A recap of this trip

I think of this trip in sections- all kinds of different sections. Sometimes by day, state, week, terrain, hosts? 

The south. The great plains of Oklahoma and Texas. We were introduced to new riding- weather/terrain, different sites, culture and hosts. It is amazing to see this country so intimately, watch how gradual yet sharp the changes are as we move west.

Oklahoma brought generous, warm host sites. People genuinely interested in the work we are doing, happy to host us, feed us delicious meals, drive us to community pools. The rides became flat, hot, windy- one or two roads the entire day. We spent a fair amount of time on the historic Rt 66 allowing us to visit fun sites- Pop's diner/soda pop store/gas station an amazing small off the road museum.

Texas continued similar to Oklahoma, not my favorite part of the country. I had a hard time with some of the rides- I knew the terrain would be more mentally challenging for me than rolling hills or mountains even. Long, flatish, boring with little to look at, rough roads. Headwinds. Would you rather ride over an We would begin pacelining until we got so bored we had to slow down and chat, distracting ourselves from the monotony of the ride. The visual highlight of Texas rides were passing by cattle feed yards. Incredibly depressing lots where hundreds of cattle were packed together to be fattened up before being delivered to the slaughter houses. A stench like no other that had last years riders vomiting on the side of the road. The B2SB rain cloud broke the southern hot spell and we luckily missed the worst of the heat and cattle fumes.

We had one short day into Hereford, TX with an optional 20 miles detour to see Palo Duro, the 2nd largest canyon in the US. A handful of us went and explored to various degrees. The tailwind we had for the nine miles to the Canyon made the entire trip worth it. What an amazing feeling, flying at an easy 20-24 mph, inspiring- feeling like you can actually bike well. How ridiculous that this trip goes east to west- headwinds are the worst. Palo Duro was the breath of fresh air that I needed to appreciate our time in Texas more.

Into the southwest! What a lovely time. We crossed into New Mexico, riding into Portales where the mayor greeted us with a proclamation that July 29, 2009 would be Bike and Build day! We saw beautiful windmills, slept in dorms (beds!) and had a hilarious police escort out of town the next day. The entire state was gorgeous, the terrain becoming more red and rocky- mountainous as we headed further to the middle of nowhere. We hit Pie Town on the Continental divide, 'town' of 55 people, known for their pie, stayed in a cute toaster house cabin open to hikers year round.

The ride into Carizozo was memorable.

Ali: I feel like today might end up being another one of those epic days we have...

Jodi: Do you know what the characteristics of an epic are? 

The hero leaves home, has adventures, encounters the supernatural, returns victorious

It was 94 miles from Roswell to Carrizozo, New Mexico. The first 80 miles, we would climb 3600 ft, in the last 14 we would descend 1500 ft. Megan drove the van, Jodi and I road sweep, we would leave last and would stay behind the entire team. 

The first ten miles out of Roswell we fought obnoxious headwinds. 10-12 mph pace is incredibly defeating, makes you feel like you will never get anywhere. Shortly enough, we came upon Sadie and friends who were stopped with Sadie's second flat. We helped her change it and rode 50 ft where she got her third flat. I rode ahead to help Larry who broke a spoke. We all averaged 7 mph the 37 miles to first lunch. It was going to be a long day. I hadn't slept well the night before and wasn't feeling great, we left first lunch at 12:30 which is very late. 

Jodi and I had a difficult ride to second lunch though it could have been far worse. The consistent climbs were hard, especially since our new elevation made it more difficult to breathe. I couldn't catch my breath after drinking water and it took away any opportunity to chat. The saving grace was that we had entered the enchanted land of New Mexico which proved to be absolutely gorgeous. I kept thinking about how lovely a ride it would be if circumstances were different. (well rested, hydrated, less pain, shorter ride, not sweep...) These endless mountains of the southwest are very different than those in the northeast and the beauty is captivating. 

Second lunch brought me a second wind. When we arrived, there was a decent group finishing eating, reminding me that we were not hours behind everyone and that we would actually be able to complete the ride (sometimes this is easy to forget or hard to believe). Food, water, coffee and the knowledge that we only had six more miles of climbing before a 14 miles descent.

I couldn't have been happier climbing over the last hill, seeing our downhill street sign and turning the corner to confirm it was true. Rapidly gaining speed while watching the most breathtaking scenery unfold is an ultimate cyclist high. Euphoric, all the pain and misery of the previous 80 miles melting away- this is one of the best parts of biking, the best parts of this trip. The descent is always worth the climb, we soared 14 miles, barely pedaling into tiny Carizozo. I wish I could really explain just how amazing of a ride- changing from one of the most miserable to incredible rides of the trip. What is even more crazy is just how many of these days we have.

