As I write this I am lying under the stars twinkling their past to earth. We've moved far enough south now that we're all sleeping out under the stars like I did last night. Last night was great. Dennis, Ed, Scott and I laid outside in our sleeping bags on the cement and tuned to some of the local radio stations. It was a very beautiful experience and a wonderful time (albeit a bit chilly).
Then in the morning we had to bike about ten miles to breakfast. But our group decided that we'd go to the Santa Barbara mission before breakfast. Unfortunately we weren't able to get in, but the outside was ornate enough. Then we rode along the beach and saw a lot of the contrast here in California - the mountains and the ocean, the ritzy city of Santa Barbara and the homeless sitting around the park benches. But we finally made it to a wonderful breakfast of french toast. Alison was trying to get Dennis and I back for throwing her into the water yesterday while she was trying to get a tan (but she looked liked she needed to be cooled off...).
Then we took off for the rest of our trip. We got to get on Ventura Highway (ooo, what a thrill). We rode right after breakfast 20 miles straight, no stopping and son, was my butt sore! But we finally made it to San Buenaventura, where we stopped to take a break and look for an outlet store. On the way, as yesterday, there were tons of surfers cruising the beaches and hitting the waves. We ate at the world's worst Subway for lunch (but got .35 ice cream down the street) and then headed down the road again.
But we took a small detour into Ventura Marina and toured the ships and admired all the boats docked there. By the way, Tim cracked his collarbone and won't be riding for a while, so we all had pieces of tape with Tim's name on it (we couldn't find any black arm bands). Then after the marina we biked toward our destination for a while. We passed a naval testing grounds and saw a training plane come in for a landing and take off again. Then we got to see an F-14 Tomcat take off. Talk about power, speed and rumble. Shawn drove by in the van and told us we were 13 miles away from our campsite, so we took off. Shawn is one of the people that makes this trip great. He's the resident mechanic, which isn't so incredible except he lost his arm in a farming accident five years ago. Then there's Gary, who is riding this trip...and he's blind. It really makes you appreciate what you have and what they can do.
Remember when I said we took off? I meant that literally. Randy decided he was tired of piddling around so he went off. And I got left in the dust. Dennis and Ed could keep up, but I just couldn't make my bike move that fast. Not to say I didn't try. We finally all got back together and we played a little catch with a football our group bought at lunch time. Then I got a warm shower, called Brenda and Robin and now, yet again, I'm under the stars. So far I've seen four shooting stars, which has been great.
In case I haven't said this before, this is the best experience of my life, one I'll never forget. Well, tomorrow we go to Los Angeles, so I'd better get my rest (even though we don't have to ride). But first I'm going to watch the stars some more and listen to the Indigo Girls new album. Night, all. Æ
Tunes: sleater-kinney - hollywood ending
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 13 January 1991
Thirteen is definitely Team Bias' unlucky number. We had so many problems today. It started out early in the morning when we, well, actually Scott, discovered that sometime in the night Chip had moved his bag outside and it had been covered with dew. Needless to say he (Scott, that is) was not happy at all. Then everyone loaded up on the bus, which took us to Solvang, Denmark in the middle of California. I ended up eating a couple of wonderful buttermilk pancakes and my official beverage on this trip, ice tea. Then Randy, John Joachim and I split a day old cherry danish. Couldn't tell, though.
Then they bused us back to camp and from there we began our trip. We've been riding for a whole week now and up until today we've had very few problems. And at the beginning everyone was feeling good. We were all set to take off and hit the road with food in our bellies and anticipation on our lips. Then things began to go wrong. First there was the hill. Now hills are no big deal anymore, but after doing 72 miles yesterday it was rough. Then we got a great downhill and hit a trip high 45 mph! Then Tim dropped his waterbottle and toppled his bike (this was just the beginning for Tim as you shall soon see!).
Then we reached lunch about 20 miles down the road. It was right on the beach, so we all trashed our shirts and shoes and went in. That water was COLD, but it felt great. Dennis and I went body surfing, but only once as our skin was beginning to develop icicles. Then, as other groups arrived and most began to sunbathe, Dennis, Chip and I began work on Hurts Castle. At first it looked more like a turtle, but it turned out pretty fine.
Then our group decided we'd get an early jump to Santa Barbara. Not that it helped. First, even before we got out of the parking lot, Tim's tire went flat. So we spent an extra ten minutes before we left. Then about ten miles out, Randy's tire went flat. So we spent a long time as he tried to fix it. Then he discovered he had a broken axle. So Chip and I rode on up ahead, 'cause I had a phone call to make. Now that I think about it, I wish I had stayed. I'm feeling guilty about splitting from the group. I'm not sure why, exactly. I guess it's just breaking up the group.
