Mileage: 320
Mileage (to Date): 861
Flat tires: 2
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WEEK #4
Is was about the time when our tent started to fly away that we heard the lady in the tent next to us start screaming. Sounded like something really bad was happening. We wanted to help her out, but the thing was we were holding down our own tent. Why wasn't she concentrating on holding her tent down?
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As the wind died down we ventured out. Apparently not far up the beach there was a tornado that put down a few trees. Lots of drama, no injuries. Beach tenting summary: 82% of the tents were no longer where they had originally been (including the lady who would have been better off if she had held down her tent instead of screaming). 53% Of the people were catching their breath (due to screaming). 7% Of the people seemed to have kind of enjoyed it and went looking for beach glass (Katie and I).
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More than half of the people were packing up what they could find and leaving. This included our next door tent neighbor. That was about the time when Katie and I started to giggle. Even if we wanted to, where exactly would we go and how would we get there?... we cycled in.
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We took our chances in the tent. We didn't have a lot of options, which kind of happens to us a lot. Traveling any distance over 10 miles by bicycle is a big deal, it doesn't just happen. You have to plan for it. Leaving the camping area really wasn't an option.
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It means that you cut out the things that aren't really necessary. Which is really a blessing, I guess. It wasn't necessary for us to pack up and leave, and we had a great night. Had we brought the car we might have left early. But we didn't and ended up having lots more quality time in a tent. Good times.
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It has been a nice couple of weeks. Not too many miles, and a few days of rest here and there. Cycling is hard work, and so sometimes I just kind of stay home and relax. Now I have a good excuse.
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Another update. Alpaca (the name of my bicycle) has been given a new rack and I re-wrapped the lugs to match. Robinson Crusoe style. Now he goes by Super Alpaca. Sweet. Also threw in some water bottle holders and my pump. The pictures are up top. Man is he stylin'.
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Weird to name a bicycle? No. Its weird not to name your bicycle. Alpaca is currently one of my best friends. We hang out almost every day, usually for 2 to 3 hours. It wouldn't be very nice of me to spend so much time with him and not know his name. At least that's what momma always said.
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THIS WEEKS REASON TO RIDE
#9 It can make you fabulously famous... check it out. http://meadvilletribune.com/homepage/x383295544/Local-man-logging-many-miles-in-bike-only-challenge-for-a-year
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RIDE ALONG
Many many many many many props to Marcus. He fixed up his old bike about 6 months ago. He is the whole reason this section is here. He decided to give it a go in Boston and ride. Putting the pedal to the metal for the last month Marcus has logged some serious commuting miles. It is how he gets to and from school.
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Sadly last week he was hit by a car. Bumps, bruises, and blood... luckily no broken bones. He walked away from the accident, which is awesome. His bike however was not so lucky and had to be put down... a moment please.
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Here is where Marcus gets the AWESOME award. Four days later, with blood still gushing from his arms, he bought a new bike. A real beauty. Then he RODE IT TO SCHOOL.
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Intense? A-bit.
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Crazy? Maybe.
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Down right Heroic? YES!
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Marcus I salute you and your efforts. You are an inspiration! Keep up the good work and let us know how your cycling is going.
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One revolution at a time.
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Ben
Kudos, Marcus. And good luck in your recovery. (Massage is good for healing!)
ReplyDeleteAlpaca, you're lookin' good. Super, even!
And Ben, you're down-right amazing. Inspiring to many, coming into your own, and so supportive of me. It's probably about time your wife gave you a public shout-out, so here it is.
40 days and counting, you've outlasted Noah's flood (or tornados and nay-sayers) and without an end in sight are more psyched than ever to be on those two sweet, albeit puncture-prone, wheels. You're doing awesome and I'm so proud. Keep on keepin' on. And thanks for getting me on the bike again, too.
To the readers, here's my reason to ride: SPANDEX. Biking is one of those few arenas in life that allows (and possibly encourages) you to wear spandex. No shame. Or at least, that's what I've been told. And it's awesome. Don't believe me? Try it out. Go ride your bike like you normally do. Then go to the Salvation Army, find a pair of shorts or pants in your favorite color of spandex (neons are reccommended), then do the same ride again in your new shiny spandex. No matter how many people point and laugh, or scoff to themselves, you will feel the undeniable exhilaration of that stretchy fabric on your skin. Good luck.
Thanks for the love, but you know it is like when your a kid and learning to ride a bike, you're gonna fall off at first, but you have to get back in the saddle and try again. America's car/oil culture is not going to change overnight. I salute you Ben, you taught me to fish farm and now you are teaching me to ride a bike again.
ReplyDeleteHey Ben! I stumbled across this article and of course immediately thought of you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/12/fashion/12Noticed.html?ref=fashion
I'm not sure where this summer has gone, but I still am wanting to invite you and Katie over to our place for some dinner at some point. Perhaps I could start by picking a date and inviting you...I'll work on that. Also, I need to touch base with you at some point about a fraternity that wants to help with the bike share program on campus. I'm wondering if you might help train them in bike repair and maintenance to get them started. I think there's a good chance we could either hire you or barter with some donated hours to your downtown work.