Before leaving the southwest we had an excellent stop in Flagstaff. Met B&B alum and explored a quite happening downtown. Art walk event and local brews, train themed bars and coffee shops- I loved it. On our ride out, Sarah had an accident and ended up breaking her elbow. Talk about a scary and horrible fall- heading to the Grand Canyon too. Speaking of which- the Grand Canyon is absolutely incredible. Fun camping, watched the sun rise and set, relaxed, hiked 6 miles- perfect day off. Beautiful beautiful beautiful.

Though not easy to transition from such an amazing time in New Mexico and eastern Arizona to our most difficult desert stretch. It began with a century ride into Salome- climbing into the mountains for the first 40 miles followed by 3500 ft of switchbacks descending into the desert. While it was very, very fun, the second half of the ride was miserable. The second our elevation dropped, we gained 15 degrees. Cacti, sand and heat. It was 110 degrees, long, nauseous, dizzy, pretty unhappy time. Several more days through this hot, windy, not flat desert including our epic 120 mile ride. Fun campsite though 95 degree heat all night prevented everyone from sleeping at all before our 2:30 wake up. Great mental strength lead us through the complete darkness for our first hour, 110 difficult miles, not a single gas station until we reached Twentynine Palms. Tomorrow we will finally leave the Mojave and enter real California. Can't believe this trip is wrapping up. Crazy. 

Mail!

I have a deal. How about you send me mail, and I'll send you mail! Below are our remaining mail drops. Great!

Bike & Build 
Attn: CYCLIST NAME
General Delivery
STREET ADDRESS (if noted)
CITY, ST ZIP

Please mark the envelope or package with "Please hold for pick-up on DATE."
Late mail will be forwarded to the mail drop two weeks ahead. Late mail from the last two mail drops will be returned to sender.

July 23
900 Garth Brooks Blvd.
Yukon, Ok 73099

July 30
415 N. Pennsylvania Ave
Roswell, NM 88201

August 06
223 N. Williamson Ave
Winslow, AZ 86047

August 13
1500 S. California Ave
Parker, AZ 85344

August 20
836 N. Anacapa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93102

Missouri Missouri

Today is going to be a great day. I am riding sweep with Trey which means we leave an hour later than everyone else and take our time with the ride since we have to be the last in. We have a 60 mile ride today which feels easy and amazing- time? to enjoy the ride? potentially a few hours at our host before needing to get to bed? It has been a crazy past week in Missouri though I have really enjoyed most of it.

An epic beginning with our ride into St Louis. I spent the entire day with a pretty big (and perfect) group of people. The morning we flew, for the first time we had a slight tailwind, flat terrain- we held sweet pacelines that brought us to lunch. Sweep caught up to us as we changed Sarah's first flat (on an Armadillo- sad!) and they ended up staying with us the entire day. Best sweep team ever. I think lunch was at a little league game, around mile 40 since it began as an 86 mile day.

Post lunch ride was still flat though more interesting because there were far more turns, weaving our way through towns as we approached St Louis. We started getting lost around the confusing Missouri bike paths, just as we began to approach a storm. The sky was breathtaking, dark looming clouds that parted in some areas- none of us could take our eyes off it. Such an eery calm, we knew it wouldn't take long for it to hit. Besides, we have had very few completely dry days- it always rains. We made it through the intersection as the hail flew down and winds picked up. On the bike path again, we stopped on a bridge because we could barely walk forward, let alone move our bikes. Probably one of the most intense flash storms I've been in, sheet after sheet of rain and hail, bikes nearly blowing over. It didn't take more than 30 seconds for all of us to be completely drenched, dripping, dripping... We all huddled together in a circle around Christina, screaming and laughing at the insanity of the moment. This is also when we began to get even more lost, the bike paths were confusing and we couldn't figure out what the text message directions meant. The texts said to follow the chalk, of course (the chalk had just been completely washed away). What an adventure- calls, stopping for directions, trying to find our way into the city. We took the famous Chain of Rocks bridge over the Mississippi- stopping to take pictures, pee through the bridge and change Leslie's karma flat for making fun of Sarah. The 86 turned 92(-109 for some) mile day was crazy fun and our entire group held such high spirits the whole time. Amazing.

The evening held an incredible potluck provided by friends of the Webbers. We then went to a vodka party held by the 42 Below cross country bike trip that also happened to be in St Louis the same night as us. They are riding to promote 42 Below vodka (not affordable housing) and there are a few former B&Bers on their trip. Walked around the city and checked out another bar before heading back to our home at the University of Missouri.

This is what bike & build is. Every day seems like ten because there are so many different happenings and pieces of our days. I love beginning with a ride through the country, stopping in towns and riding into a city. Populated areas are fun, love city riding. I can't get over how many days are like this, so much happening all the time, so much to process and appreciate. The rides, exploring the towns, fun and challenges on so many different levels- all the time. Bike & Build is insane.