So Chip and I got a couple of groups ahead and were going along fine reading the chalk markings when I ran over a 3/4 inch nail and pierced both sides of my innertube. So we held up another group (which made me feel bad) to get it fixed. Meanwhile, Randy got his axle and the remaining members of Team Bias were coming to us when a mix up at a light sent Tim careening into Ed's bike and flying through the air over his handlebars, bruising his shoulder and scraping his nose. So he had to wait until the van came and got him.
So everyone finally reached our destination here in Santa Barbara, albeit by about seven different routes. From there I called back home (school) and talked to Ami and Mike, but no one else was there (like Miss Stacy Leigh). So that was kind of depressing. Then we went to dinner at a place called Hudson's. It was good food, but a bit expensive. However, Tim got iced tea all over him (told you it was a bad day for him), but got a free dessert from the waitress. Then we had class on goals and a wonderful little service. Then the Boy Scouts (we're staying at their camp) fixed us a wonderful fruit cocktail cobbler. Then Dennis, Scott and I talked about dorm pranks and now I'm off to go sleep under the starts, sans tent. I'll write about how it went tomorrow as people are wanting the light out to go to sleep. Æ
Tunes: rem - fretless
Then they bused us back to camp and from there we began our trip. We've been riding for a whole week now and up until today we've had very few problems. And at the beginning everyone was feeling good. We were all set to take off and hit the road with food in our bellies and anticipation on our lips. Then things began to go wrong. First there was the hill. Now hills are no big deal anymore, but after doing 72 miles yesterday it was rough. Then we got a great downhill and hit a trip high 45 mph! Then Tim dropped his waterbottle and toppled his bike (this was just the beginning for Tim as you shall soon see!).
Then we reached lunch about 20 miles down the road. It was right on the beach, so we all trashed our shirts and shoes and went in. That water was COLD, but it felt great. Dennis and I went body surfing, but only once as our skin was beginning to develop icicles. Then, as other groups arrived and most began to sunbathe, Dennis, Chip and I began work on Hurts Castle. At first it looked more like a turtle, but it turned out pretty fine.
Then our group decided we'd get an early jump to Santa Barbara. Not that it helped. First, even before we got out of the parking lot, Tim's tire went flat. So we spent an extra ten minutes before we left. Then about ten miles out, Randy's tire went flat. So we spent a long time as he tried to fix it. Then he discovered he had a broken axle. So Chip and I rode on up ahead, 'cause I had a phone call to make. Now that I think about it, I wish I had stayed. I'm feeling guilty about splitting from the group. I'm not sure why, exactly. I guess it's just breaking up the group.
So Chip and I got a couple of groups ahead and were going along fine reading the chalk markings when I ran over a 3/4 inch nail and pierced both sides of my innertube. So we held up another group (which made me feel bad) to get it fixed. Meanwhile, Randy got his axle and the remaining members of Team Bias were coming to us when a mix up at a light sent Tim careening into Ed's bike and flying through the air over his handlebars, bruising his shoulder and scraping his nose. So he had to wait until the van came and got him.
So everyone finally reached our destination here in Santa Barbara, albeit by about seven different routes. From there I called back home (school) and talked to Ami and Mike, but no one else was there (like Miss Stacy Leigh). So that was kind of depressing. Then we went to dinner at a place called Hudson's. It was good food, but a bit expensive. However, Tim got iced tea all over him (told you it was a bad day for him), but got a free dessert from the waitress. Then we had class on goals and a wonderful little service. Then the Boy Scouts (we're staying at their camp) fixed us a wonderful fruit cocktail cobbler. Then Dennis, Scott and I talked about dorm pranks and now I'm off to go sleep under the starts, sans tent. I'll write about how it went tomorrow as people are wanting the light out to go to sleep. Æ
Tunes: rem - fretless
it's me in third person...
ang did this on her blog. i liked it, though she felt it was "gay" (i didn't know it could have a sexual preference...). just google your name with needs attached. here are my thirteen favorites in honor of today.
- Thurman needs a new focus.
- Thurman needs to provide a context more in keeping with Thomistic ethical constructs.
- Thurman needs to bring that mentality Sunday.
- Thurman needs to get over his love affair with the concept of “sexual orientation.”
- Thurman needs to take out Daryl Hannah.
- Thurman needs to connect.
- Thurman needs support.
- Thurman needs to be successful in his own home.
- Thurman needs to eat a few meals.
- Thurman needs a special samurai sword.
- Thurman needs to suck less.
- Thurman needs an injection to the heart.
- Thurman needs to get up and stay up.
pick your favorites! (i've bolded mine) let me know!
