. We found a replacement bolt the next morning (June 2) and got on the road.We did not, however, get very far. The rear wheel which my dad gave Loren as a last-minute replacement had a problem; namely it reduced tubes to swiss cheese every 5 miles or so. Loren had 4 flats in 15 miles. A kind man, Randy, offered to let us camp at his house in Napa that night. We gladly accepted after a rotisserie chicken and 2 pounds of pasta salad/potato salad. The next morning Loren spent a few hours at the bike shop and we were on the way.
To make this all-too-long-story shorter, we made slow time through Napa valley
and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Brian, another kind soul and fellow bike enthusiast offered us his front yard for one night. He helped us with some navigation and went over some maps with us. He even gave us his worn-out but incredibly helpful map of California. The following morning we woke to the sound of a gently strumming 
classical guitar, hot coffee, and some hearty oatmeal to start our day. Thanks to Brian.
We spent the last few nights in the Sierra Nevadas, traveling 5-6 miles an hour from sea level to 8,500 feet in elevation at Carson's Pass. Finally, 8 days into the trip (although only about 6 in the saddle) we're at a good point where we can take a day off. With the aid of a kind visitor-center-employee, we're spending the next two nights in queen sized beds for only $60! For two nights! We're more than enthused and will be dining out (Cici's would be ideal) in a half hour.
I should add that the last few days, while wreaking havoc on our muscles, have also whipped us into shape. Climbing is easier and the Rockies sound far less daunting. A few minor knee and achille's tendon pains are now much better and with tomorrows rest we should be feeling great.
Mileage is at a disappointingly-low 300. We need to make up time over the next two weeks.
To make this all-too-long-story shorter, we made slow time through Napa valley
and into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Brian, another kind soul and fellow bike enthusiast offered us his front yard for one night. He helped us with some navigation and went over some maps with us. He even gave us his worn-out but incredibly helpful map of California. The following morning we woke to the sound of a gently strumming 
classical guitar, hot coffee, and some hearty oatmeal to start our day. Thanks to Brian.We spent the last few nights in the Sierra Nevadas, traveling 5-6 miles an hour from sea level to 8,500 feet in elevation at Carson's Pass. Finally, 8 days into the trip (although only about 6 in the saddle) we're at a good point where we can take a day off. With the aid of a kind visitor-center-employee, we're spending the next two nights in queen sized beds for only $60! For two nights! We're more than enthused and will be dining out (Cici's would be ideal) in a half hour.
I should add that the last few days, while wreaking havoc on our muscles, have also whipped us into shape. Climbing is easier and the Rockies sound far less daunting. A few minor knee and achille's tendon pains are now much better and with tomorrows rest we should be feeling great.
Mileage is at a disappointingly-low 300. We need to make up time over the next two weeks.
jake- i am so jealous- your trip sounds awesome already... but i need you to blog frequently because i am living my life vicariously through you- keep on keeping on and know that life gets better after nevada.
ReplyDeletemike
Jake,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update. I too am jealous of your experience. I know you will continue to be amazed of the generosity of complete strangers throughout the rest of your trip.
Adam (from market)
You guys are doing awesome! Loren I hope your ghetto bike gives you better luck the rest of the trip. :) Caleb is SO jealous of you guys. Maybe we'll find you and give you some cookies on our road trip back to indiana in a couple weeks.
ReplyDelete-Angela