Day 17 – July 3rd

Christina and I would like to take this opportunity to send our deepest sympathies to the Friedman family during their time of grief. We want you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and if there is anything we can do please do not hesitate to ask. We love you guys.

Today’s ride began just 5 miles east of Valentine, Nebraska and ended 138 miles closer to our ultimate goal. The ride yesterday was a treacherous journey through the bowels of Hades, and today a leisurely stroll through the Garden of Eden. The wind occasionally made an appearance, but failed to gather his troops for an all out assault like our previous encounter. I believe my prayers to the cycling God were answered; while the elusive tail-wind has still not appeared, after the battle of July 2nd, I have no room to complain about the mild weather that manifested on this day.

Our goal as we set forth today was to make up for the low, but hard earned, miles of yesterday. Moving at a healthy pace of 18 to 20 mph, we soon found ourselves rolling across greener pastures (both literally and metaphorically). The Nebraskan frontier rolled on for as far as your gaze could carry, populated by knee high fields of lush foliage. 30 miles in, I knew we were pedaling in the heartland of America; cornfields began to propagate. While cornfields are not what most people would call a sight of beauty, when you have grown up surrounded by these dark green maize plants, to behold them again after so many years can warm your soul. It makes me feel like I’m on my way home. Home, that one word says it so much better than I can.

Today was one of our best days on the bike, and resulted in the highest amount of miles accumulated on a single day: 138. After such an exhausting day yesterday, to go out and pedal 138 miles was a well deserved surprise. I once again feel that we are back on course to see that expanse of water that remains a vivid vision in our minds eye, and what I believe to be in our destiny. Time will tell, but I feel up to the challenge.

Aside from the fields, the scenery out here was very repetitive. The wildlife was scarce; aside from cows, rabbits, and the infrequent human waving at you like you were a long lost friend. The only other wildlife we encountered had been called upon to meet the Great Biologist; their rotting carapace was all that remained upon the road. Roadkill, no matter the species (rabbit, prairie dog, deer, antelope, cat etc) all smells the same. A gagging stench that brings to mind a beached and bloated carp carcass. Riding by these frequent organisms of death at bike speed, you can’t help but get a few lung-fulls of the aroma. I guess not everything is better experienced upon the bike.

There was one scene of four legged creatures that we were fortunate enough to stumble upon today that I would like to briefly reflect upon. Coming over a small hill early this morning, I noticed off to my left, less than 75 yards away, a small group of horses. Six full grown equines of a very fair brown, tallow hue slowly grazed their way through open pasture. Scattered amongst these proud creatures, were two young colts; yearlings at the most. All legs, these youngsters were caught up with the energy and excitement of being alive and displaying that joy in youthful bursts to awkwardly gallop amongst their elders. You could not help but laugh at the colts as they played, yet struggled to gain mastery over what would become such massively powerful limbs. While uncouth in their use of muscle, you couldn’t help but feel that they nonetheless had a silent grace hidden just below the surface. You could also see that over the next several months that elegance would emerge for them both. This sight and insight may have been the best part of the day.

We disembarked from our pleasant journey a little before five tonight, and all three of us (Gary, Bob and myself) were overjoyed with the miles completed. It was the second longest ride in both Gary’s and my cycling career, and the longest of the trip so far.

Bob has done an amazing job these last few days, always ready to help boost our bodies and spirits with support. This ride would not be the high caliber adventure it has been to date without him. Thanks for all your hard work Bob. I would also like to thank everyone who has offered us kind words of encouragement and support over these last two and half weeks. Even though we may not have the time, or energy, to always respond promptly, please know that your thoughts and words have been greatly appreciated. Thank you!