Æ
it's friday! it's the thirteenth! aggghhhh!
and i'm not in the mood to do much of anything after fourteen hours at school yesterday (film club and parent/teacher conferences).
my therapist asked, "Why is it more special to you right now than the present?" meaning my recent posts from the bike trip instead of blogging about now. not sure i saw it in terms of more special to me than the present (though my lack of 2006 related posts certainly points that direction), just a different time, a time i remember with fondness and, after reading some, not a little cringiness. i'm not intentionally avoiding now, but if i'm honest (and why should i not be), i would rather be there doing that right now than here doing this right now. hard to compare my day to day so far this year with that exceptional time in my life. who wouldn't want to be on the coast of california spending your days biking?
the question then is, does that mean i'm dissatisfied with my life now, beyond the usual hoping for a better tomorrow? i believe i'm where i'm supposed to be, doing what i'm supposed to be doing. sure, things aren't exactly as i dreamed them to be, but i'm certainly not dissatisfied with where i am. i love my church, i love my house, i love my friends. and while i wish i had as much life ahead of me as i did then, i know i have plenty of time still, that, contrary to jibes i make all the time, my life is not over. Life still waits around the next curve.
plus, with things like THIS to keep me amused, how could life be bad?
and for those missing my more daily updates, trust me, 2006 has not come in like a lion. more like a giraffe (quiet and goofy looking). you're not missing anything.
looking forward to the three day weekend, though i know i must spend a significant portion of that grading. someday i'll figure out how not to have assignments due right before a break. no big plans, other than hitting the triemergent cohort saturday and the comet sunday night. mmm. burritos.
might have something to share a bit later in the weekend, but i don't want to talk about it now, not until i've done something i need to (ooh, cryptic).
back later with another 1991 update. maybe i'll talk about what Thurman Now thinks of Thurman Then. we shall see.
Tunes: willard grant conspiracy - beyond the shore
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 12 January 1991
72 miles! We biked 72 miles today. Not all at once (were no that in shape yet) but we did it! AND we were the first group in, a great accomplishment since we were the last ones to leave. After a very restless night's sleep (I don't know, maybe I'm just not made to sleep in churches), we ate breakfast and then guess who was on clean up crew. That's right, Hindsight Bias (Team Bias) washed dishes and cleaned up the church and, might I add, did a dang fine job of it, too. Then, after checking our tire pressure and getting things together, we began the day's journey, which wouldn't end until we were 72 miles down the road.
In the first mile, mile and a half, we passed three or four groups who were either fixing a flat, waiting on someone or who had taken a wrong turn. Our first stop was Pismo Beach, not far from where we started at a little place called Grandma's Bakery for some blueberry muffins. Boy, were they ever great! A wonderful way to start our ride. The weather was the hottest it's been since we arrived and I now have a wonderful biking tan (almost a burn). We rode for quite a while then, passing by large fields of growing asparagus and grapes and broccoli. We stopped at, get this, an olive tasting store. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I tried one and it wasn't too bad.
We stopped for lunch in Guadalupe at an authentic Mexican restaurant. And I mean authentic. The waitress spoke very little English. And the food! Talk about your hot picante sauce. We had eyes and noses watering. And we got two tacos (handmade shells) and an enchilada for $3.00. And was it ever filling. The La Gloria Cafe is definitely worth eating at.
From there we continued our trek. I'm telling you, my butt was sore. The countryside was very interesting. We stopped by a vineyard and took a couple of pictures and then watched some Mexicans picking broccoli. Watching them work made me realize that Americans would never work that hard at such a menial task. It was also fascinating to see how they just put the tractor in low gear and walked behind it.
From there we rode to Los Alamos. The whole ride was very quiet, as everyone was tired and sore. In Los Alamos I discovered why my water had tasted funny: someone had stuck a sausage in it. It's disgusting, but kinda amusing. There we found out that we were the first group there, which picked up our spirits and made us push to get to the campsite first. In the beginning there was a long uphill and I thought I'd never make it. But the last six miles were all downhill. And our 72-mile trek was well-rewarded. After trying to fly our tent, we went and soaked in a whirlpool for half an hour and got our third, count them, three showers in a row! Must be some kind of record. Then Randy, Chip and I walked down the street (by the way, we're camping in Buellton, home of the best split pea soup) to Anderson's to eat some split pea soup. Randy and I split a bowl and surprise surprise, I actually liked it. It was great soup.
