Day 12 – June 28th

Wow, it is hard to fathom the fact that this is the 12th day in the saddle. I don’t believe I can honestly afford to truly reflect upon what the last 11 days have all entailed or of what remains to be accomplished; if I did the daunting truth may overwhelm me. Therefore, each day is viewed as a new challenge and a new adventure. The former days are past, and the ones yet to come are just that, yet to come. All I can focus on is getting back in the saddle and completing today’s ride; one pedal stroke at a time. Everything else is just details.

Today the ride started in Dubois, Wyoming and would end approximately 35 miles east of Riverton, Wyoming. The original plan for today consisted of a 79 mile ride to Riverton, where we will be spending the evening; but since we had scheduled a 149 mile ride for the following day, we realized we couldn’t afford the luxury of doing only 79 miles. We ended today’s ride with just over 113 miles; which means we pedal approximately the same distance tomorrow as well. Not bad, all things considered.

The first 50 miles today went by quickly, but I was struggling in the saddle. Not from muscle fatigue, soreness, or overtaxed knees; but instead from sleep deprivation. I am not sure why, as I got a decent amount of sleep last night, but the first couple of hours all I could effectively do was yawn. Finally, when we stopped for a quick bite at mile 50 (while we ate we overlooked a manikin-still lake, which was surrounded by the arid plains of Wyoming and thousands of patches of earthen colored sagebrush, yellowish-green cacti, and of course the sandy like soil that dominates the landscape) I began to awaken. During the remaining 63 miles I was able to get my system jump started and was eventually content with my body’s performance.

At one point during the first portion of the ride, I was struck with the wildness that Wyoming possesses. A fox took time from it’s sly morning escapades to briefly grace us with its presence, as did multiple mule deer, an arrogant prairie dog that wasn’t about to surrender its hard earned shoulder of highway to two uninvited cyclists, and a pose-struck antelope. All of these creatures moved with the grace that only the wild can instill in them, and I feel lucky that my morning routine briefly encountered thiers. At another point during the ride I was reminded of the jade oceans of Belize. A small lake, situated a few hundred yards off the highway, sparkled a brilliant turquoise color in the early morning sunlight. I cannot even fathom what algae or mineral created the cacophony of brilliant blue it contained, but I drew in its beauty until it was no longer in sight. I am convinced now, more than ever, that beauty can be found anywhere and everywhere; as long you take the time to appreciate it. What a trip of the senses this bike ride is turning out to be. Thank you again Gary for letting me tag along.

We concluded the trip with the newest member of our team today; Bob Loch. Bob met Gary, Larry, and I out in the vastness that is Wyoming at our 113 mile mark for the day; the mark that signaled we were done spinning our legs for one more day. He took part in our traditional beverage and then we headed into town where Larry, our support guru up to this point, instructed Bob on some tricks of the support trade. Larry will be leaving us for 8 days beginning tomorrow; but I feel we are being handed from one master of cycling to another. Knowing Bob, Gary and I will remain in great hands.

Larry, thank you again for all your brilliant support, assistance, and encouragement these last 12 days; it has been the utmost appreciated. I am looking forward to seeing you again in just over a week; best of luck in south Texas.

Bob, I want to also thank you for taking the time out of your life to put up with two worn out cyclists as we continue in our quest for the tomb of Atlantis; the brilliant Atlantic Ocean. I know you will be a huge asset to have along over the course of the next week, and without the help of you and Larry this ride never would have happened. Thank you and welcome aboard!