When I began writing, I had intended to give a brief overview of Missouri because each day here has been completely different. Clearly, I could write for hours on every single day. Though I can't because I need to start today's ride pretty soon.

Riding from St Louis to Potosi was the first of three 90+ mile days (actually ending up being 300 miles in three days which is ridiculous). Difficult with lots of rolling hills and some bigger climbs- stayed at a boy scout camp which was fun. Swimming in the lake, delicious BBQ, cabins with bunk beds! Potosi to Houston- also challenging day, even though I was in the van. Entering lands with no cell phone service or civilization for 50 miles. Lunch was at the only store for miles, ended up being an awesome, train themed country store on a slightly scary road (another flash storm only adding to the fun)

Another long, crazy day like the first I described when we biked into Springfield. Nobody is surprised when I tell a bit about what B&B is like- long, busy days- intense activity that never stops. Such dramatic highs and lows all the time, adventures adventures. Sound like me, right?And it is. I do love it, I do. But it actually is completely exhausting. Every day is like this, we never stop. Always have much more that I would love to say, but even though it is only 60 miles and I am sweep, I do need to get on the road. Thanks for reading and motivating me to process some of this trip.

A Bike&Build Blog?

I am sitting in Soma coffee house in Bloomington, Indiana with a cup of Huckleberry tea and slice of zuccini bread. This back room looks like a cozy basement, low ceilings, dim lighting, a small library built into the wall with old books and games- the wall behind me is covered in a collage of various maps. The menu up front is written in bright chalk highlighting vegan items, the bulletin board features fliers for the latest radical events, a roller derby bout, the sprockettes, a brunch of drag? This is the coffee shop I look for everywhere I go. It has the safe, familiar, comfort that I love, miss and and so appreciate while I'm constantly on the move. 

It has been an adventure like no other, and I wish this were not the first time I prioritized a blog entry. We have biked from the east coast to the midwest- insane. The first couple of weeks were pretty crazy. Trying to meet everyone, get organized and develop routine and logistically guide a team of 32 from place to place each night is no easy task. Sleepless nights, van trouble every other day, bike breakdowns and a few minor accidents. And bike rides! All the mountains of the northeast, rain almost every day, flats, our first century ride, learning how to ride through the pain. But it has been beautiful and challenging in more ways than I ever anticipated.

I love our team. Everyone is different, different from me, it's new and fabulous. Generally pretty light hearted, fun loving and absolutely hilarious- we have a shared sense of humor and very funny group.

I've been surprised by just how different every day is for me. Each ride is a new experience changing depending on who I ride with, the terrain and weather, how I feel and what we pass by. I loved the northeast. Western MA and New York were beautiful- the sweet descents make all the climbs worth it. Pennsylvania- also nice, though tough endless rolling hills and an introduction to headwinds. Into Ohio we finally hit flatlands, heat and winds. It's crazy to experience the terrain changing, especially looking forward to when we reach the desert and it's completely different from the northeast we started in. 

There have been some amazing stops, especially this past week. I had an amazing day off in Pittsburg- went out exploring the city, found a bicycle themed cafe (over the bar- of course I LOVED it!) and checked out an awesome bicycle film festival. We new we would have fun in Columbus- had people to show us the hot spots.

The ride into Yellow Springs was incredible. Leaving Columbus we had about 30 easy miles of bike paths. Quick paceline to lunch at a picnic area on the bike path where press came and met us. Interviews and photos followed an amazing lunch thanks to Columbus friend donations, fruit, snacks, turkey and cheese even! Second half of the day on the bike path, slow social riding, perfect weather. We came upon train tracks and shortly approached a stopped car. Throwing down our bikes, we climbed to the top, looking out over the beautiful Ohio country- corn fields, farms, perfectly defined clouds in the bright blue sky. A moment I will never forget, perfect in so many ways. Our ride finished easily bringing us into Yellow Springs early. A beautiful surprise town- none of us had known much about it. We were shuttled from our church to showers at the houses of the most hospitable, warm people. Real towels, coffee and cookies, internet and the nicest shower I have ever seen in my life. Yellow Springs reminded me of Northampton. Small, progressive, hippie shops, no chains, several coffee shops, warm community feel. We had the best day and most delicious potluck dinner. The day ended with a beer at the local bar, right after we got back from a free trip to the famous ice cream complex just outside of town. A perfect day.

Bike&Build is hard. There is no time at all. We never get enough sleep or muscular rest- it's hard to eat enough and prioritize any self care. Hours fighting headwinds, trying to stay positive and just keep riding through all the pain. But it is great too- amazing. Beautiful, fun, and I must be learning and growing a lot. I have more stories to share here and will hopefully soon have the time.