Right now I'm getting ready to sleep and it's only 8:40. Guess I am a bit tired. Here's to sweet dreams of great biking and beautiful women. Æ
Tunes: the moody blues - your wildest dreams
In the first mile, mile and a half, we passed three or four groups who were either fixing a flat, waiting on someone or who had taken a wrong turn. Our first stop was Pismo Beach, not far from where we started at a little place called Grandma's Bakery for some blueberry muffins. Boy, were they ever great! A wonderful way to start our ride. The weather was the hottest it's been since we arrived and I now have a wonderful biking tan (almost a burn). We rode for quite a while then, passing by large fields of growing asparagus and grapes and broccoli. We stopped at, get this, an olive tasting store. It was an interesting experience to say the least. I tried one and it wasn't too bad.
We stopped for lunch in Guadalupe at an authentic Mexican restaurant. And I mean authentic. The waitress spoke very little English. And the food! Talk about your hot picante sauce. We had eyes and noses watering. And we got two tacos (handmade shells) and an enchilada for $3.00. And was it ever filling. The La Gloria Cafe is definitely worth eating at.
From there we continued our trek. I'm telling you, my butt was sore. The countryside was very interesting. We stopped by a vineyard and took a couple of pictures and then watched some Mexicans picking broccoli. Watching them work made me realize that Americans would never work that hard at such a menial task. It was also fascinating to see how they just put the tractor in low gear and walked behind it.
From there we rode to Los Alamos. The whole ride was very quiet, as everyone was tired and sore. In Los Alamos I discovered why my water had tasted funny: someone had stuck a sausage in it. It's disgusting, but kinda amusing. There we found out that we were the first group there, which picked up our spirits and made us push to get to the campsite first. In the beginning there was a long uphill and I thought I'd never make it. But the last six miles were all downhill. And our 72-mile trek was well-rewarded. After trying to fly our tent, we went and soaked in a whirlpool for half an hour and got our third, count them, three showers in a row! Must be some kind of record. Then Randy, Chip and I walked down the street (by the way, we're camping in Buellton, home of the best split pea soup) to Anderson's to eat some split pea soup. Randy and I split a bowl and surprise surprise, I actually liked it. It was great soup.
Right now I'm getting ready to sleep and it's only 8:40. Guess I am a bit tired. Here's to sweet dreams of great biking and beautiful women. Æ
Tunes: the moody blues - your wildest dreams
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 11 January 1991
Yet one more wonderful riding day. It seems that God is truly smiling on our trip. First thing today (worth noting anyway) was the devotion this morning. Joel talked about how so often we can worship the creation and not the Creator. I've fallen into that on this trip. I've not been keeping up with my bible reading and prayer. But that devotion helped knock me back on track.
Today's ride wasn't quite as spectacular as the past few days on the coast, but it certainly made up for it in speed. We cruised at a steady pace for about 15 miles when we decided to stop for a while in a small town called Cayusco, rather quaint, right along the coast. We ended up spending about half an hour there, walking on the pier, playing on the playground, watching the dogs chase birds on the beach and shopping at some of the little stores around town. Then we picked up and rode about 8-9 miles more to Morro Bay.
Most of today's riding was done in crunch formation and I got to break wind for most of the day, which was a wonderful feeling (let the jokes begin....). Riding like that is a lot more fun than being in a single file line 'cause we're more able to hear and talk to each other (plus it's easier to sing old TV theme songs). When we arrived in Morro Bay, we asked one of the locals where the best place to eat was and he pointed us to a little place called Bay City Grill. It was the best! The burgers were 1/2 lb and the drinks were tall, cold and bottomless. And the place itself! You couldn't ask for a better atmosphere. Salt and pepper in Corona bottles, pictures of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and The Beatles on the wall, a jukebox and MTV on the wall made it the perfect little eatery. Well worth the price.
From there we moved down the road to (the lights went out here, so I'm writing in the morning) a natural history museum and spent some time looking at the exhibits. Then the Naz went on while Taylor had a class lecture at the museum. We rode about 20 miles to San Luis Obispo (I knew we'd finally get there). On the way we passed a rather deserted military base (most are in the Persian Gulf) and a "men's colony," a rather polite term for prison. Then when we arrived in San Luis we stopped at a bicycling/running/swimming store. Our whole group bought matching biking hats (the guy even cut us a deal) and Randy bought a LOT of biking gear (like a loud pair of tights).
Then we got showers (two says in a row!) at the local YMCA and after getting all clean, we had to bike a mile or so to the First Baptist church. We were going to have class, but the bus, with Randy's notes, didn't arrive until about dinner, so we had it afterwards. We studied group decisions and did a very interesting activity on types of decision making and learned an important lesson: an average group makes better decisions than the average person. Outside of class I realized that being part of a group doesn't mean that you agree on everything. For example, Chip Wall doesn't care about conserving water since he doesn't live here. And this morning I was elected group conscience when I wouldn't allow Ed to steal a USA Today. Guess that's the way groups work, though. You put aside differences to work together.
(aside: on the beach last night, Randy made an interesting observation: you can't have a passion for life if you're always worried about where your next shower is coming from. Think about it) Æ
Tunes: ub40 - red red wine†
Today's ride wasn't quite as spectacular as the past few days on the coast, but it certainly made up for it in speed. We cruised at a steady pace for about 15 miles when we decided to stop for a while in a small town called Cayusco, rather quaint, right along the coast. We ended up spending about half an hour there, walking on the pier, playing on the playground, watching the dogs chase birds on the beach and shopping at some of the little stores around town. Then we picked up and rode about 8-9 miles more to Morro Bay.
Most of today's riding was done in crunch formation and I got to break wind for most of the day, which was a wonderful feeling (let the jokes begin....). Riding like that is a lot more fun than being in a single file line 'cause we're more able to hear and talk to each other (plus it's easier to sing old TV theme songs). When we arrived in Morro Bay, we asked one of the locals where the best place to eat was and he pointed us to a little place called Bay City Grill. It was the best! The burgers were 1/2 lb and the drinks were tall, cold and bottomless. And the place itself! You couldn't ask for a better atmosphere. Salt and pepper in Corona bottles, pictures of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and The Beatles on the wall, a jukebox and MTV on the wall made it the perfect little eatery. Well worth the price.
From there we moved down the road to (the lights went out here, so I'm writing in the morning) a natural history museum and spent some time looking at the exhibits. Then the Naz went on while Taylor had a class lecture at the museum. We rode about 20 miles to San Luis Obispo (I knew we'd finally get there). On the way we passed a rather deserted military base (most are in the Persian Gulf) and a "men's colony," a rather polite term for prison. Then when we arrived in San Luis we stopped at a bicycling/running/swimming store. Our whole group bought matching biking hats (the guy even cut us a deal) and Randy bought a LOT of biking gear (like a loud pair of tights).
Then we got showers (two says in a row!) at the local YMCA and after getting all clean, we had to bike a mile or so to the First Baptist church. We were going to have class, but the bus, with Randy's notes, didn't arrive until about dinner, so we had it afterwards. We studied group decisions and did a very interesting activity on types of decision making and learned an important lesson: an average group makes better decisions than the average person. Outside of class I realized that being part of a group doesn't mean that you agree on everything. For example, Chip Wall doesn't care about conserving water since he doesn't live here. And this morning I was elected group conscience when I wouldn't allow Ed to steal a USA Today. Guess that's the way groups work, though. You put aside differences to work together.
(aside: on the beach last night, Randy made an interesting observation: you can't have a passion for life if you're always worried about where your next shower is coming from. Think about it) Æ
Tunes: ub40 - red red wine†
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 10 January 1991
It's been one week since we left Ohio. Hard to believe I could fit so much into that time. Heck, hard to believe I could fit so much activity and beauty into two days. Today matched and complemented yesterday perfectly. After a restful night's sleep (after we found Ed and made porn shadows on the wall), we awoke and got ready for our ride today. We knew what was coming, 'cause one of the groups had already ridden it! Seems that they were too busy looking at the scenery and learning about sea creatures to find the campsite. So they rode 15 miles out of their way and ended up leaving their bikes at an inn and catching a ride back to the campsite on the van. Our group calls the The Tour de France (Tore de Pants) group, since they are the fastest among all the groups (and also one of the most spread out!).
The ride started with a small warm-up climb and by the time we reached the top of it, the sun poked its head around the corner and took away some of the morning chill. Then we hit, after a short curvy downhill, a wonderful twisting and turning 4.1 mile climb. If this had been here three days ago, more than half our group (The Self-Serving Bias) wouldn't have made it. But today we sang all the way up and talked and even cheered (yes, cheered) every time we went around a curve and realized that the road was still going up. Chip also kept us entertained with his 90 decibel belches. Of course, after the climb comes what everyone looks forward to on the way up: the ride down. And this one certainly didn't disappoint. It was a bit scary going around the curves, but the feeling was so exhilarating and gave such a rush. And the weather was yet again absolutely perfect.
After a few more hills (and downhills), we coasted into the inn where Tour de France had left their bikes. As we were the first ones there, we spread out and took in some of those bright and beautiful California rays. In fact, everybody took the chance to work on their tan. The lunch truck set up lunch and we ate a wonderful meal yet again. I'm going to miss this food when we leave. As usual, after lunch we were the first group to get out on the road. We stopped once along the side to take some shots of some sea lions on the rocks. Unfortunately, some of the guys in the group got a little over-anxious and scared a lot of them away.
About 15 miles later we reached our second destination, the visitor center for the Hearst Castle, after a short stop at a pier across the street. The castle was absolutely incredible. I expected to be underwhelmed, like in Las Vegas, but this wasn't just excess, it was a museum. The house was built to fit all of the Hearst's large pieces of art into (with a little bit of extra, of course). The art inside and out was incredible. Large tapestries, whole ceilings, large paintings, fireplace, archways, tables, silver, everything was here, including a breathtaking view of the mountains and the ocean. The tour guide was a bit cantankerous, but you could tell she really knew her stuff.
After the tour it was a short four mile ride to our campsite, another gorgeous beach front camp site. I got yet another shot of a sunset for Kim (with me in it), but only after I sprinted to the beach to get it. Then I sat for a while with Dr. Tim Burkholder and saw a sea lion bobbing about 40 yards off the beach and some ducks diving through the waves. Then I came back, took a nice hot shower and ate yet another scrumptious meal.
Then Randy and I took a walk down to the beach to watch the stars and listen to the waves crash on the shore. It was great to stare at the ocean and suddenly see white as the wave broke against the shore. I walked around for a while, then met up with Jeff and John from Taylor and we talked and decided we'd stand in one spot until the tide came up. We waited and waited and were about to give up when we were almost washed away!
It's been so beautiful all day and tonight was indescribable. I've never felt closer to this earth or to God. And I enjoy getting to know the guys in my group, although I have noticed that I get annoyed if I'm not close to the front, which is selfish of me. I'm going to try and change that. Now I'm going to read a little Cyrano and then I'm off to bed. Farewell 'til tomorrow.
(aside: the rain we had a couple nights ago was the most rain they've had here in a year and a half) Ɔ
Tunes: over the rhine - when i go (acoustic)
The ride started with a small warm-up climb and by the time we reached the top of it, the sun poked its head around the corner and took away some of the morning chill. Then we hit, after a short curvy downhill, a wonderful twisting and turning 4.1 mile climb. If this had been here three days ago, more than half our group (The Self-Serving Bias) wouldn't have made it. But today we sang all the way up and talked and even cheered (yes, cheered) every time we went around a curve and realized that the road was still going up. Chip also kept us entertained with his 90 decibel belches. Of course, after the climb comes what everyone looks forward to on the way up: the ride down. And this one certainly didn't disappoint. It was a bit scary going around the curves, but the feeling was so exhilarating and gave such a rush. And the weather was yet again absolutely perfect.
After a few more hills (and downhills), we coasted into the inn where Tour de France had left their bikes. As we were the first ones there, we spread out and took in some of those bright and beautiful California rays. In fact, everybody took the chance to work on their tan. The lunch truck set up lunch and we ate a wonderful meal yet again. I'm going to miss this food when we leave. As usual, after lunch we were the first group to get out on the road. We stopped once along the side to take some shots of some sea lions on the rocks. Unfortunately, some of the guys in the group got a little over-anxious and scared a lot of them away.
About 15 miles later we reached our second destination, the visitor center for the Hearst Castle, after a short stop at a pier across the street. The castle was absolutely incredible. I expected to be underwhelmed, like in Las Vegas, but this wasn't just excess, it was a museum. The house was built to fit all of the Hearst's large pieces of art into (with a little bit of extra, of course). The art inside and out was incredible. Large tapestries, whole ceilings, large paintings, fireplace, archways, tables, silver, everything was here, including a breathtaking view of the mountains and the ocean. The tour guide was a bit cantankerous, but you could tell she really knew her stuff.
After the tour it was a short four mile ride to our campsite, another gorgeous beach front camp site. I got yet another shot of a sunset for Kim (with me in it), but only after I sprinted to the beach to get it. Then I sat for a while with Dr. Tim Burkholder and saw a sea lion bobbing about 40 yards off the beach and some ducks diving through the waves. Then I came back, took a nice hot shower and ate yet another scrumptious meal.
Then Randy and I took a walk down to the beach to watch the stars and listen to the waves crash on the shore. It was great to stare at the ocean and suddenly see white as the wave broke against the shore. I walked around for a while, then met up with Jeff and John from Taylor and we talked and decided we'd stand in one spot until the tide came up. We waited and waited and were about to give up when we were almost washed away!
It's been so beautiful all day and tonight was indescribable. I've never felt closer to this earth or to God. And I enjoy getting to know the guys in my group, although I have noticed that I get annoyed if I'm not close to the front, which is selfish of me. I'm going to try and change that. Now I'm going to read a little Cyrano and then I'm off to bed. Farewell 'til tomorrow.
(aside: the rain we had a couple nights ago was the most rain they've had here in a year and a half) Ɔ
Tunes: over the rhine - when i go (acoustic)
Monday, January 09, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 9 January 1991 (entry two)
It's night now and the feeling has yet to leave me. If anything, it has increased. Thousands upon thousands of stars are in the sky and even here at the campsite I can hear the ocean falling upon the shore. Today has been one of the best days of my life. It all started last night about one in the morning. Chip, Tim, Dennis, Nancy Dorn, Alison Burkholder and I were sleeping in one tent. The woods were peaceful and calm, with only the pattering of rain upon the outside of the tent breaking the silence. Suddenly, out of the darkness, a cry pierces the silence. "Suck! My bag's outside!" Dennis then proceeds to go outside and grab his (and mine, thank goodness) and moved it to the bathroom. Then he came back in and realized that his bike bag was unzipped. So he went back outside and zipped it up. Then he came back and realized his journal was outside. He went out and looked for it and came back - unable to find it! It was seriously amusing.
We woke up in the morning and a lot of our stuff was wet, which wasn't too pleasant. Then after a wonderful breakfast (the food on this trip has been exquisite. Every meal is wonderful!), we took off on our ride. The first thing we saw were four small deer right along the side of the road. Our first activity was the climb out of the camp. Unfortunately, it didn't go very smoothly. Scott ended up falling along the side of the road, breaking a spoke and flattening his tire. So we got a slow start. But I used the time to find Michell's ZIP and buy twenty 15 cent stamps (for actually 15 cents each!) But eventually we made it to the top of the two mile climb.
The whole ride today was great. We had some incredible downhills and (surprise surprise) more wonderful landscape. We saw the California Grey Whales off the coast and saw lots of spouts and then a few tails! We even saw some sea lions. Well, not exactly. We thought we saw sea lions, but when we got closer (and after a five-minute stop), we discovered it was just kelp. It was a riot.
Out group is so much fun to be in. We must be the loudest group and I know we take the most pictures (like of Ed going over a cliff). We sing and yell "Car Back!" and are constantly talking. Most groups are spread out over the road, but our group is always together. I think that's what make it so special. We spend time together off the bikes and I'm getting to know everyone in my group a LOT better.
Well, I've written a lot today and I need to go to bed. But first I'm going to lie outside and stare at the stars. Another perfect day. Ɔ
We woke up in the morning and a lot of our stuff was wet, which wasn't too pleasant. Then after a wonderful breakfast (the food on this trip has been exquisite. Every meal is wonderful!), we took off on our ride. The first thing we saw were four small deer right along the side of the road. Our first activity was the climb out of the camp. Unfortunately, it didn't go very smoothly. Scott ended up falling along the side of the road, breaking a spoke and flattening his tire. So we got a slow start. But I used the time to find Michell's ZIP and buy twenty 15 cent stamps (for actually 15 cents each!) But eventually we made it to the top of the two mile climb.
The whole ride today was great. We had some incredible downhills and (surprise surprise) more wonderful landscape. We saw the California Grey Whales off the coast and saw lots of spouts and then a few tails! We even saw some sea lions. Well, not exactly. We thought we saw sea lions, but when we got closer (and after a five-minute stop), we discovered it was just kelp. It was a riot.
Out group is so much fun to be in. We must be the loudest group and I know we take the most pictures (like of Ed going over a cliff). We sing and yell "Car Back!" and are constantly talking. Most groups are spread out over the road, but our group is always together. I think that's what make it so special. We spend time together off the bikes and I'm getting to know everyone in my group a LOT better.
Well, I've written a lot today and I need to go to bed. But first I'm going to lie outside and stare at the stars. Another perfect day. Ɔ
Wandering Wheels - 9 January 1991 (entry one)
As I am writing this, I am sitting on a beach watching the tide move in and out and waiting for the sun to reach just the right point so I can take some pictures. It is an unbelievably peaceful night here. The ocean, the sky, the setting sun, the beach. All my life I've wanted to do this, to sit on the beach and watch the sunset and feel the waves and smell the biting ocean air. I could stay here all night. You can almost taste this place. I don't think I've ever realized how wide the ocean is. I feel like I'm suffocating, overwhelmed by al the beauty around me. To sit here and soak up all this is on of the best times I've EVER had. Now the waves slowly creep up on me, making me leave this paradise. But the memory, the feelings, the taste, the experience will never leave, forever carved into the sands of my memory. Does it sound like I overwrite? It doesn't even come close to what I'm feeling. I love this place, I love this earth and I will never forget this. Ɔ
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Wandering Wheels - 8 January 1991
Well, I survived (and then some). Today was the first day we just got up, ate and then biked. It started out a bit chilly, but by the time we were on our way, the sun was out and we had the most gorgeous biking weather. Our group really is working well together. This morning we got all of our bikes out, pumped up with air and ready to go well before anyone else. Our group enjoys being together and is always helpful. We seem to have taken great pride in our group. We've been debating on names. We're thinking self-serving bias or Randy suggested Team Bias.
Today's biking was absolutely perfect. The weather was perfect, the landscape was perfect, even our lunch spot was perfect. At first, we didn't get very far. We went back down to the Carmel Mission and luckily it was open this time. It's amazing the structures that the Catholic's butt as missions. It was a fascinating place to go.
Then from there we rode out of Carmel to Point Lakes. Talk about beautiful! This place was great. We got a chance to see an old whaling house. Then we rode to a great scenic spot where we could see everything, from otters and sea lions to beautiful rocks and even grey whales (at a distance, of course). I could have spent all day there. However, we were only 3 1/2 miles down the road and had 30 to go. So we hopped on our bikes and pedaled our hearts out.
Remember how I said the view were breathtaking? Well, today was even better. There's so much beauty it's hard to take it all in. It's amazing how much you miss when you're riding in a car, like the waves crashing on the shore and the sea lions barking out their song.
We stopped for lunch right before the Bixby Bridge. The whole time was just wonderful with the view and the people and the good and the watching the other bikers come in (we were first, of course). It's amazing how good food can taste after biking. Then after lunch, we had a mile climb up a nice-sized hill. The feeling at the top was so great (I'm running out of adjectives). We took it nice and slow but steady. Then came the best part of any climb - going back down! We went around curves at about 32-38 mph with the ocean on one side and rolling hills on the other. The experience was almost orgasmic!
From then on it was just miles of beauty; so much to see, so much you don't see from a car or on TV. My whole view of California has changed already. We stopped a couple of more times (once so I could get more film, which I desperately needed, although I hated paying $2.37 for it!). Then we pulled into Pfeiffer Camp Grounds in Big Sur. As if the rest of the day hadn't been perfect, the ride through the forest was the perfect ending. There's so much beauty on God's earth and so many people take it for granted. It's a shame.
We got showers and have been taking it easy the rest of the time. Our group got together and did a load of wash which took ages to finish (and quite a bit of money I might add!). I'm so glad I was able to get into a group that is so close. It makes the trip that much better.
There were a couple of accidents today and Laurie has numerous cuts and scrapes all over her elbows and knees. Some of them (not all) occurred when she came into camp and people cheered and she turned to look and fell down. I think it was rather amusing (and so will she in a couple of weeks). She's doing really well. Æ
Tunes: bruce springsteen - trapped
Today's biking was absolutely perfect. The weather was perfect, the landscape was perfect, even our lunch spot was perfect. At first, we didn't get very far. We went back down to the Carmel Mission and luckily it was open this time. It's amazing the structures that the Catholic's butt as missions. It was a fascinating place to go.
Then from there we rode out of Carmel to Point Lakes. Talk about beautiful! This place was great. We got a chance to see an old whaling house. Then we rode to a great scenic spot where we could see everything, from otters and sea lions to beautiful rocks and even grey whales (at a distance, of course). I could have spent all day there. However, we were only 3 1/2 miles down the road and had 30 to go. So we hopped on our bikes and pedaled our hearts out.
Remember how I said the view were breathtaking? Well, today was even better. There's so much beauty it's hard to take it all in. It's amazing how much you miss when you're riding in a car, like the waves crashing on the shore and the sea lions barking out their song.
We stopped for lunch right before the Bixby Bridge. The whole time was just wonderful with the view and the people and the good and the watching the other bikers come in (we were first, of course). It's amazing how good food can taste after biking. Then after lunch, we had a mile climb up a nice-sized hill. The feeling at the top was so great (I'm running out of adjectives). We took it nice and slow but steady. Then came the best part of any climb - going back down! We went around curves at about 32-38 mph with the ocean on one side and rolling hills on the other. The experience was almost orgasmic!
From then on it was just miles of beauty; so much to see, so much you don't see from a car or on TV. My whole view of California has changed already. We stopped a couple of more times (once so I could get more film, which I desperately needed, although I hated paying $2.37 for it!). Then we pulled into Pfeiffer Camp Grounds in Big Sur. As if the rest of the day hadn't been perfect, the ride through the forest was the perfect ending. There's so much beauty on God's earth and so many people take it for granted. It's a shame.
We got showers and have been taking it easy the rest of the time. Our group got together and did a load of wash which took ages to finish (and quite a bit of money I might add!). I'm so glad I was able to get into a group that is so close. It makes the trip that much better.
There were a couple of accidents today and Laurie has numerous cuts and scrapes all over her elbows and knees. Some of them (not all) occurred when she came into camp and people cheered and she turned to look and fell down. I think it was rather amusing (and so will she in a couple of weeks). She's doing really well. Æ
Tunes: bruce springsteen - trapped
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